A reminder that grades are based on a players expected performance (in my mind) for 2016, not against others.  Next up: Corner Infielders

Lehigh Valley

Anthony Vasquez, Soon to be 30, Re-Signed as free agent in 2016; 28 games (27 starts) between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 12-4 with a 3.08ERA; 3 complete games; 172.1IP 168H 43BB 119K; 15 HR allowed; .261 opp avg; 1.22 WHIP; 0.88 GO/AO; 2.2BB/6.2K per 9; .244 opp avg last 30 days; Vasquez was once again excellent, with stats that were actually slightly better for Lehigh Valley than for Reading.  Grade: A-; 2017: Having thrown 300+ very good innings over 2 seasons for the Phils organization without getting a spot start in the majors, Vasquez will go wherever he has his last best shot at the majors.

Nick Pivetta, 23, Acquired from Washington in 2015; 27 starts, 12-8 with a 3.27ERA between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 148.2IP 128H 51BB 138K; 12 HR allowed; .235 opp avg; 1.20WHIP; 1.07 GO/AO; 3.1BB/8.4K per 9; For Lehigh Valley: 5 starts; 1-2 with a 2.55ERA; .233 opp avg; 1.22WHIP; Major steps forward this year for Pivetta who stayed predominately healthy, pitching very well all year. He should be protected on the 40 man roster in the off season and projects to be a mainstay of the ‘Pigs ’17 rotation.  If 2017 is successful, a September ’17 callup is likely.

Ben Lively, 24, Acquired from Reds in 2014; 28 starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 18-5 with a 2.69ERA; 170.2IP 118H 42BB 139K; .192 opp avg; 0.94WHIP; 0.85 GO/AO; 2.2BB/7.3K per 9; For Lehigh Valley: 19 starts, 11-5 with a 3.06ERA; .196 opp avg; 0.93WHIP; 2.1BB/6.9K per 9; .150 opp avg last 30 days; Simply outstanding this year. Lively took his game to another level, Grade: A+; 2017: I see him as the Phils #5 starter

David Buchanan, 27, Phils 7th round pick in 2010; 27 starts; 10-9 with a 3.98ERA; 167.1IP 163H 40BB 95K; 15HR allowed; .257 opp avg; 1.21 WHIP; 1.31 GO/AO; 2.2BB/5.1K per 9; .239 vs LHH, .266 vs RHH, .273 opp avg last 30 days; 6-4 with a 2.93ERA in 11 post all star game starts; Buchanan was just awful during the first part of the season but had a very strong second half and the whole body of work looks pretty good when it is all said and done.  That said, I don’t think (based on Buchanan’s experience) that he is more than a AAAA pitcher, and his days in the organization are likely numbered with the talent surrounding him.  Grade: C+; 2017: Another organization Continue reading Post Season Report Card–Starting Pitching, LV, Reading and Clearwater →

The post season report card series begins with a look at starting pitching at the lower levels of the organization.  Grades are based on my expectations for the player entering the season against themselves, not against other players.  Next up: Starting Pitching at LV, Reading and Clearwater

Lakewood

Harold Arauz, 21, Acquired from Houston in 2015; 19 starts; 6-6 with a 3.18ERA; 99IP 79H 24BB 85K; 4HR allowed; .216 opp avg; 1.04WHIP; .148 GO/AO; .215 vs LHH, .216 vs RHH, .190 opp avg last 30 days; 2.2BB/7.7K per 9; Arauz came into his own this year pitching very well throughout the year with the Phils trying to limit his innings in his first year of full season ball.  Very consistent, good command and showed the ability to put hitters away. Grade: B+; 2017: Clearwater

Seranthony Dominguez, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2011; 13 starts between Williamsport and Lakewood; 6-3 with a 2.34ERA; 65.1IP 42H 24BB 65K; .185 opp avg; 1.01WHIP; 1.40 GO/AO; 3.3BB/9.0K per 9; For Lakewood: 10 starts, 5-2, 2.42ERA: .202 opp avg; 1.12WHIP; 3.7BB/9.3K per 9; Dominguez had an excellent progressing quickly to Lakewood and continuing with a string of excellent starts for the Claws.  Walks need to come down a tick.  Grade: A-; 2017: Probably will begin in Lakewood but could move to Clearwater quickly.

