Spring Wrap Up Interview: RHP Tyler Knigge

As minor leaguers break camp and three quarters of the teams head north to their full season destinations, I had the opportunity to speak with righty hurler Tyler Knigge.

The Phils' 12th round draft selection in 2010, took big strides last year, as he posted a 4-1 record, nine saves and a 0.60 ERA in 34 outings for Class A Advanced Clearwater, en route to becoming a Florida State League All-Star.  The six-foot-three 225-pounder then earned a promotion to Double-A, where he tallied a 2.92 ERA with no decisions and two saves in 21 appearances for Reading.  Additionally, Knigge, who sports a fastball that is regularly clocked in the mid-90's, averaged 9.09 K/9 at the two levels.  He went on to pitcher with Peoria in the Arizona Fall League last year as well.

This weekend, Tyler offered some quick thoughts on his preseason, his assignment to begin the regular season with Reading and more.  Read ahead to check out the interview.


- How has your spring gone?  Thoughts on how you've progressed physically? Any spring training goals met?

My spring has gone well. Had my ups and downs but that's what spring training is for. Fixing the kinks. Physically, I know I've gotten stronger. That's my goal and I will continue working towards it.


- Early on in spring, a less than ideal outing might not be evaluated the same as one later in spring. Is there any added pressure, as spring winds down, to put forth an exemplary or shutdown effort out of the bullpen?

In spring training, you're always fighting for a spot. Each outing is just as important as the next. I treat each outing as the most important outing I've ever had. Even if it might not mean as such.


- Last year you got the call to spend time with the big league team during some spring games. You didn't get the same opportunity this year. Is that something that you've given thought to and can that type of thing cause a guy to worry about his spot?

I did spend time on big league side. This year I haven't, due to a hamstring injury. I'm 100% now, but they weren't going to send an injured player over to get hurt again. My job was to get healthy before camp ended.


- I know you mentioned in an off-season interview that you felt like reaching the big leagues in 2013 was not out of the question. Is there anything different for you this spring than others, as far as preparation or what you've worked on, which might help reach that ultimate goal?

That is my goal. You gotta dream big. And I've kept the same work ethic as last year and have prepared myself the best I can to achieve that goal.


- What are some of your favorite things to do during your free time during spring training?

I love hoppin' on the sticks, playing video games, especially Call of Duty. It's a good time to wind down and enjoy the afternoons without any distractions.


- So, now you're off to Reading.  What's the outlook as you return to Baseballtown?

Yes, that's where I'll be this year and I'm definitely going to make the most of it.

PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast: Episode 19

The PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast is back with episode number 19.  In this edition of the program, Jay and Tug discuss Phillies prospects Harold Martinez, Colby Shreve, Kenny Giles and Tyler Knigge.  In addition, the duo compares their excitement levels for opening day and WrestleMania.  The IronPigs' new urinal gaming system is discussed, as are local player Bill Rice and Phils' versatile youngster Freddy Galvis.

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.

RHP Austin Hyatt Released by Phils

Austin Hyatt with Reading in 2011

On Thursday evening, IronPigs reporter Jeff Schuler mentioned on Twitter that the Phillies have parted ways with righty hurler Austin Hyatt. 

The 25-year-old struggled considerably last season, as he posted a 2-7 record with a 6.33 ERA over 11 games as member of the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs' starting rotation.  Following a demotion to Double-A Reading, Hyatt's output improved, as he tallied an 8-5 record along with a 4.62 ERA in 16 outings, but he wasn't as sharp as he had been in the same league a season earlier.. 

Following a solid full season with Reading (12-6, 3.85 ERA, 9.97 K/9) in 2011, Hyatt was ranked among the organization's top 20 prospects by PhilliesNation.

With promising young hurlers like Adam Morgan, Ethan Martin, Jonathan Pettibone and last year's Paul Owens Award winner Tyler Cloyd holding down rotation spots for Lehigh Valley, there simply didn't seem to be room for Hyatt.

The six-foot-three 205-pound Hyatt, a Georgia Tech product, was a 15th round draft choice in 2009.

The release of Hyatt came on the same day the Phillies also released right-handed pitcher Jordan Whatcott and backstop John Hill.

Whatcott and Hill Released by Phillies

Another pair of releases out of Phillies minor league camp today saw the team part ways with righty hurler Jordan Whatcott (pictured) and catcher John Hill.

Whatcott, who was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2010, pitched in 44 games (seven starts) with Class A Advanced Clearwater and Double-A Reading in 2012. The 27-year-old University of Utah product posted a 3-3 record with two saves and a 3.78 ERA.

Hill, a lefty batting 24-year-old, was the Phils' 11th round draft selection in 2011. The graduate of Concordia University in California batted .129 with two doubles and eight RBI in 36 games over three levels last season.

The Phillies' minor league rosters continue to take shape and should be finalized this coming weekend.

The Cody Chronicles, Vol. 6: Asche Ready to Begin 2013 Season

As the exhibition schedule winds down, we check in one last time with Phillies third base prospect Cody Asche, who has been offering weekly thoughts directly from inside spring training in Clearwater, FL.

