350 thoughts on “Phillies Discussion (7/3/2026)”

1. Vis-a-vis Wheeler, if he decides he doesn’t want to retire after his current contract after all, I do think the Phillies will offer to go year-to-year for as long as he wants.

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2. Jim …….. thanks for the write-up and have a good 4th!

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3. Phillies with another grab in the asian market with Ho Hua, anyone have any knowledge about him. I will give the team credit, right now they are trying in the international market and yes he is young and far away, but Renteria looks good. I was on him when I saw him in the Venezuela HR derby. We will see if it works whether he is kept or used to make the current team better but reading what Steve posted earlier, seems they are protecting the kid and looking out for his future, which is a good thing.

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4. Sorry was in a haste to end my post, happy 4th and 250 to all of you. I do not post every week but I’m a daily reader…….Sounds like Romus might have his name somewhere on the original doc….

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   1. Romus signature is right under Hamiltons

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   2. I really like these new pens people use, and no longer those always dippy goose quills.

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5. Thanks Jim I’m guy pushing for Gray. I just don’t think Phil’s can afford to trade 5 or 6 of best prospects due to dearth of talent in minors. Rincon only thing close to good glove at SS. Turner is a double clutch waiting to happen in big spot as has happened. Like u stated Nori only thing close that is true centerfielder. Marquez and Renteria future potential stars that will draw people to stadium down the line. Leaves Gage Wood and secondary level prospects as trade pieces to fill necessary holes. Although it hurts taking on $$ might be only way to really compete with Braves and Dodgers this fall. Somehow my named changed from Yoyo to whatever it is now

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   1. Congratulations Ex-Yoyo, you have been found worthy of a WP tattoo! HAPPY 4TH!

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   2. Name change has been a somewhat recent “feature”. I don’t have an explanation.

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   3. Sonny Gray has a mutual option for $30M ($10M buyout).

      Even though Sonny Gray will be 37 in November, it’s highly likely that he will opt out in hopes of getting possibly another multi year deal (perhaps 3/80).

      So yes, the prospects required to trade for Gray would be a lot less but you figure that he would get a lot of interest. Wood or Marquez would have to go.

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6. Marquez is pitching very well and the timing makes him very likely to be traded away. Nori had been hurt but I could see him as a 2nd piece in a trade. I’m pretty sure Renteria is close to untouchable but I’m not sure with Wood or even Painter in the right deal (not a rental). Why is McFarlane still at Reading?

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7. Painter looks beastly tonight. Sharp breaking pitch couple 98ish fastballs by guys through 4

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   1. Painter 6 I, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 6 K’s O BBs 69/48

      Pham 1 — 4 with 3 K’s below the Mendoza line

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      1. Ruff You have so much info. Great job

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         1. Rocco. Do not go overboard. Ruff will get a big head. He texted me that info last night. I may go see LHV at Indy a week from now. Trying to figure out when Painter will pitch. July 14-19

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8. Gair might be someone to get excited about but it’s early. Since June 1, his numbers are elite. In 10 innings he has 18 Ks and 4 walks.

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9. Somebody brought up Stoudt in the last discussion as a guy to watch. Stoudt has been on the 7-day IL for 20 days and hasn’t been in a game for 27 days, in case anyone has been looking for his name in Lehigh Valley box scores.

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10. Gair needs to be challenged, I’d bump him up to Reading. McFarland needs to be in Philly yesterday.

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11. so after posted how good Painter looked through 4 innings his 5th sorta resembled a blowup inning for him in majors. In defense ground all single left center probably would have been out by avg major league shortstop. But then Painter lost his location on secondary stuff and started leaving it up. He started speeding up and starting throwing multiple balls out to dugout (maybe something they taught him to slow self down?). At least he fought his way out of inning and didn’t start walking people.

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    1. How many good starts does Painter need to be recalled?

       If he does well, we won’t have to trade as many prospects.

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12. Anyone. I told Ruff during game that I liked the hat they had on. So, it is one the cover of Fanatics, but I cannot find it available anywhere on site. I want to order it. I told Ruff I figured it would be around $45. Help if anyone has found it. Ruff dissed me about all of my hats.

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    1. Don Fanastic is owned by Michael Rubin. He lives outside philly in lower Merion, about half mile from, where Romus lives. I am emailing, Romus to go to his house and ask about the hat.

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       1. But it is Sunday. Romus does not work on Sunday. I have never seen this with Fanatics. Hat the guys wore last night is on the cover, but I cannot find it anywhere in the hats available. I just looked again.

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          1. I just got a white Phillies hat with a black P from Fanatics…..not sure how long it will last.

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             1. Romus. I want the one the team was wearing last night at KC. It is on the cover of Fanatics, but I cannot find it anywhere. I like a couple of the All-Star hats as well. I really need more hats. I am going to look and see which one you got.

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             2. Romus. I just looked again at the first 4 pages. Is your hat on page 2? Says almost gone at bottom. Looked like white with a black P. I want the stars and stripe hat from last night. They have all the jerseys for hundreds of dollars. No interest there.

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       2. hell get so pissed off if you interrupt one of his illuminati parties

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    2. You can find it on NewEra. I’ll post a link directly to it in another reply, but in case it gets held up in moderation you should be able to find it pretty easily on their website by searching “4th of July”.

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    3. Here’s the link to the cap. Hope they have your size available.

       https://www.neweracap.com/products/philadelphia-phillies-independence-day-2026-59fifty-fitted?

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       1. Dan. Thank you. I had to get one a size bigger but that is ok. My Extra Innings is not working today so having to watch on MLB. First time that has ever happened with Extra Innings.

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13. Help if you can explain when a team trades for international money. Does that mean the Guardians actually sent $250K in real money to the Phillies or does it mean that the Phillies had an additional $250K of fake money and were actually just giving the Asian player their own money?

    And you gotta believe that if Nola has anything left in the tank, he should have a good showing against the Royals because they don’t seem to hit at all which is why they have such a terrible record. And they used their best pitcher last night to boot. Moffo – No helmet tonight. The game is in KC.

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    1. It is bonus pool space not actual cash is what I saw when I looked it up. I really don’t have a ton of faith in Nola a third time through a lineup. I honestly think an opener for him would be a good idea. Right now he’s a 4 inn or 4.2 inning guy if we want to keep things in control.

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    2. The Phillies have no choice but to trot out Nola every 5th day and hope that he figures it out. He’s still owed 4/98. He’s not moving to the bullpen and there’s no way that the Phillies are eating that sort of cash. And he has 10/5 rights.

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       1. So what you saying is no matter how bad. They will keep him as a starter? I don’t buy that.

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          1. Rocco. Maybe. What else are they going to do. I suggested to Ruff other night 3 guys Painter, Nola, Rangel for those 2 spots and try to get 10 innings out of the 3 of them for the 2 starts.

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          2. There will come a point when the Phillies will have to move Nola to the bullpen, but it won’t be this regular season.

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       2. I never understood the “theyll never eat that cash” idea. Its the sunken cost fallacy. If you are paying a guy and hes above average but not as good as you hoped, sure, you hold on to him. But if you are paying a guy and hes a net negative, then you are actually doing the team a disservice by throwing him out there.

          For example, if somebody holds me up at gunpoint and says, you can either give me all your money and then Im going to smush your face in a pile of dog poop, or you can just give me your money and Ill go away, Id sure as hell choose to give him the money and have him go away.

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          1. More than likely Nola will hit the 60 day IL with some ailment, If they trade for a pitcher, And give Nola time to hopefully figure something out…if they wait for another three or four more weeks from now then he is shut down for the season.

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          2. Nola is a sunk cost but try explaining that to your boss:

             DD: Hey boss, I need more money to get another starter.

             Middleton: Why?

             DD: Because Nola is not performing.

             Middleton: So you gave Nola $175M of my money and he’s not working out? Why not?

             DD: Nola has declined a lot faster than I thought.

             Middleton: So what you’re saying is that you made a $175M mistake by signing Nola?

             DD: Uh, forget it, I’ll make it work.

             Middleton: Yeah, you do that.

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    3. Guys last night said the Royals have 11 guys on the IL. One on the 60 days. I missed who they said. Also, that 8 of the guys were on the opening day roster. If you listened many of the hitters had very few at bats for the season who were playing last night. Sometimes injuries happen. Ben did have a good point. Why do you pinch hit for a guy who has 2 hits. 2 stolen bases and has scored your run. Maybe that has to do with why they are losing. Plus, PH struck out.

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       1. They have a few people on the 60 day.

          Notable names on the IL for the Royals including: Carlos Estevez (60), James McArthur (60), Connor Seabold, Cole Ragans (60), Maikel Garcia, Jonathan India (60), and Vinnie Pasquantino.

          3 former Phillies pitchers, a solid #3 SP, and 3/4 of their starting infield (plus some depth pieces) on the IL at the same time.

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14. Among a cluster of moves the organization made yesterday and today, Lehigh Valley released OF Bryan De La Cruz (.254/.769 with 12 HRs/51 RBIs, both second on the team behind Felix Reyes) yesterday. Today, the Phillies signed him to a major league contract and optioned him to Lehigh Valley.

    To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Jean Cabrera was designated for assignment.

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    1. Jean Cabrera needs a change of scenery. He’s as good as gone.

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    2. Jim. You may have an idea, and you may not. LHV comes to Indy from July 14th-19th. I see Painter pitched last night. I am trying to figure out when he will pitch that week. Does LHV us 5 or 6 guys? Do they have any consistency in how they line up on a regular basis? Ruff said things can change quickly. I am only a little over half hour from Victory Field in Indy and trying to figure out night to go. Thanks, if you have any knowledge. If not, no big deal Just seeing if you have any info.

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    3. Jim, I know you get all types of information, some you can share and others you can’t. Is something going on with Cabrera? He seemed like a sure fire bet to be at least a back end MLB starter and was getting pretty close to his ML debut. Then he just….stopped being good?

       Not sure Ive ever seen a guy like that. I always was a fan of his and ironically my reasoning was always “he might not be a great MLB pitcher, but i am SURE he is going to be a MLB pitcher.” Now AA batters are babe ruth against him.

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15. Jim & “others” 🙂 :

    I took a peak myself before, and there is no reset unless you were willing to blow it up. IMHO, the FO is at a crossroads.. which is:

    Sell the farm & go for it

    or

    continue to hold the prospects for a different window.

    it’d critical that either Painter,Crawford, Miller, Wood, Renteria, and others either develop to their projections or bring back the piece needed to get the team over the preverbal hump, for the championship.

    either choice, I think you’re going to have down time, which was not middleton’s goal but it’s the most likely outcome. Wheeler making 42mil offers no financial relief, so you either need to go year to year, or let him walk and hope Sanchez & Painter are your new 1 – 2 punch

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    1. You could argue that if the Phillies go for it and fail, their downturn would be worse than the previous one (2013-2017). Why? Not only will the Phillies don’t have the prospects to turn to, they will likely still be saddled with bad contracts that they can’t get rid of. Last time, it was only Ryan Howard’s contract. This time? Trea Turner comes to mind right away. Aaron Nola. The other guys have trade value IF they can keep on performing.

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    2. Tac. One other option. Stay pat basically and get lucky. Phillies have 3 top starters and ace closer. Hope the other guys find a way. Phillies have a few HR hitters and that plays in the playoffs.

       I do agree this team has issues. For me BP and those 2 SP are most urgent. But may not be a clear fix.

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       1. If Wood and/or Painter can come around…Nola becomes a 5 in the rotation…I suppose I can live with that for a few years.

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       2. Agree with Don, those teams from the Mid 1980’s and from 2014-2022 were not good.

          This team as constructed can’t compete with the Brewers and Dodgers.

          Middleton will not sell the farm as there is some talent there. He will not stand still either with this team.

          Try some patchwork moves to fill obvious holes but basically stay the current course.

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16. Not great start for Nola. See 2 runs and 5 hits in 2 innings. This is going to be a long issue.

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    1. Nola, worthy start accompanied by no bats ….. top 4 bats MIA.

