Adam Loewen: 1-3, 2 BB
Eric Thames: 2-5, HR, 2 K
Thursday, November 18 - Peoria 1 Scottsdale 0
Adam Loewen: 1-2, BB
Mike McDade: 1-3
Matt Daly: 1 IP
Championship Game: Scottsdale 3 Peoria 2
Adam Loewen: 3-3, BB
Mike McDade: 1-4, K
Alan Farina: 1 IP, H, BB, 2 K
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Tabular Stats!
The big stand-out in Arizona was Mike McDade. Even though Keith Law doesn't like his body, McDade hit extremely well in the AFL, and we shouldn't just dismiss that performance. McDade's ridiculous batting line was probably fueled by an abnormally high BABIP, as evidenced by his .375 batting average, but the improvement that stands out most is his 11:13 BB:K ratio. In the regular season, Mike struck out 141 times against just 27 walks while playing at Dunedin, and that kind of performance at A+ doesn't often translate to major league success, so if his batting eye is improving that can only be taken as a good sign. McDade should be ready for AA to start next year.
Of course, remember the sample size is so small that, if we were to estimate McDade's ability from the stats, it should be something like 70% 2010, 20% 2009, 10% 2010 AFL. (Those numbers are completely off the top of my head, if someone has a more scientific way to do it please share!)
As for the other hitters: Adam Loewen also hit very well, albeit with a high K rate (and an accompanyingly high BB rate), though in fewer at bats than the everyday players. Eric Thames performed just OK for the level we expect him to be at, and struck out a lot. John Tolisano was on fire for 24 at bats (on two different teams), and Adeiny Hechavarria barely played as a result of an injury.
Not much to report on the pitching side of things. Marc Rzepczynski was great, but he should be great in the AFL. The "Squirrel Nut Zepper" will be competing with Kyle Drabek for the fifth rotation spot in 2010, and if he doesn't get that job, will likely get a bunch of spot starts as starters get injured/shut down/whatever.
Matt Daly was horrible and Alan Farina was lights out, in about 10 innings each. Dan Farquhar was also in the AFL but was recently traded to Oakland.