Surprise 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 Saguaros’ 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 Surprise Saguaros, who are affiliated with the Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers.
Hitting Leaders
- AVG: .383 – Nicky Lopez (KC)
- H: 23 – Nicky Lopez (KC)
- R: 11 – Michael O’Neill (TEX), Brandon Lowe (TB)
- HR: 3 – Andrew Knizner (STL)
- RBI: 12 – Michael O’Neill (TEX)
- SB: 5 – Oscar Mercado (STL)
Pitching Leaders
- W: 2 – David Ledbetter (TEX), Ryan Eades (MIN)
- SO: 16 – Burch Smith (TB)
- ERA: 0.00 – Ryan Eades (MIN), James Dykstra (TEX)
- SV: 2 – Jacob Bodner (KC)
- IP: 14.1 – Zach Lovvorn (KC)