The Show Before the Show: Episode 185

Rays' Fox talks Fall League success, background in Bahamas

November 15, 2018 11:10 AM ET

Rays No. 9 prospect Lucius Fox joins the show from the AFL, plus Tyler, Sam and Ben discuss the long-anticipated Amarillo Sod Poodles announcement.

Listen to The Show Before the Show podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Ben's Best: Memorable ballpark characters

A level-by-level analysis of the Minors' most colorful personalities

By Benjamin Hill | November 15, 2018 10:02 AM ET

Over nine seasons of ballpark travel, MiLB.com's Ben Hill met a lot of people. His latest entry to the "Ben's Best" Series lists his favorite Minor League characters.

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Alonso busts out of skid in big way

Second-ranked Mets prospect erupts with four hits, six RBIs

Peter Alonso is tied for the league lead in homers with six and stands second with 27 RBIs. (Freek Bouw/Phrake Photography)

November 14, 2018 6:42 PM ET

Second-ranked Mets prospect Peter Alonso racked up four hits and a league-high six RBIs to lead Scottsdale over Peoria, 10-3, on Wednesday.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Davidson putting it all together in Arizona

Braves' 2014 first-round pick leads Fall League with six dingers

Braxton Davidson ranked second in the Florida State League with 20 home runs for the Florida Fire Frogs this season. (Brian McLeod/MiLB.com)

By Rob Terranova | November 14, 2018 10:02 AM ET

After another disappointing regular season, Braves infield prospect Braxton Davidson has turned a corner and is finding his groove in the Arizona Fall League.

Rob Terranova is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter, @RobTnova24. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Neidert, Miller headline Marlins All-Stars

No. 4 and No. 12 prospects impress in 2018 in rebuilding system

Nick Neidert's 154 strikeouts were a new career high for the right-hander. (Brian McLeod/MiLB.com)

By Andrew Battifarano | November 14, 2018 10:02 AM ET

Starter Nick Neidert and outfielder Brian Miller led the way in the rebuilding Miami system this year, and they highlight the Marlins Organization All-Stars.

Andrew Battifarano is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter, @AndrewAtBatt. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Tampa Bay's Fox continues AFL hit parade

Rays No. 9 prospect tallies three knocks, one short of league lead

Lucius Fox has racked up 10 multi-hit performances in 20 Arizona Fall League games this season. (Brian McLeod/MiLB.com)

November 13, 2018 6:53 PM ET

Tampa Bay's No. 9 prospect Lucius Fox doubled and added two singles to give him 28 hits, one shy of the Arizona Fall League lead, as Peoria drubbed Mesa, 14-3.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Sod Poodles burrow into Texas Panhandle

Amarillo's Double-A team unveils prairie dog-themed name, logos

Amarillo's new Double-A Texas League team will be known as the Sod Poodles, a slang term for a prairie dog.

By Benjamin Hill | November 13, 2018 2:39 PM ET

On Tuesday, after months of speculation, the Padres' new Double-A team revealed its name and logos. It's time to say hello to the Sod Poodles.

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Robert, Duplantier pick up awards in AFL

White Sox outfielder, D-backs righty nab honors for Week 5

Luis Robert and Jon Duplantier both participated in this year's Fall Stars Game on Nov. 3. (Freek Bouw/Phrake Photography)

By Sam Dykstra | November 13, 2018 2:12 PM ET

White Sox outfielder Luis Robert and D-backs right-hander Jon Duplantier were named Arizona Fall League Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively, for Week 5 of the season.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Lawrence shutting down hitters for Salt River

Rockies No. 17 prospect showing off plus sinker, sidearm delivery

Justin Lawrence sports a 2.79 ERA with 10 strikeouts over 9 2/3 innings in the Arizona Fall League. (Freek Bouw/European Baseball Magazine)

By Gerard Gilberto | November 13, 2018 10:51 AM ET

Colorado Rockies No. 17 prospect Justin Lawrence is refining a sinker with grounder-inducing, screwball-like movement and high-90s velocity that can set him up for a future at Coors Field.

Gerard Gilberto is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @GerardGilberto4. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Toolshed: Traded prospects, one year later

Looking at D-backs' Widener, many Marlins moved last offseason

Taylor Widener wasn't the most famous prospect traded last offseason, but he tops the list now. (Danny Parker/MiLB.com)

By Sam Dykstra | November 13, 2018 10:06 AM ET

With future trades in the works, this edition of Toolshed evaluates the stocks of the prospects moved in deals last offseason, like Taylor Widener and Monte Harrison.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.