A 4th round draft selection in 2011 out of the University of Nebraska, Asche has been a fast rising prospect since joining the Phils organization. Last year, the 22-year-old, in his first full professional season, tallied a .324 batting average with 12 homers, 72 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 130 combined games with Class A Advanced Clearwater and Double-A Reading. Asche followed up that campaign with a .281/.343/.438 line with Peoria in the Arizona Fall League. This spring the six-foot-one 180-pounder went 5-for-14 (.357 average) with two doubles in eight Grapefruit League contests this year, before being reassigned to minor league camp.

In the latest edition of The Cody Chronicles, Asche talks about the potential of beginning the season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, making it clear that any minor league assignment is just temporary until he can fulfill his goal of rejoining the big league team.  And at the rate of Asche's ascent upward in the developmental ranks, it won't be long before he's impacting baseball betting on sites like bwin.  Additionally, Asche speaks of playing on minor league teams located in the heart of big league Phillies territory, his teammate and roommate Adam Morgan as well as plenty more. Read ahead for Cody's thoughts.


On the possibility of starting the season at the Triple-A level, having entered the final week of spring games playing with the group that will come north as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs...

I don't think anything's set in stone. Anything can happen. So, I'll just keep showing up and doing my work and keep playing hard until we get those final assignments. You can't really assume anything at this point when, there's still a lot of changes that could probably be made.

I would be happy with where ever I get assigned to. But, one thing you've got to keep in mind is that it's not the final destination that your goals are set at. There's Double-A, Triple-A, whatever, that's not the final destination that you want to be at. You just got to keep going about your business, keep playing and stay healthy and be on the field and play as much as you can and keep getting better.


On his impressions of the IronPigs' coaching staff...

The (coaches are) great guys. I love working with Sal (Rende), the hitting coach. He's taught me a ton already. I've been working with him in the cages, doing some early work. And (manager Dave Brundage) is a great guy too. He's a good guy to play for. And we've got Ray (Burris) too, the pitching coach. They all fit in really well with coaches I've all played for in this system so far. The Phillies do a great job of selecting who they want to run their teams and I think they've done a great job again with the staff that they've assembled for Lehigh. 


On his close bond with lefty pitching prospect Adam Morgan...

We became pretty good friends, I would say, with Williamsport. And in our first instructs, we spent a lot of time together. Then last year, we were roommates with Clearwater and with Reading. You know, we're kind of the same (type of) people. We both have that drive and that work ethic, kind of a no nonsense kind of thing off the field, so we stick together. I think the similarities and the way we go about our profession is what drew us close to each other and we've managed to become friends. And he's always pulling for me and he's the first to congratulate me when I do something well. And when he's on the mound, I'm always pulling for him.


On his own public demeanor appearing more serious compared to his more playful approach with teammates behind the scenes...

I think it's something where you're gonna be different around your teammates. You can't- It's just different. It's hard to explain. You have to pick your times to be fun and you've got to pick your times to be serious and you pick your times to be professional. I think that's all part of growing up and just maturing as a player. You gotta be able to handle those aspects of the game and you've got to be a good teammate too. Those are just two different scenarios, two different things, so whatever just comes natural to people, that's just what you'll see.


On playing with Reading and potentially Lehigh Valley, right in the heart of Phillies country...

I love it. The Phillies fans, they're a different breed. They are so passionate about baseball and you would think, being an outsider, that it's just for the Major League team, you know, plenty of Major League teams have big followings, but (Phillies fans) care about everybody. That's what's crazy about it. They care how you're doing, in low A, High-A, Double-A, Triple-A...they care about all the players playing for (those teams) and they treat you well and they support you no matter what. I think that's real cool that we are in the situation that we get to play in front of all those fans, day in and day out. There's a lot of minor leaguers that don't get that experience, ever. Not even in the Double-A or Triple-A ranks. They don't get that fan base that's the same fan base as their (big league) club. They might have a hometown fan base, the town there has pride in the team, but whenever you see 10,000 people at a Reading game or a Lehigh game, those are all Phillies fans hoping you'll do your best and all hoping that you'll be playing for the Phillies some day.


On what endorsements have come his way...

I just have equipment and stuff like that. I use Rawlings gloves and Under Armour apparel. So, that's what I'm going with right now and I couldn't be happier with those two companies. They're both the best in what they do.


On how ready he is to get the regular season schedule rolling...

I'm super anxious (to begin the regular season). You know, 'cause we're only playing the Pirates, Blue Jays and Yankees every day. The schedule kind of gets a little monotonous. You know, it's almost like the same thing every day. I live for the adrenaline rush and, whenever you're playing in a game that counts, I think every player out there in spring training right now is ready to get going. I'm ready to find out where I'm going and get to it.


Click HERE for a full list of The Cody Chronicles.

Latest Minor League Workout Groups

Here's a quick look at the latest minor league workout groups, as the teams begin their final week of spring training. Click on the images for a larger view.

Names missing from the list that have been cut in recent days include Brendan Lafferty, Ervis Manzanillo, Troy Marks and Jorge Lorenzo.

Phils Deal RHP Rodriguez to O's for OF Welty

The disassembling of the prospect group known as the Baby Aces continues, as the Phillies have traded once highly regarded righty hurler Julio Rodriguez to Baltimore for outfielder Ronnie Welty.

Rodriguez once dominated Class A ball, but looked far more human with Double-A Reading last season. Drafted in the 8th round of the 2008 amateur draft, the Puerto Rican born pitcher finished with an overall record of 7-3 with a 1.89 ERA and a .175 batting average against in 20 outings with Williamsport and Lakewood in 2010. The following season, Rodriguez was named a Florida State League All-Star, as he finished with a league leading 16 wins, a 2.76 ERA that was second best in the league and a .186 batting average against. Over those two seasons, he averaged a 10.71 K/9 mark.

