Questions/Topics?
January 20, 2007 — phuturephilliesNew page for the site. If you have a question about anything I’ve written, or just a question in general about the Phillies minor leagues, you can either email me (link is on the right side), or you can post it here if you’d prefer, and I will do my best to answer it. Also, and maybe more importantly, if you have any ideas for topics, things you’d like to see here on the site, please post them here and let me know. I’m doing away with the “opening statement” page, since it was really just till I figured out what I was doing here. Thanks
January 22, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Have you heard any word on where Zac Cline will be this year?
January 22, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Haven’t heard anything on Cline yet. He’s 23, will be 24 in July, and he really struggled at Lakewood/Clearwater, so my guess is that he stays in Clearwater and starts, depending on who else is projected in the rotation. Cline is an interesting case, because he got lit up by left handed batters last season, to the tune of a .929 OPS allowed, but he was pretty decent against right handed batters, allowing only a .712 OPS. That tells me, having never seen him pitch in person, that he lacks a decent slider/curveball, but has a good changeup to neutralize righties.
January 23, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Are Brad Baisley and Juan Richardson, two former Phillies prospects, still in baseball?
January 25, 2007 at 1:21 pm
What about a piece on newly acquired 30 year old prospect Greg Jacobs? Could he be the next Coste or just another career minor leaguer? His offensive numbers seem impressive, but he’s old. So what’s the scoop?
January 26, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Hey…!…thanks for such a GREAT site!!
Love following/wondering about the Phils’ prospects…which, as we know, becomes the foundation of the big club.
Appreciate the knowledgable posts by the site manager…..Well Done!
Thanks again…and looking forward to many perceptions about our favorite team’s future!!
January 27, 2007 at 3:43 pm
How hard to the pitchers throw at the lowest level of minor league baseball. I can’t see them throwing over 88. Is that accurate?
January 27, 2007 at 3:45 pm
How fast do the pitchers throw in the lowest level of minor league baseball. I cant see them throwing over 88. Is that accurate?
January 27, 2007 at 5:21 pm
That’s not really accurate. It all depends on the pitcher. Justin Verlander pitched in A ball and was throwing in the 96-98 range in 2005.
January 28, 2007 at 12:01 am
This blurb is from Keith Law’s Blog on ESPN Insider:
Just a quick note on my criteria:
• Players who have lost their rookie eligibility don’t count for this exercise.
• Both ability and performance count when looking at individual players, and both ceiling and depth count when looking at systems.
• I’m a strong believer in the “time value of prospects” — the idea that a prospect’s value increases significantly as he gets closer to the big leagues.
And the Phillies Ranking:
29. Philadelphia: Thin system which got thinner by the sudden rise of Cole Hamels. The closest solid-average prospect to the majors here is Carlos Carrasco, who spent the year in low-A.
I don’t know how much you follow the minors of other teams, just wondering what you thought about this.
January 28, 2007 at 10:35 am
Well what is the average fastball in Single A? And also how hard do you have to throw out of high school to be drafted?
January 28, 2007 at 1:26 pm
I don’t think there is any way to determine the “average fastball” in any level of the minors, simply because most all pitchers are different. As a rule of thumb, the average velo for a RHP is probably a tick or two above that for the average LHP, with RHP normally in the 89-92 range, and LHP in the 87-90 range. How hard you have to throw to be drafted out of high school? It depends on a lot of things, really. If your body doesn’t offer much in the way of projection or growth, you probably need to have high 80’s/Low 90’s velocity. If you are tall and have room for growth and power, maybe a little less.
January 29, 2007 at 10:30 am
Would you say that 2007 is definitely Jeff Jackson’s Make or Break season?
January 29, 2007 at 11:22 am
It’s debatable. I think he’s only in his mid 30’s, he could be due for a breakout this year. Also, keep an eye on Reggie Taylor, he’s got all the tools.
January 29, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Hey James,
Great site with a lot of terrific information. I’ll be checking in a lot I think.
I just read some of the profiles and you are pretty much hitting the nail squrely on the head it seems to me. I’m especially interested in three guys this year: Costanzo, Outman and my favorite, Zagurski.
It will be interesting to see if Costanzo can get off to a fast start in Reading. I think he needs too. It’s getting a little late in the game for him to continue to have so many struggles. I’m particualarily interested in his defense. I know he’s made a lot of errors so far in his career but what is his range like? He should have plenty of arm — is it accurate?
Anyway, good stuff here. Keep it up my man!!!
January 31, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Why are the Phillies so poor in drafting position players? For example, in 2004 they drafted 3 catchers in the first 10 rounds; Jaramillo, Marson and Cresswell, two of which at best appear to be backups and one is out of baseball. They have no real OF prospects outside of Bourn and I think at best he projects as a 4th OF, since I don’t think he will hit for a high enough average to justify his lack of power.
