ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE - Mesa Solar Sox Schedule

11/03/08 7:59 PM EST

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McKenry's blast gives Dogs the day
Rockies prospect leads Arizona Fall League in homers

By Josh Jackson / MLB.com

Rockies prospect Michael McKenry hit his Arizona Fall League-leading seventh home run in the Phoenix Desert Dogs' 5-2 win over the Mesa Solar Sox on Monday.

McKenry cranked a two-run shot in the fifth inning to reach 17 RBIs on the season and break a three-way tie for the league long ball lead with teammate Sean Doolittle (Athletics) and the Mesa Solar Sox's Tyler Flowers (Braves). The catcher hit 18 home runs for the Class A Advanced Modesto Nuts this year.

Eric Young (Rockies) collected two hits and stole two bases to up his league-leading total to 16.

J.P. Arencibia (Blue Jays) had three hits -- including a double -- and scored once, and Chris Nelson (Rockies) went 2-for-2 with a walk and a run scored for the Desert Dogs(14-9).

Blue Jays prospect Daryl Harang (1-1), brother of Reds hurler Aaron Harang, allowed one run on one hit with a walk and a strikeout over 1 1/3 innings for the win.

Desert Dogs pitcher Andrew Carignan (A's) allowed a walk and a hit but earned his fourth Arizona Fall League save by shutting the door in the ninth.

Jason Donald (Phillies) homered and Nate Spears (Cubs) hit an RBI single and stole a base for the Solar Sox (16-7).

Cubs farmhand Esmailin Caridad (1-1) gave up McKenry's homer for his first blown save in Arizona. He also surrendered a single and two walks in his inning pitched to suffer the loss.

Josh Jackson is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Fien is doing well in the fall league. After 8 games of relief, he has a 0.84 ERA after 10 innings pitched and is 2-0! He has 0 BB and 11 SO!

Closer! for next year! fa show!

gdennis59 wrote:

Closer! for next year! fa show!

He is the one they are targeting as our future closer.

Im hoping next year. We need one bad. and a 0.84 ERA isnt bad at all. even if it is just a winer league, there are still people getting consistent 4 hit games.

November 4, 2008
Recap
Peo Saguaros - 13; Mesa - 12

Mesa Top 1st

• Matt Young strikes out swinging.
  
• Nate Spears strikes out swinging.
  
• Jeremy Slayden strikes out swinging.
  

Peo Saguaros Bottom 1st

• Shane Robinson grounds out, shortstop Nate Spears to first baseman Logan Morrison.
  
• Daniel Murphy singles on a line drive to center fielder Scott Cousins.
  
• Chad Huffman homers (3) on a fly ball to left field. Daniel Murphy scores.
  
• Brett Wallace homers (4) on a fly ball to right field.
  
• Tyler Greene strikes out swinging.
  
• Leonard Davis walks.
  
• Bill Rhinehart walks. Leonard Davis to 2nd.
  
• Coaching visit to mound.
  
• Ian Desmond lines out sharply to shortstop Nate Spears.
  

Mesa Top 2nd

• Jeff Larish singles on a sharp line drive to right fielder Leonard Davis.
  
• Logan Morrison strikes out swinging.
  
• Scott Cousins strikes out swinging.
  
• Jason Donald strikes out swinging, catcher Josh Thole to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
  

Peo Saguaros Bottom 2nd

• Josh Thole grounds out, second baseman Jason Donald to first baseman Logan Morrison.
  
• Shane Robinson doubles (3) on a sharp line drive to left fielder Matt Young, deflected by third baseman Jeff Larish.
  
• Daniel Murphy walks.
  
• Chad Huffman called out on strikes.
  
• Brett Wallace strikes out swinging.
  

Mesa Top 3rd

• Pitcher Change: Jason Vargas replaces Cesar Carrillo.
  
• Steve Clevenger flies out to left fielder Chad Huffman.
  
• Will Rhymes flies out to center fielder Shane Robinson.
  
• Matt Young singles on a line drive to center fielder Shane Robinson.
  
• Nate Spears lines out to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
  

Peo Saguaros Bottom 3rd

• Tyler Greene strikes out swinging.
  
• Leonard Davis lines out sharply to center fielder Scott Cousins.
  
• Bill Rhinehart hits a ground-rule double (5) on a ground ball to right field.
  
• Ian Desmond strikes out swinging.
  

Mesa Top 4th

• Jeremy Slayden flies out to left fielder Chad Huffman.
  
• Jeff Larish doubles (6) on a sharp line drive to center fielder Shane Robinson.
  
• Logan Morrison grounds out softly, first baseman Bill Rhinehart to pitcher Jason Vargas. Jeff Larish to 3rd.
  
• Scott Cousins singles on a line drive to center fielder Shane Robinson. Jeff Larish scores.
  
• Jason Donald singles on a line drive to center fielder Shane Robinson. Scott Cousins to 3rd.
  
• Steve Clevenger pops out softly to shortstop Ian Desmond.
  

Peo Saguaros Bottom 4th

• Pitcher Change: Tyson Brummett replaces Andrew Carpenter.
  
• Josh Thole grounds out, third baseman Jeff Larish to first baseman Logan Morrison.
  
• Shane Robinson doubles (4) on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Matt Young.
  
• Daniel Murphy grounds out, second baseman Jason Donald to first baseman Logan Morrison. Shane Robinson to 3rd.
  
• Chad Huffman singles on a ground ball to left fielder Matt Young. Shane Robinson scores.
  
• Brett Wallace walks. Chad Huffman to 2nd.
  
• Coaching visit to mound.
  
• Tyler Greene strikes out swinging.
  

Mesa Top 5th

• Will Rhymes grounds out, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
  
• Matt Young walks.
  
• Nate Spears flies out to right fielder Leonard Davis.
  
• With Jeremy Slayden batting, Matt Young steals (3) 2nd base.
  
• Jeremy Slayden grounds out softly, pitcher Jason Vargas to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
  

Peo Saguaros Bottom 5th

• Pitcher Change: Pat Overholt replaces Tyson Brummett.
  
• Leonard Davis singles on a line drive to center fielder Scott Cousins.
  
• Bill Rhinehart singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jeremy Slayden. Leonard Davis to 2nd.
  
• Ian Desmond walks. Leonard Davis to 3rd. Bill Rhinehart to 2nd.
  
• Coaching visit to mound.
  
• Josh Thole out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Scott Cousins. Leonard Davis scores. Bill Rhinehart to 3rd.
  
• With Shane Robinson batting, Ian Desmond steals (2) 2nd base, Bill Rhinehart scores. Ian Desmond to 3rd. Throwing error by catcher Steve Clevenger.
  
• Shane Robinson doubles (5) on a soft line drive to right fielder Jeremy Slayden. Ian Desmond scores.
  
• Daniel Murphy homers (2) on a fly ball to right center field. Shane Robinson scores.
  
• Chad Huffman flies out to center fielder Scott Cousins.
  
• Brett Wallace called out on strikes.
  

Mesa Top 6th

• Pitcher Change: Justin Fiske replaces Jason Vargas.
  
• Jeff Larish strikes out swinging.
  
• Logan Morrison doubles (5) on a line drive to left fielder Chad Huffman.
  
• Scott Cousins singles on a ground ball to right fielder Leonard Davis. Logan Morrison scores.
  
• Jason Donald grounds into double play, pitcher Justin Fiske to shortstop Ian Desmond to first baseman Bill Rhinehart. Scott Cousins out at 2nd.
  

Peo Saguaros Bottom 6th

• Pitcher Change: Sergio Escalona replaces Pat Overholt.
  
• Tyler Greene doubles (5) on a fly ball to center fielder Scott Cousins.
  
• Leonard Davis flies out to left fielder Matt Young.
  
