Phuture Phillies

Another week, another Phillie makes the grade

Donald has quietly had a productive first full season in the big leagues last year, hitting .310/.409/.447 in 238 plate appearances with low Class A Lakewood and .300/.386/.491 in 336 plate appearances with high Class A Clearwater. The success has carried over into 2008 for Donald, who in 23 games is hitting .337/.444/.470. Donald is a selective hitter with a line-drive swing, but some scouts question whether he will be able to stay at shortstop or whether he has the hitting tools to ever become more than just a utility man. In an organization that boasts Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley in the middle of its big league infield—and with Utley signed through 2013, Rollins through 2010 with a club option for 2011—it’s not quite the ideal situation for Donald, but he is increasing his value with every productive game.

Again with the utility player tag. Sometimes BA underrates until its too late, but we’ll see where Donald ends up at the end of this season.

There will be a chat at BA at 2:30 Eastern.

The kid is on FIRE since coming back from his hand injury. His overall season line now looks like this

80 AB: .350/.453/.488 — 12 BB, 17 K, 4 SB

The only “downside” is just 6 extra base hits. But we’re nitpicking now. He’s quickly adapted to AA, the toughest jump for a prospect, and is hitting the ball extremely well. Now, do we ask him to give 3B a try at Reading?In any event, hes elevating his profile, whether it means hes our utility infielder next year or used in a deal to acquire a player of need for the big league club.

I’m working hard this afternoon

JM (DC): Hey Kevin, a few questions about Phillies prospects. Jason Donald was hitting well in Reading before hurting his hand, are scouts starting to come around on him or is he still a utility guy? Also, what do you make of Greg Golson’s fast start? Just a 3 week flash in the pan, or is he turning it around? He’s posting the highest walk rate of his career right now…

Kevin Goldstein: I actually like Donald quite a bit offensively, but defensively, he’s got a little Jed Lowrie in him where he’s playing there, and he’s holding his own, but it’s not really what you want there glove wise. Golson is a total tool shed, and what he’s doing right now is one of the top things to keep your eye in early in the season.

You rarely hear someone called a tool shed in a positive light, but KG pulled it off. If Donald turns into a Jed Lowrie type prospect, that would be pretty ok in my book.

Hey, we also got a Bastardo reference!

Jeff N (Lawyerville FLA): Hey Kevin, what do you know about Antonio Bastardo? Hes striking out like 20 guys per 9 innings right now. Is he just a fastball pitcher abusing weak hitters?

Kevin Goldstein: Well, 34 in 22.2 innings, but still damn good!. Tony the Bastard is a little lefty is good command and a great changeup. Not a lot of projection, but could end up a bullpen piece.

KG not only breaks out a toolshed reference, he goes with the preferred “Tony the Bastard” as well. What a world we live in…

Much like the big-league club, this year’s Reading Phillies are off to a so-so start. At 4-4, they’re in the middle of the pack in the Eastern League Southern Division. They started off hot, taking three of four from the Altoona Curve to open the season, but have cooled down and lost their last three straight games.

By now, I’m sure most of you have heard about OF Greg Golson hitting the tar out of the ball. After 8 games, Golson’s batting a tidy .323 with three doubles, a triple, and seven steals, all while tying for the team lead in runs scored with five. It looks as if his winter spent with Charlie Manuel has helped Golson up his game. However, before we sing his praises and worship him as the savior of the Phils minor-league chain, it’s important to note that his OBP is only .344, while his K-BB ratio is 8-1 on the young season. Golson’s going to have to get on base more often before he can really display one of his most impressive tools — his speed. His season is certainly one to keep an eye on as he looks to possibly earn a call-up during September.

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Jason Donald is the talk of the town after belting two home runs in the Phillies 15-7 win over Toronto. The home runs came off one time fireballing prospect Brandon League and journeyman John Parrish, not exactly Eckersley and Koufax, but still, a really good performance. Donald isn’t making the team out of spring training, but if he continues to rake, he’ll show the Phillies that he is more than just the utility player they are projecting him to be. It seems that he’s a lock to start at Reading alongside Brad Harman, in what should be an interesting double play combo.

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I recently had the opportunity to chat with Jason Donald during Spring Training and ask him a few baseball questions.

Jason, you started 2007 in Lakewood before finishing in Clearwater. What were the biggest differences between low-A and high-A baseball?

I think the biggest difference between high A and Low A was as with any level you move up, the game is a little bit sharper and quicker. Plus, there are some older pitchers with more experience that know how to pitch a little bit more. Better off speed and they can use that effectively when they were behind in the count.
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Donald had a breakout season this year, mashing at both Low A and High A after being thought of mainly as a utility infielder in the future. The question for today is, where do you see Jason Donald in 2 or 3 seasons? Is he playing shortstop in AAA? Has he moved to 2B or 3B? Has he been traded because the Phillies don’t see a spot for him? Also, what type of major league player do you expect him to be? An average shortstop offensively? Above average? A spare part infielder?

Have your say in the comments.

After taking game one from the Mantees at their own home park, the Threshers looked to take another win on Sunday night and return to Clearwater on Monday needing just one more win for the FSL Championship. The Manatees on the other hand looked to stay alive in their final home game of the year. Read the rest of this entry »

So says Kevin Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus..

Philadelphia Phillies

A third-round pick last June, infielder Jason Donald surprised even those within the organization with his line-drive bat, gap power, and keen batting eye; hitting .304/.395/.473 between Low-A Lakewood and High-A Clearwater.

Honorable Mention: Right-hander Drew Carpenter mixes three average pitches, throws strikes, and keeps hitters on their toes by changing speeds–all of which helped him put up a 3.20 ERA at Clearwater while winning 17 games. Defensive-minded catcher Lou Marson made big improvements with the bat, hitting .288/.373/.407 in the Florida State League.

There ya have it. Link

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