Front Page: Twins AFL Report - Week 5: Raley Locks In

[Steve Lein]

The Salt River Rafters finished week five of the Arizona Fall League season with a 3-3 record that kept themselves atop the East division standings. After a big week four that saw him collect several accolades, Royce Lewis finally appeared somewhat human, but Luke Raley more than picked up the slack with a monster week that could go a long way toward his 2020 prospects with the big-league club. Dakota Chalmers also had another strong start and reliever Zach Neff continued to baffle his opponents with his savvy.

 

Continue reading to see just how big Raley came up for the Rafters, and how all the #MNTwinsInTheAFL performed in week 5 of the AFL season!

 

(This report includes the games played through 10/20)(links to each players overall AFL stats provided by clicking their name)

 

Royce Lewis: 5 games, 4-19, 2 R, 2B, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K, SB; .356/.422/.589 (overall)

 

Lewis finally had somewhat of a quiet week in the AFL after his hitting streak came to an end at 12 games, but if this is as bad as it gets there’s nothing to worry about. He reached base in four of five games and multiple times in three of five to remain at the top of the AFL leaderboards in several categories.

 

In Monday’s 6-5 loss to Scottsdale he batted second and played second base, finishing 1-for-4 with a run scored and drew a walk. The walk came in the top of the first and Lewis would end up stranded on second base. In their five run third inning, Lewis drove in the first run of the game with an opposite field single and would later score on a three-run homer from teammate Jerar Encarnacion.

 

In Tuesday’s rematch with the Scorpions, runs and hits were at a premium for both teams as they combined for just three and ten combined, respectively. Lewis finished 0-for-4 and his hit streak would come to an end at 12 games thanks to a fantastic play from Philadelphia Phillies prospect, and fellow #1 overall pick, Mickey Moniak:

 

Lewis however, was responsible for driving in the Rafters lone run on the game with an RBI groundout in the fourth. Lewis again manned the keystone in this game.

 

Back at third base and batting third in Wednesday’s 4-2 win over Peoria, Lewis would finish 2-for-4, but did not score a run as he was picked off at second base by the catcher after his double in the third inning. He may have picked up something up from the catcher on that play however, as later in the game after he had singled and the next batter drew a walk, he stole third base (which he has done multiple times in AFL play) but would end up stranded.

 

After a couple of days off, Lewis was back in the lineup at second base for Salt River’s 8-1 win over Surprise on Saturday. He drew a walk in the first inning and would come around to score on a single for an early 2-0 lead. He added an RBI single in the fourth inning that made the score 6-0 Rafters at the time.

 

To close out a busy week on Sunday, Lewis went 0-for-3 with a walk in Salt River’s extra inning win over Surprise. He batted second and played third base and was on deck when the Rafters walked it off in the tenth thanks to an RBI single from Vidal Brujan of the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

 

Dakota Chalmers: 1 start, L, 4 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K; 4.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP (overall)

 

Chalmers was the hard luck loser in Tuesday’s pitching duel, getting the start and finishing four solid innings. He allowed two earned runs on three hits and zero walks, while striking out four. He was in command of all his pitches in this one, throwing 35 of his 49 pitches for strikes (71%). He allowed a solo home run in the top of the first and an RBI double in the fourth, but in between retired seven in a row and topped out at 97.9 MPH on the radar gun.

 

Ben Rortvedt: Did not play; .111/.200/.111 (overall)

 

As detailed last week, a minor knee injury Rortvedt had been dealing with during the season with Pensacola and into the AFL has brought his fall league campaign to a close. He’ll be 100 percent well in advance of when pitchers and catchers report for spring training.

 

Luke Raley: 6 games, 9-for-23, 5 R, 2 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, BB, 4 K; .236/.296/.417 (overall)

 

Raley’s 2018 AFL season ended after just four games due to a shoulder injury, and it took him some time to get going in the AFL this year after coming back from an ankle injury suffered back in May. Entering week five with just a .510 OPS through 14 games, he found his groove in a big way in six games on the week.

 

He collected a hit in each contest to raise his average on the season from .170 to .236, but it was his showing in Saturday’s win over Surprise that stood out the most, as it was perhaps the best performance of any hitter in the AFL on the season. Just how good you ask? Let’s take a look at-bat by at-bat:

 

2^nd inning: Leads off frame with a hard hit single up the middle, later scores on a single for a 3-0 Rafters lead.

 

3^rd inning: Blasts a 2-run homer to the opposite field off Kansas City Royals prospect Daniel Lynch (#69 overall prospect per MLB.com, and #8 LHP prospect) for a 5-0 lead.

 

5^th inning: On a 2-1 pitch, Raley clubs his second home run of the game, this one a solo shot to right field, making it 8-1 Salt River.

