I’ve gotten a handful of e-mails in the last few days, plus comments in various posts, about Greg Golson, and asking how I felt now that he’s played well, and how I’m probably bummed because I’m “anti-Greg Golson”. I’m not anti any of our prospects. In fact, I probably support all of our prospects more than anyone outside of their respective families and friends, and Golson is no different. When you follow the minor leagues closely and you invest time in learning this stuff, you grow attached to these guys. And much like the girl/guy you chase in high school and can’t ever seem to get, you start protecting yourself from getting hurt. Golson has not lived up to expectations yet, and he has a few very clear flaws in his game. Even so, I never stop hoping he’s going to flip the switch and suddenly put it together. He’s Phillies property, and I’ve spent 4+ years hoping he’d make passing on Phil Hughes look smart. I hope he does. But I’ve tempered my expectations, and I still have my doubts that he can recognize/hit a curveball. Do I want him to? Of course. Will I be extremely excited if he turns into the next Eric Davis? Absolutely. I’m far from anti-Greg Golson. I’ve just toned down my expectations to about as low as they can go. Whatever he becomes, as long as it happens in the major leagues at some point, will be a bonus. He’s had a bright spring, lets hope it carries over.
Daily Archives: March 6, 2008
An Interview with Jason Donald
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.
Continue reading An Interview with Jason Donald
Wednesday roundup
Yesterday the Tigers beat the Phillies 6-2, as JD Durbin did what JD Durbin does. Greg Golson picked up another hit in his only AB, and Brad Harman went 1/3 with an RBI. Jason Jaramillo’s struggles at the plate continued. You have to wonder if he’s pressing a bit, and if he knew he had a shot to make the club as the backup in ST over Coste, whom we know the org doesn’t trust. Jason Donald went 0/1 and committed his 2nd error of the spring. JA Happ pitched 2 innings, allowing 1 run on 3 hits, and Lincoln Holdzkom went an inning, allowing 1 run on 1 hit while striking out 1 and walking 1.
I missed this article from a few days ago talking about Greg Golson. He says something of interest, when asked about trying to help the Phillies this season at some point;
Golson would love to help the Phillies at some point, but he is focused on the present.
“I got in trouble a couple years ago trying to get somewhere else when I was in Lakewood,” he said. “For two months, I thought I was in Clearwater, and I was in Lakewood.”
Either he’s bad with geography, or he realizes its important to remain focused at the level you’re at and let promotions and demotions sort themselves out.
Phuture Phillies 