Two articles for you today. First, this article talks about Savery’s much better performance in his second outing and how he’s handling himself so far. He seems like he has a good head on his shoulders (which was evident in the Q/A he did for the blog a few months ago) and understands he has work to do, but he knows where he wants to get to, which is good. Also, an article talking about the Phillies presence in Australia. It offers up an in depth look at the Phillies efforts in Australia, and highlights guys like Travis Blackley and Brad Harman, while also indicating Harman’s signing bonus at a mere $10,000. We all know the Phillies began investing in Australia because it was cheaper than the Latin American market, but guys like Harman are starting to give hope that it wasn’t just a cheap route, but also a productive route.
Based on my early impressions, I think Blackley has a good chance to make the team, either as a long man or the #5 starter. If the Phillies don’t think they can keep him out of spring training, I wouldn’t be shocked to see a deal brokered with San Fran.
edit, Blackley was with the Giants last year, not Seattle. Good catch
Phuture Phillies 
This little tidbit is from a Phil Sheridan article in today’s Inquirer, “Carlos Carrasco is destined for triple A, unless he changes the Phillies’ minds.” Now, I realize Sheridan is not exactly a go to guy when it comes to Phils prospects, the Phillies, or sports in general, however, I really hope he is off base on this one. I want to see Carrasco back in AA, where his stats last year really weren’t impressive at all. This blog just had a lengthy discussion on this very subject, so I will leave it at that.
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Not to be nitpicky, but wouldn’t we have to work out a deal with the Giants for Blackley? Anyone know what kind of relationship we have with them?
And I agree, Neduol: at the risk of rehashing Monday’s discussion, I sincerely hope Sheridan is just off base with his assumptions.
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Ahhh, thats right. He was with the Giants last year.
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I’ve seen Blackley pitch twice this spring and has been very impressive. Not a real hard thrower, more like a Glavine than a Moyer, but I can remember many guys starting out this good and then burning out by the end of spring. Golson got another hit today in Lakeland, do you think it’s OK to get excited about him now?
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I agree that Blackley has a good chance of making the 25 man roster, partially because of his performance and partially because of his competitors (Eaton, and the Durbins have all had poor showings, Benson isn’t ready yet and the Phils refuse to sign Lohse).
I also think that Carrasco should start in AA. If he does great there they can just move him up to AAA during the season. And if he proves to excel at AAA he will get a September call up at the least.
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