January 31, 2007 at 2:16 pm
I think the answer to that one is simple; SPEED. The Phillies love speed, it seems, and love drafting guys who can run, but can’t necessarily hit for any kind of power or draw a lot of walks. When drafting outfielders, they are the anti-A’s team. Look at Oakland’s selection of Matt Sulentic in the 3rd round this year. He is 18, already he’s a below average runner and fielder, but he hit .640 in high school, and made it to full season ball 2 months after being drafted, and led his short season league in hitting for a while before being promoted. Some teams like athletes, and some like baseball players. Sometimes they get lucky (Utley), but in terms of drafting outfielders, they just haven’t been lucky (or smart) at all in recent years. I think D’Arby Myers might have a chance to break that mold, but he still probably doesn’t project out to more than 15-18 HR per season.
January 31, 2007 at 2:58 pm
I think this poor judgement reflects directly on Mike Arbuckle since I believe he has final say on the draft picks. Why is it he seems to get no blame for this overall state of the minors? Just because of some good first round picks?
January 31, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Marti Wolever is the guy in charge of the draft and the scouting, and he reports to Arbuckle. So, I guess Arby has the final say, but I think he’s greatly influenced by those under him. The Phillies have been very strong in some areas (high school pitchers), but very weak in others, like high school OF. The Phillies have graduated the best 2B and one of the best 1B in baseball in the last 3 years, so they aren’t completely off track, but their pitching has been much stronger in drafts than the hitting. I don’t really know the details of the front office politics regarding the draft, but I think Wolever has a lot of influence and control before Arbuckle makes a decision, and even then, he might only be authorizing slot bonuses and stuff like that.
February 1, 2007 at 6:12 am
Do you think the bullpen problem could be solved from within and if so do you think bisenius could be the guy to do it?
February 1, 2007 at 9:07 am
The bullpen problem is that they need an experienced 8th inning guy who can step in as a closer when, not if, Tom Gordon goes down. Bisenius could help possibly as a 6th inning or long man. The problem is they have a number of these type of relievers,i.e. Madson, Geary and Smith.
February 1, 2007 at 7:29 pm
I check your site out every day. You are doing a tremendous service for those of us who are interested in Phillie farm system.
Can you offer some information about Zagurski and Correa. Zagurski had good numbers last year but what kind of stuff does the kid have. And Correa pitched in the GCS at 16–sort of like a sophomore pitching in a league against high school seniors who have already graduated. He was on the wrong side of IP/H but held his own considering the age difference.
February 4, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Great, great site. I’ve been checking it very often for a little over a month now and it’s just great to have a strictly Phillies prospect resource. I’m a subscriber to Baseball America, which has a fair amount of Phillies farm reports; but you’re providing a stellar service.
February 4, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Hey Jim, I’ll be grading Zagurski soon, but might do a full length piece on Correa. He’s a guy who could be great in 2007.
February 5, 2007 at 9:49 am
I know he’s not really a prospect anymore, but what is your impression of Eude Brito?
February 5, 2007 at 11:37 pm
I think his future is his current role….a AAA/MLB pitcher. He can’t overpower anyone, and it seems that his control/command comes and goes. You could do worse as a stopgap guy, but I don’t see him becoming either a high leverage situation reliever or a #5 starter.
February 13, 2007 at 1:31 pm
In the future will you be looking into the Phillies DSL players? If not you should check the stats on two young pitchers Florentino and Matos. What do you know about the DSL? Should one be impressed with the stats from that league?
February 16, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Hi! Again mucho thanks for this informative and entertaining web site on OUR team.
I note that you are covering the Latin winter leagues…thanks. Will you be covering the SUMMER LATIN programs?
I noted that the Phils have a catcher in the summer lg (which one…?) who is young AND who led the lg w HRs and w a high oba and .300 plus ba.
Do you know anything about this guy??? …so we need several catcher better prospects if the recent evaluation of his poor defensive skills is to be believed.
Thanks….
February 16, 2007 at 2:51 pm
…the reference to “lack of defensive skills” pertains to Jaramillo. Sorry.
February 20, 2007 at 2:32 am
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070219&content_id=1808064&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi
It’s a good article on Kyle Drabek. Didn’t know if you saw it, but figured you’d like it.
February 20, 2007 at 4:15 pm
FLOP WHERE THE HECK DID YOU GO
February 22, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Before he was traded what did you think of Gio Gonzalez?
February 22, 2007 at 9:04 pm
He was probably an A- type prospect. Poor control and HR rate, but young for AA, and his K rate was very impressive.
February 26, 2007 at 6:43 pm
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/special_packages/all_columnists/16784103.htm
That’s a story about Jake Ociesa. The description of him reminds me of Matt Smith almost exactly.
