The Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League house a roster full of top Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres prospects. League play started on Oct. 7 and, now, we’re two full weeks into fall ball. Here’s a look at what top Red Sox prospects are doing in Arizona:
Rusney Castillo has played eight games since the league started, batting .278 with a run batted in, three walks, six strikeouts and a .333 OBP. According to WEEI.com’s Alex Speier, the outfielder exited Monday’s game with a bruised hand/thumb and is listed as day-to-day. Castillo, playing the fall league to earn extra at-bats before Spring Training, is also expected to play in Puerto Rico during the winter.
Deven Marrero, known for his glove work, lacks consistency at the plate. Marrero progressed from .258 to .291 moving up from Single-A to Double-A this season. After his promotion to Triple-A, he dropped back down to .210. Through eight games in the fall league, he is batting .269 with eight walks, seven strikeouts, an RBI and six runs.
After battling injuries and finally having a breakout year batting .295 with 16 homers in Double-A, Sean Coyle is batting .238 through six games. Only 22, the 2010 draft pick will be eligible for the Rule 5 draft this winter if he does not make the 40-man roster.
Aaron Kurcz came to the Red Sox as part of the compensation package for general manager Theo Epstein. The pitcher bounced back from Tommy John Surgery in Double-A and has a 5.40 ERA over five innings with one save.
Lefty reliever Robby Scott holds a 1.80 ERA through five innings in the fall league. He generated a 1.96 ERA over 59 2/3 innings in Double-A this past season.
Madison Younginer, a right-hander flame thrower with similarities to Justin Verlander holds a 4.50 ERA over four innings this fall.
Righty Keith Couch is 2-0 in starts and a 3.46 ERA through 13 innings. 8-2, .296 in Double-A, Couch is known to dance the ball throughout the strikezone with his sinkers/sliders.
Two weeks are left before the playoffs begin. By the end of the fall league, players will be evaluated and some will be eligible for listing on the 40-man roster, others for the Rule 5 draft.