milb levels

I realized last night while chatting with someone on facebook, not everyone is familiar with the different levels found in milb.
That's ok, I didn't know either at one time. :)
So here ya go.
Instructional league, that is also known as complex league, found at each (most)teams spring training facilities. Most HS players getting drafted head to instructional league. For most teams, this is where they also bring in their young dominican and venezualan players for the summer.

Single low A, this might include a rookie level, short season (where most 4 year college players go when drafted) and full season. Every team is different as to where they send their newly drafted players and in some cases their college guys. Some teams have rookie level, some don't, some have short season and others don't. Then there is high A.

Then comes AA and last but not least AAA also known as the parking lot. Here is where you wait to be called up, and sometimes it takes years before that happens (as in the case of Dirk, the non prospect). Most of the players in AAA become organizational guys or reserves. They can get called up and optioned out (sent back) numerous times in a year but after 3 years must be placed on the 40 man or given free agency.

As you move up there becomes a difference, the hitters are more patient and the pitchers are more polished and throw more pitches in the game. For most teams, you have to master a level before you are moved, which means a year. Most levels are age appropriate, except at the AAA level. In other words an 18 year old out of HS will not be playing with 23-30 year olds, unless he's a Rick Porcello. :)

Springfield won 2 in a row, now 2-2.