 

7^th inning: On perhaps his hardest hit ball of the night, Raley obliterates a pitch into the gap that hits high off the wall for a double, barely missing his third homer of the night.

 

In Raley’s 4-for-4 night he would score three and drive in three. While I’m not going to detail the rest of his games on the week, he is on a current seven game hitting streak that’s completely transformed his batting line on the AFL season. I’d also encourage you to check out what he did in Monday’s game a week early, helping propel the Rafters to an especially big comeback win.

 

Moises Gomez: 1 appearance, 1.0 IP, K; 5.40 ERA, 1.90 WHIP (overall)

 

Gomez saw action in just one game on the week but made the most of it with a one-two-three outing. He came on for the seventh inning in Wednesday’s win over Peoria with the score 3-2 in favor of the Rafters and was awarded his third hold for his efforts. He threw twelve pitches with nine of them going for strikes (also was charged with an “automatic ball” to the leadoff man) and punctuated his outing with a strikeout to end the frame.

 

Jovani Moran: 2 appearances, 2.0 IP, 3 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, K; 7.88 ERA, 2.38 WHIP (overall)

 

The left-handed reliever’s first action of the week came in Monday’s loss to Scottsdale, and unfortunately for him would be charged with both a blown save and the loss. Entering the game in the eighth inning with a 5-3 lead, Scottsdale wasted no time making him work. The leadoff man doubled before he got a groundout, but then loaded the bases with consecutive walks. A sac fly was then followed by a two-run single that put the Scorpions out front 6-5 before he got the final out.

 

In Friday’s 9-0 loss to Peoria Moran was summoned with one out and a runner on first in the top of the seventh. A wild pitch that was followed by a single put runners on the corners before a sac fly made it 4-0 Javelinas. Back out to start the eighth Moran struggled to find the strike zone, walking the first two hitters of the inning before a mound visit bought some time to warm up another reliever. He then got a pop-up to record three total outs but that was the end of his outing. Both of the runners he was responsible for would end up scoring though it didn’t matter much besides inflating his ERA as the Rafters were shut out.

 

Zach Neff: 1 appearance, S, 2.0 IP, BB, 3 K; 1.69 ERA, 0.56 WHIP (overall)

 

Neff has been the reliever standout among Twins prospects thus far in the AFL season, and his lone appearance on the week followed that theme. Entering Wednesdays 4-2 win over Peoria in the eighth after Gomez, he also picked up his first save by finishing the final two innings. He set the Javelina’s down in order in his first inning on just eight pitches, including a strikeout, before needing to work a little harder in the ninth. He struck out the leadoff man on three pitches then got a grounder on a 2-2 pitch for the second out before losing a nine-pitch battle by allowing his first walk of the AFL season. With the tying runner up to bat, Neff buckled down and caught him looking on a 3-2 count to end the game.

 

Other AFL and Minor League Links:

 

-For his efforts last week, including an MVP award in the Fall Stars game, Royce Lewis was named the AFL hitter of the week.

 

-After their victory on Monday (10/21) behind Luke Raley and Lewis, the Salt River Rafters have clinched the AFL East Division and will play in the AFL championship game on Saturday.

 

-MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo spoke with Luke Raley after his monster game on Saturday. He talks about his ankle injury that kept him out for most of the MiLB season and getting back into the swing of things in the AFL and with his new organization.

 

Please feel free to ask questions about the AFL and the players who are there!

 

Click here to view the article

[DocBauer]

Just going to say, if you followed the system last season, Raley was in line for a promotion, possibly ahead of Cave, who might have won out due to experience. His ankle injury as very disappointing!

 

To see him flashing now and getting ready for 2020 is exciting to me. If you recall, Twins were high enough on him that he played a lot in ST last season, including a lot of CF despite being thought more of a corner OF or 1B. A reflection of his athleticism. Kid shows hit and OB ability with power and decent speed.

 

Really disappointed by his injury last year and really excited to see what he does healthy this coming season. Don't sleep on him.

[beckmt]

Someone to push Cave would be good, we also have Wade and now Raley.  Hope the Twins make a couple of deals to convert some of this talent to the major league level.

[rdehring]

Expect this week will cause the Twins to take a real hard look at adding him to their 40-man roster come November.  That is unless they can swing a trade prior to then, a trade that would include Raley as part of a package for that starting pitcher.

[Steve Lein]

 

Just going to say, if you followed the system last season, Raley was in line for a promotion, possibly ahead of Cave, who might have won out due to experience. His ankle injury as very disappointing! To see him flashing now and getting ready for 2020 is exciting to me. If you recall, Twins were high enough on him that he played a lot in ST last season, including a lot of CF despite being thought more of a corner OF or 1B. A reflection of his athleticism. Kid shows hit and OB ability with power and decent speed. Really disappointed by his injury last year and really excited to see what he does healthy this coming season. Don't sleep on him.

