Several prospects are using the inflated offensive numbers of the Arizona Fall League to make a strong case for consideration for a roster spot in Spring Training next season:
- Steven Tolleson, the Minnesota Twins 5th round draft pick back in 2005, just turned 25, and has parlayed a strong season at Double-A into an even stronger performance in the AFL. His .439/.472/.606 is certainly inflated due to the hitter's paridise in Arizona, but he has displayed gap power at every level. He has split time between 2B and SS during his minor-league career, and the Twins have Alexi Casilla returning as the starting 2B, but assuming Tolleson can handle the defensive responsibilties at SS, he has to be a better offensive alternative than Nick Punto.
- The Philadelphia Phillies already have a Gold Glover and MVP at shortstop in Jimmy Rollins, but they have another solid prospect waiting in the wings in Jason Donald. Donald, who played for Team USA this summer, might force the Phillies hand, and there have already been talks of him eventually moving to third base. That move might be as soon as this season, as the Phillies current 3B is the offensively challenged Pedro Feliz, who is in the last year of his contract. Even if Donald doesn't make the team out of Spring Training, if he continues to display the power he has shown in Arizona, he might will be in Philadelphia in some capacity in 2009.
- The Colorado Rockies have some changes to make in a number of areas, and Eric Young, Jr. might be the solution to one of their problems. The question is, which one? Young has played virtually his entire minor league career at 2B, an area of question for the Rockies entering 2009. But Rockies management sent Young to the AFL as an outfielder, where he has played primarily RF, but has had a stellar fall at the plate and has stolen 18 of 19 bases. The few games he played in the OF in the minors were in CF, where he would be a cheaper alternative to the arbitration-eligible Willy Tavares and would likely be able to produce similar numbers. The Rockies do not need help in RF, where Brad Hawpe is entrenched as the starter. Whether at 2B or CF, Young is officially in the mix in Spring Training.
- Cincinnati Reds prospect Chris Valaika hasn't enjoyed the AFL hitting barage that many hitters have, but he has done well enough no avoid any doubt on the part of Reds' management about his hitting abilities. Considering Jeff Keppinger played 121 games at short for the Reds in 2008, Valaika will certainly be in the running to break Florida with the big club. If they decide he needs a little more seasoning in Triple-A, then keep him on your radar screen for a call-up similar to the way the Reds handled Jay Bruce last season.
- Sometimes, prospects are ready, and there's just not a place for them. This seems to be the case for the Houston Astros, as Drew Sutton broke out with a .931 OPS in the Texas League in 2008 and brought his power bat to Arizona as well. Sutton can play 2B and 3B, but the Astros like Ty Wiggington who had a nice season at the hot corner, and have committed $10 million over the next two years to Kaz Matsui at 2B. Sutton would likely provide more power to the Astros lineup than Matsui, but they can't afford to have that kind of money on the bench. If they can't make a move, Sutton could easily be stuck in Triple-A as a 26-year-old, but don't be suprised if he hits his way into some playing time at some point in 2009.
- Hitters may be dominating the AFL, but they're not the only ones having any fun. Atlanta Braves prospect Tommy Hanson is showing why he is being coveted so heavily in Jake Peavy rumors, and why the Braves won't part with him. He has yet to give up a run in 13 2/3 innings, while striking out 19 and walking only 3. He spent most of 2008 at Double-A, so he would have to make the jump, but depending on where the Braves are able to spend their money this winter, Hanson starting the year in Atlanta is not out of the realm of possibility.
