Phuture Phillies 2017 Reader Top 30 … #33

2017 Reader Top 30

The 2017 Phuture Phillies Reader Top 30 continues.  Bailey Falter had trailed in all precincts until late voting from Chino Hills, CA pulled him from third place into a runaway victory for the 33rd spot with 71 of 193 votes (37%).  Victor Arano (47 votes, 24%) finished second.  Daniel Brito (23 votes, 12%) finished third.

Bailey Falter was drafted by the Phillies in the 5th round of the 2015 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Chino Hills High School, CA.  He signed on June 18, 2015 and reported to the GCL Phillies.

The LHP posted a 3.45 ERA in 28.2 innings and struck out 25 while walking only three in 2015.  Falter had a high 80s fastball and was fast-tracked to Williamsport in his second season.

In 2016, Falter made strides forward.  His 1-6 record is not indicative of his progress.  He lowered his ERA to 3.17 in 59.2 innings.  He walked 17 but struck out 59.  While his FB was still high 80s in XST, an adjustment suggested by Hector Barrios when he got to Williamsport helped Falter elevate his fastball velocity into the 90s.  He was reported to have hit 95 mph during the season.

 

Poll to date –

  1. J.P. Crawford
  2. Jorge Alfaro
  3. Mickey Moniak
  4. Roman Quinn
  5. Nick Williams
  6. Franklyn Kilome
  7. Sixto Sanchez
  8. Rhys Hoskins
  9. Dylan Cozens
  10. “C” Randolph
  11. Scott Kingery
  12. Kevin Gowdy
  13. Harold Arauz
  14. Andrew Knapp
  15. Jhailyn Ortiz
  16. Adonis Medina
  17. Mark Appel
  18. Nick Pivetta
  19. Ben Lively
  20. Alberto Tirado
  21. Elniery Garcia
  22. Nick Fanti
  23. Cole Stobbe
  24. Drew Anderson
  25. Andrew Pullin
  26. Carlos Tocci
  27. Ricardo Pinto
  28. Jordan Kurokawa
  29. Thomas Eshelman
  30. Jesse Valentin
  31. Jose Pujols
  32. Bailey Falter

9 thoughts on “Phuture Phillies 2017 Reader Top 30 … #33”

  1. Falter was in my top 30 but I had Viza rated higher. There might have been ballot stuffing but, in my mind, he deserves the spot. Viza will be my vote again.

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  2. Still many interesting pitchers remaining. Will see how many low level guys handle their promotions.
    Arano is likely a major leaguer at some point but I also like Irvin and Morales as possible breakouts.

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  3. I think Morales should of def got top 30 consideration I mean he is a year younger than say Gowdy with almost the same stuff, fastball may even have more current velocity to it (the command isn’t the same but who knows it may be once he pitches more) however I don’t think he’ll be a break out only bc he’s not going to get many inning this year, I’d be shocked if he threw more than 40-45 innings.

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    1. EricD…agree.
      As a 17-year old he probably gets EST, and then the GCL with innings restrictions.
      But you really have to like his upside.
      I think this year a top 30 may be a little beyond his reach, but next year’s poll he should be there.

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  4. I know the Top 30 poll is for fun and we shouldn’t take it real seriously. However, it becomes considerably less fun IMO when the outcomes are affected by ballot-stuffing. Not really a big deal, but just unfortunate.

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  5. If I had known the Falter’s velocity was increasing and that he was touching 95, I probably would have had him in the 20s somewhere and probably would have also listed him as a breakout candidate. Falter is said to have a really good feel for pitching and command. The issue was whether he would add velocity that would allow those other skills to play up well. If the velocity is starting to increase, I’m pretty bullish on him.

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    1. His secondary pitches show some promise but need work as well. Velocity is/was one aspect that needed growth.

      I like Falter and think his spot here could absolutely be justified, but like bak425 said above, all this ballot stuffing is a bummer.

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    2. @Catch, I would have made a bigger splash regarding Falter’s increased velocity but for two reasons.

      First, I like him as a prospect – the way he pitches, his demeanor, etc. So, I didn’t want to push a prospect where my impartiality could be questioned.

      And second, when I saw him in 2016 Instructs, he was back to the 87-89 mph fastball he had during XST.

      Had he thrown in the low 90’s in Instructs, I would have ignored my first reason. But with a lack of validation on his supposed improvement while in Williamsport, I decided to defer.

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      1. As a 19-year old he could have been told to hold back during instructs based on whatever they wanted him to do. Also, he may not have had many bullpens between Labor Day weekend, his last start, and the start of instructs in October. it would be nice to find out what type of programs the Phillies set up for their teenage pitchers.

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