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Interleague play is back, as the Phillies (12-14) head to Cleveland to take on the Indians (10-13) in a two-game series at Progressive Field. In the series opener, the Phils will send veteran righty Roy Halladay to the mound. The two-time Cy Young Award winner has a 2-0 record with a 1.71 ERA in his last three starts after beginning the season 0-2 with a 14.73 ERA in his first two starts of 2013. The Indians will counter with 25-year-old Zach McAllister, who has never faced the Phils in his career. The last time these two teams faced one another was in June of 2010, when the Phillies swept the three-game set. Read ahead for full details on the pitching match ups and other key notes from this series. Tuesday, 7:10 PM.  Roy Halladay (2-2, 5.08 ERA) vs. Zach McAllister (1-3, 3.52 ERA).   In 13 career outings against the Indians, Halladay has a 6-2 record with a 3.52 ERA and two complete games.  Halladay is 2-1 with a 3.45 ERA in five career starts at Progressiv...

In his second year with the team, former pro catcher Dusty Wathan has led the Double-A Reading Fightin Phillies to a 12-10 record thus far in the early going. After his 14-year playing career, Wathan began the next leg of his career, managing, with the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters in the Phillies organization in 2008. Since then, the son of former Royals manager John Wathan has climbed up the Philadelphia developmental ranks, making stops with Class A Lakewood, Class A Advanced Clearwater and, of course, Reading. As a player, Wathan was signed by Seattle in 1994 and went on to compete in the Florida, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Kansas City and Philadelphia organizations. With the Royals, Wathan appeared in three big league games in 2002. This week, I sat down with Dusty to discuss the collection of well-regarded talent on his roster including top prospect Jesse Biddle , catcher Sebastian Valle , outfielders Anthony Hewitt and Zach Collier , plus plenty more. Read ...

Tops on the Phillies' developmental hot list is Double-A Reading Ace Jesse Biddle , who, in his last two outings, has thrown 13 scoreless innings, while allowing just two total hits and striking out 26 batters.  Overall this season, Biddle, who was the Phils' 1st round draft selection in 2010, has a 2-1 record with a 1.74 ERA and a .114 batting average against. Last week, Biddle locked down a win against Harrisburg, when he struck out 16 and allowed only one hit and no runs over seven innings. On Sunday, in Reading's 2-1 win over New Hampshire, the left-handed 21-year-old fanned 10 New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto affiliate).  The video clip below features Biddle striking out the side in the 5th inning and speaking to the media following his second consecutive tremendous effort.  Also performing extremely well lately is Class A Advanced Clearwater third baseman Maikel Franco , who notched a two homer/seven RBI game on Friday and smacked another home run on Sun...

One of the more consistent bats in the Class A Lakewood lineup in the early going this season has been that of catcher Chace Numata .  The 20-year-old sported a .280 batting average entering the weekend through 14 games for the BlueClaws. A 14th round draft pick in 2010 out of Pearl City High School in Hawaii, Numata sported a .224 batting average with two home runs and 30 RBI through 84 professional games entering the 2013 season.  Now, the 6-foot 175-pounder is leading a pitching staff that includes last year's top Phils draft pick Shane Watson and trying to help solidify an offense that is tied for the least amount of runs scored in the South Atlantic League. Last week, I spoke with Chace about his transition from playing infield and pitching in high school, the hamate fracture that forced him to miss a great majority of the 2011 season, his progress in the minor leagues and plenty more.  Read ahead for that full interview. - Chace, you seem to be producing...

Rice with Lakewood in 2011 On Thursday, Sewell, NJ's Bill Rice was released by the Chicago White Sox.  Rice, a Washington Township High School product who played at Gloucester County College prior to transferring to the University of South Carolina-Aiken, was signed previously by the Phillies out of a tryout camp at Lakewood's FirstEnergy Park in 2010. The Phils decided to part ways with Rice during spring training last year.  The 5-foot-11 185-pounder quickly signed with the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League and was later inked by the White Sox and assigned to their Class A Kannapolis club.  This year, Rice made the leap to Class A Advanced Winston-Salem and hadn't produced to the best of his abilities.  Through 12 contests, Rice posted a .171 average along with three doubles, one triple and four steals.  According to the 24-year-old Rice his weekend plans were ruined by the release, as his Winston-Salem Dash were set to begin a series against ...

