Phillies Discussion 3/11/2025

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Phillies Spring Training continues to plod to its conclusion.  The Phillies came into camp with very few roster questions.  Maybe one or two slots in the bullpen and maybe the same regarding the bench.  Injuries to Matt Strahm and Westin Wilson have likely guaranteed that the questions for both are now two.

The Phillies have begun optioning and reassigning players to minor league spring training.  So far, none of the NRI pitchers pose a threat to any pitcher on the 40-man roster.  And some of the pitchers on the “40” pose little threat to the pitchers expected to be on the opening day roster.  The same could be said for the position players.  Although, several are playing well in their chance to impress – Kemp, Arroyo, and Rincones each have an OPS over 1.000, Kroon is at .865.  Kemp, Rincones, and Kroon have been reassigned to minor league camp.

Potential bench guys like Clemens, Kennedy, Stubbs, Rojas, and Sosa are all having solid springs.  With Wilson’s oblique and Rojas’ shoulder, it looks like Kennedy and Clemens have solidified their claims to two of the bench roles.  Sosa has always been expected to claim one spot.  And the backup catcher role will likely go to the incumbent, Stubbs.

Yeah, I know that isn’t a popular opinion here.  But, if Marchan was the elite defensive talent some here believe he is, then he wouldn’t be so hard to move in a trade.  In fact, he would have been an Angel by now, but they insisted on Logan O’Hoppe.

I admit that I assumed that Marchan would be the backup because he was out of options and Stubbs has one.  But, I was told that would not matter weeks before Thomson began stating that any time he was asked in an interview.  And it won’t matter that Stubbs has put up better numbers so far in a small spring sample.  It will come down to who the pitchers like to throw to.  Stubbs is very involved in pre-game pitching strategies even in the games he is destined to be a spectator.  To date, Marchan has 4 starts and has caught Crismatt, Walker, Luzardo, and Abel.  Stubbs has 5 starts and has caught Phillips, Sanchez, Wheeler, Nola, and Sanchez again.

A few observations –

  • Alec Bohm is really swinging the bat well.  Thank god the Phillies couldn’t find a trade partner this past winter.
  • Gabriel Rincones has tremendous power.  There’s a part of me that wonders if the Phillies shouldn’t have penciled him in at left field and used the savings to bolster the bullpen.
  • Aroon Escobar also has tremendous power.
  • Escobar also made a terrific play on a ball to his left at second base and started a double play.
  • Aiden Miller made a perfect turn on that double play.  I still haven’t seen him anywhere other than SS during fielding practices.
  • Otto Kemp is a solid player.  He is the type of player who would have gone north with the Phillies a few years ago when they were still a second division team.  I would play him at second base at Lehigh just in case Stott backslides again this season.
  • The SP5 have looked good every time I’ve seen them.  I missed the 2 blowouts last week.
  • The same cast of characters who chased pitches out of the zone last season are still doing it.
  • In spite of what I said above, I think I would keep Marchan as the backup and have Stubbs as depth at Lehigh.

Important Dates

  • March 3, 2025: Opening of Minor League Spring Training Camp.
    • March 13, 2025: vs Blue Jays @ the Carpenter Complex at 1:00PM
    • March 14, 2025: Spring Breakout vs Pirates @ Baycare Ballpark at 1:05PM
    • March 17, 2025: vs Tigers A/High A @ the Carpenter Complex at 1:00PM
    • March 18, 2025: vs Blue Jays AAA/AA @ the Carpenter Complex at 1:00PM
    • March 19, 2025: Camp Day
    • March 20, 2025: vs Blue Jays A/High A @ the Carpenter Complex at 1:00PM
    • March 21, 2025: vs Yankees AAA/AA @ the Carpenter Complex at 1:00PM
    • March 22, 2025: vs Blue Jays A/High A @ the Carpenter Complex at 1:00PM
    • March 23, 2025: AAA Lehigh Valley breaks camp
    • March 23, 2025: vs Tigers AA @ the Carpenter Complex at 1:00PM
    • March 24, 2025: Camp Day
    • March 25, 2025: vs Tigers A/High A @ the Carpenter Complex at 1:00PM
    • March 26, 2025: vs Yankees AA @ the Carpenter Complex at 1:00PM
    • March 27, 2025: vs Tigers AA @ the Carpenter Complex at 1:00PM
    • March 28, 2025: Camp Day
    • March 29, 2025: Camp breaks for AA/High A/A teams
  • March 27, 2025: Phillies season opener at Washington
  • March 31, 2025: Phillies home opener
  • Note: These dates will be used unless/until notified differently.

Transactions – those in italics are game day assignments during ST

March 2025
3/11/2025 – Phillies optioned RHP Mick Abel to Lehigh Valley
3/11/2025 – Phillies reassigned C Paul McIntosh to minor league camp
3/11/2025 – Phillies reassigned INF Otto Kemp to minor league camp
3/11/2025 – Phillies reassigned OF Matt Kroon to minor league camp
3/11/2025 – Phillies reassigned Gabriel Rincones to minor league camp
3/10/2025 – C Lou Albrecht assigned to Phillies
3/10/2025 – Phillies optioned RHP Seth Johnson to Lehigh Valley
3/10/2025 – Phillies optioned RHP Alan Rangel to Lehigh Valley
3/09/2025 – Phillies reassigned RHP Austin Schulfer to minor league camp
3/08/2025 – Phillies optioned RHP Max Lazar to Lehigh Valley
3/08/2025 – Phillies optioned RHP Jean Cabrera to Reading
3/08/2025 – Phillies optioned RHP Moisés Chace to Reading
3/08/2025 – Phillies reassigned RHP Griff McGarry to minor league camp
3/07/2025 – C Eduardo Tait assigned to Phillies
3/05/2025 – C Kodey Shojinaga assigned to Phillies
3/05/2025 – LF Ethan Wilson assigned to Phillies
3/02/2025 – C Luke Davis assigned to Phillies
3/02/2025 – C Jared Thomas assigned to Phillies
3/02/2025 – C Jordan Dissin assigned to Phillies
3/02/2025 – 3B Luis Verdugo assigned to Phillies
3/02/2025 – SS Erick Brito assigned to Phillies
3/02/2025 – OF Hendry Mendez assigned to Phillies
3/02/2025 – RHP Daniel Harper assigned to Phillies
3/02/2025 – LHP Braeden Fausnaught assigned to Phillies
3/02/2025 – SS Juan Villavicencio assigned to Phillies
3/02/2025 – LF TJayy Walton assigned to Phillies
3/02/2025 – C Luis Caicuto assigned to Phillies
3/02/2025 – RHP Albertt Medina assigned to DSL Phillies White
3/01/2025 – 2B Aroon Escobar assigned to Phillies
3/01/2025 – OF Dante Nori assigned to Phillies
3/01/2025 – 1B Keaton Anthony assigned to Phillies

