And, Then There’s This

Other Stuff

So, last week I started a somewhat spirited discussion on the use of our relievers.  This week let me put all of Spring training into question.  This will be the current Phillies discussion.

Never mind.  Maybe some other time.  When I thought about this article I wanted to call into question the whole spring training thing.  I gathered data and such, but at press time, I question whether it’s interesting enough.

Rather than question whether there is really a need for 6-7 weeks of preparation for a baseball season, I’ll bow to your opinions.

Mine is that with ball players working out on their own or with club knowledge and oversight, the players don’t need that much time to ramp up for opening day.  In my opinion, spring training is just another money grab by the owners.  I mean really, do they really need 29-33 games to get ready for the season?  Shoot, the guys on the active roster are out of games after their second at bat the first couple weeks.

I have friends (not bragging) who paid $24 for berm tickets.  No seats.  Just sitting on the grass.  Parking is $18.  I guess they need the money to pay the minor league salaries they recently agreed to finally pay.

Speaking of the minor leaguers, they are only playing NINE games at each level.  Why is it that the younger, less experienced players need so many less games to get ready for the season?  Hmm.  Teams have been cutting down on or eliminating games in extended spring and during Instructs.  If games aren’t important for the minors, maybe they’re not so important for the majors except to produce money for the owners.

This year, the Yankees brought over almost all minor leaguers for their Grapefruit League game with the Phillies.  Their games in our park have been more like Yankee home games so they would bring over most of their starters.  I think I saw Jeter at every scheduled game during his spring training years.  That may have changed when the Threshers and Tarpons had a brawl last season. Tarpon pitchers had hit several of our guys with no retaliation.  When the benches finally cleared, one of our coaches supposedly took (and may have landed) a swing at one of their coaches.  The Yankees retaliated by cancelling all the remaining XST games.  They didn’t schedule any Instructs games.  Now, they’re bring their scrubs to Grapefruit League games.  That last thing may be a coincidence.

Six paragraphs and I’m exhausted.  I’m really concerned that I might need help with updates this year (and didn’t get any offers).  Steve Potter told me I can copy his and use them, but I’m not comfortable with something that close to plagiarism.  I suggested that I just provide the link and you could come back here to comment.  He agreed to that.  I know some of you didn’t like the idea of me linking to the teams’ updates in the past because you didn’t want to have to leave the site to read the game stories.  However, that’s what we’re looking at to keep the site up until I can do more.

The Phillies issued a press release that they have agreed to terms with all 18 of the pre-arbitration-eligible players on their 40-man roster.  These players are all pre-arb, so the use of the word “agreed” is kind of funny.  The salaries are set by the team and not really open to negotiation like real contracts.

The minimum salary for these players was set in the CBA at $740K.  Last season, the minimum was $720K.  Of the 18 pre-arb players on their roster last season, more than half received more than the minimum.  It’s likely that the Phillies are equally generous this season.

The 18 players who agreed to terms are:

Connor Brogdon, Max Castillo, Rodolfo Castro, Kody Clemens, Darick Hall, Orion Kerkering, Rafael Marchán, Brandon Marsh, Yunior Marte, Michael Mercado, Nick Nelson, Luis Ortiz, Cristian Pache, Johan Rojas, Michael Rucker, Cristopher Sánchez, Bryson Stott, and Weston Wilson.

So, as of now all players on the “40” are under contract.

Important Dates

  • January 15, 2024, 9 a.m. EST: Opening of the 2023-2024 international signing period
  • March 1-10, 2024: Period for renewing contracts of unsigned players (pre-arb, the 0-3-year players) on 40-man rosters
  • March 20-21, 2024: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego in Seoul, South Korea
  • March 28, 2024: Opening day for all other teams, active rosters reduced to 26 players
  • March 29, 2024: Opening day for Lehigh Valley
  • April 5, 2024: Opening day for Reading, Jersey Shore, and Clearwater
  • May 4, 2024: Star of the Florida Complex League
  • June 8-9, 2024: New York Mets vs. Philadelphia in London
  • July 14-16, 2024: Amateur draft, Arlington, TX
  • July 25, 2024: End of the FCL regular season

Transactions – non-bold text indicates the guys who were called up for ST games.  Once called up a player remains available for future games.  There doesn’t have to be an additional transaction for additional games.

March 2024
3/10/2024 – C Carson Taylor assigned to Phillies
3/10/2024 – RHP Charles King assigned to Phillies
3/10/2024 – OF A.J. Shaver assigned to Phillies
3/09/2024 – Jersey Shore released SS Wilfredo Flores
3/09/2024 – FCL Phillies released RHP Ty Collins
3/09/2024 – FCL Phillies released RHP Daniel Mejia
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Connor Brogdon
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Max Castillo
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Rodolfo Castro
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Kody Clemens
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Darick Hall
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Orion Kerkering
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Rafael Marchán
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Brandon Marsh
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Yunior Marte
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Michael Mercado
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Nick Nelson
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Luis Ortiz
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Cristian Pache
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Johan Rojas
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Michael Rucker
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Cristopher Sánchez
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Bryson Stott
3/09/2024 – Phillies have set pre-arb salary for Weston Wilson
3/09/2024 – RHP Daniel Harper assigned to Phillies
3/05/2024 – LHP Jordi Martinez assigned to Phillies
3/05/2024 – SS Pedro Martinez assigned to Phillies
3/05/2024 – OF Gavin Tonkel assigned to Phillies
3/04/2024 – LHP Zuher Yousuf assigned to DSL Phillies Red
3/04/2024 – RHP Yael Arias assigned to DSL Phillies White
3/04/2024 – RHP Edwin Castillo assigned to DSL Phillies White
3/04/2024 – Phillies signed IFA RHP Yael Arias to an MiLB contract
3/04/2024 – Phillies signed IFA LHP Zuher Yousuf to an MiLB contract
3/04/2024 – Phillies signed IFA RHP Edwin Castillo to an MiLB contract
3/04/2024 – OF Jared Carr assigned to Philadelphia Phillies
3/04/2024 – RHP Brandon Beckel assigned to Philadelphia Phillies
3/04/2024 – RHP Jaydenn Estanista assigned to Philadelphia Phillies
3/04/2024 – C Andrick Nava assigned to Philadelphia Phillies
3/03/2024 – 3B Jacob Gonzalez assigned to Phillies
3/03/2024 – OF Cade Fergus assigned to Phillies
3/03/2024 – RHP Zach Haake assigned to Phillies
3/03/2024 – RHP Max Lazar assigned to Phillies
3/03/2024 – 3B Esteban Quiroz assigned to Phillies
3/01/2024 – C Luis Caicuto assigned to Phillies
3/01/2024 – OF Leandro Pineda assigned to Phillies
3/01/2024 – SS Bryan Rincon assigned to Phillies
3/01/2024 – C Anthony Quirion assigned to Phillies
3/01/2024 – SS William Bergolla assigned to Phillies
3/01/2024 – OF Ricardo Rosario assigned to Phillies
February 2024
2/29/2024 – SS Nikau Pouaka-Grego assigned to Phillies

 

226 thoughts on “And, Then There’s This”

  1. I mentioned this same aspect of spring training a few weeks ago……cutting back on games……regulars do not even go on the road anymore…except to Dunedin, Steinbrenner Stadium in Tampa, or Lakeland for the Phillies and vice versa for the Jays, Tigers and Yankees..

    But as you say….it is all about the $$$$$…for the owners, the local community and lets not forget the fanbase for a warm weather pre-summer vacation of sorts. All the other professional sports have cut back on their pre-season preparations and I will be interested in seeing what the future holds for MLB.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m not even watching the games anymore during ST. If I do turn on a game, I’m done after 3 innings.

      If it wasn’t that my grandson’s wanted to go to ST and my wife wants to visit Florida we wouldn’t be spending a couple thousand on the trip.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. spring training is 6 weeks, as opposed to, say, 3 weeks, for one specific reason. It is the amount of time necessary for starting pitchers to build their arms up to pitch 6-7 innings. You might be able to shorten it by a week or so, but you need it to ramp up the starting pitchers. Now, you could start pitching spring training earlier, but I don’t think that would go over well. 

