D-Backs in AFL: Westbrook, Cron enjoying homecoming

Any time a D-backs prospect heads to the Arizona Fall League, there is a feeling of it being a homecoming, of sorts. They always play for the Salt River Rafters, so the home park is Salt River Fields, which is also where prospects go for Spring Training and instructional league play.

For a pair of prospects playing in the AFL this fall, it goes beyond just playing in familiar surroundings. Jamie Westbrook, No. 21 on the D-backs Top 30 prospects list, and Kevin Cron both are products of the Arizona high school baseball scene. Westbrook signed out of high school as a sixth-round pick in 2013. Cron went to TCU and began his career after the D-backs took him in the 14th round of the 2014 Draft. As a result, both were well-versed in what the AFL was all about.

“I grew up coming to watch all these games since I was little,” Westbrook said. “I even came last offseason to watch. I get to be home and play against the best competition there is in the Minors. I was really pumped; I was excited for the opportunity.”

Not only did Cron also watch Fall League action as a kid, he has multiple family ties to the AFL. His father, Chris, now the D-backs’ minor league hitting coordinator, has played (1992) and managed (1999, 2001) in this league. And his brother, C.J., now a first baseman for the Angels, played as well, in 2013.

“I was fired up,” Cron said about getting the AFL invite. “It was always a goal of mine to make it here and play. I know the prestige or the honor it is to play here. My brother let me know how much fun he had, tried to calm the nerves a little bit, me understanding how big of an opportunity this is to showcase my abilities.”

Cron and Westbrook showcased what they could do together in Double-A for the first time. Both saw their numbers dip following seasons in the hitting-friendly California League, but both came away feeling they are better players now, with lessons carrying over to the AFL, having gone through the 2016 season.

“It was definitely an adjustment period,” said Cron, who did hit 26 homers. “I came to learn a lot about who I was as a player. You always hear that old adage that the most important thing is to know who you are, play to your strengths and improve on your weaknesses.”

“It was definitely a big jump from High-A to Double-A, bigger than from Low-A to High-A,” Westbrook agreed. “I was pleased with …

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