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
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