How are the young D-Backs doing in the AFL?

It seems like an eternity since the Arizona Diamondbacks took the field, but in fact, it’s been only 32 days since the D-Backs beat the Cubs 5-2 at Wrigley Field to put the wraps on a disappointing 70-win season.

But it’s not the offseason for everyone in the D-Backs’ organization.

Seven players are showing their stuff in the Arizona Fall League, currently happening at a Cactus League stadium near you. The contingent of Diamondbacks are all suiting up for the Scottsdale Scorpions, who are 7-12 and tied for 2nd in the AFL East (there’s only three teams in the division.

I found myself wondering how the young Diamondbacks are doing this fall, so I thought you might be too.

Brandon Allen, 1B - This is an important fall for Allen, who is being considered for the everyday first base job in 2010 with the big club. Let’s just say that things aren’t going so well for him. In 20 games, Allen is batting just .162 (12 for 74), with one home run and 10 runs driven in. He has also struck out 20 times, but has shown the ability to draw walks, as he has 19 thus far, which leads the Arizona Fall League. But the most startling statistic on Allen’s ledger this fall has been his inability to hit left handed pitching. Allen is 0 for 18 in that category.

Bryan Augenstein, SP - Augenstein, who made 7 appearances and 2 starts for the Diamondbacks in ‘09 has also struggled in the Arizona Fall League. Augenstein has made 4 starts for Scottsdale, and is 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA. Opposing hitters are batting a robust .349 against him, and he hasn’t worked longer than three innings in any one outing. Left handed hitters are especially enjoying at bats against Augenstein; they’re hitting .417 against him.

Pedro Ciriaco, 2B/SS - Ciriaco, who enjoyed a productive year at Double-A Mobile in the Southern League with a .296 average and 38 stolen bases, is also producing this fall. The right-handed hitter from the Dominican is hitting .304 in 46 at-bats, almost all against right-handed pitching. But unlike Allen, Ciriaco hasn’t drawn walks–he’s got only 1 to his credit, and his on-base percentage of .327 is nothing to write home about, especially for a player that’s hitting in the leadoff or number two slot, like Ciriaco has for the Scorpions.

Cole Gillespie, OF - Gillespie, who was acquired from Milwaukee in the trade that sent Felipe Lopez to the Brewers, has had a very nice AFL season to this point. His .348 batting average ranks in the top 15 in the league, and his on base percentage of .455 is 5th in the league. He has one home run to his credit, but has not shown a tendency to strike out, which is a good way to break into the big club’s lineup. Gillespie has just 2 punch outs in 46 at-bats this fall.

Tom Layne, RP - The 25-year old left hander has been good in relief for the Scorpions. In 7 appearances (all out of the bullpen), Layne has allowed 7 hits in 7.1 innings, struck out 8 and only walked 3. His ERA is a respectable 2.45, and opponents are hitting just .233 against him.

Scott Maine, RP - The left-hander from the University of Miami hasn’t seen much action in the Fall League, working just 1.2 innings in relief, but he’s given up 3 earned runs (for a 16.20 ERA) in that time. Maine hasn’t pitched since October 16th.

Cesar Valdez, RP - After compiling a 7-6 record in 18 starts at Triple-A Reno in ‘09, Valdez has been coming out of the bullpen for the Scorpions in the AFL. The right hander has made 6 appearances, allowing 12 hits and 10 earned runs (11.25 ERA) in 8 innings of work. He’s struck out 10 and walked 5, while opponents have batted .324 against him. He has been better in his last 2 outings, pitching 2 or more innings in each, and allowing just 1 earned run..

The Arizona Fall League runs through November 19th.

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