On this week's edition, Jay and Tug talk about Tug's purchase of TheFightins.com and its relaunch.  Additionally, the guys discuss the Phils' struggles and how the returns of Carlos Ruiz and Delmon Young could impact the offense. Also, an injury update on lefty pitching prospect Austin Wright is featured and the guys stall, waiting for Jesse Biddle to phone in plus much more great content. Check out the media player below to hear the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

Acquired by the Phillies during spring training in a trade with Toronto, first baseman Art Charles welcomed the change and is happy to be a part of the Phils organization.  The six-foot-six 225 pounder was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the 20th round in 2010 out of Bakersfield College.  Now, the 22-year-old bats cleanup for Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. Through 19 games this season, Charles is batting .275 with five doubles, two homers and 12 RBI. Charles was named the Phillies minor league player of the week for April 15th through the 21st, as he batted .423 with a home run and six RBI in seven games played. I recently spoke with Art about the trade, his work to improve his hitting approach and plenty more.  Read ahead for that full interview. - During spring training, of course, your were swapped by the Blue Jays for reliever Michael Schwimer .  How were you notified of the deal and what was your reaction? I had talked to the Blue Jays prior an...

This week is slated to be a monumental edition of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast, as Jay and Tug are set to make an announcement that will shake up the internet all throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond. Not only will the 23rd episode of the show feature the blogosphere's most anticipated news of the year, but Phillies top prospect and Double-A Reading FIGHTINS ace Jesse Biddle will be phoning in to join the guys and talk about his much raved about 16 strike out performance against Harrisburg on Monday. You seriously won't want to miss the live webcast of the show at a special time of 10 AM Eastern this Thursday, on mixlr by clicking HERE . As always, the show will be available for On Demand streaming and download later. You can also subscribe on iTunes . In case you missed it, check out the media player for a view of Biddle's amazing performance, from Monday, during which he threw seven scoreless innings and notched two doubles at the plate as well. ...

Behind a rookie hurler, the Phillies (8-11) are set to open a four-game series against the Pirates (10-8) at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park on Monday night. Read ahead for full details on the pitching match ups as well as other key stats for this series. Jon Pettibone in action with Reading in 2012 Monday, 7:05 PM.  A.J. Burnett (1-2, 2.63 ERA) vs. Jonathan Pettibone (first MLB start).   In 19 career regular season games against the Phillies, Burnett has a 6-9 record along with a 5.09 ERA.  Ryan Howard is 3-for-14 (all three hits are home runs) in his career against Burnett.  The 36-year-old righty has a 4.86 ERA in seven career games at Citizens Bank Park.  The 22-year-old Pettibone was PhilliesNation.com's #6 ranked prospect prior to the season.  In two starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this year, Pettibone had a 0-1 record and a 9.64 ERA. Pettibone, who was the Phillies' 3rd round draft pick in 2008, is filling in for the injured John ...

Here are a few batting practice videos I shot in Lakewood for the Class A BlueClaws this past week. 17-year-old OF Carlos Tocci - 22-year-old first baseman Art Charles - 20-year-old catcher Chace Numata -

Jim Murphy with Lakewood in 2011, image- Jay Floyd Goals are something every baseball player has. Climbing the developmental ladder and striving for that next level is tops on every guy’s list. Reading Fightin Phils first baseman Jim Murphy is not unlike all those other players in that regard. What does set him apart, though, is the path he took to arrive in the Double-A Eastern League and the determination he has to never quit. After five seasons in the Phillies organization, during which he bounced back and forth between Class A Lakewood and Class A Advanced Clearwater, Murphy, who was selected by the Phillies in the 17th round of the 2008 MLB amateur draft out of Washington State University, has, at long last, landed in Reading and does not intend to fall back downward again. The 27-year-old credits a focused approach every time up to bat for his success in the minors and for being ready to play at the Double-A level this season. “I try to go out and compete every d...