Last year in the Eastern League, Rodriguez wrapped up his 2012 regular season campaign with a 7-7 record, a 4.23 ERA and a .243 batting average against, following a difficult eight-game stretch (6.81 ERA) that got him moved from the starting rotation into the bullpen.

Welty, a righty batter that was selected in the 20th round of the 2008 draft, had a very good season last year, as he sported a .333/.373/.662 line, playing most of his games at Double-A in an injury shortened season (56 games played). The 25-year-old stands 6-foot-3 and weighs around 200 pounds.

Regarding the 22-year-old Rodriguez, it seemed as though the opinions of many had dropped a considerable amount, when his walk rate shot up nearly two full free passes per nine innings, as he took the leap from Clearwater to Reading last year. And following this week's news that outfielder Jiwan James would miss a lengthy stretch following left knee surgery, the Phillies found themselves with a void to fill in the upper levels of the developmental system.

Welty could likely begin the season manning the outfield for Reading. Mainly a right fielder, the Chandler-Gilbert Community College product has played a combined 49 professional regular season contests in center and left field.

Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan previously worked in the Baltimore organization. Welty joins the likes of catcher Justin Dalles, who also played with the Orioles under Jordan, that the Phils have added for organizational depth since last season.

The Phillies traded another Baby Ace, Trevor May, in recent months, along with Vance Worley to Minnesota for outfielder Ben Revere. Additionally, another of the Phils' once highly rated young pitchers Brody Colvin has taken himself out of consideration as a fast rising prospect, having produced increasingly inconsistent statistics in recent seasons. Righty Jonathan Pettibone remains as the group's lone standout, as he spent some time with the big league club in spring training this year, and should be waiting in the wings at Triple-A, if the Phillies' rotation as an opening this season.

PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast: Episode 18

It's the season 2 premiere of the show (episode 18). In this edition Tug and Jay discuss Tug's wedding, some surprising releases from Phils minor league camp, Roy Halladay's health, fast rising prospects Roman Quinn and Carlos Tocci, the Reading rebranding, Lehigh Valley's new alternate jersey, and much 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.

PhoulBallz Roundtable: Most/Least Likely Expiring Contract to Return

Every now and again, here on the site, we feature guests tackling a topic related to the Phillies.  This time around, I surveyed some impassioned baseball minds on the subject of which of the Phils' four key players with expiring contracts at the end of this upcoming season are most likely and least likely to return to Philadelphia.  Those four individuals are manager Charlie Manuel, ace pitcher Roy Halladay, catcher Carlos Ruiz and second baseman Chase Utley.

The participants in this roundtable are my Podcast cohost Tug Haines, WFAN radio host and writer Joe Giglio, the biggest female baseball fan I know Casey Landman, PhilliesNation.com writer Kieran Carobine as well as yours truly.  Here's what the group had to say on this subject.


Tug Haines-

I think a lot of this depends on how the season looks around the trade deadline. But I’ll answer real quick, ranking them from least to most likely, while assuming the Phillies will be in the thick of things until the end.

1.       Manuel

2.       Ruiz

3.       Halladay

4.       Utley

You’re not going to hear much more than speculation about Charlie during the season, but I believe this will be his last. Ryne Sandberg has been groomed to manage, he’s back in the bigs, coaching third base, it seems like 2014 will be his year. Charlie is getting up there in years and there are a lot of questions about how he manages a baseball team. I realize that this means dick, because people were questioning his management chops in 2008 – and just about every other year.

Utley stays. I think if Utley plays 25 games this year, they might let him go. Twenty-six or more, they re-sign him. Is it the right thing to do? Who the hell knows? He’s a great player, when healthy, and I’m sure his presence in the clubhousblahblahblahblahblahblah - whatever that means, if anything - will be good for a three year deal. 

If you ask me, as long as Kyle Kendrick is on the team, they’d better sign all these guys. I’m not a member of the KK Hate Squad, but he’s not more valuable than any of the three players listed above.

I’m a homer, and I admit it because wearing it on my sleeve affords me a lot of sentimentality without having to worry about pesky analysis. But, if I had to look at this team with a cold eye, I’d say they’re all coming back. 

Or not.

Remember Ruben’s Razor: “Among competing hypotheses, the most infuriating one that makes the least amount of sense should be selected.”

Joe Giglio- 
Of the four big name Phillies with contracts set to expire after the '13 season, Chase Utley is the most likely to return. Despite his injury plagued recent past, his game profiles as one that can age well -- specifically at the plate. For as long as Utley can move, he'll be an average to above average hitter because of his short stroke and exemplary plate discipline. Plus, as in the case with Jimmy Rollins, he's been part of the face of the change in Philadelphia. He's beloved and ownership knows it.

While the writing is on the wall for Ryne Sandberg to replace Charlie Manuel sooner than later, a postseason appearance can't be ruled out this year in Philadelphia. That means Manuel will go out on his terms, likely not now.

Roy Halladay is in decline, but could come back on a short term, reasonable contract. If he loves Philadelphia as much as he did when he arrived, it's not hard to picture a Yankees-Andy Pettitte type of relationship between Doc and the Phils as the years go on. As long as he's healthy and the team has a hole in the rotation, a one-year contract will be extended.

For me, Carlos Ruiz is the least likely to return. Factor in the suspension, nearly impossible to repeat '12, age, and young catchers in the system, and it's easy to see a new backstop in '14. 

Casey Landman- 

Most likely to return, I've got a tie between Chase and Chooch. 

There's this other marquee 2B free agent out there at the end of this season: Robinson Cano. He's going to get PAID somewhere. That's who everyone is going to be going after, not the 35-year-old with degenerative knees. I think Chase signs a deal like Jimmy Rollins did. I just can't even picture him in another uniform. 

I think they sign Chooch to a one year extension. Tommy Joseph is one of the Phillies top ranked prospects who had a great spring stint with the big league team and he'll get a whole year at AAA  to keep working on his game (and probably some time in the majors since Chooch does get hurt every now and then). They keep Chooch around one more year to "show the ropes" to Joseph, then Tommy takes over in 2015.

Least likely is Charlie.

Unless the Phillies win the World Series this year, I don't see Charlie coming back as manager. He's had a great run, I love everything about him, but it seems that the organization feels very strongly about Ryne Sandberg taking over after managing the Iron Pigs the last few seasons.  With Sandberg on the major league club's coaching staff this year it also makes an easy transition - whether it's at the end of the year or mid way through if things really take a turn for the worse in the 2014 season.

Kieran Carobine-

One of my favorite things about this organization over the past few years is that they have been signing guys who want to play.  I remember the days of David Bell, who in my opinion checked out mentally long before he was gone.  Guys like Halladay and Utley are stand up dudes.  They aren't going anywhere if given the option to stay.  However, a player like Halladay is not going to continue to pitch if he feels like he can't perform at the level he is accustomed to.

I think the Ruiz decision is a no-brainer.  This organization loves this guy.  He commands the staff well and is producing from both sides of the field.  Ruiz is the most like to come back.  I also feel that the front office will leave it up to Manuel whether or not he wants to come back.  He spoke in an interview about the things he has accomplished as a manager and gave all the credit to his players.  I don't feel he has the need to prove anything to anyone.  If he wants to continue to coach, I think he will.

Most likely to be back is Ruiz and we need to live with the idea of Halladay not wearing Phillies pinstripes after this season.

Jay Floyd-

I feel that the most likely of those Phillies to return in 2014 will be Roy Halladay.  While many fans a media types are expressing heavy concern over Roy's health, if there's one player that people can count on the get himself into game ready shape, it's Halladay.  Even if the Phils' righty ace misses some time this season, he loves pitching in Philadelphia and the organization adores him.  Roy never expressed any concern about being beside other hurlers that earned larger paychecks, which makes him the perfect candidate to return to the team on somewhat of a "home town discount".

The least likely of those four players to be with the club next season is Chase Utley.  Following my remarks about Halladay, I feel the exact opposite way about Utley.  While many folks are pleased with Utley's health and his steady workload all throughout spring training, I am just waiting for the annual knee setbacks to force the five-time All-Star out of action.  With three years of evidence that Utley can't hang, a collection of young infielders ready to make an impact in the big leagues, 2014 will feature a new face at second base for the Phillies.

Chris Duffy Talks About Being Cut by Phils

In recent days a prospect that had considerable buzz about him last season, Chris Duffy, was released by the Phillies.  Billed by many coaches within the system as a very good hitter, the 26th round draft choice in 2010 out of the University of Central Florida had an outstanding season in 2012 with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws.  In 60 games in the South Atlantic League the lefty batting slugger sported a .384 batting average with 11 homers and 56 RBI.  Additionally, in two different stints with Class A Advanced Clearwater last year, Duffy sported a .236 average with two home runs and 15 RBI.

Credited by prospects like highly regarded third baseman Maikel Franco with being an inspiration, the 25-year-old Duffy built a reputation of being a leader among toward players. 

Now, faced with free agency, the well-mannered and steadily lighthearted spoke this week about the circumstances surrounding his release,


- Okay, so clearly there was some big news that surprised some people on Sunday morning, when the Phillies released you.  After a year in which you posted absolutely great numbers in Lakewood and really bounced back during your second trip to Clearwater, this wasn't something that was expected by fans.  Did this catch you completely off guard?  Any other thoughts on this, as you reflect back on it?

Yes, it absolutely did catch me off guard.  Usually, players don't get released after a good season, so I figured I was clear of all that.  Especially since I had been hitting well in spring training and came in shape.  But everything happens for a reason and even if I don't understand yet I will.  I just view it as something I have to go through to achieve my dream.  I'm a firm believer that I am limitless and can accomplish anything I want as long as I go get it. This definitely hurt, but it's not going to stop me!

- How was the news brought to you?  Who spoke with you and what reason was given?

Actually, I thought I was clear because I walked past the coaches at the entrance that usually pull people aside as they come in the locker room. I walked right by them and they said hello to me.  (Laughter)  Then I went to my locker and my name plate was up still and everything was normal, so I had none of the symptoms of a player getting released.  I changed in my Phillies gear from my street clothes and sat down to eat my breakfast with my headphones on and music jamming and as I was about to dig into my eggs and grits with cheese. Then I get a tap on the shoulder saying (Phillies director of player development) Joe Jordan wants to see me.  So, I went upstairs to his office and Gauntlett (Eldemire) was waiting outside his office and he looks at me like, "This can't be right."  (Laughter) I was like, "Okay, you're one of the fastest players around and I can hit the ball pretty dang far so, what the (hell...)? 

