It's always interesting to see who the Twins decide to send to the Arizona Fall League. Sometimes they're players who didn't play much over the summer due to injury and need to knock off some rust while coming back from an injury; sometimes they're players who are given one last opportunity to show the organization what they're worth; sometimes they're players who the organization has fingered as being pivotal cogs in the future of the franchise.
This season it looks like most players fall into the latter category. Byron Buxton, Alex Meyer, Eddie Rosario, Trevor May, Max Kepler, Zach Jones, and A.J. Achter will all represent the Minnesota Twins organization in the 2013 AFL.
Byron Buxton, OF (Advanced A) - Buxton's numbers this season have been absolutely ridiculous, almost bordering on videogame-esque. Just in his time in Fort Myers, he's hitting .330/.424/.492.
Alex Meyer, RHP (Double-A) - Just working his way back from an injury that kept him out of action for two months, a good session in the Arizona Fall League could give him a leg up on the competition come spring training.
Eddie Rosario, 2B (Double-A) - Holding his own in Double-A as a 22-year old, not to mention a recent hot streak, is keeping Rosario's stock in the organization very high. The Twins view him as the future of second base. While he may not be promoted as aggressively as someone like Meyer or Miguel Sano, who could be knocking on some doors next season, Rosario is still right there. A good AFL showing would be just one more reason to be excited about the future of the Twins.
Trevor May, RHP (Double-A) - May can strike batters out, but his biggest issue is still control. Sometimes he looks fantastic, other times he's just too wild and gives up too many hits. Competition is tough in the AFL. Could it force May into upping his game?
Max Kepler, CF (Single-A) - Kepler has struggled with Cedar Rapis this season, posting good numbers against right-handed pitchers but really struggling versus lefties. At just 20 years old, the Twins are showing faith in him. If the Twins want to promote him again next spring, showing him against stiffer competition this fall will help him be prepared.
Zach Jones, RHP (Advanced-A) - Jones has dominated out of the bullpen for For Myers, striking out 67 in 47.2 innings en route to a 1.89 ERA. At 22, no doubt the Twins are looking to see how he responds to the competition in the Arizona Fall League. A good showing may give the front office notice that they can be a bit more aggressive in his promotion.
A.J. Achter, RHP (Triple-A) - The lone representative from Rochester, Achter has had a brilliant season out of the bullpen. Achter just turned 25, so the clock it ticking on his prospect status, but the AFL will give the Twins the opportunity to watch him closely. A good performance should lead to an invitation to spring training in February.