Arizona Fall League Thread

[Mass Haas]

Tuesday 10/20 Box

 

Brewers' Houser strong in AFL victory

Throws 3 1/3 scoreless innings, allows one run for Surprise

By William Boor / MLB.com

 

***

 

Bernie Pleskoff: #Brewers Hauser gets out of first inning jam after a hit and walk. No runs. Threw his fastball at 95 and his changeup at 85.

 

Salt River Top of the 1st

 

Roemon Fields singles on a soft fly ball to left fielder Michael Reed.

Jack Reinheimer walks. Roemon Fields to 2nd.

Gavin Cecchini strikes out swinging.

With Rowdy Tellez batting, Roemon Fields steals (1) 3rd base. Jack Reinheimer steals (1) 2nd base.

Rowdy Tellez pops into a double play in foul territory, third baseman Patrick Wisdom to catcher Mike Ohlman. Roemon Fields out at home.

 

Salt River Top of the 2nd

 

Daniel Palka singles on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Bubba Starling, deflected by first baseman Jose Trevino.

Jordan Patterson grounds into a force out, first baseman Jose Trevino to shortstop Yadiel Rivera. Daniel Palka out at 2nd. Jordan Patterson to 1st.

Oscar Hernandez grounds into a double play, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to second baseman Ramon Torres to first baseman Jose Trevino. Jordan Patterson out at 2nd.

 

Salt River Top of the 3rd

 

Drew Ward grounds out to first baseman Jose Trevino.

Jeff McNeil walks.

Roemon Fields lines out to center fielder Brett Phillips.

Jack Reinheimer grounds out, second baseman Ramon Torres to first baseman Jose Trevino.

 

Salt River Top of the 4th

 

Gavin Cecchini reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Yadiel Rivera.

Rowdy Tellez grounds out, pitcher Adrian Houser to first baseman Jose Trevino. Gavin Cecchini to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Tyler Webb replaces Adrian Houser.

Daniel Palka grounds out sharply, pitcher Tyler Webb to first baseman Jose Trevino.

Jordan Patterson grounds out softly, third baseman Patrick Wisdom to first baseman Jose Trevino.

 

***

 

Eventful Fall League game for SS Yadiel Rivera today -- single and two walks, but caught stealing twice and a throwing error.

 

CF Brett Phillips walked twice and scored a run; LF Michael Reed was 1-for-4, R, RBI.

[Mass Haas]

Additional comments from Jim Callis in this article --

 

The Saguaros trotted out two starting pitching prospects who showed better than Yoan Lopez. Right-hander Adrian Houser, the Brewers' No. 27 prospect, earned the victory by opening with 3 1/3 scoreless innings.

 

Part of a bumper Oklahoma high school pitching crop in 2011 that also included Archie Bradley, Dylan Bundy and Tigers No. 1 prospect Michael Fulmer, Houser was a second-round pick of the Astros that June. He went to Milwaukee this July in the Carlos Gomez / Mike Fiers trade and made his big league debut in September.

 

Houser sat at 92-94 mph with life to his fastball, generating six of his 10 outs via groundballs, and he hit 95 on a swinging strikeout of Gavin Cecchini (Mets No. 4 prospect). His breaking stuff usually is more effective than his changeup, though on this day he showed better feel for the latter.

[markedman5]

This guy doesn't seem to be as high on Hader as some others.....

 

Tweet: Josh Hader 91-94 T95; repeats well, stays on top of pitches despite low 3/4 slot. Loose arm, big rotation; struggles separating lower half

 

Tweet: Hader with slurvy 76-78 SL with tight rotation, varying depth; firm 84-86 CH, slight tail. Well below avg 71 CB. Aptitude, feel for stuff

[Mass Haas]

Actually, most of that Hader analysis is real positive, yes?

 

Chris Kusiolek also chimed in on RHP Jacob Barnes via Twitter --

 

Jacob Barnes 93-95 T96; some hop. Firm, stiff lower half; deep, rigid stab. SL lacks depth, 84-87; flash avg sporadically. Well below avg CH

[Mass Haas]

Wednesday 10/21 Box

 

Surprise moves to 5-2 with a 10-0 rout victory

 

Nathan Orf (now "Nate" Orf in the Fall League big-time box score) did what he always does -- reached base by single, HBP, walk, RBI, two runs scored. He batted 2nd and played a clean third base.

 

LHP Josh Hader and RHP Jacob Barnes combined for four scoreless -- Hader walked three and hit one batter in two hitless frames, Barnes fanned three while allowing two base knocks, walking none. Hader got dominant with the bases loaded and one out in the 6th.