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/16784053.htm
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/16785301.htm
Two different articles about mainly the same things. They talk about Kyle Drabek’s start on wednesday against FSU, signings from the Indy League tryout, and mentions Karim Garcia and Mr. 6 Fingers.
Figured these were relevant.
March 2, 2007 at 8:36 am
I think your web site is outstanding. The articles are well written and thorough.
It seems as if the Phillies have gone back to taking risks on “toolsy” players; guys who are good athletes but not necessarily polished baseball players. They have also been a little more active in buyimg out college athletic scholarships fro both baseball and other sports. Could you wtote an article or cluster your pieces on players who fit this profile?
Keep up the good work!!!
March 7, 2007 at 6:16 am
could you do an article on all players that still have options and those that do not? it also plays a very important role in trade possibilities (blue jays ,pods ). thanks dcmay
March 7, 2007 at 11:36 pm
Just wanted to get the inside scoop on this kid from the Dodgers organization that the Phillies now have in spring training Brennan King. Two late game winning homers in as many games. What’s his story?
Drafted 1999 #2 Dodgers 3B
March 10, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Thanks again for a terrific blog.
I am sorry to write a bit late on a topic but have been putting 12-14 hour days in at work.
There are 2 minor leaguers of note that I would not completely ignore as prospects who were not on the list.
The first is Tuffy Gosewich. I think that he may actually turn out to be one of the best of the Phillies catching prospects.
The second is Julio de la Cruz. I know that he is now a bit old for your rospect list, but seserves special consideration as he lost more than a year to injury and was looking promising before that occurred.
In addition, I agree with Fran Collins that Brennan King should be considered. He was actually having a pretty good year in SWB before being injured and never got back in the swing of things when he returned. Considering our situation at 3rd base. I wouldn’t count him out.
The above are just a few suggestions for further prospect mining if you are looking for a topic one of these days.
Thanks and keep up the great work,
Mark
April 9, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Anyone know any information on Mike McTamney?
April 9, 2007 at 9:35 pm
He’s not on the four full season rosters yet, which leads me to believe he either got cut or he’s in extended spring training.
April 9, 2007 at 9:43 pm
He’s in extended spring right now. Apparently they are making him into a starter, but I don’t know how he is doing.
April 12, 2007 at 4:21 pm
I’m wondering if you know what the story is with Curt Miaso. I know he was let go by the team earlier this year, but I thought he was a 5 tool prospect. Was he injured and didn’t fully recover?
April 12, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Miaso had tools, but it just didn’t pan out, and he was pretty awful in the GCL two seasons in a row, so they juts cut bait on him.
April 17, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Where is D’Arby Myers playing? he isn’t on any of the rosters listed on the website. How is he hitting?
April 17, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Myers is currently in Extended Spring training. Not really sure how he is doing, although the stats don’t count anyway.
April 19, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Im looking at the #s for the reading phils pitchers and noticed this one name Landon Jacobsen. who is he and what do you think?
April 19, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Check out today’s Reading Report, I touched on Jacobsen a bit.
April 24, 2007 at 4:15 pm
What’s going on with Tuffy Gosewich? I watched him at Arizona State and he was awesome. Is he moving up anytime soon?
April 24, 2007 at 4:31 pm
He looks like an organizational soldier at this point. Not really a prospect due to his age, but he seems to be able to go wherever and catch, he just isn’t much of an offensive threat. Because he’s got the experience, he was sent to Lakewood to handle the young pitchers and try to ease them into pro ball.
April 29, 2007 at 9:36 am
How hard is the average fastball in the minor leagues?
April 29, 2007 at 9:44 am
There’s really no way to determine that, because it really ranges. If you’re talking about legitimate prospects, think
RHP: 90-92 (the “best” prospects are more 92-95 consistently)
LHP: 89-91 (the “best” prospects are more 91-93 consistently)
May 6, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Jason Donald has some size(6′1″/190) according to the Media guide, is he a possible candidate to move to 3rd base? Have you heard anything along those lines? What do you think? Costanza hasn’t impressed anybody so far.
May 7, 2007 at 9:36 am
Possibly, but his bat probably wouldn’t profile as well at 3B. His arm is his single best tool, so that wouldn’t be a problem. Since the Phillies have zero shortstop prospects in the system (outside of Freddy Galvis, who will play in the GCL this year), I think they’ll keep Donald there until they have a convincing reason to move him.
May 7, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Where has TJ Warren been playing and how has he been hitting?
May 7, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Warren appears to be in extended spring training, either because of injury or because they felt he wasn’t ready to play full season ball.
May 8, 2007 at 7:15 pm
What are the chances the Phillies make a move on moving Jason Donald up this year to another level? Is this guy legit and do you think he has what it takes to get to the next level. I see hes been hittin around .500 in May, unreal. This propect excites me, are you going to do a player profile?
