Around the System–Middle Infield

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A look up the middle…Coming next is the outfield, either Friday or Saturday.

Lehigh Valley

Josh Barfield, 28, Signed as a free agent prior to 2011 season;.257/.284/.365 in 452 AB’s; 6 HR 55RBI; 12/20 SB; .263 vs. LH; .254 vs. RH; .212 with RISP; .217 since August 1. 4%bb/15% k rate.  108 games at 2B with 8 errors (.984); 4.55 R/F; 7 games in the OF without an error. Barfield was decent this year at the plate and good in the field.  My gut tells me he is elsewhere in 2012.

Freddy Galvis, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2006; .278/.324/.392 in 543 AB’s between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 8HR 43RBI; 23/36 SB; 5% BB/15% k rates; .298 Post All Star. 137 games at SS with 19 errors (.967); 4.10 R/F. If you asked the Phillies brass what they would like to see from Galvis this year, he has done it.  Galvis actually hit better in AAA then he did for Reading, where he had very nice stats.  Galvis is currently capable of starting in the major leagues. Knowing the Phils history, I expect Galvis back in AAA to begin next year.

Kevin Frandsen, 29, Signed as a free agent prior to 2011 season; .303/.356/.412 in 284 AB’s; 4 HR 40 RBI; 10/13 SB; .352 vs. LH, .281 vs. RH, .295 with RISP; 4%bb/10% k rates.  26 games at 2B without an error; 4.04 R/F; 25 games at SS with 5 errors (.951); .92 R/F; 10 games at 1B with 1 error (.989); 21 games at 3B with 5 errors (.896). Frandsen missed 50 games early in the season for testing positive for using performance enhancing substances but bounced back and was a key cog for the ‘Pigs playoff team.  Frandsen does alot of things well and is versatile. It would do the Phils well to bring him back next season, with some questions to be answered up the middle in the organization.

Reading

Ozzie Chavez, 28, Signed as a free agent during 2011 season;.262/.236/.327 in 107 AB’s; 1HR and 10 RBI; .353 vs. LH, .244 vs. RH, .296 with RISP; 8%bb/18%k rates; 23 games at SS with 3 errors (.967); 6 games at 2B with 2 errors (.943); Chavez was signed late in the season as the injuries mounted for the RPhils.  He will be back if a spare body is needed.

Paco Figueroa, 28, Acquired from Baltimore (AAA) during 2011 season; .259/.374/.314 in 185 AB’s; 0 HR 17RBI; 6/10 SB; .280 vs. LH, .252 vs. RH, .236 with RISP; 15% bb rate/14% k rate; 58 games at 2B with 2 errors (.991); 3.76 R/F. ALso played 2 games at 3B without an error. Figueroa was picked up mid-season and then missed the end of the season injured.  I wouldn’t expect to see Figueroa next year.

Fidel Hernandez, 25, .235/.268/.287 in 247 AB’s between Clearwater and Reading; 2 HR and 18 RBI; 3/5 SB; 5%bb/11% k rates; 33 games at 2B with 6 errors (.960), 4.33 R/F; 20 games at 3B with 4 errors (.923); 14 games at SS without an error; 7 games at 1B without an error; 4 games in the OF without an error. Hernandez just completed his 7th year in the organization.  I would imagine he is back if a spare infielder is needed to swing around the upper levels of the minors.

Harold Garcia, 24, Signed as a free agent in 2004. Hit .300 in 50 AB’s and played 12 games at 2B without an error before tearing his ACL in late April. He missed the remainder of the year. Garcia lost a key year of development but remains a name to watch. A member of the 40 man roster, expect Garcia to start 2011 in Reading with a callup to Lehigh Valley after a successful 150-200 AB’s.

Clearwater

Cesar Hernandez, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2006;.268/.306/.333 in 421 AB’s; 4HR 37 RBI; 23/33 SB; 5%bb/18% k rates; .233 vs. LH, .282 vs. RH, .225 with RISP; .278 in 2nd half.  119 games at 2B with 13 errors (.975); 4.20 R/F. A good year all in all for Hernandez after a very rough start.  The Phils will need to aggressively move him up as he is already on the 40 man, and next year, they will use up their second option year.  I expect him to be in Reading by Mid-May.

Alan Schoenberger, 22, Signed as a free agent in 2006;.190/.251/.278 in 237 AB’s between Lakewood and Clearwater; 2HR 17 RBI; 2/4 SB; 7%bb/25%k rates; .160 vs. LH, .187 vs. RH, .217 with RISP. 46 games at 2B with 10 errors (.941); 3.48 R/F; 7 games at 3B with 2 errors (.714); 19 games at SS with 3 errors (.947); An awful year for Schoenberger who regressed, at least at the plate, in 2011.  It is a real question mark as to whether he will be back.

Troy Hanzawa, 26, Phils 16th round pick in 2008;.213/.267/.300 in 390 AB’s (all but 26 in CLearwater); 3HR 33 RBI; 3/6 SB; 5%bb/19% k rates.  119 games at SS with 16 errors (.968); 4.04 R/F. AT 26, and hitting .220, Hanzawa’s time may have come and gone.  He may be saved for a short while by his glove.

Lakewood

Carlos ALonso, 23, Phils 32nd round pick in 2010; .313/.413/.837 in 160 AB’s; 2HR 25RBI; 2/3 SB; 14%bb/7%k rates; .275 vs. LH, .330 vs. RH, .250 with RISP; .313 in 2nd half.  45 games at 2B with 3 errors (.986); 4.62 R/F; ALso played 4 games at 3B (1 error) and 1 game at 1B. Alonso was a very nice surprise in 2011 and was clearly ahead of the hitting curve at Lakewood.  I would imagine Alonso is handled aggressively because of his age and his BB/K rate show he can handle significantly better pitching.  I would imagine he starts at Clearwater and may move up mid-season if successful.

Edgar Duran, 20, Signed as a free agent in 2007; .234/.280/.299 in 401 AB’s; 4HR 42RBI; 15/22 SB; 6%bb/19% k rates; .205 vs. LH, .246 vs. RH, .265 with RISP; .205 in 2nd half; 111 games at SS with 23 errors (.950); 3.97 R/F. Duran battled injuries during the second half of the season and missed the last week of the season.  Completing his 4th of baseball in the organization, the Phils will have to be aggressive with Duran, moving him in as the starting SS in Clearwater.

Carlos Perdomo, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2007;.255/.323/.308 in  263 AB’s; 0HR 27 RBI; 15/24 SB; 9%bb/9%k rates; .273 vs. LH, .244 vs. RH, .254 with RISP; .284 in 2nd half.  48 games at 2B with 8 errors (.965); 4.65 R/F; 26 games at SS with 6 errors (.938); 3.50 R/F; Also played 1 game at 3B; Perdomo is another that has completed his 4th year in the organization.  Having almost 100 AB’s in Clearwater in 2010, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Perdomo in Reading in 2012.

Williamsport

Cody Asche, 21, Phils 4th round pick in 2011;.192/.273/.264 in 239 AB’s; 2HR 19RBI; 0/3 SB; 9%bb/19% k rates; .119 vs. LH, .208 vs. RH, .185 with RISP; .184 since August 1.  64 games at 2B with 15 errors (.954); 4.84 R/F; A very disappointing start to Asche’s career.  A high draft pick, I would imagine he starts at Lakewood and potentially drops back to Williamsport in order to get Asche a full year of AB’s.

Taylor Black, 22, Phils 16th round pick in 2011;.212/.283/.293 in 184 AB’s; 1HR 17 RBI; 2/4 SB; 7%bb/15% k rates; .222 vs. LH, .209 vs. RH, .192 with RISP; .202 since August 1. 58 games at SS with 22 errors (.922); 4.28 R/F. SLightly less disappointing than Asche, I would expect the Phils to take the same course.

Ken Miramontes, 23, Signed as a free agent in 2011;.213/.321/.223 in 94 AB’s; 0HR 13 RBI; 4/5 SB; 12%bb/17%k rates. 26 games at SS with 6 errors (.942); 3.77 R/F; 7 games at 2B with 1 error (.974); Miramontes played better than both of the above draft choices but he will be hard pressed to stick around as the Phils havent invested as much in him as others, and may be a victim of the numbers game.

GCL

Gustavo Gonzalez, 20, .292/.346/.365 in 96 AB’s; 2HR 9 RBI; 2/2 SB; 7%bb/15% k rates.  28 games at SS with 6 errors (.938); 3.21 R/F. Got a cup of coffee in Clearwater because of injuries at year’s end.  2012: Williamsport backup.

