AFL/Offseason Update: Nov. 16, 2024

With a four-run 1st, a two-run 2nd, and a solid outing from Chase Solesky (pictured above), the Salt River Rafters stung the Scottsdale Scorpions, 13-3

Solesky spun four shutout innings, allowing two hits, issuing three walks, and striking out two. He threw 61 pitches, 36 for strikes.

Robert Hassell started in centerfield and batted sixth. He went 1-for-5 at the plate with two RBI and a run scored. In the field, he had three putouts and fielded three hits.

Philip Glasser pinch-hit for the starting second baseman in the top of the 9th and struck out. He played defense in the bottom of the 9th but had no chances.

The Rafters will play the Saguaros for the AFL title game tonight.

2024 ROCHESTER RED WINGS

For the first time in ten years, the Nats’ AAA contingent had a +.500 season, finishing third in the I.L. East in both halves and 77-71 overall. Put down your beverage before you read this: They did this with a team that was younger than league average for both the hitters and the pitchers.

This largely a function of the trio of Dylan Crews, James Wood, and Brady House each having more than 200PA, not to mention 264PA from 24-y.o. Trey Lipscomb for the bats. The pitchers it’s not as easy to pinpoint: Aside from a couple of starters and a couple of relievers, the pitchers were all roughly 24-26 years old.

As you might imagine for a team with its record, the team was close to league average on offense (5.10 vs. 5.13 R/G) and a tick below average for the pitchers (5.30 R/G). Surprisingly, the defense was second in the league to Atlanta’s AAA team, committing one more error and having.0004 lower FPct. [Insert obligatory mention of Crews’s MiLB Glod Glove here]

With the true prospects having already been ranked or graduated, we’re back to no list again. Folks interested in seeing the team stats can find them here. Pitching data can be found here.