      The other about the length of spring training is this. The fans love it just as it is. The players seem to like it. Management has no problem with it (from what I can tell). So if it ain’t broke . . .

      Like

  2. I agree that spring training is longer than it needs to be. However, the pitchers need much more time than the hitters to slowly ramp up their arms for the long season. The position players could be ready in two weeks. The other thing that can take a little time is if there are position or roster battles. However, even they could be decided in three weeks or less. In the strike year, when they came back, how long did the players ask for to get ready? It wasn’t too long.

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  3. With the prices they charge it is never going away. Plus the money ST towns have spent to upgrade and build new. The volume of people going is staggering. I have been coming over 20 years ( now snowbird) and the changes are amazing. Used to get tickets for $5-10. Now you are lucky to park for that.
    As far as the players and actually training, I agree ST is too long. The pitchers can come early to stretch out and get ready before the hitters.

    All that said, I enjoy the camps more than the games.

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  4. I thought the same (think) the same every season but I think the reality is that no matter how much a player works out in the off season its hard to mimic the type of actions being on a field for 9 innings requires.

    Its also hard to get timing down on 95+ MPH FBs coming from all different release points and movements.

    Sure it gets old real quick for us and probably for the players but I believe most of it is necessary. 

    With regard to prices I think its capitalism at its best. If you you think/believe MiLB and maybe even some MLBers are underpaid OR if you think JM should always be at or beyond the LT then this is what you should expect.

    I would not expect any owner of a business to operate at a loss and I don’t blame them for wanting to turn a profit. Wages don’t increase in a vacuum. Insurance costs throughout the US are going crazy and I imagine FL is probably feeling the brunt of those cost increases etc. etc.

    $74,580 is the current US Median Household Income $720K is nearly 10X that average. Put another way the average HH would need 10 years to make what the lowest paid players in the league make in 1. Anecdotal of course when you factor in taxes and other stuff.

    And lastly those cost increases flow back out and fund a tremendous amount of really good programs, employment etc etc.

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  5. I have been attending spring training for more than 20 years, like Mike above. If anything – it is more popular than it has ever been. Yesterday I watched a Pirate - Phillies game – SOLD OUT as the Phillies almost invariably are. The players, other than Bohm and Rojas, were all minor leaguers. Pittsburgh, because they were Home, fielded, their starting 7-9. Ticket price – $ 72.00 for an infield BOX seat. Parking – across the street from Lecom Stadium, $ 25. I literally thought I was at CBP – a sea of Phillies red fans.

    All the above is a way of saying – it may be too long and certainly overdone – but open the gates and they will come. In the end, the price is irrelevant when you have gorgeous 70 degree weather, watching a storied franchise (although none of those players are there) and “some” spirit of competition is there. But make no mistake the Bosox, Yanks, Phillies command top prices and they (the owners) are getting it because the fans are willing to spend it ; and they ARE price gouging. I had no problem paying the price because I know that is just what it is…..but that doesn’t make it good. The season is too long but it will be like taking a bottle away from the baby – if shortened, it ain’t going to go too well !

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    1. RU.  I was at the game also on Sunday.   Next time u go to Lecom. Park two blocks away the neighborhood street parking is safe and Free.  Also. There is not a bad seat. The grand stand tickets are half what you pd

      as for the game. Mercado impressed me the most. Great easy flow release and sat at 95 mph.  Ruiz also threw well for one inning. McGriff. Struggled.  He did throw some nice sliders and was able to get out of a bases loaded jam

      Like

  6. Yes, spring training is longer than needed but it’s also a popular destination for the fans who look forward to heading down for some warm weather and early baseball. As others have said, the games sell out so the prices are obviously not a major issue.

    I suspect that for locals like Jim, ST is not much different than being a permanent resident of a resort town where you get tired of the vacationers and look forward to when they are all gone so your town can get back to normal.

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  7. I think ST is probably a week too long in duration. I understand the economics of it all and whatever the market will bear, it will get.

    I tire watching players that I know have “no-chance” going through the exercise to prove they are not in the mix. Especially, when it takes away time where real battles should be taking place.

    Personally, not too much exciting to me this year. A few RP decisions, maybe a bench flip-flop, but other than that we are pretty static.

    …..more excited to see Lehigh and Reading roster composition than anything else………maybe see a trade of leftovers for a lottery ticket. Kind of a ho….hum spring!

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    1. Skeet …you echoed my own sentiments.

      I rarely watch a whole game in ST…..but look for specific players and how they are doing, this season , ie Johan Rojas, Griff McGarry, as two.

      But like most things, ST has evolved over the decades and am interested in seeing how it advances in the next few years.

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  8. Jim _ – to you and all the guys with health issues, sorry to hear. What you do is enough, even if it’s one post a week, or even 2 many are thankful for your time & insights. A daily site visit for many of us.

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  9. As to the minor league write-ups. I’m good with using the links to Steve Potter’s site and commenting on here for those who wish to do so.

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  10. I am very appreciative of whatever Jim can provide. Not much Phillies stuff here. Since I am so far removed really only Phillies stuff applies to me. Nice to see when some of you share info on the youngsters.

    Quick Vertigo update. This is kind of a rascal. They had her try to reduce the medication she is taking by half. That did not work. Anyway, she is going to see a Vertigo specialist on Wednesday, and she is waiting to hear from the physical therapist to schedule something there. Thanks to the many of you who have wished the best.

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    1. Don…good luck to your wife……when all avenues fail….why not try some simple exercise for BPPV (the tiny loose calcium crystals that dislodged from the inner ear) ….IF THAT IS THE CAUSE…..if her docs have not already suggested it….one is the Home Epley

      Just google BPPV exercises and she can see all the YouTube exercises.

      Basically all are the same..

      https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/home-epley-maneuver

      Like

      1. Romus and Denny. Thank you. I just noticed your post. We had the granddaughters for a few hours last evening and they are a handful. Two and a half and 11 months. I just took pic and gave it to my wife. She goes to physical therapist tomorrow and then later to an ENT when she can get in. But that will be sometime down the road. He has no openings for a while. One concern I have is they seem to be wanting to reduce the strength of the med she takes. But when she has tried the half dose, she gets really dizzy again. Thanks again guys.

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  12. Abel looking better and better with each outing and at the very least a strong 3-4 starter when the spot opens up for him.

    And he got to show a good bit of his personality with Tom and Ben which I enjoyed as mush as his pitching.

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  13. I was at today’s game. Wheeler looked sharp. I was glad Abel came out for a second inning. I wasn’t sure he would go two since he has been sick. Mick looked good with a swinging K on Soto and some weak infield contact before reaching his pitch limit. I hung around to see if McKay came back out after closing out Abel’s second inning but left when it was Brogdon. Glad I missed watching Gil mow down Phillies like winter wheat (8 K in 3.2 innings). 

    BTW, berm tickets were $34 today. THIRTY-FOUR DOLLARS to sit on a crowded lawn. Sheesh.

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    1. I thought Abel looked excellent today. The stuff was explosive and the command was exceptional. Found a lot of the edges of the zone. Really impressive outing imo.

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  14. Rojas had a triple and single in a scrimmage on the back fields against Phillies’ pitchers like Dominguez, Turnbull, Hoffman, Kerkering, … I don’t remember who he actually hit off. Check Steve Potter’s blog for more information when he posts. He was still at the Phillies’ game when we left.

    (I really do not understand why these relievers couldn’t pitch against the Yankees instead of McKay, Brogdon, Bellatti, Ortiz, Lehman, Marte. But, that’s just me.)

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  15. You might be wondering about Jim Haley who batted in the ninth inning today. 

    Haley became a free agent at the end of last season. His next transaction was the assignment from minor league camp to the Phillies for today’s game.

    I heard he was signed or going to be signed a week ago but needed a corresponding move to clear a spot on the minors 175 layer limit (a trade of another minor leaguer was put on hold that would have made the necessary room). 