 

Scottsdale Top of the 5th

 

Pitching Change: Josh Hader replaces Brooks Pounders.

Yandy Diaz walks.

With Austin Slater batting, passed ball by Zane Evans, Yandy Diaz to 2nd.

Austin Slater pops out to shortstop Aledmys Diaz.

Jeremy Lucas lines out to center fielder Dustin Fowler.

Tzu-Wei Lin flies out to center fielder Dustin Fowler.

 

Scottsdale Top of the 6th

 

Clint Frazier walks.

Christian Arroyo lines out to shortstop Aledmys Diaz.

Mac Williamson walks. Clint Frazier to 2nd.

JaCoby Jones hit by pitch. Clint Frazier to 3rd. Mac Williamson to 2nd.

Dominic Ficociello pops out to first baseman Tyler Austin in foul territory.

Yandy Diaz strikes out swinging.

 

Scottsdale Top of the 7th

 

Pitching Change: Jacob Barnes replaces Josh Hader.

Austin Slater called out on strikes.

Jeremy Lucas singles on a ground ball to center fielder Dustin Fowler.

Tzu-Wei Lin grounds out, second baseman Tyler Wade to first baseman Tyler Austin. Jeremy Lucas to 2nd.

Clint Frazier strikes out swinging.

 

Scottsdale Top of the 8th

 

Christian Arroyo singles on a ground ball to left fielder Charlie Tilson.

Mac Williamson strikes out swinging.

JaCoby Jones grounds into a force out, third baseman Nate Orf to second baseman Tyler Wade. Christian Arroyo out at 2nd. JaCoby Jones to 1st.

Dominic Ficociello grounds out to first baseman Tyler Austin.

[brewmann04]

it going to be curious to see who the brewers who will be trying @3rd base in their system.

[Mass Haas]

Thursday 10/22 Box

 

Big day for four Brewers -- RF Michael Reed, LF Brett Phillips, and SS-3B Yadiel Rivera combined to go 5-for-12 with three walks. Rivera knocked in four with a 3-for-5 day that included the go-ahead knock in the top of the 10th.

 

RHP Damien Magnifico then closed things out in style --

 

Scottsdale Bottom of the 10th

 

Pitching Change: Damien Magnifico replaces Andrew Edwards.

Adam Brett Walker II strikes out swinging.

Todd Hankins lines out to third baseman Yadiel Rivera.

Stuart Turner strikes out on a foul tip.

 

***

 

In four AFL games, Rivera has a .500/.550/.667 line (1.217 OPS). That'll work...

[Mass Haas]

Box Friday 10/23

 

Yadiel Rivera, playing third base in this one, was once again an offensive force but Surprise lost 9-6, to fall to 6-3. Rivera, batting 6th, homered and doubled to maintain his .500 average and bumped his ridiculous OPS to 1.360 in five games.

 

Surprise Bottom of the 2nd

 

Bubba Starling strikes out swinging.

Tyler Austin called out on strikes.

Yadiel Rivera doubles (2) on a line drive to center fielder Austin Meadows.

With Aledmys Diaz batting, Yadiel Rivera caught stealing 3rd base, catcher Kyle Farmer to third baseman Nicky Delmonico.

 

Yes, that Nicky Delmonico, which is a whole 'nother story. Random organizational soldiers like former Timber Rattlers SS Michael Marseco retire without submitting proper paperwork, but the Brewers slap the "restricted list" tag on him (and others) to maintain their rights should they return. But Delmonico doesn't return phone calls, and he (and his rights) are summarily released.

 

End of editorial rant...

 

Surprise Bottom of the 6th

 

Pitching Change: Cody Dickson replaces Tyler Eppler.

Bubba Starling pops out to shortstop Adam Frazier.

Tyler Austin grounds out, pitcher Cody Dickson to first baseman A. J. Reed.

Yadiel Rivera hits an inside-the-park home run (1) on a fly ball to right field.

Aledmys Diaz flies out to left fielder Jake Peter.

 

My Twitter thoughts Friday on Rivera -- am I wrong?

 

Also wrote:

 

No doubt Yadiel is absolute stud defensive SS, but Arcia's the future, & Rivera can explode his value with huge AFL.

 

RF Michael Reed was 0-for-3 with a walk, now just 5-for-27 but with six walks in the early going.

[Mass Haas]

Saturday Box 10/24

 

Fun 18-3 rout!

 

3B Nate Orf 4-for-5, plus a walk, two doubles, four runs scored, four RBI!

 

RF Brett Phillips 2-for-5, plus a walk, double, triple, one run scored, three RBI (normally that would be the lead)

 

Day off for all eight Brewers on Sunday as the AFL takes its normal day of rest.