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       1. Top 5 ….1 — 18

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          1. In the bats’ defense there was what… 4 balls that got crushed just to die on the warning track? Plus a couple other hard hits that found gloves.

             But the offense definitely does not like day games.

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             1. So, I shouldn’t bet on them tomorrow afternoon!🤔

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             2. Dan ……. your sources are “correctamundo” they don’t play for diddly during the day!

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       2. One game 10 runs, next game one run….same old story with these bats.

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17. Call me overoptimistic, but I think Rincones is starting to feel comfortable. His first AB against Skenes a week ago, where he really battled for a while, seems to have made him more confident and he’s been flailing less and succeeding more. After today’s double, his average is over .200. and his OPS is .598. Given that he wasn’t exactly tearing the cover off the ball before his emergency call-up, this is a nice surprise.

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    1. Rincones has a little Raul Ibanez in his swing and if he can make consistent contact, he has the power to do damage. Time will tell if he can be more than a platoon RF, but for now, the Phillies should just roll with Rincones and see what happens.

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       1. Heard McCarthy say during the broadcast that they wanted him to be more aggressive. Not sure that is great advice but we’ll see. I like that he has really good takes and tends to layoff pitches he doesn’t like.

          As you point out this team is at risk for going into a really bad span of baseball if they try to chase a pennant this season.

          I’m a fan with an understanding that it would be good to be patient.

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          1. Rincones has been more selective lately and that has led to more positive results.

             I’ve been a Phillies fan since the mid-80s and this is by far the best stretch of Phillies baseball I’ve ever seen. They have the money to spend AND their minor league system has been improving. I know that a reboot/reset is inevitable, but going into a season knowing that you have no shot at winning really, really blows. The Phillies have spent a lot of money over the years, it’s time for the money guys to perform.

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18. McFarlane with a two inning save last night for Reading. His tenth

    0 runs 3 Ks

    8 pitches over 100 mph. Topping out at 102.

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    1. McFarlane should be up in AAA at this point, but for those calling for him to be promoted to the big club let me just say he has a BB/9 over 5.

       Ask Seth Johnson what happens when you can’t find the zone in the big leagues.

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       1. Johnson is frustrating because he appears to have the stuff required to pitch low leverage situations out of the BP. Nothing drives me more bananas than a RP that comes in with a 4-5 run lead or more and he walks the LO batter.

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          1. Johnson is just one of these guys who will probably figure it all out one day, but he’s not there now even though he has a very good arm and even some decent breaking pitches. But if you don’t have good control, let alone command, major league hitters will eat you alive.

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             1. I agree and it doesnt make sense to me why hes not better in the bigs. But he might be one of those people who just dookies their pants in a big league game and puts too much pressure on himself. But everything I have seen of him at Lehigh Valley shows that he could be not just a MLB pen arm, but potentially a high leverage one.

                Then every time he gets a chance in the show he looks like Jeurys Familia

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19. It was a quality start for Nola. You go 7 innings and give up 3 runs and you are giving your team a chance to win. Come trade deadline Harper is going to be lobbying Dombrowski to “get some help”. How about if the top 5 guys don’t go 1-18 against maybe the worst team in baseball. I think this might be the end of the Seth Johnson experiment.

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20. I think Marquez is going to be a very good MLB pitcher for a long time. 95 mph heater paired with an 80 mph changeup. Same arm speed on both pitches. Easily a 70 grade pitch. Might be better. Cole had a great career with that combo.

    https://www.mlb.com/video/ramon-marquez-ties-his-season-high-with-nine-k-s

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    1. In a day and age of big velo with hitters now adjusted to that velo pitchers will need a plus CU or splitter.

       Not to mention ABS which I believe tends to reign in UMPs that have been known to expand their K zones.

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    2. I don’t disagree, but all of this assumes he won’t be traded at the deadline, and I think there’s at least a 50/50 chance that happens.

       And while nobody was really paying too much attention . . . Bryan Rincon is putting himself together one hell of a season at AA for a young shortstop. Great fielding, above average power, outstanding on base percentage. Has as good of a chance of any of our middle infield prospects of becoming a first division regular big leaguer. Huge year for Rincon.

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       1. Rincon was a lottery ticket draft pick (14th round) that is now looking like it will eventually pay off for the Phillies. It will be interesting to see if he will be in the mix to replace Bohm at 3B for 2027.

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       2. My post didn’t assume that he won’t be traded. I said a good MLB’er. Not a good Philly. I am saying that it seems pretty clear that he is going to be a good pitcher. He has an elite pitch in the changeup.

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          1. Good point – I misspoke – you clearly did not say he would be a good MLB pitcher for the Phillies. I was just trying to emphasize what I view to be a fairly high likelihood that he is the one player I most expect to be moved if the Phillies make a significant trade. In a smaller trade (like for a serviceable 4th starter), there’s no way they should trade him.

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    3. I think he’s the #3 prospect in the system. And I’d be more willing to trade Gage Wood than I would be Marquez.

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       1. Wow. That is a hot take for sure. I think that I agree with you.

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          1. I remember the first time I saw him pitch last year – walked into the complex with the International Scouting Coordinator who had tipped me earlier that day about Ramon and that he would throw that afternoon. He gave up some runs that day but it was evident that even as a teenager he had great feel for his changeup and knew how to mix, delivery has always been smooth and interchangeably consistent on pitches. Oneri Fleita (International Cross Checker) told me at the time there was more velo to be found and that’s come to fruition. All that being said every organization out there knows about him (they don’t need the “top 100 list” to recognize talent). He’s a trade piece most will want (akin to Tait last year) in deals. Ramon is a ways off from the show but certainly is on the right path, it’s a privilege for me to get to see these kids early on before they become “hot” to the general public. 

             Steve Potter

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       2. Fair point – there’s much to support the notion that Marquez has surpassed Wood, although Wood is a very good prospect and I hope they can find someone to promote him for the postseason which, to me, is entirely consistent with his long-term projection as a starter – but, where he is in his development, I think he’s be more valuable in the bullpen now than as a starter (where he needs further development).

          And, another point on a player who we routinely ignore, but is looking good – how about that Jonathan Bowlan.? He still has work to do on his breaking stuff, but he now has a something like a 70 FB with its top end velocity and improved shape (great rising movement) thanks to his work with Cotham. This was a really solid trade.

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       3. Mitch do you think Marquez will get more velocity, as he moves up and gets older?

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          1. He could, just as he gets stronger and more mature physically. But he doesn’t necessarily need it. I liken it to Christopher Sanchez a little bit. He could throw 98-99 (and does when he needs it sometimes), but he’s probably better suited to be 95-96 coming from the same release point as he does on his changeup. I think there are some similarities between Marquez and Sanchez, but Marquez has a better feel for the zone at a younger age.

             I encourage anyone who hasn’t seen video of Marquez yet, search it out on Twitter. The changeup is absolutely filthy.

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             1. I have watched him several times including couple days ago. His fastball is definitely not average. Wheeler like in that it does not look like dropping but rising. He looks effortless when throwing. Please don’t trade. Current team lotta mercenaries. Funner when you watch the Schmidt’s, luzinskis, utleys, hamels, Howard’s, Rollins …. Grow up then see a Bystrom and Walk come up to help win it all.

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21. Some house cleaning notes,Romus talked about bogart poor kid hasn’t got a hit in a month.Don is offering two chickens if somebody finds the hat he wants. Wish I had seen painter start. Wondering about his velocity and breaking balls.Realky got a couple of interesting SS prospect kids at Clearwater is looking goid

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    1. Rocco ….. earlier Don gave you the proposal of piggy backing Nola, Rangel and Painter. The name is “M & M’s” and it stands for Mini, Midi and Maxi. They each pitch 3 innings. It has several advantages. 1. If they handle their 3 guys per inning, no one will see them twice. 2. Because their workload will be so light they should be able to go every third day. This of course let’s the other starters to be stretched out and rested. I’m sure you will think up other advantages as well!

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    2. Rocco. Dan found me the hat. Ordered. Has not brought good luck.

       I also found out last night I gave incorrect info on LHV. They are not in Indy next week. It is the 21st thru 27th. Guess Max Clark and Toledo is there this week. My fault because I trusted one of my breakfast guys rather than looking at my phone which had the correct dates.

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22. Does anybody know if Bryan Rincon needs to be put on the 40 next year?

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    1. Yes, he does. He was a 2022 draftee, so he needs to be protected this winter.

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       1. Is Rincon being considered for promotion to AAA as Turner has not played well?

          What other candidates could be promoted?

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          1. Christian Cairo. He was signed during the offseason in case they needed a middle infielder at the major league level. When the Phillies need a player, they look to the Lehigh Valley roster. That’s their “stay ready” group.

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23. Thanks, Mitch. I really hope the Phillies don’t trade him. I saw him play this past spring training when the team came to WPB. He made an impressive showing.

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    1. Turner just threw away another routine DP ground ball, costing now two runs. They can’t go on much longer with him at SS and better not trade Rincon.

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       1. Turner really needs to sit down for a while.

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       2. Sanchez would have been out of the inning. 6 runs. 6.

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       3. You took the words right out of my mouth, couldn’t agree with you more.

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24. Even often when he makes routine plays he’s searching for or double clutching ball before throws. That don’t play anywhere in the infield

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25. That was it, …… ugliest Phillies game I ever witnessed, but like LL all the position players got into the game, so all the Mommy’s should be happy! Now understand Stubbs wasn’t as sharp as normal, but I still think Marchan should be able to handle him ….. onward to Cincy!

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26. Coming into this series the Royals had the worst record in baseball. They beat our boys 5-2 on Sunday and FIFTEEN-1 today. Up top Mr. Jim wrote that the Phillies have to take advantage of this weak spot in their schedule. He figured that 6 wins (of the 9) was the minimum expectation and 7 wins was more realistic. He wasn’t wrong except the team didn’t hear him. Is this a team that can go deep in the post season?

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27. Has anyone seen an update recently on Aidan Miller? Last I heard he had a procedure on his back in early July and was scheduled to return to play in 6-8 weeks. That’s mid- to late-July. Is he on track for that?

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    1. Thought it said 6-8 weeks to start performing baseball activity again and not necessarily playing games but I could be wrong.

       Yesterday speaks soundly to my point that I don’t believe there is anything you can add to this team to change a WS outcome.

       If they caught the Dodgers in a 3 game set maybe just maybe they could upset them but not in seven.

       Like in football sometimes the correct call is to punt. Which for us doesn’t mean selling or buying.

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       1. I think I read where they are hoping he will be ready to go by Sept….but definitely once the AFL season starts up in October in Arizona.

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       2. no selling OR buying? so what, run it back again?

          Nah I actually thought you were going to say something I agree with, which is they have to go balls to the wall OR sell a bit and set themselves up to continue to be good for the next 5 years. Doing nothing sounds like the worst case scenario

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    2. “….a procedure on his back in early July…” ….June.5th,

       …….”,a minimally invasive procedure called radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the facet joints to address recurring lower back issues. ….. he was officially diagnosed with discogenic pain and facet inflammation in the lumbar spine. For old folk like me, this can work and sometimes it does not work as effective as one would hope. For younger guys this may wor well with him.

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       1. Romus ……. Have you had this procedure done to you. Guessing it isn’t a new rechnique.

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          1. Skeet….no , have a friend who had the ablation done…..basically burning portions of the sciatica to relive pain from the facet arthritis causing the spinal stenosis or barrowing of the spinal column. Cannot envision Aidan Miller at 21-years old having an arthritic condition with the facets In any event…..for my friend after a few weeks it did not give him a complete relief. And for dome reason, the procedure is usually just a temporary fix…..assume nerves eventually heal and then get pinched again. Now a surgical procedure called a laminectomy, actually shaves the facets around the spine but that involves a more serious cutting.

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             1. I was curious, I’ve had a number of friends with back operations, but I can’t say too many of them were trouble free after them. I hope Miller’s is successful. 21 year old with a bad back …. not so good.

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    3. The updates will come from the Phillies directly. There is no true target for him playing this season but rather getting him into a pain free place. I can tell you that he’s doing rehab on a daily basis and progress is being made.

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28. RIP Al Holland .

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29. Just wanted to say thank you to all of the folks who posted condolences to me and my family on this page. I have been lax in expressing my appreciation but it is heartfelt nonetheless. Still in shock and disbelief but trying to move forward, I write my daily round up articles on my page with numbness of mind going thru the motions but it distracts from the grieving for just a bit. My interaction with the Phillies and the minor league players is a source of pride for me and they too have provided words of comfort. Please always remember that these fellas are real people as well when commenting on their performance, I get to know most every player and their personalities – most everyone is a good person. This tragedy my family is enduring all still seems like it’s unreal but yet is is very much our reality yet we will persevere.  Thanks again for your kind words and thoughts expressed.

    Steve Potter 

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    1. Steve your in our prayers .

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       1. Yes. 100%. Best moving forward.

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       2. Prayers, also.

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    2. Hey Steve. I visit this site and your site daily. I was in disbelief when I read your post about your son and wanted to reach out but was not sure how. I, as well as the rest of the phillies prospect tracking community, have such an enormous respect for you and the work you put in to this, and to see such a bad thing happen to such a good person broke my heart. Sending all of our condolences your way

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30. Like to see Dombrowski go after Sox lefty reliever Sean Newcomb to come in in the 7th and be a set up guy for first Kerkering and then Duran. Not sure what it would take…Newcomb would be a rental.

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    1. Ro.us I will make a call. Maybe I can help get him

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       1. Ty

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    2. If DD does do something I hope it is for a player(s) that have a track record of performing in high stakes games.

       Estevez comes to mind from a few seasons ago…

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31. Wood only three innings?

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    1. Yeah ?????? 38/27 2 Hs 4 Ks ….. what do you make of it?

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       1. Just a light workout so he can be available for the Futures Game on Saturday. Good opportunity to showcase him to potential partners.

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          1. Futures Game Sunday, July 12 @ noon on MLB Network The twist…..Phillies WS champions Larry Bowa and Shane Victorino will manage the AL and NL squads, respectively. Maybe there will be a remembrance to Dave Montgomery who before he passed ensured that the game will be here for America’s 250th birth in the city where it all began..

             .

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          2. Futures Game is Sunday I believe. Wood has a great chance to start in Philly.

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32. And on cue Buxton to the 10 day.

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33. not sure of umps name but done but done couple Phil’s games and best of seen in awhile

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34. Romus What is your opinion on whitlock out of, Boston bullpen. I think he is a 6th or 7th inning guy. Don’t think he would cost a lot.

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    1. He might cost more than you think. He has an exceptional WHIP for a BP guy plus great splits facing LHBs and 2 team options for 27 and 28 that are relatively cheap $8 mil and $10 mil respectively.

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    2. rocco…..what top 5 prospect in our system do you think we should give up!

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    3. rocco…..what top 5 prospect in our system do you think we should give up!

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35. Philly sports is on fire lately, every team is humming. The Allstar game is coming. If the Sixers GM can rid the team of Paul George, gotta wonder what magic DD can do!

    Also, im thinking the Ducks don’t match. Just my opinion. DD needs to step it up, the GMs are on fire.

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    1. Tac I am big sixers fan. Tell me when did we ever get the better, of Boston in a trade?

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       1. Rocco… Not during my lifetime! Gotta wonder if we are all missing something. DD needs to make a move like this. Spitablling.. but maybe Turner+ prospects for Witt Jr. Hopefully DD has the same dirt photos the the Sixers GM had on BOS.

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          1. If the Royals traded Witt for ANYTHING we have in our system, they would need to expedite the construction of their new stadium because the fans would burn the current one to the ground.

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       2. LOL…….good point rocco.

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36. Not sure about last nights umpiring crew. The HP umpire was over turned a bunch and that call at 2B was pretty bad when you hear Mattingly talk about what they were told about the rule in ST.

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    1. Yes, the most overturns I have seen this year and many were not even close. So bad it made me look up HP ump – Malachi Moore 92.8% pitch accuracy. His 6th year.

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       1. A look at how they rate.

          https://umpscorecards.com/data/umpires#google_vignette

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          1. LMFAO that the worst ump is a guy named “Dreckman”

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37. Chase Burns tonight is a tough draw. The ML is -142 to the Reds but baseball is strange….

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38. Trevino, Banks and Duran a.k.a. TBD scheduled to start today! 🤭

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    1. a/k/a a scheduled loss.

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    2. Old does Don still have corn for sale? That corn was so sweet I bought from him. He told me you pick corn oartims

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       1. Not quite ready …… your “cornpickin” right, I do!

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    3. WHY?

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       1. Because it’s there!

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    4. Ruff. That is awesome you could figure out what the initials represented. May need a few more before Phillies get to the D.

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39. it seems like scheduled loss but the betting line barely budged. Opened -137 and only moved to low mid -140s. You would think if a lock more money dumped on Reds. It’s always the late $$ that tells story. An example being week or 2 ago Phil’s were maybe -190 vs Nationals and I think at last minute I think Phil’s announced Schwarber out with bad back. I quick checked line figuring $$ dumped on nationals but Phil’s went to -200 right at game time. That game Phil’s fell behind 5-0 came back took lead in eighth lost lead then I think scored ton of runs in 9th. The wise guys that make money betting know what they’re doing. Not unlike late $$ bet at racetrack.

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    1. . …The wise guys that make money betting know what they’re doing. Not unlike late $$ bet at racetrack…..now you are speaking rocco’s language.

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       1. Romus trainer gave me a tip yrs ago. Borrow money Drove to dover downs on a rain storm,I kid you not, trotter ran dead last

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          1. rocco…..hah, that day you were sulking with th sulkies….trotter racing seem to be fixed I would think.

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40. Chase Burns is pretty good but as someone mentioned baseball is strange game. Who had Sanchez getting rocked 2 days ago. No one. I told Ruff I would have taken him out after 1st inning and counted it as a BP session and brought him back tonight. No idea if it would have worked but Phillies have not had a long history of recovering from 6 down with this group. Rocco you could have collected big after 1 inning. Amazing how many 5 run leads have been one way or the other in recent Phillies games. Crazy.

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41. Tell Rocco NYRA bets now legal in NJ.

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42. Tanner Banks just secured someone’s promotion to the big leagues. Now who’s it gonna be?

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43. Matt Fisher with another excellent game. His last three – 13 innings, 2 runs, 4 hits. He could also be in trade discussions unfortunately because he has a high upside.

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44. Banks and Alvarado are both shot. Are they salvageable? I think I’d release Banks and send Alvarado down. I’d give McFarlane a shot at this point. They need help.

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    1. Alvarado may not be focused due to the earthquake in Venezuela. He has family there. Put him on the RL or some appropriate list and let him go home to take care of his family and extended family. There’s a precedent. Phillies allowed Roy Oswalt to go home after tornado damage in his hometown. I think they called it a bad back and put him on the IL. (MLB has gotten stricter on IL assignments.) I think it was the DL back then. I think he missed 2-3 weeks, but that included a rehab stint in Clearwater.

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45. don’t look now, but the Marlins has turned themselves into a contender the East

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46. I thought it was an excellent game last night by both pitchers. I told Ruff before the game that I really liked Brady Singer back in his Florida days. I was hoping the Phillies would pick him. I would like to see Painter acquire some of the competitive traits that Singer has always had. He may not have the greatest stuff, but he is going to compete on every pitch. Larkin on the Reds broadcast was praising both guys last night.

    One thing I did not know till the 9th inning when the Reds got the first 2 guys on. Reds guys were talking about the arms for the Phillies in the OF. Marsh and Hill above average. But they said out of 153 guys Crawford ranks 145 in arm strength. That seems unusual for me for a CF. One usually thinks of those guys having really strong arms along with the guy in RF like Garcia.

    Duran is so good. Some nights he makes it look like he is throwing in the backyard. Then like last night he gets in trouble and then lights out.

    ESPN guys spoke about difference with Mattingly. I agree on both points Ross or Ottavino made. Phillies are more aggressive on the bases and my complaint last playoffs; Mattingly goes to his BEST guys sooner in the BP than Topper. Topper waited in all 3 losses to Dodgers till Phillies got behind in games they led. But we did have David Robertson to stymie the bats. My guess Rocco he has begun throwing on his farm. Just in case.

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    1. Not all OFs are elite defenders. Crawford needed an opportunity and now we are all seeing what he can or cannot do. I think Crawford will have to move off CF if a better defensive CF comes up (like Nori). But for now, Crawford will be a work in progress at CF.

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       1. Bohm is a solid example of how a young player can improve their defense at the MLB level when they get someone qualified to work with them and of course are willing to put in the work.

          JC can do many things to improve as a CF including adding arm strength.

          He’s holding his own and that’s all I could have asked for from a 22 y/o rookie.

          Corbin Carroll has one of the weakest arms I’ve ever seen. Still puzzles me as to why they play him in RF. Perhaps because he has better range than their LF IDK.

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          1. DMAR…like you, agreed Crawford is holding his own in CF and I am happy with that. His speed does work to his advantage in making up for some of his lapses in tracking.

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             1. Crawford has a few big things going for him. First, I think he has like a 65 hit tool – he has an unusually good ability to put the bat on the ball and that has some value. He also has a good eye, which isn’t true of a lot slap hitters, but it’s true of him. Finally, he may not throw well, but he’s a good athlete. So I see Crawford developing . . . to a degree. My issue with Crawford, and it’s less a problem than an observation, is that I think his ceiling is pretty limited – like a slightly less talented Michael Bourn (you can disagree if you would like, but that’s my take on him). But he’s cheap so if he can become above average for a period of time, there’s a lot of value in that. But is he a future star? Heck, I doubt it.

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                1. One other thing that has nothing to do with Crawford. Man, I think we really dodged a bullet with Bichette, but, more than that, I have a big problem with DD’s general evaluation of hitters. As a hitter, who does Bichette most resemble? If you ask me, it’s Trea Turner who hasn’t been horrible, but has underperformed and projected to not live up to his contract (it’s not his fault – they threw a lot of years and money at him – how could he say no?). DD likes guys with solid contact skills, moderate power and really questionable plate discipline (hello Nick Castellanos!). As a group, those guys don’t age too well and, frankly, it bothers me a lot that these are the guys DD wants to open the bank vault for.

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             2. Like Axl said all we need is just a little patience…

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    2. Some of the best CFers had average arms. Crawford may need to work his arn strength up to middle of the pack. Though both him and Nori were rated as 55 arm strength going into their draft years.

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       1. Bernie Williams had a noodle arm and Johnny Damon looked like he was throwing with the wrong arm.

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       2. Richie Ashburn was a classic example. Candy arm but great speed and instincts in the outfield.

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          1. I was not downgrading Crawford with comment. I think he has done fine. The Reds guys were just discussing where would be the best spot to get a hit and have the best chance for tying the game. They were just going over metrics. Another guy and I may be wrong, but I am not sure Maddux had the strongest arm. But he covered so much ground in CF. Think the saying was half the earth is covered by water and the other half by Maddux.

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             1. I didn’t think you were wrong to point it out. And I don’t think its inaccurate to say he may wind up in LF at some point.

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47. One thing I forgot. I switched to the 8-game view. Tigers ere finishing. They have now won 8 or 9 so Phillies will have their work cut out for them. I have always heard it may not be who you play but when you play a team. Good luck Phillies.

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48. Gage wood will start Sunday in the futures game.

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49. Painter rocked tonight 2.2 I, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER , 4 BB, 1 K, 1 HR 70/38

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    1. Maybe he wants the FO to see that he’d fit right in with our current bullpen.

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       1. Don’t you be beating on Stubbsy like that! 4 pitches and he’s clean …. a little respect! Huh

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          1. Looks to me Stubby moves to the setup role.

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          2. Ruff Did they have Baseball draft and Nil back in the late forties? When don played. Wonder if that’s how he bought that big farm and Mansion.

