Presented this week is the first of two columns looking at what's in store for the prospects of the Arizona Fall League.

2008 Arizona Fall League Wrapup (All ages as of Opening Day 2009)

Mesa Solar Sox

Andrew Carpenter - RHP Phillies - DOB: 05/18/85
3-3, 2.92 ERA, 44 H, 32/9 K/BB in 52 1/3 IP (A+ Clearwater)
6-8, 5.67 ERA, 114 H, 69/30 K/BB in 93 2/3 IP (AA Reading)
0-1, 2.57 ERA, 6 H, 5/3 K/BB in 7 IP (AAA Lehigh Valley)
0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 H, 1/1 K/BB in 1 IP (Philadelphia)
1-2, 5.88 ERA, 29 H, 21/9 K/BB in 26 IP (AFL)

The Phillies believed Carpenter might jump from Double-A to the majors last season after he went 17-6 with a 3.20 ERA for Single-A Clearwater in 2007, and, technically, that's what he did. However, he ended the minor league season 9-12 with a 4.59 ERA at three levels, with most of his success coming back at Clearwater, and his stint in the majors lasted all of one inning. Sort of a poor man's Joe Blanton, Carpenter mixes his pitches well, but he has a fairly mediocre arsenal. His fastball generally rests in the 89-91 mph range, and his slider is his best secondary pitch. If his splitter becomes more of a strikeout pitch, he could have a future as a No. 4 starter. He'll likely open a second straight season at Double-A Reading in 2009.

Scott Cousins - OF Marlins - DOB: 01/22/85
.000/.000/.000, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 5/0 K/BB, 0 SB in 6 AB (R GCL Marlins)
.304/.370/.513, 9 HR, 29 RBI, 47/20 K/BB, 11 SB in 191 AB (A+ Jupiter)
.264/.350/.396, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 28/10 K/BB, 4 SB in 91 AB (AA Carolina)
.297/.385/.624, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 28/14 K/BB, 3 SB in 101 AB (AFL)

Cousins was quite raw for a college player coming out of the University of San Francisco in 2006, but he has tools aplenty and he's put up decent numbers so far. The Marlins challenged him for the first time by sending him to the AFL, and he responded by leading the league with 33 RBI. He also displayed an above average walk rate for the first time. Cousins is a true right fielder with an outstanding arm, and he might yet develop 25-homer power. He's probably not ever going to hit for remarkable averages. The impressive showing in Arizona opens up the possibility that he'll log some major league time next year, though he's still due to start off in Double-A. Since he is entering his age-24 season and he has a big-time power hitter behind him in Mike Stanton, he can't afford any off years.

Jason Donald - SS Phillies - DOB: 09/04/84
.307/.391/.497, 14 HR, 54 RBI, 86/47 K/BB, 11 SB in 362 AB (AA Reading)
.407/.476/.747, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 25/11 K/BB, 1 SB in 91 AB (AFL)

A fine player as a three-year starter at Arizona, Donald nonetheless lasted into the third round of the 2006 draft because of a lack of power. The scouting community still wasn't taking him particularly seriously after he hit .304/.395/.473 for two A-ball teams in his first full pro season, with Baseball America ranking him 15th in a shallow Philadelphia farm system. Donald, though, has never done anything to justify being saddled with a utilityman tag. He posted an 889 OPS in his first year in Double-A and was Team USA's best player in the Olympics, going 8-for-21 with a homer and five walks. He then went and finished second in the AFL in both average and OPS. Donald is still a full-time shortstop at the moment, but he projects best at second base. Of course, he's blocked at both positions in Philly, but he could do just fine as a replacement in the early going if Chase Utley's hip surgery sidelines him. In a best-case scenario, he'd do so well there that the Phillies would have no choice but to try him as their regular third baseman later on. Given 500 at-bats, he could hit .270 with 15-18 homers and 75 RBI. However, he's probably destined to spend most of the year in Triple-A.

Casey Fien - RHP Tigers - DOB: 10/21/83
3-3, 12 Sv, 2.96 ERA, 38 H, 42/12 K/BB in 45 2/3 IP (AA Erie)
2-0, 1 Sv, 2.40 ERA, 14 H, 17/4 K/BB in 15 IP (AAA Toledo)
2-0, 2 Sv, 1.84 ERA, 13 H, 15/0 K/BB in 14 2/3 IP (AFL)

Fien never got the call last year while the Tigers were dealing with bullpen troubles, but he seems ready. The 2006 20th-round pick possesses excellent command of a 92-94 mph fastball and a quality slider. He's an extreme flyball pitcher and he figures to have trouble against left-handed hitters, but since he can strike out right-handed batters and he doesn't walk anyone -- he went 14 2/3 innings in the AFL without issuing a single free pass -- he'll likely post solid ERAs if used correctly. He'll even be a sleeper candidate for saves if the Tigers go cheap in their attempt to fill the closer's role.

