AFL's Rising Stars set to shine Saturday

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AFL's Rising Stars set to shine Saturday
11/02/2009 7:30 PM ET
By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com

On any given day in the Arizona Fall League, you can see what amounts to a Minor League All-Star Game.
The Rising Stars Showcase takes it to another level, truly representing the best of the best. The showcase game, which will take place on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. MT/8:15 ET, features current AFL participants selected by scouting and Minor League directors from every organization, along with input from AFL executive director Steve Cobb. The 50 players chosen to represent their organizations and AFL clubs will come together Saturday night at Surprise Stadium.
For the first time, the Showcase will also be available to a national television audience. MLB Network will carry a live broadcast of the Rising Stars Game with Diamondbacks announcer Daron Sutton and MLB Network's Tony Clark in the broadcast booth. A live video feed will also be available on MLB.com.
The Rising Stars Showcase matches prospects from each Major League Baseball organization in an East Division against West Division format. Teams from the AFL's East Division feature prospects from the Angels, Athletics, Blue Jays, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Giants, Marlins, Nationals, Orioles, Phillies, Pirates, Rays, Red Sox, Rockies and Twins. Players on the West squad will come from the Astros, Braves, Brewers, Cardinals, Dodgers, Indians, Mariners, Mets, Padres, Rangers, Reds, Royals, Tigers, White Sox and Yankees. All 30 organizations will be represented in the game.
"It's a great opportunity and should be a lot of fun," said A's prospect and Phoenix Desert Dogs outfielder Grant Desme, who leads the AFL in home runs and RBIs. "I'll get a chance to play with a bunch of talented guys."
The biggest name on the roster is that of Stephen Strasburg, the No. 1 overall pick in last June's Draft, and he's in line to start Saturday's showcase after having his pitching schedule shifted this week. The top pick, who's making his unofficial pro debut in the AFL, is one of six 2009 first-round picks scheduled to be at the game, with Dustin Ackley, Mike Minor, Mike Leake, fellow Washington National Drew Storen and Rangers supplemental first-round pick Tanner Scheppers participating as well.
"I think it's great. I've heard it's an exciting game to be a part of. I'm looking forward to going out to pitch and have a fun time," Strasburg said. "It's also exciting to know my entire family will be able to watch me pitch, since the game will be on MLB Network."
The Cincinnati Reds lead all organizations with four players on the West Division roster: Leake, Yonder Alonso, Zack Cozart and Chris Heisey. Several other organizations boast three players in the game.
"It should be a fun day ... a chance to play with some of the younger talent in this league," said Ike Davis, the lone Met on the roster. "I'm honored, it means just a little more that I'm getting there."
What it means beyond that is open to debate. The alumni list from the game, now in its fourth rendition, is impressive, including big leaguers such as Gordon Beckham, Ryan Braun, Jacoby Ellsbury, Tommy Hanson and Phil Hughes. In last year's Rising Stars game, Hanson continued his jaw-dropping AFL performance by going three hitless innings while striking out seven.
"I don't know if one game can make a big difference for you [attention-wise]," Davis said. "This whole league is filled with great young talent. It's been a real eye-opener."
It is just one game, and an exhibition at that, but many scouts will be in attendance to see how the best perform against the best. The Fall League is expecting a good crowd, adding a little more energy to the proceedings than a typical low-key AFL game.
"It's just a great opportunity," Desme said. "But it isn't a ticket to anywhere. I know I have to get better, that I'm not there yet."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.