Who to Watch for in the Arizona Fall League

Jarred Cosart                           (Karen Warren/Chronicle)

With the Arizona Fall League starting earlier today, let's take a quick look at some of the prospects to watch on each team.

By Jared Thatcher | @Jared_Thatcher

Mesa Solar Sox

Solar Sox appear to have a weak pitching staff, but will field a very strong outfield this year with a handful of top prospects.

Pitchers of note: Jarred Cosart (Astros), Steven Rodriguez (Dodgers)

Cosart will still be a starter although I expect him to be transitioned to a reliever at some point. Rodriguez is the youngest pitcher on the staff, but look for him to have a great AFL.

Infielders of note: Javier Baez (Cubs), Jonathan Singleton (Astros)

Baez rocketed up prospect lists with a strong showing between two levels this season and should get some good work in the AFL. The extra playing time should help Singleton and Houston desperately needs him to break out and be a contributor soon.

Outfielders of note: Nick Castellanos (Tigers), Joc Pederson (Dodgers), Yasiel Puig (Dodger), Matt Szczur (Cubs), George Springer (Astros)

This could be the best outfield in the AFL this year. Most of them are top 100 prospects and I expect Pederson (the youngest) to really up his prospect status. Go to a Solar Sox game just to watch the outfield.

Peoria Javelinas

Strong pitching staff and a ridiculously talented at catcher. The outfield will feature elite speed and the infield definitely has some pop.

Pitchers of note: Robbie Erlin (Padres), Casey Kelly (Padres), James Paxton (Mariners)

Erlin is a top 100 prospect and will probably make the Padres out of Spring Training this year. Kelly is being sent to the AFL to work on his changeup because the Padres say it is too hard and too flat. Paxton could be an additional anchor to a Mariners staff that could dominate for years.

Catchers of note: Tommy Joseph (Phillies), Mike Zunino (Mariners)

That much catching talent on one AFL team is ridiculous. Both are probably top 50 prospects. No matter what game you attend the catcher should be elite.

Infielders of note: Vincent Catricala (Mariners), Nick Franklin (Mariners)

Catricala had a breakout power season last year, but really disappointed this year. He can really raise his stock with a good AFL showing. Franklin’s reward for a breakout season this year is a trip to the AFL. He has decent power and very good contact. He may spell Brendan Ryan sooner than later in Seattle.

Outfielders of note: Billy Hamilton (Reds), Rymer Liriano (Padres)

Hamilton is fresh off of his record setting season and looks to continue his base-stealing ways in the AFL. Liriano is considered a top 100 prospect and the Padres would like him to really hone his contact skills.

Phoenix Desert Dogs

Very weak pitching staff with no one of note in my opinion.

Infielders of note: Tim Beckham (Rays), Hak-Ju Lee (Rays), Richie Shaffer (Rays)

Beckham and Lee should be the SS/2B combo very soon in Tampa Bay. This will be the first time many people get to see them play together in a preview of what is to come in the Rays infield. Both hit for average and Lee can hit for above-average power. Shaffer was drafted in 2012 and will only play on Wednesdays and Saturdays. He has plus power and hopefully that shines through this year.

Outfielders of note: Khris Davis (Brewers), Brock Kjeldgaard (Brewers), Christian Yelich (Marlins)

Davis is one of my sleeper picks for this coming year. He has plus power and makes good contact. I have him ranked higher than most in my top 100. Kjeldgaard is another sleeper prospect whose bat should carry him to the Major League level. Yelich has become an elite prospect over the last two years and should prove that in the AFL.

Salt River Rafters

Not a very exciting pitching staff filled with “older” pitchers. The infield should be decently good, but the outfield lacks any elite talent.

Infielders of note: Matt Davidson (Dbacks), Chris Owings (Dbacks), Anthony Rendon (Nationals)

Davidson needs to work on plate discipline as he strikes out a ton. The Dbacks are giving Davidson one last chance to be the third baseman of the future before moving on. Owings could be the shortstop of the future in Arizona, but probably not next year. Rendon is rumored to be playing a few different positions as the Nats try to figure out where they are going to put him.

Outfielders of note: Jake Marisnick (Blue Jays)

Once a top prospect, this may be Marisnick’s last chance to prove he can hang with upper tier players.

Scottsdale Scorpions

Weak pitching staff, but a talented infield. The outfield may also prove to be very good, but they will have to play up to their ceilings for that.

Pitchers of note: Dellin Betances (Yankees), Heath Hembree (Giants)

Betances’ star has faded and the Yankees want to see what he really has in the AFL. Hembree is more of a non-prospect, but with the Giants ability to develop pitchers, he may be worth a look.

Infielders of note: Kaleb Cowart (Angels), Joe Panik (Giants), Ronny Rodriguez (Indians), Matt Dominguez (Giants)

Cowart has made almost every top 100 list and I expect him to have an outstanding AFL season. Panik is a love or hate guy. Personally, I love him. I’m still a believer in his defense and his bat, he just needs more time. Rodriguez was an underdog prospect for a few people and he will get to prove his worth. Dominguez is almost a throw in, but I think his bat will improve and carry him to the MLB.

Outfielders of note: Gary Brown (Giants)

He has elite speed and is a very good defender. Look for them to refine his approach at the plate this season.

Surprise Saguaros

This is probably the weakest team in all of the AFL. There is really no one of note on the pitching staff and only one guy apiece in the infield and outfield.

Infielders of note: Kolten Wong (Cardinals)

Wong is the lone bright and shining star on the infield. He can hit for average and power but may need to refine his approach at the plate. Double-A Springfield proved he can and will strikeout on good breaking pitches. The AFL should test his adjustments and I expect him to be one of the best hitters in the league.

Outfielders of note: Bryce Brentz (Red Sox)

Unfortunately, Brentz had a terrible showing in the Triple-A Championship game. Overall, he has above average power and makes average contact. His defense in right-field is average but he has a plus arm. Brentz is one of my sleeper picks to have a breakout year and the AFL could be the start.