Harper, Norris selected to 2011 AFL Top Prospects Team

Scottsdale Scorpions Derek Norris and Bryce Harper were named to the Arizona Fall League 2011 Top Prospects Team, which was announced over the weekend. The team was selected by managers and coaches in the AFL under the criteria of fall league performance and which prospects were most likely to have successful major league careers. Harper was tied for third in the AFL with six homers, finished third with 26 RBIs and hit safely in 19 of his final 20 games. He began the fall campaign going for 1-for-16, but later reeled off a six-game hitting streak. Harper ended up hitting .403 (25- for-62) with five doubles, a triple, six home runs, 24 RBI, 12 runs scored and seven walks during the 16-game hitting streak, from Oct. 13-Nov. 11. Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com also rated Harper as the No. 1 prospect in the Arizona Fall League, heading the list of his top 25 AFL players. Norris had a very consistent effort for the Scorpions, enjoying a 17-game on-base streak. During that run, Norris hit .339 (21-for-62) and had a .434 on-base percentage with two doubles, two homers, 11 RBIs, 13 runs and 11 walks. Defensively, Norris led the AFL with eight runners caught stealing and .471 caught-stealing percentage (8-for-17). Norris had said during the streak he felt like he was more relaxed at the plate, swinging "free and easy." He had always shown plate patience, but this season with the Scorpions, his calmness in the box rubbed off on his batting numbers, ending up at .276 after an 0-for-11 in the final three games.