AFL Update: Oct. 5, 2022
The Javelinas broke open a 1-0 game with a four-run 6th and withstood a late charge by the Saguaros to take their second straight, 6-4.
Brady Lindsly was the Nationals’ sole position player in the Peoria lineup. Cade Cavalli’s caddy The Nats 2020 4th Rd. pick walked in the 4th and singled in the 8th. Behind the plate, he had five putouts – all on strikeouts.
Amos Willingham was the third man out of the bullpen and set the side down in order in the 6th on eight pitches.
Orlando Ribalta followed in the 7th and worked around a leadoff walk, retiring the next three batters including a swinging strikeout.
The Javelinas remain on the road today, headed to Scottsdale to play the Scorpions for an afternoon start.
Continuing its quest for offseason traffic, Baseball America issued its All-Star teams for the five domestic levels. Two trade acquisitions were named:
- OF James Wood (Low-A)
- RHP Jarlin Susana (Complex)
Wood posted a line of .324/.429/.560 with 12HR, 62RBI, and 20SB between the Arizona Complex League (5G), the California League (50G), and the Carolina League (21G). He was recently named as one of two Hitters of the Year for the Washington minor leagues.
Susana did not win, lose, or save in 13 appearances and 12 games started, in which he allowed 12 runs (all earned) on 28 hits (2HR) and 20 walks over 45 innings and three levels (ACL, FCL, Low-A). He struck out 66 for a line of 2.40/2.39/1.07 with a 4.0 walk rate and a 13.2 K rate.
I still a bit puzzled as to why the Javelinas allowed teams to name more players this year.
Glendale, for example, has 36 players on their team (20 pitchers, 16 hitters), which is in line with historical precedence. Each team of the five feeder teams gets 7 spots. But the Javelinas have 42 players (22 pitchers and 20 hitters). While the Nats 10 players is exceptional (I would assume the most ever), both the Mariners and Mets also named 9 players themselves (the Guardians and Padres stuck with the traditional 7).
Unfortunately, this will just mean even less playing time in what was always a crowded short league.
Free Will Frizzell and Darren Baker! It’s terrible if guys can’t play at least every other day.
Lindsly and Millas are two of only three catchers on the Peoria roster, so they’re going to see a lot of action. The Nats have always supplied a good portion of the catching for their AFL teams, for some reason.
I think Wood is probably my #1 bat in the organization right now. He sure looks like he’s going to be special. He’s got power, plate discipline, and contact skills and just turned 20.
It helps that he’s a local guy, as his parents made it to almost every home game he had at Fredericksburg.
Willingham will one I’ll be watching next year, most likely in AA. he throws pretty hard and has some bite on his breaking pitches. also regained his command this year, albeit in limit action.
evidently a smart kid, was a deans list student in JUCO, transferred to Ga Tech to major in civil engineering. what’s not to like about this kid!
Willingham Sinclair Romero some firemen who stepped up when others were on the IR / DL.
What’s up with , Fonzy ??