Farm System of the Year: Cloverdale Clovers

For the third time in Franchise History, the Cloverdale Clovers have been honored as the Roger Dorn Baseball League's top Farm System. GM Chris Shelley took home the same honor in 2017 and 2018 marking the third honor as the top Farm System in the last six seasons. While the talent is abundant, player development was the overwhelming theme of the group as almost every prospect under a Minor League deal with the Clovers took significant steps forward in 2022.

While the Clovers were sellers this season and saw an infusion of young talent into their prospect group, Shelley's most notable prospects were home-grown led by 2019 3rd overall selection Adley Rutschman. Following a slow start to his big league career, Rutschman has been stellar, leading all catchers in scoring over the last month while looking like a potential top 3 backstop heading into his activation season in 2023.

Rutschman was far from the only Clover prospect to see big league time as Oneil Cruz, Alek Thomas, Edward Cabrera and Nick Pratto all spent varying amounts of time in the major leagues with each in the mix for Opening Day activations in 2023.

Mid-season acquisition Marco Luciano is just one of a handful of prospects with sky high potential, joined by fellow middle infielder Elly de la Cruz who was arguably the most exciting player in Minor League Baseball in 2022.

Shelley is most proud of the development of elite arms Riky Tiedemann and Taj Bradley, each of which are knocking on the big league door. While both have excellent upside, mid-season acquisition Andrew Painter, the 2022 Baseball America Minor League Pitcher of the Year, might have the most of the group. Painter dominated his way through three level of the Minor Leagues, reaching Double-A at just 19 years old in his first full season of professional baseball.

With a strong Keeper Roster and substantial cap space, the Clovers look well positioned for title contention for years to come as they look to add a second Championship banner in Cloverdale.

Honorable Mention: Asti Grape Stompers, Lunatic Fringe, St. Joseph Jokers

Reliever of the Year: Emmanuel Clase, Stacks

The Alamo Short Stacks were thrilled to land reliever Emmanuel Clase for $1 to round out the 2021 Roger Dorn Baseball League Draft. Two seasons later, the move is one of the foundational reasons the Short Stacks are on the verge of their first RDBL Championship following a dominant season as the closer in Cleveland that earned him the 2022 Reliever of the Year Award.

Clase was lights out in the RDBL Regular Season, posting a 1.17 ERA and 0.65 WHIP for 320.0 points, ranking 38th among all pitchers while leading all relievers in scoring. His 30 saves led all of baseball in the RDBL Regular Season, contributing to 83 total saves for the Short Stacks which led the league.

Clase has backed up his dominant RDBL Regular Season with a stellar Playoff run including 10 more saves, earning his 40th overall on Friday night.

Honorable Mention: Edwin Diaz (Goutfish), Ryan Helsley (Grapes), Jorge Lopez (Devils)

On The Lookout: Fish Face Biggest Day of 2022 Season

With two titles already on the shelf, it's hard to claim that Tuesday will be the biggest day in Spokane Fightin' Fish Franchise History. But it certainly will be the most important day of the 2022 Season for GM Michael Tirabassi and the club rolls out three starters with just 9 days remaining in the Playoffs.

The Fish will send out their ace Shane Bieber (vs. TB) as well as Marcus Stroman (vs. PHI) and Carlos Carrasco (vs. MIA) as they enter Tuesday 2.0 points behind the surging Burlingame Blue Ducks for 2nd place and 34.5 points behind the Alamo Short Stacks for the lead.

The Fish added some muscle to the lineup Monday, activating first baseman Vinny Pasquantino who has slashed .354/.448/.521 over the last 28 days while under a Minor League contract for Tirabassi.

Stacks Turn to Sandoval

After a series of trades to boost the club's starting rotation, Patrick Sandoval has been stationed on the Stacks bench for much of the 2nd Half. GM Greg Shelley has moved Sandoval back into the lineup for a 2-start week which kicks off Tuesday against the Oakland Athletics while Carlos Rodon's pitch limit cap of 80 has sent him to the bench.

Ducks Pitchers Idle

Following the 41-point shutout from Bryce Elder Monday, the Burlingame Blue Ducks will be idle on the mound from their starting pitchers. The offense looks ready to pick up the slack as they have slashed .317/.384/.527 over the last seven days, 57 points higher in average than the next best RDBL Playoff team.

Falcons Look to Close Gap

The Maltese Falcons remain within striking distance with Zack Wheeler (@ CHC) and Kyle Bradish (@ BOS) set for starts on Monday after solid starts from Kevin Gausman and Chase Anderson on Monday.

Webb Closing Out Hops Career

Logan Webb has been one of the best players in Hops Franchise History with a pair of dominant seasons following his waiver claim in 2021. He will close out his Hops career on Tuesday at home against the Rockies with his potential final start up in the air to hold down his innings.

Maulers Look for Hot Finish

Tyler Anderson's banner 2FA/$5 season is winding down with a Tuesday start in San Diego while Corey Kluber gets the ball against the American League Central Champion Guardians. The Maulers enter Tuesday 130.0 points behind the Hops for 5th Place.