Time Machine: Thanksgiving 2002

Because those who can't remember the past... are doomed to watch the Arizona Instructional League...

Check out this gem. Two prospects mentioned will have decent careers. But not for us.

By the way, this story was nominated for "Most Optimistic Lede for 2002. Look at the first and third grafs.


November 19, 2002
Henson improving in AFL
By Mark Feinsand / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Drew Henson has been one of the most heavily watched players in the Arizona Fall League this season, and he may be showing signs of improvement as the season draws to a close.

Henson raised his batting average 11 points this week, and did not commit an error at third base. But despite Henson's play, the Maryvale Saguros continued to struggle, going 1-5 to drop their record to 11-29.

Henson is batting .197 with four home runs and 19 RBIs in 37 games for Maryvale. He has committed a team-high 11 errors.

Henson is one of six Yankees playing in the AFL, all with Maryvale.

Catcher David Parrish has played in 19 games, hitting .298 with two home runs and five RBIs. Outfielder Marcus Thames has played just six games, hitting .455 (10-for-22) with four RBIs.

Adrian "El Duquecito" Hernandez started one game this week, taking the loss after allowing two runs on four hits and a walk in three innings. Hernandez has been impressive over the course of the season, posting a 1-1 record with a 2.38 ERA in 12 games (two starts). Hernandez has allowed 14 hits in 22 2/3 innings, but his control has remained a problem. The Cuban has walked 10 batters, but opposing batters are hitting just .177 against the right-hander, who has not allowed a home run.

Right-hander Bryan Grace is 2-2 with a 5.60 ERA in 10 relief appearances this season, though he did not pitch this week. Opposing batters are hitting .262 against Grace.

Fellow righty Jason Anderson has been shut down for the AFL season, complaining of fatigue in his arm. He finished with no record and a 10.57 ERA in eight relief appearances. In 7 2/3 innings, he allowed 13 hits and five walks, and hitters batted .333 against him. In addition to the nine earned runs he gave up, he also allowed five unearned runs.

He's the Juan: Juan Rivera is playing with the Tigers in the Venezuelan League, having joined the team earlier this month.

Rivera is hitting .238 (10-for-42) with one home run and five RBIs. Rivera has one double, one triple, one walk and three strikeouts.