Here is your weekly general discussion. I think Matt has a Rule 5 preview coming up, also, but here’s a fresh thread for the Winter Meetings conversation and beyond.
What to Expect in 2013: Middle Infield
Up the middle positions (catcher, short, second, and center field) are some of the hardest positions to fill because the defensive requirements force many players off to the corners. Shortstop and second base have been filled at the major league level for the past decade by Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley, but they have moved past their prime and the organization needs to look to future at the positions.
Again for those that haven’t read it or would like to refresh themselves on the end of season discussion, here is gregg’s end of season report card
Second Base:
Second base is a tweener position, often second baseman are short stops that don’t have the range or arm or third baseman who have the defense to play second and do not have the offensive profile for third. Teams recently have been moving players in from the outfield to second base early in their careers with some success. Second baseman have to hit, because there are no back up second baseman on the major league level. In order to be a back up a player has to be able to handle short stop to have a utility profile. Continue reading What to Expect in 2013: Middle Infield
What to Expect in 2013: Corner Infield
The next installment in the off season look at prospects are corner infielders. Traditionally the corner positions are where teams stick pure hitters and is generally the source of power in a line up. Overall offense has been down across the league, and it has become more important that a player has to be a capable defender as well as have a bat that profiles for the position, especially at third base.
Before jumping into the discussion of how these prospects line up next to one another I encourage everyone to read gregg’s end of season wrap up on the corner infield position.
First Base:
To be a first base prospect you have to rake at every level along the way, all the way up to the majors. True first base prospects are rare and their bats are special, many impact first baseman are playing the outfield or third base in the minor leagues and will be forced to first when their defense does not cut it for their current position. Many college first baseman drafted will sit in the middle of A-ball lineups for years and provide stability and coaching to prospects, while never getting their own chance in AA. In the Phillies system there are possibly 3 actual first base prospects and one of them (Darin Ruf) is currently playing the outfield and will be addressed when that position comes up for discussion, otherwise the real hopes for a slugging first baseman for the Philles are playing corner outfield spots in the low minors. Continue reading What to Expect in 2013: Corner Infield
General Discussion – Week of November 26. “That Week Between Thanksgiving and Winter Meetings” Edition
Hey, guess what, Ryan Madson didn’t come back to the Phillies. If you are surprised he didn’t come back to the team that dangled a nice big contract in front of his face and then pulled it away like so many cartoon footballs and left him stuck with a 1 year deal in Ohio’s Armpit, then you’re a more forgiving human being than I, I suppose.
BTW – Not sure anyone calls Cincinnati “Ohio’s Armpit”, but I just did now, so there. No offense intended, Cincy…just yackin’.
What to expect in 2013: Catchers
Traditionally Top 30 season begins with the Reader Top 30 right after New Years, to prime us for discussing the system as a whole, we are going to take a walk through the positional groups in the system. The goal is to look at where they rank with regards to each other, how they profile going forward, and how they fit into the system as a whole. I will try to post one of these every couple of days starting with Catchers, and then proceeding through the other positional groups (Corner Infield, Middle Infield, Corner Outfield, Center Field, RH Starting Pitchers, LH Starting Pitchers, and Relievers). I am not James, nor am I a scout so I will be focusing on initiating the discussion rather than creating the narrative.
Additionally this will focus on “prospects” avoiding players who are organizational filler or minor league free agents. If I have missed someone you think deserves to be on this list let me know and they will be added.
To start, if you have not read it all already, here is gregg’s positional recap of catchers.
Continue reading What to expect in 2013: Catchers
General Discussion – Week of November 19. Holiday Edition
Here is your weekly general discussion. I suggest we talk turkey.
OMG I’m such a dork.
40-Man Roster Additions
According to Phils Media Relations, the team has added OF Zach Collier and RHPs Ethan Martin, Trevor May, and Jon Pettibone to the 40-man roster. This protects them from the Rule 5 draft in December. Mild surprise that neither Jiwan James nor Leandro Castro were protected, leaving both exposed to the Rule 5 draft, (among other, seemingly less enticing players). Phillies leave 2 spots open for free agents or a Rule 5 pickup of their own.
AFL Wrap-Up
The AFL season came to a close on Saturday with RPhils manager Dusty Wathan’s Peoria Javelinas taking down Matt Williams’ Salt River Rafters 4-3, after a controversial play that would have tied the game in the 7th.
AFL Finale Today
Heads up to anyone interested – the AFL finale is on MLBN this afternoon at 3EST. Peoria made the final and Phils guys will participate. I asked Tommy Joseph if he was catching and he said no, but I will guess Cody Asche will be at 3b and Zach Collier will also play, as he’s been on fire.
I’ll follow up with results and a season wrap-up after the game, or tomorrow some time. Enjoy!
General Discussion – Week of November 12. The “Stove Be Gettin’ Hot” Edition
Here is your weekly general discussion. I propose the discussion be centered around free agency and trades, with a smatterring of post-season awards. I am going to go out on a limb and say no one will be advocating any Phillies for MVP. But “where to vote Cliff Lee for Cy Young” might be a fun argument. Have at it!
