Jared Lansford found his championship.
Now, Jeff Gray is looking for his.
Lansford won his first title as a professional when the River Cats won the Pacific Coast League crown Sept. 14. Gray missed out on the celebration, making his major league debut with the A's instead.
The relievers have another chance at a championship in the Arizona Fall League, as they join a Phoenix Desert Dogs club that has won four consecutive titles.
The league serves as an offseason showcase of top prospects from each major league organization.
"You know, it was a little bittersweet," Gray said of the timing of his call-up, "but I'll tell you what, I was with them all the way. I mean, I had (River Cats reliever) Ryan Wing on my speed dial trying to find out how they were doing."
The River Cats were doing fine, winning their fourth PCL championship in six years and second consecutive Triple-A Bricktown Showdown title.
Lansford and Gray look to keep the Sacramento-turned-Phoenix dynasty alive in Arizona.
"Coming in, we knew about those the past four years," Lansford said. "That's definitely on our minds. We want to live up to that."
"Every team and every year's different," Gray said. "It's about how the team comes together. We have a really good group of guys here. We're coming together real nicely. I really think we can go all the way with it again this year."
While team success remains a focus for the Desert Dogs, who lead their division with 12-9 record, players admit things are a little different in the AFL.
"We're down here to showcase ourselves," Lansford said. "Getting guys better down here is our main concern."
Lansford shifted to the bullpen this year after spending his first two minor league seasons as a starter. He said he's in Arizona to get more experience out of the bullpen.
Like Lansford, most AFL players are either Double-A or Triple-A prospects with dreams of making it to the Show.
Gray, however, finds himself in a different boat. The 26-year-old has big league experience to draw on as he competes in his second AFL tour in as many years.
"I was here last year in the position that Jared and a lot of these guys are in," he said. "I was trying to make a statement and put a little bit of pressure on myself.
"Being here now, I'm more relaxed. I know what to expect. It makes it a little bit easier."
Gray's challenge becomes proving he can stick in the Oakland bullpen. He said his September call-up with the A's helps his hopes.
"It was a really good experience," Gray said. "You get there and see exactly what you need to work on to stay there."
Lansford thinks spending time in the AFL is a major step toward accomplishing his big league goals.
"It's such an honor to even be invited here," he said. "Looking back at our guys that went to the league last year, almost every single one of them made it to the big leagues this year.
"It's definitely exciting being out here playing against this caliber of guys. There could be the next Manny Ramírez or A-Rod playing here with you."