[Mass Haas]

Game still in progress as of this post (red-hot Yadiel Rivera singled in his first at-bat to go to .522, 12-for-23:

 

Monday Box 10/26

 

RHP Adrian Houser had worked 6.1 scoreless innings in his first two Fall League starts.

 

See below as he pitched out of trouble in the 2nd inning, and he almost did so again in the 4th.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 1st

 

Adrian Marin grounds out, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to first baseman Tyler Austin.

Mike Yastrzemski grounds out, first baseman Tyler Austin to pitcher Adrian Houser.

Nick Torres singles on a line drive to left fielder Lewis Brinson. Nick Torres advances to 2nd, on a fielding error by left fielder Lewis Brinson.

D. J. Peterson grounds out, third baseman Patrick Wisdom to first baseman Tyler Austin.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 2nd

 

Phillip Ervin doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Bubba Starling.

Tyler O'Neill strikes out swinging.

Gabriel Quintana pops out to shortstop Yadiel Rivera.

Fernando Perez walks.

With Joseph Odom batting, wild pitch by Adrian Houser, Phillip Ervin to 3rd. Fernando Perez to 2nd.

Joseph Odom called out on strikes.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 3rd

 

Adrian Marin strikes out swinging.

Mike Yastrzemski walks.

Nick Torres flies out to right fielder Michael Reed.

D. J. Peterson flies out to right fielder Michael Reed.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 4th

 

Phillip Ervin walks.

With Tyler O'Neill batting, Phillip Ervin steals (4) 2nd base, . Phillip Ervin advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by catcher Gary Sanchez.

Tyler O'Neill strikes out swinging.

Gabriel Quintana strikes out swinging.

Fernando Perez triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Michael Reed. Phillip Ervin scores.

Pitching Change: Luke Weaver replaces Adrian Houser.

Joseph Odom called out on strikes.

 

***

 

Final line on Houser: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K, 1 WP, 69 pitches (46 strikes), GB:FB 3:2, ERA now at 0.90 (one run in ten IP).

[wildcat2237]

Its such a shame Nate Orf has so little power. He posted a .288 average and .388 OBP in a pitchers paradise in Brevard and then followed that with a .274 avergae and .378 OBP at Biloxi. Sadly, just 4 home runs in those two seasons.

 

He does seem to hit some doubles, however, so I wonder if a move to second base might be in his future?

[Mass Haas]

Top part from earlier today --

 

Game still in progress as of this post (red-hot Yadiel Rivera singled in his first at-bat to go to .522, 12-for-23:

 

Monday Box 10/26

 

RHP Adrian Houser had worked 6.1 scoreless innings in his first two Fall League starts.

 

See below as he pitched out of trouble in the 2nd inning, and he almost did so again in the 4th.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 1st

 

Adrian Marin grounds out, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to first baseman Tyler Austin.

Mike Yastrzemski grounds out, first baseman Tyler Austin to pitcher Adrian Houser.

Nick Torres singles on a line drive to left fielder Lewis Brinson. Nick Torres advances to 2nd, on a fielding error by left fielder Lewis Brinson.

D. J. Peterson grounds out, third baseman Patrick Wisdom to first baseman Tyler Austin.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 2nd

 

Phillip Ervin doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Bubba Starling.

Tyler O'Neill strikes out swinging.

Gabriel Quintana pops out to shortstop Yadiel Rivera.

Fernando Perez walks.

With Joseph Odom batting, wild pitch by Adrian Houser, Phillip Ervin to 3rd. Fernando Perez to 2nd.

Joseph Odom called out on strikes.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 3rd

 

Adrian Marin strikes out swinging.

Mike Yastrzemski walks.

Nick Torres flies out to right fielder Michael Reed.

D. J. Peterson flies out to right fielder Michael Reed.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 4th

 

Phillip Ervin walks.

With Tyler O'Neill batting, Phillip Ervin steals (4) 2nd base, . Phillip Ervin advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by catcher Gary Sanchez.

Tyler O'Neill strikes out swinging.

Gabriel Quintana strikes out swinging.

Fernando Perez triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Michael Reed. Phillip Ervin scores.

Pitching Change: Luke Weaver replaces Adrian Houser.

Joseph Odom called out on strikes.

 

***

 

Final line on Houser: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K, 1 WP, 69 pitches (46 strikes), GB:FB 3:2, ERA now at 0.90 (one run in ten IP).

 

Yadiel Rivera, playing shortstop, reached base all four times up, two singles, two walks. In six games, Rivera's line is .542/.607/.833 (league-leading OPS of 1.440). Rivera stole two bases, is now 4-for-7 on the basepaths (you get a lot of chances when your OBP is .607).

