Arizona Fall League: Glendale Desert Dogs Prospect Report

Glendale may be under .500 and tied for second in the AFL West division, but it is not for a lack of talent who are bound to make an impact at the Major League level. MLB prospect contributor Peyton Wesner highlights the Desert Dogs’ top performers through a month of action.

Last Wednesday, history was made at Chavez Ravine in Southern California as the Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning their first World Series championship in a seven-game series for the ages.

Therefore, with a champion crowned, Major League Baseball players have the majority of the next four months off to rest, relax and prepare for next season. Yet, that does not mean baseball is absent until pitchers and catchers report to Florida and Arizona in February.

In fact, there are two weeks left of games.

Over the last month, future Major League Baseball stars have taken over the desert for Arizona Fall League. In its 25-year history, the likes of Derek Jeter, Roy Halladay, Albert Pujols, Kris Bryant and Andrew McCutchen have refined their skills in the Arizona Fall League before beginning accolade-filled careers and playing in sold-out stadiums.

This year’s class is no exception as talented position players and pitchers have continued their respective 2017 campaigns. Thus, let’s take a look at the top performers on the Glendale Desert Dogs, who are affiliated with the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Hitting Leaders

• AVG: .396 – Francisco Mejia (CLE)
• H: 19 – Francisco Mejia (CLE), Will Smith (LAD)
• R: 10 – Francisco Mejia (CLE)
• HR: 2 – Five players tied
• RBI: 11 – Will Smith (LAD)
• SB: 4 – Tito Polo (CWS)

Pitching Leaders

• W: 2 – Mitch Keller (PIT), Michael Boyle (LAD)
• SO: 13 – Elniery Garcia (PHI)
• ERA: 0.00 – J.D. Hammer (PHI)
• SV: 2 – J.D. Hammer (PHI)
• IP: 15.2 – Mitch Keller (PIT)

Prospect on the Rise: Will Smith (LAD)

Stats: .367 AVG, 7 R, HR, 11 RBI, 5 BB

Move over Fresh Prince, another Will Smith is on his way to Los Angeles.

When the Dodgers drafted University of Louisville catcher Will Smith with the 32nd overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, general manager Farhan Zaidi was filling an organization void.

Following the departure of Russell Martin, Los Angeles has failed to find a long-term fit who can produce offensively at backstop. Since 2011, the Dodgers have had just one season in which an Opening Day catcher carried a batting average over .269 (A.J. Ellis in 2012).

Even with the acquisition of Yasmani Grandal, the position has been unproductive, outside of home runs.

Will Smith looks to break the trend.

Smith, who reached High-A Rancho Cucamonga within his first professional season, is piecing together a clutch campaign this October. The 6’0″ Kentucky native is batting .467 in 15 at-bats with runners in scoring position — a drastic improvement from his .217 mark in the California League.

While his power was on display in a small MiLB sample size — Smith was on pace to hit 22 home runs, he has just one home run thus far. Nevertheless, he is showcasing a knack for extra-base hits in the AFL, leading his squad with six.

Plate discipline remains an area of concern for the 22-year old. Smith struck out 24.7 percent of his plate appearances during the 2017 regular season and has whiffed 29.1 percent in Arizona.

Regardless, there is no questioning his ability after the last four weeks.

Team MVP: Mitch Keller (PIT)

Stats: 2-0, 1.72 ERA, 10 SO, 15.2 IP, 0.77 WHIP

In July, Pittsburgh Pirates’ top pitching prospect Mitch Keller told Call to the Pen, “Hopefully, by next year I’ll be in Indianapolis or start [the season] in Altoona.

“It’s definitely a goal to be in the upper levels next year and doing well.”

Considering the way he has been pitching, his goal is absolutely within reach.

Keller, a right-hander from Iowa, completed his MiLB season with three quality starts, one of which was a complete game shutout with Double-A Altoona in the Eastern League Playoffs.

“It’s a lot of fun being in those situations,” said the 21-year old of pitching in the postseason. “Obviously, it’s what you dream for: playing in the playoffs.”

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With Glendale, the fastball-oriented pitcher has picked up where he left off while gradually pitching deeper into games. On October 30, Keller threw five scoreless frames, good enough for his best AFL showing.

The impressive nature of Keller’s extra month is seen in his efficiency. In the aforementioned start, he sped through five innings in 49 pitches. Equally telling is his team’s record in games where he took the ball.

Three of the Desert Dogs’ nine wins have come with Keller on the mound — two of which he won outright.

Next: AFL - Peoria Prospect Report

After three winning seasons, Pittsburgh has struggled to gain traction in an improving National League Central division. Though, with young prospects such as Keller, Austin Meadows and Shane Baz, a turnaround in the Steel City is not likely.

It’s imminent.