Anyways, Joe Jordan took me in there after Gauntlett and told me that the organization loves what I've done and he admires me as a person and all but they made some last minute trades at first base and they feel it would be best for my career if another team picks me up, which actually makes sense if you look at the big picture.

- Right, so you stated there that first base is a crowded position in the minors for the Phillies.  Thoughts on that?

That's the reason I got released, 'cause it's clogged and there is no DH and they haven't tried me in the outfield or third. Not a bad thing for me actually.


- I heard from a Phillies writer that's down there and his thought was that you showed up to spring training less fit than you had been last season.  Is that the case and, if it is, somewhat, do you think that could speak volumes toward a team's decision to part ways with a guy?

My answer to this right here is I squat the weight of a baby elephant. (Laughs) I passed all my times the Phillies had and I'll be happy to show your buddy my six pack I have brewing after training this whole off season. (Laughs).  Tell him to come to the beach and watch me flex.  (Laughs)

- If you knew over the off-season what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently in the months or weeks leading up to the release?

Nothing different! I believe this happened for a reason.

- I see you talking about "Above .500" on Twitter.  What can you tell me about that and how that's going to help you going forward?

Above .500 is an upcoming organization that myself and some friends started to encourage people, especially young ones, to go after their dreams in life and don't let anything stop them.  We do this using motivational speaking and mentorship. We throw events we call "Dream Rallies" at middle schools and high schools, talking to the young ones about the pursuit of their dreams. During the pursuits there will be failure, obstacles, and challenges. If you don't give up, stay positive and believe we can accomplish anything we set our minds to...(what is happening to me) is a prime example of it.  Because my release from the Phillies doesn't mean it's over but it's just a hurdle I have to jump over to get to my dream.  

The name originated from the Giants who won the Super Bowl one game Above .500 winning percentage.  So, no matter how many losses in life you encounter or what your situation is today you can still be a champion tomorrow. You can learn more about our non-profit organization at www.above500.org 

The Cody Chronicles, Vol 5: Asche Bonds with Teammates and Fans

As part of our weekly spring training series, Phillies third base prospect Cody Asche is back once again to check in, directly from spring training in Clearwater, FL.

A 4th round draft selection in 2011 out of the University of Nebraska, Asche has been a fast rising prospect since joining the Phillies organization. Last year, the 22-year-old, in his first full professional season, tallied a .324 batting average with 12 home runs, 72 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 130 combined games with Class A Advanced Clearwater and Double-A Reading. Asche followed that up with a .281/.343/.438 line with Peoria in the Arizona Fall League, then went 5-for-14 (.357 average) with two doubles in eight big league spring games this year.

In the latest edition of The Cody Chronicles, Asche talks about the change in attendance going from big league camp back to the minors, bonding with people on Twitter, his ties with teammates from his draft class and plenty more.


On the topic of playing in front of minimal crowds with the minors in spring training, compared to the large crowds that the big league team has been drawing this spring...

It's just not the same the first time going out there (after returning from big league camp).  You kind of just know, that's part of spring training, being on the minor league side.  You know, you're out there doing your thing.  It's really not something you worry about when you're down there.  Not me anyway.  I never get caught up in that.  I mean, I love playing in front of big crowds and what not, but, the first game I played back over there, I felt my mind wandering a little bit, but I snapped myself out of that real quick.  You can't sit there and sulk and keep dwelling on what it was like and stuff like that.  You just have to go out there and stick to your work.  That's the tough part about the minor leagues, you gotta look beyond that kind of stuff and just keep working and find a way to do what you've got to do.


On how he views social networking site Twitter...

I think it's for fun mostly.  I like it.  My teammates are on there and it kind of gives the fans an inside look at how we interact with our peers and different players.  It's also a way of connecting with the people who follow you and root for you every night.  I think that's pretty cool about it too.  You realize that you have a lot of fans out there and they're all pulling for you and they have a way to connect with you. 


On Monday's tweet from a fellow Phils prospect Brock Stassi, who asserted that if he obtained 200 retweets, Asche would give away his game used cleats...

I guess if he gets them, then I'll have to follow through with it.  That's Brock.  Me and him are good buddies.  So, we've been good friends ever since Williamsport and the first year of instructs, so he's a funny guy.  

And maybe we'll get Brock some more Twitter followers with the mention of this.


On if he feels the bus accident that the 2011 Williamsport team went through possibly helped to bond the players on that team more tightly...

That'll bring you closer to guys, but it's just something that we look back on it's just something to reflect on and say, "Remember this, remember that?"  I think we had a lot of guys on that team that were all really good friends.  It was the first year in pro ball for a lot of us and we all migrated together and stuck together and I think that's why we built so many close relationships on that team.


On if the team viewed the situation as a near-death experience...

I mean, it was a really scary situation, but I don't think we realized how serious it was until we got out of the bus and saw how close we were to going over the edge.  We were lucky that day, that's for sure.


On if he owns any of his own baseball cards...

I have one of each of them...I think I only have a few out.  I got one from each team I've played for and then I think I have two official ones.  My mom usually does a good job of scouring the internet for them.  She finds them and keeps them for me. 


On other souvenirs he might have collected thus far in his career...

