New York Yankees’ Greg Bird wins Arizona Fall League MVP

Prior to the 2014 season there was little said about first baseman Greg Bird when discussions centered on the farm system for the New York Yankees. Stuck behind a collection of catchers and outfielders, Bird still ranked among the team’s top prospects but wasn’t quite “on the radar” as others were perceived to be.

Bird’s on that radar now, capping off a strong 2014 season with an impressive showing in the Arizona Fall League – winning the league’s MVP honors. He was honored prior to Saturday afternoon’s title game, according to Josh Jackson at MiLB.com.

In 26 games with the Scottsdale Scorpions, Bird hit .313/.391/.556. His six home runs tied for the league league and his 21 RBI, 31 hits, and 55 total bases each placed second.  Bird was also named the MVP of the AFL’s Fall Stars Game, hitting a towering 450-foot home run.

Splitting the season between High-A and Double-A, Bird batted a collective .271/.376/.472 in 441 plate appearances. It marked his second straight season in which he hit 30+ doubles and half of his home runs came following a late season promotion to Trenton (7 HR in 27 games). Bird was ranked at the club’s #8 prospect by Baseball America prior to 2014. He’s since moved up to #4 in the publication’s latest rankings.

Last season’s AFL MVP went to Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs.

Seattle Mariners prospect Patrick Kivlehan was also honored on Saturday, winning the Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award. The third baseman/first baseman/outfielder led the AFL with 22 RBI. He batted .295/.363/.507 during the 2014 season, split between High-A and Double-A.

Boston’s Garin Cecchini won the award last year.