February 2025
2/28/2025 – RHP Nelson L. Alvarez assigned to Phillies
2/28/2025 – RHP Charles King assigned to Phillies
2/28/2025 – SS Bryan Rincon assigned to Phillies
2/28/2025 – RHP Brandon Beckel assigned to Phillies
2/28/2025 – RHP Jack Dallas assigned to Phillies
2/27/2025 – IF Kelly Dugan assigned to Phillies
2/27/2025 – SS Carson DeMartini assigned to Phillies

217 thoughts on “Phillies Discussion 3/11/2025”

  1. Anyone see Abel pitch in ST? How was velo? I heard a few poor defensive plays made his stat line look worse than it was. Any other reports on him?

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    1. 95-96 mph (per Steve Potter). He also threw 25 strikes in 37 pitches (67.6% strike rate). This is a pretty good rate and higher than last season for Abel. This is a good sign since command has recently been a problem. Holding velo past the first inning has also been a problem. Can’t really tell that much about this from a ten batter sample.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. With Abel, I sometimes wonder if they are primarily focused on him executing pitches and are asking him not to overthrow while he works on this, much as they apparently did with Christopher Sanchez. Ultimately, I think there’s a decent chance that Abel goes to the BP, but agree that having him work as a starter for now, is worth it until it becomes clear that he has no path forward there.

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  2. Jim ….. thanks for the new week and the write-ups on the guys assigned to minor league camp. As you hinted, wish there was some RP’s that could excited us!

    Trust you are feeling better these days.

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    1. Yes it is, sort of. It was part of a documentary on attempting to make the majors at a later age from the independent leagues. Dugan’s father is a producer/director, Dennis Dugan. He directed many of Adam Sandler’s early films. He cameoed as the cheap guy on Halloween in Big Daddy. He cameos in several films. And old guys like me might remember he had a recurring role (3 episodes) on Rockford Files.

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      1. Hi Jim,

        I am working on that documentary for Kelly Dugan. I believe it was you who posted the video of him signing his contract with the guys from grown ups. We want to use it but are looking for a higher quality version than what is on YouTube. Would you happen to have that? You can respond here or contact me @samwk04@gmail.com.

        Best,

        Sam

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  4. Great observations from Jim.

    If Stubbs makes it as the backup catcher (a mistake, in my view), among other things, it tells me they are ready to extend Realmuto (another mistake). If you were even thinking about having Marchan start next year (which I think he could do), you really have to have him in the big leagues this year for a tryout.

    By the way, I don’t see the Phillies demoting Stubbs for long even if they have the option. Perhaps for a month or so just to see if Marchan can cut it, but after that, I’m pretty sure, as a favor to him, they would try to trade him to give him an opportunity to stay in the big leagues.

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    1. It’s very rare to get through a full season with only 2 catchers on the roster. I still think Marchan has a decent chance to make the roster to start with Stubbs spending some time up as well due to injuries. I’m not sure if Marchan will be claimed if sent down but it’s certainly my a risk. However that’s why they brought in McIntosh in a trade.

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    2. Tough risky call on Marchan. Has the defensive ability which everyone knows but is not always healthy. Now 26-yers old….most gameshe has ever played in one season is 85 and that was 6 six years ago. Over 9 professional seasons a total of 481 games. As a back-up that would be fine, until he break a bone or gets injured for an extended period of time.

      And sending Stubbs down and letting Marchan audition so to speak would be good if he produces and stays healthy, if not, he will get DFA’d and hope he clears thru. Why would a team trade for him in May or June!

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      1. Disagree. Not that risky. There are back-up catchers available all the time if Marchan gets injured and as noted you can send Stubbs down for as long as you want this year.

        As for trading Stubbs away or releasing him in May or June – first of all that would be as a favor to him – so if there’s no place for him to go – oh well. Second, guys get injured all the time – if he’s good enough he will find his way. But it’s his problem/opportunity not the team’s problem.

        The bottom line is this – Marchan is a superior player to Stubbs and he’s younger than Stubbs. He should be the back-up catcher and the pitchers and the locker room will get over it. He’s better. Add to that that he’ll be gone if you leave him exposed and it’s an easy determination in my view. Others may disagree but that’s how I see it.

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        1. So you believing that Marchan should be the back-up from the start of the season is not a risky call. With his past experiences with injury, it is always a risk. If he stays healthy it is a stroke of genius on Top’s part. And I am not against Marchan going north with the club and Stubbs, with the one option left, playing at LHV. I have my reservations on Marchan’s ability to stay healthy for the long term.

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          1. In the scope or risks that a big league club takes – replacing a very mediocre back-up catcher with a younger catcher is not in the “tough risk” category – it’s in the very low risk, business as usual category. It’s like when you have a mediocre place kicker in the NFL. You get a tryout going and by next Tuesday you have a kicker – and those replacement guys often work out.

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            1. Remember who we are talking about. Garrett Stubbs. He played to a 0.1 WAR last year (which matches the eye test – not a good player). His OPS+ was 59. This production is very easy to replace. So, no, not a tough risk.

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    3. I mean, again WWHD (What Would Howie Do?) – the Eagles just won the Super Bowl and they are already trading guys with a plan of getting younger and cheaper where they can so they can still afford the stars. If someone like Howie ran the Phillies, there’s no chance Marchan is getting exposed and not being given a chance. Just saying.

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  5. Jim insinuates it in the beginning and it’s an impression I’ve gotten as well but it appears that several of the Phillies pitchers, most notably, Wheeler and Nola do not like throwing to Marchan. Maybe it’s how he calls a game or with his set-up behind the plate but they seem to prefer Stubbs as the back-up. I agree that it makes more sense to start the season with Marchan as the back-up catcher but in the end, they will defer to the pitching staff.