I think I have a couple of my hats (from the teams I've played for) left over.  One thing I do have, we wore prostate cancer awareness jerseys in Clearwater and my mom bought that for me because we lost a good family friend, I want to say two or three years ago, to prostate cancer.  He was one of my coaches coming up, from the time I was 11 till when I was 15.  He was real close to our family, so my mom bought that jersey.  Other than that, actually, a fan gave me a picture, like a collage book, kind of like a book of all the Phillies that he took in big league camp.  It was like a professionally done book.  It's pretty cool.


On what signing autographs for fans means to him...

When I was at school, I mean, the following at Nebraska, there's a huge following, so after our games at school, it was just like a minor league game.  We'd walk down the left field line to go back to our club house and there's kids lined up all on the grass, so we'd sign (autographs) for 20 minutes after each game.  And that's something that I try to do now, if there's fans out there that want an autograph, I'll try to sign them.  They're out there and you never know what it'll mean to someone to stop for a minute and say a couple words.  Doing that, you could make a fan for life.  You don't want to take any of those opportunities for granted because you never know if it's your last day on the field, so that's why I always try to stop and sign and have a couple conversations with fans. 

More Phillies Prospects Released

Word out of Clearwater on Sunday had more names than the ones I reported being released. Confirmation of those names came on Monday, when Phillies Vice President of Alumni Relations Larry Shenk noted on his blog that Luis Gonzalez, Stefan Jarrin and Moises Rivas had all been cut the day prior, while David Newmann had been released that morning.

Gonzalez, a lefty hurler, pitched with short-season Class A Williamsport last season, posting a 0-3 record with a save and a 4.62 ERA in 16 outings. The Dominican born 20-year-old was originally signed in February, 2010.

Jarrin, a second baseman, was the player to be named later from Los Angeles in the Shane Victorino trade last year. Acquired in September, following the regular season, the 20-year-old never actually played a game in the Phils organization.

Rivas, a righty pitcher, sported a 15-4 record along with a 3.27 ERA over three pro seasons in 45 outings. The 22-year-old Venezuelan was originally signed by the Phillies in July, 2009.

Newmann, another left-hander pitcher, was signed by the Phils as a free agent last month. The 27-year-old was a 4th round draft choice by Tampa Bay in 2007.

Phils Trade Minor League Hurler Cisco to Angels

PN's Jay Floyd has learned that the Phillies have traded righty minor league hurler Michael Cisco to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

The 25-year-old was originally selected in the 36th round of the 2008 draft and is the grandson of former Phillies pitching coach Galen Cisco.

Combined over his last two seasons with Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Cisco tallied a 13-3 record along with six saves and a 1.70 ERA in 69 outings, all in relief.

According to CSN's Jim Salisbury, the Phils obtain no compensation in the deal. Also, take a look at details on today's minor league releases by clicking here.

This post was originally published on PhilliesNation.com.

Surprising Minor League Cuts Begin For Phils

Eldemire and Duffy with Lakewood in 2012

Following releases last week that didn't catch many off guard (details here, here and here), the Phillies began some more house cleaning on Sunday when they cut ties with a pair of players that many people thought were not at risk of losing their spots in the system, as first baseman Chris Duffy and outfielder Gauntlett Eldemire were both released by the Phils, making each man a free agent.

Duffy, a 26th round draft choice in 2010 out of the University of Central Florida, had an outstanding season in 2012 with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws.  In 60 games there, the lefty batting slugger posted a .384 average with 11 homers and 56 RBI.  Additionally, in two different stints with Class A Advanced Clearwater last year, Duffy sported a .236 average with two home runs and 15 RBI.  The 25-year-old was credited with helping some of his younger Lakewood teammates excel at the plate as well.

Eldemire, a 6th round draft selection in 2010 out of Ohio University, made his pro playing debut last year, as he was sidelined following multiple wrist surgeries after signing with the Phillies.  In 72 games with the BlueClaws last season, the righty hitter batted .227 with two home runs, 18 RBI and 18 stolen bases. Following a contest on July 8th, Eldemire, who turned 24-years-old last month, missed the remainder of the 2012 season after suffering a leg injury.

These two cuts come as quite a surprise, as Duffy showed considerable power and an ability to be selective at the plate.  However, according to Phillies beat writer Dennis Deitch, Duffy had shown up to spring training out of shape and displayed minimal hustle this weekend.  Eldemire seemed to be deserving of more time to prove himself, after experiencing a stretch of poor luck regarding his health.  The promising speedster showed loads of skills with Lakewood last year and didn't perform too badly, overall, for a player competing in the professional ranks for the first time.

Kennelly with Reading in 2012

Additionally on Sunday, the Phillies parted ways with righty pitcher and utility man Tim Kennelly.  The Australian had been in the organization dating back to 2003, when he was signed as an international free agent at the age of 16.  Kennelly, who played catcher, third base and outfield during his minor league career was converted to a pitcher last season and posted a 6.23 ERA in 10 outings with Class A Advanced Clearwater and Double-A Reading.

Keep it locked here in the coming days for all your minor league roster news and updates.

Also, news out of Clearwater had pitchers Justin De Fratus, Jake Diekman, Cesar Jimenez and infielder Josh Fields all being reassigned to minor league camp.

Minors Notes: RHP Claypool Released, More Roster Moves

Garett Claypool in 2011, Photo- Jay Floyd

Once promising righty hurler Garett Claypool was released by the Phillies on Friday morning.  The UCLA product was selected in the 11th round of the 2010 amateur draft by the Phils.

