The Phillies’ participants in the Arizona Fall League were announced Thursday. Five players were selected from Reading – RHP Tyler Viza, RHP Luke Leftwich, RHP Seth McGarry, 1B Darick Hall, and RF Austin Listi; and three players from Clearwater – RHP Sixto Sanchez, SS Arquimedes Gamboa, and 3B Luke Williams.
Each of five organizations that make up the Scottsdale Scorpions (Phillies, Reds, Astros, Mets, and Giants) is required to send a minimum of seven players including a minimum of four pitchers (preferably one capable of starting and three relievers) and three position players. Additional position players can be assigned to a team’s “taxi squad” and can play no more than two games a week. An international players is eligible only if that player is not on the reserve list of a Winter League club from the player’s home country. I assume the Phillies have worked something out with the Cardenales de Lara regarding Gamboa. Players are paid for this additional baseball season (out of a separate fund managed by the MLB). The Threshers’ pitching coach Aaron Fultz is assigned to the team. I’m glad of that with Sixto coming off a long stint on the DL to participate.
The Clearwater Threshers (75-59) lost to Jupiter, 4-3 in 10 innings. The Threshers scored in the top of the shootout inning when Arquimedes Gamboa stroked a two-out, RBI single to take the lead. But, Jake Hernandez (3-3, 2.84) gave up 2 runs on a single, sac fly, and two-out, RBI double to absorb the loss.
Alejandro Requena (3.60) pitched six, solid innings. He held the Hammerheads to 2 runs on five hits. He walked 2 and struck out four. Alberto Tirado (2.32) pitched a 1-2-3 seventh, and Grant Dyer (4.94) survived 3 hits in the eighth and ninth.
The Threshers opened the scoring with a run in the fourth inning on Edgar Cabral’s RBI single. After Requena gave up single runs in the fifth and sixth, the Threshers tied the game in the seventh on a wild pitch.
Daniel Brito (.253) had 2 hits including a double. Gamboa (.219) had 2 hits and an RBI. Raul Rivas (.242) had 2 hits and 2 runs scored. Kyle Martin (.196) had a double and scored the Threshers’ first run. Grenny Cumana (.289) had a triple that didn’t figure in the scoring.
Mickey Moniak has been held out of recent games as a precaution after tweaking his knee loosening his arm before the last game in which he played. The next day was a scheduled day off. Had the race been tighter, he would have played the past two games. But since they had the luxury of resting him, they did. (Thank you, MM. See you Tuesday.)
- #1 Sixto Sanchez (4-3, 2.51) – placed on the 7-day DL in June, 2018
- #3 Adonis Medina (10-4, 4.12)
- #6 Mickey Moniak (.262) DNP
- #12 Daniel Brito (.253) went 2-5 with a double, K
- #11 Arquimedes Gamboa (.219) went 2-5 with an RBI
- #17 Jose Gomez (.218) went 0-4 with 3 K
- #20 David Parkinson (3-0, 1.24) –
The following is speculation on my part.
The Threshers playoff rotation will depend on how the regular season plays out. Scheduled starters for the three game series at Fort Myers are Mauricio Llovera (Friday), Bailey Falter (Saturday), and Ramon Rosso (Sunday). Monday is an off day, so the Threshers can come back with David Parkinson or Adonis Medina (because of the off day) for the series opener at Spectrum Field. It is Parkinson’s turn, he’s pitching really well, and Fort Myers hasn’t faced him this season. Medina wouldn’t be going on short rest (because of the off day), he’s pitching well, and he won the division clincher. It’s a nice decision to have. I probably lean toward Parkinson. But whomever the Threshers’ do pick, the other guy gets to pitch the next day in Daytons. (win-win).
Alejandro Requena would then be available for game three on Thursday in Daytona, unless they opted to go with hard-throwing Mauricio Llovera. Once again, the off day gives them that flexibility.
When the Threshers advance to the Championship best-of-five series, the first two games will be hosted by the South Division winner on Friday and Saturday. They return to Spectrum Field for as many of the remaining games as are needed on Sunday thru Tuesday.
There are no scheduled days off. So, depending on whether game three was needed against Daytona and who pitched, the rotation after game two could look like Requena (game 3 v. Daytona), Llovera, Falter, and Rosso (games 1-3 v. South Division), and Parkinson and Medina available for games 4 and 5, or Medina and Parkinson depending on who got the nod in game one against Daytona.