    Also, it should be obvious by now that the Phillies intend to extend Realmuto’s deal for another couple of seasons after 2025. They do not view Marchan as an everyday option and their minor league options are several years away.

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    1. The Phillies are doing the right thing by not extending him now. He’s entering his age 34 but to JT’s credit, he has played up to his 5 year deal already. But there’s a reason why catchers don’t last long into their mid-30s. JT only got into 99 games last year. He’s not going to get any healthier as he ages.

      If JT is healthy AND posts at least a 3 WAR, then I would consider a max 2 year deal. If he falls off, it’ll be a 1 year deal for say $10M.

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    2. Agree with this assessment but don’t have to like it LOL

      Seems they will do what they always do which is be risk averse. They really seem to bank on making everyone comfortable.

      And they have driven a lot of miles on that. Bank sold out almost nightly. Fans seem to love the main components of the starting nine and so on.

      Personally I don’t believe it gets them back to the WS or even winning it though if the Dodgers falter in anyway the AL looks kind of weak unless you run into a really hot hand out of that division.

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      1. Well it’s like the old quote – I can’t give you a recipe for success, but I can give you a recipe for failure and that’s try to please everyone.

        Good organizations make the hard, difficult choices all the time – both big and small. And the totality of those wrong decisions has a major cumulative effect.

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        1. The Astros are the poster child for making hard choices. Do they regret doing that? Not really. They let George Springer, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, Justin Verlander go into FA. They traded away Kyle Tucker. The Astros have only really signed 1 guy long term into their mid 30s: Jose Altuve. All this, and they have 2 WS titles in the last 8 years.

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        2. I was trying to convey that the hard decisions tend to be the right ones. Just like the ones the a eagles are making now.

          Liked by 1 person

  6. So Brian Cashman needs pitching (with Gerritt Cole out with TJ) and complaining that there’s “very little available”. I guess he doesn’t want Taijuan Walker?

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Not sure the Yankees have much left in their system after all they gave up for Soto last year.

      I wouldn’t be thinking Walker though it be nice but Ranger might net you Bryce Cunningham who is a 22 y/o power arm. He has some work to do on his secondary stuff.

      If I were going to bet on a pitcher from their system that is only a year or two away it would be him.

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        1. Let’s be clear. Nobody is or should be expecting to gain assets for Walker. This is all about someone taking him and some of his salary off the team’s hands. This is ENTIRELY about possible salary reduction. Taijuwan Walker the economic unit (the player tied to the contract) has NEGATIVE value – meaning he is nowhere near worth his salary.

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  7. On a podcast today, Jayson Stark said he think that Phillies will NOT extend JT, but might wait out his market and sign him for cheaper next year. Their focus will be Schwarber.

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    1. In that case, Phillies are reading the catching market correctly. Most contenders are pretty set at that position, combine that with his age and his slight decline over the last few years and he could very well be back in a Philly uni for a very reasonable contract. I do not think he will want to go to a .500 team to finish his career.

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  8. Well, if the Phils aren’t pumped on Realmuto and are ambivalent on Stubbs v. Marchan, they’re painting themselves in a corner. With no heir apparent, Realmuto’s value to the team gets a boost. Extending Realmuto marginalizes the back-up. I think indecision will cost them.

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      2. They could definitely sign or trade for another player. But they are going to have to start to transition. Every good Phillies era has been followed by a bad era where the team clung to aging players for far too long. And they are on their way to doing it again I fear.

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        1. I believe it was Branch Rickey who said, “I’d rather trade a player a year too early rather than a year too late.”

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  9. Gelb this morning says “the front office wants” Marchan as the backup. Zolecki has indicated Marchan as well.

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    2. This will be the first of many tough decisions this organization will have to make if they want to win a title. Winning championships isn’t easy, and almost nobody, maybe nobody, has ever done it by being nice and making all the easy, popular decisions. We can all reference many decisions Howie has made that makes this point as well as anyone.

      Having said that, Stubbs to AAA is just the first. The second could be – what if Marchan actually outplays JTR? Will the manager have the guts to make it basically a platoon if that happens? This starting OF has the potential to be a mess – we all know about Nick and we’ve seen Marsh struggle in CF and strikeout a lot. If Rojas or Crawford or Rincones play well enough to deserve a chance for more playing time or a call up, will they have the courage to take playing time away from these popular veterans?

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      1. With baseball’s guaranteed contracts, this is the problem all teams have: how to manage declining players that are still owed big money. Most teams are stuck with these players i.e. Miguel Cabrera. You can always cut these guys, but you still have to pay their salaries AND they are still on the team payroll.

        All GMs have an ego and none want to explain to their owner that their signings are declining fast enough to be cut or to be relegated to the bench.

        Sometimes players are so bad that you have no choice but to move them off their role like Walker. But unless DD is willing to throw egg on his own face and cut Walker, Walker will be here for the entirety of his contract. Same with Castellanos.

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        1. The Eagles don’t win the Super Bowl is Bryce Huff stayed a starter and played 80% of all snaps. He wasn’t traded or released, just benched. If Nick only earns platoon ABs, that’s what needs to be done. If anyone wants to be a philanthropist, go start a non-profit.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. I’m not making excuses about Bryce Huff, but he was injured and did miss games. Anyways, you can’t compare football and baseball when it comes to declining play. In football, there’s absolutely no issues to benching players with large contracts. In fact, you would be stupid not to and all the analysts would be ragging on the coach for not benching a player. The heat on the coach would be fierce. And if the player complains about losing playing time, you cut/trade him and deal with the cap hit and move on. In football, the GM can easily move away from a declining player. The team has a lot of control over the player.

            Baseball is totally different. If a big money aging veteran starts to decline, you’re pretty much stuck with the guy (and his contract). In baseball, the coaches need to be able to manage more egos than in football because of this. Baseball is littered with aging players that they can’t get rid of like Giancarlo Stanton, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant (his contract is scary), and Anthony Rendon. In football, all these guys would be cut and on the street.

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            1. It’s totally true about baseball contracts – that money is almost entirely locked in absent an opt-out clause.

              On football, teams can often cut guys, but it’s not the same as it was like 15 years ago. There is more guaranteed money and the cap hits of releasing a player, put greater restraints on a team releasing a player than they once did (hence the James Bradberry year in purgatory). But, certainly, it’s not like a MLB contract.

