Just a short update. I avoided the Complex last week during Phantasy Week. I went one day last year, shook too many hands, and came down with COVID two days later. The COVID experience wasn’t too bad, just a day of flu-like symptoms. But I had to avoid my wife until I tested negative. Her white count was low due to medication.
I have watched several bullpens over the last 10-12 days. Last week they were holding them on the half-field in front of the stadium. The pitchers looked good though they were not letting it go full speed.
That changed today. I watched Mick Abel, Andrew Baker, Griff McGarry, and Tyler McKay on the 3-pack of mounds between Ashburn and Schmidt Fields. They all looked really sharp. They popped the catchers’ mitts and seemed to be throwing at 100 percent velocity. McGarry sported his new delivery that eliminated a lot of extra motion. Their secondaries had good movement, too.
I know it’s early, but these guys have been throwing since November and spent several weeks at Cressy Sports clinic in Miami. I feel crowing confidence that all four of these guys could help the big team as early as this season.
Samuel Aldegheri and Cristian Hernandez also threw well today.
As I mentioned in another thread, I saw Nola having a catch with I think Rafael Marchan. I think Realmuto is here, too.
Phuture Phillies 
Always get excited about the season when I read your reports. Thank you for getting me through the winter.
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Yeah I’m pumped for baseball season
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MLB.com released their new prospect rankings. We have 4 of top 77. Miller at 61 already.
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Great news…hope Miller dispels the few critical evals and comps he has received as he progresses on into his career.
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It’s by far the best the system has looked in a long time. Not only that, the system has some interesting prospects across all levels. I believe it will be an exciting 2024 for some of these players.
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Miller rated 9th 3B prospect and youngest of the top ten.
Hoping he can progress as expected…maybe touching Reading at the end of the year.
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Jumping three levels in a year (low A ball, high A ball, and AA), would be a lot to ask, although it’s not impossible. But if he splits the year between low and high A ball with good numbers, that would be outstanding. The scouting reports that we are getting on him have been very good. If he progresses as hoped, he’s probably Bohm’s replacement in a couple of years.
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Yes….would be a lot to ask of him.
All depends where the org wants to start him this season……if at Jersey Shore, there is a chance he could see Reading by August…of course depending on how he progresses at JS
However, if he goes back to CLW…where he finished last season in their play-offs….. Jersey Shore will be his next promo, and probably last stop for 2024
I do not see an Orion Express for him or for that matter anyone else in the system….to be frank, did not see it for Orion once he reached AA ball.
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only flag so far are various scouting comments regarding an exaggerated bat wrap that might become a problem as he faces better pitching. Hoping it’s something that they can improve on over the next year or 2.
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In the scheme of things, a bat wrap seems like a fairly small concern, especially since, if I recall correctly, the reports also said he could catch up to high velocity pitches and also had good pitch recognition.
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Yes, good news is he has very quick hands which has helped mitigate the issue. I agree, it’s not something that can’t be addressed as he moves forward.
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Yes….would be a lot to ask of him.
All depends where the org wants to start him this season……if at Jersey Shore, there is a chance he could see Reading by August…of course depending on how he progresses at JS
However, if he goes back to CLW…where he finished last season in their play-offs….. Jersey Shore will be his next promo, and probably last stop for 2024
I do not see an Orion Express for him or for that matter anyone else in the system….to be frank, did not see it for Orion once he reached AA ball.
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Yes….would be a lot to ask of him. All depends where the org wants to start him this season……if at Jersey Shore, there is a chance he could see Reading by August…of course depending on how he progresses at JS.
However, if he goes back to CLW…where he finished last season in their play-offs….. Jersey Shore will be his next promo, and probably last stop for 2024
I do not see an Orion Express for him or for that matter anyone else in the system….to be frank, did not see it for Orion once he reached AA ball.
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I still have angst when Eric Long. of Fangraphs gives him a Carter Kieboom comp. based on his swing
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