May 8, 2007 at 11:35 pm
What do you know about Kyle Drabek? He’s got over 9 Ks per 9, but is getting shelled anyway. Is he throwing too many strikes and getting burned, is he having control issues, is he just really inconsistant right now, or is it something else entirely? It’s tough to tell from just looking at the stats.
May 9, 2007 at 10:26 am
Donald profile is up.
As for Drabek, I’m not concerned yet. He’s 19 and pitching in a full season league, which means he’s already ahead of the curve for most normal prospects. The whiff rate is impressive, the walk rate is impressive, but he’s getting hit around. To me, this might mean he’s around the zone too much and is afraid to walk guys, but it’s tough to really know. I’m going to try and get a scouting report on him from one of my sources in the next few weeks.
May 12, 2007 at 11:48 pm
Hey I havent seen any updates anywhere on the progress of Mathieson and his rehab. Have you heard anything?
May 16, 2007 at 7:00 pm
What happened to Carlos Carrasco yeasterday for Clearwater. He faced 3 batters.
May 24, 2007 at 1:51 pm
GREAT SITE!!!
I have a question and you guys seem alot more reasonable than those on the mlb messag boards. Anyways, supposedly Brian Fuentes is available or will be from the Rockies, 2.42 ERA with 5BB and 3HR in 22.1 IP. 13 saves in 14 SVO. He could definatley help us this year though he’s signed through 2008 at a total of $5.5 Million left on his deal.
The question is who would you be willing to part with and do we have enough? I have been following the minor leagues the past three years, not as close as some of you, but I think we could get him but at what cost. Outman? The Rockies would ask for more than 1 prospect obviusly but to start with he could be an option.
Thanks,
Nick
May 24, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Fuentes is an interesting guy. I’d feel great with him pitching the 8th and Myers (crossing my fingers he’s not hurt) pitching the 9th. Fuentes has had some minor arm/elbow problems the last few seasons, so he isn’t a sure fire guy to pitch in 60 games a year. His cost is solid for a high leverage reliever. His control is spotty at times, that worries me, but he completely shuts down lefties, and that’s a very good thing.
I think it might depend on signing Fuentes to a reasonable extension beyond 2008. If you get him for 2009 with an option for 2010, then I’m ok with trading Outman. Worst comes to worst, the team falls out of contention, Fuentes might bring you a prospect better than Outman. In many ways, they are very similar pitchers, both throw hard from the left side, and both struggle with command.
May 30, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Do you know about any new DSL players??
May 30, 2007 at 4:09 pm
andyb should be writing a new entry on the DSL and VSL soon. He wrote preview pieces on both teams, you can check those out in the meantime.
May 31, 2007 at 9:41 pm
I’m a 5′10, 140lb, 15 year old pitcher. How hard should my fastball be? And how could I improve to throw harder?
May 31, 2007 at 10:04 pm
You’re 5′10 already as a 15 year old? That’s a good sign. You’ll probably put weight on in the next few years. Not knowing where you live, I’d go to google.com and search for baseball academies in your area and try to get some sort of instruction. The biggest thing you need to do is strengthen your arm the proper way, and work on strengthening the right muscles. Lots of younger pitchers like to long toss quite a bit, as it helps to build arm strength. I’m not a coach or instructor, so I can’t really give you any specifics. As for fastball velocity, I really don’t know. 18 year olds getting drafted in the first round are throwing in the high 80’s/low 90’s, but it’s not universal, and with proper instruction, you can continue to gain arm strength and velocity until your body is done filling out.
Hope that helps.
June 1, 2007 at 11:10 am
Any new latin signings?
June 7, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Are you as impressed as i am with the recent play of Greg Golson? He is hitting alot of doubles and seems to hit well in the clutch, as well as drawing a few more walks then he usually does. Could he see get brought up to reading sometime this year?
June 9, 2007 at 8:30 pm
With Garcia going on the DL, and JA Happ struggling, who is the best or most likely option to start Wednesday? Are Segovia or Bisenius options?
June 9, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Bisenius and Happ are on the DL. I’d prefer they go with Kendrick over Segovia.
June 11, 2007 at 8:56 pm
What kind of pitches does Carlos Carrasco throw?
June 12, 2007 at 6:16 am
Fastball = 91-93, good late movement and sink
Changeup = his best secondary pitch, good late fade
Curveball = his third pitch, he worked on it a lot last year
June 12, 2007 at 3:41 pm
so you mean his change up is like cole hammels?
June 15, 2007 at 11:04 am
So what can you tell us about Dominic Brown?
June 15, 2007 at 11:45 am
Brown has a perfect frame at 6′5, 200lbs, and was set to play WR in college before signing. He’s very raw, baseball wise, but has 5 tool potential. How quickly he can adapt to pro ball and harness his potential will determine his value. He seems like a guy who will probably be moved slowly. The sky is the limit, but he’s a long way away.
June 15, 2007 at 12:15 pm
So I guess I’m being overly optimistic on his recent performance. Thanks.