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             1. 1rst draft was June 8, 1965, think Hoosier Don was still in high school. Rick Monday was the #1 pick, he signed for $104,000. $100,000 and $4,000 toward a scholarship. Now that’s funny, today they just give them money, they don’t need to go to school, they just buy the university if they want too.

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                1. Ruff. I knew Rick Monday. I was not sure on the year. But that was back in my day. Some of the guys do today get enough money they never want to leave college. A new meaning for college lifer.

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    2. I watched a 1/3 of inning and had to turn off. Was like watching someone forget lines to national anthem you turn off not to see them struggle. At this point it appears to be upstairs in his head. Gonna have to fight through it.

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50. Hi Rocco. Couple things. No NIL. Not sure when draft began. I just mentioned to Ruff if you have been on those early payouts, you have the Mansion. Not me. I do have pitch forks that Ben is getting for T. Mac.

    Also, I think the LHV shuttle that Ruff has been driving has a couple flat tires. Out of commission for a while. Maybe a long while.

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51. Why won’t the Phillies give McFarlane a chance? Can’t figure it out

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    1. Rocco. Unlike many of you I have never seen McFarlane. He seems to be on here at PP the assistant coach of basketball teams. I have no idea if he can be successful. The ladder he has to climb right now for the Phillies is not very tall. Maybe they do not want him to be around the negative vibes.

       As constructed today I do not see the Phillies catching the Braves. I see it more of a reality they do not hang onto one of the 3 WC spots. They have 3 aces and 1 ace closer and then????????

       Rocco. I have heard here in Indiana you are throwing out the first pitch on Tuesday. Have you been working on any special pitch? Maybe the Rocco Ball! I forget if it was the Phillies or another game but having the veteran of one of the early wars throw out first pitch was really a cool gesture over the holiday.

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       1. Don if they keep pitching nola. I will be a rich man. 1000 a game.hit last 4 of 5. Paying off my car.

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          1. Almost Rocco. 4 is the first loser. Ben said Marsh fly ball would have been out at CBP. So close but so far away.

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52. Between Marsh, Bader, and now Derek Hill, maybe it’s time to let the guys who we have scouting other orgs decide what free agents we sign.

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53. Derek Hill is reaching legendary status

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54. https://x.com/i/status/2074675360285811008

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55. Another gem by Marquez tonight. 5 IP, 9 Ks, 2 H, 1 BB.

    He is really good.

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56. Dan. I was thinking last night that it is maybe time that Hill gets regular time in the field. It appears he is currently on a Harrison Bader streak at the moment. Ride it for as long as you can. He has made some outstanding contributions in the short time.

    Guys said last night DD and one other who is with Philly were involved with Hill when he was drafted and were aware of his ability and got him before he was DFA’d by White Sox. At this point it is the best move made so far. Now find someone that can get guys out for the BP. Phillies BP is a train wreck as someone mentioned on draft posts. Yesterday sending Sanchez back out to start the 8th showed the confidence level Mattingly has there. It is Duran. I told Ruff some nights Duran makes it look so easy. Not all nights

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    1. Soon McFarlane has to be tried.

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       1. It’s interesting to me that they haven’t promoted him to AAA and I wonder why. There actually is a notable difference between AA and AAA – AAA hitters, as a group, are pretty experienced, so if you’re missing with pitches or are trying to get early swings – they test you some more.

          Also, reeling a little from Winkelman’s evaluation of yesterday. Honestly, the guy’s analysis is typically as good anything I read anywhere with the added plus that he is laser focused just on our system. That said, if you get one star player and another contributor or two from a draft, it’s a great draft – so if this kid they drafted has a chance to be a real star, especially picking as low as 36, if they did their medical homework well, it’s pretty hard to fault them for rolling the dice. We don’t need the next Alec Bohm or Bryson Stott (yeah, they’re okay and everything . . . but . . .) we need the next Corey Seager or Gunnar Henderson (sure, Henderson’s having a down year, but when was the last time we drafted a position player who was that good? You’ve got to go back more than 20 years, right?).

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          1. Correct… 20 plus years, for Rolen, JRoll, Chase and Ryan Howard.

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          2. I feel the pick isn’t so much the issue, if they did their due diligence.

             it’s that their track record on developing hitters is suspect for one.

             And secondly, unlike last year, this draft was about saving money for 1 or 2 picks.

             I’m always gonna root for the players to succeed but I was hoping for something similar to last year. And they had the extra pick.

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       2. I asked Ruff last night if he has seen McFarlane pitch. Ruff is not real far from Reading. He said no. I sent him at least to me a wild trade proposal. This morning I see a Mason Miller for McFarlene and Marquez. v1 likes Marquez. Article said he signed for $10,000.

          Did you receive any of the pics or things I tried to send other than just a email reply? I made them a file but not sure they went to you. Ruff, I just send him pics in texts. I sent him the guys this article cited as the top Day 2 guys. Top of the list is the Archer kid who someone had Phillies taking. All of these are high school kids, and almost all are committed to SEC schools. I am still curious how the NIL deals and their draft status play out.

          Last night I would say Bowlan got about a 50% confidence level or simply the cupboard is bare from Mattingly. He did ok. Think I saw watching Reds vs Cubs after Phillies they are only BP worse than Phillies. True to form a former Phillie guy Garcia from years ago gave up a game winning 2 run HR to Happ. Garcia is 31 so it was long ago he was with Phillies.

          I asked Ruff this. So, I will ask you. After All Star break do you think the Phillies will stack Sanchez, Wheeler, and Luzardo in order and Nola and 5th? Or leave it as it presently is? I would put them all together.

          Appears my idea of piggybacking Nola, Painter, Rangel not feasible with performance Painter had other night. Not good.

          Looking forward to seeing Wood today for a bit. Last time I saw him was part of the no hit game last year in CWS. Also be great if Phillies find a way to sneak a W out today before break.

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57. Don pls ask Ruff to get me a dozen donuts from Becca bakery. In reading

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    1. Ruff only likes jelly filled ones. Hope you do as well. He is getting 3 dozen. One for Romus as well.

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58. Jim I forget did you ever comment on why McFarlane is not being called up? Why he is at reading?

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    1. Last I looked McFarlane has yet to pitch back to back days. In fact, he’s only pitched on 1 day rest 6 times and has yet to pitch on 1 day rest 2 times in a row (pitch game 1, 3, 5, not in 2 or 4.) I wonder if this is part of the plan post TJ?

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59. Otto Kemp just hit his 11th home run of the season for the Ironpigs. Kemp had a brutal June with a .600 OPS and 3 homers This homer is already his 5th of July and had an OPS of 1.032 during the month before today’s game.

    https://x.com/FuturePhils/status/2076370385822454144

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    1. Good points – we should be careful not to pass final judgment on Kemp and his abilities . . . at least just yet. When a player has a meteoric rise to the big leagues and then gets sent down on a somewhat permanent basis is typical for that player to have a down spell as he realizes the enormity of what has happened in his life and then needs to adjust and get back on track. So I agree – let’s see what Kemp can do for the next month. He has ability. He has good at bats. The power and exit velocities and approach are all good and he still has a chance to be a solid major leaguer. I’m not out on the Kemp at all, although he may be a limited player in the big leagues.

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60. Hall of Famer at bat by Harper against Skubel top of sixth

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    1. Skubel just not the same guy he has been over the last two years….the elbow procedure with the loose chip clean-out he had in May , with the month long absence, probably set him back a bit.

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       1. Perfect phillies will give him 10 yrs 400 million. They live guys who are fading

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          1. He will be 30 years old next season….hopefully they pass on him.

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61. Romus and Rocco. I agree Romus. I told Ruff a while back and I am sure I will be wrong, but Skubal has such a violent delivery lots of things can go wrong. I wonder who is going to give up 2 or 3 solid prospects for a few starts if Tigers make him available. They may not but still several games under .500. I would pass.

    Nice wins the last 2 days. Think the saying you are as good as your next day starter. Phillies had those the last 2 days. Good going into the break on a positive and hopefully all goes well the next couple days. I thought the schedule was fluky coming out of break playing Thursday and off Friday.

    I liked the reference the guys gave about Hoosier Donnie feelings going into the stretch run after the break. Still think some tweaks are needed.

    Rocco. Amazing, another win for you today. Just keeps rolling along.

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    1. Yep…..it is risky enough these hi-velo guys incur with UCL issues always surrounding them….couple that with violent mechanics and the long term health is in jeopardy.

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    2. Yep…..it is risky enough these hi-velo guys incur with UCL issues always surrounding them….couple that with violent mechanics and the long term health is in jeopardy.

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    3. Don easy money bet phillies when Wheeler and sanchez pitches. Skip luzardo at home, bet him on road. Bet against Rangel and Nola. I might retire in Monte Carlo. With this money

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62. Can we stop with the Otto Kemp. First he can’t field, only had one good minor league season, His offensive numbers are terrible. Has no real position and is almost 27.

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    1. rocco…….everyone is searching for the next Max Muncy or Justin Turner…..Otto seems to be the next candidate on that list.

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63. Wheeler is on a mission now

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64. My buddy wanted to do the whole All Star Village thing. He’s big into autographs and I couldn’t care less about them but I try to be a good soldier plus I enjoy talking all things baseball with him.

    Standing in lines is not my thing…

    He had got the Capitol One free early entry pass for yesterday and I’ll tell you we were there at 8:20 and the line was 3 sides around the convention center.

    He was really hoping to get Cole Hamels to sign his Hamels jersey but no luck. We saw Cole a bunch around the village as he did photos with fans but couldn’t sign anything.

    He did the Bull’s auto and we tried to get Chooch’s but he never showed up. I had to josh him that as many times as he goes to games he could just go out to Bull’s BBQ and get Greg to sign.

    If you had little ones it looked really fun for them as they had plenty of activities for them to do.

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    1. DMAR…..lol…had a buddy like that …memorabilia , the whole nine yards…..his house is loaded with that kind of stuff….me, I also care less about autographs and what not…rather just talk to the guys. We see guys in the Hall of Fame club, he did have the courtesy to not ask for autographs, we just say hello with a quick chat and then they were on their way.

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65. Phillies have gone 45-24 since Hoosier Donnie took the helm of the ship. What is the prediction for the last 65 games now? This is now a sprint according to the skipper and Phillies now have everything in site.

    Other than Rocco and the first pitch on Tuesday is anyone attending any of the All-Star festivities the next couple days? Maybe Rocco, they will give you some souvenir baseballs and the nice guy you are might send one to central Indiana.

    I got my fireworks hat. It is cool. Have my eye on one of the All-Star hats as well. Only happens every 250 years.

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66. All -star game in where it all started, Philadelphia, for 250th …….still have not heard a tribute or mention of the man who set this all up 8 years ago, a year just before he died…Dave Montgomery.

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    1. I heard the guys mention when they were showing pics of CBP that Philly could have had game earlier but wanted to wait. Strange how things like that get missed. That is a shame. Hopefully tomorrow.

       Romus. I just checked standing and sent a text to Ruff. Phillies still a -10 in run differential. Also only see 7 definite sellers at this point. Sure, some more will join the list. But both leagues pretty bunched up in the WC standings.

       Be interesting to see if Phillies do anything. May stand pat and hope for the best.

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       1. Don…….me thinks another BP arm is in the works. Like to see LHP Sean Newcomb come our way….he is a rental so one prospect would have to be let go from our system.

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          1. Romus. They only do 1. Starter or BP guy or guys. Who is more important? I have simple thing for BP guy. Just get some outs and not so many BBs. Simple. Maybe not.

             Guys said something interesting on Skubal yesterday. He was drafted out of high school. Forget who and round. But they said Seattle University was only school to offer anything, and it was minimal. That is kind of how baseball was till just recently. Think they had like 9 or 11 scholarships for everyone and obviously the pitchers got most of what was available. Different now on scholarship number plus NIL in some areas. Even then it was the 9th round. I still would be very hesitant to go long term with him. I may be way off, but I see Skubal more like a Tim Lincecum. Dominant but on a short timeline.

