The Nationals have announced the players who will be participating in the 2007 Arizona Fall League. On the 2007 Peoria Javelinas are the following seven Nationals …
- RHPs: Adam Carr, Garrett Mock, Alex Morales, and Zech Zinicola
- CA: Jesus Flores
- IF: Kory Casto (listed as an IF)
- OF: Justin Maxwell
The Nationals are sending one starting pitcher and three relievers to Arizona. Mock will likely be a member of the starting rotation given that of the fifteen pitchers named to the Javelinas, Mock is one of only five pitchers who have started (and one of those Steven Jackson has pitched out of the bullpen for the Yankees in Triple-A). Colorado still has four arms and Seattle one, so Mock could have more competition more starts. Carr, Morales, and Zinicola are among ten RHRPs on the roster. Flores will be competing for playing time with Mariners top prospect Jeff Clement (selected with the pick before Ryan Zimmerman in 2005). Christian Colonel is also listed as a 3B meaning Casto will likely compete for ABs with him. At present, there are only four OFs listed on the Javelinas roster, meaning Maxwell will likely see regular ABs, but as is the case with Casto, some of the infielders could play the OF.
VladiHondo | 27-Aug-07 at 4:09 pm | Permalink
Yeah! Actually sending real prospects to the AFL. Here was what we sent last year:
Pitchers: Hitters:
Jonathan Felfodi Seth Bynum
Dan Foli Josh Whitesell
Devin Perrin Kory Casto
Josh Perrault Dee Brown (while Casto was on honeymoon)
Kevin | 27-Aug-07 at 5:20 pm | Permalink
VH-
Wow, that really does seem like a boost in quality from last year. It does seem that Whitesell has had a good season, at least, though.
Pilchard | 27-Aug-07 at 5:33 pm | Permalink
Two questions:
Also, will that Nats have their own fall instructional camp in Viera?
Brian Oliver | 27-Aug-07 at 5:41 pm | Permalink
Yes, there is a Hawaii Winter Baseball League.
Yes, the Nationals are again participating (they were part of the BeachBoys last year). No, the rosters have not been announced as yet.
Yes, the Nationals are having a Fall Instructional League. No, I am not aware of the participants.
Benji | 27-Aug-07 at 6:11 pm | Permalink
there is an MLB fall Instructional League, but it is just practice. They don’t actually play games. I’ll try and find a link
Mark | 27-Aug-07 at 9:01 pm | Permalink
Maybe Kory Casto will be playing some 2B or 1B those seem to be the only positions that might bring him to the big leagues! The OF of the future (Marrero, Maxwell & Daniel) and the OF of the present (Pena, Logan, Kearns, Church) will prevent him from cracking the lineup in the OF long term IMO.
A DC Wonk | 28-Aug-07 at 8:29 am | Permalink
Naive question from someone who’s never heard of the fall Ariz league before: what considerations go into who gets sent to Arizona. What level players go? Why these players and not others? Why not any of the guys from Vermont, or the other late signees (Detwiler, Smoker, etc.)?
Thanks,
Brian Oliver | 28-Aug-07 at 8:59 am | Permalink
DCW - Typically, the Arizona Fall League is where the close to the majors prospects go, hence Carr, Zinicola, etc. Detwiler might have been a consideration but the Nationals wanted to give Mock more IPs given the time he’s missed with injury. The high schoolers from this year’s draft likely won’t go to anything beyond the Fall Instructional League.
Detwiler might be an option for the Hawaii Winter Baseball League which typically features the younger prospects who are a bit further away than those in the AFL
A DC Wonk | 28-Aug-07 at 9:37 am | Permalink
Thanks. (Continuing on…) And is there a limit to how many can be sent to Ariz FL? Who runs the league?
Brian Oliver | 28-Aug-07 at 9:41 am | Permalink
From MiLB.com
The roster size is 30 players per team.
Each Major League organization is required to provide six players subject to the following requirements:
The Nationals have provided seven players, one of which will be inactive on a taxi squad.
VladiHondo | 28-Aug-07 at 1:16 pm | Permalink
Excited Maxwell is being used as the Nats non-AA/AAA player! Ought to be a good test for him.
The Hawaiian League is a lower level (A level and Rookie League) and done in conjunction with the Japanese Leagues, who also send players. Last year our reps were:
Ian Desmond (who played High A and some AA last year)
Devin Ivany (Potomac)
Adam Carr (GCL, Savannah)
Marco Estrada (same as Carr)
Estrada dazzled, which put him on the prospect map (1.17 ERA, 33 Ks in 30 IP).
Marcus | 28-Aug-07 at 4:34 pm | Permalink
I know Clement is one of the Mariners top prospects and I’ve heard great things about him does anyone know how J. Flores compares to him?
Mark | 28-Aug-07 at 5:01 pm | Permalink
Brian - I spoke to Ross Detweiler before the rained out game on Saturday and he is not planning to go to the Fall Instructional League or winter ball, he plans to go back to college and finish his degree in Hospitality Services.
estuartj | 29-Aug-07 at 10:17 am | Permalink
Barry at the Post says regarding Justin Maxwell “Don’t be surprised if you see him with the Nationals when Potomac’s season ends.” His star is rising…