Lehigh Valley

Jorge ALfaro, 23, Acquired from Texas in 2015; .289/.313/.430 in 128AB; 3HR 19RBI; 1SB; 2%BB/32%K; .321 vs LHP; .267 vs RHP; .232 in May; 28 games caught without an error; 5 passed balls; 6/17 CS (35%); Alfaro started very hot and has cooled down a bit of late.  His defense is showing progress.

Logan Moore, 26, Phils 9th round pick in 2011; .300/.326/.500 in 40AB; 2HR 10RBI; 5%BB/33%K; 11 games caught with 1 error; 0 passed balls; 3/9 CS(33%); Very limited playing time for Moore who has played well when in the lineup.

Reading

Chace Numata, 24, Phils 14th round pick in 2010; .263/.342/.374 in 99AB; 2HR 6RBI; .194 vs LHP; .294 vs RHP; .357 in May; 10%BB/15%K; 26 games caught with 3 errors (.987); 2 passed balls; 9/20 CS(45%); Excellent throwing out would be base stealers and has been handling the bat competently.

Joel Fisher, 24, Phils 23rd round pick in 2014; Hitting .174 in 23AB with 1HR and 2RBI; 8 games caught with 1 error and 1 passed ball; 3/6 CS(50%); So far this season FIsher has the prototypical stats of a minor league back up catcher.

Clearwater

Deivi Gruillon, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2012; .291/.294/.410 in 117AB; 3HR 11RBI; 1%BB/25%K; .300 vs LHP; .287 vs RHP; .319 in May; 29 games caught with 4 errors and 4 passed balls; 10/31 CS (32%); A very good season thus far for Gruillon who is progressing well. Continue reading Around the System–Catchers →

A first look at corner infield production.  Next up: Catchers.

Lehigh Valley

Rhys Hoskins, 24, Phils 5th round pick in 2014, .345/.432/.655 in 119AB; 9HR 28RBI; 13%BB/17%K; .262 vs LHP; .390 vs RHP; .357 in May; .333 with RISP; 34 games at 1B with 1 error (.996); Hoskins has probably been the Phils minor league MVP through the first six weeks of the season producing excellent numbers across the board.  BB/K rate is much improved from years past and his defense has looked much better as well.

Taylor Featherston, 27, Re-signed as a free agent in 2017; .306/.375/.403 in 72AB; 0HR 7RBI; 3SB; 10%BB/18%K; .300 vs LHP; .310 vs RHP; 19 games at 3B with 1 error (.972); 2 games at 2B without an error; 2 games at 1B without an error.  Featherston has been a steady piece of a prolific ‘Pigs offense.

Hector Gomez, 29, Signed as a free agent in 2017; .158/.180/.263 in 57AB; 1HR 5RBI; 3%BB/17%K; .143 vs LHP; .167 vs RHP; 19 games at 3B with 3 errors (.933); Very little production for Gomez after a productive 2016 overseas.

Reading

Kyle Martin, 24, Phils 4th round pick in 2015; .139/.246/.317 in 101AB; 5HR 19RBI; 11%BB/37%K; .098 vs LHP; .167 vs RHP; .133 in May; 27 games at 1B with 3 errors (.987). Other than showing power in the few times he has made good contact, the beginning of 2017 has been very poor.

Mitch Walding, 24, Phils 5th round pick in 2011, .144/.291/.322 in 90AB; 4HR 11RBI; 17%BB/34%K; .161 vs LHP; .136 vs RHP; .069 in May; 26 games at 3B with 4 errors (.932); See Martin, Kyle.

Harold Martinez, Phils 2nd round pick in 2011, .286/.388/.429 in 42AB; 1HR 3RBI; Decent out of the gate for Martinez, who is entering his 3rd week on the DL. Continue reading Around the System–Corner Infield →

The ‘Pigs have been playing well as of late coming into tonight’s game working on a three game winning streak and are 17-13 on the season, the first time this season they are four games above .500.  Currently in second place in the Northern Division of the International League, Lehigh Valley continues at home all week with two more against Rochester before a four game series against Buffalo.    Aaron Nola will be rehabbing tomorrow night at Coca Cola Park in his first rehab start in hopes of shortly returning to the Phillies rotation.

Notes: Tom Eshelman was called up from AA on Monday and made his first AAA start and dominated Rochester.  He went 8IP allowing just four hits and a walk and did not yield an ER while striking out six.  He was throwing strikes consistently all evening, keeping hitters off balance.

–In his whirlwind trip from the Toronto organization, to Philly, to Lehigh Valley and now back to Philly, Ty Kelly took the time to HR in his only game as an IronPig.

