Monthly Archives: February 2017

Open Discussion: Week of February 27th

Weekly Discussion

The first weekend of Grapefruit and Cactus League games is over.  Several young Phillies’ prospects have looked promising.  As major league games continue, early reports for minor league camp will continue to work out at the Complex.  Their first full work out is scheduled for Friday, March 3rd.
Continue reading Open Discussion: Week of February 27th →

2017 Spring Training, Full Squad, 2/21

Spring Training 2017

Practices continued as they have the past few days.  Today, they ended a little early as the players were to attend a team golf outing.  I have a little commentary, some photos of post-strength and conditioning Mickey Moniak, and lots of video mostly pitchers but also Moniak, Cole Stobbe, and Kyle Martin taking a few swings. Continue reading 2017 Spring Training, Full Squad, 2/21 →

Too Slow or Not Too Slow, That is the Question

Other Stuff

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced in a press conference today his frustration at the MLBPA’s “lack of cooperation” making any changes aimed at improving the pace of play.  The commissioner’s comments came in the wake of statements by the MLBPA’s Tony Clark.  The Executive Director indicated the association’s unwillingness to incorporate any changes this season.

Since the “presser”, I have seen comments and tweets whose general sentiment is that baseball “purists” are happy with the game as it is.  In fact, if you are in favor of change, you aren’t a true fan.

So, I am curious about the opinion of Phuture Phillies readers.  The poll is simple.  Yes or no to change.  It’s anonymous.  No comments.  So, if you aren’t a “true fan”, no one will know.  I’ll follow this up with the results.  And maybe a follow up poll if necessary.

2017 Spring Training, Full Squad, 2/19

Spring Training 2017

Sunday morning in Clearwater and Jeremy Hellickson started our day with a live batting practice session.  He pitched to Cameron Perkins and Andrew Knapp.  I have some video of Hellickson’s performance, three pitches.  I do not have the video of Knapp parking the fifth or sixth pitch he saw in the handicapped parking section beyond the right field fence on Ashburn Field.  As he left the cage, I called over “way to bash” or some such witticism. Knapp grinned and nodded ever so slightly in acknowledgement. Continue reading 2017 Spring Training, Full Squad, 2/19 →

Open Discussion: Week of February 20th

Weekly Discussion

String training is in full swing.  The Phillies reverted back to using just two fields for PFPs with the result being a lot of standing around by the pitchers after loosening up throwing their long toss.  Other drills are more fast-paced.  The best so far have been the “live” batting practice sessions.   Continue reading Open Discussion: Week of February 20th →

2017 Spring Training, Full Squad, 2/17

Spring Training 2017

The first full squad practice finally arrived and attendance picked up.  Now, I can stop focusing on that each day.  It’s still not as high as in 2014, but it’s better than it has been. New signage is nearing completion.  Spectrum Field sign finally on the stadium.  New additions added to the scoreboards on Roberts and Ashburn. Continue reading 2017 Spring Training, Full Squad, 2/17 →

2017 Spring Training, Pitchers and Catchers Day 2

Spring Training 2017

Day two of Pitchers and Catchers and even fewer fans were at the Complex.  Perhaps people are waiting until the full team practice on Friday, or maybe fams have less of an emotional connection to the current group on the Major League roster.  Oh well, more room for those of us who are here. Continue reading 2017 Spring Training, Pitchers and Catchers Day 2 →