June 15, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Well, here’s the thing. He’s 19, and his only prior experience is the GCL, where he didn’t even have an OB% near .300. It’s great to see him tearing the cover off the ball in a few games at High A, but I really can’t see him staying there and maintaining success. It does show the potential is there though.
June 17, 2007 at 8:27 pm
QUIERO SAVER COMO ESTA DARIO ALVAREZ PORFAVOR
June 19, 2007 at 2:41 pm
why was matt olson released?
June 19, 2007 at 2:49 pm
No concrete evidence as to a reason. I won’t post hearsay or speculation.
June 20, 2007 at 11:24 am
What is up with Drabek? Was he hurt again in his last start? Thanks.
June 20, 2007 at 11:32 am
I read they just rushed him back. He wasn’t 100%, so they just yanked him early and shut him down. I think he’ll be back in a few weeks.
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June 22, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Do you have any info on Antonio Bastardo? Looking at his stats, it seems he showed up in the GCL at the end of last year, pitched well, started in Lakewood a few weeks ago, and now has a pitching line of:
19IP, 2R, 11H, 8BB, 22K
He’s a bit old (he’ll be 22 by the end of the season) to be at Lakewood, but if it’s his first year in full-season ball, it’s not too bad. Any info would be appreciated.
June 25, 2007 at 11:54 pm
I saw that Edgar Garcia left the game last night in the first inning- any news on why?
June 26, 2007 at 8:41 am
Just said arm injury. No specifics.
June 28, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Who did the Phils ever decide on to pitch Saturday? J.A. Happ?
June 28, 2007 at 11:36 pm
Antonio Bastardo’s up to 25 IP, 2 R, 14 H, 11 BB, 31 K after having a line of 6 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 9 K, 0 R tonight in Lakewood. Any info on this guy at all?
June 28, 2007 at 11:46 pm
Yeah, with Bastardo’s line right now, it looks like he may be a big-time prospect or at least someone to watch if he can lower his BB/9 and gain a bit more control. His ERA is sub 1.00 right now, so he’s doing something right.
With that K/9 ratio, he’s got to have some good stuff. Any info on how he throws, like the speed on his Fastball?
July 2, 2007 at 9:33 am
Any word any any other signings from the draft/ When can we expect to see Savery? Also, the International signing period just started any word on that? Thanks
July 2, 2007 at 10:12 am
Nothing yet on Savery and Spencer, but it will happen. Last year Drabek didn’t sign till sometime in July, if I remember correctly. As for the international signing period, the Phillies were linked to a few of the lower tier guys, but not the elite prospects. I’ll try and find those names.
July 2, 2007 at 11:09 pm
wondering do they still run extended spring training during the short seasons.assuming players like chris kissock,jiwan james,gerard breslin,and kirk bacsu are there.
July 4, 2007 at 6:32 pm
any word on where james,kissock or bacsu are?
July 4, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Probably extended spring training. Nothing to worry about
July 5, 2007 at 10:36 pm
What’s the story with Freddy Galvis. A 17 year old in Williamsport? Do they think that highly of him?
July 6, 2007 at 12:06 am
Another solid start for Naylor - 7 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 0 BB and 11 K’s.
He should definitely be moved up. There’s no challenge for him in Williamsport.
July 6, 2007 at 12:38 pm
andrew,galvis is a 17 who was signed on 7/2/06.he participated in the FIL last year.Listening to a couple of pre-game reports with williamsport this year they interviewed steve noworyta dir. of minor leagues about him.Steve basically said he defense was good enough to be in the majors now.Looking through some stats this year he has 1 error in 17 games in rookie ball.[thats excellent]Hitting wise we have to be patient with his age and the level he’s playin.[most players are 3 to 4 years older than him]I would say their real high on him as we should too.i’d say ETA 4 years.
July 6, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Where can I find park rankings on the minor affiliates parks? Im just curious if certain parks are hitter friendly or pitcher friendly and affect some of the stats of our prospects.
July 6, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Sure, check here
http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/oracle/discussion/minor_league_park_factors_2006/
Lakewood is one of the best pitcher’s parks in the minors.
July 6, 2007 at 2:43 pm
So Donald and Cardenas may be even better than theyre showing stats wise and Drabek may not be as good?
July 6, 2007 at 2:58 pm
That’s where you use minorleaguesplits.com to check home and away splits. Cardenas has a .906 OPS on the road and a .703 OPS at home.
July 9, 2007 at 4:03 am
Finally got to see Carrasco pitch, if only for one inning, at the Futures Game yesterday. Looked like he had a live fastball going, but he elevated it against Jay Bruce and had one absolutely crushed for a triple (and it would’ve been a homer in any MLB park but AT&T). I guess you can partially chalk it up to excited overthrowing on the big stage. Got two Ks with very nice breaking balls though!
