Arizona Fall League begins today: An update on Royals prospects

Today marks the first day of action for the Arizona Fall League. The Royals affiliate, Peoria Javelinas, will take on the Surprise Saguaros. The pitching duel is a big one. Kyle Zimmer (#23 prospect for Baseball America) will go against Taijuan Walker (#11). That will be rivaled by the Scottsdale/Salt River matchup of Archie Bradley (#9) and Tyler Glasnow (#46). Coverage of the AFL is usually very good from a scouting perspective so reports should be plentiful as the game begin around 11:30 central time.

Some slight rosters changes for Peoria have happened since we covered them when they were released. Below is the now updated Royals roster.

RHP Miguel Almonte (#46) - 21 years old

LHP Sam Selman (unranked) - 23 years old (24 next month)

RHP Kyle Zimmer (#23) - 23 years old (turned last month)

RHP Ali Williams (unranked) - 25 years old

3B Hunter Dozier (unranked - #96 by Baseball Prospectus) - 23 years old (turned in August)

SS Raul Mondesi (#47) - 19 years old

CF Bubba Starling (unranked) - 22 (turned in August)

Kyle Zimmer was rumored to stay in instructs for a little longer then maybe go to AFL but more likely the DZL/VZL, but will obviously play in the AFL and then perhaps spend the summer in the Caribbean (although playing baseball, not vacation).

In other news, Baseball America has started releasing their league top prospect reports and the Royals have names on some of the lists they have affiliates in.

Pioneer League:

1B/RF Ryan O'Hearn - 5th

1B Samir Duenez - 17th

Appalachian League:

LHP Foster Griffin -4th

RHP Scott Blewett - 5th

C Chase Vallot - 11th

SS Marten Gasparini - 14th

RHP Niklas Stephenson - 20th