AFL Update: October 18, 2011
It’s starting to feel like the GCL in the AFL, as the Scottsdale Scorpions were stung for their fifth straight loss by a 7-4 count.
Just one National farmhand saw game action, as Bryce Harper doubled to lead off the 4th inning in the course of going 1-for-4. He was later thrown out at the plate trying to score on a two-out single.
Harper made two putouts while playing right field. Some folks have contacted me regarding Harper’s defense and let me quote the following replies I got from Dave Gershman via Twitter. Gershman writes for MarlinsDaily and covers the New York-Penn League:
Harper made a few lackluster plays, including one where he rushed a throw and missed the plate…needs to take better routes but the bat is way more important than the glove.
My personal takeaway from this is that this is Harper’s first full year in the outfield and he’s still learning to translate his raw tools into skills. I’d like to see him get more time in center next season, even if it’s merely to serve the purpose of giving him a day where he doesn’t have to worry about angles so much. My only fear is that he’ll take out a teammate trying to make a play that he should defer to the more experienced outfielder.
After watching Harper in Harrisburg this year it is apparent that he can be an average to above average corner outfielder in the Majors. He does not have the tools to be an everyday centerfielder. He needs lots of repetitions at either left or right to develope. Both Chris Rahl and Eric Komatsu are far better cf than Harper will ever be. Rahl is the best overall outfielder of the bunch with the ability to play all 3 spots he is the fastest and his arm is almost as strong as Harper’s and more accurate. Obviusly Harper’s bat is special and that will carry him a long way.
Guys show some love to Harper, forget the money forget the hype, this kid is not just a great kid, but he can flat out play. It will take him some time to be a good outfielder, and even more time to be a great outfielder.
It’s interesting how Scottsdale is struggling so far. They have arguably the most talented squad in the AFL.
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2011/9/9/2414633/2011-arizona-fall-league-roster-review-scottsdale-scorpions
Any word on Purke’s velocity in the AFL?
Low 90s