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67. All in all a solid 96 games for the Phillies. The order of business is to make sure you’re in the race at the end and they have done that so far.

    No doubt they will need to find a way to stabilize the 4th and 5th starter roles to give themselves a true fighters chance.

    Painter toiling away in Lehigh isn’t going to do it and credit to V1 for recommending he be sent to the lab in CLW to figure things out. If he’s going to right himself its going to come from either a new arm slot or a new grip.

    I don’t know how many innings Marquez can throw this year but at this point I’ll take them at the MLB level. If for no other reason than seeing less opener games out of the remaining 66 games.

    His sub 1 WHIP is incredible even if its come in the low minors. The Phillies team WHIP ranking right now is 16 and undoubtedly that is bloated from Walker, Painter and Nola. Where it is in the last month or so I’m not sure how to figure that out.

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68. I am going to jump to Winkelman’s defense a little bit and make one final, pretty damning, but I think well deserved, comment on the Phillies’ minor league system over the last 20 years.

    First, I don’t always agree with Winkelman, but I often read what he writes, which is incredibly well thought-out and researched and find that, much to my chagrin and at times annoyance, he is usually (but certainly not always – like everyone else, he missed on Cristopher Sanchez, among others) dead on right about what he is talking about. None of this should be surprising because: (a) almost all prospects end up failing – even in great systems; and (b) our system, at best, has been a mediocre system and doesn’t always do a great job developing players, especially position players.

    I realized this site has been going since 2006 and, I have to tell you, in that entire time, I don’t think we have ever had a top 5 or perhaps even top 10 system and have produced some good players (Hoskins being an example), a great player or two (Cristopher Sanchez is a GREAT player and Ranger Suarez was pretty damned close to that – is there anyone else? I don’t think so but am happy to be convinced otherwise), and more than our fair share of flops. We have had several regime changes, but no elite regime team, although I think we are now becoming quite good at identifying and developing pitchers – that’s something new and positive.

    So, over the last 20 years, I give our system a C- – if you’re generous, you’d give them a C. Frankly, that sucks (especially when they were picking in the top 10 – the Almaraz administration was a full-fledged disaster – 4 top 10 picks with Alec Bohm to show for it – YUCK!) and is depressing as hell so hopefully, they can at least become a B+ or A- in developing pitchers, but otherwise, when I realized how bad the system has been over the last 20 years, without a current excellent regime, it really depressed me. Hopefully, things will start to turn around with Renteria, but I guess we’ll see.

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    1. There’s no doubt that the Phillies system has not produced enough talent over the last 20 years. The number of FAs that the Phillies have had to sign to fill in the gaps are a testament to that. But having only 5 top 10 picks are a part of that since most elite players are drafted in the top 10. The White Sox have had 10 top 10 picks, with the DBacks and Pirates have had 9. Luck matters too since the Phillies drafted Moniak #1 in a weak draft. But the Phillies did get lucky with Nola at #7 overall.

       So yes, I would likely give them a C also, but they can only do so much with the draft picks that they got. I mean, just look at this past draft with the Phillies first selection at 36. Should we have high expectations when picking that low?

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       1. Well, okay, but, I’m judging them over 20 years when they generally weren’t picking 36th and many times were picking in the top 10. So let’s not pretend picking that low has been the norm over that time period (although it may be going forward) – they were usually either picking high or somewhere in the middle from around 2012 to 2022 when they were bad or mediocre – that’s a long time with little to show.

          Also, let’s compare them to their aspirational cohorts and not the “have not” franchises like the Pirates (who have to pick high because they cannot afford good free agents) – the Dodgers and the Yankees. Unlike the Phillies who had some really high picks, the Dodgers and the Yankees almost never have high picks and yet, here they are churning out great players with some frequency. They pick better, they sign better, they develop and they generally trade better. That C or C- grade for the Phillies is well deserved. Honestly, I’m fricking sick of it.

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          1. Hah….I remember when we took JPC in 2013, and sitting there was Fresno OFer …Aaron Judge….I was hoping for him….Yankees took him at 32nd….so 29 other teams also passed on the future HoFamer.

             As for them over the last 20 years on position players,…..unless Ben Rice continues his rise, it amounts to just Judge and maybe if you look closely, catcher Wells.

             Dodgers otoh, have done above average well drafting ….catcher Smith, Bellinger, Seager, Buehler, Busch come to mind.

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             1. I think Cam Schlittler and Spencer Jones (who is probably going to be a very good MLB player) would beg to differ.

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                1. I was just looking at every day players…not the pitchers like a Can S….Spencer Jones is an unknown at the MLB level, at this point….plus he will be 26 years old next spring. Will see where he is at ina few years before the Yankees can anoint him a success story.

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                2. Yup – let’s see and you’re right that the Dodgers have been much more successful than the Yankees at developing talent.

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          2. I have a hard time judging over that long of a time span since front office personnel changes over time as do processes and eyes evaluating talent.

             Taking the right player to start with is 90% of development IMO and yes the rest is luck.

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             1. There’s no doubt that getting the right player to begin with is an enormous part of the process and probably the biggest issue – it’s hard to argue with that. However, have a good development department is massively important too. A perfect example of this is Cristopher Sanchez, probably the biggest player development success, along with Mike Schmidt, in the history of the franchise. Sanchez went from a borderline top 30 prospect in the organization (barely above roster-filling fodder – to one of the top 3 or 4 pitchers in baseball – a staggering progression). While Sanchez deserves all the credit in the world for hanging in there, taking advice and working hard, he developed in large measure due to the amazing coaching he received, especially at the major league level with Caleb Cotham.

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          3. Twenty year draft history : just some facts 

             2006 – 1st pick – 18th – Drabek – # that reached majors – 6 – most relevant – Domonic Brown – Player Development System Rank – 22nd – Baseball America 

             2007 – 1st pick – 19th – Savery – # that reached majors – 7 – most relevant – Travis d’Arnaud, Jake Diekman – Player Development System Rank – 21st – Baseball America 

             2008 – 1st pick – 24th – Hewitt – # that reached majors – 10 – most relevant – Trevor May – Player Development System Rank – 22nd – Baseball America 

             2009 – 1st pick – 75th – Dugan – # that reached majors – 4 – most relevant – Darin Ruf – Player Development System Rank – 22nd – Baseball America 

             2010 – 1st pick – 27th – Biddle – # that reached majors – 5 – most relevant – Jesse Biddle, Cameron Rupp – Player Development System Rank  – 18th – Baseball America 

             2011 – 1st pick – 39th – Greene – # that reached majors – 9 – most relevant – Adam Morgan, Ken Giles – Player Development System Rank  – 10th  – Baseball America 

             2012 – 1st pick – 40th – Watson – # that reached majors – 5 – most relevant – Hoby Milner – still in majors – Cubs  – Player Development System Rank  – 26th  – Baseball America 

             2013 – 1st pick – 16th – Crawford – # that reached majors – 3 – most relevant – JP Crawford – still in majors – Mariners  – Player Development System Rank – 26th  – Baseball America 

             2014 – 1st pick – 7th – Nola – # that reached majors – 4 – most relevant – Aaron Nolan – still in majors – Phillies, Rhys Hoskins – still in majors – Guardians – Player Development System Rank  – 26th  – Baseball America 

             2015 – 1st pick – 10th – Randolph – # that reached majors – 4 – most relevant – Bailey Falter, Tyler Gilbert  – Player Development System Rank  – 21st  – Baseball America 

             2016 – 1st pick – 1st – Moniak – # that reached majors – 5 – most relevant – Jo Jo Romero – still in majors – Cardinals, Mickey Moniak – still in majors – Rockies  – Player Development System Rank  – 8th  – Baseball America 

             2017 – 1st pick – 8th – Haseley – # that reached majors – 9 – most relevant – Ben Brown – still in majors – Cubs  – Player Development System Rank  – 6th  – Baseball America 

             2018 – 1st pick – 3rd – Bohm – # that reached majors – 4 – most relevant – Alec Bohm – still in majors – Phillies, Logan O’Hoppe  – still in majors – Angels – IL, Matt Vierling – still in majors – Tigers, James McArthur – still in majors – Royals – IL – Player Development System Rank  – 6th  – Baseball America 

             2019 – 1st pick – 14th – Stott – # that reached majors – 2 – most relevant – Bryson Stott – still in majors – Phillies, Erick Miller  – still in majors – Giants – Player Development System Rank  – 13th  – Baseball America 

             2020 – 1st pick – 15th – Abel – # that reached majors – 2 – only had four picks – most relevant – Mick Abel – still in majors – Twins – IL – Player Development System Rank  – 17th  – Baseball America 

             2021  – 1st pick – 13th – Painter – # that reached majors – 2 – most relevant – Andrew Painter, TJ Rumfield – in majors – Rockies  – Player Development System Rank – 27th – Baseball America

             2022  – 1st pick – 17th – Crawford – # that reached majors – 3 – most relevant – Orion Kerkering, Justin Crawford, Gabriel Rincones Jr – in majors – Phillies  – Player Development System Rank  – 23rd – Baseball America

             2023  – 1st pick – 27th – Miller – # that reached majors – 1 – most relevant – Aidan Miller, George Klassen  – Player Development System Rank  – 19th – Baseball America

             2024  – 1st pick – 27th – Nori – # that reached majors – none yet – most relevant – TBD  – Player Development System Rank  – 14th – Baseball America

             2025  – 1st pick – 26th – Wood – # that reached majors – none yet – most relevant – TBD – Player Development System Rank  – 19th – Baseball America

             2026  – 1st pick – 36th – Spangler – # that reached majors – none yet – most relevant – TBD – Player Development System Rank  – 29th – Baseball America

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69. Thoughts on 1st half:

    it’s crazy how Bullpen’s are so unpredictable from year or year. Even Strahm is crapping out. Going into the season it was a strength+, but now … they really need to consider upgrading. Mcfarlane should get a look. I know mlb hitters can hit fastballs, but I think 102mph is enough these days were they can’t catchup. Gotta wonder if he’s in AA still to an extent to keep is trade value steady. A move to AAA might expose some development needs (location walls etc) if he survives the deadline, you gotta expect him to get a callup with the way the BP has been

    I think Turner is going to reset, have a very good second half, and be rolling into the playoffs . Jayson Werth has said Turner is most athletic guy he’s ever played with. So my optimism is based off his confidence

    they gonna do it this. The stars are going to align. It won’t be pretty so buckle up. They get over the hump this year. I’m really glad future HOF Wheeler is pissed off too.

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70. Good comments Tac. You are a positive guy. Glass half full. That is what the Phillies need for 26. They do have a lot of really good players. But they also have several disturbing issues.

    But with how the playoff format is now you do not have to be the best team for 162 games. You have to be one of the 6 best teams in your league. Then you hope the stars align for about 3 weeks. Phillies have 3 ace pitchers and 1 ace closer. What they do with the rest will be interesting. Who does Hoosier Donnie trust? Good question

    Ben made a good comment on the hitters. They are feast or famine. Score lots of runs or very few. I noted today that after 97 games they are still a -10 in runs scored. A little deceiving because some of these losses they have just got pounded. Whether it is 1 run loss or 10 run loss does not really matter in the end.

    Hope you are right that the stars align in 26. All Star game. Keep players healthy and get lucky come October if they can get in. Lots of teams in both leagues still right in the WC chase. A long winning streak or losing streak can be the difference one way or the other.

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71. Buxton was just SPECIFICALLY asked if he’d consider waiving his NTC for the Phillies and he said no.

    So please keep that in mind as we get closer to the trade deadline.

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    1. Seems like a legit public facing comment however there are always back channel discussions going on.

       When I was at the Village Sunday Cole was talking about the period where he was having discussions about being traded. Basically there were only two places where he was willing to waive for and the Cubs were his 1st choice Texas 2nd.

