Indians 2012 #1 pick Tyler Naquin named AFL All-Star

Tyler Naquin is one of the Indians' top prospects, someone with the potential to take over in right field come 2015, and has been playing in the Arizona Fall League this month in order to get some extra reps against a somewhat higher level of competition than he faced at High-A Carolina for most of 2013, in hopes that he'll be successful at Double-A Akron early next summer and perhaps be ready for Triple-A after the All-Star break.

Naquin doesn't project to become a star, but he's been honored as one this week. On Monday he was named to the AFL's All-Star Game, which takes place Saturday evening. He'll play on the West Division team, possibly starting next to MLB's #1 prospect, Minnesota outfielder Byron Buxton. Yesterday Naquin was named the AFL's Player of the Week, after collecting 8 hits, 3 walks, 2 stolen bases, and a league-high 7 RBI while playing for the Suprise Saguaros, along with other prospects from the Indians and four other MLB teams. The Saguaros have the AFL's best record and are in a good position to play for the league's championship in mid-November.

Naquin leads the league in hits, with 21, and is hitting .333, with a .397 OBP, both of which are among the highest in the league. The bad news is, 19 of those hits have been singles, and he's yet to hit a home run (he hit 10 during the 2013 season). With Naquin speed, a high BABIP is possible, and he gets solid marks for his attitude, willingness to learn, base running, and fielding, but Tribe fans have to hope he develops more power as he continues to mature (he's 22).