AFL Update: Oct. 14, 2015
The 2015 AFL season began for the Salt River Rafters with a 5-3 win over the Scottsdale Scorpions.
Just two Nationals saw game action: Christopher Bostick and Dakota Bacus.
Bostick got the start at 2B and batted ninth. He went 0-for-4, but scored a run in the 5th as he beat out a double-play ball to get on base, stole second and third base, then came in on an two-out single. Defensively, he had two assists and no errors.
Bacus pitched the top of the 8th and set the side down in order on two strikeouts and a groundout. He threw 18 pitches, nine for strikes and earned the hold.
The two teams rematch tonight in Scottsdale.
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John Simms is the lone starting pitcher for the Nationals on this year’s AFL squad but is not listed among the next two probables for Salt River. Abel De Los Santos and Nick Lee round out the moundsmen for Washington while Spencer Kieboom and Drew Ward are the other two position players. Just a fair warning that many of the updates could be short and sweet. Lee Magenheim has been in touch with me and will be sending in pictures as he has the past few seasons.
I have a hard time getting excited about this year’s crop of players in Arizonia. I don’t believe even one would be a top ten prospect for the Nats. Not that I’ve ever been overly excited about the league, but my interest was always piqued a little in the past.
Per Byron Kerr, Simms is scheduled to follow tonight’s starter for three innings (Wed.).
The Nats don’t have a Harper or a Rendon in AZ this year, but all of these guys have a shot at the majors (de los Santos has already had his cup of coffee). Considering all the openings in the DC bullpen, any of these pitchers could earn a longer look in spring training with a strong performance in AZ. I also wonder whether Simms in particular is there for marketing purposes, as their depth in young RH starters is one of their big trade assets.
Good point. Let’s see who might be some help in the BP next year.