LOFTY LEFTIES RULE THE ROOST
The Southern League dropped two franchises and became Double-A South but was otherwise the same hot, humid, pitcher-friendly league it has always been. No affiliated league saw fewer runs scored per game in 2021.
Dropped from the league were Jacksonville, which moved to Triple-A, and Jackson, which lost its affiliation. Mobile relocated to Rocket City in Madison, Ala., where the park played small. Just two Double-A parks saw more home runs.
The prospect depth in the league was below-average, even for an eight-team league, though a number of pitchers stood out to scouts. In particular, the crop of lefthanders was strong, led by the Reds’ Nick Lodolo, the Angels’ Reid Detmers and the Marlins’ Jake Eder. Braves catcher Shea Langeliers and Reds shortstop Jose Barrero have the type of up-the-middle upside to start for many seasons.
Among the first-round picks who played in the league long enough to qualify for this ranking, but who didn’t make the final cut were Marlins outfielder JJ Bleday, Braves shortstop Braden Shewmake and lefthander Ethan Small, shortstop Brice Turang
