YOUTHFUL AGE SEEMS PARAMOUNT IN SELECTING INDY BASEBALL'S BEST PROSPECTS

It was intriguing checking out Baseball America's list of what it considers the top 10 prospects in Independent Baseball (among all players not signed by a major league organization by August 13) today, and learning that Colombian first baseman Reynaldo Rodriguez ranked No. 1

Timing is very imperfect in these instances, and we had just written in Thursday's Independent Baseball Insider that the Red Sox have purchased the 23-year-old's contract after his summer at Yuma, AZ of the Golden League where he hit .335. BB-A's J.J. Cooper suggests Rodriguez probably projects best as a corner outfielder in affiliated baseball since he likely does not have the power to be an ideal major league first baseman.

While these veteran eyes see a number of Independent players getting an affiliated opportunity at a much more advanced age and even a big league look if they continue to progress, it is easy to see that Baseball America really concentrated on younger players in making its selections. No one on the team is more than 24, and only two of the 10 have reached that birthday. That also explains why the Atlantic League, which does not have many of the under-25 crowd on its rosters, did not land anyone on the list.

MAJOR LEAGUERS IN MINORITY

It was surprising that with so many former major leaguers in the Atlantic League only four of the 14 players on the circuit's postseason All-Star team have even one game at the highest level.

Carl Everett of Newark, NJ was the only major name tabbed, with his role as DH. Closer Bill Simas and southpaw starter Troy Cate of Long Island, NY both have major league time as does outfielder Charlton Jimerson, one of Everett's teammates.

HOMETOWN SUPPORT

Sure we have prejudice as a life-long baseball enthusiast, but Amarillo, TX may have the smartest people around. They have selected the hometown Amarillo Dillas the "Best Local Sports Team" for the fourth consecutive year in the Amarillo Globe-News's annual poll of the Best of Amarillo, which covers a variety of categories.

What a shame it is when some communities hardly know they have a professional baseball team even though the competition as well as the entertainment and the cost run fairly similar from ballpark to ballpark. If only these towns paid more attention.

FALL WORKOUT OCTOBER 24-25

It is not the normal tryout camp, but the Frontier League has a fall workout for college-eligible players as well as others looking for exposure scheduled October 24-25 at the Gateway Grizzlies' GCS Ballpark in Sauget, IL, near St. Louis. The indication is all of the league's managers will be on hand. Details can be found at www.FrontierLeague.com.

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SOMERSET KEEPS UP ITS WINNING WAYS; NOW THE BACK STORIES TAKE OVER IN INDEPENDENT BASEBALL

Sadly, those of us who live and breathe baseball do not have any more Independent games until next season. The Somerset (NJ) Patroits hoisted the final postseason championship flag when they won their record fifth Atlantic League title, and became the first team in the league's 12-year history to triumph in back-to-back seasons.

New York Yankees fans might see an omen as the major league postseason gets under way in that onetime bullpen ace Sparky Lyle manages the Patriots and Jeff Nettles, the son of longtime third base standout Graig Nettles, was the championship series MVP. Time will tell.

While the games always are the enjoyable part, the behind-the-scenes maneuverings of the eight Indy leagues carry serious impact. Which teams are solid, and unquestionably safe for 2010? Which ones need a new infusion of investor money or a better stadium lease? Which teams will not see a new season?

All indications are this is going to be an uneasy offseason in too many locations. American Association ownership was meeting on this very day and again Wednesday, with one question certain to be the fate of the Fort Worth Cats, a success at the gate but with top-heavy costs because of the acreage surrounding LaGrave Field which owner Carl Bell must resolve. Reports that the United League covets the territory seem to be true, but that is not a solution. Besides, the American Association does not want to give up on Fort Worth.

Can-Am League owners will huddle next week, and while we expect they will find Brockton, MA once again in safe territory, this circuit still needs a replacement for the American Defenders of New Hampshire (Nashua) to maintain is six-team operational base. Don't be shocked if new ownership is introduced in two other existing cities, although that could come somewhat later.

These are just a few of the headaches to key leagues where we feel confident of understand some of the big issues. The three-year-old Continental League still is in need of solidifying itself, and it bears watching to see whether the United League, which almost did not survive league-wide ownership issues one year ago, can progress with what the league has been saying is a major new facility in the busy Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Enter the four-team Florida Winter League. Hit or miss? We will see.

Independent Baseball provided some great entertainment and missed a third consecutive eight million fan season by a whisker, and it probably will do the same or even better next summer when the economy may be more stable. But that is many headlines--and headaches--down the road.

Stay tuned.

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