–Interestingly, JP Crawford has reached base in each of his last 15 games, however is hitting only .208 during that time period. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →

A first look at the middle infield.  Next up: Corners Infielders, over the weekend.

Lehigh Valley

JP Crawford, 22, Phils 1st round pick in 2013; .155/.279/.182 in 110AB; 0HR 7RBI; 2SB; .170 vs LHP; .143 vs RHP; 15%BB/19%K; .176 over last 10 games; 30 games at SS with 4 errors (.966); 3.77 R/F.  Crawford continues to have one of the best batting “eyes” in all of baseball.  That said, his year has been abysmal.  He has struggled all season at the plate, never approaching the Mendoza line and rarely hitting the ball out of the infield.  His fielding has been at times spectacular, however he is covering significantly less ground than in years passed (Range Factor down 25%).

Pedro Florimon, 30, SIgned as a free agent in 2017; .160/.300/.200 in 25AB; 0HR 1RBI; 8 games at 2B with 1 error; 1 game at SS without an error.  Very limited playing time

Jesmuel Valentin, 23, Acquired from Dodgers in 2013; .228/.283/.293 in 92AB; 1HR 6RBI; 0SB; 6%BB/14%K; .308 vs LHP; .170 vs RHP; .152 last 10 games; 25 games at 2B with 3 errors (.967); 2 games at SS without an error.  After a great SPring Training during which he almost made the big club, production has been limited to Valentin.  Solid in the field.

Reading

Malquin Canelo, 22, Signed as a free agent in 2011; .294/.402/.397 in 68AB; 0HR 8RBI; 4SB; 16%BB/23%K; .273 vs LHP; .304 vs RHP; 21 games at SS with 3 errors (.967). A solid start to the season for Canelo whose OBP is eye opening.

Scott Kingery, 23, Phils 2nd round pick in 2015; .292/.382/.593 in 113AB; 7HR 19RBI; 8SB: 12%BB/22%K; .244 vs LHP; .319 vs RHP; .317 last 10 games; 26 games at 2B without an error;  Put simply, Kingery is doing everything very well. Continue reading Around the System–Middle Infield →

Our first look around the system this year, specifically at outfielders.  Next up will be middle infield.

Lehigh Valley

Dylan Cozens, 22, Phils 2nd round pick in 2012; .172/.257/.354 in 99AB; 5HR 20RBI; 10%BB/39%K; .100 vs LHP; .220 vs RHP; .273 over last 10 games; .219 with RISP; 21 games in the OF without an error and without an assist; The power is clearly still there, but the adjustment to AAA has been just as difficult as many expected for the free swinger.

Cameron Perkins, 26, Phils 6th round pick in 2012; .279/.367/.500 in 86AB; 3HR 9RBI; 11%BB/13%K; .250 vs LHP; .296 vs RHP; .242 last 10 games; .136 with RISP; 19 games in the OF with 2 errors (.941); 2 OF assists; 1 game at 1B without an error.  Perkins has been typically solid, hitting all over the lineup and producing relatively well.

Roman Quinn, 23, Phils 2nd round pick in 2011; .250/.315/.310 in 100AB; 0HR 7RBI; 7/9SB; 9%BB/29%K; .189 vs LHP; .286 vs RHP; .265 last 10 games; .235 with RISP; 26 games in the OF with 2 errors (.964); 1 OF assist; Mediocre start for Quinn who needs to improve his OBP fairly significantly.

Nick WIlliams, 23, Acquired from Texas in 2015; .277/.330/.426 in 94AB; 2HR 8RBI; 3SB; .281 vs LHP; .274 vs RHP; .250 last 10 games; 5%BB/29%K; .200 with RISP; 21 games in the OF with 1 error; 1 OF assist; Marked improvement over the end of last year, however plate discipline continues to need improvement along with the occasional mental error.

Reading

Aaron Brown, 24, Phils 3rd round pick in 2014; .228/.241/.316 in 57AB; 1HR 5RBI; 0%BB/33%K; .091 vs LHP; .261 vs RHP; 15 games in the OF with 1 error; 4 OF assists; Has been playing part time and has had significant struggles at the plate.  Hasnt walked all year.

Andrew Pullin, 23, Phils 5th round pick in 2012; .298/.360/.606 in 104AB; 7HR 20RBI; 8%BB/17%K; .194 vs LHP; .353 vs RHP; .189 last 10 games; .259 with RISP: 19 games in the OF with 1 error; 1 OF assist; Sizzling start has settled down recently.  Still an excellent first month.  Defense needs work Continue reading Around the System–Outfielders →

The ‘Pigs have been playing better baseball after struggling out of the gate and are now 11-9, and in 3rd place of the Northern DIvision of the International League, 2.5 games behind division leading Buffalo.  Lehigh Valley continues with three games on the road against Toledo, before returning to Coca Cola Park in Allentown for a quick three game homestand against Scranton.  Going into this weekends series, the ‘Pigs have won four consecutive series.

Probables: Fri: Lively; Sat: Thompson; Sun: Pinto; Tues: Appel

News and Notes: Catcher Jorge Alfaro has hit safely in 4 of his last 5 games and 14 of his 16 games this year, hitting .354 with 3HR and 10RBI

–Switch pitcher Pat Vendittee has been outstanding for the ‘Pigs, having not allowed a run or a hit thru his first 9 innings of work spanning 6 games.

–1B Rhys Hoskins is hitting .414 over his last 8 games (having hit safely in each) and is leading the league in HR with 6.  He has reached base safely in 19 consecutive games.

–After a brief three day stint in the majors, during which he did not pitch, Ben Lively returned to the ‘Pigs rotation with a victory last Saturday yielding a lone ER in 6 innings of work.  Over his last 7 AAA starts, Lively is 6-1 with a 2.25ERA. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →

The perspective juggernaut has been mediocre at best through the first two weeks of the season with the ‘Pigs sitting with a 5-6 record through 11 games, and in 4th place of the Northern Division of the International League, 2.5 games behind division leading Buffalo.  Lehigh Valley returns home tonight to begin what will be a six game home stand against Columbus and Toledo.

News and Notes: Jorge Alfaro has started the season very hot, getting on base in all 9G he has appeared in (.361, 1HR 5RBI)

–Through the first 11 games of the season, the Lehigh Valley bullpen is getting the job done with a 2.38 ERA and an opponents batting average of .190.

–In his second career AAA appearance, RP Mark Leiter set a ‘Pigs record for strikeouts in an appearance by a relief pitcher with 8.  Leiter has been predominately used as the ‘Pigs long man in the early going.

–Pitchers Dailier Hinojosa and Colten Murray have been placed on the DL to start the season.

–P Nick Pivetta has probably been the ‘Pigs best starter the first two times through the rotation.  Pivetta is 2-0 with an 0.69 ERA.  Most impressively, he has not walked a batter while striking out 13 in his 13IP, while holding the opposition to a .167 avg.

–Jake Thompson has had significant troubles in each of his first two starts, lasting just 2.1 innings in each and yielding 9ER in one start and 6ER in the other.  His control has been poor as well with 6BB in 5.2 innings of work.

–RP Pat Vendittee has been extremely effective in his first 3 ‘Pigs appearances, throwing 5.1 scoreless innings and striking out 7.

–Both Pedro Beato and Michael Mariot have earned saves in the early going and look for the “closer by committee” after losing Luis Garcia to Philadelphia.

–A very successful first 11 games in his AAA career for 1B Rhys Hoskins, who is hitting .324/.452/.676 with 3HR and 5RBI in his first 34 AB.  The other half of the “bash brothers”, Dylan Cozens, sits at .158/.238/.316 in 38AB and has 17 strikeouts in his 42 plate appearances (40%).

–The struggles of JP Crawford have been well documented in the early going.  Crawford is at .086/.200/.143 thru 40 plate appearances.  He has a lone extra base hit and a lone RBI to go along with an “uncrawfordlike” 30% K rate.  Only one error in the early going, however, his range factor has been significantly lower than in previous years thus far.  It is still VERY early.

–INF Jesmuel Valentin has been the offensive catalyst in several of the ‘Pigs victories and is hitting at a .355 clip early on to go along with 5RBI in his 31AB.

–A big, three hit game that included a homer has gotten Nick WIlliams going back in the right direction after bumpy beginnings this season.  WIlliams sits at .265/.297/.412 with 1HR and 3RBI in 34AB.  The OBP is reminiscent of last year and must improve.  He has walked just once in 35AB and is striking out at a 35% clip.

Probables: Tuesday: Thompson; Wednesday: Pinto; Thursday: Lively; Friday: Pivetta; Saturday: Appel

Comings: Adam Morgan (optioned from Philadelphia)

Goings:  Zach Eflin (to Phillies), P Luis Garcia to Phillies,

Six more days until opening day for Lehigh Valley and with that, the Phillies have announced the ‘Pigs roster. The roster is as follows:  Players age in (    ). Bold indicates on 40 man roster.  Look for Jake Thompson to get the nod opening day.