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    3. Thank God. This is the only logical decisions here. No offense meant to Garrett Stubbs the person – I think he seems like a great guy.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Hi! I have a question, what is the email address I can contact? I tried reaching out to phuturephillies1@yahoo.com but it said the email could not receive emails.

    Please let me know. You can also reach me @samwk04@gmail.com

    Best,

    Sam

    Like

  11. So the owner of the Rays, facing escalating costs for the new stadium, declined to proceed with building the stadium. There’s talk that Manfred and some owners want the Rays owner to sell the team. I think there’s a decent chance that the Rays move elsewhere since their lease is expiring at the end of 2028.

    Nashville wants an expansion team and it looks like they already locked down the name Nashville Stars. That’s one less place that the Rays can move to.

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    1. There were two minor league games on the back fields today. The lineup for one was –
      Crawford CF
      Nori LF
      Miller SS
      Rincones DH
      Tait C
      Kemp 1B
      Saltiban 2B
      Burkholder RF
      Escobar 3B
      Walton 2nd DH

      I would be very happy if that is the lineup for the Prospect game sans the second DH.

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        1. Yeah, I saw that. They don’t know the lineup any more than I do. If Anthony were to start that would bump Kemp off first to second or third if he stays in the lineup. That would have a domino effect on either Saltiban or Escobar. Still a very interesting lineup. I’m sure they will sub out freely. I’m also interested in who pitches. Painter is out as we all know. Able pitched in Fort Myers and is not available. Chace arrived late and may still be behind schedule. I’d like to see innings by Cabrera, Harper, Combs, Mayer, Graves, Pacheco, McFarlane, Ottenbreit. I wish Enrique Segura was on the roster.

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          2. I provided my comments on the hitters I saw in ST last week. Just to highlight – I really like Escobar (something of a Jose Ramirez body double) and cannot say enough good things about Saltiban – his strength and ability to drive the ball deep to all parts of the field completely blew me away. He has a chance to be special (as does Escobar).

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    2. Maybe not LIVE, but it’ll be DVR’d. I suppose its one of the best games of the year outside a postseason game & the Home opener.

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  13. I was at the game Saturday and my 13 year old son and I agreed 100% with Jim, Casty is in mid-season form chasing garbage low and away

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    1. I don’t understand – how is he being punished? He’s in a competition for a job, just like most everyone else in sports. The guy behind him is, in my view, a better player who is younger with a far greater upside and who doesn’t have a minor league option left. He’s the guy who should have the back-up catcher job. This has nothing to do with 2024 – at all. If anything, he’s being given every chance possible to compete because he’s a good guy who everyone likes.

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    2. Almost all backup players are in competition every ST. Backup players always fighting to stay on the roster.

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  15. Still keeping an eye on Castellano our rule 5 loss. Strange that the Twins have only thrown him 6 innings so far. I’m kind of hoping we get him back.

    Thus far he has a crazy ST ERA of 9 and a BB Rate of 12/9 to go along with a K/9 of 13.5.

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    1. DMAR…if he is offered back, I believe and not quite certain, that the Phillies do not have to put him on their 40, but if they did, they could DFA him and if he goes thru waivers then he could be assigned to Reading or LHV. Not really sure what the protocol is concerning his return and the 40 aspect of it.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. The Phillies made a calculated decision when they decided to protect Cabrera over Castellano with their one open slot on the 40-man roster. They left him unprotected because he was the more likely player to be returned.

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    1. Bubba Chandler is big time. He’s ready right now but the Pirates will hold him back (similar to Paul Skenes last season).

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Saltiban and Escobar with RBI doubles, though (at least I think they were both doubles). I even saw Rincones made a very loud out against a lefty. We have some exciting prospects. Hopefully Phillies can stay good a while.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Besides the physical similarities to the Dude, his approach at the plate with bat to ball skills and fouling off many pitches is also uncanny similar. That technique works long pitch counts per plate appearances. If he can continue to do that as he progresses thru the system he will have a high OBP metric.

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  18. Seeing these kids together on the same field and color me happy. I tend to get over excited with SSS but these kids look great.

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  19. Catching a little of the game online, Aroon Escobar is looking good. His arm is strong enough for 3B and the ball sounds different coming off his bat. He should start at Clearwater but he could be a fast riser, he can really hit.

    Alex McFarlane was throwing a very easy 99. It looked like he wasn’t even exerting that much effort. I really hope he can stick as a starter.

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  21. This is the first time I’ve ever watched McGarry pitch. Goodness his ball moves a lot. Usually never a strike

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  23. Fun game to view. I thought Crawford had a really nice game. Saltiban and Escobar look really promising.

    I can see the Nori — Dykstra comparisons. Casey Steward spitting image of Big Gene Conley. I liked Ottenbeits stuff, got out of a real tight spot! Cabrera nice outing. Graves, so, so.

    Kemp nice catch at the dugout. DeMartini a dinger.

    I didn’t think Miller showed real well except the play at 3rd was nice. Tait needs a lot of experience behind the plate.

    Sure the guys were nervous being showcased. Anxious to see them @ Reading and Lehigh Valley this year.

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  24. Is the breakout game archived anyplace? I record all Phillies games on youtube tv, but none is appearing in my library for today. There are highlights on the mlb app, but I can’t see any complete game there.

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  25. Let’s get back to our prospect talk now that their games have started. The kids looked good in the Breakout game today. Saltibon and Escobar are very exciting 20 yr olds.

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    1. Kemp looked like a Grandpop out there compared to all the baby faces!

      Computer froze up when it was McGarry’s turn to pitch. From I did see, he’s still trying to to find the zone. I know im just an internet troll :)… but it looks like he needs to slow down his windup. His arm is noticeably not following the same slot. Im hoping he can put it together here, if not Id venture his next team alters his mechanics. I could be way off, but just something I observed, especially on his hit batter.

      McFarlane has the stuff from what I saw. I can see him making the jump.. 99 mph sinker, tailng in.

      Painter is impressive, even his interview skills seemed top tier already. The guy seems very confident, poised already. Really looking forward to his career.

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  26. Whodathunk? I’d of lost money on this outcome … easy

    T Walker vs Aaron Judge

    Out

    via ground out to the SS, Sosa … to 1B … Schwarber ..

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      1. Interesting…….Castro sticking to his natural right side could be beneficial for him. Not many switch-hitters are successful…in the old days the power guys seem to have a lot of success. JRoll had his success also.

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        1. Q: 1 Do you think Rojas has turned the corner? He is starting to hit line drives with regularity.

          Q: 2 Does Arroyo make the team? I love this time of year.

          Stmt: This teams BP is not where it needs to be yet!

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  28. Perhaps Top will go with this lineup today for the season…Harper in the 2 hole and Schwarber at clean-up. Even with Harper at the plate like to see Trea T still steal more often.

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    1. I think that was the lineup they had the other day when I caught a few innings on MLB. If they do this, I think you will see that once the season begins from Turner. Not much reason to do it at this time. Main thing now is to stay healthy and be ready for March 27th.

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      1. Yes Don…like to see Bohm and Schwarber coming up with men on base ahead of them. Harper has a keen eye at the plate and should draw more walks with the opposing pitchers pitching around him, if Turner uses his wheels to steal second more.

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        1. At 31 and at his cost I may be in the minority but I don’t want Trea to be swiping bags on the regular LOL. Strategically sure.

          Going 1st to 3rd and scoring from 1st on balls in the gap is enough of a way for me to utilize his speed.

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          1. Yeah…that would be a concern. More than likely situational stealing will be what they would want when called for, ie when done a run or two in a game. But he will likely want to get the starting pitcher rattled, I am sure, early in the game.

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  29. The 9 hole hitter is a very interesting and integral part of a LU in the DH world. Its a strange dichotomy in that you don’t want your best hitter hitting 9 but in the same breadth you do need a player there that understands the K zone at a high level and understands how teams will approach him based on who’s hitting at the top of the LU and how they are going lately.

    And that’s before you even start to consider left/right splits.

    I probably wouldn’t mind Kyle in the LO spot if we had a bottom of the LU with more OBP skills.

    Like

  30. Sanchez looks so good right now I almost want to put him on the shelf until the season starts…

    Like

    1. I would put Sanchez as the #2 starter right now. He’s younger and better than Nola, and it would at least not have 3 lefties in a row.

      It’s crazy that the Phillies have Sanchez under control for potentially the next 6 years.

      Like

      1. I – and I suspect many on here – really questioned the Sanchez / Curtis Mead trade when it happened back in 2019 (and I probably questioned it until a year or 2 ago). Mead will continue to be an interesting player to follow – he is having a great spring – for whatever that is worth.

        But, Guru – you are correct – a healthy Sanchez appears to be a great bargain for years to come. This is the type of contract you need to help offset the $20MM+ contracts.

        Like

      2. If someone traveled back in time to 8 years ago and told us that we locked up Sanchez for cheap in his twenties after he put up two consecutive low-3 ERA seasons, we all would have assumed they were talking about Sixto.

        I don’t think it’s important to split up handedness in the rotation, though. It doesn’t change teams’ lineups 90% of the time anymore. And even if it did, that would just make them easier to exploit on the bullpen side of things.

        Like

      3. Sanchez is going to be the #4 starter for what those designations are worth. They are lining him up to pitch the home opener.

        Like

          1. I certainly slammed Klentak for that trade for years, but as it turns out, it’s one of the best trades the team has made in last 25 years – an epic trade that, after a few years, looked like a complete bust and miscalculation.

            With the passage of time, we can see Klentak’s strengths and weaknesses – it wasn’t all bad, although it clearly was not enough. He was very good at doing SABR type reviews and very good at avoiding bad contracts. Wheeler and Harper were added on his watch (although I view Harper to be the owner’s pick and left to his own devices, I sense Klentak would have signed Machado, which would have been a disaster I believe). But Kletak was not a good roster builder (the 2020 bullpen disaster really got him fired and that was on HIM), did not draft particularly well (3 consecutive horrible top 10 picks) and didn’t hire and foster the right player development folks), but I think quite of bit of this was due to inexperience and also to the team handing him Johnny Almaraz to do the draft which was a nightmare – Almaraz was one of the worst high profile employees the team has had in the last 30 years or so – yeah, let’s draft low velocity pitchers and unathletic hitters without power, sure that’s where baseball is headed these days. . . brilliant.

            Like

        2. And I will be at that game strangely. I feel like every game I’ve got to watch in Spring he’s been on the hill.

          Like

  31. By the end of this year, we will be applauding the emergence of B Stott. Need to get him to leadoff, or #2 – works count, speed, will add so much to top of lineup.

    Like

    1. Stott is under control for 2 more years so the Phillies will give him every opportunity to get a second contract with the Phillies. But he really needs to breakout, especially with Saltiban and Escobar developing in the minors.

      Like

    1. Did you see what the Dodgers did to Steele this AM? The Dodgers are going to handle a bunch of starters this season with that LU.

      I believe the issue was and still is that trading good prospects with years of control for Rental Relief pitching is not a good formula for sustained success.

      Like

    2. Saw an article where Ben Brown will need a viable 3rd pitch to stick in the rotation. His changeup hasn’t really developed.

      Like

    3. Defense did not help him much…Berti’s wild throw to first was ill-advised bringing in a run and setting up another. You play the Dodgers, you cannot make any unforced errors.

      Like

  33. 2026 Opening Day Lineups:

    Vs RHP

    1. Stott 2B
    2. Turner LF
    3. Harper 1B
    4. Bohm 3B
    5. Schwarber DH
    6. Miller SS
    7. Marsh RF
    8. Realmuto C (Marchan quite often)
    9. Crawford CF

    Vs LHP

    1. Stott 2B
    2. Turner LF
    3. Harper 1B
    4. Bohm 3B
    5. Schwarber DH
    6. Miller SS
    7. Realmuto C
    8. Castellanos RF
    9. Crawford CF

    Like

    2. I will say, at this point, I’d really like to see Kyle Tucker in that 2026 lineup via FA. If that means removing Castellanos & Realmuto… I think it’s a net gain for the team.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I think they are going to go hard after Tucker or Guerrero. That doesn’t mean they will sign either, but I could see them pushing. If they do that, I’m guessing they try to move Castellanos and let Realmuto walk, depending on what his number is an how Marchan performs this year. That could also potentially push Bohm out as well

      Like

      1. There’s no doubt Vlad Jr can hit but the reality is, he’s a DH (his defense is already atrocious at age 26) and he’s going to want $500M+. I would stay away from him.