Lehigh Valley (81-55) beat Pawtucket, 5-4. The game featured five lead changes. Jerad Eickhoff (2.41) had another 3-run outing. This time he lasted five innings and gave up 6 hits, 4 walks, and hit a batter while striking out just two. The big righty is expected to come off the DL when major league rosters expand on Saturday. We’ll see. Edgar Garcia (4.91) tossed two perfect innings. Yacksel Rios (3.97) faced two batters in the eighth, walking one and hitting the other. Pedro Beato (8-4, 3.14) pitched two innings. He let one of two inherited runners score, blew the save, and picked up the win.
The IronPigs scored in five different innings, culminating with the go ahead run in the top of the ninth. Dylan Cozens (.246) had 3 hits and 2 RBI. J.P. Crawford (.227) had 2 hits and a sacrifice in the ninth. Pedro Florimon (.214) had 2 hits and an RBI.
- #8 Ranger Suarez (2-0, 2.91) –
- #9 Enyel De Los Santos (10-5, 2.63) –
- #10 Cole Irvin (13-4, 2.67) –
- #15 Roman Quinn (.296) – recalled by Phillies on 7/27/2018
- #16 Dylan Cozens (.246) went 3-4 with a run scored, 2 RBI, BB
- #21 Drew Anderson (8-4, 3.75) –
- #28 Tom Eshelman (2-13, 5.83) –
Reading (64-69) game was suspended due to rain with the Phils leading Richmond, 1-0. Connor Seabold had pitched three shutout innings allowing 2 hits and a walk, and striking out two. They scored their run on a wild pitch. Jose Pujols (.278) had 2 hits in two at bats including a double. Malquin Canelo (.259) had doubled and scored on the wild pitch after Drew Stankiewicz (.209) had moved him over to third with a single.
Cornelius Randolph missed his sixth consecutive game. I have been unable to find out why.
- #4 Adam Haseley (.316) Temporarily Inactive List
- #5 JoJo Romero (7-6, 3.80) – placed on the 7-day DL on 7/20/18
- #22 Kyle Dohy (2-4, 6.30) –
- #23 Cornelius Randolph (.244) DNP
- #24 Connor Seabold (1-4, 4.67) – 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Lakewood (85-49) dropped a six-spot on Greensboro in the ninth and won, 11-3. The victory clinched the Second-Half Division Title and set a franchise record with their 85th win. Note: winning both halves in the SAL has been six times, but the 2010 BlueClaws were the only team to accomplish this AND win the league title. Challenge accepted.
Andrew Brown (6-3, 2.10) pitched seven, four-hit innings allowing an unearned run, walking two, and striking out four. Luis Ramirez (4.91) gave up 2 runs in one inning. Zach Warren (1.98) pitched a perfect ninth.
Matt Vierling (.289) had 2 hits, 2 runs scored, and an RBI. Simon Muzziotti (.260) had 4 hits, an RBI, and his 18th stolen base. Jake Scheiner (.300) had 2 hits and 2 RBI. Madison Stokes had 3 hits, 2 doubles, 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI. Dalton Guthrie hit a 3-run HR (5).
- #7 Jhailyn Ortiz (.226) went 0-5 with 3 K
- #12 Daniel Brito (.252) promoted to Clearwater, August 3rd.
- #18 Kyle Young (3-3, 2.98) – placed on the 7-day DL on 7/15/18
- #19 Spencer Howard (9-8, 3.79) –
- #20 David Parkinson (8-1, 1.51) – promoted to Clearwater on 8/2/18
- #30 Nick Maton (.259) went 1-4 with 2 runs scored, a double, BB, 2 K
Williamsport (31-41) won Wednesday’s suspended game against Mahoning Valley, 7-2; but lost the second game, 5-1.
Game One: Colton Eastman (3.00) had tossed three, three-hit innings giving up a solo HR and striking out five before the game was halted. Tyler Carr (3-2, 2.42) tossed three, three-hit, shutout innings for the win. Randy Alcantara (2.25) pitched the final three innings giving up one run.
Ben Pelletier (.276) had 2 hits and 4 RBI. Alec Bohm (.215) had a 2-run single. Keudy Bocio (.210) had 2 hits, 2 runs scored, and an RBI. Jake Holmes (.250) had a sacrifice, 2 walks, and a HBP. Jonathan Guzman (.220) had 2 hits and 2 runs scored.
- #2 Alec Bohm (.215) went 1-4 with 2 RBI, BB, K
- #29 Colton Eastman (0-2, 3.00) – 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Game Two: Juan Escorcia (1-4, 3.29) was charged with 3 runs on 2 hits and 5 walks in 4.2 innings. He struck out six. After the Cutters took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth, Escorcia got two quick outs, but before he could complete the shutdown inning, he gave up a double and then walked the bases loaded. Blake Bennet entered allowed all three inherited runners to score on a walk and 2-run double. He went on to give up 2 more runs.
The Cutters were held to 3 hits – singles by Jake Holmes (.253) and Jesus Henriquez (.216), and a double by Brayan Gonzalez (.200). Their only run scored on a throwing error. Ben Pelletier had an outfield assist at second base.
- #2 Alec Bohm (.215) DNP
- #13 Francisco Morales (4-4, 5.36) –
- #26 Kevin Gowdy – 60-day DL
- #29 Jhordany Mezquita (1-0, 3.60) – DNP.
- #29 Colton Eastman (0-2, 3.00) –
The GCL Phillies East finished in first place in the GCL North Division with a 30-24 record. They lost a one-game semifinal on the road against the Palm Beach Cardinals.
- #25 Dominic Pipkin (1-2, 3.64) made 10 appearances, 8 starts. In limited action, he pitched 29.2 innings. In a SSS, he posted a 1.180 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9, and 5.5 K/9.
The GCL Phillies West finished in second place in the GCL Northwest Division with a 30-24 (.556) record.
- #14 Luis Garcia finished the season with a league best .369 AVG. His .433 OBP placed third, his .488 SLG placed 13th, and his .921 OPS placed seventh. These were not only team leading but also the best of both Phillies GCL entries. Garcia’s 33 runs scored were fourth in the league following team mate Yerwin Trejo’s 40. He led the league with 62 hits. Placed second with 32 RBI. Trejo’s 23 stolen bases led the league, Garcia had 12.
The DSL Phillies Red finished the season 31-40 (.437) in fifth place in the DSL South Division.
The DSL Phillies White finished the season 39-33 (.542) in fourth place in the DSL San Pedro Division.
Here’s the affiliate scoreboard from MiLB.
The rosters and lists are up to date as of August 30th.
8/28/18–Philadelphia designated RHP Mark Leiter Jr. for assignment.
8/28/18–Philadelphia optioned C Andrew Knapp to Lehigh Valley
8/28/18–New York Mets traded RF Jose Bautista to Philadelphia for Player To Be Named Later or cash
8/28/18–Lehigh Valley activated RHP Ben Lively from the 7-day DL
8/28/18–Lakewood placed LHP Will Stewart on the 7-day DL. Left shin contusion.
8/28/18–RHP James McArthur assigned to Lakewood from Williamsport
8/28/18–Lakewood sent LHP Kyle Young on a rehab assignment to Williamsport
8/27/18–Philadelphia sent SS Pedro Florimon on a rehab assignment to Lehigh Valley
8/27/18–Philadelphia traded 1B Jack Zoellner to Baltimore for Future Considerations
8/27/18–Lehigh Valley placed Jesse Valentin on the 7-day DL. Right hamstring strain.
8/27/18–Lehigh Valley activated C Nick Rickles from the 7-day DL
8/27/18–RHP Blake Quinn assigned to Lehigh Valley from Reading
8/27/18–RHP Will Hibbs assigned to Reading from Williamsport
8/27/18–RHP Eric White assigned to Williamsport from GCL Phillies East.
8/25/18–Philadelphia sent RHP Jose Taveras outright to Reading
Phuture Phillies 
Go Sixto.
Jake Scheiner hit the .300 mark yesterday for the 1st time since the 3rd game of the season. He’s built his average up all season long. In April he hit .233. May he hit .301 and June was a little cool off to .272. In July, he hit .341. Followed by .352 in August. I thought we’d see him in CLW by season’s end but LKW needed him for the stretch run and CLW’s doing just fine without him.
Scheiner’s defense isn’t too shabby either. He’s played the most games at 3B with 6 Es in 57 games. He played 30 games at 1B and 26 games in LF. He played 2B the most last year so he has some versatility to him.
He’s 23, so he’s no spring chicken but I’m liking what I see and CLW is on tap for next year with Reading a possibility, at least by the end of the season.
One of the reasons Luke Williams is going to the AFL could be because of the sudden pressure from other 3B in the system. Scheiner probably could have gone to Clearwater earlier. There’s a chance that both of them are in Reading sometime next year. Bohm too, hopefully.
Can we call him Big Ben? The average isn’t gaudy but every time you look up the kid seems to get big hits and shows a knack for driving in runs.
Mitch Rupert had to correct me I felt like the kid was going on his 3rd season in WPT when its actually his 1st as the other two were GCL.
At age 20….just last week….I wonder how he would do in college ball.
I think he would be starting his junior and draft year right now since he graduated at 16 in Canada.
Yes, I concur with your assertion that Pelletier would be starting his junior year this upcoming college season.
Somebody did a good job when they recommended they draft him. He was selected in the 34th round of the 2015 draft. He was only 15 at the time (his birthday is on August 22nd). They signed him to a future services contract. He spent summer 2015 at the Carpenter Complex but wasn’t on an active roster, and didn’t play in a game.
He returned to Canada to complete his equivalent of school and returned to Clearwater during 2016 spring training on his school’s spring break. He went back to Canada to finish the year and graduate. He began his professional career in earnest on the 2016 GCL Phillies. They had played a dozen games before Pelletier was ready to be inserted into the line up. He played in 27 games but saw his last action on August 29th. He didn’t play in the last game on the 30th, nor during the four playoff games.
In 2017, Pelletier led the team with a .333 batting average (third in the GCL), was tied for second with 3 HR, and second with 26 RBI. He had a remarkable low 30 K in 180 PA (16.7%).
This season Ben is batting .272 (second on the team behind Rafael Marchan’s .301, and 25th in the league; note that Marchan is 5th in the league) and leads the team with 9 HR and 45 RBI (with four games remaining). His K% inched up a bit to 22.3% (61/274). In Crosscutters’ history he ranks –
Home Runs
14 – Jiandido Tromp (2014)
13 – Walter Young (2001)
13 – Zach Green (2013)
12 – Cody Overbeck (2008)
10 – Brad Eldred (2002)
10 – Jan Hernandez (2015)
9 – Matthew Spencer (2007)
9 – Rhys Hoskins (2014),
9 – Darrick Hall (2016)
9 – Ben Pelletier (2018)
Runs Batted In
57 – Cody Overbeck (2008)
52 – Steve Pearce (2005)
48 – Brad Eldred (2002)
47 – Walter Young (2001)
47 – Chris Serretella (2013)
45 – Tony Alvarez (1999)
45 – Ben Pelletier (2018)
He has an ISO of .211 this season, very good number. Hopefully he can cut down on strikeouts as he ages.
Agreed!
Pleased to see that the FO feels Sixto is able to go to the AFL and pitch. This is a good sign.
Gamboa being sent for additional ABs is interesting.
Is anyone the least bit concerned about Jhailyn Ortiz? I check the box scores regularly and maybe once a week he’ll collect 2 hits in a game with a HR here and there, but I’m growing to expect an 0-3, 0-4 with a K or 2. (Last night, 0-5 with 3Ks) For a kid who’s a consensus top 10 prospect, he certainly isn’t showing it. Is there something we’re not seeing outside his slash line beside his youth. He’s been in the system long enough now that shouldn’t we be seeing some sustainable in-game success? Otherwise I don’t see how we can justify his ranking.
I’m always concerned about the lack of success in a prospect until they show sustained success at a give level. until Ortiz shows sustained success with good analytic numbers ( BB%, K% etc), you cant not be concerned.
concerned is not the same in my mind as overreacting or panicing. that I would not due with Oritz given his age
8mark – You said it yourself, he’s a kid! He’s very raw, and rough around the edges, but the Phillies think that they can polish him. I think he’s a trade chip in a deal this winter.
8mark..he has plus abilities, but lacking the consistency right now. He does have decent HR power (5) for hitting in FirstEnergy Park….though he cannot make much contact at home.
And for a 19-year old at that level, the Phillies seem to be happy with his progression.
Obviously comparing him to the Acunas, Vlad. Jr, Tatis, Albies, Sotos of the world is going to get you frustrated.
@8mark – i normally give young prospects (20 yo and below) longer leash since age and physical maturity do have some impact in the athlete’s development. Mental and mechanical issues are the ones I normally check for young prospects —- Jhailyn Ortiz and Francisco Morales don’t have those issues so I will give them some more time to continue their development. IMO, both Ortiz and Morales are still Top 12 worthy because of the upside the remaining projection left.
Wunderkids like Acuna, Vlad Jr, Soto are more the exceptions, hopefully the Luis Garcia can turn into one.
Before Mickey Moniak turned it around this year, I still have him at #12/#13 (where most will rank him at least 10 spots lower) mainly because of young age but solid fundamentals.
All,
Dylan Cozens has quietly put together a significantly better season this year.
His OBP at AAA has improved from 301 to 345 and OPS from 719 to 873. ISO is 283.
BB rate is from 11 to 14 percent. Still K’s 36 percent of the time.
Can he make similar progress next year, cut down the K rate and be a Major Leaguer?
It’s better, but he needs to make more significant adjustments to survive in the big leagues. He’s still a strikeout waiting to happen and, absent further development, will be carved alive by capable big league pitchers. I’m not writing him off yet, but he’s got a ways to go in my view.
Interesting. AFL Phillies selection. My understanding this was a showcase for A+ or players needing work because of DL or lack of playing time. Players selected most AA except for #11 prospect. As a coach for 35 years I know how we value middle infielders but when do we admit we are wrong. Career .223 ave, .214 this year. We took our lumps with Encarcion time to realize potential- road block for deserved to be promoted
One of the most interesting AFL selections is Luke Williams.
He has become a much better player in the second half of this season. In the four games I’ve seen him, even his outs have been well struck. Yet he’s at a position — 3B and outfield — where the Phillies have more highly touted prospects.
Is he going to AFL so they can determine whether he’s one of those prospects, too? Or do they already think has has developed to the point where he can blossom with exposure to higher quality competition?
Going to the Threshers tonight for my second look at Llovera, who impressed me the first time. Anything anyone think I should especially be looking for in him?
Command and whether he has any plus off speed pitches. Do you see a future starter in him or a guy who, ultimately, will be relegated to the bullpen?
A really big fastball
Frank……if possible, see for how long( innings or pith count) he maintains his highest FB velo into the game.
pitch count
Romus and Catch,
Will do.
What impressed me about Llovera in my one observation a couple of weeks ago is that he did seem to command his breaking pitches and he was a strong in his final inning as in his first. We’ll see if he repeats that.
Why wouldn’t Bohm play every game for the remaining season. Resting him seems too protective for 3b. he needs at bats. I see the same thing with Crawford, Altheer. They guys need AB’s.
“Why wouldn’t Bohm play every game for the remaining season”….just four games left now and agree, just let him play it out at ;east as a DH..
I don’t get it. I mean, the same thing with Crawford and Altheer. I see them missing games and not playing. I don’t get it. While it is four games left, I am dumfounded Bohm could DH when he is not in the field. He missed a month. Put them in there!
Bohm was at third last night.
His defense has left a lot to be desired since he has come back from the injury, more so than previously….18 games total now at third base….7 errors.
Four errors s in the last eleven games….and now all at third, some games he has DHed.
He still may be feeling some tightness or soreness from the leg injury, especially if it struck a nerve behind his leg..
He’s coming off a knee injury. Chill.
It’s an interesting AFL list.
Would have been nice to see Moniak, but I like that they are giving Listi more at bats to accelerate his development.
I think with Viza, McGarry and Leftwich the league may service primarily to help determine which of the three players they should protect on the 40-man (all are at that point I believe).
Can’t wait to see the reports on Sixto.
Hall and Listi are playing for LHV starts next season. Viza and RTI careers seiungn Williams are both huge surprises who have turned their careers around, at least for the moment, with big 2nd halves
If Sixto pitches well, we are all going to be very excited for him to go to Reading next year.
The most innings starters get in the AFL’s 30 game season is normally 20/25 total innings pitched. That is if he does start.
I assume he will since the other notable premier prospect starters on his team are JB Bukaukas and Forrest Whitley. It will be good to see how he does compared to them.
And Aaron Fultz will be there, so he will be monitoring him.