Detroit Rock City, were are back and underway! Finishing up week 2 of the AFL now, and I would like to give you an update on Tigers prospects, as well as the Solar Sox. First, let me start by telling you it is a true honor to be out here honing my skills with some of the best prospects in minor league baseball. As the week has progressed, I really have got to grasp the talent that is here and it is unbelievable. The guys throw harder, hit the ball further, and overall are just the best that baseball has to offer. Getting to know my teammates from other organizations, we now are only in week 2, and I am having the time of my life. Each day brings a new experience, and I am thankful god has blessed me with the talent to compete at this level. However, enough blabbering, I know the Detroit faithful is ready for the update.
After the first week I have been reassured that this league is going to be a challenge. Believe me when I tell you. If you do not keep the ball down here you will get hurt. As it showed in my first outing when I gave up 4 runs in 2 innings. Enough about that already. Remember as a relief pitcher you must have short-term memory. My last two outings have faired much better going 2 scoreless. Casey Fien has been absolutely dominant down here tossing 4 scoreless innings, while striking out 5. Watching Casey pitch, I personally believe it won’t be long before he takes his act to Comerica. Rudy Darrow has also thrown well down here. Only yielding 2 runs in 4 innings. However, after giving up 2, he fired back with 2 scoreless innings against Scottsdale. Luis Marte has struggled a bit in his first two outings. Taking the loss in his first start, but it’s only a matter of time before he gets back on track.
Now to our Bashers!!! Jeff Larish has been taking some good swings down here. Watching him go about his day-to-day business, you kind of get a feel for what its like at the big league level. He is a true professional and a great hitter. Casper Wells is an absolute masher!! He has to put on one of the most impressive batting practices I’ve ever seen. Unlike most “BP Monsters,”however, Casper has a way of taking it into the game. As it showed when he took Max Scherzer deep in his first at bat on Opening Day. 2b Will Rhymes, has been the brightest star so far. Coming into today he is hitting .333, and has been making every play at 2b.
That sums of Week 2. Thank you for your questions and kind comments from week 1. I look forward to see what this week has to offer.
Go Tigers!!
Zach “Swig” Simons
Tigers in the AFL 