• Bill Rhinehart doubles (6) on a fly ball to left fielder Matt Young. Tyler Greene scores.
  
• Ian Desmond grounds out, third baseman Jeff Larish to first baseman Logan Morrison.
  
• Josh Thole homers (1) on a fly ball to right center field. Bill Rhinehart scores.
  
• Shane Robinson flies out to center fielder Scott Cousins.
  

Mesa Top 7th

• Pitcher Change: Aaron Poreda replaces Justin Fiske.
  
• Steve Clevenger grounds out, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
  
• Will Rhymes walks.
  
• Matt Young grounds into a force out, second baseman Daniel Murphy to shortstop Ian Desmond. Will Rhymes out at 2nd. Matt Young to 1st.
  
• With Nate Spears batting, wild pitch by Aaron Poreda, Matt Young to 3rd.
  
• Nate Spears singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ian Desmond. Matt Young scores.
  
• Jeremy Slayden doubles (7) on a fly ball to left fielder Chad Huffman. Nate Spears scores.
  
• Jeff Larish walks.
  
• Coaching visit to mound.
  
• Logan Morrison singles on a ground ball to center fielder Shane Robinson. Jeremy Slayden to 3rd. Jeff Larish to 2nd.
  
• Coaching visit to mound.
  
• Pitcher Change: Greg Burke replaces Aaron Poreda.
  
• Scott Cousins triples (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Shane Robinson.
  Jeremy Slayden scores. Jeff Larish scores. Logan Morrison scores.
  
• Jason Donald strikes out swinging.
  

Peo Saguaros Bottom 7th

• Daniel Murphy strikes out swinging.
  
• Chad Huffman flies out to center fielder Scott Cousins.
  
• Coaching visit to mound.
  
• Brett Wallace grounds out, pitcher Sergio Escalona to shortstop Nate Spears to first baseman Logan Morrison.
  

Mesa Top 8th

• Steve Clevenger flies out to center fielder Shane Robinson.
  
• Will Rhymes singles on a line drive to center fielder Shane Robinson.
  
• Matt Young walks. Will Rhymes to 2nd.
  
• Nate Spears pops out to first baseman Bill Rhinehart on the infield fly rule.
  
• Jeremy Slayden reaches on force attempt, fielding error by second baseman Daniel Murphy. Will Rhymes to 3rd. Matt Young to 2nd.
  
• Jeff Larish singles on a ground ball to right fielder Leonard Davis. Will
  Rhymes scores. Matt Young scores. Jeremy Slayden to 2nd.
  
• Pitcher Change: Eddie Kunz replaces Greg Burke.
  
• Logan Morrison homers (4) on a fly ball to center field. Jeremy Slayden scores. Jeff Larish scores.
  
• Scott Cousins singles on a fly ball to left fielder Chad Huffman.
  
• Jason Donald strikes out swinging.
  

Peo Saguaros Bottom 8th

• Pitcher Change: Zach Simons replaces Sergio Escalona.
  
• Tyler Greene lines out to third baseman Jeff Larish.
  
• Leonard Davis singles on a sharp ground ball to first baseman Logan Morrison.
  
• Injury Delay.
  
• Bill Rhinehart pops out to third baseman Jeff Larish in foul territory.
  
• With Ian Desmond batting, passed ball by Steve Clevenger, Leonard Davis to 2nd.
  
• Leonard Davis out at 3rd, catcher Steve Clevenger to third baseman Jeff Larish.
  

Mesa Top 9th

• Steve Clevenger grounds out softly, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
  
• Will Rhymes lines out softly, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
  
• Matt Young grounds out softly to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
  

Peo Saguaros Bottom 9th

• Ian Desmond pops out to second baseman Jason Donald.
  
• Josh Thole singles on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Scott Cousins, deflected by pitcher Zach Simons.
  
• Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Jordan Danks replaces Josh Thole.
  
• Shane Robinson reaches on force attempt, fielding error by third baseman Jeff Larish. Jordan Danks to 2nd.
  
• Daniel Murphy doubles (5) on a sharp line drive to center fielder Scott
  Cousins. Jordan Danks scores. Shane Robinson to 3rd.
  

11/05/08 6:20 PM EST

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Morrison strikes again for Solar Sox
Florida prospect moves to left, homers for second straight day

By Danny Wild / MLB.com

Marlins prospect Logan Morrison homered for the second straight day and Cubs starter Jesse Estrada pitched five strong innings as the visiting Mesa Solar Sox knocked off the Phoenix Desert Dogs, 11-5, on Wednesday.

Morrison, who hit a three-run homer on Tuesday against the Peoria Saguaros, went 2-for-5 with a three-run shot in the third inning -- his fifth of the fall.

The left fielder, who is batting .448 this season, has been unstoppable lately. He has hit .522 (24-for-46) with four homers and 19 RBIs in his last 10 games.

The former 22nd-round pick, named Topps Minor Leaguer of the Year in the Florida State League on Wednesday, hit for the cycle on Oct. 30 and is in the midst of an 11-game hitting streak.

Morrison's AFL campaign has the Marlins looking down the road. With an invite to Major League camp looming in March and the club exploring options with current left fielder Josh Willingham, Morrison began his transition from first base to left field. The 20-year-old is expected to compete with John Raynor and Scott Cousins for an outfield spot this spring.

Estrada (3-0) benefited again from the Mesa offense. The 25-year-old threw 73 pitches and held the Dogs to a run on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts. The El Paso, Texas native has allowed two earned runs or fewer in five of his six AFL starts for a 3.66 ERA.

Jeff Larish doubled twice and drove in three runs and fellow Tigers prospect Will Rhymes went 3-for-5 with three runs scored for Mesa (17-8).

The Solar Sox, in second place in the AFL American Division, jumped out to a 4-0 lead by the third and tacked on five more runs in the ninth.

Rockies starter Shane Lindsay (2-1) was charged with four runs -- one earned -- on four hits and two walks with three strikeouts over three frames to suffer the loss.

Eric Young Jr. (Rockies), Evan Frey (Diamondbacks), Danny Valencia (Twins), Michael McKenry (Rockies) and Adrian Cardenas (Oakland) drove in a run apiece for Phoenix (15-10).

The Desert Dogs rallied with four runs in the bottom of the ninth before John Hester (Diamondbacks) took a called third strike to end the game.

Danny Wild is an editor for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/07/08 12:01 AM EST

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Tolleson rallies Dogs past Sox
Twins prospect delivers go-ahead two-run triple in eighth

By Steve Conley / Special to MLB.com

Twins prospect Steven Tolleson ripped a go-ahead two-run triple in the eighth inning Thursday as the Phoenix Desert Dogs overcame Tommy Hanson's 11-strikeout performance en route to a 4-2 victory over the Mesa Solar Sox.

Tolleson followed singles by Josh Donaldson (Athletics) and Eric Young Jr. (Rockies) with his first three-base hit of the fall to erase a 2-1 deficit. He scampered home on a sacrifice fly by J.P. Arencibia (Blue Jays) to cap the scoring for the National Division-leading Desert Dogs (16-10).

Tolleson, who ranks second in the Arizona Fall League with a .429 average, was an Eastern League All-Star at Double-A New Britain this season. He batted .300 with nine homers, 28 doubles and 50 RBIs in 93 games for the Rock Cats.

Danny Valencia (Twins) had two hits and Sean Doolittle (Athletics) homered for Phoenix, which has won four of its last five games.

Jared Lansford (1-0) pitched a scoreless seventh to pick up the win and fellow A's prospect Andrew Carignan worked around a hit in the ninth for his fifth save. Phoenix starter Chaz Roe (Rockies) allowed one hit while striking out seven and walking three over four shutout innings.