        Like

        1. I would stay away from him too – I do not think he will age well. Too big and heavy – by the time he’s 32 or 33, I think he’ll be done. And someone is going to give him a really long contract – which will be a mistake.

          Like

  34. I have no doubt we will make the playoffs and I give us the edge to win the division.

    The only question is do we have enough to win the last game of the 2025 season.

    The Dodgers for sure have more than enough so they will have to have some key pieces go down during the playoffs.

    Like

  35. Just a couple of bookkeeping notes –

    Yesterday, March 18th, was the earliest date that MiLB players could be placed on the 60-day injury list.

    April 4th is the date when minor league roster limits will decrease from 175 to 165 players.

    Optioned players don’t count against the minor league roster limit until April 4th. For instance, Devin Sweet who was recently optioned (as well as other players who were optioned earlier) doesn’t count against the offseason 175-player limit. He and the others will count against the 165-player limit on April 4th.

    July 31st at 6:00 PM EST has been designated as this season’s trade deadline.

    Like

  36. Taijuan Walker doing Taijuan Walker things again today. It will be interesting to see what happens with him. I’m still guessing he will be carried as the 13th pitcher on the staff out of ST until they can trade him or are forced to release him. It’s hard to see a future with him on this team past May 31, but stranger things have happened.

    Like

  37. I don’t think we’ll be able to move this contract …… and at its best, it is money poorly spent.

    Like

    1. It was just a terrible deal. He had a decent year heading into FA but he’s been a mediocre pitcher his entire career and that’s not including a 3 year stretch where he was injured a lot. There was no reason for DD to give him 4 years but here we are. Same with Castellanos and his 5 year deal.

      Like

      1. What really bothered me was that we let Zach Eflin go sign with the Rays for 3/$39M. Hey, I understand, it looked like we didn’t have the money to spend. Perfectly reasonable. But then we fast-forwarded a couple of months and we spend almost twice as much on Taijuan Walker. That made zero sense to me. It makes me think that Middleton was a little slow to open up the purse that off-season.

        Like

        1. The Phillies’ concerns regarding Eflin after the 2022 season were over recurring knee issues in ’21 and ’22 after having knee surgeries in ’16 and ’17. Additionally, Eflin was looking for a guaranteed starter’s role while the Phillies were considering moving him to the bullpen. Money had nothing to do with the decision other than not wanting to spend starter money on a guy who they were seeing as an oft-injured reliever. In addition to the Walker contract, they signed Turner, Strahm, Kimbrel, and Harrison that offseason. There was no shortage of money, just a miscalculation on Eflin’s ability to overcome his knee issues.

          Like

          1. Eflin managed to make 59 starts the past two seasons even with back and shoulder issues that sent him to the IL three times. Those ever-savvy Rays dumped his contract on the Orioles at the deadline last season. He is currently struggling to a 7.27 ERA in 8.2 innings this spring. Although he has been announced as the Orioles opening day starter.

            Like

            1. As savvy as they are, they also got lucky because they back-loaded his contract ($20M in his final year I believe) and he was desirable enough to be traded.

              And let’s not forget…, the Orioles can make anybody look savvy (ie, Gregory Soto).

              Like

        1. I like Ranger but I’m happy that the Phillies didn’t extend him. Outside of 1 crazy year, he’s been mostly league average and now he’s having back issues.

          Like

          1. Team has kind of tap-danced around it but get the impression they have never been happen with his commitment to getting/staying in shape.

            He seems to regularly have minor physical issues, etc. that limit his innings every season. He is a very good pitcher when healthy, but he also is the type whose production could disappear quickly.

            Compare his career to Ty Walker’s through the age of 28 🙂

            Like

    1. At age 28, Verdugo had a .648 OPS playing most of his games at Yankees stadium which is very generous to LH hitters. My guess is that he’s pricing himself too high and he needs to take say a 1 year, $4M deal to rehabilitate his career.

      Like

    2. The vibe I got with Verdugo is that he was never good at endearing himself to any of the organizations he was with…

      Like

  39. Gelb reports that Phillies are suing an analytics company that is now trying to see its platform to their rivals, after their contract had specified the company couldn’t do that.

    Like

    1. He might be the player I am most excited about in the system right now. Hopefully they don’t trade him for the closer they will need LOL.

      Like

      1. I don’t think Escobar is going anywhere. The Phillies are pretty good with keeping elite guys who are not blocked. Escobar has a path to 2B or 3B if he continues to develop.

        Like

  42. I like the retention of Marchan, though Realmuto and Marchan remaining healthy for a full season could be a long shot

    With Ranger, breaking him in slowly is about the only option. Next man up is Taijuan for a handful of starts. After that Joe Ross. By July, it’s Painter. This is Ranger’s ‘walk year’ and I’m guessing the Phils are content not to be financially committed to him in the long term.

    I’d start Rojas at LV and give him every day work in the lineup, maybe alternating in CF and a corner slot with Crawford.. Keep Oscar Mercado with the big team in the interim.

    Let Rojas and Crawford compete for a promotion.

    Like

  43. Here’s my question to the group. I was looking at MLB.com’s top 10 catching prospects. Seven of them are in, or have had a taste of Triple-A.

    Samual Basallo (20) is currently blocked by Adley in Baltimore.

    Dalton Rushing (24) is blocked in LAD.

    ChiSox just traded for Kyle Teel (23).

    Jeferson Quero (22) just lost all of 2024 and is blocked in MIL.

    Drake Baldwin (23) is in ATL and we won’t be trading with them.

    Edgar Quero (21) is also a ChiSox piece, but might be available.

    Moises Ballesteros (21) with the Cubs, might be a piece they look to build around.

    There’s also Harry Ford (22) who didn’t shine in Double-A, but could be an option as well.

    So the question is, who would be your main choice to go out and try to get for a JT replacement? And who would you be willing to give up to get said piece?

    I love JT, and I think this year is a big year for him. Yes, we all see the decline, but he was worth 3-wins last year. He will also be 35. I believe there will be competition to sign him and I think the only path forward is to go younger.

