OTTAWA- The Arizona Fall League, which features some of the top prospects in baseball, is winding down its regular season. This year, there are five Canadians participating in the circuit known for producing top big league talent.
Chris Kissock (Trail, BC), who is fresh-off competing for Canada at the Pan Am Qualification Tournament in Puerto Rico is having a stellar campaign for the Mesa Solar Sox. The Philadelphia Phillies farmhand has some impressive numbers coming out of the Solar Sox bullpen that include allowing only three hits in six innings pitched. Perhaps most impressive, is the fact that Kissock has not allowed a run thus far, having only walked one batter while holding the opposition to a .158 batting average.
James Avery (Maple Creek, SK) has been effective on the mound both as a starter and reliever for the Peoria Saguaros. Avery, the property of the Cincinnati Reds has appeared in five games (2 as a starter) and has allowed only four runs, two of which are earned. Allowing ten hits in ten innings of work, Avery also has six strikeouts, a 1.74 ERA and has held the opposition to a .256 batting average.
Joining Avery in the Saguaros bullpen are fellow Canadians Henry Mabee (Victoria, BC) and Philippe Valiquette (Montréal, QC). Mabee, also a member of the Pan Am qualifying team has two strikeouts in six innings of work while Valiquette has struck out five in seven innings.
Moving over to the Peoria Javelinas club, where Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC) is swinging a hot bat while representing the Toronto Blue Jays. Loewen has been busy lately as he also wore the Canadian colours in Puerto Rico and has recently signed an extension with the Jays. Loewen has appeared in five games with the Javelinas and has two homeruns and seven RBI to go along with a .300 batting average and a .991 OPS.
Loewen has a familiar face as his batting coach in Peoria as former Canadian National Team veteran Stubby Clapp (Windsor, ON) assumes the duties. Clapp spent the past season working as the batting coach with the Lexington Legends in the Houston Astros system.
Toronto born shortstop, Cale Iorg of the Detroit Tigers organization is also playing in the Fall League with the Surprise Rafters. Iorg has played in nine games and has a homerun and three RBI.
Notes: The league will hold its annual Rising Stars Game on November 6th before the regular season concludes on November 18th…Valiquette was named to the Western All-Stars for the Rising Stars Game...Canadians who have previously played in the Fall League include: Russell Martin (Chelsea, QC) and Joey Votto (Etobicoke, ON).
