Next up is the outfield where there has been some good, some bad and some ugly.  Look for the report on the middle infield coming up early next week.

Lehigh Valley

Cedric Hunter, 28, Acquired as a free agent in 2016; .269.345/.404 in 58PA; 1HR 5RBI; 1/2SB; 10%BB/19%K; .308 vs LHP; .256 vs RHP; Hunter has done a decent job for Lehigh Valley since being sent down from Philly after a few unproductive weeks with the big club.

ALfredo Marte, 27,Acquired from Baltimore in 2016; Hitting .179/.207/.179 in 29PA since being acquired from Baltimore.  Numbers aren’t pretty and neither is his swing. 7 games in the OF without an error.

Cam Perkins, 25, Phils 6th round pick in 2012; .297/.321/.432 in 77PA; 1HR 7RBI; 4%BB/11%K; .280 vs LHP; .306 vs RHP; .115 in May; 19 games in the OF with 2 errors (.956); After a very hot start, Perkins is now in a significant funk.

Will Venable, 33, Acquired as a free agent in 2016; .192/.264/.269 in 85PA; 1HR 13RBI; 1/3SB; 9%BB/18%K; .200 vs LHP; .190 vs RHP; .154 in May; 20 games in the OF without an error; 1 OF assist; When he signed, most expected Venable to be playing a role in the Phils OF by now, but the production simply has not been there.

Nick Williams, 22, Acquired from Texas in 2015; .282/.306/.408 in 108PA: 2HR 15RBI; 2/3SB; 5%BB/21%K; .240 vs LHP; .295 vs RHP; .250 in May; .381 with RISP; 27 games in the OF without an error; 3 OF assists.  Williams has been playing well after a slow start but put me in the camp of those who don’t want to rush him.  I would like 300-400 AAA AB before a call up.

Reading

Aaron Brown, 23, Phils 3rd round pick in 2014; .220/.304/.319 in 100 PA’s; 0HR 4RBI; 2SB; 9%BB/24%K rates; .231 vs LHP; .218 vs RHP; .333 in May; 25 games in the OF with 3 errors (.948); 1OF assist.  Has been hitting better as of late, however it has been a very slow start for Brown. Continue reading Around the System–Outfield →

The ‘Pigs complete their four game series in Columbus this morning and the first three games haven’t been pretty, losing all three falling to 15-17, in 5th place of the Northern Division on the International League, 4 games out of first place.  Coming up this weekend, Lehigh Valley moves along to Toledo to finish up their 9 game road trip where they currently sit with a lone win and four losses.  The ‘Pigs return home on Monday for a seven game home stand against Syracuse and Toledo.

News and Notes: After leading the International League in hitting in April (.271), the ‘Pigs are hitting just .213 in May, including .152 in the current series against Columbus.

–Over their last 8 game, the ‘Pigs have not scored a run after the 6th inning.

–RP Severino GOnzalez had a 9 inning scoreless streak snapped in his last appearance.

–P James Russell was forced to make a spot start on Monday and did a great job throwing four shutout innings. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →

We start another year of the “Around the System” feature as we rotate through an in depth look at groups of players as the season moves along.  Next up will be the Outfield sometime later in the week.

Lehigh Valley

Brock Stassi, 26, Phils 33rd round pick in 2011 draft; .254/.378/.403 in 81PA’s; 1HR 8RBI; 17%BB/16%K; .167 vs LHP; .273 vs RHP; .286 in May; .167 with RISP; 18 games at 1B without an error; Stassi has put up mediocre numbers with the bat, and has been good with the glove early on.

Tommy Joseph, 24, Acquired from Giants in 2012; .382/.400/.671 in 79PA’s; 5HR 15RBI; 4%BB/13%; .400 vs LHP; .389 vs RHP; .313 with RISP; 14 games at 1B with 2 errors (.980); Joseph has played himself back into prospect status after his injury plagued last three seasons.  I don’t know how much longer the Phils can keep him at AAA putting up these numbers, although he has very little experience at 1B.  That said neither Ruf, nor Howard will be mistaken for Keith Hernandez with the glove.

Angelys Nina, 27, Signed as a free agent in 2016; .200/.216/.300 in 51PA’s; 1HR 4RBI; 2%BB/18%K rates; .143 vs LHP; .222 vs RHP; 13 games at 3B with 2 errors (.943); 1 game at 2B without an error.  Very little production.

Taylor Featherston, 26, Signed as a free agent in 2016; .308/.360/.462 in 96PA’s; 2HR 6RBI; 5%BB/10%K rates; .409 vs LHP; .278 vs RHP; .167 in May; .261 with RISP; 13 games at 3B with 1 error (.960); 7 games at SS with 2 errors (.944); 6 games at 2B with 1 error (.963); Very nice start to the season for Featherston who has very good versatility and can provide you with some occasional pop.

