October 12 was the first day of major league baseball’s official fall league for top minor league prospects. The league is played in the same facilities that house the Spring Training sites for the major league and minor league teams. There are six teams in the league, three in each division, and they play between Oct 12 and Nov 18 with the Championship game on Nov 20.

Thirty teams send between 2-8 players each and there are 180 players in the league with each team having 30 players. Following is a list of the divisions and the teams that comprise them:

American Division: Mesa Solar Sox, Peoria Saguaros, Scottsdale Scorpions

National Division: Phoenix Dessert Dogs, Surprise Rafters, and Peoria Javelinas

The players sent by the Padres are part of the Saguaros and also include players from the Cincinnati, Minnesota, Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay organizations.

The Padres originally announced that Brad Brach (Lake Elsinore closer), Steve Garrison (relief pitcher), Craig Italiano (relief pitcher/closer for the Missions), Cory Luebke (Beavers starting pitcher), Luis Martinez (catcher for Missions), Cole Figueroa ( 2B for Lake Elsinore) and Logan Forsythe (2B for Missions) would represent the Padres in the AFL. Then the Padres waived Garrison and Italiano due to their need to clear 40 man roster spots. Logan Forsythe was also removed from the list. There was no official reason given but Logan had missed time during the season and nagging injuries might be the explanation. Cory Luebke was called up to the major league team and is in the mix for a possible starting job next season.

The replacements listed on the roster are Erik Davis (starting pitcher), Colt Hynes (relief pitcher), Alexis Lara (relief pitcher) and Andrew Parrino ( UT for Missions)

Davis had a terrific season in 2010, earning a promotion from Lake Elsinore to San Antonio and ending the year 4-0 with a 2.75 ERA for the Missions in 7 games started. He was also 9-3 with a 3.82 ERA for Lake Elsinore in 19 games started. He totaled 143.2 IP for the season with 133 K’s and only 56 earned runs. His combined W/L record for the year was 14-3 (he had one start for the Beavers).

Colt Hynes (L/L) pitched in relief for Lake Elsinore and San Antonio during the 2010 season. He appeared in 37 games for LE and 24 games for the Missions. His 2.65 ERA in 51 IP for the Storm earned him a promotion to San Antonio where he had a 1.19 ERA in 30 IP with only 4 earned runs.

Alexis Lara (R/R) began his professional career with the DSL Padres in 2006 at the age of 19. Now 23, he played the bulk of the 2010 season (44 games) with San Antonio. In 70.2 IP he had a 3.95 ERA and a 4-5 record. Lara has a violent delivery and has already had shoulder surgery but has a low to med 90’s fastball and exceptional changeup. Further development of his slider and improved control are his current needs.

Andrew Parrino was the jack of all trades in the Missions lineup. With at least one game at every position except pitcher and catcher, Andy played his most games at SS (44) and his least in CF (1). His best defensive position as an infielder seems to be 2B. He has been groomed as a utility man since the beginning of his minor league career. His hitting line of .246/.363/.415 in 125 games and 410 AB with 28 2B, 4 3B, 11 HR and 49 RBI shows he has some power. He is known as a free swinger who has worked on his plate discipline as he advances through the organization. Perrino is know for his old school approach to the game and plays with a lot of heart and enthusiasm.

Many of you are already familiar with Brad Brach and Cole Figueroa, two of the standouts on the 2010 Lake Elsinore Storm. They were both covered extensively on this site throughout the season.

Luis Martinez (R/R) was the primary catcher for the San Antonio Missions in 2010. Known for his defensive abilities, Martinez has improved in the hitting department over the last 2 seasons and had an impressive season in a tough league. His line in 106 games and 358 AB was .282/.368/.349 with 16 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR and 31 RBI. His strength is in hitting the ball to the opposite field and excelled for the Missions in their tough ballpark.

During the first 4 days of play 2B Cole Figueroa played in 3 of the 4 games (1 as pinch hitter) going 0/4 with 2 BB and 1 SO.

Andrew Parrino played in 2 games (2B, 3B) going 1 for 4 with a BB and 2 SO.

Erik Davis started the second game (10/13) and pitched 2.2 innings with 5 hits, 4 runs/1 earned run, 4 K’s and a wild pitch. He allowed 3 doubles and 2 singles in his short outing.

Luis Martinez played in 2 games going 2 for 5 (.400) with 1 SO.

Relief pitchers Colt Hynes (2 IP), Alexis Lara (1 IP) and Brad Brach (2 IP) gave up no hits and no runs in the 10/14 game.

The Saguaros have lost 3 of their first 4 games with one ending in a tie.

Friarhood will provide daily coverage of the Padres representatives playing in the AFL. There will also be a weekly recap, with player highlights, to provide more in-depth information. Other players on the Saguaros roster may be profiled to provide more complete coverage.