The Phillies went 4-3 last week. They won the series opener against Milwaukee, then dropped three in a row. They followed that with a series sweep of the Rockies over the weekend.
Now, for an even tougher week as the Phillies go on the road to Chicago for a four-game series against the Cubs and Milwaukee for three. Continue reading Open Discussion: Week of May 20, 2019
This is the Phuture Phillies forum for discussion of the amateur draft and J2 signing period that are 2-6 weeks down the road. I’m providing this space for those who are ready to enter discussion about this year’s crop of prospects. You can place video, scouting reports, or just comments here. You can reference these weekly discussions on the menu above. Continue reading 2019 Amateur Draft and J2 Discussion, May 20, 2019
Clearwater (20-21) beat Charlotte, 7-4.
Ethan Evanko (1-0, 2.38) came up big for the Threshers last night. In what was probably a bull pen game, Evanko threw five innings for the home team. He needed just 54 pitches (36 strikes, (66.7%). He allowed one hit, no runs, walked two, and struck out three. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/18/2019
Recently, there was a discussion regarding fastball velocity in the Comments Section. I have long avoided posturing on one side or the other. I have often been concerned for the young men I meet at the Complex who either don’t have or don’t develop fastball velocity above 90 mph. I’ve listened to both sides. How low velocity is a tough thing to overcome. And how pitchers like Maddox, Glavine, Moyer, and a few others past and present were/are able to get by with low-velo fastballs.
Well, tonight I saw an example of why velocity is very important. Our pitcher threw strikes. A lot of strikes. And he got pounded. He’s reputed to have decent command, but a sub 90s fastball. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/17/2019
All four Affiliates won last night. Second time that has happened this season. Before I go into the recaps, though, let me mention one thing I forgot in yesterday’s “ramble”. It’s probably a big reason for some of the perceived hitting problems. I didn’t think it should be, so I’ve overlooked it. But, after further thought, let me offer it up for you to consider. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/16/2019
Judging by the tone of comments lately, I think it bears repeating that the minor leagues are about development, not game outcomes. More so at Reading than at Lehigh Valley which is essentially spare parts for the big league club. As you move down each level, you can expect there to be more concern with development. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/15/2019
Clearwater (18-19) remained “hot” and beat Lakeland, 6-3, for their sixth straight win. The Threshers took over sole possession of third place and picked up another half game on rained out Dunedin whom they now trail by 2.5 games. Dunedin hasn’t played a game since being swept last Thursday thru Saturday by the Threshers.
Colton Eastman (1-1, 1.84) battled for three innings. When the Threshers gave him a lead, he completely shut down the Tigers. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/14/2019
Clearwater (17-19) beat Lakeland, 7-4. And, it wasn’t even that close. The Threshers moved into a tie for third place, 3.0 games behind rained out Dunedin.
Damon Jones (1-2, 0.76) who has allowed 3 ER (6 total runs) in 35.1 innings this season, finally got his first Clearwater victory. He held the Tigers to 4 singles (one an infield hit), an unearned run, one walk, and struck out a career-tying 9 batters. He threw 86 pitches, 56 strikes (65.1%). His fastball was virtually unhittable as the Tigers were late on most swings. His curve ball froze batters when they weren’t flailing weakly at it. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/13/2019
No games played on Sunday, one scheduled off day and 3 postponements.
So, here’s some individual stats from each team. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/12/2019
The Phillies went 4-2 last week. They won 3-game series from the Cardinals and Royals. Perhaps one concerning factor is that they have lost the first game in seven of their last eight series. “You can’t sweep a series if you don’t win the first game”, Danny Ozark, I think. Or, maybe Larry Andersen.
Among their 4 wins were – Continue reading Open Discussion: Week of May 13, 2019
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