Tyler Greene, 18, Phils 11th round pick in 2011;.276/.386/.379 in 58 AB’s; 0HR 4 RBI; 5/6 SB; 16%bb/33% k rates. 17 games at SS with 3 errors (.948); 3.24 R/F. Greene, probably has 2nd round talent, but didn’t sign until July, so his stats are limited.  2012: Williamsport starting SS.

Carlos Valenzuela, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2007; .331/.379/.438 in 160 AB’s; 2HR 18 RBI; 2/2 SB; 6%bb/18% k rates; .351 vs. LH, .325 vs. RH, .349 with RISP. 28 games at 2B without an error; 3.89 R/F; 11 games at 3B with 1 error (.962); Also played 1 game at SS. Valenzuela just completed his 4th year in the organization.  2012: Certainly Lakewood, with a possibility of a promotion to Clearwater at an early point.

Alejandro Villalobos, 20, Signed as a free agent in 2010.; .285/.341/.358 in 165 AB’s; 0HR 14 RBI; 7/12 SB; .333 vs. LH, .270 vs. RH, .325 with RISP. A very nice season for Villalobos.  31 games at 2B with 6 errors (.952); 3.81 R/F; 13 games at SS with 2 errors (.958); 3.54 R/F. 2012: Lakewood with a drop back to Williamsport if necessary.  No need to rush him.

49 thoughts on “Around the System–Middle Infield”

  1. I see Tyler Greene starting at Williamsport and then will get sometime at Lakewood before the end of the year. So what does this mean for Walding and Quinn? Do they both start at GCL? Maybe a late call up to Williamsport at the end of the year? Or does one of them get a shot at Williamsport and play another position besides SS.

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    1. I see Tyler Greene starting at Lakewood with an option to drop back if he needs to. But I doubt he will! Please stop reading the Blogs. Tyler Greene will be the BEST SS from this draft class and has more across the board Tools then any player picked in front or behind him.
      6 ft 2 in Athelete with these numbers documented..
      91 miles per hour across the infield throwing arm
      Ran a 6.37 .. 60 at the Perfect Game National
      The only thing the other players had was better Agents!!

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      1. Walding 6’4 stronger arm & more athletic.Was also a star Quarterback.The only reason your high on Green is because of Perfect game.Maybe the other guys do have better agents or maybe they are just better.Only time will tell.

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        1. Walding will have a hard time playing 3rd. Isn’t near the athelete Greene is. He is very Slow with No Bat Speed!
          Saw them take BP and Ground Balls at Clearwater and Walding has No Arm angles to throw from running positions. Have your details together before posting your wishes!!

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          1. You should of been a Scout not a Blooger seeing you know so much more than the Scouts,Agents & top Philly Brass.And by the way I believe Walding is a Short Stop not Third Baseman.Get your details right before you post.

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            2. And your no scout.Hopefully they all do great & we have a surplus of great infielders even if there not from Florida.

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  2. The dreaded middle infielders…. wait a minute…. suddenly there are some interesting guys in the group. Galvis is a big surprise. I’m higher on Cesar Hernandez than most and I started the year saying that Galvis was a much better prospect than Hernandez. He’ll be making noise in AA by the end of next year and more likely the middle of the year. Alonzo came out of nowhere to surprise me. It may be false hope but I like the kid. Gonzalez, Valenzuela and Villalobos also far exceeded their ceilings that I set for them. I was one saying what a waste it was to bring Valenzuela state-side. This doen’t even touch on the draft guys who all have high potential and don’t forget about some of those youngsters in the DSL and VSL. Suddenly we don’t have places for all the guys in GCL, Wiliamsport and Lakewood. The usual disclaimers aside, small sample size and potential has never hit .300 or hit one homer, I’m excited by this group.

    Last year’s top 30 had Hernandez, Galvis and Garcia and I don’t remember others getting hononrable mentions. This year, There will be a lot more guys talked about from this group. Some will be in the top 30 and other will get some votes but fall outside.

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  3. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Garcia start at AAA with Cesar starting at AA. Both guys are already on the 40 and need to move up. The Phils really pushed Cesar this year and he responded after a slow start. I think Garcia is good enough to play in Philly sometime next year. Both are very good defensively at 2B and Garcia is adding a few more positions (3B and LF) which will help him. It would also allow them to start Alonso at 2B at CWater to see what they have in him. Would the Phls push Greene and start him at L Wood with Asche? If he holds his own, it would allow them to separate Walding and Quinn to WPort and GCL. The OF spots have thinned a little since last year so the SS picture will be the most interesting of spring training.

