Once Again, the Arizona Fall League Proves its Worth

The Arizona Fall League (AFL), is a development league founded by MLB out of necessity, monitoring their top Minor League Prospects in winter leagues outside the country was becoming less and less cost effective. Political issues in some areas, especially South America, had also raised concerns within the game that teams would not be able to adequately protect their personnel.

The AFL began play in 1992, the results were almost immediate in 1993, as Sun Cities Solar Sox catcher Mike Piazza was named National League Rookie of the Year. In five years, Piazza has a chance to become the first AFL alumni elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. With two exceptions, each subsequent year has produced at least one ROY, there have also been Cy Young and MVP Award winners who have previously participated in the AFL.

In 2008, the AFL again has proven its worth, with Evan Longoria and Geovany Soto not only being the favorites to win their respective ROY awards, both are All-Stars. Soto is also the first rookie catcher to start the game in NL history. This year's All-Star game will set a record, as 36 AFL alumni have been selected to represent their teams and leagues in the All-Star game, including nine of the eightheen starters.

The complete list:

National League

Adrian Gonzalez, Russell Martin, Brian McCann, Albert Pujols, Dan Uggla, Chase Utley*, Geovany Soto*, David Wright, Ryan Braun*, Corey Hart, Matt Holliday*, Ryan Ludwick, Nate McLouth, Alfonso Soriano, Brad Lidge, Brandon Webb, and Brian Wilson.

American League

Joe Crede, Derek Jeter*, Ian Kinsler, Evan Longoria, Joe Mauer*, Justin Morneau, Dustin Pedroia*, Jason Varitek, Kevin Youkilis*, Michael Young, J.D. Drew, Josh Hamilton*, Carlos Quentin, Grady Sizemore, Milton Bradley, Justin Duchscherer, Roy Halladay, Francisco Rodriguez, George Sherrill.

Players marked with an * are starters