NewsWeek 1 AFL Players of the Week
Yankees' Laird, Dodgers' Mitchell share weekly award
Arizona Fall League
10/19/09 2:30 PM ET
PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Surprise Rafters infielder Brandon Laird (NYY) and Peoria Javelinas first baseman Russ Mitchell (LAD) are the Arizona Fall League's week one co-players-of-the-week.
Brandon Laird, Surprise Rafters
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Laird, who has appeared at first and third base, leads the Fall League in hitting (.625, 10-for-16) after the season's first week. His impressive start included four- and five-hit efforts (9-for-11) in his first two games. He also registered seven RBIs.
Laird spent 2009 at Class A Advanced Tampa, batting .266 in 124 games with 20 doubles, 4 triples, 13 home runs and 75 RBIs. In three Minor League seasons, he has hit .281.
The Cypress, Calif. native was the Yankees' 27th-round pick (844th overall) in the June 2007 Draft out of Cypress (Calif.) Community College.
Russ Mitchell, Peoria Javelinas
All of Mitchell's week-one hits -- three doubles and two home runs -- went for extra bases. He enters week two hitting .417 (5-for-12).
The 6-foot-1, 182-pound Mitchell is tied for the league lead with eight RBIs. He accumulated the eight RBIs with two four-RBI games.
Mitchell spent 2009 at Double-A Chattanooga, batting .241 in 131 games with 30 doubles, 3 triples, 13 home runs and 63 RBIs.
In seven Minor League seasons, he owns a .257 batting average.
The Cartersville, Ga. native was selected by the Dodgers in the 15th round (451st overall) of the 2003 Draft.
Other Nominees
Other players receiving player-of-the-week consideration were Surprise Rafters first baseman Ike Davis (NYM), Peoria Saguaros outfielder Chris Heisey (CIN), Surprise Rafters third baseman Mike Moustakas (KC) and Peoria Javelinas outfielder Casper Wells (DET).
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