On an unrelated note, and I know several others have said the same thing, but seriously, is there any point in having Naylor and Mach continue to dominate clearly inferior opposition in the NY-Penn League right now?
July 12, 2007 at 12:26 am
Naylor got totally destroyed tonight. However Antonio Bastardo goes for his 7th straight start with 2 ER or less tomorrow. His K rate is over 9/9, BAA is under Mendoza. I know he has control issues, but it seems like he should be moved up soon. Have we figured out what he throws yet?
July 12, 2007 at 8:19 pm
On draft day you weren’t very pleased with the selections of D’Arnaud, Mach and Rizzotti, but all three have gotten off to very good starts, especially Mach. Have you had a chance to reevaluate these picks or is it still too early? And don’t you agree that Mach has clearly shown that he belongs at a higher level even though there really is no position for him to play there.
July 12, 2007 at 9:47 pm
I’ll do a little writeup on Mach tomorrow. I was disappointed with the d’Arnaud pick, and still am, because I think there were better players available. The Rizzotti pick is kind of the same deal. I think he was taken too early.
July 14, 2007 at 10:29 am
How about Jason Donald? His average has dropped but he already has as many XBHs at Clearwater as he did at Lakewood in substantially fewer at-bats. Do you think there is any chance he could get bumped to Reading by year’s end?
July 20, 2007 at 8:04 am
Any information on Sampson and Workman )and maybe Adzick)?
Mark
July 20, 2007 at 8:44 am
Nothing now. If something comes up, I’ll post it. I don’t expect anything on either guy until sometime in early August.
July 20, 2007 at 11:49 am
What do you think about Bastardo? I know he’s pitching incredibly well in Lakewood, but he’s short (5′11”), and he’s throwing more fly balls than grounders (.86 GO/AO)
If you had to grade him at this point, what would you give him?
July 21, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Kyle Drabek’s having Tommy John. Is it a good thing that he’s having it at such a young age, rather than having to deal with it later?
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070721&content_id=2101028&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi
July 24, 2007 at 9:47 pm
I know I’ve asked about this 3 times before, but I’ve never really gotten an answer. Antonio Bastardo just had another 6 inning, 2 ER, 7K outing (hasn’t allowed more than 2 ER in any outing this year). What does he throw, and when is he getting promoted?
July 31, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Clay Condrey was “outrighted” to Ottawa, not optioned; what’s the difference and is it significant?
August 1, 2007 at 1:20 am
I think I can answer that one. There’s “option periods”. Once a player is optioned once during a period, any subsequent senddowns are outrights, not options.
August 1, 2007 at 9:13 am
Not 100% certain of these facts because I am writing this from memory — about Greg Jacobs. Originally drafted as a pitcher (Seattle I think). Converted to outfield. Scouting reports from early in his outfield career called him a “natural hitter.” Ran into problems with steroid use. Got to the Phils because he was Rowand’s college roomie and Rowand asked them to give Jacobs a chance.I’ve never seen him, but the numbers at Reading do look good!
Apologies in advance if my memory failed and I got any of this wrong.
August 5, 2007 at 5:54 pm
savery was supposed to make his debut today correct? any word on how it went?
August 5, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Question on Ryan Howard. Is he arbitration eligable this coming season? I know you have 3 years to wait until arbitration but I thought this was his 3rd year right? He had a ROY and MVP years and this makes #3? Because he’ll be owed a massive amount of money.
August 7, 2007 at 4:09 pm
I heard today that Maithison was cleared to throw batting practice and then begin rehab sessions this weekend. What do you think he is gonna look like, and can he make an impact in the last month?
August 7, 2007 at 4:12 pm
I wouldn;t count on Mathieson providing much. Command and control are the last things to return. If he does help in September, consider it a bonus. I think if he throws well in the spring, he could make the team out of camp, either in the pen or as a starter, depending on what happens with Myers/Eaton/everyone but Hamels
August 7, 2007 at 9:29 pm
I’m wondering about Durbin. He’s had, evidently, flashes of brilliance at various minor league levels. He’s got stuff that interests people when he’s put on waivers. He’s sticking with the Phillies now only because if they tried to send him down they’d lose him. And, before now, every time he’s come up to MLB level he’s choked. BUT…something may have happened to make him begin to realize his potential (or not!?!). You’re good with peripherals and looking at people’s past performances, and tend to have some idea what people throw and how hard - what’s the real scoop with Durbin? Did he just need a chance? Or is he Adam Eaton II waiting to happen?
August 8, 2007 at 1:48 am
That’s a good question. I haven’t talked much about Durbin here, because he wasn’t that great in Ottawa. I’m working on a Kyle Kendrick project, but I definitely will look more into Durbin.