Reading

Rhys Hoskins, 23, Phils 5th round pick in 2014; .248/.311/.457 in 115PA’s; 6HR 20RBI; 10%BB/29%K rates; .250 vs LHP; .247 vs RHP; .214 in May; .238 with RISP; 27 games at 1B with 5 errors (.981); Mixed bag thus far.  On the positive end, Hoskins has been producing runs with his power and had a long hitting streak.  On the negative end, even with the long streak his average is lower than you would like to see it, he is striking out a lot, and too many errors. Continue reading Around the System–Corner Infield →

The ‘Pigs wrapped up their three game series against Pawtucket this afternoon with a 7-2 loss, and are now 2-3 on their seven game home stand which concludes on Friday after two games against Scranton before traveling to Scranton for the weekend.  For the season, the ‘Pigs are 13-12 and in second place, two games behind division leading Syracuse in the Northern Division of the International League.

News and Notes: Pitcher Zach Eflin was scratched today after the rains came just after his warmup.  The game started 1:20 late and the Phils did not want to risk Eflin throwing after that kind of a delay.

–INF Darnell Sweeney had back to back multi hit games to snap a 1-23 slump, however still sits at just .217 on the year.

—Nick Williams is the only ‘Pigs OF with an assist.  He has 2.

—JP Arencibia has thrown out 5 of 9 would be base stealers.

–SS Ryan Jackson leads IL SS in fielding %.

–1B Tommy Joseph is hitting .372 over the last 11 games.

–OF Nick WIlliams is hitting .395 over the last week and a half, including a 2R walk off HR in the 10th inning on Tuesday night.

–Over his last 9 appearances, RP Edward Mujica has a ERA of 1.80 with 7 saves and has not allowed a walk since opening day.

–On Saturday, SP Alec Asher was just one out away from becoming the third pitcher in Lehigh Valley history to throw a one hit shutout.  Asher gave up a 2R HR with 2 outs in the 9th, however his first start since being called up from Reading was outstanding, (8.2IP 2H 2R 0ER0BB 5K).  Before being called up, Asher had a 3.20ERA in 4 starts for Reading.

‘Pigs Prospects: Mark Appel’s last start was last Friday and he looked good once again, taking a shutout into the 6th inning before leaving a one run game.  Appel has allowed runs in just 3 of the 24 innings he has pitched this year and is among league leaders in both wins and ERA (1.64).  Going back to last season, Appel has won his last seven decisions.

Andy Knapp is in a funk after starting very strong.  Over his last 10 games, Knapp is hitting just .158 and is just 1 for his last 16.  On the year Knapp is at .238/.329/44 with 3HR and 12RBI and has thrown out 2 of 12 would be base stealers.

Cam Perkins has hit safely in 15 of his last 16 games, hitting .379 over that time period.  Perkins has played all three OF positions this season, although CF has been a bit bumpy at times with Perkins having little experience there.

Next report: Thompson, Eflin, Joseph, Williams

‘Pigs Leaders: Hitting:Tommy Joseph is 8th in doubles (6) and third in HR(5); Cameron Perkins is 5th in triples (2); Tyler Featherston is 9th in SLG (.476) and 6th in AVG (.317)

Pitching:Mark Appel is 2nd in wins(3) and 7th in ERA (1.64); Zach Eflin is 3rd in wins (3) and leads the league in WHIP (0.76); Edward Mujica leads the league in games (11), saves(9)

Probables: Thur: Appel; Fri: Asher; Sat: Buchanan; Sun: Thompson

Transactions: Comings: Alec Asher (Promoted from Reading), Reinier Roibal (Promoted from Reading); Luis Garcia (demoted from Philadelphia), Severino Gonzalez (promoted from Reading)

Goings: Adam Morgan (Promoted to Philadelphia); COlton Murray (Promoted to Philadelphia); Hoby Milner (Re-assigned to Reading)

With a 5-3 win over Pawtucket on Sunday, Lehigh Valley improved to 5-1, two thirds of the way through their nine game road trip.  The road trip continues with a three game series in Scranton, before returning home for a weekend series against Buffalo. At 10-7, the ‘Pigs are in first place of the Northern Division of the International League.  After starting the year 2-5, the ‘Pigs have won 8 of their last 10 games.

News and Notes: Edward Mujica has five consecutive saves, throwing 6.1 innings, without yielding an earned run during that span.

-INF Taylor Featherston has a 13 game hitting streak, during which time he is hitting .438. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →

Another year begins, this time with the youngest team in Lehigh Valley team history and a number of legitimate prospects to track as the year progresses.  The season started off in a bizarre manner with the ‘Pigs entire first weekend series in Syracuse postponed because of unplayable field conditions.  Lehigh Valley was able to accommodate to some extent, moving two of the four games to Coca Cola Park, but played in bizarre conditions without any spectators in the stands as the stadium was not yet ready to receive fans with their actual opening night not set for another week.

An open and down first week plus for Lehigh Valley, taking five games before they won their first home game but ending the first eight games at 3-5, 2.5 games behind division leading Scranton.  Lehigh Valley remains home thru Tuesday with two more games against Rochester, followed by two against Syracuse before leaving on a 9 game/8 day road trip.

