Skip to main content

Odds & Ends: Reading's Rumored Name, MiLB Free Agents

Some noteworthy bits of news popped up today, topped by the revelation that the Phillies' Double-A club in Reading, which recently announced an upcoming name change, will reportedly be known as the Fightin's.  Rumors circulated online, early Tuesday, and a post by Chris Creamer of SportsLogos.net confirmed that the Reading team registered some telling domain names, which included ReadingFightins.com, FightinsBaseball.com and ReadingFightinPhillies.com.

This proposed new name is not bad, especially since, in recent days, fans seemed greatly displeased over the team doing away with the Phillies name after using it for 46 years.  Simply using a different form of the previous nickname allows the club to avoid getting too far away from something that so many baseball fans throughout region have grown up with as well as the heritage that local fans love and appreciate.

Using "The Fightin's" does seem silly, however, as Reading's main focus in changing the nickname of the team was to develop their own identity.  Going with a variation of the name and brand they've been affiliated with for nearly five decades does not accomplish such a feat. 

Additionally, BaseballAmerica released their list of minor league free agents on Tuesday.  The tabulation of Phillies minor league free agents includes just one player drafted by the organization, namely outfielder D'Arby Myers (pictured) a 4th round selection in 2006.  Myers, who helped Reading reach the Eastern League playoffs in 2012, is a cousin of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal.  Another pair of free agents, infielder Harold Garcia and right-handed hurler Drew Naylor, were foreign-born amateur signees by the Phillies in 2004.

The remaining list of free agents largely includes players that were veteran minor league free agent signings at a previous time.  Key names among those no longer under contract with the Phillies include infielders Tug Hulett and Miguel Abreu, catcher John Suomi, pitcher Scott Elarton and outfielder Michael Spidale.

To view the full list for all teams, click here.
___________________________________________________

You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Jersey Shore clinches playoff berth on final day of regular season

Ottto Kemp, image- Jay Floyd With an extra-inning victory over first-half division champions Hudson Valley on Sunday, the Class A Advanced Jersey Shore BlueClaws clinched the team's first playoff appearance since 2018, winning the second-half division title. Key performers in the BlueClaws' clincher were righty hurler Jason Ruffcorn, who threw three innings of relief to earn the victory and third baseman Otto Kemp, notched three hits, a walk, two stolen bases and plated the game winning run in the 11th inning on a sacrifice fly.  On top of that, Kemp, who turned 24-years-old on Saturday, made an absolute game-saving defensive play to help the club hold their lead in the bottom of the 11th frame. One of Jersey Shore's most consistent performers all season long has been right-handed reliever Cam Wynne.  The Phillies' 20th round draft pick in 2021 out of Nebraska.  In 34 appearances, one start, the 24-year-old tallied a 1-1 record with one save, a 2.44 ERA and a .190 batti

PhoulBallz Interview: BlueClaws OF Justin Crawford

Justin Crawford w/ junior reporter Evan At the age of 19, outfielder Justin Crawford has played his way into the conversation of being considered as one of baseball's top prospects. The son of four-time MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, Justin has looked every bit as impressive as his position as the 17th overall draft selection last year would have most fans thinking he should be.  He opened the season with Class A Clearwater where, in 69 games, he notched a .344/.399/.478 slash line.  And since mid-August when he was promoted to Class A Advanced Jersey Shore, the younger Crawford has posted a .300/.364/.440 line.  He's also stolen 44 bases in 52 attempts overall. And while the BlueClaws enter the final week of the regular season 1/2 game out of first place in their division, I spoke with Justin Crawford about the team's hopes of making the postseason for the first time since 2018. I also asked Justin about the similarities and differences between his skillset and his father'

This Guy Speaks For All of You

This individual, interviewed by FOX 29 on Friday as the Phillies arrived back at Citizens Bank Park, said it best. When asked how he felt regarding the Phillies, he told Steve Keeley that he was, "Stoked, baby!" The unidentified phanatic then proclaimed, "We are talking about the Fightins here, the Fightins! Said!" Check out the media player below, as the transcribed version certainly does not do this phireball of phandom justice. The Phillies forced game 6 of the National League Championship Series with a 4-2 victory over the Giants in San Francisco on Thursday night. Game 6 will feature Roy Oswalt vs. Jonathan Sanchez in a return pitching match up from game 2. First pitch is scheduled for 7:57 pm EST at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Be sure to tune in on 97.3 ESPN's Weekend Sports Guide with Tyrone Johnson this afternoon around 1:15pm to hear me chatting about the Phillies! 97.3 is based in Atlantic City. You can listen live online HERE . ______________