 

Agree! I was bummed when he got hurt in the AFL last year, then he definitely would have been in front of LaMonte Wade, and maybe even Cave, for the promotion when needed this year if not for the ankle injury. He's a sneaky good athlete for his size and was on a hitting pace similar to Brent Rooker, so he also can mash. 

 

[Steve Lein]

 

Expect this week will cause the Twins to take a real hard look at adding him to their 40-man roster come November.  That is unless they can swing a trade prior to then, a trade that would include Raley as part of a package for that starting pitcher.

 

I think he would have been near the top of the list of guys to add to the 40-man roster already, but this certainly will help any decision making on the part of the Twins front office. I think he'll get added.

[jmlease1]

I'm not sure Raley was really ever ahead of Cave or Wade on the promotion list, especially when we had a need for guys who can play in CF, because Raley is not someone I want patrolling out there. And Rooker was absolutely mashing it if you needed the corner OF/1B/DH guy. 

 

But Raley has some talent and might be a very useful player. I'd like for him (and Rooker) to cut down on the Ks; I'm a little worried that both are a little 3 True Outcomes right now and against MLB pitching will be K machines. Perfect choice to send to the AFL after the ankle injury cost him so much time, and hopefully this will help him be positioned to compete in spring training. Regardless of what happens with Rosario, there's room on the roster for another OF, whether it's Cave, Wade, Raley, or Rooker. And as long as Buxton and Kepler are healthy (argh!) it doesn't have to be a guy who plays CF, so why not Raley?

[Seth Stohs]

 

I'm not sure Raley was really ever ahead of Cave or Wade on the promotion list, especially when we had a need for guys who can play in CF, because Raley is not someone I want patrolling out there. And Rooker was absolutely mashing it if you needed the corner OF/1B/DH guy. 

 

But Raley has some talent and might be a very useful player. I'd like for him (and Rooker) to cut down on the Ks; I'm a little worried that both are a little 3 True Outcomes right now and against MLB pitching will be K machines. Perfect choice to send to the AFL after the ankle injury cost him so much time, and hopefully this will help him be positioned to compete in spring training. Regardless of what happens with Rosario, there's room on the roster for another OF, whether it's Cave, Wade, Raley, or Rooker. And as long as Buxton and Kepler are healthy (argh!) it doesn't have to be a guy who plays CF, so why not Raley?

 

Talked to a lot of people in late April who had pushed Raley well ahead of Rooker in their eyes, people closer to it than me... on a number of levels. Now, Raley played alright in April. Rooker was off to a very bad start. Raley got hurt, and by mid-May Rooker was crushing the ball until his injury. 

 

So, I don't think from a prospect status they are too far apart, at least in the eyes of many... So, I think he's a 40-man add, but I don't think it's 100%

[2wins87]

 

I'm not sure Raley was really ever ahead of Cave or Wade on the promotion list, especially when we had a need for guys who can play in CF, because Raley is not someone I want patrolling out there. And Rooker was absolutely mashing it if you needed the corner OF/1B/DH guy. 

 

But Raley has some talent and might be a very useful player. I'd like for him (and Rooker) to cut down on the Ks; I'm a little worried that both are a little 3 True Outcomes right now and against MLB pitching will be K machines. Perfect choice to send to the AFL after the ankle injury cost him so much time, and hopefully this will help him be positioned to compete in spring training. Regardless of what happens with Rosario, there's room on the roster for another OF, whether it's Cave, Wade, Raley, or Rooker. And as long as Buxton and Kepler are healthy (argh!) it doesn't have to be a guy who plays CF, so why not Raley?

 

Raley has actually played a little bit of CF each of the last few years.  I wouldn't put his defense above Cave or Wade there, but I also wouldn't judge his defensive profile just based on his offensive profile; he's got some sneaky athleticism and is a much better defensive outfielder than Rooker.

[Dman]

 

Talked to a lot of people in late April who had pushed Raley well ahead of Rooker in their eyes, people closer to it than me... on a number of levels. Now, Raley played alright in April. Rooker was off to a very bad start. Raley got hurt, and by mid-May Rooker was crushing the ball until his injury. 

 

So, I don't think from a prospect status they are too far apart, at least in the eyes of many... So, I think he's a 40-man add, but I don't think it's 100%

 

 I think the Twins will have to add him if they want to keep him.  He has already had success in AAA and teams like the Orioles and Tigers would love to grab a guy like that for free.  He is too close to ready to not be added IMO.

 

If he is added though the Twins would need to think about moving another outfielder via Trade.  Not sure how many of these guys we can keep on the 40 man.  Somebody might have to get moved at some point. 

 

Personally I think Wade is the most likely trade candidate.  He hasn't shown much power and his batting average in AAA has not been that stellar either.  I know he has a good eye but that might not be enough in today's game. Will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Edited October 24, 2019 by Dman