Open Discussion: Week of April 8, 2018

Weekly Discussion

Heckuva party in south Philly Saturday night.  The Phillies 20 run outburst doubled their scoring in their first six games.  It was the kind of game can help resuscitate players’ batting slashes.

The Phillies are 3-5 and are starting a series against the Reds.

Your open discussion can go below.  I suggest holding off on draft prospect discussion for a day.  I will offer a separate discussion thread tomorrow or Tuesday to keep the draft stuff separate from the Phillies’ discussion.

#Phly Phillies Phly!

Organizational News and Changes

Jake Arrieta was activated.  Jake Thompson was optioned to make room after his three inning save during the Phillies 20-1 victory over Miami.

The transactions section contains the 350 transactions I used to complete the rosters I reported for the affiliates and the earlier work groups.  Those you can’t find on the major and minor league sites, I am getting from inside the league office.

Spring Training

The Phillies’ eXtended Spring Training schedule starts on April 9th and is available here.

Minor League Report

The GCL Phillies East and West begin their seasons on June 18th and 19th.  I have their preliminary schedules.  I’ll post them next week.

Key Dates:

  • April 9, 2018 – Extended Spring Training games begin
  • April 12, 2018 -Lehigh Valley’s home opener v. Louisville
  • April 12, 2018 – Lakewood’s home opener v. Delmarva
  • June 4-6, 2018 – 2018 MLB Draft
  • June 15, 2018 – Williamsport’s home opener v. State College
  • June 18, 2018 – GCL Phillies East home opener v. GCL Yankees West
  • June 19, 2018 – GCL Phillies West home opener v. GCL Yankees East
  • July 13-17, 2018 – All-Star Week
  • July 17, 2018 – 89th All Star Game
  • August 19, 2018 – Phillies v. Mets in the Little League Classic in Williamsport.
  • December 10-13, 2018 – Winter Meetings at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada

Transactions (recently reported transactions in bold): (40-man stands at 40)