Larry Greene Jr., image- Jay Floyd Left fielder Larry Greene Jr. was selected by the Phillies in the supplementary round of the 2011 draft (39th overall) out of Berrien County High School (GA).  The 6-foot 235-pounder signed late that season and spent some time with the Florida Instructional League team.  He made his official regular season debut last year with the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters, where he batted .272 with 22 doubles, two homers and 26 RBI in 70 games. This season, citing concern over Greene's weight, the Phillies kept him in extended spring training to open the season.  However, the 20-year-old was added to the Class A Lakewood roster this week, as his fitness is clearly headed in the right direction. I spoke with Larry, who is 0-for-5 with five strike outs and two walks through his first two games with the BlueClaws, on Friday about his draft process, his weight, his family and plenty more.  Read ahead for that full interview. -S...

On the latest edition of the program the guys continue to tease Tug's massive announcement and chat with pro pitcher Brian Gump .  They also discuss the Phillies' offensive struggles, Lakewood's newest additions, Lehigh Valley's promising performers and plenty more. Check out the media player below to hear the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

Here's a review of the pitching match ups and other key stats from the upcoming four-game series between the Cardinals and Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Thursday, 7:05 PM.  Adam Wainwright (2-1, 2.05 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (0-2, 7.56 ERA).   The righty Wainwright is 3-1 with a 2.20 ERA in nine career regular season outings against the Phils.  Wainwright has a 0.56 ERA in three career regular season games at Citizens Bank Park.  Jimmy Rollins is 7-for-20 (.350 avg) in his career against Wainwright.  In nine career regular season games against the Cardinals, Hamels has a 2-3 record with a 3.27 ERA.  Former Phillie Ty Wigginton is 5-for-9 (.556 avg) in his career against Hamels. Friday, 7:05 PM.  Jaime Garcia (1-0, 1.86 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (1-2, 7.63 ERA).   In seven career outings against the Phillies, Garcia has a 2-2 record and a 2.00 ERA.  Jimmy Rollins is 1-for-14 (.071 avg) in his career against Garcia.  In six ...

Recently, I had to opportunity to film some interviews for Phillies Nation TV at the open pratice and media day for the Phillies Class A affiliate in Lakewood, NJ. Included among those segments was a conversation with 2011 second round draft pick Roman Quinn . The switch-hitting shortstop is off to a solid start with Lakewood, sporting a .250 average with three doubles, a homer, five RBI and six stolen bases through 13 contests this month. The 19-year-old Quinn was ranked as the 8th best prospect in the Phils' system prior to the season. In this uncut version on the interview, which includes a small misstep thanks to some background noise, Roman chats about his draft experience, playing for BlueClaws manager Mickey Morandini and plenty more.  See the video in the media player below and click HERE to watch this week's entire episode of Phillies Nation TV. Additionally, to see my previous PNTV interview with Morandini from last week, click HERE . 

It's time, once again, for our weekly glance around the Phillies' developmental ranks, taking a look a some exceptional performers and those that have raised some eyebrows for different reasons. Class A Lakewood hot list- Art Charles First baseman Art Charles , who was acquired from Toronto this spring in the Michael Schwimer trade, has hit in six straight games, going 9-for-22 (.409 avg) with two doubles, two homers and seven RBI in that stretch. Overall, the lefty batting 22-year-old is hitting .239 in 13 games this season. Righty reliever Nic Hanson , who celebrated his 21st birthday this week, has struck out 10 batters while walking two in eight innings of work through three appearances. Additionally, he has a save and a 3.38 ERA during that time as well. The six-foot-seven 210-pounder was drafted by the Phils in the 16th round last year out of Golden West College. Lakewood red flags- OF Brian Pointer is batting .174 this season, despite a current t...

Losers of five straight contests, the Reds (5-7) will host the Phillies (6-6) for a three-game set at Great American Ballpark beginning on Monday night.  In the series opener, the Reds will go with right-hander Bronson Arroyo , who has posted an 8.50 ERA over his last seven regular season starts against the Phils, who will counter with lefty Cliff Lee , who has not walked a batter in his first two starts this season. The Phillies were victorious in four of seven meetings with Cincinnati last year, including two of three at Great American Ballpark.  Dating back to the 2010 National League playoffs, the Phils have won seven of the last eight games in Cincinnati. Read ahead for full details on the pitching match ups and loads more for this upcoming series. Monday, 7:10 PM.  Cliff Lee (2-0, 1.08 ERA) vs. Bronson Arroyo (1-1, 5.25 ERA).   In 11 career starts against the Reds, Lee has a 6-2 record along with a 3.91 ERA.  Joey Votto is 5-for-13 (.385 a...