Finally. The light at the end of the tunnel. Pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater early this week, and their first workout is on Wednesday, February 14th. Four dozen players have been seen at the Complex.
Yu Darvish came off the free agent board. And, NO! The Phillies shouldn’t run out and sign Jake Arrieta. I’ll explain why. Again.
The Phillies signed a couple more journeyman position players, a few minor league free agents, and another young player retired.
Beautiful morning in Clearwater Friday. I arrived at the Complex early just in case the workouts started early again. My Complex buddy, Steve Potter, arrived early too. They didn’t start early, but we got to see the players as they crossed from the stadium to the building that houses the weight room and batting cages until practice started. We got to engage with a lot of the players. They seem to be more likely to stop and talk before practice starts. Six new faces today. Continue reading Five Days Until the Official Start of Spring Training
Heavy fog in Clearwater this morning. I arrived at the Complex early only to find out I was late. The players began their workout early to accommodate afternoon meetings. The only new face was Jiandido Tromp.
There has been a change to the players’ reporting date. Pitchers and catchers will undergo physicals on Monday and Tuesday next week. Their first workout will be on Wednesday, February 14th. Valentine’s Day. The first full workout is still on the 19th. Continue reading Less Than a Week Until the Official Start of Spring Training
Back in shorts and shirt sleeves today. Looks like the weather is finally ready to cooperate with spring training. Players still outnumber coaches and spectators, but that will surely change by next Thursday. There were less than a dozen fans in attendance as the players began their workout in right field on Mike Schmidt Field. Continue reading One Week Until the Official Start of Spring Training
Jose Taveras was your selection as the #30 prospect in the Phillies’ organization.
Taveras received 40 of the 194 votes cast (21%). Jhordany Mezquita finished second with 33 votes (17%), Kevin Gowdy finished third with 22 votes (11%), Victor Arano fourth (20, 10%), Simon Muzziotti fifth (15, 8%), and Andrew Pullin sixth (11, 6%). Fifteen others received the other 53 votes.
Continue reading Phuture Phillies 2018 Reader Top 30 Poll Completed
McKenzie Mills was your selection as the #29 prospect in the Phillies’ organization.
Mills received 34 of the 154 votes cast (22%). Jose Taveras finished second with 26 votes (17%), Jhordany Mezquita finished third with 18 votes (12%), Kevin Gowdy fourth (16, 10%), Simon Muzziotti fifth (12, 8%), and Victor Arano sixth(10, 6%). Fourteen others received the other 38 votes.
Continue reading Phuture Phillies 2018 Reader Top 30 Poll for the Phillies #30 Prospect
Pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater in ten days. Over a couple dozen players are already here.
The hot stove flame went out again, and collusion talk has turned to boycott talk.
The Commish has a another new plan for pace of play.
The Phillies signed a utility man, and a pitcher appears to be voluntarily retiring.
J.D. Hammer was your selection as the #28 prospect in the Phillies’ organization.
Hammer received 48 of the 219 votes cast (22%). Jose Taveras finished second with 30 votes (14%), McKenzie Mills finished third with 25 votes (11%), Jhordany Mezquita fourth (21, 10%), Victor Arano fifth (17, 8%), and Kevin Gowdy sixth(13, 6%). Sixteen others received the other 65 votes.
Continue reading Phuture Phillies 2018 Reader Top 30 Poll for the Phillies #29 Prospect
The schedule for Phillies’ minor league games is out. This version is up to date as of January 12, 2018 and includes all games in the Northern Area. Continue reading 2018 Phillies Minor League Schedule
The temperature in Clearwater was a little warmer Friday morning. There was very little breeze as a handful of spectators, four to be exact, took up their positions to watch 31 ball players take to Robin Roberts Field at the Paul Owens Training Facility, a place I often refer to simply as the Complex. Continue reading The “Unofficial” Start of Spring (Training)
