Autumn comes to Arizona
...and that can mean only one thing - Arizona Fall League baseball. Done for the year, here's how the 6 Sox prospects performed:
22-year old outfielder Brian Anderson battled a sore right wrist injury and thus, posted some subpar numbers. 90 AB, .233 BA, 13 RBI, struck out 21 times, walked 14 times and stole 5 bases. He did much better at Birmingham last year, and will start 2005 in Charlotte, but keep on eye on that wrist.
Casey Rogowski continued on the hot streak that ended along with the Winston-Salem season back in September. The 23-year old switched from first base to left field in the AFL, a questionable move, considering the guy is 6-3, 230 and has a history of shoulder problems. But his offense remains his strongpoint. In 27 games he hit .289/.396/.474 (AVG/OBP/SLG), 2 HRs and 10 RBI. He'll spend some of the offseason in Chicago working with hitting coach Greg Walker. Read more about his experience here:
Other Sox AFL notes: Jeff Bajenaru struck out 23 in 18 and 2/3rds innings. Matt Smith, a 6-5 240 lb-er, was impressive throwing in the 90s and pitched in 17 games while his ERA was 2.89. Denis Ulacia pitcher over 33 innings. Shortstop Pedro Lopez also showed improvement, hitting .254/.300/.324 in 71 ABs.
Next up - a report on Sox propectus from the Banana Republics...
Gotta love these winter leagues. Hey, its summer somewhere in the world...