Hanson, a Braves prospect, yielded a run on two hits and a walk over five innings while boosting his AFL-leading strikeout total to 30 in 18 2/3 frames. He has walked four batters in five fall starts.

The 22-year-old right-hander went 11-5 with a 2.41 ERA in 25 starts between Class A Advanced Carolina and Double-A Mississippi this season. He went on to win MLB.com's MiLBY award for best Class A Advanced Single Game Performance.

Fellow Braves farmhand Kris Medlen (0-1) took the loss after giving up three runs on three hits with five strikeouts in two innings.

Jeff Larish (Tigers) homered and Matt Young (Braves) collected two hits for Mesa (17-9), which slipped one game behind the first-place Peoria Saguaros in the American Division.

Steve Conley is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

More Arizona Fall League
Thursday, November 6, 2008

Some stats from our AFL players, playing for the Mesa Solar Sox. Jeff Larish hit the spotlight in a piece on Tigers.com, trying to improve versatility so he can land on the 2009 big-league roster.

In his AFL blog, Zach Simons reports that Casper Wells must lead the league in HBP. He also says that Jeff Larish has the hot stick after a bit of a slow start. He now has 3 HR, and leads the league in RBIs. Zach himself had 5 scoreless innings after his (not so great) first outing.

Hitting:

Jeff Larish: playing 1B & 3B, 19 G, 81 AB, 21 RBI, 10 BB, 15 SO, .309 AVG, .494 SLG, .376 OBP, .870 OPS

Will Rhymes: 2B, 16 G, 71 AB, 7 RBI, 4 BB, 9 SO, .296 AVG, .310 SLG, .329 OBP, .639 OPS

Casper Wells: CF, 13 G, 42 AB, 9 RBI, 6 BB, 13 SO, .286 AVG, .452 SLG, .455 OBP, .907 OPS

Pitching

Luis Marte, 2-1, 6.00 ERA, 4 G, 12.0 IP, 4 BB, 16 SO, 1.83 WHIP

Casey Fien, 2-0, 0.84 ERA, 8 G, 10.2 IP, 0 BB, 11 SO, 0.75 WHIP--no walks, he might deserve a shot based on that alone!

Zach Simons, 0-1, 3.86 ERA, 8 G, 9.1 IP, 5 BB, 4 SO, 1.50 WHIP

Rudy Darrow, 1-0, 2.89 ERA, 8 G, 9.1 IP, 4 BB, 13 SO, 1.29 WHIP

Again, it's difficult, because this remains a small sample size, and the season ends Nov. 20, and these numbers aren't put up against current big league talent, but it's still fun to check in on these youngsters.

Posted by OldEnglish at 10:31 AM

omg go Casey!!!!!!!!

11/07/08 7:37 PM EST

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Rodriguez, Rafters edge Sox
Indians prospect ends slump with two hits, three RBIs

By Josh Jackson / Special to MLB.com

Indians infield prospect Josh Rodriguez ended an 0-for-11 slump by going 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored Friday in the Surprise Rafters' 6-4 victory over the Mesa Solar Sox.

Rodriguez, who batted .241 with seven homers, 49 RBIs and 75 runs scored in 137 games at Double-A Akron this season, put together his first multi-hit effort of the Arizona Fall League campaign.

Cleveland's second-round pick in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft began his best performance of the fall with a sacrifice fly in the second inning to forge a 2-2 tie. He snapped that deadlock with an RBI single in the fourth and drilled a leadoff double and scored in the sixth before delivering a run-scoring groundout in the seventh.

Despite his big day, the 23-year-old second baseman is hitting only .151 with seven RBIs and three runs scored in 16 AFL contests.

Lucas May (Dodgers) went 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored and Chris McConnell (Royals) collected two hits and two RBIs for the Rafters (8-19).

Justin Orenduff (2-2) evened his fall record by allowing two runs on four hits and a walk with four strikeouts over the first four innings. Fellow Dodgers prospect Travis Schlichting fanned two in a perfect ninth for his second save.

Surprise's Tyler Flowers (Braves) climbed into a three-way tie with Phoenix's Michael McKenry (Rockies) and Sean Doolittle (Athletics) for the AFL home-run lead with his seventh longball of the fall.

Jeff Larish (Tigers) ripped a run-scoring single to boost his RBI total to a league-high 26 and Jeremy Slayden extended his hitting streak to six by going 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Solar Sox (17-10).

Marlins farmhand Sean West (2-2) took the loss after allowing four runs on five hits and four walks with one strikeout over 3 1/3 innings.

Josh Jackson is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/08/08 11:52 PM EST

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Solar Sox silence Desert Dogs
Six Mesa hurlers combine on four-hitter with 15 strikeouts

By John Torenli / Special to MLB.com

Six Mesa pitchers combined on a four-hitter with 15 strikeouts Saturday as the National Division-leading Solar Sox held on for a 2-1 victory over the Phoenix Desert Dogs.

The Solar Sox (17-10), who entered the game with the top team ERA in the Arizona Fall League at 4.23, did nothing to diminish their standing.

Phillies prospect Tyson Brummett began the cavalcade of strong performances by yielding one hit and striking out three over the first two frames. Cubs farmhand Esmailin Caridad (2-1) picked up the win after giving up a hit and a walk while striking out three over two innings.

Rocky Roquet (Cubs) fanned four over two perfect frames before Zach Simons (Tigers) surrendered a solo homer to Mets prospect Dustin Martin in the sixth.

Rudy Darrow allowed one hit and struck out three in the eighth before fellow Tigers farmhand Casey Fien worked around Martin's two-out double in the ninth for his second save.

Jeff Larish (Tigers) went 2-for-4 with a solo homer, his fifth of the fall, and Lou Marson (Phillies) drilled an RBI double for Mesa.

Martin finished 3-for-4 and Sean Doolittle (Athletics) had the other hit for the Desert Dogs (17-11), who fell two games behind the American Division-leading Peoria Saguaros.

Phoenix starter Kyle Ginley (1-1) of the Blue Jays organization took the loss, surrendering two runs on five hits and a walk with two strikeouts over five innings.

John Torenli is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/10/08 6:11 PM EST

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Cain rises as Javs beat Solar Sox
Brewers prospect homers twice on perfect day at dish

By Josh Jackson / Special to MLB.com

Brewers prospect Lorenzo Cain belted two home runs and collected five RBIs on a 4-for-4 day at the plate Monday as the Peoria Javelinas outslugged the Mesa Solar Sox, 13-9.

Cain hit a two-run shot to center field in the first inning and a two-run homer to right in the ninth. The Javelinas right fielder, who averaged .279 with 11 home runs across three levels in 2008, fell a triple short of the cycle.

The 22-year-old crossed the plate three times. He lined a single in the fifth, doubled to left in the seventh and also worked a third-inning walk.

Yankees prospect Juan Miranda and Lou Palmisano (Brewers) both smacked two-run homers and Rhyne Hughes (Rays) added a solo shot. Valaika (Reds) was driven in three times by Cain.

Mariners righty Gaby Hernandez (1-4) gave up four runs on six hits, striking out two and walking two in four innings to pick up his first win in Arizona for the Javelinas (12-17).

Robert Manuel (Reds) and Omar Aguilar (Brewers) kept the Solar Sox off the scoreboard for the final two frames.

Logan Morrison (Marlins), who leads the Arizona Fall League with a .443 batting average, knocked in three runs for Mesa (18-11) to boost his fall total to 25. Phillies farmhand Jeremy Slayden had three hits, including a double, and three RBIs.

Jason Donald (Phillies) and Scott Cousins (Marlins) each had two hits, two runs and a walk, and Darwin Barney (Cubs) and Casper Wells (Tigers) added two hits apiece.

Phillies right-hander Andrew Carpenter (0-2) allowed six runs on seven hits and a pair of walks, striking out three, over four innings for the loss.

