TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Royals' Prospects Make Noise as Arizona Fall League Opens

Published on October 8, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Peoria, AZ - Naturals OF Brian McFall went 1-for-4 with two RBI and fellow Kansas City Royals farmhand Joe Dickerson contributed another as the Surprise Rafters fell to the Peoria Javelinas by a 10-3 score in the Arizona Fall League opener on Tuesday.

Dickerson, a 22-year old outfield prospect who played for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the Royals' Advanced-A Carolina League affiliate, is a likely candidate to see time with the Naturals during the 2009 season. A Carolina League All-Star, Dickerson was batting .297 with five homers and 45 RBI for the Blue Rocks when he was injured in mid-July, missing the remainder of the minor league season.

Dickerson and McFall had the tough task Tuesday of facing New York Yankees' pitcher Phil Hughes, who was Peoria's starter. Before a string of injuries, Hughes was widely regarded as one of the best young pitching prospects in baseball. He missed much of the 2008 season with a stress fracture in one of his ribs and is playing for the Javelinas as he continues to his way back into pitching shape. Hughes struck out seven and allowed just one hit over five scoreless innings.

Naturals southpaw Rowdy Hardy pitched the eighth inning in relief on Tuesday, allowing four runs, although only one was earned.

Baltimore Orioles' catching prospect Matt Wieters, one of baseball's top prospects, scored two of the Rafters' three runs.

Dan Cortes, Chris Hayes, and Gilbert de la Vara are the other Naturals representatives on the Rafters, and Chris McConnell, who was the primary shortstop with Wilmington in 2008, also is on the squad representing the Royals. The Rafters' roster is also comprised of prospects from the Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Dodgers' organizations. Check nwanaturals.com regularly for updates on Arizona Fall League action.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and will open the home portion of their 2009 season on Thursday, April 16th against the San Antonio Missions. For season ticket packages and group information for the 2009 season, please call (479) 927-4900 or visit nwanaturals.com.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Texas League Stories from October 8, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central