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  4. Cesar has to be pushed, he only has two option years left.

    Top Prospects (Preliminary):

    SHORTSTOP
    1. Freddy Galvis
    2. Roman Quinn
    3. Tyler Greene
    4. Mitchell Walding
    5. Taylor Black

    Interesting that four of the top five are recent draftees. Hard to sort them out without much pro data to fall back on, so a bit of this is just guess work. Looking forward to seeing this group next season.

    SECOND BASE
    1. Harold Garcia
    2. Cesar Hernandez
    3. Carlos Alonso
    4. Cody Asche
    5. Carlos Perdomo

    Hernandez needs to rebound from a tough season. Like I mentioned above he only has two years to reach the majors for good. Alonso isn’t traditionally a top prospect but he’s producing. Asche had a poor season but he wouldn’t be the first good prospect to struggle at Williamsport. Perdomo is just scraping the barrel.

    If I were inclined I would say that the shortstop prospects if evaluated fully would deserve to rank as second base prospects as well. Depending on which have limited arms but still good skills for the position. I haven’t seen those players enough to judge.

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    1. What a bunch of garbage!
      Quinn isn’t close to Tyler Greene at any part of the SS position. Will have a tough time staying at 2B. CF is where he fits.

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      1. You have not seen Quinn play or anyone else on his list for that matter so how would you know??
        Most of these kids have not played even a game of professional baseball. Tyler Greene could hit .225 next year for all you know and Roman Quinn could kill it or do awful as well.

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    1. He can’t be any worse than Michael Martinez has been this year and he got plenty of starts for the best team in baseball.

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      1. Is it really possible that you are that stupid? He got plenty of starts because of injuries. Contenders who accept that sort of “logic” don’t remain contenders for long.

        Oh, I get it. It’s a degree of difficulty kind of thing. I guess some of you think that it isn’t fair fielding a team that is on target to win 105 games. In fairness to other major league teams, we should intentionally handicap ourselves by starting weak hitters. But let’s do it right. Martinez at 3rd, Valdez at second, and Galvis at shortstop.

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        2. Is it really that possible that you are that stupid? I was saying that right now, I think Galvis is better than Michael Martinez. Michael Martinez has started plenty of games this year meaning and since I think Galvis is better than him, I agree with Gregg’s original post saying that Galvis could start in the major leagues. I do not think he should start on the phillies but I think he would be able to be a backup and play sometimes like Martinez did this year. I do think that he could start on a bad team though.

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          1. “I think he would be able to be a backup and play sometimes like Martinez did this year.”

            You have a much different definition of “being able to start in the major leagues” than I do.

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          2. BJ – okay, sorry for the tone, which was influenced by an obnoxious post from one of the anons, but shouldn’t have been directed at you.

            That said – as a more rational anon points, out, there is a world of difference between your most recent post and the one that I was responding to. The first post was … let me be more polite this time … misguided. The only reasonable reading of your first post is supporting the recent regrettable idea that Galvis is a realistic option as the Phillies’ regular shortstop next season. I’m glad to see that you don’t really believe that.

            Could Galvis be a decent major league backup next year? Of course (though lack of positional flexibility could be a problem). But why would someone who believes (as I do) that he may one day develop into a solid regular want to retard his development by having him sit on the bench in a reserve role next year?

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            1. Can we ban or discourage anons, unless it’s part of a larger name? They really annoy me. I say log in or lurk. 🙂

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            2. Larry for christmas I am getting you an extra large bottle of “chill pill”. Please relax if even a little. Galvis being a good defensive player could easily master 2nd and maybe third. Martinez is proving he doesn’t belong except as a 25th player(early heroics notwithstanding )

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            3. Galvis could easily be an excellent utility player but his upside is higher. I wouldn’t waste him in a lower leverage role like that.

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            4. Nowheels, the main point is that you don’t – and shouldn’t – put a real prospect in a major league bench role. It stunts their development. I’m sure he could play second or third – though even there I’d prefer he learn to do so in the minors – but that’s a side issue. Next year he needs a full season as an AAA shortstop; hopefully he will keep improving & eventually have a chance to be a major league regular. If he takes a step backwards next year (hopefully not), then we can start talking about him as a major league bench option.