The 24-year-old right-hander had a breakout season, with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws in 2011, when he posted a 5-7 record with a 3.47 ERA and led the league in strike outs over 27 outings (23 starts).  Claypool, a California native, did not show the same potential that landed him among the Phillies' top 25 prospects in 2012 upon climbing the developmental ladder to Class A Advanced Clearwater in 2012.  There, the six-foot-two 180-pounder tallied a 3-2 record with a 7.30 ERA over 20 appearances (one start).

Additionally, the Phillies have continued some housekeeping among their rosters, reassigning second baseman Cesar Hernandez and relief pitcher Justin Friend to the minors.  In 11 games with the big league Phils this spring, Hernandez, a 22-year-old switch-hitter, batted .313 with a double, an RBI and two steals.  Friend, a 26-year-old righty who was an All-Star with Double-A Reading last season, appeared in two big league spring training games, allowing an earned run in two innings pitched.  Those two players now join other individuals that were reassigned to the minors this week, such as B.J. Rosenberg, Jonathan Pettibone, Tyson Gillies, Ethan Martin, Tyler Cloyd, Sebastian Valle and Joe Savery.

Also, outfielder Zach Collier, who spent some time with the big league club this spring is expected to begin the season with Double-A Reading.  Collier, the 34th overall draft pick by the Phillies in 2008, was hitless in seven at bats with the big league team this spring.

Lastly, as reported on The BlueClaws Blog, catcher Cameron Rupp has launched three home runs in the opening two games this spring, while playing with Double-A Reading's club.  Rupp, a University of Texas product, was the Phils' 3rd round draft choice in 2010.

*UPDATE* - I have also obtained confirmation from within Phillies minor league camp that pitcher Matt Sisto was released on Friday.  Sisto, a righty, was selected in the 20th round of last year's draft out of the University of Hawaii.  In 24 contests with short-season Class A Williamsport last year, the 23-year-old sported a 1-3 record with a 3.51 ERA.

Phillies Release RHP Ryan Duke

More reasons to follow me on Twitter...if you missed Monday's news about the Phillies' release of right-handed pitcher Juan Morillo, you may have also missed me breaking another cut on Tuesday morning, when the Phils parted ways with righty hurler Ryan Duke.

The #Phillies have parted ways with RHP Ryan Duke, who was a 25th rd draft pick in 2011. #MiLB
— Jay Floyd (@PhoulBallz) March 12, 2013

Duke, a University of Oklahoma product, was selected by the Phillies in the 25th round of the 2011 amateur draft. In two professional seasons, the 24-year-old Texas native sported a 1-3 record with 10 saves and a 2.73 ERA in 55 combined games at five levels.

Be sure to follow me in order to learn about Phillies minor league news as it breaks.

The Cody Chronicles, Vol. 4: Asche Valued Time with Schmidt & Phils

Phillies third base prospect Cody Asche is back once again to check in directly from spring training in Clearwater, FL.

A 4th round draft selection in 2011 out of the University of Nebraska, Asche has been a fast rising prospect since joining the Phillies organization. Last year, the 22-year-old, in his first full professional season, tallied a .324 batting average with 12 home runs, 72 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 130 combined games with Class A Advanced Clearwater and Double-A Reading. Asche followed that up with a .281/.343/.438 line with Peoria in the Arizona Fall League, then went 5-for-14 (.357 average) with two doubles in eight big league spring games this year.

In the latest edition of The Cody Chronicles, Asche speaks about being reassigned to minor league camp, Phils legend Mike Schmidt, what he took from his time with the big league team and plenty more.


Sharing his thoughts on being reassigned to minor league camp recently...

"It's something that, when you're in camp, it's gonna happen. You know, you just look around at who's there, the rosters, what roles everyone's going to be playing, and it was bound to happen. I know there's stuff I've gotta work on down in the minor leagues. I'm just grateful that I had the time I did over there, you know. I'm grateful that they gave me the chance to go up there and play. In my mind, I took full advantage of the opportunity and I'm happy with everything that went on over there and just gotta do my work over on the minor league side of things."


On hearing that the Phillies TV broadcasters spoke of how Phillies Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt complimented Asche's hitting abilities and compared him to former National League Most Valuable Player Keith Hernandez...

"That's exciting. It's real humbling when a guy like that notices your work and says good things about you. It just goes to show, really all the work that the coaches have helped me with and the work that I've put in with them, to make progress these past few years. I think the comparisons are nice and everything, but you gotta keep going, just keep going with it. You can never stop improving and it's kind of like a motivational kind of thing when someone like that sees what you, maybe, can be."


On his time spent working with Schmidt and impressions of him in camp...

"It wasn't like one-on-one, but he's around whenever we're doing our early work. You know, it's not the kind of thing where he'll make a comment every ground ball, but if he sees something, he'll let you know and he's always open for ideas, talking back and forth, or just bouncing different ideas around. He's there for questions, if you've got questions about anything, he's there for that, when we do fundamentals and stuff like that, he's in the dugout, talking about positioning and set ups and all kinds of stuff. He's very available. I got to talk to him a little bit and I'm very grateful to him for being around. Not only him, but (working with Ryne) Sandberg and Michael Young, that's been a real treat."