‘Pigs Prospects: We will take a look in alternating weeks at the production of a series of Lehigh Valley prospects.  This week:

Andrew Knapp has started the same way his 2015 finished.  Hot. He has been on base consistently in each of his starts and is currently hitting over .350.  His defense has been somewhat problematic as he has thrown out just 1 of the 6 runners attempting to steal on him and committed two throwing errors.

Mark Appel had a very nice start in his initial outing with the IronPigs.  He went 5.2 scoreless innings, giving up just 5 hits, walking two and striking out five.  He will be on the mound again Monday evening.

Adam Morgan started twice, one good and one poor in the seasons first ten days, leaving him with an 0-1 record and a 4.22ERA.  In his 10.2IP, he has allowed 12 hits, walked 3 and struck out an impressive 14.  The opposition is hitting .273 against him.

Next week: Nick Williams, Jake Thompson, Darnell Sweeney, Zach Eflin

News and Notes: Catcher JP Arencibia has thrown out 3 of the five runners trying to steal on him this year.

–INF Ryan Jackson has reached base in 6 of his last 7 games, including three hits last night.

–C Andrew Knapp has reached base in 12 of his last 17 plate appearances.

–Prior to this season, OF Will Venable had not played in the minors in five years.

–The average age of the Lehigh Valley opening day roster (26 years, 9 days) is the youngest in team history.  The roster has seven players that were drafted by the Phillies.

–In their first trip through the rotation, Lehigh Valley starters went 2-1 with a 2.05ERA.

Probables: Sunday: Eflin; Monday: Appel; Tuesday: Buchanan; Wednesday: Thompson

‘Pigs league leaders: Darnell Sweeney is 3rd in triples (2); Ryan Jackson is 4th in OBP (.478); Adam Morgan is 4th in strikeouts (14)

Transactions: Placed on the DL to begin the season were RP Jimmy Cordero, RP Frank Hermann and RP Yoervis Medina. With the suspension to Daniel Stumpf in Philadelphia, RP Elvis Arajuo was called up to Philadelphia on Thursday. Prior to Friday’s game, INF Carlos Alonso broke his jaw after he was struck by a line drive in batters practice.  He was placed on the DL and his roster spot was taken by P Severino Gonzalez who was called up from Reading.

10 days in and there is plenty to be excited about in the Phils minor league system to go along with areas of moderate early areas of concern.  The numbers below are not enough to form an opinion but are enough to have a reaction.

So, with that said, here is a look at how the Phils top prospects have started. The rankings below are based on the Phuture Phillies reader pre season rankings.

1.  JP Crawford, SS, Reading–.342/.419/.500 in 43 plate appearances.  1HR 3RBI, 1SB, 10%BB/10%K rates.  Crawford has been very solid thus far.
2. Nick Williams, OF, Lehigh Valley–.174/.222/.261 in 27 plate appearances; 0HR 4RBI; 1SB; 7%BB/21%K rates.  Multiple games lost to rain out have led to a very small sample size.
3. Jake Thompson, P, Lehigh Valley; 2 starts, 0-2 with a 6.75ERA, 1.63WHIP, 5.6BB/11.2K per 9; One good start and one very poor start thus far for Thompson.
4. Mark Appel, P, Lehigh Valley; Just one start by Appel so far and it was excellent.  He threw 5.2 scoreless striking out five last week vs. Rochester.  Next scheduled to go on Monday.
5. Cornelius Randolph, OF, Lakewood, .121/.237/.182 in 37 plate appearances; 0HR 2RBI; 3SB; 11%BB/27%K rates.  Started extremely slow but has had a good last few games.
6. Roman Quinn, OF, Reading, .229/.308/.314 in 37 plate appearances, 0HR 1RBI; 4SB; 5%BB/22%K rates; Leading the organization in SB right out of the gate
7. Jorge Alfaro, C, Reading; .464/482/.571 in 29 PA; 0HR 5RBI; 3%BB/17%K rates; Alfaro has multiple hit games in his last five consecutive starts and has played very well behind the plate.
8. Franklyn Kilome, P, Lakewood, 2 starts, 0-2 with a 14.85ERA; 3.15WHIP; .433 opp avg; walking over a hitter an inning.  One bad start followed by a horrific start.
9. Andy Knapp, C, Lehigh Valley, Hitting .417 with a HR and 2RBI in 12AB.  Has hit in 3 of his 4 starts for the ‘Pigs thus far.
10. Zach Eflin, SP, Lehigh Valley, Allowed one ER in 6 innings pitched in his first start of the year, picking up the win.  Scheduled to throw on Sunday.

I occasionally receive and respond to survey requests.  My location in Clearwater, my ability to attend a lot of baseball activities from February thru November, and my continued involvement with Phuture Phillies provides me with the opportunity to actually see the players in person whom I write about.

Recently I received a request Continue reading And the Survey Says … (March 2016) →