afl update

Former Mississippi Brave Jason Heyward had two hits in his Arizona Fall League debut on Tuesday night and added another on Wednesday; he’s 3-for-9 with two doubles and an RBI. Ex-M-Braves Freddie Freeman and Brandon Hicks debuted on Wednesday and went a combined 0-for-7. Of note, Hicks, the M-Braves’ shortstop in 2009, played third base for the Peoria Saguaros. There was some speculation in the spring that he might be moved there someday. This is likely just a trial run. Odds are Hicks will be back at short and back with the M-Braves next spring. Three other 2009 M-Braves pitched for the Saguaros on Wednesday: Jeff Lyman started (2 innings, 3 hits, a walk and a run) and Lee Hyde and Craig Kimbrel worked an inning each. The starter for Scottsdale was Jackson native Donnie Veal, whom the Pirates reportedly are planning to convert to starting in 2010. The live-armed lefty was sharp in his AFL debut, tossing two perfect innings with three K’s.