    The release of three guys (Flores, Collins, Mejia) this weekend made the room for Haley. (Oh crap, they just mentioned that the Eagles signed Saquon Barkley! Awesome! This on top of Penn State’s Big Ten Wrestling Championship, YAY!)

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  16. Hi Jim,

    I never post but do read the site quite a bit. I’d consider helping with the site.

    But not sure game recaps are my expertise. I’d be happy to exchange emails and see if there is content that would be up my alley that I could contribute.

    Like

    1. Thank you, Ryan. Are you at gmail.com with a name that starts with mk? I’m protective with my email and am curious about an email name that doesn’t match the name you use here.

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      1. I guess that I should let you and others know that I’m kind of setting up a successorship. I don’t want to have another dark period like last year.

        Whoever helps out may inherit more responsibility if I eventually have to bow out.

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        1. Hi Jim,

          totally get the not wanting your email everywhere. That is probably me.

          Feel free to email and we’ll see if I get it!

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  17. Snell & Montgomery still out there, with Bauer.

    99mph check

    league minimum check

    no long term contract

    how that is not worth a gamble.. just release him!

    I read McGarry to the bullpen today.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This is McGarry’s age 25 season now…….maybe the BP is his ticket to the majors, and perhaps this year. He can simplify his stuff to 2 or 3 of his best pitches that he can control.

      Time is running against him.

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      1. truth is he likely needs to go to the bullpen to make the majors. The team is pretty set. He would have to push out Suarez, Walker, or Sanchez. That’s over Abel, with Painter coming up behind him. even if they went with a 6 man rotation, his best bet is in the bullpen. Gotta find his control first. As always , hoping he gets there.

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        1. Mercado has pitched MUCH better than McGarry this spring. It isn’t even close. I realize McGarry is trying to make some changes but for now, Mercado (who throws at least as hard as McGarry), has a decided edge and I’m excited about him.

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          1. I haven’t seen Mercado yet, I’ll keep an eye out for him. Even still, I’d think McGarry’s best bet is to the pen to make the majors. Sanchez looks ready to take a big step. Suarez, likely isn’t heading back to the pen. That’s 1 spot in the rotation, with a trade deadline upgrade on the horizon if needed.

            in the pen, contracts are coming up – Sir A. I’d like to see him back Strahm is up at the end of the year. Then you got the year to year fluctuations. Seems like a more viable path for him. Lastly, not convinced Soto is consistent enough. 

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            1. Ranger Suarez isn’t going to the pen – no way. Suarez might even end the year as one of the best starters in the league – he’s a guy you can hand the ball to in any tough situation and trust he can hold down the fort. I had hoped they would extend this offseason – I’m a big fan.

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    2. I’m guessing the Yankees are sh!tting their proverbial pants. If Cole has a torn ulnar that changes a bunch of things for them.

      Beeter and Gil looked really polished and both are 25 so I imagine they would be ready to go. Hard to believe they got Soto without giving up either of those guys.

      Snell and Montgomery I believe will sign by next Sunday. 

      Like

      1. why is that it Seems that the Yankees and Dodgers Never seem to have to give up Top talent in Trades. I still remember Abreu trade when they said if you want us to take on his salary you get Less talent. Are they other Teams hypnotized by Yankees and Dodgers Frontoffice/GMs or the other teams are that Foolish with Deal Making.

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        1. Usually because the Dodger and Yankees can almost always swallow the salary, no matter how huge it might be. But I agree it goes farther than that – they are very good at trading useless pieces. It’s very unusual for anyone to fleece either club in a trade. And that’s one reason why we hate them.

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          1. I still remember Paul Owen’s explaining the A B C of players. Never trade the As Blue Chippers Bs are Nice Major leaguers(Prospects?) Use them in Trades. Cs are Players Good Enough and You use them to Sweeten Deals &Throw ins. Still Pretty Good Assessments. Key is to Recognize Who is Who and Which Category a player is in.

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            1. Another lesson I’ve learned from watching my teams make poor trades is this: you are far better off taking one or two great prospects in a trade than 5 or 6 okay guys. Three of the worst trades I ever saw were, essentially, 5-1 deals: Tom Seaver trade, Curt Schilling trade and Kenny Giles trade. Do your homework. Figure out the right prospects, trust your homework, insist upon them, and go get them. Don’t hedge and get 5 guys who are okay prospects. You know what okay prospects turn into, if you’re lucky? Generally, back of the rotation starters and second division regulars. That’s not how you turn your team around.

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            2. The Hamels’ trade was kind of a stinker, too. Hamels, Jake Diekman, and $9.5 million to Texas for LHP Matt Harrison and five minor league prospects – OF Nick Williams, C Jorge Alfardo, and RHPs Jake Thompson, Jerad Eickhoff, and Alec Asher. None amounted to anything for the Phillies although Alfaro was part of the package that netted us JT Realmuto.

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            3. Owens’ legacy will forever be tainted by the Larry Bowa for Ivan DeJesus trade. He got hoodwinked by Cubs’ GM Dallas Green when he was convinced to included future Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg as a prospect throw-in to get the deal done.

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            4. yes, the Hamels trade was dreadful – another trade where a GM tried to fix all the problems at once and, so doing, actually made things much worse. 

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            2. just flood the International markets where you want to recruit with free mech. 

              With everyone walking around with Phillies’ hats & jerseys and flying Phillies Flags it will be a recruiting bonanza.

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            3. My impression is that, in the Japanese culture, reputation is a huge thing. And in Japan, it’s a big deal to play for the Yankees and Dodgers as those teams have a reputation as being the most important American teams – that’s who you want to play for if you’re a Japanese free agent and changing that mindset will extraordinarily difficult. To some degree, I doubt it will ever change.

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            4. The Phillies actually have a pretty good foothold in Venezuela. When the VSL folded and all the other teams bolted, they were one of two that remained. They still don’t have the same level of name recognition as the big guys though. I remember one international signing period they signed almost all Venezuelans.

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    3. Free Bauer. Great interview on a Theo Von Podcast. Talked about how he was singularly focused on being the best pitcher in high school, then UCLA. Talked about how he was socially awkward as a result of this focus. And all he wanted to be was the best pitcher. 

      IF the team leaders (Bryce, Zack, Aaron, Schwarbs) are OK with the Clubhouse…why not – 1 Year Deal – he’s cheap and hungry.

      Like

      1. It’s pretty clear at this point that he’s being blackballed to a degree. If he came in a a minimum, was contrite (and on a short leash), and the other team leaders were okay with it, it’s hard to argue against it. He is an incredibly talented player.

        Like

      2. Has he had a showcase anywhere?

        ……July will be three years since he pitched in the majors, or maybe, fro that matter, any professional league.

        After three years he could have loss something in his pitches.

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        1. Yes, From this weekend – Yahoo! Sports:

          For the first time since he was released by the Dodgers last year, Trevor Bauer returned to Camelback Ranch on Sunday afternoon.

          A glamorous reunion, it was not.

          On a nondescript backfield, against prospects from all levels of the Dodgers minor league teams, and with an unrecognizable black and red uniform draped over him, Bauer pitched in an exhibition game for a team called Asian Breeze — a Japanese tryout club for players hoping to land professional contracts.

          The 32-year-old tossed three scoreless innings and, he was told, clocked 99 mph with his fastball on the field’s Trackman system.

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          1. Yes see that now…2023-157 innings…ERA of 2.59…he pitched well there.

            Only missed second part of 2021 and then all of 2022.

            Still doubt anyone takes a chance with him because of the perception of his past….maybe a MLB pitching staff comes down with 3 or more sustained long term ILs during the course of a long season, they may petition the comissioner to look the other way.

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  19. Watch Abel today, I loved his offspeed pitch, I Think once he gets better command of curve, he will be up to help us,

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  20. I agree with everyone that Abel looked really good yesterday, which is impressive given that his FB is usually 2 to 3 MPH faster than it was today. He showed an assortment of breaking pitches that looked very effective and that it appeared he could control well. Rocco and I agree, but if he could, he’d thumbs down this comment anyway (yes, Rocco, I know it was you).

    Like

    3. I think what they are doing with Abel is the same thing that did with Sanchez. They are trying to get him to give up a little velocity in exchange for improving his command and control.

      It has worked out well so for Sanchez and now it sounds like he’s starting to throw the ball a bit harder. Hopefully Abel takes the same leap.

      Like

      1. Abel addressed his slight dip in velocity to one of the local writers. I read the article, it appeared the dip was unexpected but he was happy that he was able to pitch through it mixing in his other weapons.

        It is more likely, I think, that his velocity drop is a result of his recent illness. I would expect is velocity to improve over his next couple of starts. I guess we’ll see Saturday.

        Liked by 1 person

          1. Yes, of course. But the negative nellie bloggers will point to the lower velocity and make that an issue. I think Abel was just addressing the velocity drop before the writer(s) could make an issue of it. I just wanted to get out in front of it before it became a cause for concern here (visitors here do read all the Phillies stuff available to them out there) or before it was considered a master plan by the pitching coaches.

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  21. Mercado was a 2nd round Pick out of HS; McGarry a 5th rnd out of college. Perhaps inadvertently we allowed expectations for Griff to get a little far over their skis.

    In running a system of prospects the natural way of things is while one may disappoint another unexpected surprise fills the crack.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Romus…But he has pitched on the East Coast. It may come down to if he wants chance to win or not. Do not think Angels are going to be contenders. So, we will see what happens. Snell and Montgomery need to find homes soon to make at least a significant contribution to new team.

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    2. Living here, I hear Snell to Angels big time. Other than weather, not sure why he’d select the void that is Angels Stadium to play. Angels going no where fast. 

      Like

  23. Sounds as though Yankees have big concerns on Cole. Where did you see Phillies and Angels linked to Snell now? I saw it a week or so ago on Snell and Phillies.

    My biggest concern with Phillies is the strikeouts. I know the game is different today, but I do not like when you give double figure outs a game. That makes a team only being average on defense better than that. I like to see runners on base and make the defense have to make plays to get out of an inning. Standing there and watching guys swatting at flies does not do much of that. I chuckled at your Schwarber mendoza line reference. You are a funny guy.

    Like

    1. Don….about 10 days ago USA Today had the Phillies interested in a short-term deal with Snell. Later, The Athletic writing” the Phillies “never seriously discussed” signing Snell at any price“.

      I say he stays out West….with the Angels and the money Arte Moreno will offer.

      Like

  24. Getting hyped for the Spring Breakout game. Great idea to help grow the game imo. If your team is in a rebuilding phase, great way to engage fans, get them more invested into the big club

    Like

      1. I know that our farm is not well respected by national pub, but I like the top 6 guys a lot:
        1. Painter
        2. Abel
        3. Miller
        4. Crawford
        5. Kerkering
        6. Caba.

        And there are high upside other lottery tickets lower in the system.

        Liked by 2 people

        2. If you asked me to pick one player in our system (other than Aidan Miller) not named Painter who had superstar potential, I might pick Tait. The growth curve of 17 year-olds is impressive. If this kid continues to improve at a rapid rate, he could soon be a top 3 prospect here. Every time I check Steve Potter’s blog, it lists Tait getting an extra base hit. I wonder if he gets time in Clearwater this year – he a very exciting prospect.

          Liked by 1 person

      2. We’ll either win a WS or it will all come to head and a need to shed some payroll and try to regroup with youngsters.

        I know I was happy to see Marsh out in LF today. He’s going to be great out there and whoever ends up in CF I’ll be ok with but if it is Rojas the rest of the LU will have to pick up that offensive slack.

        I think in aggregate the NL is a lot better than it was last year. We may not survive a cold Schwarber or Turner or JT or Castellanos for long periods of time.

        And then you have Bohm Stott and Marsh who need to do at least what they did last year if not breakout.

        Like

        1. The first play in the first inning was a pop down the left field line that would have been a double if Schwarber were in there. So happy he’s healthy and hopefully ready for opening day. Ironic note, the posted lineup at the stadium was an opening day lineup but Schwarber was scratched as DH, Marsh moved to leadoff, and Merrifield inserted as DH. Merrifield tied the game with a HR.

          Matt Vierling hit two rockets off Nola, the only hard hit balls by the Tigers. I think. In the first inning he sent Rojas scrambling back to the wall in dead center who leaped to make the catch. He hit a solo HR a little deeper to the same spot his second at bat.

          Liked by 2 people

  26. I think I understand now why they didn’t go out and spend on the pen. Some of these arms in camp look like they can be effective middle inning guys.

    I don’t really like it but if Thomson likes the mix and match game during the regular season I can see it working. Maybe not in the playoffs but that’s a long ways off.

    Like

    1. With the pen…the need is to keep them fresh thru August/Sept…….tall order with how injuries creep in each year. That is why a guy like McGarry, if he can harness his control, could be a valuable piece later this year out of the pen.

      Like

  28. Huge pick-up by the Friars to get Cease. To my point that the NL is going to be competitive this year. The Dodgers easily get to 100+ wins but I’m not sure any other team does.

    The winner of the NL Central is likely to be sub 90 wins.

    The Phillies are going to have to be very cognizant of their head-head against the central and then the Pads and D-Backs.

    Like

      1. Giants could be better than last season I suppose but I’m looking at as Dodger 1 with 100+ wins and then the Pads and D-Backs 2 and 3 somewhere in the vicinity of 88-90 wins.

        Giants only won 79 games last season I’m not sure they are more than a game or two better than that.

        I guess if the Phillies are better than 90 wins there’s not much to worry about.

        Like

        1. DMAR…….Dodgers could easily reach the 110 game win mark….but I think they will have to outhit their opponents…..their starting pitching can be iffy, sans Yomamoto.

          Like

  29. Romus. Therapist yesterday tested wife and guess it is not the crystals. She did something where her eyes should have rolled back but did not. It is issue with inner ear but not sure. She goes back to regular doctor tomorrow. Her biggest issue is when she tries to reduce med dosage as they want the dizziness is bad again. Thanks for info you and others have sent and mentioned.

    Like

    2. Don…….I am sure the doctors will put your wife thru many more tests and imaging….even allergy tests. Good luck to her and hope she can find out what is going on.

      Like

  30. Rafe. Not sure. I know one of them had her get Garlic tablets the other day. She was also told eating more protein may help. It seems they are not sure what is causing the dizziness. But I am not a doctor. LOL I just listen. She is fine sitting or lying down. Only when she gets up and walks, she gets pretty wobbly.

    Like

    1. Don,

      I am no doctor either lol. Perhaps blood flow is part of the issue then? Anyhow, nicotinic acid / niacin increases blood flow and decreases pressure by dilation of blood vessels. Nicotinic Acid also flushes toxins as it is an agonist for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor sites that toxins or viruses occupy as antagonists, or so I think I recall. Anyhow, it is worth a shot, but I would start with 2mg or less of niacin / nicotinic acid and then slowly work up from there. If you take too much, a flushing effect can occur. It has happened to me and is an uncomfortable feeling. Nothing to really worry about though…just start with a small dosage…perhaps even 1mg. Personally, I buy nicotine patches as nicotine is vitamin B3 or niacin. I do that because it is slow release. However, I think slow release niacin in pill form would work just as well.

      Like

  32. Yesterday’s game , they showed Charlie Manual sitting up in a  special section, with that managerial pensive look, as he watched the Phillies take on the Tigers. Charlie is now 80-years old and enjoying the Florida sun and baseball.

    Like

    1. Yup – just what I said this morning – outside of Painter, he may be the one player in the system with the highest ceiling. 

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I just think, in the last 3 years, this organization has taken a huge step forward in terms of talent identification, particularly with respect to hitters. Sal Agostinelli was decent at finding pitchers. He was okay at finding middle infielders (and he found Chooch).  But he was not at all good at finding the types of hitters that move the needle – we either got big guys who couldn’t hit good pitching (Jhailyn Ortiz) or skinny little outfielders who could run and field but had zero projection as big league hitters (there are too many to count – Yhoshwar Garcia is a good example) – one after another in fact. It was infuriating.

      Like

      1. Sal also had plenty of $$$$$ to spend on the international kids thru the years, and that was a large disappointment when the kids never materialized into MLB players. The lower money offered kids seem to come out in the long run better off and able to progress to MLB status, ie Chooch, Ranger, Seranthony, Freddy and Cesar to name a few..

        Who knows why that was!

        Like

          1. …….not to mention Catch…….but could you make it sparkle or blink when a poster hits it 5 times?

            Like

  35. Come on, v1 – I love the Phillies as much as anyone on this site but can’t you see this generation of Phillies management doing the same as the Howard-Utley-Rollins management did. With all these over the top salaries, I see them keeping these players past their prime.

    Like

    1. No, I don’t see that. I see DD being amazingly disciplined not trading young prospects for high salaried veterans. I don’t see what you said at all.

      Like

  36. Whenever a big trade of elite veteran for prospects happens, I like to try to find comps to see if I would do the deal. So looking at the Cease trade.

    Drew Thorpe is the headliner. He was a big get for the Padres from the Soto trade. Not the headliner of that deal, but a big piece. He has big strikeout numbers and a 70 grade pitch (changeup). His 60 grade command makes his 91-94 mph fastball play up. He does NOT have Ace upside, but should be a legitimate #3 pitcher. Maybe a #2 type. He is ranked 85th in baseball. Phillies don’t really have a good pitching comp for Thorpe. IMO, Abel is a better prospect than Thorpe with a higher upside. If you go by top 100 player ranking, then Crawford at #77 is the closest they have. So let’s say Crawford is the comp from a total value here.

    Zavala is a 19yo Latam Prospect. Signed for $1.2m. He projects as a corner OF, so Caba is too valuable to be a comp. I guess Saltiban or Rincon is a fair comp.

    Jairo Iriarte is an intriguing LatAm arm. Mid 90s fastball. Good K rates. But high walk rates. As a comp, let’s say Wen Hui Pan.

    4th player is a 29yo bullpen guy.

    So the Phillies deal for Cease would be Crawford, Rincon and Pan. If you do this, then you have to flip Walker. I personally think that we could get a good veteran player for Walker or a legitimate prospect. He has been a 2.5 WAR starting pitcher the past 2 years.

    So you do that deal?

    Like

    1. You have Cease for 2 years – so it really depends on what you get for Walker to offset the time value of Crawford. But on the surface, I like the trade because Cease costs you, 8 M for one year + 1 year of arbitration – likely 15 M. = 23M. Walker costs you 36 M for 2 years (2024-25) and you save his 18M for 2026. So for Crawford you save 13 M + get hopefully a player with an equal amount of time/value and you save 18 M more - but you have surrendered a backup infielder and likely a bullpen piece. Overall you save 31 M over 3 years, get a better pitcher, hopefully swap Crawford for an equal time/value piece for Walker, but lose 2 players who are possibly redundant. I say do it. By 2026 – hopefully Painter would take Walker’s slot.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Sox wanted one or two top of the line pitching prospects…….more than likely Abel ilo of Crawford would move the needle for Chris Getz…and maybe just one more prospect and that older BP arm.

      Like

    3. Honestly tough call on this one, because I would love to have Cease, but I’d rather have Clause or Duran. I don’ think the Phils have enough resources to trade for both and keep their payroll down without being able to plug in young talent. for that reason, I’d pass and focus on the lockdown Closer piece, then will in around the margins at the deadline. 

      I see a big jump for Sanchez with his increase velocity/control. Thats a good reason and I really believe Painter or Abel can take that 5th spot and produce well beyond a “5th starter”. Gotta pass since my focus is elsewhere but it is very very tempting.

      Like

      1. Duran was an example, as he’s likely not available, but Clause I believe could be had for a heavy price.

        Like

  37. You guys are aware aren’t you that Sal Agostinelli has been part of the “huge step forward the past three years”. He was in charge of the international market until this past December. That means that Tait, Caba, and the current signing class which includes Jalvin Arias et alia all fall under his legacy. The way baseball recruits internationally, the next 2-3 years may also fall under his legacy.

    The Phillies top 32 prospects (players ranked by MLB, BA, …) includes:

    17 draft picks (Painter, Abel, Aiden Miller, Crawford, Kerkering, Saltiban, Rincon, Rincones, McGarry, McFarlane, McGowan, Boyd, TJayy Walton, Ricketts, Hettiger, Ethan Wilson, Klassen),

    1 NDFA (CDLC),

    1 free agent (Muzziotti),

    10 international free agents (Caba, Tait, Bergolla, Pan, Heredia, Aldegheri, ADLC, Arias, NPG, Escobar), and

    3 trades (Robert Moore Hendry Mendez, and Michael Mercado).

    By comparison the Dodgers have 13 IFA in their top30, the Yankees have 11.

    Like

    1. Yep. That’s true. So do you think the change in leadership (DD and Mattingly) has given different direction to Sal on what to look for? Why do you think this crop is better than any prior? Or do you not believe that they are?

      Like

      1. Yeah, that’s interesting. Look, I am not a Sal hater by any means, and if he’s hit on some guys recently, that’s great. But he has a long track record here, so it’s fair to judge his overall body of work. Up until around 2010 or so, he had the excuse that the team didn’t invest a lot in international prospects – it was true and it tied his hands. But once they started investing more, he didn’t seem to hit on many more prospects than he once did. On the whole, I’d probably give him a C+/B- – not bad and with some high points, but not outstanding either and, for outfield prospects, really, the grade was an F – basically zero hits in over 20 years. If you think that’s unfair, well, where is our Juan Soto, or Ronald Acuna, Jr., or even any second division regular? Nothing.

        Like

    2. The other aspect of the international signing scene/market…especially when it came to the DR…….the Phillies IMO played strictly above board, no under-the-table dealings…..that cannot be said for the Braves, Sox, Dodgers, Yankees and Padres…all given reprimands/warnings and penalties for unethical maneuvering in signing LA kids over the last decade or so.

      Like

      1. Sal transcends so many different GMs and a major managing partner change. Its really hard to pin much on him IMO.

        And I don’t know but maybe Jim does any amount above a certain threshold there are likely to be more than just Sal’s eyes on such a kid.

        Like

        1. Ethan Salas who was born in Florida before moving to Venezuela, had his chance to join the pro ranks and did so with even more fanfare. Ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 1 international prospect for 2023, Salas signed with the Padres for $5.6 million in January, taking nearly all of the organization’s $5,825,500 base signing pool.

          A 5 tool catcher supposedly…

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Both Salas and Tait are of the same age…both born in 2006…yikes. It will be interesting watching them go thur the minor leagues and seeing how they compare to each other.

            Like

  38. I was really intrigued by the Pirates/Orioles breakout game last night. I mean just for the Skenes Holiday match-up alone.

    I’m not sure but I don’t think we’ve seen anything like Skenes in some time. The rest of it was somewhat lackluster but last season produced some of the best near ready MLB talent in recent history.

    I expect Skenes to be up real quick as well as Dylan Crews and Wyatt Langford. Rhett Lowder could also be up with the Reds but maybe much later in the season. 

    And then there is Nolan Schanuel who made it to the MLB last season with the Angels.

    Like

  39. Tait … I like what i see. Obviously a short clip but seeing a catcher go the opposite field … twice! With authority is eye popping. On top of that he pulled a ball down the middle. Impressive short clip, if that keeps up… Panama is a Catcher factory for the Phillies. If he can top it off with Coach’s clutch factor, look out. 

    Liked by 1 person

  40. Anyone heard from Hinkie or any update? I checked Twitter and his last post there was mid-January?

    Like

    1. I think nobody has heard – and I think it’s a wonderful testament to our community here that people noticed and care so much. Let’s all pray he is alright and is just distracted by more enjoyable things in life. 