  • 4/8/18 –Phillies activated RHP Jake Arrieta
    4/8/18 –Phillies optioned Jake Thompson to Lehigh Valley IronPigs
    4/8/18 –1B Joey Meneses assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs
    4/8/18 –LHP Bailey Falter assigned to Clearwater Threshers
    4/5/18–LF Adam Haseley assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/5/18–RHP Adonis Medina assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/5/18–RHP Alejandro Requena assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    4/5/18–RHP Alexis Rivero assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Reading Fightin Phils.
    4/5/18–SS Arquimedes Gamboa assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/5/18–LF Austin Listi assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/5/18–RHP Connor Brogdon assigned to Williamsport Crosscutters from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/5/18–RHP Connor Seabold assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    4/5/18–LF Cord Sandberg assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    4/5/18–LHP David Parkinson assigned to Williamsport Crosscutters from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/5/18–RHP Felix Paulino assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/5/18–Clearwater Threshers placed RHP Grant Dyer on the 7-day DL.
    4/5/18–Heiker Meneses assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs from Reading Fightin Phils.
    4/5/18–DH Henri Lartigue assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/5/18–RHP Ismael Cabrera assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/5/18–LHP Jakob Hernandez assigned to Clearwater Threshers from GCL Phillies East.
    4/5/18–OF Jesus Alastre assigned to Clearwater Threshers.
    4/5/18–RF Kevin Markham assigned to Clearwater Threshers from GCL Phillies East.
    4/5/18–3B Luke Williams assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/5/18–LHP McKenzie Mills assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    4/5/18–CF Mickey Moniak assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/5/18–Clearwater Threshers placed LHP Nick Fanti on the 7-day DL.
    4/5/18–SS Raul Rivas assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/5/18–Clearwater Threshers placed RHP Will Hibbs on the 7-day DL.
    4/5/18–1B Wilson Garcia assigned to Clearwater Threshers.
    4/4/18–RHP Grant Dyer assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/4/18–LHP Nick Fanti assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/4/18–RHP Will Hibbs assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Lakewood BlueClaws.
    4/3/18–Bailey Falter transferred from Clearwater to Williamsport
    4/3/18–Jesus Luna signed as an international FA; assigned to DSL Phillies Red
    4/3/18–Mauricio Llovera transferred from Clearwater to Williamsport
    4/3/18–Sixto Sanchez transferred from Clearwater to Williamsport
    4/3/18–Tyler Viza transferred from Williamsport to Lehigh Valley
    4/2/18–Austin Bossart assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Clearwater Threshers.
    4/2/18–3B Brandon Bednar assigned to Reading Fightin Phils.
    4/2/18–Cornelius Randolph assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Clearwater Threshers.
    4/2/18–Emmanuel Marrero assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Clearwater Threshers.
    4/2/18–Harold Arauz assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Clearwater Threshers.
    4/2/18–3B Heiker Meneses assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    4/2/18–RHP Jacob Waguespack assigned to Reading Fightin Phils.
    4/2/18–Jan Hernandez assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Clearwater Threshers.
    4/2/18–LHP Jeff Singer assigned to Clearwater Threshers from Reading Fightin Phils.
    4/2/18–JoJo Romero assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Clearwater Threshers.
    4/2/18–Josh Tols assigned to Williamsport Crosscutters from Reading Fightin Phils
    4/2/18–Luke Leftwich assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Clearwater Threshers.
    4/2/18–SS Malquin Canelo assigned to Reading Fightin Phils.
    4/2/18–Seth McGarry assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Clearwater Threshers.
    4/2/18–Trevor Bettencourt assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Clearwater Threshers.
    4/2/18–Tyler Gilbert assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Clearwater Threshers.
    4/1/18–LF Cord Sandberg assigned to Williamsport Crosscutters from Reading Fightin Phils.
    3/31/18–Tyler Viza assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs from Reading Fightin Phils.
    3/30/18–Phillies placed RHP Pat Neshek on the 10-day DL. Right shoulder strain.
    3/30/18–Phillies recalled Yacksel Rios from Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/30/18–SS Dean Anna assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/30/18–Ranfi Casimiro assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs from Reading Fightin Phils.
    3/30/18–Austin Davis assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs from Reading Fightin Phils.
    3/30/18–RHP Enyel De Los Santos assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/30/18–Tom Eshelman assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs from Reading Fightin Phils.
    3/30/18–Cole Irvin assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs from Reading Fightin Phils.
    3/30/18–Brandon Leibrandt assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs from Reading Fightin Phils.
    3/30/18–Tom Windle assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs from Reading Fightin Phils.
    3/30/18–RHP Randy Alcantara assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–RHP Connor Brogdon assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–LHP Kyle Dohy assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–C Rodolfo Duran assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–RHP Julian Garcia assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–SS Dalton Guthrie assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from GCL Phillies East.
    3/30/18–RHP Spencer Howard assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–LHP Damon Jones assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–SS Nick Maton assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–CF Malvin Matos assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–CF Simon Muzziotti assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from GCL Phillies East.
    3/30/18–1B Quincy Nieporte assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from GCL Phillies East.
    3/30/18–RF Jhailyn Ortiz assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–LHP David Parkinson assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–RHP Luis Ramirez assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–RHP Ramon Rosso assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–2B Jake Scheiner assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–LF Josh Stephen assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–LHP Will Stewart assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–3B Cole Stobbe assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–LHP Zach Warren assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws from Williamsport Crosscutters.
    3/30/18–Alejandro Martinez signed as an international FA; assigned to DSL Phillies White
    3/30/18–Wilson Valdez signed as an international FA; assigned to DSL Phillies White
    3/30/18–Anderson Nunez retired from Williamsport
    3/30/18–Jose Antequera transferred from Clearwater to Williamsport
    3/30/18–Grenny Cumana transferred from Clearwater to Williamsport
    3/30/18–Tyler Hallead transferred from Clearwater to Williamsport
    3/30/18–Rafi Gonell transferred from GCL Phillies West to DSL Phillies White
    3/30/18–Gustavo Armas transferred from Lakewood to Williamsport
    3/30/18–Joey DeNato transferred from Lehigh Valley to Williamsport
    3/30/18–Tommy Bergjans transferred from Reading to Williamsport
    3/30/18–Alberto Tirado transferred from Reading to Williamsport
    3/30/18–Tyler Viza transferred from Reading to Williamsport
    3/29/18–Phillies placed RHP Jerad Eickhoff on the 10-day DL retro to 3/26/2018. Right lat strain.
    3/29/18–Phillies placed RHP Tommy Hunter on the 10-day DL retro to 3/26/2018. Right hamstring strain.
    3/29/18–Phillies placed RHP Mark Leiter Jr. on the 10-day DL retro to 3/26/2018. Right forearm strain.
    3/29/18–LHP Ranger Suarez assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Clearwater Threshers.
    3/29/18–Phillies optioned RHP Jake Arrieta to Clearwater Threshers.
    3/29/18–Addison Russ transferred from Clearwater to Lakewood
    3/29/18–Jan Hernandez transferred from Clearwater to Reading
    3/29/18–Juan Aparacio transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies East
    3/29/18–Jose Conopoima transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies East
    3/29/18–Luis Rojas transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies East
    3/29/18–Victor Santos transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies East
    3/29/18–Carlos Betencourt transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/29/18–Luis Garcia transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/29/18–Leonel Aponte transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies East
    3/29/18–Nicolas Torres transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies East
    3/29/18–Alfonso Puello transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies West
    3/29/18–Victor Vargas transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies West
    3/29/18–Aaron Brown transferred from Reading to Clearwater
    3/29/18–Jeff Singer transferred from Reading to Clearwater
    3/29/18–Enyel De Los Santos transferred from Reading to Lehigh Valley
    3/29/18–Joey Meneses transferred from Reading to Lehigh Valley
    3/28/18–Chicago White Sox traded SS Dean Anna to Phillies; assigned to Lehigh Valley
    3/28/18–Phillies traded RHP Ricardo Pinto to Chicago White Sox for Future Considerations.
    3/28/18–Colby Fitch transferred from Clearwater to Lakewood
    3/28/18–Juan Mendez transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies West
    3/28/18–Austin O’Brien transferred from Lakewood to Williamsport
    3/28/18–Kyle Young transferred from Lakewood to Williamsport
    3/28/18–Tim Berry transferred from Lehigh Valley to Williamsport
    3/28/18–Gabriel Lino transferred from Lehigh Valley to Williamsport
    3/28/18–Josh Tols transferred from Reading to Williamsport
    3/27/18–SS Alexi Amarista assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/27/18–Phillies signed FA SS Alexi Amarista to an MiLB contract.
    3/27/18–Parker Frazier released from Lehigh Valley
    3/26/18–Phillies optioned LHP Zac Curtis to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/26/18–Phillies optioned RHP Zach Eflin to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/26/18–Phillies optioned CF Roman Quinn to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/26/18–Phillies released C Cameron Rupp.
    3/25/18–Phillies selected the contract of RHP Drew Hutchison from Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/25/18–Phillies selected the contract of 2B Scott Kingery from Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/25/18–Phillies optioned 2B Jesmuel Valentin to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/25/18–Phillies designated RHP Ricardo Pinto for assignment.
    3/25/18–Phillies designated C Cameron Rupp for assignment.
    3/25/18–San Francisco Giants traded 3B Brandon Bednar to Phillies; assigned to Reading
    3/25/18–Jhon Nunez released from Williamsport
    3/25/18–Casey Brown released from Clearwater
    3/25/18–Casey Buhner released from GCL Phillies East
    3/25/18–Jake Kelzer released from Lakewood
    3/25/18–David Martinelli released from Lakewood
    3/25/18–Shane Watson released from Reading
    3/24/18–Phillies released RHP Francisco Rodriguez.
    3/23/18–Phillies released SS Adam Rosales.
    3/22/18–Phillies released 2B Ryan Flaherty.
    3/21/18–Phillies traded 2B Eliezer Alvarez to Texas Rangers for cash.
    3/21/18–Phillies released LHP Fernando Abad.
    3/20/18–Ryan Etsell released from Lakewood
    3/19/18–Texas Rangers claimed Tommy Joseph off waivers from Phillies.
    3/19/18–Luis Encarnacion released from Williamsport
    3/19/18–Cesar Rodriguez transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/19/18–Daniel Vilchez transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/17/18–Phillies optioned RHP Yacksel Rios to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/16/18–Phillies selected the contract of CF Pedro Florimon from Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/16/18–Phillies designated 2B Eliezer Alvarez for assignment.
    3/15/18–Edison Aleman assigned to DSL Phillies Red
    3/15/18–Phillies signed FA LHP Edinso Aleman to an MiLB contract.
    3/14/18–Jose Cedeno assigned to DSL Phillies White
    3/14/18–Phillies signed FA OF Jose Cedeno to an MiLB contract.
    3/14/18–Antonio Canizales transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/14/18–Jonas De La Cruz transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies West
    3/14/18–Yeison Sanchez transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Arturo De Freitas assigned to DSL Phillies Red
    3/13/18–Phillies signed FA C Arturo De Freitas to an MiLB contract.
    3/13/18–Phillies optioned RHP Seranthony Dominguez to Reading Fightin Phils.
    3/13/18–Eudiver Avendano transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Alejandro Made transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Edgar Made transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Luis Matos transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Jose Rivera transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Junior Tejada transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Christian Valerio transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Gabriel Yanez transferred from DSL Phillies Red to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Abdallah Aris transferred from DSL Phillies Red to Williamsport
    3/13/18–Bryan Alcala transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Carlos Francisco transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Julio Francisco transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Carlos Oropeza transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Jose Tortolero transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Yerwin Trejo transferred from DSL Phillies White to GCL Phillies West
    3/13/18–Alexito Feliz transferred from DSL Phillies White to Williamsport
    3/13/18–Randy Alcantara transferred from Williamsport to Lakewood
    3/13/18–Connor Brogdon transferred from Williamsport to Lakewood
    3/13/18–Connor Seabold transferred from Williamsport to Lakewood
    3/13/18–Kyle Young transferred from Williamsport to Lakewood
    3/12/18–Phillies signed FA RHP Jake Arrieta.
    3/12/18–Phillies designated 1B Tommy Joseph for assignment.
    3/12/18–Mark Laird retired from Reading
    3/10/18–Phillies optioned RHP Ricardo Pinto to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/10/18–Ryan Etsell transferred from Clearwater to Lakewood
    3/10/18–Austin Listi transferred from Clearwater to Lakewood
    3/10/18–Kevin Markham transferred from Clearwater to Lakewood
    3/9/18–Phillies optioned RF Dylan Cozens to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/9/18–Phillies optioned RHP Jose Taveras to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    3/9/18–Phillies optioned 2B Eliezer Alvarez to Reading Fightin Phils.
    3/9/18–Phillies optioned RHP Franklyn Kilome to Reading Fightin Phils.
    3/9/18–Phillies optioned LHP Ranger Suarez to Clearwater Threshers.
    3/9/18–Jonathan Hennigan transferred from Clearwater to Lakewood
    3/8/18–Alexander Kline retired from Lakewood
    3/7/18–Manuel Urias; assigned to DSL Phillies White
    3/7/18–Phillies signed FA RHP Manuel Urias to an MiLB contract.
    3/5/18–Phillies optioned RHP Drew Anderson to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    2/26/18–Tim Berry signed as a MiLB FA; assigned to Lehigh Valley
    2/20/18–C Edward Barboza assigned to DSL Phillies Red
    2/20/18–LHP Maikel Garrido assigned to DSL Phillies Red
    2/19/18–Phillies signed FA C Edward Barboza to an MiLB contract.
    2/19/18–Phillies signed FA LHP Maikel Garrido to an MiLB contract.
    2/17/18–LHP Fernando Abad assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    2/17/18–Phillies signed FA LHP Fernando Abad to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    2/16/18–Signed Gabriel Lino as a minor league FA; assigned to Lehigh Valley
    2/15/18–CF Collin Cowgill assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    2/15/18–RHP Drew Hutchison assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    2/15/18–Phillies signed FA RHP Drew Hutchison to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    2/14/18–C Eric Fryer retired.
    2/13/18–C Nick Rickles assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    2/13/18–Phillies invited non-roster C Nick Rickles to ST.
    2/10/18–Lehigh Valley IronPigs placed RHP Steve Geltz on the restricted list.
    2/10/18–LHP Josh Tols assigned to Reading Fightin Phils.
    2/9/18–Collin Cowgill assigned to Lehigh Valley
    2/9/18–Phillies signed FA CF Collin Cowgill to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    2/9/18–Phillies signed FA LHP Josh Tols to an MiLB contract.
    2/8/18–2B Ryan Flaherty assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    2/8/18–Phillies signed FA 2B Ryan Flaherty to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    2/7/18–C Kipp Moore retired.
    2/5/18–Felix Negueis assigned to DSL Phillies Red
    2/3/18–Phillies signed FA OF Felix Negueis to an MiLB contract.
    2/18/18–Adron Chambers signed a FA contract; assigned to Lehigh Valley
    2/2/18–Joey Meneses assigned to Reading
    2/1/18–SS Adam Rosales assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    2/1/18–Phillies signed FA SS Adam Rosales to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    1/31/18–Elian Rondon signed as an international FA; assigned to DSL Phillies White
    1/30/18–Wilson Garcia signed as a minor league FA; assigned to Clearwater
    1/28/18–RHP Francisco Rodriguez assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    1/28/18–Phillies signed FA RHP Francisco Rodriguez to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    1/23/18–Reading Fightin Phils released 2B Derek Campbell.
    1/23/18–Clearwater Threshers released RF Carlos Duran.
    1/22/18–Jordi Martinez assigned to DSL Phillies White
    1/22/18–Phillies signed FA LHP Jordi Martinez to an MiLB contract.
    1/21/18–Hernando Mejia assigned to DSL Phillies White
    1/20/18–Phillies signed FA RHP Hernando Mejia to an MiLB contract.
    1/18/18–Rafi Gonell assigned to GCL Phillies West
    1/18/18–Phillies signed FA RHP Rafi Gonell to an MiLB contract.
    1/18/18–Engell Estevez assigned to GCL Phillies West
    1/18/18–Phillies signed FA RHP Engel Estevez to an MiLB contract.
    1/18/18–Phillies signed FA OF Rafael Franco to an MiLB contract.
    1/18/18–Johan Rojas assigned to GCL Phillies West
    1/18/18–Phillies signed FA OF Johan Rojas to an MiLB contract.
    1/17/18–Phillies invited non-roster C Edgar Cabral to ST.
    1/17/18–Phillies invited non-roster RHP Tom Eshelman to ST.
    1/17/18–Phillies invited non-roster RHP JD Hammer to ST.
    1/17/18–Phillies invited non-roster LHP Cole Irvin to ST.
    1/17/18–Phillies invited non-roster 2B Scott Kingery to ST.
    1/17/18–Phillies invited non-roster LHP Brandon Leibrandt to ST.
    1/17/18–Phillies invited non-roster LF Andrew Pullin to ST.
    1/10/18–IF Austin O’Brien assigned to Lakewood BlueClaws.
    1/16/18–Luis Suarez transferred from GCL Phillies East to DSL Phillies Red
    1/16/18–Anderson Nunez transferred from Reading to Williamsport
    1/9/18–Juan Escorcia signed as a minor league FA; assigned to GCL Phillies West
    1/8/18–Kyle Glogoski assigned to GCL Phillies West
    1/8/18–Phillies signed FA RHP Kyle Glogoski to an MiLB contract.
    1/8/18–Phillies signed FA IF Austin O’Brien to an MiLB contract.
    1/5/18–Trevor Bettencourt transferred from Clearwater to Reading
    1/5/18–Austin Bossart transferred from Clearwater to Reading
    1/5/18–Tyler Gilbert transferred from Clearwater to Reading
    1/5/18–J.D. Hammer transferred from Clearwater to Reading
    1/5/18–Mark Laird transferred from Clearwater to Reading
    1/5/18–Luke Leftwich transferred from Clearwater to ReadingLuke Leftwich
    1/5/18–Seth McGarry transferred from Clearwater to Reading
    1/5/18–Cornelius Randolph transferred from Clearwater to Reading
    1/5/18–Jojo Romero transferred from Clearwater to Reading
    1/5/18–Kevin Markham transferred from GCL Phillies to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Casey Brown transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Ismael Cabrera transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Grant Dyer transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Bailey Falter transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Nick Fanti transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Colby Fitch transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Arquimedes Gamboa transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Tyler Hallead transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Adam Haseley transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Jonathan Hennigan transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Will Hibbs transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Henri Lartigue transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Austin Listi transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Mauricio Llovera transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Adonis Medina transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Mickey Moniak transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Felix Paulino transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Raul Rivas transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Addison Russ transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Luke Williams transferred from Lakewood to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Derek Campbell transferred from Reading to Clearwater
    1/5/18–Carlos Duran transferred from Reading to Lakewood
    1/5/18–Tom Eshelman transferred from Reading to Lehigh Valley
    1/5/18–Cole Irvin transferred from Reading to Lehigh Valley
    1/5/18–Scott Kingery transferred from Reading to Lehigh Valley
    1/4/18–Jesus Alastre transferred from Lehigh Valley to Clearwater
    1/4/18–Grenny Cumana transferred from Lehigh Valley to Clearwater
    1/4/18–Jose Gomez transferred from Lehigh Valley to Clearwater
    1/4/18–Jan Hernandez transferred from Lehigh Valley to Clearwater
    1/4/18–Jose Pujols transferred from Lehigh Valley to Clearwater
    1/4/18–Gustavo Armas transferred from Lehigh Valley to Lakewood
    1/4/18–Harpld Arauz transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Aaron Brown transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Malquin Canelo transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Elniery Garcia transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Zach Green transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Emmanuel Marrero transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Mario Sanchez transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Cord Sancberg transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Drew Stankiewicz transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Alberto Tirado transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Damek Tomscha transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Jiandido Tromp transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Tyler Viza transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/4/18–Shane Watson transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    1/3/18–CF Pedro Florimon assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    1/3/18–Phillies signed FA CF Pedro Florimon to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    1/3/18–C Eric Fryer assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    1/3/18–Phillies signed FA C Eric Fryer to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    1/3/18–Lehigh Valley IronPigs activated RHP Steve Geltz.
    1/3/18–RHP Steve Geltz assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    1/3/18–Phillies signed FA RHP Steve Geltz to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    1/3/18–IF Matt McBride assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    1/3/18–Phillies signed FA C Matt McBride to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    1/3/18–3B Heiker Meneses assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    1/3/18–Phillies signed FA 3B Heiker Meneses to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    1/3/18–3B Will Middlebrooks assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    1/3/18–Phillies signed FA 3B Will Middlebrooks to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    1/3/18–OF Danny Ortiz assigned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
    1/3/18–Phillies signed FA OF Danny Ortiz to an MiLB contract and invited him to ST.
    1/3/18–Phillies invited non-roster C Logan Moore to ST.
    1/3/18–Phillies invited non-roster 3B Mitch Walding to ST.
    12/21/17–Heiker Meneses signed to an MiLB contract; assigned to Lehigh Valley
    12/21/17–Danny Ortiz Signed to an MiLB contract; assigned to Lehigh Valley
    12/20/17–Carlos Santana signed as a FA
    12/20/17–Deivy Grullon transferred from Lehigh Valley to Reading
    12/20/17–Gregori Rivero transferred from Lehigh Valley to Lakewood
    12/20/17–Ludovico Coveri released from DSL Phillies Red
    12/20/17–Enny Rondon released from DSL Phillies Red
    12/20/17–Rusbel Vasquez released from DSL Phillies Red
    12/20/17–Alfredo Benitez released from DSL Phillies White
    12/20/17–Leandro Medina released from DSL Phillies White
    12/20/17–Yeremy Nunez retired from DSL Phillies White
    12/20/17–Carlos Salazar released from DSL Phillies White
  • The organization’s rosters 
  • The organization’s injury list 
  • The organization’s Rule 5 eligibility list is not up to date.

