Alaska League prospect reports

Official league website
2014 Summer Collegiate top prospect index
Alaska Baseball League top prospect list

The Alaska Baseball League has long been one of the nation's most prestigious collegiate summer leagues, and it was another special summer for several prospects.

The Alaska Goldpanners were the cream of the crop at the ABL this past summer. In addition to earning the best regular season record with a 21-8 overall mark, the Goldpanners also won the overall league title and represented the league in the NBC World Series.

Texas A&M imposing lefthanded pitcher Tyler Stubblefield showed big-time potential this summer and earned Pitcher of the Year honors in the ABL, while UC Santa Barbara electric outfielder Cameron Newell received Player of the Year honors after enjoying a very productive couple of months.


Year established: 1990
States represented: Alaska
No. of teams: 6
Regular season champion (best overall record): Alaska Goldpanners (21-8)
Postseason champion: Alaska Goldpanners
No. 1 prospect, 2013: Christin Stewart, of, Mat-Su Miners (Tennessee)
First 2013 player selected, 2014 MLB draft: Garrett Mundell, rhp, Anchorage Bucs (Fresno State) (18th round, Diamondbacks)

Player of the Year: Cameron Newell, of, Mat-Su Miners (UC Santa Barbara)
Pitcher of the Year: Tyler Stubblefield, lhp, Mat-Su Miners (Texas A&M)

BATTING LEADERS

Batting average: Scott Hurst, of, Alaska Goldpanners (Cal State Fullerton (.429)
Slugging percentage: Cameron Newell, of, Mat-Su Miners (UC Santa Barbara) (.603)
On-base percentage: Nicholas Covello, inf, Chugiak Chinooks (Cornerstone U.) (.477)
Home Runs: Clayton Taylor, inf, Anchorage Glacier Pilots (Nebraska-Omaha) (9)
RBI: Jacob Hayes, of, Alaska Goldpanners (Indiana State) (43)
Stolen bases: Justin Protacio, inf, Anchorage Glacier Pilots (Kansas) (10)

PITCHING LEADERS

Wins: Jace Puckett, lhp, Alaska Goldpanners (San Jose State) (6)
ERA: Tyler Stubblefield, lhp, Mat-Su Miners (Texas A&M) (1.06)
Saves: Vince Arobio, rhp, Mat-Su Miners (Pacific) (7)
Strikeouts: Bret Marks, rhp, Anchorage Bucs (Tennessee); Trevor Lacosse, lhp, Anchorage Bucs (Bryant) (49)

BEST TOOLS

Best athlete: Mylz Jones, ss, Peninsula Oilers (Cal State Bakersfield)
Best hitter: Scott Hurst, of, Alaska Goldpanners (Cal State Fullerton)
Best power: Clayton Taylor, inf, Anchorage Glacier Pilots (Nebraska-Omaha)
Best speed: Mylz Jones, ss, Peninsula Oilers (Cal State Bakersfield)
Best defender: Mylz Jones, ss, Peninsula Oilers (Cal State Bakersfield)
Best velocity: Kyle Serrano, rhp, Mat-Su Miners (Tennessee)
Best breaking stuff: Ryan Hendrix, rhp, Mat-Su Miners (Texas A&M)
Best command: Tyler Stubblefield, lhp, Mat-Su Miners (Texas A&M)


TOP 10 PROSPECTS

1. Scott Hurst, of, Alaska Goldpanners (Cal State Fullerton/FR in 2015)
Hurst made it abundantly clear coming out of high school he was heading to college, thus didn't even get drafted this past summer. Hurst, though, is a premier talent. In addition to being a Perfect Game All-American out of high school, he was ranked 62nd nationally by PG, and was one of few freshmen playing collegiate summer baseball. Lacking experience or not, Hurst was just terrific this past summer in the Alaska Baseball League. Hurst, a 6-foot, 175-pounder who will continue to mature physically, hit .429 this summer, leading the league, while also showing a mature offensive approach with 26 walks as opposed to just 18 strikeouts. Coaches in the league believe the power production will come for Hurst, while he showed plus defending skills in the outfield with outstanding speed and impressive arm strength. Hurst is a smart player who has veteran-like qualities, as is just a freshman.