    Like

    1. This is just my personal philosophy on catchers. Develop them internally. Get a bunch of them and one will emerge at some point.

      Don’t spend big FA $$$ and don’t trade strong prospect capital for them.

      I tend to think you can always find good catch and throw catchers who are near or close to league average with the bat if you don’t have one in your system.

      But I am never going to pay a catcher based on their offensive profile for the simple reason that they get dinged up and the bat can go south real quick. As we’re witnessing.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. It will all be answered at the end of the season:

      1. Is Tait the catcher of the future?
      2. Can Marchan be good enough to be a stopgap?
      3. Is JT finished? If not, will he be willing to sign a short 1-2 year deal?

      Like

      1. I suspect we will get some answers.

        One thing people don’t fully realize is that the ending a big dollar contract is also an opportunity, as it frees up money, especially if the player is not worth the big dollars going forward. JT’s salary ending this year is an opportunity (or could be) – to either re-sign him for a much lower number or use Marchan (if he’s good enough), someone else (yeah, that’s a possibility) and spend elsewhere.

        Like

    3. Here is MLB.com’s list of top catching prospects in 2020 with projected ETA’s:

      ,The Top 10 (ETA)
      1. Adley Rutschman, Orioles (2021)
      2. Joey Bart, Giants (2020)
      3. Sean Murphy, A’s (2020)
      4. Luis Campusano, Padres (2021)
      5. Francisco Alvarez, Mets (2023)
      6. Shea Langeliers, Braves (2021)
      7. Keibert Ruiz, Dodgers (2021)
      8. Sam Huff, Rangers (2021)
      9. Daulton Varsho, D-backs (2020)

      10. Miguel Amaya, Cubs (2021)

      Not a bad projection but some of these guys you wouldn’t have wanted to stake the farm on. I don’t know a reason why the 2025 list wouldn’t be much the same –some become hits while others become the answer to sports trivia questions.

      Like

      2. The same year, Marchan was the Phillies #7 prospect, Rodolfo Duran the #19, and Deivy Grullon the #23.

        Phuture Phillies’ Readers Poll had Marchan at #13, O’Hoppe at #16, Grullon at #23.

        Like

    2. Romus. I also saw they picked up Kimbrel on a minor deal. I wonder why guys like him and Kershaw just keep hanging around. It is not as if they do not have enough money. Either they are injured most of the time now or not effective. Oh well. Must be the dugout presence. LOL

      Like

      1. These guys want to compete and don’t want to retire. If somebody is still willing to give them money, they’ll hang around for as long as they can.

        Like

  45. Who knows? If Edmundo Sosa stayed in the game versus the Braves today and the leadoff man in the ninth got on base, Sosa had a shot at the 5-4-3 golden sombrero for BIDP.

    Like

  46. One of the biggest bright spots from ST to me is… Alvarado. I think he is a top 10 BP arm in league when he is right… Major boost to the Pen if he is on top of his game.

    Like

    1. If we have this Alvarado in Sept on I will be very happy…

      The art of winning a WS is what you have August-Sept-Oct

      Like

  47. Stands to reason that the Twins will returning Eiberson Castellano to the Phillies. In six appearances he has pitched 8.2 innings and has given up 9 ERs for a 9.35 ERA.

    Like

  48. I hope so- I was very disappointed that he was not protected over some of the AAAA types that are on the 40=man.

    Like

    1. Understand your point, seems there are plenty who could have been exposed. But as Jim said …it was s calculated move by the Phillies …Phillies felt he would be returned, but if Cabrera’s was left unprotected, he may have been selected and would not have been returned. So I guess it came down to between those two for that 40 spot.

      Like

  49. Romus ……. is Brito the same person who had the seizure/stroke couple years back?

    Has Rojas turned the corner and is he able to cut the throws loose from the OF? I thought I saw a flash of him throwing from CF to 3b the other day.

    Like

  50. Heard Dave D. on Stubbs optioning to LHV……difficult decision for him and Top.

    Then near the end of the interview he alluded to the fact he may be back later…..I guess that must be in reference to Marchan’s reliability with health issues.

    Like

      1. I just read the Matt Gelb article saying Rincones and Crawford will start at AAA. I’m a little surprised by both actually but hopefully they’ll be able to handle it. It’s aggressive certainly for both.

        Like

        1. Crawford handled Reading very well last season…..though it was only for 180 PAs, but more than enough for an adequate sample size. I guess they are confident he can handle AAA pitching.

          Like

  53. Saltiban looks ready for a big season. It’s always exciting when they announce the initial rosters because it gives you a feel of what they’re thinking. Soon….

    Liked by 1 person

  56. If anyone still has doubts about Miller’s ability to stay at SS, he made a major league play in yesterday’s game against the Twins – – ranging deep into hole to his right, stopping what should have been a hit and then quickly unleashing a strong throw to get the batter at first. He definitely is a big time prospect!!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Turner was contractually promised SS through the end of this season. The Phillies can move him off SS next season. Probably LF with Crawford looming as the future CF. IMHO, Turner should have already followed Harper’s example and offered to play where needed for the benefit of the team.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. I think he will realize this season he may not be the defensive player he was just 4 or 5 years ago and he was just a ‘push’ in DRS back then. I think LF is a good spot for him, also less pressure and maybe his bat will liven up even more.

          Like

          1. Romus. I am sure he realizes that now. Can you say stubborn as Jim kind of referenced. I am excited. The season begins in just a few days now and my MLB Extra Innings package kicks in this week. Let the games begin. Good luck Phillies.

            Like

  57. Rincones and Crawford at AAA sends two messages…to the young outfielders, that we believe you are close to playing in the “show” and get ready in case of injury or lack of production….and secondly to all 4 Phillies outfielders (Nick included) produce or we will make a change. I like the messages.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. At this point, this is only for injuries. The Phillies didn’t give Kepler $10M to be a backup. Taking time away from Castellanos kills any trade value he has. Rojas is the backup and likely his last season to be more than a backup. This is also Marsh’s last chance to prove that he can hit lefties.

      Like

      1. technically… it’s really 20m. Kepler doesn’t get the other 10 mil but essentially the team is saying he is our LF. Marsh & Rohas will platoon

        Like

    2. Skeet….Ranger seems injury-bitten. Chronic back issues seem to be on an annual basis. And what is odd, he does not have a violent delivery….smooth and controlled.