Catchers: Jorge Alfaro (23) and Logan Moore(26)

1B: Rhys Hoskins (24); 2B: Jesmuel Valentin (22); SS: JP Crawford (22); 3B: Taylor Featherston (27); INF: Hector Gomez (29); INF: Pedro Florimon (30)

OF: Dylan Cozens (22); Nick Williams (23); Roman Quinn (23); Cameron Perkins(26)

SP: Jake Thompson (23);  Ben Lively (25); Nick Pivetta (23); Mark Appel (25); Ricardo Pinto (23)

RP: Pedro Beato (30); Luis Garcia (30); Mark Leiter (26); Michael Mariot (28); Hoby Milner (26); Wander Perez (32); Cesar Ramos (32); Pat Venditte (31).

Notes: The roster contains 6 of the top 10 prospects in the Phillies system (Baseball America)

–Expect to see Luis Garcia as the closer at the beginning of the season.

–Hector Gomez played in the Korean League in 2016 and hit 21 homers.  He has played in the majors for both the Rockies and Brewers.

–The ‘Pigs play the Reading Fightin Phils in an exhibition game on Tuesday in Allentown before opening the season next Thursday against Pawtucket at 7:05.

Final report card of the year looking at relief pitchers at the upper parts of the organization.

Lehigh Valley

Luis Garcia, 29, Signed as a free agent in 2013; 48G; 6-3 with a 2.14ERA; 13SV; 54.2IP 38H 24BB 53K; .203 opp avg; 1.13 WHIP; 2.09 GO/AO; 4.0BB/8.7K per 9; .203 vs LHH, .203 vs RHH; After throwing in 72 games for the Phillies in 2015, I was surprised to see Garcia start the season in Lehigh Valley and I was even more surprised that with the lack of bullpen depth in Philly, he didnt receive more of an opportunity with the big club before September.  He pitched well for Lehigh Valley and is out of options next season.  Grade: C+; 2017: ELsewhere, based on the lack of big league opportunity this season.

James Russell, 30, Signed as a free agent in 2016; 29G (13 starts) for Lehigh Valley; 3-5 with a 4.29ERA; 79.2IP 88H 19BB 49K; 11HR allowed; .272 opp avg; 1.34 WHIP; 0.74 GO/AO; 2.1BB/5.5K per 9; .176 vs LHH, .301 vs RHH, .346 last 30 days; Russell started the year in Philly and was sent down to Lehigh Valley after several awful outings.  He pitched well for Lehigh Valley in multiple roles in the seasons final month where he really ran out of gas.  Grade: C; 2017: Elsewhere

Dailier Hinojosa, 30, Acquired off of waivers from Boston in 2015; 22 games; 1-3 with a 2.96ERA; 24.1IP 25H 14BB 23K; .281 opp avg; 1.60 WHIP; 0.64 GO/AO; 5.2BB/8.5K per 9; Hinojosa was expected to be a key member of the Phils bullpen.  That didnt happen.  First, he was ineffective for the Phils, then was injured and after he came off the DL was very inconistent for Lehigh Valley.  Grade: C-; 2017: I would be surprised if he were back

Colton Murray, 26, Phils 13th round pick in 2011; 27G; 2-2 with a 2.95ERA; 36.2IP 31H 15BB 36K; .230 opp avg; 1.25 WHIP; 0.97 GO/AO; 3.7BB/8.9K per 9; .242 vs LHH,. .259 vs RHH; Murray pitched well for Lehigh Valley but has struggled during multiple stints with the Phillies; I would expect him to spend another year as pitcher #14-15 in the organization, bouncing back and forth to Philly when (if) injuries occur.  Grade: C+

Elvis Arajuo, 25, SIgned as a free agent in 2014; 18G, 1-0 with a 2.18ERA; 20.2IP 15H 6BB 19K; .195 opp avg; 1.02WHIP; 0.87 GO/AO; 2.6BB/8.3K per 9; .148 opp avg last 30 days; Arajuo pitched very poorly for the Phils in 32 games this season, struggling with his control and simply getting hit around.  To his credit, he came down to AAA and threw well, but the Phils saw enough of Arajuo to not call him back up in September, leaving you wondering what his future with the organization may be.

