According to a source in Clearwater, Phillies 2011 top draft pick (supplemental round), Larry Greene Jr. has missed time at the Florida Instructional League with a groin strain. Greene spent time practicing with the Gulf Coast League Phillies before the end of their season, but the slugging outfielder has yet to see any real game action. The 18-year-old Georgia native received a $1 million signing bonus when he signed his first professional contract in August.Sources also confirm that lefty hurler Jesse Biddle, who posted excellent numbers (7-8 record, 2.98 ERA, 25 games) in his first full season as a pro with Class A Lakewood, will make his first instructs appearance on Tuesday, working an inning against the Pirates club. Biddle, 19, injured his right knee in his final start of the 2011 season for the BlueClaws, but has recovered well. Biddle, a Philadelphia native, was the Phillies' 1st round draft choice in 2010.
23-year-old infielder Albert Cartwright, acquired in January from Houston for LHP Sergio Escalona, has looked solid both at the plate and on defense. Cartwright missed the entire 2011 regular season after he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in spring training. Look for him to make an impact with Double-A Reading next season. Cartwright was a 36th round draft pick of the Astros in 2007.
In other news, 6-foot-7-inch righty relief pitcher Mike McGuire, who struggled this year as he recovered from vascular surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, is now a free agent. McGuire, who grew up in the Philadelphia area, was signed by the Phillies and assigned to Lakewood last summer. Following the off-season surgery, McGuire made one appearance for the Gulf Coast League Phillies and split the rest of his 2011 season with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers and the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. The 25-year-old hopes to pitch this winter under Lakewood pitching coach Steve Schrenk, who manages the Canberra Cavalry in the Australian Baseball League.
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