A look at what the Phils have behind the plate in the organization. As we know the prospects are at the lower levels. See below the fold. Look next for an update on first baseman, coming Tuesday or Wednesday.
Lehigh Valley
Paul Hoover, Age 33, Signed by the Phils as a Free Agent prior to the 2009 season. .277/.326/.339 1 HR 28 RBI 1 SB in 242 at bats. 25% CS Rate. Hoover will be a free agent once again after this season. He did an adequate job for Lehigh Valley in a role that expanded due to both an injury and trade of Lou Marson. Hoover also spelled Andy Tracy at first base when he was out of the lineup. As is typical with most minor league free agents at the age of 33, Hoover will probably be in another organization next year.
Tuffy Gosewisch, Age 26, drafted by the Phils in the 11th round of the 2005 draft. The Phils will have to make a 40 man roster decision on Gosewisch this Winter. In Reading, .244/.314/.341 with 1 HR 20 RBI in 205 AB’s. In Lehigh Valley, .200/.228/.255 with 1 RBI in 55 at bats. Combined stats: .235/.297/.323 with 1 HR and 21 RBI in 260 AB’s. 35% CS rate. I think that how Gosewisch fares in the Arizona Fall League will paint the picture for whether or not he will be protected. I would expect to see him in Lehigh Valley if he is still with the organization.
Reading
Kevin Nelson, the 28 year old Nelson was signed as a Free Agent by the Phils in the 2008 season. In Reading, .253/.335/.481 with 9HR 27RBI in 189 AB. In Lehigh Valley, Nelson hit .250 in 12 at bats. Combined stats: .253/.337/.476 9HR 27 RBI in 201 at bats. CS rate 35%. Nelson was primarily a back up this year, and towards the years end saw some additional playing time with the trickle down effect of the Marson trade. With the additional playing time came some very good power production. Again, it is hard to say what will happen with Nelson, as he is a 28 year old free agent, but he has shown more then he did in 2008.
Tim Kennelly, Will be 23 in December. Signed by the Phils as a free agent in 8/03. I placed Kennelly at the catcher position simply because that is where he was playing most at the seasons’ end. Between Clearwater and Reading, Kennelly played 13 games at 3b, 36 at C, 5 at 1B, and 44 in the OF. His Clearwater stats: .303/.382/.450 with 3HR 46 RBI and 6 SB in 315 AB. In Reading, .256/.338/.393 with 2 HR and 17 RBI, 1 SB. Combined stats: .289/.369/.433 with 5HR 63RBI and 7 SB in 388 at bats. 30% CS Rate. If I am understanding the 40 man roster rules correctly, Kennelly is another player the Phils risk losing. In my mind, he has shown too much over the last year to not be protected and in Reading next year.
Clearwater (Advanced A)
Joel Naughton, Age 23, Signed as a Free Agent , Removed from the Phils 40 man roster at the end of the 2009 season. Stats: .240/.301/.362 with 7HR 37 RBI in 279 AB. 14% CS rate. 8 errors. We have probably seen the last of Naughton. He is not proficient enough either offensively or defensively to continue to warrant a spot on the 40 man roster, especially for a Single A player.
Luis Arzeno, Age 25, Signed as a free agent 12/03. In Clearwater, .206/.241/.313 with 1 HR 11 RBI and 1 SB. He was 0-4 in 1 game at Lakewood. 23% CS rate, 8 errors (.975 fielding %). Arzeno is an organizational guy at best. Its simply a matter of whether the Phils need another body as a catcher throughout the organization.
Lakewood
Travis D’Arnaud, Age 20, Phils 1st round draft pick in 2007. .255/.319./419; 13 HR 71 RBI; 8 SB; .307 with RISP; .239 vs. LHP; .262 vs. RHP; .302 since all star break. .993 fielding % (6 errors); 9 passed balls; 23% CS rate. D’Arnaud had a good year, improving drastically at the plate during the second half of the year. After making the New York Penn League All Star Team in 2008, D’Arnaud followed that up with a South Atlantic All Star appearance this year. While his work behind the plate is solid, as with any young catcher, continued work is needed. Next year: Clearwater.
Kyle Lafrenz, Age 22, drafted by the Phils in the 22nd round of the 2009 draft. Started in Williamsport at hit .111 in 18 at bats. Called up to Lakewood and was at .208/.231/.275 in 48 at bats. 0 HR and 5 RBI’s. .990 fielding % (1 error), 1 passed ball; 29% CS Rate. Not enough of a sample size to see what the Phils have in Lafrenz. Next year: Williamsport or backup at Lakewood.
Williamsport
Sebastian Valle, Age 19, Signed as a free agent in 9/06. In Williamsport: .307/.335/.531. 6 HR and 40 RBI; .992 fielding %; 19% CS Rate; New York -Penn League All Star. In Lakewood: .223/.313/.331, 1 HR 15 RBI. .995 fielding %; 17% CS Rate. Combined stats: .269/.325/.441. 7 HR 55 RBI; 18% CS Rate. Valle should be the starter in Lakewood in 2010 after bouncing back and forth between Lakewood and Williamsport in 2009.
David Doss, Age 22, Phils 31st round pick in 2009 draft. .228/.273/.326 with 2 HR and 12 RBI in 92 AB’s. .310 with RISP. 1.000 fielding %; 4 passed balls; 12% CS Rate. Again, a very small sample size for Doss. I would think Williamsport next year starting most of their games unless the Phils draft a catcher in 2010.
Gulf Coast Legaue
Francisco Diaz, Age 19, Signed by the Phils as a free agent in 2007. .222/.323/.222 in 54 AT bats for GCL Phils. 0 HR 4 RBI. .993 fielding %; 28% CS Rate. ALso had 6 at bats for CLearwater, going 1-6. I see Diaz back in Extended SPring Training and the GCL for more education on catching.
Marlon Mitchell, Will be 19 at the end of September; Phils 27th round pick of 2009 draft. .212/.311/.288 in 52 AB’s. 1HR and 5 RBI. Hit .400 vs. LHP and .135 vs. RHP (Bats lefty); .979 fiedling %; 38% CS Rate. I see Mitchell moving up to Williamsport for next season to share time behind the plate.
Phil Aviola, Age 23, Phils 35th round pick in 2009 draft. .171/.293/.314 in 35 AB’s. 1 HR and 3 RBI. .973 fiedling %; 2 passed balls; 11% CS Rate. The stats aren’t pretty. With his “advanced” age, I would be a bit surprised to see Aviola back.
Jorge Guerra, Age 22, Signed as a free agent in 2004. .156/.208/.222 in 45 at bats. 0 HR and 2 RBI. .962 fielding %; 25 % CS Rate. Also played in 1 game for Reading and 3 games in Clearwater. Again, an organizational “depth” guy at very best.
Phuture Phillies 
That seems really aggressive, considering how young both guys are and the performance of Ruiz. I think one level at a time is fine for both.
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joe, any sources for that info?
Good stuff, Gregg, you’ve obviously been a big help to this site.
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Not sure why Naughton wouldn’t be back? He was dropped off the 40 man but cleared waivers and is only 23. If he’s a decent defensive catcher then I think he could be back.
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The system looks pretty weak, D’Arnaud, Valle are the phils only hope and there 19 and 20 respectivly. It’s a shame they couldn’t of signed that catcher from the draft.
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The guys who are good have a lot of upside, but they are at least 2-3 years away. The team needs to find a better number 2 option. While Coste wasn’t a solution past the next year or so, I still find his departure to be a bit mystifying. The team needs to add depth at this position – another player who can really compete with Carlos for playing time and can also be at least a competent alternative if he gets hurt. Bako and Hoover are not enough.
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What is review shows is that the Phillies are comfortable with Ruiz as their catcher for the next couple of seasons (at least they better be). Until D’Arnaud is ready, they will continue to fill in with guys like Bako. As for the comment about Coste, he was never an option to get regular playing time. He was a nice story but was always more a PH than a catcher.
As for the system, I don’t see them protecting Gosewich and Kennelly is 50/50..
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Yes, I’m not saying Coste was a long-term solution, but he could catch perfectly well and he is a much better hitter than Bako or Hoover. Who knows. Maybe Jamie Moyer told them he stunk or he made somebody mad at the team Christmas Party – it was just a weird move that made little sense, particularly when they had no right-handed hitters off the bench.
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I think Kennelly is intriguing. Like Eli Marrero used to be. It’s nice to have a back up or even a third catcher who can play around the field in other positions. The flexibility is nice to have. Were I a GM, I’d certainly be looking for guys who can actually catch and play corner outfield and probably an infield position other than first base passably well. That saves a roster spot at key times.
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I don’t recall Gosewisch being assigned to the Arizona Fall League. I got position players Hanzawa (PS) Susdorf, and Domonic Brown. I got pitchers in Cisco, Schwimer,, Zagursky , and Mathieson. If they added Gosewisch I did not see the reports.
As far as Gpsewisch and Naughton not returning, I expect Naughton and maybe Gosewisch also to be returned to the 40 man roster. They will likely remove Hoover and Bako goes to free agency before the rule 5 draft. So you think they go into it with only one catcher on the offseason roster? And if they are not put on the roster, is it to be assumed they will be selected by another team? If the Phillies add any catchers in the Major League portion of the rule 5 draft they can not be sure of having them in the season, and from the minor league portion they would be other teams giveaways. If the Phillies sign a free agent catcher, they will be a MLB quality catcher for the back-up position . So what does that leave for the developmental catchers in the minor leagjues? THe Phillies still have the rights to Gosewisch and Naughton, and if they give them away they can start looking to sign next offseason’s versions of Paul Hoover, Kevin Nelson, etc. And if these 2 can maintain the offensive stats to MLB they would not look out of place among MLB catchers and might even be above many. And, if the caught stealing rate is all the defensive evaluations are based on, I’d give Gosewisch credit for a good rate, and if a catcher does not do well in this area, the pictching and fielding in the minors might be factored in.
Going by Kennelly’s playing assignment’s I would not think he is thought of a first defensive option at Catcher. He should keep working as a hitter, and continue to move around between Catcher , 1B,3B, LF, and RF. I think they should let him try out for Lehigh Valley in Spring Training, and if he can handle it , have him alternate at Catcher and 3B every game. He can be backed by Gosewisch and a 6 year minor league free agent at Catcher, and by another 6 year minor league free agent at 3B. He should start the season at LVIP regardless, and if after a month or so, he does not produce there, they could drop him back to Reading and bounce between all 5 positons.
I say Marlon Mitchell should be the starter at Williamsport and backed up primarlily by Francisco Diaz. I’ve seen Doss play a game, I don’t believe alot to get excited about. I suppose this college veteran can get some back-up duty at Williamsport . LaFrenz can back up at a full season team, maybe Doss or even Aviola can join him , backing up Valle and/or D’Arnaud, and hopefully spend a season as a lightly used back-up. Unless one of the prospects is promoted, which might even be more desirable, then they can share time to plug up the rest of the season.
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I wonder where D’Arnaud goes next year. Despite his slow start, he had a pretty productive year, and I’ve read a few scouting reports that say he is a rock solid catcher and a team leader. Could they jump him to Reading and get him fast tracked, or do they let him go one level at a time?
Also, I think Kennelly stays – he had a very productive year offensively, and can play five positions. I think he struggled at third base defensively, but he is a guy who has a lot of value – either as a trading chip or a Greg Dobbs-type utility player.
– Jeff
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A Kennelly type of supersub is always valuable (catcher, third, first, DH and pinch hitter – Jim Leyritz and others have made a nice career doing this).
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Somehow they have to have a better option in case Ruiz is hurt. Raul had to be a great example of what happens when you force guys to play hurt.
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There is no reason to keep Hoover on the 40 man although I assume they’ll keep Tuffy and Kennelly. They’ll probably share the LV job next year. Kennelly will probably catch the most to see if he can improve enough to possibly be a major league catcher, which he isn’t today. They’ve liked Tuffy’s defense for awhile and they’re so weak at the position that he’ll probably stick around. D’Arnaud will probably start at Clearwater and if he does well, they’ll promote him mid year. After his slow start last year, they won’t push him next year plus they’ll let him work with this year’s Lakewood pitchers who will mostly be at Clearwater next year. The major league team will sign or trade for a veteran catcher in the off season to be Ruiz’s back up or even to compete for a job like Paulino this past year.
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I think although catcher is a definite problem in the upper levels and major league backup, it isstill something of an organizational strength, with D’Arnaud and Valle among our top dozen prospects, at least in my mind. Trading Marson really thinned us out at the upper level, following the Jaramillo trade. We will need to sign some minor league vets for AAA, AA, and possible major league fill-in. Signing a FA catcher to back up Ruiz seems a better approach than betting on Bako.
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I think the Phils will move d’Arnaud to AA by the end of June at the lastest. That heat in Florida isn’t conducive to him. He needs to get to the upper levels as fast as his bat can carry him and learn the nuances of catching at the higest levels. Take a look sometime how Mike Lieberthal was advanced through the system.