      Liked by 1 person

    1. If the past few drafts are an indication where Dombrowski and the Phillies will go, ….high school talent….it will look like more of the same for thei Rule 4. And assuming the Phillies get to the play-offs again….they probably will be drafting around the mid to late 20s, Though, it would be nice if they drafted 30th. From the MLB list,  HS names that pop up around that selection area,   right now,  are RHP Ryan Sloan, LHP Noah Franco, RHP William Schimdt or inf.Caleb Bonemer.

      https://www.mlb.com/prospects/draft/

      Like

  42. West Coast. I keep looking every day as well. The last post I saw was in mid-January as well. Hoping we hear soon from him. He had a comment regarding Yamamoto was the last I saw.

    Romus. You are always so in tune with what is going on. Nice work.

    Like

    1. Don….hoping the Phillies can over-slo a bit in the 2nd or 3rd round and draft a local kid from CB East HS…3B Chase Harlan…ranked 100 right now.

      You know he and famly are big Phillies fans….appears they named him after Chase Utley…as that was a trend back 17/18 years ago.

      As Harry once said, “Chase , you are da man!”

      Like

      1. Kevin McGonigle out of Monsignor Bonner went 37th over all last year and had a strong start to his career 315/452/863 OPS. He was featured many times on Sportsnet and credited 26 with how he models his game.

        Another Chase from the region Chase Petty who went over to the Reds in the Sonny Gray trade is performing nicely so far. Pitched most of last season at Hi A then finished at AA. He’s 20 now.

        And a Holy Ghost Prep product Nolan Jones had a breakout season with the Rockies last year.

        So the area does produce some talent.

        Like

  43. Romus. I just have on MLB for a minute. They just showed a graphic of prospects. They had Max Clark at 13. Is that in the top 100 or is it another ranking. They showed the pics of the players. Just caught the end of it. Thanks.

    Like

  44. I see. So, will he play against Phillies or has that already taken place? I pointed out Max few times this winter when discussion came up on grandson. Showed them a few of the Max Preps pages where the two were listed above and below each different times last Spring.

    Like

    1. Yes he is playing…….tomorrow….1:05 p.m. ET – Phillies @ Tigers….and also at the same time, the Phillies major league team will visit the Marlins in a Grapefruit League game that starts at 1:10 p.m. ET.

      Like

  45. Nice. I see they are showing Prospect games on MLB today. Will Philles be on it or somewhere else? Philles were on different times early but have not been on lately. So just wondering. Back when Dan Held was the head of the Bulls, he had all the teams practice one night a week with each other. So, it has been several years since I have seen him in person. He was two years ahead of grandson and once games started teams were everywhere around complex. But Max was always a notch above everyone else.

    Like

  46. Murray. Thank you. I am not a streaming person so not exactly sure how to do it. I have Paramount+ on my IU site but have not figured out how to use it. Maybe they will have it on MLB network. I would like to see Phillies youngsters and Max Clark as well.

    Like

  47. Just seeing now that the Braves vs Red Sox are the 1 o’clock game tomorrow. On MLB Network. Oh well.

    Like

  48. Anyone else worried about the pitching of T Walker? He got rocked today in the minor league camp scrimmage.

    Like

  49. Soon time to open the throttle up and get ready for the season. Today’s game through the 7th a real puker! Mighty offense, 2 singles by the starting ss and 2b man. Not going to be hard to weed some of these guys out at all.

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    1. Trouble with spring training, the home team has mostly regulars while the travel team brings maybe 2 or 3 regulars or semi-regulars along.

      Like

    1. 12 days left,, I think Lehigh Valley would be a good place to put him. It might light a fire in him. Start Pache in center at the same time and see if there is anything there. Evaluate them both at the same time. The question in both of them is the bat. Let one of the other guys who have been hitting play and see if they can sustain it. Just a thought.

      Like

  52. Phillies sign Luplow, another anemic outfield bat, to matchup with the other Mendoza line outfielders they have. Makes it easier for Thomson to mix and match.

    Like

  53. I went to the game last night. When I’m down in West Palm, I live a mile and a half from the Nationals/Astros site. Games on the east coast are not well attended except for the Mets and Cardinals. Cardinals fans come down for the entire season. 

    The five teams on this side play each other six times. That’s a total of 24 games. The remaining six home games are sprinkled the teams that play on the gulf coast and those in the middle of the state. Ticket prices have skyrocketed.

    The Phillies came here two years ago. Before that, they last came in 2010. I went to the game at Roger Dean in Jupiter where the Marlins/Cardinals train the first day the Phils were here. The next day, the game was rained out. Just my luck.

    I walked to the game. Parking costs $12. Two years ago, lawn seats were $15; now they are $35. Twenty ounces of draft beer is $13. Food prices have gone up considerably but those who can afford to go to the game can afford to pay for food.

    The game was fairly dull. Attendance was just under 7,000 which is about double the normal turnout. The vast majority of the crowd were draped in Phillies red. It was good that the game was late in spring training so more “name” players came.

    Nine of the ten Phillies players had Major League backgrounds and yet they couldn’t muster anything against Blanco, the Astros starter. Their first hit was a bouncer to right by Turner who had already whiffed twice. Stott followed with a hard hit. Then, a DP.

    The Astros peppered Sanchez for 8 hits in 2.1 innings and totaled 15 hits for the night. This wasn’t even their A team: no Altuve, Abraeu, Tucker, McCormack. The only other hard hit the Phillies got was a double by Clemens very late in the game.

    Heading out to see the boys play the Marlins in Jupiter today and hoping for a better result. Realistically, just having them come over to this side of the state is really a treat. I just hope that they don’t strike out as much as last night and put the bat on the ball.

    Like

  54. Robin. Thanks, on the ESPN+. Of course I do not. I have all the others. It was like so many of the Big10 games this season were on Peacock. Another one I do not have.

    Like

  55. Thanks Romus. I do catch some of the replays from time to time. I looked last night on my satellite to see if I could find an Astros feed. Do you get most of the Spring games on tv in Philly. Plus, I have really been gone a lot recently. Wife is best today she has been. But that happened once last week. Lots of people are telling her she may have this off and on the rest of her life.

    BTW check out Max Clark today if you get a chance. Nice for Indiana kids to do well.

    Like

    1. Don……..NBC Sporstnet will carry most home games from Clearwater….when the team goes on the road they usually do not carry any games….people may be able to LiveStream them, I do not. Then there are the few on the MLB Network when they are away.

      Like

  56. Romus. I hear guys discussing the game and think they were not in Florida so just wondered. That is nice. MLB had 3 or 4 Phillies games early. Think Yankees and Blue Jay a couple times. At night I click over at times to see what replay may be on. Been watching IU BB but done now after only losing by about 30 to Nebraska last night. IU is a dumpster fire at the moment.

    Like

  57. The Phillies spring breakout game is streaming on SI.com fan nation. Just google Phillies spring breakout and you should be able to find it.

    Like

  58. Watched Mick Abel pitch 2 innings and was really not impressed. He was hovering around 93-95, threw some curveballs, changeups, sliders and nothing flashed plus although the curveball looked nice. His command wasn’t great either. That HR he threw to Jung was an off speed pitch almost center cut. At this point, he’s looking like 3/4 pitcher. He needs to throw 95+ like Michael Mercado. Mercado was airing it out. Not sure why the Phillies are giving 2 innings to Mercado, he’s a 1 inning guy.

    Like

  59. Romus. Watching little of the Braves vs Red Sox. See on scroller that Merrifield has 2 hits. He has been doing pretty well hasn’t he in these games. Also, noticed all of these kids have their names so maybe they get to keep these jerseys from this game. That would be nice.

    Like

  60. Griff McGarry pitched one inning and for the most part, he didn’t look that bad. He was hovering around 94-96, and threw some decent pitches aside from the BP slider that he threw to Jung who took it for a ride. Don’t get me wrong, he threw some really non-competitive pitches but there’s something there. McGarry needs to spend the entire season at Lehigh and get comfortable with his new release.

    Like

  61. Romus. Thanks. He is the real deal. Has been for some time. Trying to think who from Indiana would have been the most recent player at his level. He might be the best potentially. Did they think when he might make it? I have not seen him for a long time in person. But he always had it factor even in the young days. Bryan Bullington was the 1-1 pick by Pirates, but he was a pitcher. I told you I had played against his dad during my days. Rolen might actually be the closet sure thing to Clark that Indiana has produced. Sure, there is someone I am forgetting. I hope he does well.

    Like

    1. Don…Yes…Scot Rolen would also be my guess. Tiger announcers were pretty good….briefly also hyped the Phillies prospects as well as their own. They did not mention how long Clark would be in the minors….since he is 19 years pld, assume it will be 2/3 years at least….unlesss he does a Mike Trout or something close.

      And Tait at 17, looks like a 24- year old …solidly built….probably does not run that well based on his leg size, but he swings a mean violent bat for sure….when he makes contact look out.

      Like

  62. DD said today, “I’m not calling him a starter yet, but we are going to begin stretching him out” MLB — Zolecki excerpted.

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  63. Romus. How did the teams play today? The young kids. What pick was Rolen for the Phillies? I know it was pretty high his year. He had a chance I believe to play basketball at Georgia, I think. He was a really good basketball player as well.

    Like

    1. Don,…Rojas hit well, he may be picking it up now. And Rolen was third round pick..Indiana basketball player of the year I think, or first team all-star, his senior year in HS.

      Like

  66.  “OK, what’s best for us? What’s best for the kid?”…….does sound like it is AAA to start for Rojas……Kevin Long will probably be the guy to make any suggestions, one way or another.

    And so with that…Rojas had a good game yesterday at the plate,,,,if he could get hot this last week he will make the decision a very difficult one…though my guess is LHV for a few months. He has been a slow starter in the past, so if he rakes at LHV then he is back up.

    Like

  67. “Good pitchers throw strikes that start out as balls and balls that start out as strikes.”

    A scout once told me this and now it is all that I look for when I watch a pitcher. Aaron Nola is the master of this, which is why he is so elite even though his fastball averages 92.8 MPH. Watch these 5 pitches from Nola. Particularly watch the 2nd strikeout. That is a fastball that the batter takes because it starts out in the opposing batters box, but has arm side run into the zone. That’s un-hittable. Velocity is irrelevant when you have that much ASR.

    https://x.com/SportsRadioWIP/status/1767984660913570213?s=20

    Mick Abel has great run on his fastball. He gets a lot of swing and misses because his pitches start as strikes and end outside the zone, or vice versa. He looked great at the breakout game yesterday:

    https://x.com/ReadingFightins/status/1769062849265983857?s=20

    Now watch these three strikeout pitches from McGarry. Particularly watch the first and 3rd strikeout, because those are both on the fastball. What I see is a pitch that starts out as a strike and stays perfectly straight on the same plane to end as a strike. Last week I made a controversial post that McGarry won’t be an MLB pitcher. I said that my concern was with his strikes not his balls. This is what I was referring to. IMO, that is not a fastball that will get MLB hitters out. The velocity is irrelevant. Any MLB hitter can time up a 95 MPH fastball. The ball has to have some movement. Either horizontal or vertical (I.e. a sinker) to stay off the barrel of an MLB hitter. If he is going to re-invent himself, I would suggest taking some velocity off and figuring out how to get more run on his fastball but doing so in a way that he can command.

    https://x.com/PhilsPlayerDev/status/1764034083489812579?s=20

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  68. Romus. Rolen was an Indiana All Star. Forget who was Mr. Basketball his year. I goofed there. Thought he was a first-round pick by Phillies. So at least the initial projection of Clark may be higher. But Rolen ended up HOF so Max has a long way to go. High school season begins a week from tomorrow here in Indiana. So, we will see how that goes.

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  69. Yesterday’s spring breakout game was the poster child of why being age appropriate matters in the minors. The Tigers first 2 pitchers were 25 year old Brant Hurter and 24 year old Ty Madden. The Phillies starting 9 had CDL (24), Ricketts (23), Rincones Jr. (23). The rest were 20 and younger. Hurter particularly made Tait look foolish by throwing him sliders that Tait has likely never seen before at that level.

    Then with the bases loaded and 1 out, the Tigers bought in 27 year old Adam Wolf to face Rincones. And Rincones made contact up the middle which was great, until the Tigers shifted against him and had the SS positioned next to the 2B bag. This turned into a very easy double play.

    So as much as I wanted to see the Phillies perform well, the odds were plenty stacked against them and was really not indicative of their abilities. The standouts were Crawford and Miller. They both looked relaxed at the plate and had a feel for the strike zone. It’s not a coincidence that they both are in the top 100 for the Phillies. Wanted to see more from Caba, I think he held his own considering he’s 18. He had a really nice backhand play at 2B.

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    1. Agree in every point, Caba was handling 97 mph just fine.

      I was kind of worried of Abel throwing change ups very high in the zone, his velo was mostly 94-96, he seems to be recovering from illness.

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      1. I hope he was recovering, Abel needs the velocity to make his off speed pitches better. Even after 3 years in the system, Abel (age 22) is by far not a finished product. He needs to stay healthy at Lehigh, get his 25+ starts, and we’ll see how he is at end of the season.

        I was impressed with 22 year old Sam Aldegheri. His velocity was around 93 which is fine for lefties and he seems to have a feel for changing speeds. He won’t be a top prospect but I can see him contributing in a few years.

        I wasn’t impressed with Jean Cabrera. He has the arm but I doubt he knows where the pitches are going.

        Liked by 1 person

  70. Guru. Your last two sentences remind me of a guy back in college. We all kidded the pitch had 3 options. Down the middle. Down your side. Foot or so behind you. He was a lefty and threw hard. He had no idea where it was going. LOL

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  71. NBC Sports for some bizarre reason decided that we really needed to hear Mike Schmidt comment on a spring training game. Please, Lord, make them stop. He has nothing to say. He walks into the booth without any preparation and then makes comments that make it clear he hasn’t given any thought to anything since last season–if, that is, he actually had any thoughts last season. He seems particularly amazed at this new thing called a “sweeper.”

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    2. I’ll just be glad when I don’t have to hear anymore Blue Jays broadcasts of ST Phillies games. Buck Martinez has the most annoying old man’s voice ever – he makes me want to throw a shoe at the TV.

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      2. Haha, now you know the truth! The Jays announcers are easily top 5 worst in baseball. My buddy, the Jays fan, hates them with a passion.

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        1. And if I have to hear him say “Vladdy” in his old man’s voice again, I swear to God I’ll strangle him (I don’t care that he’s old – hell, so am I – it’s that he sounds like your Grandpa telling you stories about how baseball was played in the olden days when baseball was played the “right” way). If I were a Blue Jay fan, I would go insane. I thought the old days when we had Sarge and Wheels were bad (let’s be honest, they were awful, and they brought Tom McCarthy’s game down two notches as well), but hearing them is totally intolerable.

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  72. Guys. They had to get Schmitty in regular season form. He is similar to many of the guys you see pop in for teams from time to time. Lots of times he references the game of the 70s. The game was so much different back in his days. ”Sweeper” was here last year so he just has slept too many times since last Fall.

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  73. Seeing Wheeler tabbed for Opening Day. Anyone surprised with that. Basically, have two number 1 guys.

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    1. Not really, Wheeler is the better pitcher, also makes more money, had accomplished more in his career and has the personality that appreciates this more while Nola is unassuming and would take a #2 better.

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  74. Romus……kid you about your age…..Washington crossing the Delaware and all that from time to time, but do you remember your first ball glove? 

    Mine had 2 strands of leather attached from the forefinger to the thumb. Nothing connected the fingers. My first good glove was a Karl Spooner model, now play that back…..and I was a 2nd basemen. When I got the “Spooner” my brother got my first one. 

    One day I smoked a liner at him and he caught it in the 2 strands. It took about 10 minutes to get the ball out. We didn’t have radar then, but I’m sure the exit velocity was 105 mph.

    Anyway, what prompted this reminisce, watching the Phillies and the Jay’s 1B man, he has a glove the circumference of a peach basket (that’s what we bought them in), how does anyone miss a ball with their glove hand today?

