Haines at the helm in Arizona Fall League

When the Arizona Fall League begins play this week, New Orleans Zephyrs manager Andy Haines will play a key role as skipper of the Salt River Rafters.

The AFL is a six-week stint for many of baseball's top prospects, and as a heralded up-and-coming manager, Haines will also get the opportunity to showcase his managerial skills.

Haines, who piloted the Zephyrs to a 70-74 record in his first season at the Triple-A level, has twice been named the top managerial prospect in his league by Baseball America. His teams have won 459 games over seven seasons, with two league championships.

"I'm just appreciative of the opportunity," Haines told the Sun-Sentinel. "We have a lot of good instructors, so I don't take it for granted. I know what a good opportunity it is and how well thought of the league is. From my end, just to see the names out there and have been there in the past in those managing positions, I'm flattered just to have the opportunity."

Former Major League players Jeff Bannister, Delino DeShields, Mike Mordecai, Lance Parrish and Vance Wilson comprise the other Arizona Fall League managers this year, while nine of this season's big league skippers previously managed in the AFL.

Haines will oversee prospects from the Marlins, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Astros and Twins systems. Zephyrs pitchers Anthony DeSclafani and Edgar Olmos were selected to participate from the Miami organization, along with former LSU infielder Austin Nola, pitcher Reid Redman, catcher Chad Wallach and infielder Justin Bohn.