      Like

      1. Has Ranger ever come into ST in the best shape of his life? According to BR, he’s 6’1″, 217lbs. Aaron Nola is 6’2″, 200lbs. It doesn’t look like he’s putting in the offseason work to get his body in peak shape.

        Like

  59. Yep, you are right …….. and back problems for a pitcher doing a lot of bending seldom get much better without flairups. Glad we haven’t signed up for a long extension, as yet!

    Like

    1. The Phillies won’t be giving Ranger a FA deal. Why? His new agent is Scott Boras and Andrew Painter should be ready to pitch major innings in 2026.

      Like

  60. Eiberson Castellano informed by the Twins that he will not make the 26-man active roster. Interested to see what happens from here on out.

    Like

    1. Either he gets offered back to the Phillies OR he gets traded to another team that HAS to add him to the 26 man roster.

      Like

      1. I remember all the wailing when we gave him up. Doesn’t appear from his recent work resume that we gave up much!

        Like

        1. Unless I’m mistaken Castellano was the clubs Paul Owens award winner as the pitcher last season. Between Hi A and AA he had put up 1.138 WHIP with 11.8 K/9 over 103 IP.

          What happened between that and 10.2 Sprint Training innings with the Twins who knows.

          But I’ll gladly put a 23 y/o about to be 24 y/o back in our system to see if we can get him back on track.

          Like

          1. The quotes from the Twins manager were fairly positive- he just wasn’t ready to be on the 26 man roster of a contending team.

            Like

    2. MLL,

      “Rule 5 Draft picks are assigned directly to the drafting club’s 26-man roster and must be placed on outright waivers in order to be removed from the 26-man roster in the subsequent season. Should the player clear waivers, he must be offered back to his previous team for $50,000 and can be outrighted to the Minors only if his original club does not wish to reacquire him. A Rule 5 Draft pick can be placed on the Major League injured list, but he must be active for a minimum of 90 days to avoid being subject to the aforementioned roster restrictions in the next campaign.

      Clubs may trade a player selected in the Rule 5 Draft, but the same restrictions apply to the player’s new organization. However, a club may also work out a trade with the Rule 5 pick’s original club to acquire his full rights, thereby allowing him to be optioned to the Minors under traditional circumstances.”

      As I mentioned earlier, the Phillies made a calculated decision when they protected Cabrera instead of Castellano. If he clears waivers and if they want him back (I’m sure they do), then the decision is rewarded.

      If/when Castellano returns, expect him to remain behind in extended spring training (XST). Castellano is a starter and hasn’t been properly stretched out as a starter by the Twins. He’ll eventually return to Reading, I guess.

      Like

  61. Walker will get his redemption shot early in the season, with Ranger down for 2-3 starts. Will see how he does. Would be awesome if he coudl crush it, then be dumped on the Yankees …but thats a pipedream at this point

    I hope Abel can smell the opportunity, chances are Walker stumbles and Abel is in high consideration to make a few starts.

    I was surprised to see Ranger is 6’1”, looks like closer to 5’9” with his beer gut! Love’ ‘em though. Im always surprised by his success. More Greg Maddux esque than Randy Johnson.

    Like

    1. Ranger with all his success so far….could also stand to lose 12/15 lbs. May help his back concerns. Now come Nov the Phillies will probably let him test the market .

      Like

      1. Romus. There are no doubt back issues, and pitching do not go hand and hand. Losing some weight will help. Believe Alvarado has done that and says he feels much better.

        Could you give me a quick recall of the PRP treatment as you know it. I believe you mentioned that is what Nola did back with his injury. That is being looked like a possibility for grandkid. Thanks for what you can inform.

        Like

        1. Don…….the time Nola had it done and also Yankees Masa Tanaka was about ten years….in simple terms, .it was a series of shots of the their own blood that was processed for the platelets. This generated the healing process. Now I am not sure how it is done. They have newer methods, like the internal brace procedure, to avoid TJ, that Spencer Strider had done. I wish your grandkid luck and well being as he goes thru his rehab.

          Like

  62. Rojas’ swing this ST looks really good. Going oppo with authority is what I saw out of him quite a bit when he was in the minors.

    Like

  63. Walker being Walker again today. Their insisting he will somehow regain enough ability to be a 5th starter is mind bending. I get eating $36 mil is a hard pill to swallow but so is continuing to send him out there when clearly he has lost it.

    Like

    1. Yep, he is game ready! 4 innings 6 H’s 4R 4ER 3BB’s 2Ks ….. let the games begin …… remember he was just trying new stuff!

      Like

  64. Castellano doesn’t need to be put on the 40 man, right? I don’t think the Phils need to DFA anyone to take Castellano back.

    Like

      1. I don’t believe that you are correct on that. The team getting him back may select where they put him.

        Like

        1. Well I think in a way you are both right…maybe.

          1st the Twins can trade him to another club that has a spot on their 26 man for him.

          If not the Phillies have to pay $25K to get him back. They could add him to the 40 man and no issues

          Or they can DFA him and if he makes it through waivers they can assign him where ever.

          Or the Phillies could decline to pay the $25K to get him back and then same deal for the Twins. They can put him on their 40 no issues or DFA and hope he clears waivers.

          Like

  65. Per Baseball America (https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/explaining-the-rule-5-draft/):

    “if a team decides to clear the Rule 5 pick from their active roster, they have to be placed on waivers. Any other team can claim the player and by doing so that team assumes the Rule 5 roster responsibilities. If no one claims the player, he is dropped from the 40-man roster. He is offered back to his original team who can chose to take him back (and pay back $50,000 of the $100,000 selection fee) and send him to the minors or keep the money and let the player go to his new team. In that case, the player can be sent to the minors by his new team.”

    In other words, if Castellano clears waivers, the Twins will offer him back to the Phillies, who can pay $50K and take him back without the need to put him on the 40-man roster.

    Liked by 1 person

  66. I saw on the Phillies Site that there is a new position opening soon, 3 levels.

    Suitcase Packer I

    Suitcase Packer II

    Senior Suitcase Packer

    Only pre-requisite is that you can’t have long fingernails or the propensity to have untrimmed clapperclaws. Degree in manicurist desired.

    Like

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