Here’s the open discussion thread for Phillies’ talk and other topics.

191 thoughts on “Open Discussion: Week of April 8, 2018”

  1. Wow, that’s a lot of transactions.
    In terms of the Phils, recognize that the goal is to go 2-1 at home and 1-2 on the road. This will achieve a 500 season. A good team will go 2-1 at home and 2-2 on the road (95 wins) but the Phils are not there yet. The Phils won their 2/3 at home and won 1/3 in Atlanta. They lost two in NY but hot rained out in the 3rd game setting up a doubleheader in July. The Phils have to now win 2/3 from the Reds.

    1. I am glad we are not tested on the contents of the transactions.
      Even the ‘bold’ are plenty.
      Have to assume after first of July it will slow down some.

  2. The comments people made last week about Crawford’s slow bat are well taken. Currently, he has a long, slow swing compared to, say, Kingery’s swing, which is like a short, fast bolt of lightning (Hoskins’ bat is quick too – he has no problem turning around high 90s fastballs – yet another plus for Hoskins, for whom I am running out of superlatives as a hitter). I don’t know how Crawford is going to go about shortening his swing, but it’s essential. Right now he has a slider-speed bat, which is going to make it nearly impossible for him to hit in the majors. He can’t even get around on a 90 MPH fastball

    1. The season is young (and so is Crawford) so we need to give him some time. However, I did notice Carlos Tocci now has the same amount of hits (1) and walks (1) as JP.

      1. I’m not saying he can’t do it (honestly, I don’t know if he can or cannot do it), I was just observing that the execution I saw left him ill-equipped to hit major league pitching.

        1. what a difference a week makes…

          “I am glad a lot of folks are taking the long-view on Crawford. He is not a guy who produces a lot of eye popping plays and he’s not a big strong guy who will drive the ball 470 feet. Crawford is the type of player who is almost below the radar. He’s smooth and reliable in the field and grinds you to death at the plate. I’ve always said that I expect Crawford to evolve as a player over several years. I’ll bet the 2020 Crawford is a lot better than the 2018 Crawford and the 2022 Crawford should be better still. “

          1. That’s very true. And I am not giving up on him – far from it. But that’s why you’ve got to watch these young players to get the qualitative view from behind the numbers. I am just saying right now, his swing is too long and he’s not catching up to 90 MPH heaters, which is a huge problem. That is a very, very unusual issue for a top hitting prospect or even any prospect that makes it to the majors. He’s got to address that or he’s not going to hit major league pitching – it’s that simple. I’m not offering a prognosis or damning him – I’m just observing what, right now, is a huge problem and one I had zero awareness of before the last few days.

            1. But he’s certainly taken my initial premise – that he’s not going to dazzle you right away – to an extreme thus far.

            2. yea, he’s lost at the plate right now but his swing hasn’t always been long so it’s obviously a mechanical/mental issue that he needs to fix.

              I would disagree that it’s all that unusual for top prospects to have struggles for periods of time. Schwarber got sent down by the Cubs for awhile, Dansby Swanson had bad 2017, etc.

      2. He hasn’t dominated a league since A ball. Besides, what has he done to make us give him the benefit of the doubt? He got hot in AAA, sure, but he was largely disappointing before that. And no, I’m not rooting for him to fail (in fact, I was a huge JPC fan for years), but he’s not shown enough for me to have any confidence in him right now. If he can somehow revamp his swing and approach, then I’ll be back on board.

        1. Johnny watch your mouth!!! He has been good recently!!!!
          Pssst thank you for being honest.

  3. Agree I think JP will get the hang of it but I am beginning to wonder if he will ever be able to hit elite pitching, let alone above average to average. At least he is a slick fielder.

  4. JPC said:
    “It’s tough. You can be fine in the cages and what not, but then when the game comes you get all anxious and you get over-excited and that’s when you get into trouble, trying to get all big. You have to remind yourself to stay short.”……..Victorino got a prescription for Adderall and it seem to work for him.
    Perhaps that may help him focus and relax.
    https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/adderall-the-new-drug-of-choice-for-many-major-leaguers/

  5. Another unfortunate bit of managerial incompetence yesterday.

    First inning, infield should have been playing at double play depth, but were in an over shift. Guy hits a dead double play ball which instead goes for an infield single and leads to two extra runs.

    Later in the game at 3-3, Ramos is throwing darts but gives up a bloop single to the pitcher and at 19 pitches, gets removed for Garcia, another righty. Garcia is much less effective and comes out after 8 pitches and the game is soon 6-3.

    I was at the game with a good friend of mine who is a former minor league player and coach with Seattle who lives in the Delaware Valley. He said Kapler is managing his bullpen and pitching staff the way a manager would in an NLCS or World Series, but what he’s doing is not sustainable over the course of the season. He also suspects the front office will step in over the next 2-3 weeks and mandate that he turn over bullpen management to Kranitz, as he believes there is zero chance Klentak fires him.

    On the flip side, he thinks Kapler has gotten through to the hitters on an improved approach so that is good. But his pitching staff management is as bad as he’s ever seen by a major league manager.

    1. Yeah, pretty much everyone said the same thing about Manuel and Bowa. Let’s not make snap judgements after 8 games.

    2. Buddy – With Thompson being sent down, I assumed that Hutchison was the long reliever. I would have stayed with him longer than one inning.

  6. “But his pitching staff management is as bad as he’s ever seen by a major league manager.”…….unfortunately the catchers are not helping the pitchers out too much.
    The worst defensive catching metrics so far in the majors in this SSS.

  7. On JP, I am still in his corner, and the long swing baffles me. But what is very discouraging is that against the shift, a struggling guy like him should lay down a bunt or simply go the other way. Instead, his first 2 times up he grounded right into the shift. His last at bat was just a poor one, striking out on a checked swing on a ball in the dirt. But, this is not a power hitter. He should have been able to get on base both of his first ABs. They were giving him the left side of the diamond. He has to take advantage.

  8. Matt plain and simple this kid right now isn’t a hitter. I don’t know if he ever will. That swing of his is bad. only thing that saved him in minors was working the count, which is easier in minors, I Believe he is a bust . hope I am wrong. But with that swing he will never hit.

  9. Rhys Hoskins is the best Phillies hitter that I have seen in my 30+ years as a fan.

    His combination of hit and power tool is truly elite. If there was such a thing as grading approach, he has an 80 approach. His approach is like Bobby Abreu’s. But he has an ISO nearly double Abreu’s. Yes, small sample size, but hear me out…

    Rhys’ combination of power and batter’s eye is so rare. Last year he was 4th in MLB in walk percentage (17%) and 3rd in ISO (.359) with a min 200 PAs. The only player close to that combination of walking and power was Judge who had a higher walk rate (18.7%) but lower ISO (.343). That said, Judge had a K rate of 30.7% to Rhys’ 21.7%. Stanton, the MVP had a 12.3% walk rate and .350 ISO, both worse than Rhys’ stats (and a higher K rate than Rhys’).

    To put Rhys’ plate discipline in context, in 2017, Rhys averaged more pitches seen per plate appearance than any other player in MLB (200 PA min). He averaged 4.65 pitches per PA. Second was Curtis Granderson at 4.52. Then Jayson Werth at 4.5. Wait..it gets better. Rhys’ 4.65 pitches per plate appearance in 2017 was the highest of any player in MLB going back to 2002. It might go farther back, but ESPN’s site only had that stat dating back to 2002. Understand this point, Rhys demonstrated more patience as a rookie than any player in MLB over the past 16 seasons (and maybe longer).

    And he isn’t exactly a scared hitter up there hoping to get walked. He is an exceptional 2 strike hitter. He has an .825 OPS when down 0-2. The MLB average on 0-2 counts is a .425 OPS. Mike Trout’s OPS when down 0-2 is .707.

    He rarely swings at pitches outside of the zone. To put his 24% O-swing % in context, Mike Trout’s career O-swing is 23.8%. Joey Votto has a career 22% O-swing %, but it took him 6 seasons to break below 24%.

    Oh, and he hits both handed pitchers. His OPS is nearly identical against LHP and RHP.

    Also, his road split is better than his home split, so he is not a product of Philly’s bandbox.

    Look, I get it, he only has had 242 MLB plate appearance. But honestly, he just never gives away an at bat. Every at bat is so good. He is so patient, has an amazing eye, makes contact at a very high rate and has exceptional power.

    I just have never seen a Phillie hitter like him before.

    1. Thank you for putting statistics to my statements (not that this is what you meant to do). Hoskins is a true wonder. It seems impossible to say, but the man with the 1.219 OPS truly does not even seem to be hot yet – he just grinds out one outstanding at bat after the next and so the results seem preordained; inevitable. I want to see him do this over a full season and then two seasons, but he’s shaping up to be one of the best hitters I’ve ever seen.

      As I said, this is one of those rare cases where the player is breaking through his perceived (and fairly high to begin with) ceiling. We still don’t know quite how good he might be.

      1. And while most of the credit for his development goes to Hoskins himself, it’s clear that the Phillies minor league staff worked exceptionally hard to help him develop this elite approach at the plate and seem also to be working their magic on the other players.

        1. I am sure the minor league folk were helpful to Rhys…but he did come into professional baseball with a hit tool that was superb at the college level at Sac State.
          His slash there in his final junior season was .319/.428/.573 with 39 BB/31 K in 264PAs….15%BB…..11%K.

          1. I read his draft report today had one tool 60 hit tool. no speed, average glove. Drafted according to mayo on hope his power would transfer to majors. A hopeful replacement for howard

            1. rocco…still no speed and an average glove at first not Gold Glove but certainly far above Dr Strangeglove……but that hit tool surpasses those other shortcomings.

      2. It’s funny, in the note above I was about to compare him with Votto (their at bats and results are similar) and, low and behold, CSN Philly has an article discussing Votto and Hoskins – that is some pretty awesome company.

        1. Do you think he compares more to Goldschmidt? I Nerver knew Goldschmidt is from Wilmington deleware

          2. rocco…Goldey all the way…except trying to steal bases.
            Had him comp back in 2016 to Goldey before Hoskins went to winter ball in the DR
            Their metrics were close at that point.

            2. rocco …I think you will like this synopsis of Cesar’s years here:
              It is from another Phillies site, TGP.

              C. Hernandez 2015-18
              Category..Number…MLB Rank (of 40 second basemen)
              BB%……..10.3%………5th
              K%……….18.7%……..21st
              wOBA……0.333……..14th
              wRC+……106…………17th
              BsR………4.3…………16th
              UZR/150…..3.4……..5th
              fWAR…….8.9………..10th

              ……………and have to remember, extract his first full year in 2015 at second base, and those metrics are a notch higher across the board.

            3. Lost in all Kapler hub bub has been the fact that he, too, sees how valuable Cesar is. Of all the pieces that have been moving, Cesar, Rhys and Santana have pretty much stayed put – and you can see why.

            4. Spoke too soon, Catch.
              Rhys getting a blow tonight. Jetpax in LF tonight, in the 2 hole. Slamtana cleanup.

    2. well said- i switched over to MLB network to see them show replays of the Hoskins and Kingery homers- they spoke positively of Hoskins swing and approach- think it was Reynolds who said he spoke with Hoskins and was so impressed to hear a young hitter talk like him- he had a plan and knows exactly what he wants to do when he goes up there, and thats clearly evident.

    3. And, get his, CSN Philly said that, according to Fangraphs, since his arrival in the big leagues, Hoskins has the highest hard-hit ball percentage – at 48.5%. Since he was promoted, he’s been hitting like a right-handed Lou Gehrig.

      1. well…he is hitting like Trout…but certainly does not have Trout’s gold glove caliber defense or elite base stealing ability. but his hit/power tool is very comparable.

        my comp for him is Aaron Judge without the strikeouts.

            2. Right, from the batting perspective it’s not a bad comp. I think Hoskins doesn’t have quite as good of a hit tool (but, these days, who knows?) but will show more in-game power. Goldey has never had a 40 homer season – I could see Hoskins piling up a few of those. But, as hitters, they are fairly comparable and, in fact, Goldey was the “ceiling” comp people used when Hoskins was in the minors. The reaction, I think, was, let’s not get ahead of ourselves – but it’s proving to be a consistently good comp over time.

  10. stealing third with no outs twice this year is another indication of how this bold stuff is confusing to players. The inconsistent shifts are also too aggressive especially with men on base. Bullpen usage is so sporadic that no one has a role. I don’t see how he rights this ship

    1. “I don’t see how he rights this ship”….I sure hope he does not have the same fate with the Phillies ship, as Capt. Edward J. Smith experienced with his ship

  11. I said this last year that the rebuild greatly depended on JPC. There have been question marks concerning him for 2 full years that people were making all kinds of excuses for. My question is if JPC is not a player then what? There isn’t another true major league caliber shortstop in the organization. Hopefully that will eventually be Gamboa but that is 2021 at the very earliest and that is if everything plays out perfectly for him.

    1. 2 full years?!? What the hell are you talking about!?!? It hasn’t been that long!!!!
      NL your eyes are playing tricks, he’s not that good at the plate. Ok ok last time.

    2. If he doesn’t work out, then Kingery and Florimon will be getting lots of playing time at short (can you imagine if Kingery could stick at short? OMG!), Quinn and Valentin will play a bunch of short at AAA and Cesar will continue to help the team win games at second. This is a deep organization – I wouldn’t worry about it too much and Gamboa is developing nicely in the low minors. The last thing they have if JPC doesn’t work out is a crisis.

      1. And how good did this team look offensively with Kingery playing short? The line-up the team put on the field on Saturday night (I was supposed to go to that game %!%^#!!!) was easily the best since the team’s 2007-11 peak (little known fact – the 2007 team was, by quite a bit, the best hitting of those teams).

    3. The great thing about Mr. Machado is he can play third or short. At the end of the season, we take a hard look at Maikel and JP and the more dispensable is where Machado will play. (of course assuming the check book is opened and he wants to come)

      I fully expect Kingery to play short tonight vs the lefty.

      1. Justin D just hit the nail right on the head. MM will be playing SS or 3B next season. Crawford and Franco will have this season to prove they belong.

        1. With that in mind, Crawford may be given this entire season to make his case.

          Kingery may likely play a rotation – ss, 3b, 2b, and an OF spot – with one or two days off a week until something shakes. Trade, injury, or somebody’s prolonged slump.

          1. 8mark……I disagree.
            If JPC is still regressing or just maintaining his current poor production as it is now, thru mid-May to first part of June….I think the Phillies will invoke an option and send him down to LHV for a period of time.
            Kapler is a mystery in that regards.
            Not sure how he leans on struggling rookies.

            1. How many years did we hear about how great Byron Buxton was going to be or Profar. We must prepare that sometimes it doesn’t work out, sometimes it requires a kid get sent back down

              I personally would keep sending him out there through at least 150-200 PA’s. A night off here and there no big deal.

            2. … and sometimes those prospects prove to be worth the wait. Byron Buxton was a 5.2 WAR player in 2017.

            3. Hinkie….that WAR is a little misleading on Buxton…….it is the ‘Jason Heywood effect’…too much defensive influence and not enough bat.
              I think the Twins expected more offensive capability and production from Buxton when he was drafted.
              But like yuo inferred…it is still early and he still has time to get more offensice production at the plate.

  12. Agree that Crawford will be given the season. They didn’t trade Galvis to send Crawford down at the end of April. Having said that, there are limits. Can you keep trotting him out there if he is hitting .150 by mid-June?

    Slow starts in the minors are different animals than slow starts of unproven players in the majors. Game #5 counts as much as game #155. Winning in and of itself is not that important in the minors. Completely different in the majors.

    1. JPC will certainly lose more ABs to Kingery. And guess what? Kingery is starting over JPC today.

    1. Not that he’s a Vegas insider, but Jon Heyman has Cubs at 15-1 on Harper. People make a big deal about his bromance with Bryant. Theo & Co have bigger obstacle$ to clear. If the Phillies can legitimize their standing as contenders, they’ve a real shot at him. Scott Boras and John Middleton have begun a bromance of their own. Cigar, anyone?

      1. Agree…..Cubs will have some luxury tax issues to tangle with if signing Harper at his rumored $35M plus per year. Right now they stand at $182M for their team.
        Then there is Bryant’s upcoming arb/contract negotiations.

        1. The Cubs are very interesting. I believe they will be one of the top contenders for Harper this winter. Harper has a Kris Bryant connection (grew up together in Las Vegas) so a Harper-to-the-Cubs scenario makes sense. Chicago has 12 players under contract for almost 140 million dollars next season. After about nine arbitration cases, Harper would probably put the Cubs over the salary cap. That said, Theo Epstein isn’t going to let that stop him from trying to sign Harper. Harper is the type of talent worth going past the threshold for. The Cubs day of reckoning comes after the 2021 season. That’s when Anthony Rizzo’s extremely team friendly contract expires and Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber, and Mike Montgomery all hit free agency. So, I can see Theo going all in for the 2019, ’20, and ’21 seasons.

    1. To me, Ohtani’s presence greatly increases the chances that Trout stays put.

      As for the Phillies, they are going to buy one bat at least – who that will be is entirely unclear at this point. Anybody who says it will “definitely” be one player or another is kidding themselves – what’s fairly likely, however, is they will sign one of the great superstars.

      1. As long as the Angels were committed to throwing money at players to help Trout, I didn’t think Trout would demand a trade.

        1. Well, it’s more than that. I think it makes it more likely that he signs and extension.

        2. Trout is never going to demand a trade. He’s too good a guy for that. The question is … will he agree to an extension or will he opt for free agency after 2020. IMO … he’ll be playin g for one of two teams in 2021 … Angels or Phillies.

          1. BTW……Ohtani is on a minor league contract and becomes a FA in 2020…..so if they plan on keeping him….they better dish out the money, there is no arb conditions for him….so both he and Trout will be costing them so big $$$$$
            And Albert Pujols is there thru 2021.

  17. I’ve got questions. I’ll admit that the people on this site are less reactionary than on other sites. Having said that, there are still fans who are angry about Nola being pulled in the first game of the season. I question their knowledge of the game. With a five run lead and a supposedly decent bullpen, it was a perfect opportunity to save Nola for another day. The bullpen failed Kapler. Given the same circumstances, a lot of other managers would have done the same thing as Gabe.
    As a player and manager, I relied on the “eye test”. Analytics didn’t come along until I was out of the game, but I recognize their importance. It was great to see Kingery hit his first home run, but analytics would tell you that he had no business swinging at that pitch. Does Kapler pull him aside after the game and ask him what the Hell were you thinking?