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72. Saw Romus’ post about Dodgers. I had the opportunity to watch the Dodgers conduct a tryout at LaSalle College approximately 9-10 years ago. Someone I know well was invited by Rich DeLucia. Originally there may have been 50 kids there. I was sitting on bench with someone else I know well and guy with bushy brown hair walks by says hey what’s guys how’s it going. Other person I’m with says that’s Friedman I say who haha. Anyhow very intensive process picture of every kid, measuring hand size flexibility bunch other stuff. Probably there 5 to 7 hours . Kids kept showing up from Notre Dame, Michigan State Virginia Tech. Constant flow of kids showing up. Looked like whole Penn pitching squad showed up. Even if you could tell kid had no shot DeLucia would step in help kid with grip on curve, changeup. First class treatment of every single kid. Same person I know was invited to another tryout for iconic northeast team following year. Maybe 30 kids there if a kid was on mound and struggling main guy would just walk away leave kid alone while he’d be over on side laughing with other front office. Only two teams but completely different approaches.

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73. I was watching media day last night on MLB Network and they had the players stationed on the concourse in the OF. They had nice tents setup for each of them and there were a bunch of roving press passes asking players questions.

    BH was asked by someone if he had a time machine and could player with any of the greats of the past and again (I heard him answer this question before) he said Aaron Judge.

    At the risk of reading into it too much I believe he is really salty about not getting an extension and the whole elite debacle and is calculated passive aggressive with that comment.

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74. Just one great grandiose event last night that was interrupted on several occasions by a baseball game which wasn’t too entertaining. Well, it only occurs once a year, so I guess I can deal with it.

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    1. I was there – by far, the best moment was the Ray Charles video and the fireworks. It was actually quite entertaining. But, otherwise, I went to an all-star game and a Phillies game broke out.

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75. I agree guys. By far the best was the kids coming into filed on the bikes with the video. Awesome. Clunker game. Ruff seems we discussed that we had seen this play before. I told Ruff it must have been the dugout as the culprit. Maybe.

    Romus and Rocco. I learned last evening that my son and family are going to CBP for the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday games. I have not found out their seating or where they are staying yet. Rocco, I hope you give them a warm South Philly welcome. They went to Cincy last couple years and Milwaukee night Mis was pretty good. So, hoping they have a great time.

    Romus, check your email.

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    1. Don…send again…not even in SPAM.

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    2. My aunt’s great nephew was the kid standing with Trout with McGraw jersey on. Lives/plays baseball in south Philly. Someone got the kids hooked up with someone from FOX when idea came up to do it. Had to be beyond surreal for those kids.

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76. When can we expect to see the Phillies start promoting the Minor leaguers doing well?

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    1. Tac3 hit upon a very good reason behind the seeming reticence to promote a successful prospect below AAA. You can certainly apply his thinking to any other successful prospect not already playing with Lehigh Valley. Therefore, if the Phillies are even considering promoting a successful prospect from a lower affiliate to the majors (I’m not convinced they are), it would likely happen after the trade deadline, slightly before if the Phillies decide the prospect doesn’t have the trade value they had thought he had or if they completed all the trades they had planned. This year’s trade deadline is August 3rd, 6:00 PM ET.

       Essentially, since no player is off limits in a trade, no player will be challenged at the next level where he might hurt his trade value until there is no likelihood of his being part of a trade that could benefit the major league club.

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       1. Thanks Jim, even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while!

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       2. I agree – they don’t want to risk devaluing a prospect in advance of a possible trade.

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77. Romus. I just sent it again. I sent it at 2 yesterday afternoon. It is new email. Both times says it was sent.

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78. Serious stuff, ……. begins today …… no more Mr. Nice Guy, we are taking “no prisoners” ….. run up the black flag, no quarter will be given to league leaders and celler dwellers alike! OCTOBER is today.

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79. I am going with 40-25 for the final sprint as Hoosier Donnie calls this. That is 94. Maybe a little rich but they got around that last year. I want to see them make a run in October like 2022. This particular group does not have lots of rodeos left together.

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    1. I’m 36 — 29 back half.

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       1. BR and Fangraphs each expect the play-offs for the Phillies ….greater than 85% odds via each analytics site. Their WS odds (+1200 via FanDuel) -tied for fifth best in the majors. Phillies have the fourth toughest remaining schedule… 11 series against teams currently in the playoff picture (and 10 against sub .500 teams) 

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          1. I noticed that schedule a few weeks ago. That could go a few ways, but ultimately I like it. I think it keeps them sharp. Non of the “cold” break that’s been happening to the bye teams. Hopefully the pitchers can get their rest but the position players keep sharp and ramped up for the playoffs.

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80. Keller has a UCL tear. I think many were suspecting that.

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    1. Better chance for Mason Miler and/or Chapman now… no doubt about it… and we are definitely getting a look at Mcfarlane now lol… unbelievable

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       1. Yep. Trade for Chapman. Bring up McFarlane

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          1. LHP Sean Newcomb from the WSox could be had at a lower cost than many….maybe one prospect.

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             1. Now looks like WSox will be buyers not sellers as they are neck and neck with Cleveland now. So doubt they move Newcomb.

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       2. I believe you’re aiming too high on the list of potentially available relievers (Chapman likely ISN’T available now, for what it’s worth).

          We’ve already got an elite closer, so there’s no reason to go shopping for another arm that will demand being “the guy”.

          I imagine we’ll be asking more about guys like Adrian Morejon, Steven Okert, Luke Weaver, Tyler Wells, Tyler Alexander, or perhaps someone like Tyler Rogers or a reunion with Jeff Hoffman if they want to shed salary.

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81. anyone have interest in civale?

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82. Nola’s prime time music being played tonight by the Platters …… “Smoke gets in your eyes”! See if it makes a difference …… careful on the betting Rocco might make a diff!🤣

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83. https://x.com/i/status/2077855365220164009

    Mattingly says no to McFarlane

    I guess is he stays down until trade deadline

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    1. Assume they are leaning a trade for a reliever.

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84. https://x.com/i/status/2077769670610895248

    prospect ranking

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    1. That might be my favorite ranking I have seen so far, Marquez at 3, Ferrebus at 5, Rincon at 7. Who knows if he’s right but at least it’s original. I know some are saying they will trade Marquez but with the way it’s gone with Painter, I wouldn’t trade Marquez unless it’s some kind of deal that is just too good to pass up. Since there’s a chance Wood ends up in the pen, if Painter doesn’t get it together, Marquez could end next season in LV or better if he keeps progressing and there’s no lockout.

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    2. Burkholder at six is a pleasant surprise….he could be the darkhorse RHB OFer they need out there. I just hope Dombrowski keeps him in the system…..when trade talks come up, willing to bet other GMs and their scouts from other teams have him on their radar.

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85. Sorry Jim, I posted in the draft section in error. The Giants have pieces we need, if they can work out a match. I’d like Arraez, Schmitt, and Erik Miller. Stott and two decent prospects could be enough.

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    1. Schmitt and Miller both have multiple years of control, and Stott has basically no value to the Giants.

       Arraez is definitely there for the taking, but he’s not a perfect fit for us and is going to cost more than you think.

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       1. You’re probably right but I think this team as currently constructed can’t win it all and will only be aging out. Therefore, they need to make moves that will make a difference and the Giants are a good match. Robbie Ray is a possibility also. Stott could be a piece of a deal but the prospects need to be good ones like Marquez

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86. Horrible managing by Mattingly. Any time Nola gives you 6 innings with 1 earned, you take it. You don’t bring him back for the 7th.

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    1. Agreed, at this point in his career, at least this year. You take it…. but the bullpen ERA has been pretty awful lately too so 🤷‍♂️

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    2. I told Ruff at the time the move simply shows the lack of confidence that Hoosier Donnie has in the BP. Really nothing else. Nola did his job. The second point I made to Ruff is I have never seen a game where a team would win with 0 runs. Turner did get one but not many games won 1-1 either.

       Personally, I thought guys early in the game were taking really hittable pitches and then swinging at ones 6 inches off the plate. Now Turner does that all the time. Seems Marsh is now getting inflicted with the same approach. Maybe I was sitting too far back from the tv.

       To be successful you have to have both. Good pitching. Nola did that last night. Consistent hitting. As Ben said on the road trip this group is either feast or famine in the hitting department.

       Going forward in these next 8 home games 1 run is not going to win very many of these games. Some of you may have caught this at the end. Mets are said to have made all but the 4 young kids and Soto available. Now some are basically untradeable but shows you Cohen is not a happy camper at this time.

       Speaking of Soto would it not be nice if some of our guys had his approach at the plate.

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87. And the Phillies begin the post All Star stretch with a whimper. This team does not hit good pitching a whole lot and that’s what the Mets had tonight. The Mets have 3 really good young pitchers to build with and they New York almost always plays the Phillies really tough.

    W. Coast, I think Mattingly was trying to make up for taking Nola out too soon after his last start. He’s really in a no win position but in hindsight I agree with you. Nola gives up 3 home runs but because they were solos and he pitched 6 innings, he gets credit for a quality start.

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88. “[Alex] McFarlane is expected to be promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in the near future, according to two team sources who were not authorized to speak publicly.” –

    @MattGelb

    https://x.com/PhilsTailgate/status/2077909197610442821

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    1. Well I guess he’s off the trade table will Keller being lost for the season. That probably makes Painter Or Wood available

       painter, wood, Miller for Skubal 🙂 … not a bad haul for a rental

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89. I think the thing that has been the most perplexing and disappointing to me has been the lack of productivity out of our draft picks beyond the first round picks. We have genuinely hit on our first round picks. But beyond that, it is remarkable how poorly we have drafted. Like throwing darts at the BA list might have done better. The most interesting prospects that we have are either first round picks or international signings.

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    1. I’m not arguing with you – I just lack perspective for the whole league and developing non 1st round picks.

       For perspective – 1st 10 round picks that are in the majors/prospects (leaving out 2025 draft – too soon) according to MLB.com. I’ll try to look back 10 years – not including 1st rounders.

       6. Rincones – 3rd
       11. Burkholder – 2nd
       17. DeMartini – 4th
       20. Saltiban – 3rd
       26. Graves – 6th
       29. Spikerman – 3rd

       Phillies draft picks in other orgs who have had decent careers

       2016
       – Julian Garcia! 10th rd(just debuted)
       – JoJo Romero
       – Cole Irvin

       2017
       – no one has stuck in the majors consistently

       2018
       – Matt Vierling 5th roudn (didn’t have 2nd or 3rd round picks because of Santana/Arietta)

       2019
       – produced multiple Atlantic League players

       2020 Covid 5 round draft
       – no one

       2021
       – this one hurts. TJ Rumfeld in the 12th but this was the Ethan Wilson, Jordan Viars drafts

       2022 (no second)
       – probably best draft for contributors in recent memory
       – Rincones (3)
       – McFarlane (4)
       – Kerkering(5)
       – Mavis Graves (6)
       – Ricketts (7)
       – Rincon and Daniel Harper after that

       2023: no 2nd or 5th round picks bc of Turner
       – Saltiban (3)
       – Klassan (6) – used for Carlos Estevez trade
       – Avery Owusu-Asiedu (9) – not good but got us Kyle Bacchus straight up.

       2024
       – Burkholder (2nd)
       – Spikerman (3)
       – Demartini (4th)

       If I’m honest, I didn’t realize it was this bad. Unless I’m missing someone, the only top ten round pick contributing outside the 1st round is Kerkering. And I think he’s really the only one who has been contributor for the past 10 drafts.

       They’ve missed all over the place. High schoolers, CC, college players. . . really is quite amazing. To note, they haven’t had a lot of 2nd round picks because of FA’s, but major whiffs when they have. For a lot of them, it wasn’t even injuries that killed them. Kevin Gowdy would be in that camp but that’s pretty much it.

       For context, when did Preston Mattingly take over the minor league portion?

       I don’t know if this is bad scouting or poor development or probably both.

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       1. Thanks for the detail work on this – it’s very interesting and helpful.

          I think the biggest challenge is hitting on early draft picks – once you get out of the first two or or three rounds, it’s very difficult. But the challenges/difficulties make it even more important that you also trade well and develop international talent.