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          3. The only reason Martinez is even in the Majors is Rule V. Were it not for those rules, I’d bet more than half his starts would have gone to Francisco, Valdez, Orr and Mayberry. He would have still been an injury call up and started a few, but not nearly as often. I think Galvis now would be more equivalent to Valdez, with a slightly lower BA, but slightly higher OBP.

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            1. Since his horrific first month, Martinez has been more valuable than Valdez. Neither one is a great player, and Valdez is the much better SS, but Martinez isn’t the double play machine that Valdez is either. They are both 25th men, unfortunately the Phillies carry two 25th men because of injury prone middle infielders.

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          1. Only to those who have the temerity to suggest that Hunter Pence is a better than average major-league RFer.

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        4. Get a life dude! Why are you so worked up? The guy made a logical point … simply stating that he felt that Galvis could do as well or better (my guess) than M. Martinez if given the opportunity. He didn’t say he could start for the Phillies, make the All-Star team, and begin a HOF career. Chill out man!

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      2. And yet I don’t think anyone is saying Martinez is a capable major league starter. I think Galvis’ production would probably be close to what Wilson Valdez brings. That’s not a legit starter imo. Let Galvis develop some more in AAA or at least let him prove he can repeat this year’s success.

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    1. i think you mean martinez, as in harold martinez. walding went just graduated from a california high school last year

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    1. I think there is a good chance Tyler Greene starts in Lakewood. More likely they will leave him in extended spring for at least a month, before sending him to Lakewood, the way they did it with Trevor May and Jon Singleton. That seems to be the way they proceed with the top talents who sign early enough to play GCL.

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  10. I see that the surplus of middle infielders has aroused the ire of our contributors. Count it as a blessing that we have the surplus, relax with your favorite passtime, enjoy the riches our scouts have provided. Get ready for next Spring when the players have a chance to compete. I am having withdrawal pains with only one box score to read after having so many box scores of our teams competing for post season play.
    These players merit our admiration to have arrived at this level of competence. I know the professional on the bench has played a whole lot better than I ever did. We will see where these talented young players wind up.
    This is a sport. Enjoy riding the crest with the present Phillies system..

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  11. Next year, there is a greater than 60% chance that Utley and Polanco will be hurt with Rollins walking. He will get a 5 year deal somewhere. At that point there will be a veteran SS signed and Galvis will be a June call up after getting about one year of work at AAA total.

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    1. Galvis’ recent play has certainly given the Phils another viable option come contract time with Rollins…make him a Werth-like deal (one that will probably be topped by the market)…if he decided to leave, then find a one-year stop-gap that will allow Galvis to get at least another 300 AB’s (if not a full season) at LV in 2012. With the surprisingly-increased options coming up through the system, a 3-4 year deal to Rollins makes ZERO sense right now.

      If he is willing to take a below-market deal (say 2 years with a 3rd year option) to stay, it might be hard politically to not take him back – although the structure of a deal like that would be great.

      Better to take Rollins’ money and extend either Victorino or Pence (given our fewer OF options down on the farm).

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      1. Jose Reyes will be the prize out there……JRoll will have to see what he commands and ends up. Unless of course he takes RAJ’s offer straight away.

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  13. Seems that guys with single consonants for last names, are really praying to see Jimmy Rollins gone for some reason.

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  14. I don’t know about me being one to love to see Rollins leave, but I sure would love it if the Phillies could somehow figure out a way to land Jose Reyes. Is that possible? I would think he would love to play here. And those who boo him now, would love him in Philly. If we can land Reyes, thanks Jimmy, we appreciate all that you did while you were here, but SEEYA!

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  15. Jimmy will have a Great Post Season… signs a three year Contract to stay, We win at least one more Championship after this years Win. Then Tyler Greene will be ready to bring a big body athlete with middle of the order power to Philly.

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  16. I don’t understand how you could want Reyes over Rollins? Reyes is a great talent but he seems to be hurt more turn Rollins, and is nowhere near the leader Rollins has been.

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    1. Ditto that…..plus Reyes will want a 6/7 year deal and he turns 29 next year…I would assume he will break down more as he ages. And what about his personality….almost approaching a Hanley Ramirez/Milton Bradley model.

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  17. Trevor May talked with Wheels and Tom McCarthy tonight—says mastering the change-up this year was one of the biggest parts of his success.

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    1. Some people are saying May will be a reliever given his strikeout numbers. He very well may end up as a front line power pitcher if able to develop secondary pitches.

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