    1. ‘ Does Kapler pull him aside after the game and ask him what the Hell were you thinking?’…..do not think so.
      Kapler does not have that type of personality.
      He is a positive encouraging type guy……an anti-negadelphia guy.

    2. not that im harping on it, but Nola hadnt had to exert himself really at all in that start, and chances were the bullpen was going to get heavy usage the next two nights with VV and Pivetta going.

      one thing about the playing time- with the short bench and lots of pitching changes, whichever guy sits for a chosen game can be pretty sure he’s going to get a pinch hit opportunity, possibly in a key spot. Nick Williams took full advantage of his opportunity last night.

      1. If nola is your ace you don’t pull him if you have confidence in him. Only a moron like our manager would do that. My god he only threw 70 or less pitches. Defending that makes me wonder about people, where do they get these thoughts. It was stupid in so many ways. Why use your bullpen earlier than you have to? Why pull your ace, who is in control. Why make him bat in earlier inning if you were pulling him? .

        1. rocco…..my pretty Irish gal Ann O’ Lytics, told me that she thought that was a good move on Mr Kapler’s part in removing Aaron….save his arm for the future. 🙂

        2. roccum – It was stupid because it failed. If the bullpen had done their job, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

          1. no wawa it was stupid cause it wasn’t necessary to waste a bullpen, when a guy is on low pitch count and in control

      2. RAEF – Even though we disagree on whether or not to pull Nola in the 6th inning, I DID want to see Nola pitch to Freeman. Our best against their best.

      3. Agree with RAEF.
        Wawa Mike … if you rely on the eye test, what did you see that made you believe Nola was tiring or needed to be lifted after just 68 pitches. I’ve already given Kapler a pass on the whole Nola mistake, but since you’re bringing it back up, the manager needs to know his team. Kapler needs to rely on Nola (and Arrieta) to give him innings because Velasquez, Pivetta, and Lively can’t be counted on to go more than five (on most nights).

        1. I never said that Nola was tiring. I have said repeatedly that I wanted Nola to at least face Freeman. With a 5 run lead, it was an opportunity to save Nola, and give the bullpen some work. It didn’t work. Hindsight is 20/20.

  18. Wawa Mike, I have to disagree. I think it was a mistake, and I did not wait to see the results to complain. The PC was only 68, not 88. Nola was pitching very well. If there is a 13 man staff, Nola is #1 and Milner is #12. Check the results of the #1 Pitchers of all of the rest of the league. Who got pulled after 68 Pitches? No one. It was a mistake, and one that cost the game.

  19. Looking at J.P. Crawford I see a competent fielding shortstop who has the potential to be great. He is smooth in the field with a good arm. With patience the hitting will come around as it did last year. Neither Larry Bowa nor Ozzie Smith were good at hitting. In their cases patience and their work ethic paid off. J.P. has a good work ethic and has shown the ability to learn. His performance last September shows a valuable piece in the making. I don’t care if the Phillies are in the playoffs this year. I want their players to succeed. I am convinced Crawford will succeed. I think the management of the team does also. Good for them.

    1. Puddinhead its the kids swing. Bowa couldn’t hit but had a short swing. didn’t try to kill everything. This kids long swing is terrible. that’s what worries me.

  20. Regarding Hoskins, I know he’s not a five tool player by any stretch, but how many MLB hitters have his advanced hit tool? This guy seems to instinctively get it at the plate. Plan, discipline, eye, quick hands, power to all fields. Let’s appreciate what we have.

    Kingery is a bit raw, still. But he looks like he’s developing patience while being a bad ball hitter. The athleticism is evident wherever he plays on the field. His baseball acumen is off the charts for a 23 year old.

    These 2 guys are the foundation blocks of our next championship team.

  21. … and … that performance by Aaron Nola, tonight, is why you don’t pull him after 68 pitches. He’s your guy. He’s (eventually) going to get paid like your guy. Allow him to perform like your guy. The best news of all is Gabe Kapler seems to have learned from his mistake.

    1. But, man, how do you walk Hamilton twice? Throw it right down the middle he isn’t going to get a double.

  22. Jim I need a favor. If you see any phillies scouts. Can you ask them how a guy who gets hit and never. Had good numbers keeps moving up. I Am talking about viza. he interested me more than any other player. on why they move a guy with his stats.

  23. Great to see Crawford with a big knock and his first stake. Hopefully it gets him going at the plate.

  24. That was a really big hit by JP, and Nola was uncharacteristically wild, but, overall, pitched well. Kingery is just fun to watch, and although Rhys had a rough night, I expect him to have a big night tonight. I really think Roman Quinn can had a whole lot to this team. I wish there was a spot for him.

    1. Dare I see I was giddy when he got that hit. The wife was looking at me like I had 3 heads.

  25. Phillies Value at 9th by Forbes:
    Behind…teams in NY, LA and Cubs, along with Giants, Red Sox and Cardinals

    ihttps://www.forbes.com/pictures/5ab3cadf31358e79a28c83f0

    2. LOL ! Cardinals are one of the most valuable franchises, yet they are a revenue sharing club (they get competitive balance draft picks every year). And they still felt the need to cheat/hack the Astros.

      1. Agree…some of the most ridiculous policies and regulations in MLB…..and he wants to speed up the game to make it better…and at the same time increase analytics usage which only delays the game more with match-ups between multiple relievers and hitters.

        1. Yeah, Romus. Some things are just unexplainable. It’s like that Santander Bank commercial. How does that cute little piggy bank break into a hundred pieces when the kid drops it, but when that same cute little pig jumps from the much taller banker’s hands (to reunite with the little girl) … not a scratch ???!!! Unexplainable.

        2. MLB pays lip service to “speeding up the game”. Corporate sponsorship alone will never allow the game to speed up because they simply want more commercial time. Nobody will admit that, of course. It’s kind of like pharmaceutical companies. What CEO of a drug company really wants to find a cure for cancer. Sure, let’s remedy the symptoms so people feel better, but never really address the issue.

          Sorry, didn’t mean to get too heavy there….

          1. Yeah…you hit the nail squarely.
            All these other mundane things they are doing, that really only saves a few minutes total.

            2. Yes…you got it…..nothing spectacular, even go as far to say, nothing significant.
              Also want to speed up the average length of the MLB game…have all Yankee/Red Sox games go 7 innings….that will lower the average.

  26. I would pay more for the Phils than either the Angels or the Cardinals, Assuming, of course, that I was a Billionaire.

  27. In the Padres-Rockies brawl today, Galvis chucked his glove at Arenado in the brawl. C’mon Freddy! You’re better than that.

  28. Maybe it’s too early to start speculating, but can we already start speculating on Cesar trades? I look at contenders who may need, at the moment, upgrades at second and it’s fairly scant. Cleveland, LA Dodgers seem like they have immediate needs unless you buy into a Kipnis healthy resurgence and the Angels may still need one down the road.
    I’m focusing a little bit on Cleveland who views themselves as a contender. Kipnis hasn’t hit (though nobody on that team has) but it’s hard to imagine it getting better for him. Hernandez would seem to fit that team perfectly. In return, I’d start with Danny Salazar. Two more years of team control after this one and Cleveland seemingly has no place for him in the rotation. As far as team control, it’d be an even swap.
    – Would anyone do Salazar for Cesar straight up? I’m not sure I’d do that but I’d be pretty tempted. However, his injury history would make me think no. So maybe Cesar and Eflin for Salazar and Nolan Jones?

    1. And maybe, just maybe, Cesar is a player you keep. He’s certainly playing like that and with Kingery being a super sub, there’s no reason to trade him right now.

      2. Catch they just don’t know a player when the see one.Cesar has improved every year. lets talk about 10 strikeouts in 36 at bats for kingery??. That doesn’t bother anyone. I am sick with the trade cesar bull on this site. learn the dam game

        1. FWIW, Jim Salisbury thinks Kingery is the longterm 2b. At some point, something will likely give, no matter who likes what player more than the other. Simple math. Plus they’ve yet to extend Cesar to a guaranteed $24M contract.

        2. I also believe that Kingery is probably the long term second baseman, but that takes nothing away from Cesar and there may be room for both of them. It’s good that the Phillies did not dump Cesar this winter as some here suggested. They didn’t HAVE to move him and they don’t HAVE to move him in the future and if they do move him, they better damned well get good value for him.

      3. Cesar is being showcased for a trade. He’s played every game at his natural position while Kingery has played all over the place. Haven’t you wondered why Cesar hasn’t been asked to play another position once? Klentak has already shown that he’s not going to give Cesar up for less than he’s worth, and that’s a good thing. Sooner or later somebody is going to pay up.

        1. Cesar has, in ’13, ’14 and some of ’15, played CF, SS, 3rd and naturally 2nd base.
          They knew then 2nd base was his only position of expertise.
          Probably he is being showcased, but 2nd base seems to be his limit right now.