 

RF Michael Reed finished 1-for-3 with a walk and stolen base. His normally fine early .351 OBP does pale in comparison to Yadi's though.

 

Elsewhere on the mound, RHP's Jacob Barnes and Damien Magnifico combined to close out the 6-1 win with three scoreless innings --

 

Peoria Bottom of the 7th

 

Pitching Change: Jacob Barnes replaces Luke Weaver.

Gabriel Quintana walks.

Fernando Perez flies out to right fielder Michael Reed.

Joseph Odom flies out to center fielder Bubba Starling.

Adrian Marin strikes out swinging.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 8th

 

Mike Yastrzemski grounds out, second baseman Tyler Wade to first baseman Tyler Austin.

Nick Torres strikes out swinging.

D. J. Peterson strikes out swinging.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Damien Magnifico replaces Jacob Barnes.

Phillip Ervin lines out to center fielder Bubba Starling.

Tyler O'Neill doubles (2) on a fly ball to right fielder Michael Reed.

With Gabriel Quintana batting, wild pitch by Damien Magnifico, Tyler O'Neill to 3rd.

Gabriel Quintana called out on strikes.

Fernando Perez walks.

Joseph Odom strikes out swinging.

[JohnBriggs12]

Barnes has really been impressive. Brewers appear to have another young bullpen arm possibility. What to make of heretofore light hitting Rivera? Wow.

[clancyphile]

Michael Reed's AFL OBP is .390 - on a .219 batting average. He is 7-for-32, but has NINE walks as well.

[Mass Haas]

Surprise moves to 9-3 with a 3-1 win

 

Tuesday 10/27 Box

 

Leadoff CF Brett Phillips 2-for-4 (double, run scored, picked off/caught stealing, .990 OPS thru seven games)

 

LF Michael Reed 1-for-2, two walks, SB, and one disputed K

 

Ejections: Surprise Saguaros right fielder Michael Reed ejected by HP umpire Travis Eggert (8th)

 

Two innings, one run allowed for LHP Josh Hader, no walks, four K's

 

Peoria Top of the 6th

 

Pitching Change: Josh Hader replaces Brooks Pounders.

Johan Camargo singles on a ground ball to right fielder Bubba Starling.

With Connor Lien batting, passed ball by Mike Ohlman, Johan Camargo to 2nd.

Connor Lien strikes out swinging.

With Tyler Smith batting, wild pitch by Josh Hader, Johan Camargo to 3rd.

Tyler Smith doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Michael Reed. Johan Camargo scores.

Nick Torres flies out to center fielder Brett Phillips.

D. J. Peterson called out on strikes.

 

Peoria Top of the 7th

 

Phillip Ervin strikes out swinging.

Mike Yastrzemski grounds out to first baseman Jose Trevino.

Alex Blandino strikes out on a foul tip.

 

You can check out pitch-by-pitch in the 6th & 7th via Gameday for Hader's pitch selection/speed.

 

And yes, Brooks Pounders is an epic baseball name...

[Mass Haas]

Prospect Pitch F/X: Arizona Fall League

 

Via Nicholas at Disciples of Uecker...

[Mass Haas]

Wednesday 10/28 Box

 

Surprise blew an 8-3 lead after seven innings, lost 12-11, and thankfully, no Brewers pitchers took the mound!

 

After reaching base five times in his prior game, 3B Nathan Orf reached four more times today - 3-for-4 with a walk. He's now sporting a .545/.630/.636 line in his five AFL games.

 

SS Yadiel Rivera walked twice in five plate appearances, "lowering" his OBP to .576.

 

The eight Brewers are collectively kicking AFL butt after the first two weeks.

[Mass Haas]

Thursday Box 10/29

 

RF Michael Reed 1-for-4, walk, K, run scored

[Mass Haas]

Friday Box 10/30

 

Surprise falls, 4-1

 

Yadiel Rivera played 3B and batted leadoff -- 0-for-3, one BB, one K

 

RF Michael Reed, cleanup -- also 0-for-3 with a walk

 

Nate Orf played second base and batted 9th -- he doubled in three trips, "dropping" his average to only .520

 

RHP Jacob Barnes inherited a two-on, one-out situation (one run scored) --

 

Salt River Bottom of the 7th

 

Chris Bostick doubles (1) on a sharp line drive to left fielder Tyler Austin.

Roemon Fields out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Yadiel Rivera to second baseman Nate Orf. Chris Bostick to 3rd.

Jack Reinheimer walks.

Pitching Change: Jacob Barnes replaces Chaz Hebert.

Dominic Smith walks. Jack Reinheimer to 2nd.

Daniel Palka out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Bubba Starling. Chris Bostick scores.

Spencer Kieboom called out on strikes.

 

As per pitch-by-pitch on Gameday, that final called strike was at 97, several 96's in the frame.

 

***

 

Brett Phillips re-tweet photo

 

Not sure how much longer we'll see Phillips in the AFL, the Premier 12 Tournament begins in just over a week, factoring in travel and such...

[Mass Haas]

Saturday Box 10/31

 

Surprise comes up a run short and falls 6-5

 

RHP Adrian Houser had trouble in his 4th and final inning, too bad because he was cruising otherwise (all four 4th inning runs scored with two out) --

 

Salt River Top of the 1st

 

Raimel Tapia strikes out swinging.

Jack Reinheimer pops out to second baseman Ramon Torres.

Daniel Palka grounds out, second baseman Ramon Torres to first baseman Zane Evans.

 

Salt River Top of the 2nd

 

Gabby Guerrero grounds out, third baseman Nate Orf to first baseman Zane Evans.

Rowdy Tellez singles on a line drive to left fielder Dustin Fowler.

L. J. Mazzilli strikes out swinging.

Jeff McNeil strikes out swinging.

 

Salt River Top of the 3rd

 

Oscar Hernandez flies out to right fielder Bubba Starling.

Jordan Patterson singles on a line drive to left fielder Dustin Fowler.

Raimel Tapia flies out to right fielder Bubba Starling.

With Jack Reinheimer batting, Jordan Patterson caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Gary Sanchez to second baseman Ramon Torres.

 

Salt River Top of the 4th

 

Jack Reinheimer singles on a line drive to center fielder Charlie Tilson.

Daniel Palka walks. Jack Reinheimer to 2nd.

Gabby Guerrero strikes out swinging.

Rowdy Tellez pops out to catcher Gary Sanchez in foul territory.

L. J. Mazzilli walks. Jack Reinheimer to 3rd. Daniel Palka to 2nd.

Jeff McNeil doubles (1) on a ground ball to right fielder Bubba Starling. Jack Reinheimer scores. Daniel Palka scores. L. Mazzilli to 3rd.

Oscar Hernandez doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Dustin Fowler. L. J. Mazzilli scores. Jeff McNeil scores. Oscar Hernandez out at 3rd, left fielder Dustin Fowler to third baseman Nate Orf.

 

Gameday pitch-by-pitch data tells us Houser sat 95-97 for the most part with his fastball (80 pitches, 51 strikes).

 

***

 

RHP Damien Magnifico worked the 9th inning --

 

Salt River Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Damien Magnifico replaces Dean Kiekhefer.

Jeff McNeil grounds out, first baseman Zane Evans to pitcher Damien Magnifico.

Oscar Hernandez called out on strikes.

Jordan Patterson walks.

Raimel Tapia reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Aledmys Diaz. Jordan Patterson to 2nd.

Jack Reinheimer called out on strikes.

 

According to that same Gameday link, Magnifico pumped in three 100 MPH fastballs, including his first pitch. Seven other pitches registered at 99 MPH. He finished off his extended frame (teammate error) with some mid-80's sliders. It would be an extreme upset if Magnifico is not a 40-man roster add later this fall.

 

***

 

3B Nathan Orf, batting second, was 0-for-3 but knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly.

[Mass Haas]

In anticipation of the next big World Baseball competition, the Premier 12, Brett Phillips has left the Arizona Fall League team and joined the US squad while catcher Dustin Houle played with his Canadian boys in the start of a three-game exhibition series at (yes) Maryvale Baseball Park.

 

Details here

 

Phillips was 1-for-4, SB, three K's

 

Houle was 0-for-1 (K), with a walk

[markedman5]

With a name like Magnifico I would put him on the 40 man if he topped out at 85.......

[Mass Haas]

In anticipation of the next big World Baseball competition, the Premier 12, Brett Phillips has left the Arizona Fall League team and joined the US squad while catcher Dustin Houle played with his Canadian boys in the start of a three-game exhibition series at (yes) Maryvale Baseball Park.

 

Details here

 

Phillips was 1-for-4, SB, three K's

 

Houle was 0-for-1 (K), with a walk

 

Details -- Game Two of the three-game exhibition series

 

C Dustin Houle started, 0-for-2, K

 

LF Brett Phillips 1-for-3, K

[And That]

Barnes, Magnifico and Reed are AFL All-Stars.

[Mass Haas]

Barnes, Magnifico and Reed are AFL All-Stars.

 

Take the advice of Miller Park Prospects and vote Yadiel Rivera in as well!