If you must discuss potential trades, please do it in this post and don’t clutter other discussions with off topic comments. In my opinion, the Phillies should be protecting their top 10 or so prospects during the deadline, deal for a few rentals and make a run at squeezing into the playoffs. No sense trading any of our above average prospects for 1 year rentals when we need a lot of things to go right to just make the playoffs at this point. But, discuss away.
‘Pigs Weekend Update
Friday–Lehigh Valley lost their second straight game, post All Star break, this time 7-3 to Louisville. An RBI single by Domonic Brown got the ‘Pigs on the board in the first inning and they then added 2 more in the 4th on a Paul Hoover RBI single and a Brian Bocock Sac Fly, making it 3-0. Louisville began chipping away and before Lehigh Valley turned around, Louisville scored 7 unanswered for the victory. Drew Carpenter started and was adequate, going 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits. He walked one and struck out 4. Oscar Villarreal (1-3) took the loss in relief. John Mayberry had his 2nd consecutive three hit game, while Paul Hoover added 2 hits of his own. Aroldis CHapman got the win in relief for Lousiville, striking out all four Lehigh Valley hitters he faced. Continue reading ‘Pigs Weekend Update
On rotation spot designations, upside, and velocity
The most common question I get when people e-mail me is “What do you think of pitcher X” or “what is pitcher X’s upside”. I figured that this would be a good spot for me to talk a bit about how I look at pitchers, what I focus on, and why, and then to also talk a little about my theory on starting pitching designations in the majors. Hopefully this will answer some questions that people have, or just serve as a good discussion on player evaluation. So check below and we’ll get started.
Continue reading On rotation spot designations, upside, and velocity
July DSL Update
The DSL Phillies have now completed a little more than half of their season and stand at 21-19 after 40 games, in 5th place, 3.5 games behind the Yankees and the Giants. The Phillies are in a new division this year which appears to be more difficult, with big spending teams such as the Yankees, Mets, and Marlins among their competition.
The 2010 Phillies are not the youngest squad in the league, but they have seen some positive performances from younger players. The better prospects in the Latin American complex leagues tend to be the younger players age 17-19 that are holding their own performance-wise. The Phillies hitters average 18.9 years old, slightly older than the league average of 18.2. The pitchers average 19.2 years old, again slightly older than the league average of 18.8. Continue reading July DSL Update
July 16 Discussion
Happy Friday. Last night’s box scores
GCL Phillies lost 6-5.
Williamsport lost 2-1.
Lakewood won 6-5.
Clearwater lost 8-7.
Reading lost 3-2.
Lehigh Valley lost 8-7.
* Jiwan James extends his hitting streak
* JC Ramirez with a CG in the loss, 9 K and 0 BB. That makes 3 straight solid starts for him at AA
* Brody Colvin gives up 3 unearned runs, 0 earned, which makes 5 unearned runs in his last 2 starts. One wonders what his hit totals would look like if his defense behind him was a bit better. Still, his last 10 starts; 62 IP – 1.60 ERA – 37 H – 15 BB – 55 K – 1.25 GB/FB. Absurd. With the scouting reports indicating he’s been 93-95 this year and has hit 97 at times, I’d argue that he’s actually our best pitching prospect, just ahead of Cosart. If Cosart was 100% healthy, I might go the other way, but Colvin appears to be more refined with better secondary offerings, even if his fastball is a tick less than Cosart’s.
Tyson Gillies and Matt Rizzotti Mini Interviews
Tyson Gillies came to the Phillies along with Philippe Aumont and JC Ramirez in an offseason trade for Cliff Lee, sending the all-star to Seattle. Gillies has been hurt most of the year, which is disappointing because you can see during batting practice he has immense talent. Known to be a speedster who can get on base and steal, Gillies has some pop in his bat as well, able to hit HRs to all fields even with an elbow brace on. Thanks to Tyson for his time.
Check below the fold for the interviews
Continue reading Tyson Gillies and Matt Rizzotti Mini Interviews
Transactions Update
Quick update as I am out in Chicago for the Phils series against the Cubs and experiencing Wrigley for the first time…First Reading OF Quintin Berry was picked up by the San Diego organization after being designated for assignment by the Phils, who needed a 40 man roster spot.
Reliever Chad Durbin was activated by the Phils, returning the bullpen to full strength for the first time all season. Nelson Figueroa was the victim of this activation, as I am sure the Phils hope he clears waivers and accepts an assignment to Lehigh Valley to continue to give them the insurance he has provided thus far. Also, reliever Antonio Bastardo was activated and optioned to AAA Lehigh Valleym giving the ‘Pigs some interesting roster decisions coming up as well.
July 15 Open Discussion
Let’s look at last night’s results
GCL Phillies lost 7-2.
Williamsport won 2-0.
Lakewood won 6-2.
Clearwater lost 1-0.
A bunch of Phillies prospects were in the AA and AAA All Star Games. Drew Naylor had a night to forget.
* Jiwan James extended his hitting streak
* Biddle gave up 7 runs, but only 1 was earned!
Reading Report 6/29-7/14
Back after two weeks, the first complete period without Domonic Brown, who was the main reason for watching this team.
Without its star, Reading split the last two games in June, lost the first two in July, then went on a 7-game winning streak. Arch nemesis Harrisburg terminated the streak, taking the last three games before the all-star break.
