Chad Huffman impresses Indians in Arizona Fall League match up
Chad Daniel Huffman is making a case for a Major League role with the Cleveland Indians and a recent matchup between the Phoenix Desert Dogs and the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League stands as testament to the infielder’s appeal to the management.
The first baseman was hot on his toes as he finished the game with a grand slam knock on Wednesday, November 2.
The 26-year-old finished the day with a 3 – for – 4 hitting with the bat. He had five RBIs and that accounted for more than half of his Fall League RBIs total. The Dogs beat the Sox 11 – 8.
"It was just one of those things, it came together today," Huffman said. "I got some pitches to drive and got some barrel on it."
Many eyes were on Grant Green, the Oakland Athletics’ top prospect, and experts weighed on him to convert a two bases loaded situation into a run in the eighth. Reliever Brandon Kloess, affiliated with the Chicago White Sox, had other plans, as he hit the
batter with his pitch. With bases loaded, Huffman walked in to take the plate.
"To be honest, I thought Green was going to get a single for sure," Huffman said. "I thought he would get the cycle and give us a one-run lead."
The club was 7 – 8 in the score line at the time. Huffman knew this was a chance to make the best of his opportunities and he went late into the count, hitting the pitcher through the left field for a grand slam on the seventh pitch. The Dogs immediately
went up 11 – 8.
The player is hitting .231 in the Fall League and he looks to be gaining steam now.
"I'm just starting to get more comfortable," Huffman said. "I didn't take any live pitching before first pitch here. It took a while to get back in the swing on things. The last live pitch I saw was in the [Triple-A] National Championship Game [on Sept.
20]."
With Huffman rising through the cream of the minor leagues, it appears the Indians could have a first baseman on their roster in the next season.
Tags: