Tentatively I’m hoping to have my list of breakout guys for 2010 published on Monday, I’ll have my potential busts for 2010 for Tuesday, and then the SONAR stuff for pitchers on Wednesday or Thursday. This is subject to change of course based on the amount of time I have over the next few days, but its my hope.

Today’s poll question;

Which Phillies centerfield prospect do you expect to have the better 2010, Anthony Gose or Tyson Gillies? Both guys have gotten lots of positive press, they’ll start 1 level apart and both should log 550+ PA’s. Both have intriguing skill sets, and there is a debate to be had over how they should rank on the Phillies Top 30. I ranked Gillies higher, but I can see the arguments for Gose. So, make your pick and take your stand.

Update 3:00 p.m. Since this post was published about two hours ago, both Andrew Carpenter and Ryan Vogelsong have been sent down to Minor League camp.

As the Minor League Exhibition season begins and with many of those in major league camp being sent down to compete in the Minor League phase of Spring training, here is a look at how those players that have seen time in Major League “A” games fared thus far in the Spring.  Included are only those who will start the season in the minors and those who are competing for final roster spots in Philly.

Pitchers:

Starters-Kyle Kendrick:  9IP 4H 0ER 0BB 2K; 0.00 ERA, 0.44 WHIP; Andrew Carpenter 8 IP 5H 1ER 1BB 9K; 1.13 ERA, 0.75 WHIP; Ryan Vogelsong 3IP 7H 4ER 3BB 1K; 12.00 ERA; Phillipe Aumont, 2.2 IP 2H 0ER 1BB, 0K; 0.00 ERA; Joe Savery 3IP 4H 3ER 2BB 1K; 9.00 ERA; Drew Naylor 2IP 1H 0ER 0BB 2K; 0.00 ERA; Yohan Flande: 3IP 6H 2ER 0BB 1K; 6.00 ERA, Jesus Sanchez, 1 IP 0H 0ER 0BB 2K; JC Ramirez: 4.1 IP 6H 4ER 3BB 3K; 8.31 ERA 2.08 WHIP. Continue reading A Quick Look Around →

As you know, I have been writing columns at this site for about a year now and I would like your feedback about their content.  The columns to date have included my insights into the world of minor league baseball.  I have written several types of articles that include: Q and A, mailbag, pitching philosophy, daily life, pitching mechanics, and interaction with big league players.  Which type of column is your preference?  Is there a topic I haven’t covered that you would like to read about?   I have really appreciated your support during this past year and I would like to improve upon the content of my columns so that you get to read what is of interest to you.  If you would like to provide me with your feedback, or if you have other questions you would like for me to answer, please feel free to let me know in the comments section or via email at x

The Phillies made their first round of cuts today, as Minor League camp opens and games begin shortly. Included in the cuts: P Phillipe Aumont and P JC Ramirez (both acquired in the CLiff Lee deal), P Jesus Sanchez, P Joe Savery, P Drew Naylor, P Yohan Flande, P Bill White, C Tuffy Gosewisch, C John Suomi, C Kevin Nelson, OF Quintin Berry and OF Tyson Gillies (also acquired in the Lee deal). The one somewhat surprising name to be sent down early was Scott Mathieson who made two appearances giving up a run in two innings of work.  With the question marks surrounding the health of  both Lidge and Romero in the back of the ‘pen to start the year, many expected (myself included) Mathieson to make a legitimate run at an opening day roster spot.  I would expect him to start the season potentially closing in Lehigh Valley.

I arrived at Bright house Field on January 27th at 830am. When I arrived, there were 10-15 players at the complex already working out. The players ranged from the 32 year old, best pitcher in baseball, Roy Hallady, to the 19 year old, highly touted pitching prospect, Jarred Cosart. Mike Zagurski and Scott Mathieson were also there getting in shape to try and make the big league club.

Continue reading Catching Up… Part 3 (January 27th-March 1st) →

Just a quick update. In the next day or two I’m going to put together the spreadsheet with all of the submissions for the Reader Top 30 and then post it. Also, since I’ve completed my own Top 30 list, I’ve had some time to work on other projects here, and one of them has been to make some changes and improvements to the SONAR system. The feedback I’ve gotten (from those who’ve participated in the discussions) was positive, and just like anyone who creates anything, I always want it to improve and become more useful, so I’ve been able to make some changes that I think accomplish just that. I’m hoping to have a writeup on Friday with the changes and new data, so check back for that. Also, as we get closer to spring training games starting, I’ll try and put up a daily thread where you can discuss the prospects’ performance. But for today, I thought we’d just do a fun informal poll/discussion, so check below…

Continue reading Poll of the Day →

A few tidbits first reported by Jim Salisbury of Comcast Sportsnet.  OF Zach Collier recently had wrist surgery to repair damage to the hamate bone.  The surgery will set Collier back a few weeks, however, he should be back at full speed by the end of spring training.  Collier was the 34th pick in the 2008 draft.

Additionally, the Phils signed two youngsters out of the DOminican Republic.  17 year old 6’6 pitcher Miguel Nunez received a $220,000 signing bonus, while 3B Maikol Franco (also 17) signed for $100,000. Both should see time with the Rookie League Gulf Coast Phils this Summer.

It has been 163 days since my last entry, but no one is allowed to yell at me for my hiatus because I am writing this on February 19^th, 2010, my 24^th birthday.  The past 163 days have been a complete roller coaster ride for my life and baseball career.

Continue reading Catching Up… part 1 (September 9th-November 25th) →

Zach Collier cruised through the voting for #25, taking 28% of the vote and edging out Michael Schwimer and a cast of others. We’ll move right along to #26, as we inch closer to finishing up the Top 30 for this season. Check below for the poll

Continue reading Reader Top 30; #26 →

Over at CSN, Jim Salisbury has been going position by position through the Phillies system, talking about the prospects the organization likes at certain positions, etc etc. So far he’s covered catcher, first base, and second base. Check out his writeups and feel free to discuss them in this post, which I can bump up if it falls off the first page. Thanks to reader “David” for pointing out the story to me.

Also, a thank you to Todd, a contributor here who maintains the updated depth charts and 40 man roster entries you can find at the top of the main page. He recently created a spreadsheet in google documents with every player in the organization, prospect and career minor leaguer alike, and how that player was acquired. You can find it on the Rosters Page at the top of the site or by clicking here.