2011 Arizona Fall League Roster Review: Scottsdale Scorpions

Arizona Fall League Roster Review: Scottsdale Scorpions

Major League Baseball announced the preliminary rosters for the Arizona Fall League last week Let's review the key prospects on each team, continuing with the Scottsdale Scorpions, headlined by three amazing outfield prospects in Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Gary Brown.

Scottsdale Scorpions are stocked with players from the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, and Washington Nationals organizations. Here are important players to watch. You can find the complete roster here.

SCOTTSDALE SCORPIONS ROSTER REVIEW

PITCHERS

David Carpenter, RHP, Angels: A 24-year-old right-hander with a miniscule 0.57 ERA this year between High-A and Double-A, with 16 saves and a 52/14 K/BB in 48 innings. He picks up a lot of ground balls and could be a middle relief option sometime in 2012.

Tyler Cloyd, RHP, Phillies: A 24-year-old right-hander, Cloyd was excellent this year with a 2.77 ERA and a 138/22 K/BB in 146 innings between High-A and Double-A, demonstrating superior command. He has average velocity but good secondary pitches, changes speeds well, and throws strikes.

Jacob Diekman, LHP, Phillies: 24-year-old southpaw, posted a 3.05 ERA with an 83/44 K/BB in 65 innings in Double-A with 47 hits allowed. Needs sharper control, but K/IP was excellent and he held lefties to a .099 average this year.

Pat Lehman, RHP, Nationals: 24-year-old control artist with a good breaking ball, posted a 3.08 ERA between High-A and Double-A, but with an exceptional 45/4 K/BB in 50 innings and just 31 hits allowed, picking up 13 saves. George Washington University product, could fit in the bullpen sometime next year.

Rafael Martin, RHP, Nationals: Older guy at age 27, but his control has improved dramatically over the last two seasons. 1.65 ERA with 54/11 K/BB in 44 innings this year between High-A and Double-A, with 13 saves and just 32 hits allowed. Like Lehman, he could be a surprise contributor next year.

B.J. Rosenberg, RHP, Phillies: Turns 26 next week. 4.28 ERA with 103/38 K/BB in 109 innings in Double-A, but was very effective after moving to the bullpen in the second half, with a 2.27 ERA and 47/14 K/BB in 44 innings. This is another guy who could be a potential reliever in the NL East next year.

Chris Scholl, RHP, Angels: 23-years-old, posted 2.32 ERA with 66/22 K/BB in 85 innings and 61 hits allowed in Double-A. Stuff isn't exceptional but he throws strikes and has an effective splitter.

Colby Shreve, RHP, Phillies: 23-years-old, big at 6-5, 210, but working to overcome injury issues with good results in A-ball this year, 2.87 ERA with 79/30 K/BB in 95 innings and a 1.69 GO/AO. Command improved as season progressed.

Sammy Solis, LHP, Nationals: 23-year-old lefty from University of San Diego, posted 3.26 ERA with 93/23 K/BB in 97 innings between Low-A and High-A this year, with 100 hits and a 1.58 GO/AO. Strike-throwing ground ball generator with a good feel for his craft, projects as number three starter eventually.

Daniel Tillman, RHP, Angels: Age 22, from Florida Southern University, posted 2.30 ERA with 78/34 K/BB in 75 innings, 60 hits, 1.84 GO/AO between Low-A and High-A, with 14 saves. Fastball/slider combination looks good, projects as a strong short reliever with a chance to close.

HITTERS

Derek Norris, C, Nationals: Age 22, hit .210/.367/.446 with 20 homers and 77 walks in Double-A. Batting average dipped below Mendoza Line at times this year although late rush pushed him above it. Power/patience combination remains interesting. Threw out 40% of runners but needs to improve other receiving skills.

Will Middlebrooks, 3B, Red Sox: Hit .285/.328/.506 with 23 homers and 10 steals at three levels this year, but with a poor 26/116 BB/K in 439 at-bats. Strong throwing arm and solid glove. Power burst is good to see, but plate discipline remains a big issue. Age 23.

Cody Overbeck, 1B, Phillies: 25-year-old slugger, hit .277/.331/.475 with 24 homers between Double-A and Triple-A this year, but with a 31/125 BB/K ratio. Probably a Quadruple-A slugger, but could make some noise in Arizona.

Joe Panik, SS, Giants: Age 20, drafted in first round out of St. John's this year, hit .341/.401/.467 with 13 steals in successful professional debut in the Northwest League, and could begin 2012 as high as Double-A. This is a good showcase to see how rapidly he adapts to better competition.

Darin Ruf, 1B, Phillies: Age 25, from Creighton University in Omaha, hit .308/.388/.506 in the Florida State League with 43 doubles and 17 homers, but was old for the level. Good feel for hitting with above-average power, but needs rapid adaption to higher levels to get into the major league picture.

Jean Segura, SS, Angels: Age 21, hit .281/.337/.422 with 18 steals, 15 walks, and 26 strikeouts in 185 at-bats in the High-A California League, playing time limited by serious hamstring injury. The AFL will be a chance for him to shake some rust off, should begin next year in Double-A.

Gary Brown, OF, Giants: Turns 23 this month, Cal State Fullerton product hit .336/.407/.519 with 53 steals, 34 doubles, 13 triples, 14 homers, 46 walks, and 77 strikeouts in 559 at-bats in High-A. Outstanding athleticism, and answered questions about his polish at the plate this year. Also has a terrific glove.

Tyson Gillies, OF, Phillies: Age 23, extremely fast outfielder missed entire season due to hamstring and foot injuries. Here is a chance to work off some rust, if he can find any playing time given the other outfielders on the roster.

Bryce Harper, OF, Nationals: Hit .318/.423/.554 with 14 homers in 258 at-bats Low-A, then .256/.329/.395 in 129 at-bats in Double-A. Combined to steal 26 bases and draw 59 walks with 87 strikeouts in 387 at-bats. He doesn't turn 19 until October. An amazingly good prospect.

Alex Hassan, OF, Red Sox: 23-year-old sleeper prospect from Duke University, hit .291/.404/.456 with 76 walks, 34 doubles, 13 homers in Double-A this year. Good on-base skills with moderate power.

Mike Trout, OF, Angels: Just 20 years old, hit .326/.415/.544 with 18 doubles, 13 triples, 11 homers, 45 walks, 33 steals in 353 at-bats in Double-A, and has held his own in major league action. Superior athleticism, speed, defense, and power is developing nicely. Will be a star.