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Arizona Fall League: Salt River Rafters Prospect Report

By Peyton Wesner

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 25: Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies stand for the national anthem prior to the spring training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 25, 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 25: Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies stand for the national anthem prior to the spring training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 25, 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 01: A general view of Miller Park is seen prior to the Game One of the National League Division Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Miller Park on October 1, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 01: A general view of Miller Park is seen prior to the Game One of the National League Division Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Miller Park on October 1, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /

Prospect on the Rise: Lucas Erceg (MIL)

Stats: .324 AVG, 4 R, HR, 5 RBI, BB

Although no postseason berth came of it, this year was the Milwaukee Brewers best season since 2011. And, with the potential talent rising through the system, Craig Counsell’s squad could have the pieces to continue to compete in the National League Central for many years to come.

A quartet of highly touted Brewers, including former first-round pick Corey Ray, have been playing in the AFL over the last four weeks. Yet, no one has turned heads more than third baseman Lucas Erceg.

After 127 games at High-A Carolina, Erceg was given a taste of competitive baseball with Triple-A Colorado Springs this season. The 22-year old played well in three high-altitude Pacific Coast League games, recording four hits (two doubles) in ten at-bats.

Erceg has continued to raise his stock in Arizona.

The California native has reached base in all ten of his AFL games and ranks among the batting average leaders for Salt River.

While the Brewers are captivated by Erceg’s offense, his defense has been his downfall. Yes, the Menlo product has a strong arm from the hot corner, in large part to his days as a closer in the NAIA ranks. However, Erceg is prone to inaccuracy and control issues throwing across the diamond. In fact, he entered AFL play with an average of an error once every five games.

The previous average continues to move in the wrong direction as Erceg has three errors in ten Arizona games. Despite his defensive woes, there is no debate Erceg’s offense has allowed him to stick out among his Milwaukee teammates.

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