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      1. Little League……..remember the uniforms were wool, guess they didn’t want us to get cold………in June & July? Not to mention the raspberries wool gives when sliding into 3rd. Somewhere”Edith” is singing…….Those were the days!

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        1. You guys are so funny. I remember my stuff. I was a farm kid, so my mom let me sell eggs and that is what I used to buy my gloves, bats and baseballs. My Dick’s back in the day was Western Auto. I had not seen that name till the Chiefs parade and behind the scenes you could see huge building with Western Auto name. When I was in 3rd grade, I hurt my left knee and had like 35 stitches. Of course, I slid on that knee and the skin never got strong. For years I tore it up and finally learned to wrap it. I bet I still have those upstairs in the attic in a box. I started as a 9 on a 12-year-old team. I always played against older kids. Always thought that made me better. Skeet those were the days.

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  75. In the breakout game Miller came up with the bases loaded and had a great AB. Even the called strike 3 was low in a 3-2 count.  I noticed that Thursday night Orioles/Pirates game the Batters, Pitcher or Catcher could challenge a pitch call.

    We would have definitely challenged that pitch and got it. Miller would of had a BB with an RBI added to his line.

    I’ve never watched a game on my phone before but that game called for me to give it a try. I will never do it again LOL.

    If they want Mercado to start he has a long way to go. He was losing a few ticks off his FB after just one IP.

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    1. I think they have a new, and unexpected, toy in Mercado and they are just trying to see the limits of what he can do. He’s got a lot of upside potential, even if it’s just in the bullpen.

      Liked by 1 person

  76. I am seeing that Harper is having some back issues. Is this something to be concerned about? My thought is not good because of how vicious he swings.

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  77. Snell to Giants for only 2 years at $31m AAV. Wow. Really low contract. If that’s the market then Montgomery should be even lower AAV for similar length?

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    1. These short, one-year opt out deals (Snell can opt out after the first year), are the new style of “pillow” contract for players who don’t get long term deals. 

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  78. I’m going to the Saturday game in the opening series so unless the Nola’s have their baby that is who I should be seeing. It feels like the Braves have seen so much of Nola its hard for him to get through their LU.

    Last year we went to the Saturday game and Falter went toe to toe with Lodolo. What a difference a year makes.

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  79. Jim I see Kerkering is sidelined due to illness. I’m wondering what type of Illness might keep a player down for over 3 weeks?

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    1. I listened to DD on WIP this morning. The flu bug has hit the entire clubhouse hard and has seriously impaired the team’s ST preparations. Several players are behind or their performance has been adversely affected by the Flu. It has apparently affected Kerkering and it could very well cost Rojas a spot on the team because he’s so far behind. I believe it also affected Abel and McGarry, among others.

      I must say, this drives me crazy. We all know that the likelihood that any of these players got flu shots is extremely low. And this flu bug thing is not an isolated incident – it seems to happen every couple of years at ST. I realize that the team cannot force players to get flu shots, but, dammit, they should be begging players to get them before ST starts and provide the shots themselves the first day of ST for anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated. Perhaps they already encourage this – but it seems unlikely.

      If all the players (or nearly all the players) had been vaccinated, this probably would not have been a big deal.

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      1. This might be one of thee most incendiary comments I’ve ever seen you post Catch.

        You have no idea how many of the players received a flu shot.

        If we had a thumbs down button I would have clicked it!

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        1. In the past, when I received the flu shot, I got the flu. I know longer get the flu shot as to do so would be illogical as I would be ignoring my own experience.

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        2. I’m a little surprised at your response. Do you really think most of these players were vaccinated or that flu would have overrun the team if most were? That makes no sense to me, although you are entitled to your position.

          And, of course, I do not know for sure. And, yes, as someone noted, it’s still possible to get the flu when you get the shot (although it’s much less likely and, if you get the shot, the symptoms tend to be much more mild). And, yes, the team cannot “control” this – the players have a right to get the shot or not get the shot.

          I am just looking at what I view to be a problem that was likely much worse than it needed to be and that the team should recognize this is an issue (this happens every few years at ST – almost like clockwork) and try to do its best to reduce this risk in the future (to be clear, I am not blaming the team – it’s not their fault). 

          I’m not suggesting you’re an anti-vax person, but why should trying to get players the flu shot be controversial?

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          1. I don’t see recommending it as controversial unless pressure is being utilized to softly coerce that action. Each player has a right to choose what to do with his body. If you don’t have sovereignty over your body, what does that portend? Also, if we are being honest, why do you think what you think about vaccines? The answer is that you trust a perceived authority and have accepted the consensus reality as your reality. What that means is that you have abdicated your own personal responsibility for your health / your body to an authority outside yourself. The motivation behind your action of getting vaccinated is rooted in what I stated in addition to the catalyst for being vaccinated in the first place which is fear. So, lack of accepting personal responsibility and then the emotion of fear is what drives action. Are good decisions made when made in fear? Also, consider the position that the team puts itself when recommending medical action? Does the team have a license to practice medicine? Perhaps they would be inviting themselves to be liable in the event one of their employees decides to sue them? As for putting labels on people like “anti-vax”, what good does that accomplish? Instead of discussing things logically, it elicits an emotional response which shuts down legitimate logical discourse.

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            1. Rafe:

              “lso, if we are being honest, why do you think what you think about vaccines? ”

              Uh, you know, science. You want to see kids getting measles and polio and Tetanus again? Please.

              “The answer is that you trust a perceived authority and have accepted the consensus reality as your reality.”

              Uh no, see the first answer. I am not accepting this conspiracy theory.

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          2. It came across as rather strong IMO. I’m neither for or against vaxing I recognize it as a personal decision is all.

            Maybe it was more your presumption without any factual knowledge that this occurred because players are not getting their flu shots.

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  80. v1. See this morning that Montgomery might want to now wait till season starts so team cannot put a QO on him. Really close now so probably he sees that as his best option.

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    1. Not a bad thing for a player that pitched deep into the playoffs and logged more IP than he had previously in his career.

      Also not a stretch to see that a team well positioned to be more concerned about Sept-Oct-Nov would step up in June for him.

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      1. DMAR….rule change on free agency signings of QO candidates, where the signing does not forfeit draft picks or international money.

        Article XX-Reserve System

        B. Free Agency

        4..Compensation:…p.104

         (a) A Qualified Free Agent shall be subject to compensation only if: (i) his former Club tenders him a Qualifying Offer pursuant to paragraph (3) of this Section B; (ii) the Player declines the Qualifying Offer or signs a contract with another Major League Club prior to the expiration of the Acceptance Period; and (iii) the Player signs a Major League contract with another Major League Club that is confirmed by the Players Association and the LRD on or before the day prior to the next succeeding Major League Rule 4 Draft (“Rule 4 Draft”).

        So…….if the Rule-4 draft is in July as expected now–at the all-star break-…teams may have to wait to July.

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        1. Romus…You are a good mover on guy. Just kidding. Article did not say how long he might have to wait. It said he did not want a QO put on him after this coming season. There were no dates mentioned. So, I am not expert.

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          1. Don…in the older days the Rule 4 draft was held in June….so 24 hours before the draft the QO-signing penalty was nullified for a signing team….they have now moved the Rule 4 draft to mid-July….at the all-star break, so a team will have to wait until mid-July to sign a QO free agent according to the latest CBA….if they want to avoid forfeiting draft picks or inter. money.

            Who knows …..the commissioner could have an amendment to it, ..and move that date up to benefit player and the signing team….as long as MLBPA agrees with him, which they would not oppose I would think.

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  81. Romus…as I read article Montgomery was not QO this year. I am not sure on that. But his point was that if he waited till the start of the season to sign that team cannot put a QO on him at the end of this season. Something may have been left out but that is how I read it this morning. So not sure if the June or July dates are relevant. But I do not know.

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    1. Don…you are correct …Montgomery did not receive a QO…..so all bets are off. And if waits then correct, he does not get one in Nov. He is the last of Boras top four now to be out there.

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  82. Romus. So, it is to his benefit to wait a week or so now. I have no idea what kind of AAV he may get at this time. Probably just one year.

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