Tyler Flowers - C Braves - DOB: 01/24/86
.288/.427/.494, 17 HR, 88 RBI, 102/98 K/BB, 8 SB in 413 AB (A+ Myrtle Beach)
.387/.460/.973, 12 HR, 23 RBI, 22/10 K/BB, 0 SB in 75 AB (AFL)

It's too bad he's probably not a catcher. Flowers tested positive for PEDs in 2006 and totaled 12 homers in 106 games in low-A ball in 2007, but the Braves still liked his power potential, and he made everyone take notice when he smacked 12 homers in just 75 at-bats in the Arizona Fall League after a nice season at Myrtle Beach in 2008. The former 33rd-round pick would seem to have legitimate 30-homer potential, and he also showed great on-base skills in the Carolina League. Defense is a problem. Flowers has a slightly below average arm and struggles to block balls in the dirt. He might be able to cut it as a first baseman if he has to move, but the Braves think fellow prospect Freddie Freeman is their long-term answer there. It's possible that Flowers will turn into trade bait. He could potentially go to All-Star Games if he lasts behind the plate.

Tommy Hanson - RHP Braves - DOB: 08/28/86
3-1, 0.90 ERA, 15 H, 49/11 K/BB in 40 IP (A+ Myrtle Beach)
8-4, 3.03 ERA, 70 H, 114/41 K/BB in 98 IP (AA Mississippi)
5-0, 0.63 ERA, 10 H, 49/7 K/BB in 28 2/3 IP (AFL)

While he was hardly a slouch in 2007 -- he racked up 50 more strikeouts than hits allowed for his two A-ball teams -- Hanson didn't rise to prominence until last season. He opened the year with a 28-inning scoreless streak at Myrtle Beach and later had a 14-strikeout no-hitter for Double-A Mississippi. However, it still wasn't until the fall that he took his rightful place among the game's elite pitching prospects. Able to go all out while never having to throw more than five innings at a time, he struck out 49 and allowed just 10 hits in 28 2/3 innings. Those kinds of numbers probably won't carry over when he returns to throwing 100 pitches at a time next year. His fastball, which touched 95-96 mph in the fall, typically averages closer to 92 mph. Hanson does have a great curve and an improved change. A future as a No. 2 starter is a possibility. The Braves won't want to have room for him in their Opening Day rotation, but he should be their top alternative once the season starts.

Jeff Larish - 1B/3B Tigers - DOB: 10/11/82
.250/.341/.477, 21 HR, 64 RBI, 109/50 K/BB, 0 SB in 384 AB (AAA Toledo)
.260/.306/.375, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 34/7 K/BB, 2 SB in 104 AB (Detroit)
.331/.410/.548, 6 HR, 29 RBI, 25/18 K/BB, 0 SB in 124 AB (AFL)

While Dustin Pedroia was likely the team's best player all along, Larish was Arizona State's star in the early part of the decade, hitting as many as 23 homers in a season. Because he spent four years in school, the Tigers haven't been shy about pushing him through the system since making him a fifth-round pick. He's hit well, but never dominated the often younger competition he's faced. The raw power is definitely there. However, Larish probably won't ever do well enough against lefties to hold down a full-time job in the majors, and because of his odd stance, many question just how effective he'll be against righties. The Tigers have tried him at third base in an effort to get him some playing time, and he started at the position regularly while hitting .331/.410/.548 in the AFL. However, first base is where he belongs. It will take an injury, most likely to Gary Sheffield, to prevent Larish from being sent down at the end of the spring. He could end up with 300 at-bats and a dozen homers.

Lou Marson - C Phillies - DOB: 06/26/86
.314/.433/.416, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 70/68 K/BB, 3 SB in 322 AB (AA Reading)
.500/.500/1.250, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2/0 K/BB, 0 SB in 4 AB (Philadelphia)
.324/.425/.588, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 8/6 K/BB, 1 SB in 34 AB (AFL)

A career .246 hitter through 2 ½ minor league seasons, Marson broke through in 2007 and then clearly established himself as one of the game's top catching prospects while amassing a .433 OBP in Double-A last season. He may top out at 10 or 12 homers per year, but his line-drive swing and plate discipline should make him a fine offensive catcher. He might even be able to hit second in a major league lineup for a few years. Defensively, he's held back somewhat by an average arm. However, he's strong elsewhere, with his game-calling skills receiving especially good reviews. If Carlos Ruiz fails to bounce back offensively, the Phillies could consider adding Marson to the mix by the middle of 2009. He's not going to be overmatched.

