2012 Arizona Fall League Discussion

[mace]

He said the 3.78 to first base was the fastest he'd ever seen on a batted ball.

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by mace

He said the 3.78 to first base was the fastest he'd ever seen on a batted ball.

I have seen two faster. One by Hamilton and one by Theo Bowe. Bowe was a 3.72, while Hamilton was a 3.64.

Billy Hamilton runs a 3.64 to first base on a ground out - YouTube

[texasdave]

Peoria defeated Surprise by a 3-2 margin in the AFL on Friday. Donald Lutz went 3 for 4 and is now hitting .517. He went deep off of J.C. Sulbaran with a man on in the first. In the fifth, Billy Hamilton bunted for a hit, stole second, went to third on an errant throw by the catcher and scored the eventual game-winner on a ground out to second. He was 1 for 4 with his fifth stolen base on the season. It looks as if all four Reds' pitchers threw in the game. Crabbe started and went 2.2 innings. He gave up a run on two hits. He walked two and struck out two. Josh Ravin relieved him and gave up a run in his 1.1 innings of work. He allowed a hit and neither walked nor struck out anyone. Drew Hayes followed and worked two hitless innings. He walked one and struck out three. Curtis Partch pitched the ninth and picked up the save. He gave up a single and a base on balls, while striking out a pair.

[VirginiaPreps]

Lutz is getting talked up a lot in the AFL. Where does he project next season?

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by VirginiaPreps

Lutz is getting talked up a lot in the AFL. Where does he project next season?

AA for Lutz. He didn't do well in Pensacola this year, so I would expect him to return there in 2013.

Josh Ravin was throwing 100 last night. He has not had a nice start with an ERA over 10.00, but he has been sitting 96-99 so far out there.

[klw]

Originally Posted by VirginiaPreps

Lutz is getting talked up a lot in the AFL. Where does he project next season?

http://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99086

First base -- Donald Lutz, Pensacola (40 games), Bakersfield (63 game), AZL Reds (4 games): The 23-year-old Cal League All-Star led the Reds' system with 22 homers and ranked third with 71 RBIs while hitting .269. It was also his second straight year with at least 20 homers and 70 RBIs.

"Everybody talks about his age, but he was a soccer player in Germany for some time, so whatever it says on his birthday, take about three off that," said Buckley, stressing Lutz's development. "He's getting better and better. He's on the 40-man roster, so we'll get him going. He'll wind up in Louisville by the end of next year."

[mdccclxix]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/...s_cin&c_id=cin

Lutz named player of the week in the AFL. He's the best LF prospect they have, and I love that he's left handed. Big 6'3" 230 lb guy. Decent K:BB ratio (for the Reds org). I think the "hes only been playing since 16" angle is yet to be that promising, but regardless he's putting up good enough numbers that by the time he's 25-26 he could end up platooning, or possibly starting out there under a restricted budget.

[Scrap Irony]

Originally Posted by mdccclxix

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/...s_cin&c_id=cin

Lutz named player of the week in the AFL. He's the best LF prospect they have, and I love that he's left handed. Big 6'3" 230 lb guy. Decent K:BB ratio (for the Reds org). I think the "hes only been playing since 16" angle is yet to be that promising, but regardless he's putting up good enough numbers that by the time he's 25-26 he could end up platooning, or possibly starting out there under a restricted budget.

Lutz may start next season in AA Pennsacola, but he'll end it in Louisville (unless he tanks, gets hurt, or gets dealt). The next season-- 2014-- he could be a starter by mid-year.

Of course, if he truly tears up the AFL, shows power, much more patience than he is currently, and a better mastery of contact issues that have plagued him his entire career, he may move to Louisville early.

[mdccclxix]

No walks yet in 39 PA, but he's not striking out a ton either.

[mdccclxix]

He could get Dorn'd if his defense isn't any good.

[Scrap Irony]

Originally Posted by mdccclxix

He could get Dorn'd if his defense isn't any good.

Much better athlete. Better power. Better thought of by the organization.

If he struggles for three years, perhaps they pull the plug. But chicks dig the long ball, and Lutz can run pretty well for a big guy.

[corkedbat]

If Lutz can improve his paitience at the plate and Billy can catch on fast in center, they could join Bruce as OF starters by Opening Day 2014 (if not sooner). Both would be cheap and would help in re-signing pitchers like Bailey, Latos and Chapman. A lefty to pair with them would really be nice.

[nate1213]

Is Lutz really someone we can except expect to start though?

[Scrap Irony]

Depends on how his hit tool progresses and how many Ks he racks up. If he can keep his Ks below 100 in AA/AAA this season, I could definitely see him as a starter. His power's for real.

[mth123]

Originally Posted by nate1213

Is Lutz really someone we can except expect to start though?

I'd be thrilled with 300 PAs against RHP where he is pretty productive at say .275/.330/.470/.800. Sort of an Eric Hinske type.