Saturday was the final day of Spring Training 2019.  The trucks were on hand for the trips to Allentown, Reading, and Lakewood.  Players took part in their final drills before a five inning scrimmage between two groups on Ashburn Field.  Two more groups met on Roberts Field.  And, all pitchers not charting or on rehab were tossing on Schmidt Field. Continue reading Spring Training 2019 (March 30th) →

***(update: the Threshers finally posted their preliminary roster.  I had correctly projected 24 of the 26 players on their roster.  just sayin’.)

The Phillies told the players where they would begin the 2019 season Friday morning at the Complex.  By dinner time, three of the affiliates had released these assignments.  No surprise that Clearwater failed to release theirs.  But, there were many surprises among the assignments. Continue reading 2019 Roster Assignments (updated again on March 31st, 2:00PM) →

Today was the last scheduled spring training game for the minor league camp.  The players received their assignments early this morning.  The Lehigh Valley and Reading squads bused over to Dunedin while the Clearwater and Lakewood squads played hosts at the Complex.  An intrasquad game was held on Schmidt Field among the remaining players for pitchers who needed to get their work in. Continue reading Spring Training 2019 (March 29th) →

Today was a camp day.  After their morning drills, the players gathered on Ashburn Field to watch a home run derby.  Participants included Dylan Cozens, Darick Hall, Danny Mayer, Deivi Grullon, Ben Pelletier, Carlos De La Cruz, Alec Bohm among others. Continue reading Spring Training 2019 (March 27th) →

The Phillies left Clearwater late Monday afternoon.  Tuesday, the Complex was almost back to normal – a few Phillies’ fans, more affiliates’ fans, some players’ family members, and still a few professional autograph hounds.  We should soon see the last of that last group until after this year’s crop of newly signed draft picks make their Complex debuts. Continue reading Spring Training 2019 (March 26th) →

I understand your annoyance at my inability to get my hands on the Phillies’ minor league work groups.  I understand a similar annoyance at my inability to get my hands on the affiliates’ roster assignments.  I share you annoyance.

So let me share what happened today when the Yankees arrived at the Complex for games against two of the Phillies’ work groups. Continue reading Spring Training 2019 (March 25th) →

Sunday, the groups at the Complex engaged in two intersquad games.  As I am wont to do, I opted to watch the game between the two single-A squads.  One team was managed by Lakewood’s Mike Micucci the other by Williamsport’s Pat Borders.  My game selection rewarded me with a pitching match up between Kyle Young and Ethan Lindow.  Each  starter went 4.0 innings. Continue reading Spring Training 2019 (March 24th) →

Friday, the Phillies played a night game in Tampa versus the Yankees.  A couple guys from major league camp stepped down to pitch in the two A games.  Nola and Knapp formed the battery in the higher of the two A games.  Nola struck out the first five batters he faced and was perfect through two innings.  He gave up a double over the center fielder’s head to start the third but escaped without allowing the runner to score.  His goal was to throw 90-100 pitches and he ended his afternoon after his 91st pitch.  He parted having been touched for just a 2-run HR. Continue reading Spring Training 2019 (March 23rd) →

Thursday, the Phillies stomped the Braves in two minor league games at the Complex.  Mike Micucci’s Group Three team won 8-1, I think.  Pat Borders’ Group Four team shut out the Braves, 3-0. Continue reading Spring Training 2019 (March 21st) →

There wasn’t much to report Tuesday.  The Phillies’ second road game in south Florida was rained out.  It was chilly and drizzly at the Complex.  The minor league games were cancelled.  They did schedule two intrasquad games, weather permitting. Continue reading Spring Training 2019 (March 19th) →