This afternoon, the Arizona Fall League announced its preliminary rosters for the 2011 season that will begin October 4th.

The AFL is like a "finishing school" for baseball's top prospects.

I will be on hand throughout the AFL season to bring you first-hand scouting insights, opinions and information from each team.

While many of the players are tired by this time of year, several are in the league to make up for time missed at the plate or on the mound. The time spent in the AFL is very valuable to the overall development of top tier players.

I will be happy to see Bryce Harper and Mike Trout once again. They will be joined by great prospects from every organization.

I will update the list below in the coming weeks with the names and rosters of all the AFL teams.

I hope you'll stay with me throughout October and into November was we get a sneak preview of some of the best players baseball has to offer.

FROM THE LEAGUE OFFICE

"facts
More than 1,900 of over 3200
(59|PERCENT|) Fall Leaguers have
reached the major leagues
169 MLB All-Stars
9 MLB MVPs
Arizona Fall League Announces 2011 Rosters
Phoenix, Arizona ? Headed by MLB.com's two top-rated prospects ? outfielders
Mike Trout (Scottsdale Scorpions/Angels) and Bryce Harper (Scottsdale Scorpions/
Nationals) the Arizona Fall League announces the rosters for its 20th season in 2011.
Trout and Harper are joined by three other MLB.com "Top 50" prospects outfielder
Wil Meyers (Surprise Saguaros/Royals), outfelder Brett Jackson (Mesa Solar Sox/Cubs)
and third baseman Matt Dominguez (Surprise Saguaros/Marlins).
Two college stars and 2011 1st-round draft choices left-handed pitcher Danny
Hultzen (Peoria Javelinas/Mariners) and right-handed pitcher Jed Bradley (Peoria
Javelinas/Brewers) will make their professional debuts in the Fall League. Hultzen
was chosen second overall out of the University of Virginia; Georgia Tech University's
Bradley was the 15th player selected.
Twenty-four 1rst-round draft choices are headed to Arizona, led by shortstop Tim
Beckham (Surprise Saguaros/Rays), the ;rst overall selection in the 2008 draft and one
of four top 10 Arizona-bound selections.
The league also will include players from six foreign countries Brazil, Canada,
Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Venezuela
As we make final preparations to celebrate our 20th season, it is rewarding to know
organizations continue to assign their top prospects to the Arizona Fall League, offers
Director Steve Cobb. The 2011 rosters are deep and talent-laden and could become one
of the most impressive classes we've showcased in Arizona.?
The league expects to add additional former first-round draft choices and 2011 draft
choices debuting as professionals among the 44 players to be named."

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