Josh Jackson is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/11/08 7:13 PM EST

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Wells, Sox rally past Javelinas
Tigers prospect homers in ninth to cap comeback win

By Danny Wild / MLB.com

Tigers prospect Casper Wells hit a three-run homer to cap a four-run go-ahead rally in the ninth inning as the Mesa Solar Sox doubled up the Peoria Javelinas, 8-4, on Tuesday.

Wells' two-out blast to left field off Ryan Reid came moments after Braves farmhand Matt Young scored the go-ahead run on a passed ball by Javelinas catcher Matt Spring (Rays). Reid (0-2), who surrendered consecutive singles to begin the frame, intentionally walked Marlins slugger Logan Morrison before serving up Wells' fourth homer of the fall.

Wells hit .269 with 27 homers and 79 RBIs in the regular season for Class A West Michigan and Double-A Erie. The 23-year-old Grand Rapids, Mich. native was an Eastern League All-Star for the SeaWolves with 53 RBIs in 75 games.

Mesa (19-11) took the lead in the first as Phillies farmhand Quintin Berry scored on a double play. Lou Marson (Phillies) hit an RBI double in the seventh, and the Solar Sox tied the game an inning later when Nate Spears (Cubs) hit a sacrifice fly and Morrison scored on Reid's wild pitch.

Braves reliever Stephen Marek (2-0) worked around a hit and a walk in the eighth to pick up the win for Mesa. Detroit's Luis Marte started and struck out three over two scoreless frames.

Peoria tied the game in the third when Yankees outfielder Juan Miranda lined an RBI single to plate Drew Stubbs (Reds). Stubbs knocked in a run with a single in the fourth and Yankees prospect Austin Jackson capped the scoring with a two-RBI double two batters later.

Reid (Rays) was charged with four runs on three hits and three walks in 1 2/3 innings for the loss. Milwaukee's Alex Periard held Mesa to a run on four hits and three walks over four innings. He struck out two for Peoria (12-18).

Danny Wild is an editor for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Welp, at least one of our prospects got a pair of hits.

11/12/08 7:31 PM EST

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Flowers, Hanson dominate Rafters
Heralded Braves prospects put on show as Mesa rolls

By John Torenli / Special to MLB.com

The Atlanta Braves got a look at their potential battery of the future Wednesday.

Catching prospect Tyler Flowers belted three homers and drove in seven runs and heralded right-hander Tommy Hanson remained unbeaten in the Arizona Fall League by tossing five strong innings as the Mesa Solar Sox rolled to a 16-4 rout of the Surprise Rafters.

Flowers, who batted .288 with 17 homers and 88 RBIs at Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach this season, was already hitting .362 with seven homers and 13 RBIs this fall before boosting those impressive numbers with the best performance of his professional career.

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound backstop lifted a sacrifice fly in the first inning, belted a solo shot in the third, connected for a two-run drive in the seventh and capped the scoring with a three-run blast in the eighth.

"It was definitely a good day," Flowers said. "I'm happy that the team came together and got the win for Tommy. They just made a couple of mistakes and I didn't miss them."

The 22-year-old Georgia native paces the circuit with 10 homers while ranking among the league leaders in RBIs (18) and batting average (.387).

"I do consider myself a power hitter," Flowers admitted. "That's my strength in baseball. That's the reason I got a chance to play. I think I'm starting to learn how to utilize it. I guess numbers-wise this is a lot more homers than I usually hit, but I feel like I'm definitely capable of doing these types of things."

"[Flowers] always hit real well," Hanson added. "He's got unreal pop, even in batting practice as well as in the games."

Hanson (4-0) is proving that his emergence as Atlanta's top pitching prospect this season was no fluke. The 22-year-old Oklahoman has yielded only two earned runs on nine hits with 39 strikeouts and five walks in 23 2/3 innings this fall.

The Braves' 22nd-round pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft leads the AFL in strikeouts and ranks second in ERA (0.76) through six starts.

On Wednesday, Hanson gave up a run on three hits and a walk while fanning nine to win his second straight outing. He went 3-1 with an 0.90 ERA in seven starts at Myrtle Beach this year with Flowers as his catcher before moving up to Double-A Mississippi.

"I love throwing to him," Hanson said of his battery mate. "We're always on the same page. It's definitely good to have him on the team. If it worked out that [we played in the Majors together], it would be real nice."

Apparently, the feeling is mutual.

"I think it's just his time to start his Major League career," Flowers said. "We joke around about [playing in the Majors together]. Obviously, there's an All-Star catcher in Atlanta right now, but Tommy jokes with me that he wants me to catch him for the rest of his career. I think [Brian] McCann will be happy to catch him."

Casper Wells (Tigers) homered twice and drove in three runs and Logan Morrison (Marlins) improved his AFL-best average to .448 by going 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs for the Solar Sox (20-11).

Dodgers farmhand Andrew Lambo homered and drove in three runs for the Rafters (9-22).

Rangers right-hander Willie Eyre (0-3) remained winless in seven starts for Surprise, surrendering eight runs -- seven earned -- on nine hits and a walk with three strikeouts over 3 2/3 frames.

John Torenli is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Maybe this Wells kid can help us in the upcoming years.

11/13/08 6:33 PM EST

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Wells strikes again for Sox
Tigers prospect homers in fourth straight game to beat Surprise

By Danny Wild / MLB.com

Tigers prospect Casper Wells homered for the fourth straight day to power the visiting Mesa Solar Sox past the Surprise Rafters, 8-2, on Thursday.

Wells' two-run shot in the first inning off Dodgers farmhand Justin Orenduff was his fifth homer in four days for Mesa (21-11). The 23-year-old first baseman, who went deep twice Wednesday, has six homers and 17 RBIs in his last 10 games.

"I feel comfortable, I'm seeing the ball and just trying to just attack," Wells said. "I'm looking for fastballs and reacting off everything else."

Wells credited his coach, Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, for his new, aggressive approach at the plate.

"I've been working with Sandberg in the cages, and he's getting me to hack and be aggressive in the zone," Wells said. "It's been something to work on, just being aggressive in the zone.

"I'm working on staying on top of the ball, whenever I'm in BP or the cages, staying on top of the ball," Wells added. "And when I'm up in a game situation, I'm trying to attack the ball and look for it in my spot."

The Grand Rapids, Mich. native put up solid numbers in the regular season, finishing with 27 homers and 79 RBIs between Class A West Michigan and Double-A Erie. He homered on consecutive days six times during the year, most recently from Aug. 23-24, and reeled off another big week earlier that month when he launched five long balls in five days for the SeaWolves.

"They've come in bunches, and I feel comfortable," he said. "It's about just getting that confidence back. You hit a home run and feel confident, you have that comfort level. It helps keep you relaxed up there."

Wells' latest homer highlighted an otherwise pedestrian day at the plate as he went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts to drop his AFL average to .323.

"They gave me some offspeed stuff, I was chasing it, definitely," he said. "Being aggressive took a toll on me, but it's OK, it happens now and then."

Braves prospect Matt Young and Marlins outfielder Scott Cousins also homered and drove in two runs apiece for the Solar Sox.

"It's been a great experience, this is a great team and it helps we're doing well and winning," Wells said. "I can't say much more, I just wish I could play on a team like this all season."

Former Cubs 31st-round pick Jesse Estrada (4-0) remained undefeated for Mesa, holding the last-place Rafters to a run on two hits and five walks over 4 2/3 innings. He struck out one.

Zach Simons (Tigers) and Cubs reliever Donald Veal and Esmailin Caridad pieced together 3 1/3 hitless frames to keep the two-hitter alive, but Rudy Darrow (Tigers) surrendered a run on two hits in the ninth for the Sox.

