Daily Archives: July 15, 2013

Around the System–Catchers

Other Stuff

A look at the catchers throughout the organization. Next up: the OF from the high levels of the organization.

Lehigh Valley

Cameron Rupp, 24, Phils 3rd round pick in 2010; .236/.305/.418 in 225 AB’s between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 10HR 33RBI; 8%bb/24%K rates; .220 since June 1. Has caught 55 games with 4 errors (.991); 3 passed balls; Has thrown out 16/52 would be base stealers (31%); Rupp has been asked to really step up this year for a variety of reasons and he has been predominately up to the task. I like Rupp and while he does not project as a major league starter, he could be a very effective back up with another 250-300 minor league AB’s.

Steven Lerud, 28, Re-signed as free agent in 2013; .242/.405/.358 in 120 AB’s; 3HR 17RBI; .214 vs. LH, .250 vs. RH, .243 with RISP; 20%bb/24% k rates; 41 games caught with 6 errors (.981); 1 passed ball; Has thrown out 13/39 would be base stealers (33%); Lerud has played well for Lehigh Valley. Even with a marginal batting average, the huge walk rate has led to an excellent OBP. Above average defensively, pitchers like throwing to him.  Seemed over matched offensively in the majors but a capable short term fix if necessary. Continue reading Around the System–Catchers →

Midseason Look at 40-Man Considerations

Other Stuff

One of the biggest moments in a prospect’s development is making the 40-man roster because it puts them in the position to be called up to the majors at any time.  Additionally, it comes with an invite to major league training camp.  Not making the 40-man is not the end for a prospect, but it can indicate a lot about their position in the organization.

That being said, for those prospects on the bubble of consideration their inclusion can depend on whether their profile is attractive to another team looking to make a pick in the Rule V draft.  In addition to Rule V picks the Phillies have a trio of interesting OFs that will be eligible for minor league free agency.

Locks:

Cameron Rupp: Rupp’s lack of overall upside has been stated many times on this site, but there is no doubt that he could be a solid major league back up to open 2014.  Almost any team would love to pick up that type of player for $50,000 in the Rule V making him a must protect. Continue reading Midseason Look at 40-Man Considerations →

General Discussion – Week of 7-15-2013 – All-Star Edition

Weekly Discussion

GUYS IT’S ALL-STAR WEEK!!!!!!!!!

Wow. Nine exclamation points. Seems like I’m excited. Pretty sure I’m not, though.

…wait…hang on…Ok, no. I’m not.

Discuss.

Box Score Recap – 7/14/2013

Box Score Recap

Cesar Hernandez in CF again. ICYMI – He will forego the AAA All-Star Game in favor of playing some CF with Reading. He could see time there in the bigs shortly. Honestly, with his bat, if he can run a decent route in CF, he could be valuable there. The arm will be a question, though as 2013 Phillies fans, we know how little arm can be allowed to play in an MLB centerfield. Miguel Nunez with a fine outing for Lakewood – 3 H and 3K in 6 scoreless IP. Zach Green with another double, now has 20 XBH in ~110 PA. His ISO isstill hovering around .300. Walking enough, striking out too much on the year.

And I’ll call that a perfect segue to Larry Greene – he did not start Sunday, but he did get into the game, and managed a double and 2Ks in 3PA. 7 hits including 4 doubles in his last 5 games, though he’s struck out 7 times in that span. For the year, he’s sporting a BB rate of 12.2% and a K rate of 33.8%. Take a look at his stats this year versus last, and it’s easy to see the lack of progress in a similar number of games. Essentially, everything is worse, except he’s somehow stolen 5 bases versus 1 last year. He’s got 6 more weeks of action to push his game forward or risk repeating the level.

And finally, Jesse Biddle struck out Maikel Franco in the Futures Game – took three pitches, Curve, FB, Curve. Nasty curves. Filth. Biddle added another inning of hitless ball, though he did walk one batter, and was credited with what’s sure to be a career-defining “W” 😉 Franco was 0-2 as a DH while Miguel Sano took time at 3B ahead of him. I tacked on the first Futures Game Box I found at the bottom of the graphic here.

Continue reading Box Score Recap – 7/14/2013 →