So I was looking at arizona fall league baseball teams and I realized that the majority of the players had bad batting averages, between .200 and .235 and they had been playing in the league for several years 3-5 and in each year was the same as the last, bad. Out of curiosity I'm just wondering how good these people are and if they are seen as prospects or just minor league filler material.
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That doesn't sound like the Arizona Fall League that I know of. The teams are made up of top prospects in baseball. Many future Big League players, proven by history of the AFL. Most of the players play in the AFL one year. I don't think anyone plays in the league for 3, let alone 5 years. There is always a ton of talent in that league.
That doesn't sound like the Arizona Fall League that I know of. The teams are made up of top prospects in baseball. Many future Big League players, proven by history of the AFL. Most of the players play in the AFL one year. I don't think anyone plays in the league for 3, let alone 5 years. There is always a ton of talent in that league.
i meant to say the arizona rookie league not the arizona fall league
You can make few conclusions based upon batting averages in any rookie league.
Rookie leagues are generally viewed as transition leagues. This is the first year in the US for many players, first time in proball for most of the others - and they are adjusting to a whole new way to play baseball (it's now a job). The pitchers tend to be about a year older (about 20.5) than the hitters (19.5) and I suspect that one year is a pretty big difference in terms of strength, stamina, etc. For young players, playing with wood is a huge adjustment; for the latin players, they are learning English, living in a whole new environment - so even though those kids have been "professionals" in many cases since they were 16, they haven't faced any pitching apart from other kids from the area. For all players, they now need to learn to cook, do laundry and live on their own - a huge transition similar to the change from HS to college living (and for those heading straight from HS, no more mom/dad to take up the slack).
Additionally, most of the higher draft picks start in SS or above so the initial talent (as based purely upon the draft in the US) tends to flow away from the rookie league.
Players drafted out of HS can expect to play several seasons of rookie league ball. (And playing in Arizona for multiple seasons is no walk in the park.) In fact, most HS signees wind up only a season ahead of players who signed after three college years - a gap which can easily be closed by a college player who delivers the goods in his first professional season. (Something to consider for those who may be drafted out of HS.)
Good job Goosegg!
I might add....everyone their first year is a rookie. The leagues in AZ and Florida are referred to as the complex leagues, you play at the complex...in the back fields. No fans, no peanuts, popcorn or hot dogs. They are the training ground for the latins that are now old enough to come here (on work visas) and yes that includes going to classes.
They will send late college signs to that league, more as role models than future prospects and rarely their upper tier HS drafted players, maybe just for a few weeks for orientation. Later round HS players could spend at least 2 years, and I always suggest unless you get some nice bucks, go to college first.
