Arizona
Two Cubs Prospects Earn High Marks for Their Arizona Fall League Performance
The Arizona Fall League gives organizations a chance to see how some of their prospects might look when facing other stars in pipelines around the league, and for the Chicago Cubs who have a loaded farm system, this allowed them to formulate a plan for a group of their minor leaguers.
Things seem to be brewing for the Cubs this winter.
Unlike last year, they have been aggressive in the early portion of the offseason, already making trades to upgrade their bullpen by acquiring Eli Morgan, and giving themselves a solid backup catcher by landing Matt Thaiss from the Los Angeles Angels.
More moves are expected to come for Chicago, specifically regarding their starting rotation.
By adding a reliever and backstop with early trades, that allows them to hold onto some of the money they allocated to potentially get this done in free agency.
However, shipping out more talent is something they might continue to do.
Someone they could potentially look to move coming off his good showing at the Arizona Fall League is Jonathon Long.
When sharing some final thoughts on what occurred at this year’s AFL, Melissa Lockard of The Athletic gave high marks for two Cubs prospects who competed in this event, Long being one of them.
He followed up his strong Double-A season with an eye-catching performance in the Arizona Fall League by slashing 338/.425/.662 with six home runs.
Long could become an outfield option for Chicago down the line, but with other more heralded prospects who play his same position, he could be expendable as the front office searches for ways to improve their Major League roster.
The other player who received high marks shouldn’t surprise anyone.
Moises Ballesteros continues his ascent, following up his breakout performance in 2024 with a .316/.376/.557 slash line, five homers and four doubles in his 19 AFL games.
There was some thought he could be the backup catcher for the Cubs next season based on their need for offensive output at that position, but there are still questions about how he performs on the defensive end that could cause them to use him elsewhere while he continues to develop.
Still, he was impressive with the bat in his hand, prompting Lockard to state he “continues to look like a potential middle-of-the-order fixture.”
Whether it’s at designated hitter or he does become Chicago’s catcher of the future eventually, knowing he has this ability to be an elite offensive producer when he gets the call to The Show should excite the organization and fanbase.
GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Multiple people have been shot at a popular entertainment spot in Glendale, according to officials with the city’s police department. No suspect or suspects have been caught, police said.
Officers responded to the Westgate Entertainment District, near Glendale and 91st avenues, around 9 p.m. for reports of a shooting.
Police said they believe the injuries are not life-threatening.
Police said the individuals involved may have known one another and this was an isolated incident. No other information was given.
This is a developing story.
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Arizona
Arizona boy named Disneyland’s one billionth guest on his 8th birthday in memorable ceremony
An Arizona boy received the present of a lifetime while celebrating his birthday at the Happiest Place on Earth when he was honored as the one billionth guest at the California theme park.
Andres Robles, 8, walked through the gates of Disneyland Resort Friday morning ready to celebrate his 8th birthday with his parents when he received the heartfelt surprise, DisneyParksBlog reported.
The birthday boy and his parents Alejandra and Jose attended a ceremony at the Main Street USA train station platform where the beaming 8-year-old unveiled a sign showcasing the updated population of the theme park.
“Population 1,000,000,000,” read the sign.
Fittingly, Mickey and Minnie Mouse were in attendance for the special ceremony, as well as their friends Daisy and Donald Duck.
The birthday celebrations for the youngster continued after the ceremony when he was gifted with a VIP tour guide for the day — which can start at a whopping $3,500 for the luxury service.
The lucky family was treated to a tour of Walt Disney’s private apartment located on park grounds as well as the new Soarin’ Across America attraction commemorating America’s 250th birthday.
“The Robles family visit is just one of the many lifelong memories that have been created here at Disneyland Resort,” the blog wrote.
“From vacations and reunions to birthdays and more, generations of families and friends have come to Disneyland Resort to have fun together.”
Disneyland Resort — which encompasses Disneyland and Disney California Adventure — celebrated its 70th anniversary last year.
Known as the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland “has served as the inspiration behind the creation of more Disney theme parks and experiences across the globe,” according to DisneyParksBlog.
“Today, Disneyland continues its legacy as a worldwide icon and industry leader in entertainment and theme park experiences.”
“The resort continues to invest in creativity, technology and innovation to bring storytelling to new heights, while fulfilling Walt Disney’s vision that ‘Disneyland will never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world,’” the blog added.
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