      4. I’m certainly not saying to give him away. I think it could be using your surplus in one area to strengthen a weakness in another area. But by no means am I saying to give Cesar way. I’m simply wondering what the opinion is on fair compensation. Salazar, to me, is a younger-ish controllable starter that may not cost a Sixto.
        I do wonder at what effect, if any, Kingery as a super sub has on regulars. With Hoskins and Herrera pretty much every day guys, you’re looking at Franco, Altherr, Williams, and Kingery fighting over playing time. I guess Kingery plays a passable 2nd base, but certainly has his limitations.
        Catch, if you’re looking at Cleveland, what do you think would be fair compensation? I’m assuming Cesar won’t get Triston McKenzie. Is Nolan Jones a good target? More than Nolan Jones?

        1. “I guess Kingery plays a passable 2nd base”….actually he is superb defender, and probably was the top three in the minors last year with a 60 grade in field……tied with Urias of the Padres and Hampson of the Rockies.

    2. I’d rather keep Cesar than let him go for Danny Salazar. Salazar is too much of injury risk. I think he’s on the DL right now with some sort of arm problem. However, if there’s any way of the Phillies acquiring Nolan Jones (a local kid), count me in ! We missed on him in the 2016 draft.

      1. I was all for a CeHe for Tyler Skaggs trade this offseason. Apparently, the Angels weren’t willing to do it. Both Skaggs and Cesar have looked good so far this season. I still that’s a fair deal for both teams.

        1. I think I’d do it but with the Angels lack of pitching depth, I don’t think they would. I’d throw in Lively and take a lower prospect back (or international money) but I’m not sure they would

      2. Nolan Jones is from my neck of the woods. I saw a decent amount of him growing up and at HGP. Many teams we missed on him as he went in the second round.

        That said many questioned the competition he played against. It was fairly weak and thus far he has shown a really good eye at the plate.

        I think he’ll be a big leaguer one day to what extent we’ll see.

      3. Hinkie….and have throw Cleveland throw in their CBA pick in the return package also.

  29. I could care less what Salisbury thinks. I Wouldn’t give this kid away. for a unproven kid. Lets see if kingery is as good as people on here think. I know he likes to swing at bad pitches and strikeouts so far are a bad sign. But he is still learning. Kingery doesn’t have to play second.

    2. Jim is a pretty good reporter Rocco and of all the ones in and around the team I believe Jim is the one that isn’t always trying to tow the company line.

      The beat writers of yore I miss undoubtedly even though at times they got a bug up their you know what’s about certain managers or players. Bias is a natural human element perhaps

      but I like to read and listen to the ones who really try to push theirs to the side

  30. How did we not talk about Pivetta’s stellar performance last night and JP’s 1st HR goes upper deck….

    1. They were expected outcomes.
      It is like a Hoskins HR…..it is natural occurrence at this point 🙂

      1. Now people like Pivetta.. Romus we been pounding him since last year. His stuff is really good

        1. rocco….his stuff wasn’t the issue entirely,
          Remember last season the high pitch counts by the 5th inning, 3rd time around the order issues he had, since he could not locate and command his breaking stuff.
          Though in September he really did start to come on with 4 of his last six starts as well above average…a viable member of the rotation.

    2. I love Pivetta’s control. No BBs again! His command and a developing breaking pitch will elevate to a solid #3.

    3. Because those results don’t fit the “they suck” narrative?

      For me, I’ve been arguing that everyone needs to wait a few months before passing judgement and that applies for both good and bad results.

      1. Where’s the fun in that 3UP? LOL While logical what makes this place special is the diversity of opinions and at times irrational out bursts.

        The banter you must admit is mostly civil. I follow a few self imposed rules while here

        1. Never make it personal
        2. Never say I told you so
        3. Never be afraid to say I got that wrong or I didn’t see that one coming
        4. And last but not least thank Jimmy often for his keen reporting

    4. With guys struggling right now that we expect to get better (AA, Santana, JP), is it fair to wonder if anyone is over achieving against lesser competition? I’m pleased with Pivetta and am praying he can be a 3 behind Nola and Jake, but wondering if anyone else has concerns about Pivetta or any others that have started off hot coming back to Earth a little?

      With a young team, this makes every game interesting (for better and for worse) … so much unknown!

  31. I am very happy with Pivetta. He may not get the same results against better teams, but we needed to see increased command from him, and we have. So,with his stuff, I think he has a chance to be a #3. I really don’t see overachieving from anyone. I think the start has been a reasonable one, and aside from opening day, I don’t have too many complaints.

    1. I agree … the start has been reasonable and the guys who have been playing really well are the ones we know (or strongly suspect) will be able to sustain it — Odubel, Cesar, and Hoskins.

      What is exciting about the lineup is how much they can still improve. JP won’t hit .100 forever and already looks to be snapping out … Santana has a top-5 hard hit ball rate but just some bad luck, Kingery hopefully won’t strike out at a 30% rate or whatever the one poster referenced above. I expect them to score runs all season and hopefully be in a position to acquire a SP at the deadline.

      Another positive development that I hope continues is Williams looking like he’s developing a plan at the plate instead of just hacking

      1. I certainly don’t want to see Kingery (or any of our hitters) K so much, but if he keeps having one major impact AB each game like he’s been lately, I’ll be happy.

      2. Another thing w Kingery … after watching his cannon in LF… idk if we can rule our a mass trade of outfielders with Hoskins, Kingery, and Harper starting in the outfield next year

  32. The idea of trading Kingery is ludicrous. People on here are actually frightened by the fact that he’s stuck out 10 times in 36 AT BATS?? Guys, we’re talking about 36 at bats, not 500.

    Cesar is a solid ball player but let’s be real here, Kingery is the guy and Cesar isn’t. I don’t need stats to back that up (even though they kind of already do). Watch a game and tell me Kingery isn’t something special.

    1. He will probably revert back to his total minor league K rate—-16% –approx. 1500PAs.

    2. Kingery is the future face of the franchise. He’s the guy they signed to an unprecedented contract before he hit the big leagues because they totally believe in him. He’s the type of player you sign and keep. He’s not going anywhere – NOR SHOULD HE!

      1. And by the way, I’m not saying Scotty K won’t have a few growing pains. It’s clear to me that he has to work on his plate discipline. He’s still a work in progress too.

  33. Max I hope your joking 36 at bats and he is the man. wow you must have a crystal ball

    1. tim Look at what Cesar has done in the majors, 295 hitter with a career 360 obp. but you have blinders on when it comes to him

      1. Roc, value = value = value. I believe the consensus among both readers and commenters here is that Cesar is a good player. More baseball people have registered their opinion that Kingery’s floor is Cesar’s ceiling way more than haven’t. Yes Kingery is young. Cesar has entered his prime. If I never ordered prime rib because I feared it wouldn’t taste as good a fine sirloin, he would miss out on a better cut of beef. I still like steak.

  36. The most encouraging trend offensively – the Phillies as a team are 1st in MLB in pitches per AB. Cesar is 4th, Hoskins 8th and Santana 13th among individual batters. A far cry from last year when the team was near the bottom league wide.

    1. I think the organization and hitting coaches appear to be doing a fantastic job of working with players to improve their plate discipline. Getting guys on base and wearing down opposing pitchers works. And when the whole team does it, your offense can pile on in a hurry. I’ll never forget watching the 1993 team, which was an OBP juggernaut before people really focused on those things. There seemingly was always a man in scoring position and it led to a fabulous offensive outcome throughout the year.

  38. I agree that Harper and Machado are terrific players and will get huge contracts. Donaldson is a tier below, and Kershaw goes back to the Dodgers. Then comes Andrew Miller. So, after Harper and Machado, how is this upcoming class that unbelievable? I have been concerned for some time, especially after MM said he wants to play SS. We have counted on this FA class, as a savior, for a couple of years, and no question that Middleton wants to spend $, but what if he has no one to spend it on or he overspends for mediocrity? It does not take much imagination to envision MM on the Yankees and Harper going back to Washington, and signing Gio Gonzalez and Yuli Gurriel are nice additions, but hardly franchise altering.

