Ellsbury Finishes AFL Season Strong

11/21/2006

Madras Pioneer

Jacoby Ellsbury finished up his Arizona Fall League season strong.
The Madras native had two hits and scored the game's only run as the Peoria Javelinas edged Scottsdale Scorpions 1-0 on Thursday. It was the season finale for both teams. Ellsbury also hit a double, his four in 25 games of the short season.
   

The centerfielder had two more hits in a Nov. 14 game, scoring a run against the Peoria Saguaros. The hits snapped an 0-for-13 slump. The AFL has top prospects from all major league rosters on its six teams. Ellsbury played with prospects from the Seattle, Atlanta and Florida organizations.
   

During the Arizona season, Ellsbury hit .276 with 29 hits and 18 runs. The lefty had four doubles, three triples and eight walks. He also drove in three runs and stole seven bases in 10 attempts.
   

During the AFL season, Ellsbury continued to hit lefthanded pitching well. The left-handed hitter had a .359 average (14-39) with two doubles and two triples. He also drove in two runs and walked twice.
   

Ellsbury was also one of 50 players selected to play in the Rising Stars Showcase in the six-team league in late October.
   

The AFL season ends a stretch of nearly 10 months of baseball for Ellsbury. He started the season in February at the Red Sox training camp, then played 61 games for Willington in the A Carolina League, hitting .299 with 25 stolen bases.
   

Ellsbury was promoted to AA Portland (Maine) in July, playing 50 regular-season games with a .308 average. He also helped the Sea Dogs win the Eastern League crown.