The Arizona Fall League’s Rising Stars game was played yesterday – think of it as an All Star game, with the players selected out of a crop of very good prospects. So if you’re playing in this game, you’re probably a stud. Or, you’re an older guy who is maybe or maybe not still a prospect, but because of your age, you’re tearing up the AFL. But the Cubs’ guys are prospects. So get off me.
The Chicago Cubs had two prospects playing in the Rising Stars game. Starlin Castro – easily the most rapidly rising prospect in the Cubs’ system, and likely all of baseball – played shortstop and batted third for the AFL East squad. Reliever Blake Parker, who closed for Iowa this year, pitched in late relief. Both acquitted themselves quite well.
Castro ended up 2 for 3 with a couple singles and a run scored. Parker pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a hit and a walk, striking out one, and throwing a wild pitch. All in all, a good showing. And it could have been better: other top prospects Andrew Cashner and Josh Vitters were invited to participate. Cashner declined, and Vitters was unable due to a pectoral strain he suffered earlier this week.
Here’s the game’s box score, if you’re so inclined.