August 8, 2007 at 2:19 am
Do you think the Phils drafted a bunch of college seniors this year to build out some organizational depth and save some money since it is much easier to entice a college senior to sign for low dollars compared to a high school kid with is passing up a free college education?
August 8, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Do you think Gus Milner has a decent chance to move up through the system and make it to the majors someday? He looks like another one of these big lugs the Phillies have in their systen but he has put up some numbers in Lakewood this year.
August 17, 2007 at 9:05 am
Should we be concerned about Kendrick? 156.2 innings pithced between the Majors and AA and still all of September to go. I was reading this on the phills mb and maybe we do need anohter starter.
August 20, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Has anybody noticed that Brad Harmon is really turning it on down in Clearwater. After a slow start he went 313/392/567 in July and 301/358/534 so far in August. Lets hope that he’s finally turned the corner and can now fulfill the promise that many expected from him.
August 21, 2007 at 9:52 am
Harman is one of my favorites, I’m glad to see he’s picking up steam.
August 23, 2007 at 1:14 pm
from thehardballtimes:
“With the Aug. 15 signing deadline behind us, it is time for this year’s draft awards and “winners and losers”….
The overrated
2) SS/3B Will Middlebrooks, Red Sox (174th overall) and Travis Mattair, Phillies (83rd overall)
I mention these two together because they are basically the same player: Big kids with the same bad swings.”
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-draftys-the-2007-mlb-draft-awards/
September 7, 2007 at 5:07 pm
A new report by the British Medical Association (BMA) and the anti-tobacco group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
natural impotence causes impotenc
e presents a stark contrast to the slick advertising images of rugged, sexy male smokers.
The report estimates 120,000 men in Britain are impotent as a direct result of their habit and says a recent MORI poll showed 88 percent of smokers do not know the sexual risks they are taking.
Both groups are urging the British Caverta smoking causes impotence government and the European Union to add new warnings on cigarette packets saying smoking causes impotence and can damage sperm.
September 25, 2007 at 6:07 pm
You seem dead set against Amaro being the next GM. Care to elaborate? Only reason I ask is that most of what he’s said or done is obviously dictated by the GM, Wade or Gillick. What do you know about his actual thoughts about running a ball club.
October 9, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Isn’t there a very good Japanese League player who becomes available this year who does not have to go through the posting process? Do you know his name and anything about him? Gillick brought several Japanese players to Seattle, maybe he has some connections.
October 10, 2007 at 9:14 am
hey just wanted to direct you to a fun little thing. Savery is doing a weekly journal entry while hes in the AFL this offseason. It can be found at mlb.com and it seems like he is really receptive to dialoge. Maybe you could try to contact him for an interview for the site, it would be a great little piece to do.
October 10, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Wow ………you are BIG LEAGUE
I was reading about my son James on this site ……you are about as good as it gets. You know almost as much about him as I do!
How do you get this info?
October 10, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Various different sites on the internet, I have a few connections with scouting type personnel. Just kind of piece it all together and try to find what I can.
October 12, 2007 at 11:45 am
GKit—>
Kosuke Fukudome he’s a 31 yr old right fielder, don’t know if he bats lefty or righty, and some say he could play center bit be poor defensively at that position. MLB trade rumors think he’ll get $12-$15/yr and he is a FA, so no posting fee is needed. I don’t think we would want him here because he might be just too much and their would definately be backlash if we sign a outfielder that is older than rowand for the same amount. Also he had elbow surgery this off season.
October 22, 2007 at 10:25 am
Gulf coast Phillies Darin MacDonald seems to have decided to go back to football:
http://phillies.scout.com/a.z?s=309&p=2&c=692313&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fphillies.scout.com%2fa.z%3fs%3d309%26p%3d2%26c%3d692313
Based on his regression this year vs. last, this does not seem to be a big loss.
October 23, 2007 at 8:52 am
Questions for anyone…
On the Phillies website they have stated in the newest Mailbag Article, that Carrasco will start at AAA. Now maybe they meant JA Happ but it was kinda worded that both will be in AAA.
Does this make sense or is he being rushed a tad too much? I mean all the the criticism of Carrasco is that he isn’t polished enough and still needs work on his pitches. Wouldn’t it benefit him to start in AA? Also he seems like a pitcher that needs confidence inorder to perform and if he can handle AA doesn’t it make sense that he should start there and build up confidence and then make a move to AAA where if he struggles he has at least that initial success to maybe sustain him?
It just seems to me that he’s being rushed because 1 he is hyped and 2 we need starting pitching. I just don’t want to have another Gavin Floyd on our hands where we have a stud pitching prospect with no confidence and falters and flops to the point where his unstable.
Just wondering what’s everyones opinion.
October 23, 2007 at 9:23 am
He’s certainly being rushed.
