LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – The Arizona Fall League is the place where major-league baseball teams send their best prospects for fine-tuning and closer inspection.
If you make it to Arizona in October it typically means your organization believes you have a legitimate chance to play in the major leagues in the next two seasons.
Famous Arizona Fall League alums?
Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Albert Pujols, Dustin Pedroia, Andrew McCutchen, Max Scherzer and many more.
The list of 2015 Fall League invitees has started to trickle out, and one thing is certain: The quality of the talent being produced by the local college baseball programs has never been better.
At least 10 former local college players will compete when play begins in the Phoenix area Oct. 13. Take a look at the names:
LOUISVILLE
OF Adam Engel (Chicago White Sox) – Led the High A Carolina League in runs scored and stolen bases while hitting .255.
RHP Tony Zych (Seattle) – Purchased by Mariners from Cubs in April and pitched his way to major leagues while striking out 55 in 48 minor-league innings.
RHP Nick Burdi (Minnesota) – Advanced to AA with the Twins, striking out 83 in 63 2/3 innings after a slow start.
LHP Dean Kiekhefer (St. Louis) – Former 36th round draft pick has out-pitched the odds, moving to AAA Memphis, where he finished 17 games, saving a pair.
KENTUCKY
1B A.J. Reed (Houston) – Former college player of the year was the runner-up for Baseball America minor league player of the year while leading the minors in home runs (34) and RBIs (127).
3B J.T. Riddle (Miami) – Former 13th round pick on the fast track with rebuilding Marlins after hitting .289 at AA.
LHP James Paxton (Seattle) – Talented lefty has already won 12 big-league games over three different seasons.
LHP Taylor Rogers (Minnesota) – Won 11 games at AAA this summer.
RHP Chandler Shepherd (Boston) – Saved seven games for two Red Sox affiliates, advancing to High A.
WESTERN KENTUCKY
RHP Andrew Edwards (Kansas City) – Former 19th round pick saved a pair of games while repeating High A last summer.
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