The minor league postseason isn't just for bragging rights. It's also
gives prospects a chance to get used to sellout crowds and high-pressure
situations. How a player handles himself this time of the year can go a
long way towards raising his stock within the organization.
The Instructional League is often the site wherein prospects make the largest
improvements in their game. It is particularly useful for newly-drafted
players, those players who missed extensive time due to injuries, and also for
players learning a new position.
- Third overall pick Josh Vitters will be
among the prospects
that the Chicago Cubs send to the Arizona Instructs.
- Two top pitching prospects who missed most of the 2007 with injuries
headline the players
the Oakland Athletics will ship to Instructs.
- The Pittsburgh Pirates will send
an unusually high total of
64 players to the Florida Instructional League.
- John Whittleman was whittled down by nagging injuries during the season,
and now leads the group of Rangers going to Instructs. LoneStarDugout
features a Q&A with
Whittleman.
- Clayton Kershaw, the top prospect in the Dodgers' organization, has
already thrown more than 120 innings this year, but nevertheless headlines
the list of
Dodgers headed to Instructs.
For more, head to
The Scout.com MiLB Homepage to get the
latest inside news around the minors or to the
Scout.com MLB Team Directory to find extensive coverage of your favorite
team.