Eldridge, Davidson Lead Giants' Contingent to the AFL

Photo Credit: Mick Anders | Richmond Flying Squirrels

We finally got the full Arizona Fall League rosters rolled out today! The season opens in just over 10 days, so they weren’t exactly rushing the word out this year!

But I wanted to quickly catch you all up to date on the full Giants’ contingent for the season. As expected, it is topped (literally!) by Bryce Eldridge and also includes his San Jose co-MVP, Bo Davidson.

The full group is as follows:

• Bryce Eldridge, 1b

• Charlie Szykowny, 3b

• Bo Davidson, OF

• Marques Johnson, RHP

• William Kempner, RHP

• Cale Lansville, RHP

• Elijah Pleasants, RHP

• Tyler Vogel, RHP

For the first time in several years, the Giants aren’t sending a catcher to Scottsdale. Instead, they’ve loaded up on A-ball level relievers. As expected, nearly every arm they’re sending to the AFL missed time with injuries this year and need to make up some reps. Johnson, who was part of last year’s AFL group, as well, was hurt almost immediately and missed nearly all of 2024, getting into just six games near the end. Kempner, who suffered a foot injury in the offseason, did miss the entire year, though he’s been pitching in the Bridge League in Arizona this month. Vogel and Lansville (the lone starter in the group) also spent more than a month on the IL. The final pitcher is former Oakland Baller, Pleasants, who showed some real arm strength after joining the Giants’ organization mid-season.

In addition to the two starring attractions, Szykowny also gets a well-deserved trip to the Fall League. After missing April and some of May, Szykowny made up for lost time with a strong first full season. His .295 season averaged trailed only Trenton Brooks (.302) among hitters with 400 PA in the system this year.

In addition to all the Giants’ players, congratulations go out to Dennis Pelfrey, who will be managing the Scottsdale squad this year. Good job, Pelf!

Besides Eldridge, other starring attractions on the Scottsdale Scorpions club include the Pirates’ Temarr Johnson, and a pair of Mets’ prospects, Jett Williams and Drew Gilbert. The Scottsdale team also includes old friend, Eric Silva, and brother of old friend, Wilmer Flores.

Opening night for the AFL this year is October 7 and the Home Run Derby and Fall Stars Game will be November 8 and 9 at Sloan Park in Mesa (the Cubs’ spring training home). Home games for the Scottsdale Scorpions take place in the Giants’ spring training park, Scottsdale Stadium. Ticket prices for games run about $11-13 each, though if you're planning a long stay, you can get season passes for $155 (or $115 for seniors) which will get you in to any game at any stadium. Unfortunately, for those not in the immediate Sun Valley area, it’s a little harder to watch. Some games are streamed, but they typically involve just one wide-angle lens from the press box. Maybe some day they’ll up their video streaming game. In the meantime, I’ll try to post the best clips that attendees and observers post on social media along the way. And I am hoping to be out at the league in November if things work out with my scheduling.