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Winter Leagues Already Rolling

While just the other day, PhoulBallz.com took a look at Phillies prospects taking part in the Arizona Fall League, other off-season baseball is underway as well in the form of Caribbean Winter Leagues. Several players with Philadelphia ties are staying in shape and attempting to improve their abilities in these leagues as well. Here's a quick overview of some of those individuals, who all happen to be on the Phillies' 40-man roster.

Shortstop Freddy Galvis (pictured), who rose considerably in the Phillies prospect rankings this year when he posted impressive numbers for Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley (.278 combined batting average, a career high 8 homeruns, 43 RBI and 23 stolen bases), has reportedly experienced a wrist injury that has forced him out of action this week. In 4 games with Zulia of the Venezuelan League prior to the ailment, Galvis went 3-for-11 (.273 avg) with 3 runs scored.

Another infield prospect, Harold Garcia, who missed much of the 2011 season after tearing ligaments in his right knee, is also listed on the Zulia roster, but is still rehabbing following surgery.

Second baseman Cesar Hernandez, another well-regarded prospect, has gone 5-for-25 (.200 avg) with no extra base hits through 7 games with Margarita under manager Don Baylor. The 21-year-old was signed in 2006 by the Phillies.

Third baseman Carlos Rivero has struggled in the early going, recording just 1 hit in 13 at bats (.077 avg) over his first 4 games. Rivero's lone hit was a homerun. The 23-year-old had a solid 2011, batting .270 with 16 HR and 71 RBI combined between Reading and Lehigh Valley.

Other Phillies minor leaguers listed on Venezuelan League rosters that have yet to see game action include Scott Podsednik, Scott Mathieson and Justin Friend. Pitcher Ryan Edell and outfielder Rich Thompson are playing in the Dominican League.

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Comments

Anonymous said…
Rivero seems decent. Hope he does better next yr at triple a.

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