As games begin in the Arizona Fall League, it's a good time to take a look at the prospects the Jays sent to play for the Peoria Saguaros. First, the hitters:

Aaron Hill- Many people should know Hill as the first round draft pick from year two under the JP Ricciardi regime. Hill has moved through the Jays system pretty quickly, spending 2004 in New Hampshire. In 2005 it is widely assumed he'll open up with Syracuse. This year, Hill hit .280 with 11 HR's and 26 doubles. More importantly he walked 63 times, contrasted by only 61 strike outs. Hill is an interesting player as he does not have a spot to play at the big league level. He's currently playing SS but that position is being occupied by Russ Adams. Orlando Hudson took a step forward in 2004 and is currently at 2nd base. Finally, Eric Hinske is under contract for another three years at third base. So where does that leave Hill? I think a LOT is going to depend on how well Hinske and Hudson play next year. To me, Hinske was the most disappointing player on the Jays roster this year and is in danger of finding himself on another team. His plate discipline dropped along with his power. If he does not rebound next year and Hudson/Hill have a good year, I could see Hinske being traded away to make room for either Hill or Hudson to take over the everyday duties at the hot corner. I would love to see the on base abilities of Hill and Adams in the one and two spots of the Jays lineup for the next 10 or so years. A lineup of those two at the top and a couple of big boppers in the middle would score a lot of runs.

John Hattig- Hattig is the player the Jays got from Boston in the Terry Adams deal. Hattig had a good year with the stick, batting .298 with 22 HR's and 28 doubles in 400 at bats between AA and AAA this year. But, he's already 24 which is a little old to be considered a big time prospect. He would need a really big year in AAA to push himself into the Jays plans. I believe he profiles as a guy who can come off the bench and give you a good at bat and can spot start at 3B every now and then at the big league level. Hinske showed a reverse split in 2004 hitting better (L-.268/.321/.405, R- .236/.309/.363) against left handed pitching but if this proves to be an aberration, Hattig could be a right handed platoon partner for Hinske. He's an interesting player and a pretty good pickup for a pitcher the Jays didn't need in Terry Adams.

Vito Chiaravalloti- Speaking of interesting players. Vito, is a guy who will draw a lot of interest from me in '05 and in the AFL. I believe Ricciardi thinks he will be the long term solution at first base for the Jays so it will be interesting to see how he plays in the AFL. In 2005 I have to think the plan is to start him off in New Hampshire. Vito exploded onto the scene in 2003 for the Auburn Doubledays hitting .351/.469/.605 in 228 at bats. In '04, he moved up to Dunedin and hit a pretty good but not outstanding .266/.376/.438 in 447 AB's. I believe the solution to the Delgado problem is to sign/trade for a cheaper veteran and keep them around for the next couple of years while Vito is developing. Then, turn the job over to Vito when he is ready in 2007 or so. This is, of course, if Vito continues to develop. 2005 will be a huge year for the kid as the Jays need to know if he's the super prospect his Auburn season hinted at or merely the marginal prospect his Dunedin season hinted at.

Next time I'll take a look at the trio of Jason Arnold, Adam Peterson and Francisco Rosario who are the pitchers in Arizona.