Orenduff (2-3) started for Surprise and was charged with four runs -- three earned -- on five hits over four innings. He struck out five and did not walk a batter.

Danny Wild is an editor for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/14/08 7:35 PM EST

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Spears, Solar Sox pound Dogs
Cubs prospect doubles twice, drives in four for first-place Mesa

By Josh Jackson / Special to MLB.com

Cubs prospect Nate Spears went 3-for-5 with two doubles, four RBIs and three runs scored Friday as the Mesa Solar Sox topped the Phoenix Desert Dogs, 15-7, for their fourth win in a row.

Spears, who hit .299 with seven homers, 23 doubles and 52 RBIs in 120 games between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa this season, singled and scored in the first inning, drilled a two-run double in the second, walked in the fourth and doubled home another pair in the fifth.

Despite grounding out in his final two at-bats, the 23-year-old shortstop boosted his Arizona Fall League average to .329 with five doubles and 15 RBIs in 19 games.

Phillies farmhand Jason Donald fell a triple shy of the cycle and drove in three runs and Braves prospects Tyler Flowers and Van Pope also homered for the Solar Sox (22-11), who moved a half-game in front of the Peoria Saguaros for first place in the American Division.

Flowers, who had three homers and seven RBIs in Wednesday's 16-4 rout of the Surprise Rafters, paces the circuit with 11 roundtrippers.

Mesa's Jeff Larish (Tigers) drew a bases-loaded walk in the opening frame to tie teammate Logan Morrison (Marlins) for the AFL lead with 28 RBIs.

Marlins left-hander Sean West (3-2) allowed three hits and a walk with five strikeouts over five scoreless innings for the win.

Blue Jays prospect Ryan Patterson went 2-for-3 with a homer, three RBIs and two runs scored for the National Division-leading Desert Dogs (18-13).

J.P. Arencibia (Blue Jays), Evan Frey (Diamondbacks) and John Hester (Diamondbacks) collected two hits apiece for Phoenix.

Rockies right-hander Chaz Roe (1-3) was tagged for 10 runs -- nine earned -- on seven hits and four walks with one strikeout over four innings to take the loss.

Josh Jackson is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Wow! We need this kid on the major level someday.

We better not trade him.

11/15/08 11:42 PM EST

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Carpenter helps Sox keep pace
Phils right-hander pitches Mesa back into first-place tie

By Steven Conley / Special to MLB.com

Andrew Carpenter and four relievers combined on a three-hitter Saturday as the Mesa Solar Sox beat the National Division champion Phoenix Desert Dogs, 8-1, for their fifth straight win.

Carpenter (1-2), who went 9-12 with a 4.59 ERA in 25 starts at three levels this season, allowed a run on two hits and a walk with five strikeouts over five innings for his first win in seven Arizona Fall League starts.

Tyson Brummett (Phillies) and Deunte Heath (Braves) each tossed a perfect frame, Stephen Marek walked one in a scoreless eighth and fellow Braves farmhand Kris Medlen worked around a single in the ninth to close it out for the Solar Sox (23-11), who pulled back into a first-place tie with the Peoria Saguaros in the American Division.

Scott Cousins (Marlins) went 2-for-4 with his fifth fall homer, three RBIs and two runs scored and Casper Wells (Tigers) ripped a two-run double for Mesa.

Wells, who had homered in each of his previous four games, has at least two RBIs in five straight contests.

Diamondbacks farmhand Brooks Brown (2-3) took the loss after giving up three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings.

Evan Frey (Diamondbacks) doubled and scored and Michael McKenry (Rockies) singled for Phoenix (18-14), which dropped its second straight.

Steve Conley is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/17/08 6:37 PM EST

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Hanson, Flowers remain hot in AFL
Braves duo both making strides, drawing attention with success

By Danny Wild / MLB.com

If Braves prospect Tommy Hanson is trying to stay under the radar in Arizona, it's about the only thing he's struggling with.

Hanson (5-0) struck out 10 and held the visiting Peoria Javelinas to one hit over five innings and fellow Atlanta prospect Tyler Flowers homered again as the Mesa Solar Sox earned a 13-6 win on Monday.

Another big performance by Hanson is the sidebar to what's been a busy week for the 22-year-old. He's struck out 30 batters in his last three starts amidst growing rumors that he'd be traded to San Diego for Padres ace Jake Peavy.

"I've heard about that from a few different guys, but it's nothing I can worry about, I have no control over it," said Hanson.

Coming off a stellar 2008 season -- he finished 11-5 with a 2.41 ERA at two levels -- Hanson has generated even more attention in the Arizona Fall League. The Padres reportedly asked for him in a potential deal for Peavy, and the Braves ended discussions.

For now, it seems Hanson will remain with Atlanta. And he's fine with that.

"If I would have been traded, it would have been fine, but I want to stay with the Braves," Hanson said. "I'm glad they didn't want to trade me. I spoke to some people that told me that was the plan, so it makes me feel good. I'm happy with it being the way it is and staying with the Braves."

Braves fans may be glad the club is serious about hanging on to their top young arm. Hanson leads the AFL in wins, ERA (0.63) and 49 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings. He said he's hoping to make the jump from Double-A to Atlanta next season, perhaps out of Spring Training.

"I'm trying to finish strong out here and I'll think about it all in the offseason," said Hanson of his goals for 2009. "I'll plan on going to Spring Training and competing for a spot in the [Braves] rotation, and if not there then at Triple-A. Either way I'll be happy to compete."

Hanson and Flowers have quickly climbed the Braves' list of prospects heading into camp. Flowers, who spent the regular season behind the plate at Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach, hit his 12th homer of the fall season, bringing him within two of tying the league's all-time record.

"You can see in batting practice, he hits the crap out of the ball," Hanson said of Flowers. "He has unreal pop. What's impressed me the most is how smart he is. He has all the tools at the plate and he's a smart player."

Flowers shifted the praise to his teammate.

"Tommy is pretty easy to catch to be honest," Flowers laughed. "I just stay on him when he'll leave a couple up on the zone. But other than that, I kind of approach it the way I'd approach it myself, if someone was facing me. I think that helps with certain hitters -- the more you catch, the more you understand some guys, so it makes it easier."

"It's definitely good having him catch me," Hanson added. "And it's fun to watch him hit those bombs."

Flowers, batting third and hitting .394, went 3-for-4 with a three-run shot in the fifth inning, bringing him within striking distance of Brandon Wood's 2005 AFL record of 14 for Surprise. He's homered in three straight games and has five long balls in his last three starts, highlighted by a three-homer, seven-RBI effort Nov. 12.

"There's no secret, I'm just seeing some good pitches and hitting them well," said Flowers. "I'm definitely confident and hopefully that'll carry over into the next season. Everything is going great."

Flowers has seven homers and 14 RBIs in his last 10 games for Mesa. It must be the Arizona air, he thinks.

"It's weird, I feel good at the plate. At the same time, most of the balls are line drives, and some I'm barely getting under," he said. "The ball carries a little different out here. Back in Myrtle Beach, with the ocean and the wind, it was different. So hopefully this carries over and into the future."

Home runs aside, Flowers said he's actually been concerned more with his defensive skills.

"I just wanted to make a priority of catching and working on my defense," he said. "Throwing, getting used to hard, quality pitching. I think my defense is my weak point, compared to my offense. But I'm pushing myself defensively, and I'm happy with the progress I've made this season."

Flowers' path to Atlana may not be as quick as Hanson's, and he's aware of the challenges ahead.

"Ultimately I'd like to end up in the big leagues at some point. But I know how it works, that's part of the gig," he said. "We have a couple good catchers in front of me. So if I get an opportunity, great."

Hanson threw 53 of his 79 pitches for strikes Monday and said he felt relaxed all afternoon. He's done in the AFL unless Mesa reaches the championship game.