    1. Matt … that’s not the whole class. You can see this winter’s entire, historically good FA class right here: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/12/2018-19-mlb-free-agents.html

      For me, the Phillies “to do” list will be:
      1. Manny Machado (I’ve been predicting his arrival here for the past two years. MacKlentak know MM very well from their time in Baltimore)
      2. Bryce Harper (John Middleton’s recent bromance with Scott Boras makes me feel like the Phillies will at least explore [not sure it will happen] a Harper signing)
      3. Garrett Richards (He looks healthy again, is Mike Trout’s best friend [was in Millville as a groomsman at Trout’s wedding], and Matt Klentak has the Angels connection)
      4. Yusei Kikuchi (He’s not on the list above, but will be coming to MLB from Japan this winter as true FA because he’ll be 27 YO. He would fill the Phillies need for LHSP. See video of him below)
      5. Zach Britton (Mac Phail and Klentak also have a connection with him. Will have to show he’s healthy again at some point in 2018)

            1. Not sure if Franco is for real, but if so for the entire season, they may just pass on Donaldson and/or Machado.

            2. As far as Franco goes, I think they only hope he regains some market value. They won’t pass on an effort to sign Machado (or perhaps Donaldson), and then there’s the distinct possibility of drafting Bohm (or Gorman). I could see Franco shopped this coming deadline in a package for a SP. Worse case – Kingery becomes your 3b for the time being.

  39. Looks like bench coach Thomson has incorporated former teammate Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long’s ( now Nat’s coach) home-run drill for JPC.
    It’s called ‘The Net Drill,’ or ‘The Home Run Drill.’ Basically, the coach puts a pitching screen over half of home plate, while throwing pitches underhand from about 30 feet away.
    The goal is to get hitters to work on shortening and tightening up their swings, while guiding and isolating movement from the lower half of their body.
    It’s a great way to feel yourself generating more complete power, which probably builds confidence, more than anything else.
    Perhaps this will be what JPC needs to pop 30/40 HRs! 🙂
    Though, I’d be happy with 15 HRs and and a higher slash.

    1. After his last 2 games, that’s very encouraging. I’ve said time and again that Crawford needs more time to grow into his game, hr and gap power included.

      1. My view of Crawford has generally been the same. I was genuinely concerned early in the year when he couldn’t seem to hit an average fastball (was way too late). Hopefully, that’s just an adjustment issue. If it is, he’s a guy who should develop over several years.

        Kingery has shown a propensity to swing over curveballs, so he will get a steady diet of those until he adjusts. It’s all part of the growth process.

        1. If JP Crawford becomes a player who hits at least 20 homers a year, it’s very difficult to envision him being anything less than a first division starter and probably a star. I knew he had some power, but the recent homers have surprised me with their distance. I had no idea he could do that. So let’s just sit back and see where he takes us.

  40. Hinkie, I was not aware of Kikuchi, although our record in Japan is poor. He would be a nice addition and so would Garrett Richards if he stays healthy.

  41. Braves’ Ronald Acuna, who may be Scott Kingery’s top NL ROY challenger, may also make his major league debut against? The Phillies in Atlanta on Monday. However, Acuna is only 3 for 27 so far in AAA.

  42. Last night in Tampa is the type of game the Phillies would have lost last season. Granted it’s only Tampa. But these tight 1 run games are the ones you look back on.

    ….oh, and Kingery Kd twice. And then delivered late with a timely double and scored the winner. Even when he’s not having a good night, he seems to contribute. That’s a winner.

    1. And VV pitched the game of his life. Yes, his performance in 2016 against the Padres was more dominant, but last night he wasn’t just blowing guys away, he was throwing 3 or 4 pitches and moving in and out of the strike zone and adjusting his velocity. It was a beautiful pitching performance and I think some credit also needs to go to our new pitching coach and to Alfaro, who called a hell of a game. And, oh yeah, I love that, unlike the stupid “you have to always keep the ball down” philosophy we’ve heard from many of our prior pitching coaches, that orthodoxy is now appropriately out the window for power pitchers. When you throw a moving rising heater like Velazquez, you also get guys out UP in the zone – and that’s just what he and Pivetta are doing. Changing speeds, throwing multiple pitches, commanding all parts of the zone and changing eye levels – that my friends is pitching.

      1. Catch – I agree with all your points. That was the first game I have seen VV pitch where he actually had a sense of rythm – pitch hard, receive catcher’s toss back, and pitch again – with conviction. Every other time he has been tentative, stalling, and over analyzing what pitch to throw. Just throw the damn thing – with his movement and 93-95 mph he stands a fighting chance. I agree the lineup was very weak but his mechanics, deliberation, and pace would have worked against others too. I know this all speaks to his flaw of freezing when somebody gets on base but it also looked like some of this new coaching staff’s efforts might be paying off for him. One can only hope !

    2. No discredit to VV or Pivetta . The Tampa Bay team lineup is horrible not only in name but production. Them Maimi ,Cincy are in the bottom 5 or in runs scored.
      VV and Pivetta are doing well there are test coming . Maimi ,Tampa ,Cincy,are in a race for 1 # draft pick next yr, the Phillies are doing well you beat the bad teams and go 500 against the good ones.

  43. Also – to those commenters above, I don’t care that Kingery may K more than one would like. So far he has positively impacted almost every Phillies win – if its not a throw, its his speed, or he may K two times but hit a liner at precisely the right point (like last night) when the team needs it. Moreover, given Alfaro’s seeing eye hit last night, I can’t think of a better player to score from 2B than Kingery – he made it look easy. He is young and facing unfamiliar pitchers but he is still delivering – and more often than not, in a dramatic and meaningful manner. I can only imagine once he gets more acclimated how that will translate. You don’t need stats to say this kid is going to be one heckuva good player – because he already is.

    1. Uh, I’ve been one of his biggest supporters since very early last year and have been saying consistently since that time that he will be the face of the next great Phillies team. He’s superb. He’s just still on a learning curve.

    2. Let’s just not panic when he struggles for a bit later. He’s definitely got a chance to be a really good player but he’s also not without meaningful faults. Looking at his SSS numbers, one of two things is going to happen eventually: He’ll start to walk more and strike out less, or his surface stats are going to get a lot worse.

  44. RU, I agree with your sentiments completely. Catch and Tim, I know the TB team is not a very good one, but VV pitched a really good game. Catch is correct about the rhythm he doesn’t always show, and that will translate to success against better teams. All VV and Pivetta can do is develop positive tendencies and work on their command. If they do that, their stuff is good enough to win against anybody.

    1. Its not the lineup you look at. How do you judge a minor league hitter. when he is facing maybe one or two guys a week who might pitch in majors? Same with a pitcher. Its velo. secondary stuff. makeup., does he get upset with bad calls or errors. location, so saying the lineup stinks isn’t the question. how was his stuff and location. and other things. You can be arrron judge if the pitcher locates his stuff and its good. he will get him out more than the hitter will get on. that’s what scouting is about. These kids in the high school ranks, most likely never face a major league caliber player. or very few. On top of that Right now we are looking early at three top ten choice who might be busted, if continues klentak and johnny are gone

      1. rocco….Randolph and Moniak have had their struggles but with HSers sometimes, it just takes a few years….and some just never come around to meet their drafted expectations ie Larry Greene, Anthony Hewitt….I am more hopeful for Haseley since he has gad success at the D1 level facing D1 pitchers.

        Now rocco think about this……just two years ago about this time….the three most hated GMs in Philly were Roseman, Amaro and Hinkie……within the next year or two….all three, one already in Roseman, may have laid the foundations for championship teams.

        1. Well, I hate to burst the bubble, but as a general rule, elite bats start hitting right away or within a year. When a guy turns into a hot shot prospect he will typically have a start like J.P. Crawford had – where you know by the middle of the year after the draft (or sooner) that the kid is special – we all knew Crawford could be special almost right away. There’s still time, but it would be really nice to see a guy like Haseley or Moniak or Randolph go 3-4 once in a while.

      2. Roccom – that was my point about VV’s start the other day. It wasn’t the results that impressed me so much, it was the stuff and execution of his pitches.

        On the picks – I always have serious concerns about high school bats. It’s hard enough to project a college hitter who is facing some really good competition. But projecting a kid against high school pitchers is extremely difficult and then add to that the difficulty of knowing how a kid such as Mickey Moniak will fill out if he is skinny.

        We have to wait on these picks a little, but it is just looking horrible right now. Fortunately, the team has a lot of other young players, but what a wasted opportunity if at least one of these guys does not come through a be at least a first division regular.

  45. catch to me what will save us is 2 rounder like kingery if he becomes what people think. and guy like Hoskins a 5 rounder who could be a allstar. and maybe a hall. but you cant keep missing on top ten and not hurt the organization.

    1. Well at least he found a way to make money from major league baseball since the autograph thingy didn’t quite work out as expected…

      1. Hah…Schwimlocity was another innovative idea of his…remember deception increased the velo of the pitch, I think he professed.
        Or something like that.

  47. In other news, guess where Freddy Galvis has been batting in the Padres lineup the last couple of games? (Hint, it’s Pete’s favorite spot for him.)

    1. As long are the Padre’s manager is smart enough to move him back down when he reverts to his career .290 OBP (unlike Pete)

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