Tyler Gilbert, 22, Phils 6th round pick in 2015; 23 starts, 7-9 with a 3.98ERA; 131IP 136H 26BB 106K; 10HR allowed; .264 opp avg; 1.24 WHIP; 0.99 GO/AO; 1.8BB/7.3K per 9; .266 vs LHH, .263 vs RHH, .320 last 30 days; Overall a decent year for Gilbert who struggled and seemed to run out of gas towards the end of the year.  He showed very good control this season but was very hittable at times.  Grade: C+; 2017: CLearwater

Franklyn Kilome, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2013; 23 starts; 5-8 with a 3.85ERA; 114.2IP 113H 50BB 130K; 6HR allowed; .259 opp avg; 1.42 WHIP; 1.02 GO/AO; 3.9BB/10.2K per 9; .272 vs LHH, .247 vs RHH, .227 last 30 days; 2.77ERA; 1.22WHIP; .233 opp avg post all star break; Kilome really struggled during parts of the first half of the season, lacking confidence and command.  He strung together a very nice second half to end the season on an up note and reemphasize he has lights out stuff when he is on.  Grade: B-; 2017: Clearwater Continue reading Post Season Report Card–Starting Pitching–Lakewood, Williamsport, GCL →

Prior to their rain out yesterday, Lehigh Valley had won four of their last six games and return home for a quick two game home stand against Scranton before hitting the road for three games against Pawtucket.  At 76-52, Lehigh Valley sits in 2nd place of the Northern Division, four games behind division leading Scranton, however hold a 5.5 game lead in the wild card race with 15 games remaining in the season.

News and Notes: Darin Ruf has hit safely in his last 7 games, during which he is hitting .400 with 3HR and 8RBI.  Over the last month, Ruf leads the IL in slugging %.

—Cody Asche has hit in all 9 games since being optioned from Philadelphia.

—Anthony Vasquez continues pitching well wherever he is throwing.  Over his last 8 starts for Lehigh Valley, Vasquez is 3-0 with a 2.23ERA and 5 quality starts.

–P Phil Klein has been added to the rotation and is throwing very well, going 2-0 with a 1.40ERA in his last 3 starts.

–Over his last 12 games, RP Colton Murray has a 1.53ERA; and has struck out 16 in 17.2IP.

—JP Crawford was out on the lineup for an 8 game stint between 8/10 and 8/17.  Since returning to the lineup, Crawford is 3-14 (.214) and his average has fallen to .255 since joining Lehigh Valley.

—Andy Knapp continues to progress defensively and has now thrown out over 36% of would be base stealers this season.

–Over the last 2 months, 1B Brock Stassi is hitting .287 with 10HR 37RBI and 14 go ahead RBI. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →

Over the past weekend, Mike Drago of the Reading Eagle published his yearly prospect survey (The Eagle is a subscription site).  Mike requested input from about two dozen industry people who watch or cover a fair amount of games and players among the Phillies’ affiliates.  He received 15 responses and used a weighted scoring system to determine a player’s perceived value (first-place votes earning 20 points, second place 19 points, etc.).   I was one of the 15 respondents. Continue reading The First End of Season Poll, 2016 →

Hits: Scott Kingery 131; Josh Tobias 129; Dylan Cozens 127; Carlos Tocci 126; Rhys Hoskins 119; Nick WIlliams 118, Jiandido Tromp 106; Mitch Walding 105; Jose Pujols 105; Jesse Valentin 104

AB: Carlos Tocci 451; Dylan Cozens 440; Josh Tobias 439; Jose Pujols 435; Nick WIlliams 435; Rhys Hoskins 428; Malquin Canelo 401; JP Crawford, 400; Jiandido Tromp 400; Jesse Valentin 396

Runs: Dylan Cozens 96; Rhys Hoskins 81;  Nick Williams 70; Scott Kingery 69; Jesmuel Valentin 66; Carlos Tocci 60; Kyle Martin 60; Jiandido Tromp 58; Josh Tobias 58; Jorge Alfaro 57

2B: Dylan Cozens 34; Scott Kingery 33; Jiandido Tromp 31;  Nick WIlliams 29; Josh Tobias 28; Damek Tomscha 26; Zach Green 24; Rhys Hoskins, 24; Brock Stassi 23; Jake Fox 22

3B: Nick WIlliams 5; Roman Quinn 5; Jesmuel Valentin 5;  Cam Perkins 4; Darnell Sweeney 4; Mitch Walding 4

HR: Dylan Cozens 35; Rhys Hoskins 35; Jake Fox 20; Jiandido Tromp 17; Darin Ruf 17; Kyle Martin 17; Zach Green 12; Nick Williams 12; Jorge Alfaro 12; Andrew Pullin 12; Mitch Walding 12

RBI: Dylan Cozens 107; RHys Hoskins 104; Jose Pujols 74; Kyle Martin 70; Josh Tobias 63; Zach Green 63; Jake Fox 62; Nick WIlliams 61; Mitch Walding 58; Jorge Alfaro 56

BB: JP Crawford 66; Mitch Walding 59; Dylan Cozens 58; Rhys Hoskins 57; Brock STassi 50

K: Jose Pujols 158; Dylan Cozens 150;Mitch Walding 119;  Rhys Hoskins 113; Nick WIlliams 110; Zach Green 110; Kyle Martin 99; ANdy Knapp 92; Jorge Alfaro 89; Jiandido Tromp 88

SB: Roman Quinn 27; Scott Kingery 27; Dylan Cozens 19; Grenny CUmana 15; Jiandido Tromp 14; Carlos Tocci 13; Zach Coppola 12; Malquin Canelo 12; JP Crawford 12, Darnell Sweeney 12

OBP: Zach Coppola .394; Chace Numata .390; Mitch Walding .379; Rhys Hoskins .369; Dylan Cozens 369; Brock Stassi .369; Josh Tobias .366; JP Crawford .365

Avg: .ANdrew Pullin .318; Chace Numata .316; Zach Coppola .308; KC Serna .301; Josh Tobias .294; Dylan Cozens .289; Cam Perkins .289; Cedric Hunter .287; Scott Kingery .287

Slg: Dylan Cozens 618; Rhys Hoskins 579, Andrew Pullin .515; Darin Ruf .514; Jake Fox .485; Jiandido Tromp .465; Jose Pujols .451; Mitch Walding .448; Tyler Featherston .446; Nick Williams .444

Lakewood

Harold Arauz, 21, Acquired from Houston in 2015; 15 starts; 3-6 with a 3.89ERA; 74IP 64H 23BB 64K; 4HR allowed; .229 opp avg; 1.18WHIP; 1.52 GO/AO; 2.8BB/7.8K per 9; .232 vs LHH, .226 vs RHH, .206 last 30 days; Arauz recently missed about 3 weeks on the DL, however has generally had a successful year.

Seranthony Dominguez, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2012; 9 starts between Williamsport and Lakewood; 3-3 with a 3.45ERA: 45.1IP 30H 17BB 41K; 2HR allowed; 3.5BB/8.3K per 9; .234 vs LHH, .216 vs RHH, .188 last 30 days; Domniguez has been effective moving into the Lakewood rotation in late June

Tyler Gilbert, 22, Phils 6th round pick in 2015; 20 starts; 6-8 with a 3.84ERA; 117.1IP 123H 24BB 94K; 9HR allowed; .267 opp avg; 1.25 WHIP; 1.03 GO/AO; 1.8BB/7.2K per 9; .265 vs LHH, .268 vs RHH, .281 last 30 days; Gilbert has been steady, yet not overpowering,  all season with a clunker thrown in every 8-10 starts.

Franklyn Kilome, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2013; 19 starts; 4-8 with a 4.14ERA: 95.2IP 100H 43BB 107K; 5HR allowed; .270 opp avg; 1.49 WHIP; 1.02GO/AO; 4.0BB/10.1K per 9; .275 vs LHH, .264 vs RHH, .283 last 30 days; After a horrific start, Kilome has steadily improved all season.

Jose Taveras, 22, Signed as a free agent in 2013; 21games (16 starts); 5-8 with a 3.77ERA; 112.1IP 104H 17BB 124K; .245 opp avg; 1.08WHIP; 0.73 GO/AO; 1.4BB/9.9K per 9; .239 vs LHH, .249 vs RHH, .274 last 30 days; Taveras has opened eyes this season and has one of the best BB/K ratios in the organization, an extremely important stat.

Alberto Tirado, 21, Acquired from Toronto in 2015; 19 games (8 starts) between CW and Lakewood; 48.2IP 44H 35BB 72K; .244 opp avg; 1.62 WHIP; 0.60 GO/AO; 6.5BB/13.3K per 9; .266 vs LHH, .222 vs RHH, .182 last 30 days; As a starter: 4-1 with a 2.89ERA; .222 opp avg; 1.29 WHIP; The Phillies seem to have found something with Tirado starting.  He went backwards down to Lakewood, but the margin for error as starter seems to have helped him.  Continues to have overpowering stuff. Continue reading Around the System–Starting Pitching; Lakewood, Williamsport and GCL →

The ‘Pigs are in the midst of a three game series against division leading Scranton and it is not going well, after loses in their first two games including a 10-0 drubbing last night.  The series continues tonight with one more before Lehigh Valley returns home for a 6 game home stand against Indianapolis and Pawtucket.  Currently, the ‘Pigs are four games behind division leading Scranton, however they have solidified their wild card lead of 5.5 games over Rochester by winning 22 of 32 since the all star break.

‘Pigs Prospects: JP Crawford has been struggling with the stick as of late, hitting just .197 over that time period, and has been held without an extra base hit during that same time period.  Still with his excellent batting eye, Crawford has been on base during each of the last 9 games. For Lehigh Valley, Crawford is at .258/.348/.333 in 264AB with 3HR and 25RBI.  In my opinion, no reason at all to rush Crawford.

Nick Williams currently sits with his lowest batting average over the last 2 months and is in the midst of a 6-38 slump over the last 10 games.  On the year, WIlliams is at .277/.308/.455 in 411AB with 12HR 57RBI and 5SB.  He hit the 100 strike out last week.

Jesmuel Valentin has been struggling over the last month, both prior to, and since his callup from Reading. In his last 24 games, Valentin is hitting just .182, and is at .269/.340/.391 between Reading and Lehigh Valley this year.

Next Week: Lively, Knapp

News and Notes–Lehigh Valley has been shutout the fewest times in the IL(6)

–Over his last 6 IL starts, Anthony Vasquez is 2-0 with a 2.58 ERA and 5 quality starts.

–OF Cedric Hunter continues to play very well for Lehigh Valley and is hitting .326 over his last 13 games with 3HR and 12RBI

–Over his last 14 outings, RP Frank Herrmann has allowed just 1ER in 15.2IP, and has picked up 3 wins.

–The Lehigh Valley pitching staff ranks 2nd in the IL in ERA at 3.25, and over the last 2 months, the bullpen is a combined 13-5, with 20SV and a 1.93ERA.

–Cam Perkins has had multi hit games in three of his last 4 games,. including reaching base all 4 times on Tuesday. Over his last 26 games, Perkins is hitting .316.

–P Phil Klein recorded a career high 10 strikeouts in his start on Tuesday and struck out the last 7 hitters he faced.

–With his win over Rochester last Sunday, in which he gave up just a lone run in 6.1IP, Ben Lively became the first minor league pitcher to hit 14 wins this year.

–Overall, Phillies minor league clubs are 384-279 this year, good for 2nd best winning % in minor league baseball.

–Darin Ruf has been extremely solid for Lehigh Valley, hitting .298 with 13HR and 45RBI over his last 65 games.

–Over his last 9 games, RP Colt Murray has just a 1.54ERA and has struck out 12 in 11.2IP.

–INF Carlos ALonso announced his retirement and has taken a position on the WIlliamsport coaching staff Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →

Lehigh Valley

David Buchanan, 27, Phils 7th round pick in 2010; 21 games; 8-6 with a 3.83ERA; 131.2IP 125H 30BB 70K; 13HR allowed; .252 opp avg; 1.18WHIP; 1.19 GO/AO; .231 vs LHH, .264 vs RHH, .194 opp avg last 30 days; 2.1BB/4.8K per 9; After really struggling up until the seasons mid point, Buchanan has been excellent of late, going 4-1 with a 1.42ERA since the All Star break.

Phil Klein, 27, Signed off of waivers in 2016; 8 games, 4 starts, 1-1 with a 2.13ERA for Lehigh Valley; 25.1IP 20H 6BB 25K; .215 opp avg; 1.03WHIP; 1.00 GO/AO; 2.1BB/8.9K per 9; Klein has thrown well for Lehigh Valley in varied roles but I dont expect him to make a long term Phillies impact

Ben Lively, 24, Acquired from Reds in 2014; 23 starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 14-4 with a 2.80ERA; 141.2IP 105H 39BB 111K; 9HR allowed; .203 opp avg; 1.02WHIP; 0.83 GO/AO; 2.5BB/7.1K per 9; 7-4 with a 3.35ERA in 14 starts for Lehigh Valley; .213 opp avg; 1.06WHIP; Lively has had an excellent year, throwing as many innings as anyone in the organization and throwing consistently well.

Adam Morgan, 26, Phils 3rd round pick in 2011; 8 games, 6-1 with a 3.04ERA; 50.1IP 43H 10BB 52K; 4HR allowed; 1.8BB/9.3K per 9; .157 vs LHH, .261 vs RHH, .209 opp avg last 30 days; Morgan won the IL Player of the week last week for his two outstanding performances and his work since being sent down from Philly has been stellar (2.76ERA in 5 starts).   Continue reading Around the System–Starting Pitching; LV, Reading and CW →

Lehigh Valley

Andy Knapp, 24, Phils 2nd round pick in 2013; .269/.333/.395 in 324AB; 7HR 38RBI; 9%BB/24%K; .266 vs LHP; .270 vs RHP; .279 last 30 days; 83 games caught with 7 errors (.988); 13 passed balls; 14/42 CS(33%); Knapp’s offense has been consistent and his defense has been improving.

Logan Moore, Soon to be 26, Phils 9th round pick in 2011; .238/.303/.372 in 148AB between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 4HR 17RBI; 9%BB/28%K; .231 vs LHP; .255 vs RHP; .167 last 30 days; 45 games caught with 4 errors (.988); 0 passed balls; 16/38 CS (42%); Limited playing time but continued defensive excellence.

Reading

Jorge Alfaro, 23, Acquired from Texas in 2015; .290/.331/.460 in 328AB; 12HR 55RBI; 2SB; 5%BB/23%K; .229 vs LHP; .306 vs RHP; .294 last 30 days; 77 games caught with 3 errors (.955); 5 passed balls; 27/64CS (42%); Continued progress for Alfaro both behind the plate and with the bat.

Gabriel Lino, 23, Acquired from Baltimore in 2012; .220/.289/.299 in 164 AB between Clearwater and Reading; 2HR 8RBI; 7%BB/20%K; 48 games behind the plate with 9 errors (.978); 6 passed balls; 22/59 CS (37%).  Other than his good arm, Lino has shown regression in some areas and very limited progress in others. Continue reading Around the System–Catcher →

The ‘Pigs won Game One of their four game battle for first place with Scranton in a decisive manner last night 7-1 and continue their series at Coca Cola Park tonight. The ‘Pigs have been scalding hot, going 15-3 over their last 18 games and have won 19 of their last 24 games to move one game ahead of Scranton for the lead in the Northern Division of the International League.  The ‘Pigs continue their home stand with 3 more against Scranton and 3 against Rochester over next weekend.

News and Notes: Lehigh Valley is at an all time franchise high of 25 games over .500 currently.

–After a 20-10 June, Lehigh Valley went 20-9 in July to record their “winningest” month of all time.

–RP Luis Garcia set the all time Lehigh Valley record for saves (33) with his save last Saturday night, passing Scott Mathison. Garcia has been pitching well, unscored upon in his last 8 games while also improving his command at the same time.

–Over his last 12 games, Michael Mariot has allowed just 1ER in 13.1 innings.

—Darnell Sweeney left the game on Sunday with an ankle injury.  Unknown how serious it is.  He has not been placed on the DL but did miss Mondays game.

–Since being sent down from Philly, Adam Morgan is 4-0 with a 3.00ERA.

—David Buchanan was named IL Pitcher of the Week last week and has won four consecutive starts, during which he has allowed just 2ER in 29IP, lowering his ERA from the high 4’s to 3.82 Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →