15 thoughts on “Threshers Recap – 6/2/2019”

1. I think many were surprised when 21 year old Josh Stephen was double jumped from Lakewood to Clearwater this year. Prior to this year, he’d really been underwhelming, strictly from a statistical perspective (.635 OPS in Lakewood).

   Did he get jumped because they saw something really good, or because they needed a body at AA. Would love to have known the thoughts on this move.

   His performance in AA is a bit surprising. He’s got a .784 OPS that is NOT inflated by playing in Reading. In the same number of at-bats at home vs the road, he has an OPS of .728 at home and .839 on the road.

   Granted, he only has 90 ABs this year, which makes me believe the Phillies more so needed a body in AA, but the fact that he is contributing makes for a nice story.

   In his last 10 games, he’s hitting .407/.467/.778/1.245. He appears to be getting more playing time with the Hasely promotion.

   Will be curious to see how he does moving forward.

   1. This is a great observation by you. It was a surprising double jump and he’s been a lot better in AA than he was in low A – not something you typically would see and while his Ks rate is high, perhaps he’s settling in and showing something now (last 10 games have been awesome). This is just his age 21 year, so he’s still quite young for AA. Maybe we have something here and he’s a guy to watch for sure. Great post.

      Separately, in a SSS Haseley, is doing exactly what you’d hope he would do. Showing the same strong hit tool, plate discipline and gap plus power. Best case scenario is a promotion in the next two months with an outfield share and Kingery primarily playing third base. You would have to think that the organization is preparing as if Odubel will not be around for a long time between his conduct and on field performance. Haseley could help that transition if he lives up to his potential.

   2. Seems they needed a body since he’s basically been a 4th OF. He’s probably been better than expected but also is benefiting from a high BABIP in a small sample.

   3. Stephen was to be the fourth outfielder behind Haseley, Moniak, and Randolph. He responded well and took advantage of his few opportunities. With Haseley’s promotion, he was in the right place at the right time, and took advantage even more.

      It should be no surprise that he is performing well. He was selected in the 11th round of the 2016 draft, the Moniak draft. He received a pretty hefty signing bonus, approximately fourth round money. He was ranked 115th by Baseball America (the player with the third highest BA ranking the Phillies selected). And, I believe he was the third rated prep outfielder in CA. behind Moniak and Rutherford.

2. Lakewood Blueclaws: Where prospects go to rot. That entire coaching staff should be axed the first day their season ends. This is a case where you can honestly say that “development over record” is also not happening. Yes, there will be up’s and down’s with these younger kids, but what they bring to the table each night is an atrocity.

   1. Like to see their overall age comparison vs the rest of the league.
      They appear to have been challenged fairly quickly.
      Some, who are really struggling, could still end up in Williamsport in a few weeks, but looks like the new guy, Josh Bonifay wants to take the risk with them and be aggressive in their progression.
      It could work.

      1. One of their starting OFs is a 19 year old UDFA, as an example of how they’re being challenged. Lots of young guys though some, like Holmes or Pelletier, have been disappointing.

         1. Like to see an interview with Josh Bonifay and his philosophy on minor league development programs.
            He did well with the Astros in their eventual final rebuild.
            Maybe he sees some of the same things in the Phillies farm.

      2. It’s a good call, Romus. Batting age is 20.4 vs league average of 21.5, Pitching age is 20.7 vs league average of 21.8.

         Both hitters and pitchers are youngest in the league, by more than six months over the next closest team. I think it’s same management as last year when they went to the championship game. Sometimes these affiliates just get a roster full of players who are not ready.

         1. Thanks O.for the data.
            I suppose this can only help the younger prospects in their climb up the ladder.

         2. The manager (Malloy) moved up to Clearwater, I think the pitching coach (Bergensen) went with him.

      3. I read an article a few weeks ago that the BlueClaws have the youngest roster in all of professional baseball. Bonifay made a lot of aggressive assignments. If a prospect like Garcia needs to repeat a level, that seems to be okay with the organization. We’ll see if that’s true when Williamsport begins their season on the 14th.

3. Trevor Bettencourt at the complex on rehab?

4. Anybody think it is crazy to double jump Damon Jones to LHV? He is throwing bee-bees at Clearwater. Mid 90’s stuff and he will be 25 at the end of September so he isn’t a kid. He doesn’t have great control but still much better than Kyle Dohy. If things get desperate enough I could see him making a start in Philly before the end of the year but he needs AAA experience. Lefties throwing that hard don’t grow on trees.

5. NL
   Really. Most A+ Rosters are diluted with 21-23 age appropriate players. 25 year college kid should Dominate. Double jumping done at GCL, A ball. Bohm as example has proven steps work. Bohm s/b in Reading by mid June taking step by step growth with stats proving promotion. Or forget age appropriate philosophy. Just push.
   Provide Prospect Reward with Promotion and prepare him for competitive competition slowly vs throw him in and let him?

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