Joely Rodriguez, 24, Acquired from Pittsburgh in 2014; 53G; 7-0 with a 2.35ERA across 3 levels; 5SV; 76.2IP 65H 23BB 69K; .237 opp avg; 1.15 WHIP; 2.06 GO/AO; 2.7BB/8.1K per 9; For LV: 13G, 0-0 with a 2.79ERA; 19.1IP 16H 6BB 18K; .232 opp avg; 1.14 WHIP; 2.8BB/8.4K per 9; Rodriguez left 2015 as a failed starting pitcher and was removed from the 40 man roster.  He successfully reinvented himself as a left handed high leverage reliever and did an excellent job. One of his primary issues in ’15 was his control, which was much improved this season.  With his call up to Philly in September, much rides on his performance as the role of LOOGY at the highest level is open for the taking.  Grade: A- Continue reading Post Season Report Card–Relief Pitchers, Top Half of Organization →

A look at the Outfield throughout the organization.  Next up: Relief Pitchers, Wed or Thur

Lehigh Valley

Nick WIlliams, 23, Acquired from Texas in 2015; .258/.287/.427 in 497AB; 13HR 64RBI; 6/10SB; 4%BB/26%K; .231 vs LHP; .273 vs RHP; .152 last 30 days; Since Aug 1, Williams hit .172 with a 1%BB/37%K rate; 122 games in the OF with 3 errors (.989); 6 OF assists; My pre-season expectation for WIlliams was hitting around .285-.290 with 10-12HR and 15SB prior to a July call to Philly.  What actually happened is that WIlliams was benched on three separate occasions prior to August for disciplinary reasons and he went on to finish the season with a borderline unprecedented BB/K rate over the seasons final month plus.  His ability would come out for a few weeks and he would then retreat into some combination of a baseball purists nightmare.  Grade: C-; 2017: Lehigh Valley

Cam Perkins, Soon to be 26, Phils 7th round pick in 2012; .292/.329/.419 in 408AB; 8HR 47RBI; 11/15SB; .316 vs LHP; .274 vs RHP; .314 last 30 days; 5%BB/14%K; 103 games in the OF with 7 errors (.972); 3 OF assists;  The numbers are decent for Perkins but not good enough to warrant a look at the big league level.  The walk rate needs to go up, and Perkins needs to be more of a run producer to get that major league look.  Surprisingly, Perkins went from 2 errors and 15 OF assists in ’15 to 7 errors and just 3 OF assists this year.  Grade: B-; 2017: I expect Perkins to be left Rule 5 unprotected and expect him to go undrafted and back to Lehigh Valley

Cedric Hunter, 28, Signed as a free agent in 2016; .294/.324/.433 in 330AB with Lehigh Valley; 10HR 53RBI; 6/9SB; 4%BB/16%K; .313 vs LHP; .284 vs RHP; .286 last 30 days; 75 games in the OF without an error; 1 OF assist; Hunter started the year with Phils and was sent fairly quickly when people got healthy as he wasn’t performing.  For Lehigh Valley, he was the most consistent outfielder all year, hitting the ball hard and playing a good OF.  Hunter is a AAAA player who many organizations will be glad to have around.  Grade: B+; 2017: Likely another organization with all the young talent below, although would love to see him back.  He is fun to watch.

Cody Asche, 26, Phils 4th round pick in 2011; .279/.350/.514 in 111AB for Lehigh Valley; 6HR 15RBI; 1SB; 9%BB/21%K; .229 vs LHP; .303 vs RHP; .302 last 30 days; 16 games in the OF with 1 error (.973); 7 games at 3B with 1 error (.923); 3 games at 1B without an error; Asche was optioned to Lehigh Valley after hitting .213/.281/.362 in 174AB with the Phils this year, to go along with a 23% K rate.  Pre season, I expected Asche to be a productive member of the Phils OF.  Between his injury in SPring Training and then his performance once off the DL, 2016 was a major disappointment for Asche.  That said, kudos to Asche for not sulking when sent down and performing well at multiple positions for Lehigh Valley late in the season.  I expect to see Asche back with the Phils in 2017 with Altherr, Bourjos and Goeddel all question marks for the ’17 roster.

Reading

Dylan Cozens, 22, Phils 2nd round pick in 2012; .276/.350/.591 in 521AB; 40HR 125RBI; 21SB;  10%BB/32%K; .197 vs LHP; .302 vs RHP; .234 last 30 days; .295/.374/.744 with 29HR 83RBI at home; .259/.325/.441 with 11HR 42RBI on the road; 128 games in the OF with 5 errors (.982); 12 OF assists; The overall stats, before you dig in are mind blowing.  Team records for HR and RBI to go along with a 20+ SB season and double digits in OF assists.  Then comes the negative.  The very average player Cozens becomes on the road and his .197 average with a 42% K rate against left handed pitching.  Grade: A-; 2017: Lehigh Valley Continue reading Post Season Report Card–Outfield →