Stephen Marek - RHP Braves - DOB: 09/03/83
2-6, 3 Sv, 3.66 ERA, 39 H, 57/21 K/BB in 46 2/3 IP (AA Arkansas)
1-2, 1 Sv, 3.21 ERA, 12 H, 11/6 K/BB in 14 IP (AA Mississippi)
2-0, 2 Sv, 0.00 ERA, 9 H, 7/2 K/BB in 12 IP (AFL)

Marek was 21-18 with a 3.51 ERA in 64 minor league starts entering 2008 and he had made obvious gains with a changeup, but the Angels still opted to move him to the pen to begin the year and the Braves kept him there after acquiring him along with Casey Kotchman for Mark Teixeira. Including his stint in the AFL, in which he allowed only a couple of unearned runs in 12 innings, he gave up just three homers in 72 2/3 innings for the year. Since becoming a reliever, Marek is consistently in the mid-90s with a fastball that generates an above average number of grounders. He also has a strikeout curveball. If his command improves with experience, he could well become a long-term closer. Some Triple-A time will likely be necessary, but the Braves may give him a chance to win a bullpen spot out of spring training.

Kris Medlen - RHP Braves - DOB: 10/07/85
7-8, 3.52 ERA, 121 H, 120/27 K/BB in 120 1/3 IP (AA Mississippi)
1-1, 2.14 ERA, 15 H, 25/1 K/BB in 21 IP (AFL)

Medlen, a 2006 10th-round pick out of a California junior college, was strictly a reliever until the Braves opted to move him into the rotation last June. He thrived after the switch, but he was returned to the bullpen in the AFL and racked up a 25/1 K/BB ratio in 21 innings. Medlen is a low-90s guy with a quality curveball and excellent control. His changeup ranks as his third pitch, but he's been outstanding against left-handed hitters anyway. Medlen is listed at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds and he did battle elbow problems at the end of 2007, so the Braves may figure that utilizing him as a reliever is the best way to keep him healthy. He could turn into a nice setup man, potentially by the middle of 2009.

Logan Morrison - 1B Marlins - DOB: 08/25/87
.332/.402/.494, 13 HR, 74 RBI, 80/57 K/BB, 9 SB in 488 AB (A+ Jupiter)
.404/.444/.667, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 14/8 K/BB, 1 SB in 99 AB (AFL)

Morrison's 2007 and 2008 lines couldn't be much different. Upon moving from low-A ball to the FSL, his average went from .267 to .332 and his home run total dropped from 24 to 13. He also went from two steals to nine and his strikeout total went from 96 in 453 at-bats to 80 in 488 at-bats. In this case, it makes a lot more sense to focus on the positives. The erosion of his homer total was due in large part to the big ballparks in Florida, and he had 38 doubles, suggesting that the homers will come back in Double-A next year. Morrison does have some issues against left-handed pitching and he'll probably fall short of being a true cleanup hitter, but he is the Marlins' best first base prospect ahead of likely 2009 regular Gabe Sanchez. It's possible the team will try Morrison in left field to see if there will be room for both.

Casper Wells - OF Tigers - DOB: 11/23/84
.240/.351/.447, 10 HR, 26 RBI, 39/22 K/BB, 17 SB in 179 AB (A- West Michigan)
.289/.376/.589, 17 HR, 53 RBI, 66/30 K/BB, 8 SB in 270 AB (AA Erie)
.321/.424/.705, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 26/6 K/BB, 4 SB in 78 AB (AFL)

Wells, who was selected in the 15th round of the 2005 draft, was hardly shaping up as a prospect until a surprise promotion from low-A ball to Double-A last year. He proceeded to put up a 965 OPS in 75 games, a 167-point jump from where he was at in the Midwest League, and then he was one of the best hitters in the AFL, delivering eight homers in just 78 at-bats. A native Michigander, Wells would surely be a fan favorite in Detroit if he can establish himself as a major leaguer. Unfortunately, he does fan quite a bit, taking a toll on his average. Also, his power may not translate particularly well to big-league ballparks. He has to be on fantasy radars after finishing 2008 with 35 homers and 29 steals (AFL play included), but a career as a fourth outfielder would still qualify as quite an accomplishment.

Matt Young - OF Braves - DOB: 10/03/82
.289/.384/.385, 3 HR, 50 RBI, 62/68 K/BB, 30 SB in 491 AB (AA Mississippi)
.370/.448/.565, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 11/16 K/BB, 6 SB in 108 AB (AFL)

Young doesn't figure to enter 2009 any higher than fourth on the Braves' center field depth chart, but he's no longer a complete afterthought after he hit .370/.448/.565 in the AFL. Standing just 5-foot-8, Young doesn't pack a lot of punch at the plate. However, he walks as often as he strikes out and he's pretty good at advancing himself into scoring position once he's on base. The Braves had him play left field in Double-A last year, but that was because they had Jordan Schafer at the same level. Young should be able to handle center in the majors if necessary. He's another Jason Tyner at best, but it's worth noting that Tyner did have a 30-steal season in the majors.

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