"I feel good, I feel like I came out and did what I wanted to do," he said. "I've worked on my changeup and staying consistent, and I feel like I did that. Coming out here was a great thing for me."

With his second 10-strikeout effort in three starts, Hanson admitted he wanted to keep going.

"I always want to stay in, but there are pitch counts," he said. "Everything was working well. I felt good with all my pitches, so it was another good game.

"I felt good with my fastball, and my curve and slider were pretty good today," he added. "I threw some good changeups, so I was happy. I feel like I came a long way, I feel confident to throw anything when I'm behind in the count and need to."

Scott Cousins (Marlins) tripled and drove in four runs and Van Pope (Braves) hit a grand slam in the fourth. Cubs prospect Nate Spears added a two-run homer in the first for the Solar Sox (24-11).

Yankees prospect Juan Miranda led Peoria with a pair of homers and five RBIs. Drew Stubbs (Reds) added a solo homer.

Milwaukee's Alex Periard (0-3) allowed six runs on eight hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings to suffer the loss for the Javelinas (14-21).

Danny Wild is an editor for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/18/08 6:51 PM EST

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Marson keeps Mesa in race
Phillies prospect drives in four as Sox fight for playoffs

By Danny Wild / MLB.com

Lou Marson drove in four runs and fellow Phillies prospect Jason Donald homered as the visiting Mesa Solar Sox knocked off the Peoria Javelinas, 10-4, on Tuesday to remain in a tie for first place.

Marson lined an RBI single in the second inning, hit a two-run double in the eighth and drew a bases-loaded walk in the ninth. He's 9-for-29 (.310) with 10 RBIs and nine runs scored in his last 10 games for Mesa (25-11).

The Solar Sox will meet up with their Arizona Fall League American Division rivals, the Peoria Saguaros, on Wednesday for a tiebreaker to determine which club advances to the league's championship game Saturday. The teams have split their six games this season and will secure a spot in the final with the win.

Donald, batting .414, hit a two-out solo homer in the first, his fifth. Cubs catcher Steve Clevenger went 2-for-3 with an RBI and Marlins prospect Logan Morrison, batting .417, drove in a run for Mesa.

Phillies reliever Sergio Escalona (1-0) struck out one of the two batters he faced in the seventh to pick up his first win.

Luis Marte (Tigers) started for the Solar Sox and allowed an unearned run on three hits and a walk over 3 1/3 innings.

Rays prospect Chris Mason (0-1) gave up a run on one hit over 1 1/3 innings to take the loss for Peoria (14-22). Reds starter Pedro Viola was charged with three runs on five hits and a pair of walks over four innings. He struck out four.

Yankees prospects Kevin Russo and Austin Jackson each knocked in a run and Rays outfielder J.T. Hall added a sacrifice fly to score Rangers farmhand Justin Smoak in the fourth for the Javelinas.

Danny Wild is an editor for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

(Larish went 2 for 5 with a .317 batting ave! And Fien pitched a hitless 9th with 2 K's and an 1.84 ERA!)

1 game left, Mesa has won 8 in a row, and they are 9-1 in their last 10 games!

AFL American
	CLUB_NAME--	W---	L---	PCT---	GB---	HOME---	AWAY--	L10----	Streak
	Mesa	26	11	.703	-	11-7	15-4	9-1	W8
	Peo Saguaros	25	12	.676	1.0	14-5	11-7	6-4	L1
	Scottsdale	13	21	.382	11.5	8-8	5-13	5-5	W1

AFL National
	CLUB_NAME--	W---	L---	PCT---	GB---	HOME---	AWAY--	L10----	Streak
#	Phoenix	18	17	.514	-	12-7	6-10	3-7	L5
	Peo Javelinas	14	22	.389	4.5	8-10	6-12	3-7	L3
	Surprise	12	25	.324	7.0	6-12	6-13	4-6	W1

11/19/08 6:49 PM EST

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Slayden, Mesa headed to championship
Phillies prospect slugs pinch-hit grand slam to beat Saguaros

By Danny Wild / MLB.com

Jeremy Slayden did his best to stay calm in the dugout for eight innings, watching his teammates struggle for a shot to play in the championship game.

"You could feel the tension in the air," Mesa Solar Sox manager Rocket Wheeler said. "It was a close ballgame, and I told Jeremy, 'Get a bat, start thinking about hitting.' And sure enough, he came in with the bases loaded."

Slayden stepped to the plate in the eighth, took a few pitches and -- just as Wheeler drew it up -- slugged a pinch-hit, go-ahead grand slam on a 1-2 pitch en route to the Solar Sox's 7-4 win Wednesday to seal a spot in the Arizona Fall League championship game.

"I told him to be ready, there's a chance to pinch hit," said Wheeler. "And he came through big."

Slayden's slam was the difference in the tiebreaker to determine who would advance to Saturday's title contest against the Phoenix Desert Dogs.

"It felt great," Slayden said. "The main thing was to stay calm. I hadn't had any swings up to that point, so I wanted to stay loose and get ready."

Mets prospect Eddie Kunz was on the mound, a right-hander who worked his way up from Double-A to Shea this summer.

"I took a jog, grabbed my bat, took a couple swings and sure enough, we got some guys on, got the bases loaded and [Wheeler] pointed to me and said, 'Hey, you're in,'" Slayden said. "I took a couple practice swings, stepped into the box and the first pitch he threw one right down the middle. It was a great pitch to hit and I was kind of worried I'd taken it. I fouled off another for an 0-2 count and I knew I had to see the ball up."

Kunz, fresh off a scoreless outing against Scottsdale on Saturday, tried to lure Slayden out of the strike zone with a ball in the dirt and end the threat.

"He threw a slider, but I laid off it. The next pitch, it was a fastball down the middle, and I wasn't trying to do too much with it," Slayden said. "I just got the barrel on the ball."

Slayden's third home run landed deep over the right-center field wall, setting a date with the Desert Dogs this weekend.

"This has been a blast for me, no pun intended," Wheeler laughed. "This group of kids ... they come together, they have fun, they have a good time. That's all I ask -- hit the ball, run hard, play your defense hard -- and that's what they've done."

Mesa leads the fall league in batting average (.329), homers (51), RBIs (284) total bases (713), runs (303), hits (436) and slugging percentage (.539). "Everyone has done so well," said Slayden, who is batting .300 with 27 RBIs in 25 games. "I've had an OK fall, but I haven't played as well as I wanted to. I was telling myself, I need to change it right here. It was a nice feeling to do that for the team."

"These kids have been loose and played hard all fall, and I tip my hat off to them," Wheeler added.

Mesa (26-11) and Peoria (25-12) had split their six games this season coming into Wednesday's win-and-clinch tiebreaker.

"We all knew this was the biggest game of the fall," said Slayden, a Georgia Tech product who spent the summer with Double-A Reading. "We felt they'd been our best competition all year. We knew it was going to be a fun game. I knew I wasn't going to play, but I went in early and hit some BP with [hitting coach] Ryne Sandberg. I knew I could get in today."

Wheeler said he'd written up his lineup last week and left Slayden out of it. The pinch-hit appearance was somewhat planned, however.

"We mentally prepared for this, we were ready to win," Slayden said. "As far as extra pressure, I think we've been relaxed the whole season."

Wheeler, who managed the Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach Pelicans to a division title in the regular season, said his team understood the task.

"I think you could feel a little pressure, the intensity of the game -- there's something about every play," he said. "They went out got the job done, they did a good job.

Cubs starter Jesse Estrada allowed four runs on five hits and a pair of walks over four innings for Mesa. Aaron Thompson (Marlins) hurled a pair of scoreless innings before Braves reliever Kris Medlen (1-1) struck out five over three perfect frames for the win.

"Estrada held them, Thompson came in and did his job and Medlen closed it out, so it was a good afternoon," said Wheeler.

Peoria took an early lead when Cardinals prospect Brett Wallace slugged his sixth homer in the first. Nationals farmhand Bill Rhinehart added a two-run homer in the third and Shane Robinson (Cardinals) capped the frame with a sacrifice fly.

Jeff Larish (Tigers) homered in the second, and the Solar Sox added a couple more in the third as Tyler Flowers hit an RBI single and Logan Morrison scored on fellow Marlins prospect Scott Cousins' double play.

Cardinals reliever Justin Fiske (0-2) was charged with two runs on one hit and a walk to suffer the loss. He did not record an out.

Mesa will hand the ball over to the fall league's hottest pitcher, Braves hurler Tommy Hanson (5-0, 0.63), in the championship game Saturday morning.

"He's had a heck of a fall league here, he's pitched extremely well," Wheeler said.

"We have a whole lot of confidence, especially in him," Slayden said. "He's done a great job for us every game. We've put up some serious runs this fall and we feel good about it."

Danny Wild is an editor for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

November 20, 2008

Scottsdale Top 1st (0-0)

* Kevin Frandsen grounds out, third baseman Van Pope to first baseman Steve Clevenger.
* Brian Bogusevic strikes out swinging.
* Chris Pettit singles on a line drive to center fielder Scott Cousins.
* Mark Trumbo grounds into a force out, shortstop Darwin Barney to second baseman Nate Spears. Chris Pettit out at 2nd.


Mesa Bottom 1st (0-1)

* Quintin Berry strikes out on foul tip.
* Will Rhymes lines out to center fielder Brian Bogusevic.
* Nate Spears homers (2) on a fly ball to right field.
* Steve Clevenger grounds out, second baseman Ryan Rohlinger to first baseman Mark Trumbo.


Scottsdale Top 2nd (0-1)

* Chris Johnson strikes out swinging.
* Ryan Rohlinger singles on a ground ball to right fielder Quintin Berry.
* Mark Wagner flies out to center fielder Scott Cousins.
* Josh Reddick flies out to right fielder Quintin Berry.


Mesa Bottom 2nd (0-1)

* Scott Cousins flies out to left fielder Chris Pettit.
* Jeremy Slayden strikes out swinging.
* Van Pope grounds out, pitcher Kevin Pucetas to second baseman Ryan Rohlinger to first baseman Mark Trumbo.


Scottsdale Top 3rd (0-4)

* Jamie Romak flies out to center fielder Scott Cousins.
* Kevin Frandsen walks.
* Brian Bogusevic homers (1) on a fly ball to right field. Kevin Frandsen scores.
* Chris Pettit singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jeremy Slayden.
* With Mark Trumbo batting, Chris Pettit steals (8) 2nd base.
* Mark Trumbo strikes out swinging.
* Chris Johnson doubles (9) on a fly ball to left fielder Jeremy Slayden. Chris Pettit scores.
* Ryan Rohlinger flies out to right fielder Quintin Berry.


Mesa Bottom 3rd (3-4)

* Lou Marson grounds out, shortstop Kevin Frandsen to first baseman Mark Trumbo.
* Darwin Barney homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.
* Quintin Berry singles on a soft line drive to right fielder Josh Reddick.
* Will Rhymes homers (1) on a fly ball to right field. Quintin Berry scores.
* Nate Spears grounds out, second baseman Ryan Rohlinger to first baseman Mark Trumbo.
* Steve Clevenger called out on strikes.


Scottsdale Top 4th (7-4)

* Mark Wagner homers (4) on a fly ball to left field.
* Josh Reddick lines out sharply to second baseman Nate Spears.
* Jamie Romak doubles (4) on a line drive to left fielder Jeremy Slayden.
* Kevin Frandsen pops out to second baseman Nate Spears.
* Brian Bogusevic hit by pitch.
* Chris Pettit singles on a fly ball to right fielder Quintin Berry. Jamie Romak scores. Brian Bogusevic to 3rd.
* Coaching visit to mound.
* Mark Trumbo doubles (7) on a line drive to center fielder Scott Cousins. Brian Bogusevic scores. Chris Pettit scores.
* Coaching visit to mound.
* Pitcher Change: Todd Doolittle replaces Sean West.
* Chris Johnson grounds out, shortstop Darwin Barney to first baseman Steve Clevenger.


Mesa Bottom 4th (7-5)

* Scott Cousins homers (6) on a fly ball to left center field.
* Jeremy Slayden strikes out on foul tip.
* Van Pope grounds out, shortstop Kevin Frandsen to first baseman Mark Trumbo.
* Lou Marson triples (2) on a fly ball to right fielder Josh Reddick.
* Darwin Barney lines out to right fielder Josh Reddick.


Scottsdale Top 5th (7-5)

* Ryan Rohlinger singles on a ground ball to center fielder Scott Cousins.
* Mark Wagner flies out to center fielder Scott Cousins.
* Josh Reddick strikes out swinging.
* Jamie Romak walks. Ryan Rohlinger to 2nd.
* Kevin Frandsen grounds into a force out, shortstop Darwin Barney to second baseman Nate Spears. Jamie Romak out at 2nd.


Mesa Bottom 5th (7-7)

* Pitcher Change: Michael Crotta replaces Kevin Pucetas.
* Quintin Berry grounds out, second baseman Ryan Rohlinger to first baseman Mark Trumbo.
* Will Rhymes singles on a ground ball to shortstop Kevin Frandsen.
* Nate Spears singles on a ground ball to right fielder Josh Reddick. Will Rhymes to 2nd.
* Steve Clevenger singles on a ground ball to left fielder Chris Pettit. Will Rhymes out at home on the throw, left fielder Chris Pettit to catcher Mark Wagner. Nate Spears to 2nd.
* Scott Cousins triples (4) on a ground ball to right fielder Josh Reddick. Nate Spears scores. Steve Clevenger scores.
* Jeremy Slayden grounds out to first baseman Mark Trumbo.


Scottsdale Top 6th (9-7)

* Pitcher Change: Tyson Brummett replaces Todd Doolittle.
* Brian Bogusevic doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Jeremy Slayden.
* With Chris Pettit batting, wild pitch by Tyson Brummett, Brian Bogusevic to 3rd.
* Chris Pettit homers (4) on a fly ball to left field. Brian Bogusevic scores.
* Mark Trumbo grounds out, shortstop Darwin Barney to first baseman Steve Clevenger.
* Chris Johnson strikes out swinging.
* Ryan Rohlinger called out on strikes.


Mesa Bottom 6th (9-7)

* Van Pope grounds out, shortstop Kevin Frandsen to first baseman Mark Trumbo.
* Lou Marson grounds out, shortstop Kevin Frandsen to first baseman Mark Trumbo.
* Darwin Barney grounds out, third baseman Chris Johnson to first baseman Mark Trumbo.


Scottsdale Top 7th (9-7)

* Defensive Substitution: Casper Wells replaces first baseman Steve Clevenger, batting 4th, playing first base.
* Pitcher Change: Deunte Heath replaces Tyson Brummett.
* Mark Wagner pops out to second baseman Nate Spears.
* Josh Reddick pops out to third baseman Van Pope.
* Jamie Romak doubles (5) on a line drive to left fielder Jeremy Slayden.
* Kevin Frandsen flies out to center fielder Scott Cousins.


Mesa Bottom 7th (9-9)

* Pitcher Change: T. J. Large replaces Michael Crotta.
* Quintin Berry called out on strikes.
* Will Rhymes flies out to center fielder Brian Bogusevic.
* Nate Spears singles on a ground ball to right fielder Josh Reddick, deflected by second baseman Ryan Rohlinger.
* With Casper Wells batting, Nate Spears steals (4) 2nd base.
* Casper Wells homers (8) on a fly ball to left center field. Nate Spears scores.
* Scott Cousins strikes out swinging.


Scottsdale Top 8th (9-9)

* Pitcher Change: Donald Veal replaces Deunte Heath.
* Brian Bogusevic walks.
* Chris Pettit grounds into a force out, fielded by second baseman Nate Spears. Brian Bogusevic out at 2nd. Chris Pettit to 1st.
* Mark Trumbo grounds into double play, third baseman Van Pope to second baseman Nate Spears to first baseman Casper Wells. Chris Pettit out at 2nd.


Mesa Bottom 8th (9-9)

* Pitcher Change: David Herndon replaces T. J. Large.
* Jeremy Slayden grounds out, shortstop Kevin Frandsen to first baseman Mark Trumbo.
* Van Pope grounds out, third baseman Chris Johnson to first baseman Mark Trumbo.
* Lou Marson triples (3) on a line drive to right fielder Josh Reddick.
* Darwin Barney grounds out, shortstop Kevin Frandsen to first baseman Mark Trumbo.


Scottsdale Top 9th (9-9)

* Pitcher Change: Stephen Marek replaces Donald Veal.
* Chris Johnson lines out to first baseman Casper Wells.
* Ryan Rohlinger called out on strikes.
* Mark Wagner pops out to second baseman Nate Spears.


Mesa Bottom 9th (9-9)

* Pitcher Change: Alex Hinshaw replaces David Herndon.
* Quintin Berry strikes out swinging.
* Will Rhymes strikes out swinging.
* Nate Spears strikes out swinging.


Scottsdale Top 10th (10-9)

* Pitcher Change: Tim Wood replaces Stephen Marek.
* Josh Reddick homers (5) on a fly ball to right field.
* Jamie Romak flies out to right fielder Quintin Berry.
* Kevin Frandsen grounds out, pitcher Tim Wood to first baseman Casper Wells.
* Brian Bogusevic reaches on throwing error by shortstop Darwin Barney.
* Chris Pettit grounds out, shortstop Darwin Barney to first baseman Casper Wells.


Mesa Bottom 10th (10-9)

* Pitcher Change: Derek Hankins replaces Alex Hinshaw.
* Casper Wells flies out to center fielder Brian Bogusevic.
* Scott Cousins grounds out, pitcher Derek Hankins to first baseman Mark Trumbo.
* Jeremy Slayden flies out to right fielder Josh Reddick.

Scottsdale wins 10-9 after 10 innings

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME MESA @ Phoenix TODAY NOV 22, 2008 watched live on MLB.TV at 2:30 p.m. ET.

GO MESA SOLAR SOX


11/21/08 1:14 PM EST
Democracy, dynasty in AFL title game
Mesa, Phoenix to play Saturday in fall league's championship

By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com

MESA, Ariz. -- There's been a lot of talk around the country recently about democracy and the power it wields. It may have been present in its purest form in the Mesa Solar Sox clubhouse.

Mesa didn't clinch its spot in Saturday's Arizona Fall League Championship Game until Wednesday afternoon, but manager Rocket Wheeler and his coaching staff decided to plan in advance. This was nothing new as Wheeler posted his lineups a week in advance so players would know when and if they were playing.

But this time Wheeler, along with hitting coach Ryne Sandberg and pitching coach Ray Burriss, decided to open up the process. Each member of the Solar Sox was asked to write out what they thought should be the lineup in the championship. Wheeler counted the votes and that's who's playing on Saturday at Scottsdale Stadium against the Phoenix Desert Dogs, a game which can be watched live on MLB.TV at 2:30 p.m. ET. Not surprisingly, with the way the Solar Sox gelled this season, there was a pretty good consensus.

Starting Lineups
Mesa			Phoenix
1.	Matt Young (ATL)	LF	1.	Eric Young Jr. (COL)	CF
2.	Jason Donald (PHI)	SS	2.	S. Tolleson (MIN)	SS
3.	L. Morrison (FLA)	DH	3.	J.P. Arencibia (TOR)	C
4.	Jeff Larish (DET)	1B	4.	Mike McKenry (COL)	DH
5.	T. Flowers (ATL)	C	5.	J. Donaldson (OAK)	1B
6.	S. Cousins (FLA)	CF	6.	Dustin Martin (MIN)	LF
7.	C. Wells (DET)	RF	7.	Chris Nelson (COL)	2B
8.	Van Pope (ATL)	3B	8.	D. Valencia (MIN)	3B
9.	Will Rhymes (DET)	2B	9.	Evan Frey (ARI)	RF
	T. Hanson (ATL)	P		Jeff Manship (MIN)	P

"We've been a team all year," Wheeler explained. "I talked it over with Ryne and Ray and we decided to let guys vote on Monday and I went off the tally. It was pretty good."

There was certainly unanimity with who should get the ball. Everyone penciled in Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson, he of the 5-0 record, 0.63 ERA, .105 batting average against and 49 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings.

"We set that up last week," Wheeler said. "We knew that if he threw Monday he'd be able to pitch again on Saturday.

"He was well-deserving to start the game. He's pretty much dominated the league. He's been the talk of the league. When I talk to other managers they say the same thing we have, 'Wow.'"

"It's definitely an honor to get to throw in the championship game, especially for this team," Hanson said. "Hopefully, I'll do what I've been doing during the whole fall and give us a chance to win a ring."

If they do, it'll be the first time in five years the Desert Dogs haven't been fitted for them. Phoenix, despite having different personnel and different organizations every year, has won four straight AFL championships.

"Any time you three-peat, it's tough," Desert Dogs manager Stan Cliburn said. "Having the chance to go for five consecutive Arizona Fall League titles, it's unprecented. I take a lot of pride in that. It was a goal to keep that tradition going. We're half-way there. Hopefully tomorrow, we'll just finish it off."

Twins prospect Jeff Manship (2-1, 5.01 ERA) will get the start to try and help the Dogs go for No. five. The key, as it's been all season for the Desert Dogs, will be what Eric Young Jr. can do on the basepaths. The MVP candidate led the league with his .430 average, 20 stolen bases and a .504 on-base percentage. However, they will have to do it without cleanup hitter Sean Doolittle, who will not be with the team due to prior commitments.

"It's a situation we had no control over," Cliburn said. "We have to get through it. When you come down to this game, no excuses. Go with the best you got and the best team will win." Doolittle or no, it's clear the Solar Sox are well aware of what Young and the Desert Dogs offense can do.

"They have EY leading off," Wheeler said. "We have to keep him off the bases, he's their table-setter. They've got some bats in their lineup. They wouldn't have won their division if they didn't. It's going to be a great game and it's going to be fun."

"They've got some speed at the top of the lineup," Hanson echoed. "They've got some guys who can run and guys who can swing the bat, like Arencibia and Doolittle. They're in the final game because they're good, too."

Young, for his part, can't wait to try and disrupt the Fall League's best pitcher and give Phoenix one more championship. It might be mid-November and everyone is ready to go home, but for one day, there's no question that everyone will be all business.

"It's always a great time when you play in a championship game," Young said. "Both teams are going to be pumped up to play. There will be more fans in the stands and that brings more excitement.

With what Tommy Hanson's brought to the table this fall and in the Minors, he's a real good pitcher. You have to bring your A game. If you can't get pumped up for that, you don't need to be in this business."

Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Bottom of the 6th, Mesa is leading 4-1 in the championship game.

Larish - singles in the 2nd, then out on a dp.
- 2 RBI homer in 4th inning.
- grounds into force out in 5th

Wells - RBI double in 2nd
- singles in 4th
- pops out in 6th

Rhymes - flies out in 3rd inning.
- flies out in 4th inning
- RBI single in 6th

top of 7th - Phoenix leading 6-4