October 27, 2007 at 6:56 am
What’s going on with John Urick and Clay Harris? There were spots open north at 1st base, yet they kept them platooning in Clearwater. I guess their teammates called them the “two headed monster” because at that position it was the most productive offensively. Urick, in previous years has hit LH pitching better, is a better fielder and is outstanding in the clutch or with men on in scoring position. Clay is a good hitter with better than average power. But, he his a better 3bagger than a first baseman. waht’s their story?
November 19, 2007 at 11:22 am
Ok so my buddy was reading some BA and he wondered if the Phills could trade for Vitters form the Cubs, since Ramirez is locked up he seems expendable unless they try him out somewhere else. IS this a bad idea or should we wait to see if Cardena can move there or Mattair progresses nicely? just some thought.
November 19, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Well, Vitters was just drafted in June, so he can’t be traded until next summer. He was probably the 2nd best prep hitter in the entire draft behind Mike Moustakas, so I doubt Chicago would be in any hurry to deal him. They need pitching, and while we have a bunch of interesting arms, we’re not exactly pitching rich at the highest level. I don’t see that as in the realm of possibility.
November 20, 2007 at 11:12 pm
I know there are other things to worry about but how bad is Allentown going to be this year. It seems as if all the decent pitching will be in reading.
Just looking ta the 40 man roster, I can see Happ and Castro as the top two starters and a bullpen of Bisenius, Ennis, Garcia and Smith (when he returns) Maybe Zagerski. Does Condrey have options left? I am pretty sure Durbin doesn’t.
(I am also assuming Mateo makes the team)
Anyway, that is pathetic. I guess they’ll fill it with minor league free agents. (none of whome will probably contribute to the Phillies)
Then who is the starting lineup? Jarimillo catching…….then who. Roberson in the outfiled with either Bohn or Snelling. So unimpressive. DO must clubs have AAA rosters with only a couple prospects (Happ and Jarimillo (sp?) …and Castro, he is still young, I like him. I wish he wasn’t so small. It just seems to me that AAA players are meant to be called up to fill and injury need and AA players are there to develop. At least that’s how it appears the Phillies do it.
Reading should be exciting though.
Love the web site by the way. I turned one of my co-workers onto it. It is funny how we have both formed opinions on guys that we have never seen. Most of the info comes from here. Love the sight. You should get some adverstising on it so you can make some money from all your hard work. Keep up the good work though.
November 28, 2007 at 8:26 am
I saw on Baseball America these transactions:
Philadelphia Phillies
Signed: RHP Ron Chiavacci, RHP Matt Childers, RHP Kris Wilson, C Casey Smith, 1B Andy Tracy, OF Michael Restovich, OF Brandon Watson
Selected to 40-man roster: C Jason Jaramillo, 2B Brad Harman
A 44th-round pick of the Expos from Kutztown (Pa.) State in 1998, Chiavacci, 30, has posted a 4.38 ERA in 101 Triple-A games in the Expos, Pirates and Tigers systems. Watson, himself an Expos draft pick in the ninth round of 1999, authored a 43-game hitting streak this season, setting the new International League standard. Still just 26, the lefty-hitting Watson offers little power but has batted .312/.352/.371 in 393 Triple-A games.
Do you know much about these new guys especially the catcher. Also signing Watson is the same player as Roberson so both probably don’t stay at Allentown.
I know Restovich is a AAAA guy.
With a couple of open spots on the 40 man roster do you see us drafting a guy from Rule 5?
November 28, 2007 at 3:34 pm
I think Gillick will probably take a look at a player in the Rule 5. Haven’t really looked at the crop of available guys yet. I know nothing really about Casey Smith or Kris Wilson. Watson could be the “new Roberson”. We’ll see.
November 29, 2007 at 10:39 am
MLB trade Rumors reports that, “the amount of cash each club is getting this year for online media properties like MLB.com sites: $25MM.” Though they don’t name a source. Still if this is somewhat accurate than where is that money going? Our draft? Probably not. Just another thing to think about when The Phillies and other teams make excuses about not spending money.
November 29, 2007 at 8:24 pm
It’d be an interesting topic to discuss potential Rule 5 picks. I for one would really like to see the Phillies grab Jamie D’Antona from the Diamondbacks. 3b/1b type guy. Power potential.
December 17, 2007 at 9:31 am
Hi All
Just wondering if the Phillies are still interested in any of their DFE’s from the 2006 Draft? My son Nick was drafted and went off to a junior college in Arizona to hone his skills and put some beef on his bones. Now he is getting a few offers from D 1 schools prior to his sophomore spring season. He is now prepared to sign and has a great deal of respect for Bob Szymkowski (Midwest Supervising Scout) and the entire Phillies organization for how they treated and continue to treat him. Any talk on those DFE’s from 2006?
December 17, 2007 at 12:46 pm
It’s too late for the Phils to sign DFE’s from 2006, but if they liked him in HS and he’s doing well in JC, then they might take another stab at him in the next draft if someone else doesn’t take him first.