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          1. in 2016 alone, i counted 2, 3, 4th round picksbw solid big league careers. I think you project that out and its unbelievable how incompetent the Phillies have been

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             1. Why not compare it to the teams that have reached the WS from 2017 thru 2023….that will give you a better idea how the Phillies have stacked up. I do not really care about Wild Cards or first round elimination teams….but teams, that those draft picks have made a difference.

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                1. Houston – 4
                   NYY – 3
                   Dodgers – 3 (but if you tack on 2016, it’s like 7)
                   Braves – 7 or 8 (very impactful – strider, harris, schwellenbach)
                   Nationals – 3
                   Rangers – 1
                   Diamondbacks – 4ish
                   Red Sox – 4
                   Rays – 7 In 2018 alone, the drafted Taj Bradley, Joe Ryan, and Shane McClanahan after the first round.

                   * I don’t know random relievers on teams and I subjectively went with “established”.

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                2. and 1st rounders by combined war from 2017-2023

                   – Phillies: 15.9 (mostly Stott)
                   – Braves: 12.7
                   – Rangers: 15.3 (amazing they had 4 top 8 picks and this almost all Langford)
                   – Dodgers: 8.4 – all Michael Busch.
                   – Yankees: 17.2
                   -Rays: -1.2
                   – Nationals 0.6 (well, this is why they suck, in part)
                   – Astros: -1.5
                   – Red Sox: 11.5

                   So, in conclusion. Nobody knows anything. I will say, during 2017-2023, the only Phillies 1st rounder to not make the majors has been Aiden Miller. Most of these other teams have some pretty big misses.

                   1st round – Phillies are pretty good? Above average (particularly since only Bohm is a top 10 pick). After the 1st is pretty pretty bad.

                   Go full Danny Briere. Screw the picks.

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                3. Ok thanks for that.

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       2. Preston Mattingly, Player Development September 2021.

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90. That loss was hard to watch but I try not to over react to them these days so long as they come back and win the next 2 games.

    Seth has really good stuff if he could just execute his pitches with more conviction he could vastly improve.

    Last thought for the night was that I appreciate that Mattingly has given Ricones Jr. a bunch of starts and while he’s shown glimpses of what he might be able to do as the LHH platoon Hill has impressed enough to start getting the lions share of starts.

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    1. Agree Seth has good stuff but issues with control. Maybe one day it all clicks. Maybe it does not.

       Agree on Hill as well. Seems the honeymoon hitting spree may be over but he is a better defender and can help the team in more areas than Rincones Jr. can. Not going to get tremendous hitting help from either I believe.

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       1. When they traded for Seth Johnson, wasn’t he supposed to be a control specialist who threw in the lowe 90’s?

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          1. He was a starting pitcher who had okay velocity and some good breaking pitches – or that was the book on him at any rate. Switching him to the bullpen allowed him to develop the extreme velocity we see now and which gives him the chance, at some point, to be a very good pitcher. But he’s got a lot of work to do.

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91. Deadline should be very interesting as this team’s rebuild/window has matured… I can see it going 2 ways:

    1- they empty the farm.

    2- they ride the young guys

    if they trade the farm, I think they get more than most fans think. Why? Not because the Phils Farm is the best, but it will be the best prospect package offered. Most teams rarely offer up their top prospects, and DD does.

    2- they promote McFarlane, Wood, and Painter. Some bats as well. DD see what his money can buy, and decides it’s not much better than what’s down on the farm … and they ride with it.

    I’d love plan #2 IF it worked out aka resulted in a WS title but… that is really gonna take a lot of the right breaks. What I like about it is that most teams/platers won’t have seen 2 of the 3 arms. Many times the pitcher performs better in their 1st time around the league.

    Well we gonna findout soon enough. trades are starting to happen.

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92. Clearly the FO had a plan on paper with a very limited budgeted and they executed it but it didn’t work out. They hoped Garcia would have a bounce back year offensively and give them better defense. He did give them better defense but the offense didn’t really materialize and had he not gone down with a season ending injury maybe his second half offense kicked in. Moot.

    They probably thought Painter couldn’t be any worse than Walker and that didn’t happen.

    And of course Keller should have deepened the BP and now that’s exploded.

    All of it was very defensible IMO. It didn’t work and that happens. Happened to the Braves last season but Anthopoulos didn’t try to double down on the season by trading prospects to save a season that was gone.

    I don’t live in ATL never even been there so maybe its easier to sit on your hands in that town and allow things to play out and have another years look at what is in your farm.

    In stock terms you generally have ratings of Buy Hold or Sell. IMO the Phillies should see themselves as a Hold.

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    1. Hold seems reasonable. Have to realize next season will probably be truncated or maybe none at all. So the older guys will be that much closer to cliff-dwelling. I just have to wonder what Dombrowski is thinking.

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93. It just seems like for the last 5 years we are always saying the same things:

    1. The outfield needs help
    2. We could use another bullpen arm
    3. It would be nice to upgrade from Bohm, but he’s kinda good enough
    4. JT is solid but declining

    It’s frustrating. And it’s the same thing every year. Yeah, maybe we do get hot in October and rip off a championship. But it certainly doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen. We’re just too top-heavy and don’t really have any avenues to change the supporting cast. I know that we need our minor leaguers to start stepping up and producing, but we look pretty stupid now by holding on too tightly to Miller, Painter, and Crawford (I hope his upward trend continues).

    It just feels incomplete and not good enough…again.

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    1. Well said. I agree with mostly all of this. I really really dislike Bohm. I get that he is not terrible and he is not as bad as he was in April of this year. But even this version of him, sure he get some hits hes just a complete slog. The double plays kill rallys. He can never beat out a grounder deep in the hole that 90% of MLB hitters would be safe on. And he has no “juice” or excitement to his game. I just think he negatively impacts the order in so many ways that even a player with lesser numbers could be better for this lineup based on what he offers.

       JT is JT, yeah his bat stinks but its ok to have a .210 hitting catcher who works well with the pitchers and plays good defense. You can win with him, you just can’t have as many holes around him in the lineup.

       Im also not really sure that any move DD could have made with Miller or Painter would have changed anything. Plus, you can’t predict their injuries. I would DEFINITELY be opposed to trading them now because their value is at an all time low.

       Maybe this is the year they make a splash. Who knows if there will even be MLB next year, so might as well push the chips in

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       1. I can only assume the whole world knew about Aidan Miller’s injuries. On my off-season wish list, I was hoping to build a package around Aidan Miller for Hunter Goodman. I knew he was a strikeout king, but his defense is pretty good, he hits well when not at Coors, would have been the RH thump we needed, and was extremely inexpensive.

          And if that wasn’t enticing enough for the Rockies (I know they’re weird about trading their good players), then I would have gone after Adley. Don’t get me wrong, I love JT. But I felt it was time for a change there.

          I know we felt like we had a blue chipper there, but I think if you can trade a potential piece for your future, a guy like Goodman would be an acceptable replacement.

          Now we’re just going to wash, rinse, repeat.

          The disappointment I feel with Painter is the same I felt with Dom Brown. Hopefully, he turns it around at some point and proves to be a high quality arm in 2027.

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       2. I’m cool on Bohm, too. In addition to what you mentioned there are his long sulks that appear to affect his game. Lots of RBIs, but how many when the game is on the line?

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          1. When Bohm had a somewhat impressive (2020) rookie year, I wanted to trade him, again to the Rockies for Arenado. He wasn’t good defensively, and from college through the minors, he just didn’t have any power. I definitely wanted to sell high there.

             And I still can’t forgive him over the “I f—ing hate this place” comment. Any competitive athlete’s reaction to making 3 errors should be “I f—ing suck!” At least he would’ve shown that he deeply cared and was pissed about his performance. But to cry because the fans boo, that’s a weak individual. And fast forward 5 years, he’s still crying.

             I especially like the crying after a weak groundball to 2B. Don’t act like “you just missed it.” We all know the only “damage” you were going to do was a little flip to the right side for a single anyway. He’s out there acting like he was a quarter-inch away from a 450-foot bomb. I can’t wait for the Bohm era to be over.

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    2. You are so right . . . . Groundhog Day!

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94. New Baseball Prospectus top 50 has the following Phillies:

    30: Gage Wood

    That’s it. Miller won’t be considered again until he proves he can play. I. assume Montgomery and DD are paying attention.

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    1. I mean, I don’t think their not listing him means much of anything other than that he is not currently playing and nobody knows much about when and to what extent he will be able to play. I don’t think the Prospectus ratings really move the needle one way or another with management – I doubt they care about them much at all.

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    2. Ditch those other sites…BP, BA and Fangraphs…the only one, I believe, with ‘insider trading’ is MLB, com….Mlller @29, Wood @51 and Renteria @90…and as a side note Tait @ 38.

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95. Renteria is the youngest player on the Top 100….Luis Hernandez of the Giants is also 17, but one month older than Renteria.

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

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96. Good stat:

    Justin Crawford’s first 89 MLB Games: 269 AB | 70 H | 12 2B | 2 HR | 21 RBI 17 BB | 59 K | .260/.309/.349 | .658 OPS

    Carl Crawford’s first 89 MLB Games: 382 AB | 97 H | 12 2B | 3 HR | 36 RBI 10 BB | 65 K | .254/.278/.340 | .618 OPS

    https://x.com/PhilsTailgate/status/2078271031626665999?s=20

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    1. Lets hope the apple does not fall far from the tree.

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       1. I am happy with Crawford’s first half of his rookie season. My only criticism is that he doesn’t attempt enough stolen bases. But I think that is likely more on the managers than the player. I think the Phillies just don’t like to steal him based on where he hits in the lineup. But man if he turns into more of a SB threat then he could be a real weapon.

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          1. It seems they have put the clamps on his stealing bases, Maybe where he hits in the lineup or maybe getting more familiar with major league pitcher’s timing to the plate. Agreed he would be more of a weapon if he was on second base more often.

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             1. I’d like to see him walk more and be more selective with 1 or 2 strikes on him. Like to see him up in the order, but he can’t change that, satisfied so far with his progress as a rookie. Makes some rookie mistakes, but that’s expected.

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97. was checking minor league box scores from last night. Burkholder 0-7 with six Ks ouch. Checked has only happened 8x in mlb. One was one of our WS heroes Geoff Jenkins.

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98. I think Crawford’s rookie season has been decent. He’s 22. He should get better.

    The comparison with his dad is cool, but his dad debuted at age 20. In Carl Crawford’s age 22 season — same as Justin this year — he put up 4.9 WAR, hit .296/.331/.450 and stole 59 bases. So Justin needs to pick up the pace!

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    1. fair debate but I’d argue the age 20 vs 22 seasons are the ones to compare. It’s not necessarily the age in this case but the level of competition.

       will see. The better indicator is that he is improving the entire season, with minimum blips

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99. Wassup With The Padres……….One year, they’re trading away four prized prospects, rwo of which were  James Wood and CJ Abrams to acquire Nats OFer Juan Soto.   The next, they’re dumping him.        One year, they’re trading away ultra- prospect , ss Leo De Vries, for Athletics All-Star closer Mason Miller.   The next, they’re talking about trading him away.    The Padres, who recently sold for a stunning $3.9B,  sell out virtually every game, have looked like a discombobulated mess.   They are a .500 team and have no idea whether they should buy, go all in, sell, or go all-out.    They’re desperate for a starter, and without one, or even two, and a bounce-back second half from Manny Machado, they’re going nowhere and might as well sell.   But with A.J. Preller, MLB’s most aggressive wheeler and dealer, it’s anyone’s guess.

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    1. Romus. I saw the Mason Miller thing the other day. Had Phillies giving McFarlane and Marquez. I may have second name wrong but the young kid in low minors who v1 likes a lot.

       Question for anyone. My son is on the way to Philly now. They have tickets for Sunday and Monday. He said they may try to go today if they get there in time.

       What is the food you like best at CBP? I know they are all expensive. They are aware. They have been to Cincy, Detroit and recently saw Mis pitch against the Phillies when the grandson travel team was in Wisky few weeks back.