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Interesting to note Valle caught the Gulf Coast League champions last year and d’Arnaud caught the Sally League champs this year. Marson caught the Sally champs in 06 and the FSL champs in 07.
In the 6 post seasons games this year with d’Arnaud catching the Lakewood staff had a 1.53 ERA with 52 strike outs in 53 innings. d’Arnaud has hit around .400 in Sept. so far (19 for 47, post season and regular season combined). If he does well in Instructs he should be a candidate for a double jump to AA in 2010.
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Please don’t compare D’Arnaud to Lieberthal because Lieby unfortunately was not a good catcher. The pitchers disliked throwing to him because he never learned how to call a good game. The Phils and the Dodgers both made the playoffs as soon as Lieby left (although I’m sure it was just a coincidence).
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Not an impressive group as a whole, but IMO offensive
numbers for young catchers especially don’t mean anything.
They must first learn the position, which demands a whole
lot of work. The Phillies seem to stress that they learn the
skills of catching first before they work on their hitting.
Incidentally, it seems that they have Naughton in mind since he’s on the instructional league roster.
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The Phillies should take it step-by-step with D’Arnaud. I think part of the reason he struggled early on was that they kind of rushed him up to Lakewood last year. The kid is what, 19, 20? Why not move him up to the next level and see how he does? Trust me, if he dominates at that level, they will not let him languish – he’ll be moved up when he’s ready. By the way, I generally agree with Olgrandad on the hitting of catchers. Catchers spend so much time on other parts of their game that, often, the hitting is the last thing to come. Defensive skills and maturity are so important for a catcher – just as important has hitting. That’s why I’m fine with taking things the traditional way with D’Arnaud.
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If you read the article in the Asbury Park Press posted in the other thread, the writer, Tony Graham, stated the reason why d’Arnaud didn’t hit the first half of the season.
As for Lieberthal, I wasn’t comparing d’Arnaud to him. I was suggesting how Lieberthal was moved fast to the upper level of the system and stayed there for a few years until he was major league ready or an emergency occurred through an injury to Daulton, which never happened.
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Here’s the article posted by Ricky Branch: http://blogs.app.com/blueclaws/2009/09/20/my-opiniongose-blueclaws-no-1-prospect/
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Joel Naughton is currently batting .481 / 27 AB’s 1 HR in the World Cup with just 2 more games left including finals. Close to the top BA from any Country and V a lot of good AAA-AA standard Pitching at the WC 2009.
Hardly seems washed up to me ?
Tim Kennelly .269 / 52 AB’s , 3 Doubles -3 HRs
I could see both at Reading next season. D’Arnaud at Threshers.
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It’s a small sample and the competition at the World Cup overall is very weak. I put no stock in that performance at all.
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Naughton is finishing strong at the bat. He hit .390 in his last 10 games with Clearwater and now .481 in the Cup (29 for 68 in his last 19 games). But he has missed extended periods of time this year both with Clearwater and just returned to action after missing 4 straight games in Cup play. Lefthanded hitting catchers are at a premium. Bet someone takes a look at him in Rule 5 if he is not put back on the 40 man.
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Alan said:
“It’s a small sample and the competition at the World Cup overall is very weak. I put no stock in that performance at all”
Agreed it is a very small sample Alan but from what i’ve seen of the games on Video.. there are many talented Pitchers and players maybe AA-AAA standard from several countries at World Cup 2009. Some of the nation teams not even Rookie league Standard granted.. but the top 8 were AA-AAA standard mostly. Both Naughton and Kennelly performed very well for the Aussies. They should both be at Reading next season IMO.
Kennelly for sure is a prospect as a Utility player with some pop.
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Was doing some reading on the blog of John Deeble the World Cup manager for the Aussies. He had an interesting comment on Tim Kennelly who he had play in right field for all the games and talked about Joel Naughton’ injury problem which held him back from an even greater tournament:
“tim kennally hit another rocket over the left field fenc (sp) as well as an amazing throw form (sp)right field to throw a runner out, this kid has as good of an arm as anyone in the world. 9/12/09.”
“Joel naughton left the game with a strain hip flexor so he will need a few days to recover. 9/20/09.
“naughton wanted to play but it was evident that his body couldnt hold up and he had to watch from the side, when i went to him to ask him how he felt about tonights game he said he was ready to go, as he limped off i was convinced he couldnt run to 1st, ” 9/27/09.
http://baseballradio.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=worldcup&action=display&thread=931
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