AFL Update: Sept. 20, 2019
The Scorpions blew an early 3-0 lead to the Saguaros but came on strong late, not quite like a hurricane, to take this one, 8-6.
As you might have guessed or expected, Luis Garcia was the sole Nationals farmhand to appear in the game. OK, fine: Lee’s pic was also a clue.
The 19-y.o. started at shortstop but had just one play in the field, a popup to end the top of the 9th.
At the plate, Garcia singled in the 4th and scored. He led off the 9th with a triple and scored the final Surprise run.
The Saguaros remain “home” to play the Rafters. Both teams are 1-1.
# # #
For those interested, Byron Kerr has the skinny on who’s been invited to instrux. Aside from semi-confirmation that some of these guys haven’t been released, I’m not that excited.
The Intrux list has KJ Harrison as a catcher. I thought that ship had sailed.
Garcia’s hitting has to be doing wonders for his confidence, next year could be his breakout year
Roismer Quintana. First name change of OF who was @ GCL or Auburn.
Good to see Danny Hernandez out of WP, Luke
Mark — Yeah, I also did a double take when I saw Harrison listed with the catchers. I looked it up, and he caught three full games at Potomac, with 49 at 1B, 48 as DH, and one in LF. At Potomac he hit reasonably well . . . for a catcher, but not for a 1B. He was terrific at the plate at Hags, though, and it was only his age-22 season, so he’s still got time to figure things out.
More Instrux curiosity: Denaburg wasn’t well enough to pitch the last month of the season, but he’s well enough now? On the flip side, if Romero has healed enough to pitch now, why wasn’t he pitching some during the latter part of the season, on a regular TJ recovery schedule? Oh well, I guess it’s good that both seem to be deemed reasonably healthy. Same for Antuna.
Curious that Troop isn’t on the Instrux list. Maybe they’re just shutting him down after his return-from-injury season. His draft classmate Brigham Hill remains in the Witness Protection Program. Among the 2018 draftees, Chandler Day seems like a notable omission. Also, where is Rhinesmith among the OFs?
Looks like Rafael Bautista and Jhonatan German are the only high-minors prospects invited to instructs. Carson Teel doesn’t make the list, although Tim Cate does — a little odd, even though Teel is technically now a Harrisburg Senator.
Sao — Yes, very curious about Teel, particularly since he got the playoff assignment “over” Cate. Plus Cate has already pitched more innings than Teel.