       I asked Ruff. I watched Yankees vs Dodgers last night till 8th inning. It was 2-1 when I turned it off. How does Sasaki throw 102? He is pencil thin. Does not have a violent delivery like Skubal and some others have had. It just gets there. Does not look like a tremendously long delivery extension. He was really getting it up there in the early innings. No wonder they put him in the closer role last year.

       Thanks to anyone for suggestions.

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       1. Dang Don…..so many different foods to choose from at the Park…..Chickies and Pete’s spicy crab-seasoned fries served with their signature creamy cheese sauce….then there is Bull Luzinski’s BBQ located way down in the LF area serving massive BBQ plates, pulled pork, smoked brisket, and the loaded “Bull Dog” sandwich…and tell the kids to say they are from Indiana and Bull , if there, may sign an autograph for them and then there is Federal Donuts with spicy friend chicken sandwiches……my favorite has been long gone the Schmitter sandwich……but at my age I have to go slow or just avoid a lot of the goodies now….except having a cold one.

          See what some of the others lads on the site here like down there.

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       2. For food, tell them to go out to Ashburn Alley (outfield walkway) and see what strikes their fancy.

          Anything from Bull’s BBQ or PJ Whelihan’s will be good.

          Tony Luke’s is probably the best quality cheesesteaks in the stadium.

          Chickie’s and Pete’s crabfries are always popular. Just let them know they AREN’T crab, they’re covered with crab seasoning. Some people don’t try them or are disappointed thinking they’re actually made of crab. And they definitely want the cheese sauce.

          There are other good options in other parts of the stadium, but can’t go wrong with those and they’re all close together.

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100. Thanks guys. I sent these to them. Doubt they make game today now that it has been moved to 3 but I have not heard since around 9 this morning. Around Pittsburgh then. Tickets are Sunday and Monday anyway.

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101. Francisco Renteria continues to rake in the DSL. He’s slashing .353/.447/.571 with a 1.018 OPS in 32 games (119 ABs) He has 12 XBH (2 2B, 6 3B, 4 HR), 24 RBIs, 17 SB. 20BB:23Ks

     https://x.com/Cory_Nidoh/status/2078274662069342655

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     1. He is looking for all the world like the elite L.A. hitting prospect we’ve been waiting for for the last 40 years on this team (not an exaggeration) and like exactly what we were promised. I am so excited about him! Great job by the organization to sign him.

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        1. I guess its been 40 years since Juan Samuel and Julio Franco…….I suppose Freddy Galvis and Cesar H do not count!

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           1. No sir, they do not!!! Even if Odubel had been a Phillies signee, he was never in that category?

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              1. Agree. I like Freddy and Cesar (and Juan, too). But when you say “elite L.A. hitting prospect”, I think of Soto and Acuna. We haven’t really ever had that kind of LA prospect.

                 I’m not saying Renteria is that kind of prospect. Yet. But we can hope.

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                 1. Wasn’t George Bell a Phillies prospect at one point?

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                 2. Yes. He was signed in 1978 and lost 3 years later in the Rule 5 draft. He spent the ’81 season with Toronto and was sent to the minors for all of 1982 and part of 1983.

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102. what would a Clay Holmes from Mets cost Phil’s? A rental that can start or swing out of pen if make playoffs. Dombrowski gonna have to shop in damaged goods or discount aisle with dearth of prospects

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     1. Hard to say what he’ll command until he goes on his rehab. He’s got a lot of rust to shake off.

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103. They did make the game today. Section 138. Tomorrow 115 behind Phillies dugout and Monday 135 behind Dodgers.

     I asked Ruff. Is there a mandatory rain delay time umps take? I have no idea on that.

     Romus. Just saw another Phillie hypothetical for Miller. Wood and Renteria. I do not think I would do that. Probably be lots of talk now with Keller out.

     Rocco. You need to welcome the kids to South Philly!

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     1. Nope, no mandatory amount of time. I think it was a Yankees game where they called for a delay and then didn’t even finish unfolding the tarp before they changed their mind.

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        1. 30 minute rule, covered under Rule 7.03c formerly 4.03 and 4.07 I believe.

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104. https://x.com/i/status/2078639230679400716

     villavencia. Also had a triple

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     1. He is coming along…not bad for a $90K signing bonus player back in Jan ’22….Bergolla recd a $2M bonus,

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105. 101 mph sinker for Alex McFarlane

     https://x.com/JeffKerrPHL/status/2078662254342328749

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     1. There must be something about the spin rates or location of McFarlane’s pitches that makes the Phillies think that his stuff won’t work at the MLB level. We have seen this many times before. Pitchers can blow up AA and even AAA hitters with gas like this. But then they come up to majors and it is a different story. The Phillies are certainly not shy about giving minor leaguers a shot when there is an injury. Nor are they shy to fast track relief pitchers. So there has to be something that we don’t see.

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        1. The walk rate is pretty bad and maybe they are concerned that he just doesn’t have the control and command yet to succeed in the big leagues. My sense is that once he masters whatever is they think it is he needs to master or improve on, it pretty much will not matter whether he is then in AA or AAA and he will be promoted. The stuff is excellent big league quality – you could see it in ST. He’s very, very talented.

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        2. No, V, there’s nothing there to see. As discussed earlier, he’s a prime trade target. Promoting him to AAA unnecessarily exposes him to appearances that might decrease his trade value. If he’s still with the club on August 4th or if they are not satisfied with the return in deadline packages he is a part of then he will be promoted to either AAA or the Phillies with a short stop at AAA much like Kerkering was back in ’23.

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           1. I hear you but why use him as a trade chip for a reliever? Why not just use him as a reliever if you think that he is good? Kerkering pitched in 7 post season games as a 22 yo rookie. So they have a history of fast tracking RPs and throwing them in playoffs. Why would they not do the same with him?

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              1. I don’t know, V. This is just speculation after a comment by Tac a couple days ago.

                 Maybe they learned from their mistakes? In Kerkering’s case, he usually had 2-3 days off between appearances in 2023 in the minors. Among his 49 minor league appearances, he never pitched on consecutive days, and only pitched on one day’s rest six times. The Phillies used him in 3 of 4 games in the Arizona series (on the 17th, 19th, 20th). He only recorded one out in those second two appearances.

                 They could move McFarlane to Lehigh tomorrow. It’s an off day in the minors. Whenever they do, I hope they test him on back-to-back days a few times instead of waiting until the playoffs. So far this season, he hasn’t pitched on consecutive days but has pitched on one day’s rest 10 times in 32 appearances.

                 Maybe the Phillies hesitance to promote him so far has to do with his command rather than the trade value speculation. Kerkering as a 22-year-old in 2023 had a combined walk rate in the minors of 2.0 per nine innings. McFarlane’ is 25-years-old and has a walk rate of 4.6 per nine this season.

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                 1. Yeah. Definitely a possibility

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              2. I agree with you, V1. The kid looks like he can get some outs. Let’s stop playing around see if he can get outs for the Phillies, asap.

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106. Derek Hill has two golden sombreros in his last two starts. When he was with the White Sox earlier in the season, he struck out 33% in his at bats. With the Phillies he has struck out in almost 50% of his at bats. He’s a capable fifth outfielder but is he much better than Rojas? Finally, it looks like since the all star selections were made, Marsh has returned to his previous self. It’s too bad. I had thought that he turned the corner.

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107. I’m as excited as anyone about Francisco Renteria (.353/.447/.571) with his OPS currently sitting at 1.017. One thing that makes me pump the brakes just a bit is that there are a LOT of players in the DSL having great years. Renteria currently has the 22nd highest OPS in the league. I’m not saying this diminishes him in anyway, just providing a data point comparing him to the league.

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     1. One aspect that must be considered about Renteria and his offensive prowess in the DSL , is his age…..he may be one of the younger ones there at 17. Not sure what the ages are of the 20 or so higher OPS guys above him, but normally 17- year olds will struggle in the beginning.

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        1. Eleven of the 27 players ahead of him are 19-21. Three are 16. Thirteen are his age. It only takes 33 ABs to make it on the leader board. Ten have fewer than 100 plate appearances. Four less than 70, the other 6 between 70 and 100.

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108. Think like Bader the honeymoon for Hill and hitting has come and gone. But it helped win some games. But I prefer his defense in the outfield, and he is an excellent baserunner as well. With the group they have I would find a place for him somewhere.

     Kids are at CBP. Sent some pics of some of the players out working early. Today they are in Section 115 Row 25. Seats look good. Took some pics behind Homeplate that look nice.

     v1. One thing I think is clear Phillies need to add to the BP as best they can. Things worked well yesterday but today is another day. Turner did comment after game one of the things that has been talked over and over here. BP guys have to come in and throw strikes. Give up a couple walks and then a hit and it becomes a big inning at times. I know hitting needs help, but BP is still my number 1 concern with the 3 starters and Duran.

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     1. Don, I had a first-timer in the family today, too. Granddaughter just moved to Malvern area where she’s starting a job at Vanguard. She sent pictures of herself and her beau at their first Phillies game today. She was wearing a Trea Turner shirt. Turns out he’s a fellow NC Stater.

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        1. My daughter lives in Malvern. She’s on the Parks and Rec council(?).

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           1. Small world. Or is it small Delaware Valley? My granddaughter is actually a Marylander turned Carolinian with a stint after college in Manhattan, so Philly area is new to her. As a kid, I lived in Phoenixville so Malvern’s just a stone’s throw away for me.

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     2. Turner has balls. If he’d hit and field up to his contract, maybe we could score more than one run a game in losses. I’m tired of watching him strike out to start the first inning.

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109. Seeing reports that the A’s are making Langeliers available. He really would be a perfect addition. Would immediately upgrade our hitting bs LHP. He crushes LHP with a 1.035 OPS.

     We would have to try to flip JT. As down on him as we are, he is still a great defensive catcher and there are few good offensive catchers. I bet the Yankees would take JT. Their catcher position is a disaster.

     What would it take to get Langeliers? Probably a package of Wood + Nori gets it done. Painful to loose Gage, but I would do this deal.

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110. We need to pump the brakes on Renteria hype. Yes he’s only 17 and doing quite well in the DSL. However, he’s also only in the DSL and facing pitchers not good enough to be stateside yet. He might have the 2nd highest trade value in our system after Wood. DD absolutely would consider including him in a deal for the right players with years of control. As I’ve said before, our window is closing and we need to go for it right now. Not a great thought for lovers of our minor league talent.

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111. I think it’s time to give Brian Keller a promotion to the big leagues and a start to replace Rangel. Keller has had a crazy career arc but is 32 and looks like he knows how to pitch. Worth a try.

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112. I wonder if Middleton sees how awful we play in day games and considers changing the rest of them to 3 or 5 start times.

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     1. Really. Has nothing to do with Nola not winning a start since may26. Or painter pitching terrible. DD should be fired. I know I am not the only one who saw Nola decline. But DD ruined us with that contract an d Realmuto . That’s 40 million we could have used for 4 th starter bullpen , arm and maybe a decent outfielder. He missed on so many outfielders. I don’t trust him in trade talks. He will sell the farm for marginal players. Hoping they play well. Also how could you have so many older players at JS not hitting. No real prospects that I can see Who is running this draft.? Atlanta drafts Hartis , Baldwin. Real major league players. We draft stiffs

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        1. rocco……We draft stiffs ……..do you consider Wood a stiff!

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           1. Not in love with him. 8 hrs in 55binnings in minors scares me. Hate his delivery. I believe is upside is 8th relief pitcher , at best

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              1. That may be his final outcome, but they will try him as a starter for as long as he can handle it.

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     2. Dan is that just a coincidence, or is there a perceived reason for it?

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        1. It’s probably just small sample size noise. But there are possible genuine reasons for it to happen. They won’t change game start times either way, I just wish they would. It’s pretty miserable going to the Sunday games feeling like you’re almost guaranteed to watch a loss.

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113. Wood 59/38 4.0 Inn. 2 H 2 R 2 ER 0 BB 9 K’s 1 HR

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114. A new discussion is available at

     https://phuturephillies.com/2026/07/20/phillies-discussion-7-20-2026/

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