Pitching dominated the AFL Championship game between the Mesa Solar Sox and the Surprise Saguaros and since no Indians pitchers appeared in the game for Surprise, that meant less than exciting results.
Even though Surprise won, meaning a few Indians minor leaguer’s won some sort of championship in 2013, they didn’t make a ton of contributions to the clinching game.
Both Tyler Naquin and Joe Wendle started for Surprise and had some rough looking at bats against Cubs prospect, Dallas Beeler. Naquin did draw a walk but was picked off of first right after.
Wendle was 0-2 with a strikeout. MLB Networks broadcast team had little to say about Wendle and even less to say about Naquin. What little they did say about Wendle was a comparison to former Angels and Cardinals second basemen, Adam Kennedy.
Both had strong falls, particularly Naquin who led the AFL in total hits, and should start in Akron next season with the Rubber Ducks on their maiden voyage with their new moniker.
Meanwhile Shawn Armstrong also had a pleasant AFL experience for the second straight year. Tyler Sturdivent also got some quality innings and both could start in Columbus in 2014.
Jeff Johnson and Trey Haley pitched sparingly throughout the duration of the short league. Haley was shut down early on with a suspected injury. Both will likely be with Akron in the spring.
Will Roberts struggled at the end of 2013 and led Surprise in innings pitched, so the extra work could be a positive for him while facing some quality hitters even though his personal results weren’t the greatest. Expect him back in Akron as well.