On if he would welcome switching positions, if the Phillies requested it, as he did when he moved from third to play second base in 2011 when he initially turned pro...

"I mean I've been in that situation before and I think I'd probably deal with it a little better. Going through that process once before...if it's something that's going to help me get to the big leagues, then I'm all for it. Right now, I'm a third baseman and I'm just here working and I'm trying to take advantage of every opportunity I can get."


On what was the biggest thing he took from his time spent with the big league club this spring...

"The thing I took most (out of my time with the big league club) is that I know big league baseball is what I want to do. You get a little taste of it, whether it be spring training or not, it's in your mind. It's always in front of you, when you go out to do your work, to get back up to that spot. It's totally different, you know. It's definitely what you want to do and it's definitely where you want to be playing. That little vision of what it's like, it kind of helps you out and gets you motivated to get you moving and keep improving."


Cody Chronicles, Vol. 1- Click here.
Cody Chronicles, Vol. 2- Click here.
Cody Chronicles, Vol. 3- Click here.

Phils Part Ways with RHP Juan Morillo

News that was first reported on Twitter by yours truly...on Monday, the Phillies released righty pitcher Juan Morillo.

Source tells me that the #Phillies have parted ways with RHP Juan Morillo, who was with @readingfightins & @ironpigs last year. #MiLB
— Jay Floyd (@PhoulBallz) March 11, 2013

Morillo, a 29-year-old veteran, was signed by the Phillies as a minor league free agent in May, 2011, while he was recovering from elbow surgery. In 2012, the Dominican born hurler tallied a 1-2 record with a 5.34 ERA combined in 40 games with the Double-A Reading Phillies and the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

In 2001, Morillo broke into the pro ranks after signing as an amateur free agent with Colorado. He went on to pitch in six games with the Rockies in the majors. Morillo also spent time with the Twins and pitched in the Japanese Pacific League in 2010.

Prospect Nation 2013: #1 LHP Jesse Biddle

Jesse Biddle is the Phillies' number 1 prospect

Left-handed pitching prospect Jesse Biddle redefines homegrown talent. Born and bred as a Phillies fan in the Philadelphia region, Biddle's childhood dreams came true in 2010, when he was selected 27th overall in that year’s amateur draft by the Phils. Since then, he's been a steadily rising prospect and on an ascent toward the highest levels of the game.

Upon signing his first pro contract, Biddle quickly made his minor league debut, beginning his journey toward donning the home uniform of the team he cheered on from the seats of Citizens Bank Park all throughout his teenage years. The graduate of Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia combined to sport a 4-1 record with a 3.92 ERA and a .241 batting average against in 12 starts with the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies and the short-season Class A Williamsport Crosscutters in 2010.

The following year, Biddle became an All-Star in the Class A South Atlantic League as a member of the Lakewood BlueClaws. As the team's most dependable starter through much of the season, Biddle posted a 7-8 record with a 2.98 ERA in 25 games (24 starts) and notched 124 strike outs in 133 innings pitched. In addition, he held opponents to a .219 batting average.

In 2012, Biddle had a very good season with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, putting together a 10-6 record with a 3.22 ERA, a 9.53 K/9 mark and a .237 batting average against.

As evidenced by his April stats from the past two seasons, Biddle is a slow starter. In 2011, he put together a 0-4 record along with a 5.91 ERA through his initial five starts. His 2012 campaign began with a 0-2 record and a 5.71 ERA through four starts.The six-foot-four 225-pounder always shows improvement as the season goes on, however, as he tallied a 2.61 ERA in three Class-A short-season starts after his August, 2010 promotion from the GCL. He also wrapped up his 2011 campaign with a stellar stretch in which he tallied a 1.91 ERA over his final 12 outings. Additionally, Biddle sported a 2.87 ERA following his troublesome April last year.

Confident in his own abilities and control, Biddle maintains a firm focus on the tasks at hand, even on off days. There is not a day that passes, during the season, in which Biddle hasn't done homework in some fashion to learn a bit more about the game of baseball. Biddle also has a great frame of mind and realizes that achievements and promotions won't be handed to him and that he has considerable amounts of work ahead at all times.

Where Biddle has shown the most progress is with his change up, which he has built confidence in to throw in any count.  His repertoire also includes a four-seam fastball that typically clocks in the 91-92 MPH range, but can reach higher, and a very strong curveball.

Biddle also displayed some improvement with his control last year, lowering his walk rate from 11.9% in 2011 to 8.9% in 2012. 

Described by Clearwater manager Chris Truby, who has managed the Philadelphia native at three levels of the minor leagues, as ultra-competitive, Biddle sports an easy, over-the-top delivery. 

The 21-year-old spent his off-season working hard to prepare for his expected assignment at Double-A Reading this year.  Having spent time working on cardio and weights up to four times a week in addition to his throwing program, Biddle is highly excited for the opportunity to be able to pitch close to home this year against Eastern League competition. 

The timing for Biddle's rise to the big leagues may coincide perfectly with the expiration of ace hurler Roy Halladay's contract.  Look for a possible 2014 big league debut for this youngster.

Prospect Nation 2013: #2 LHP Adam Morgan

Lefty hurler Adam Morgan progressed more than any other Phillies prospect over the past year.  Drafted in the third round in 2011 out of the University of Alabama, Morgan quickly made an impact in the Phils' system upon debuting as a pro, and only sped up his progress last season when he became a force on the pitching mound. 

After posting a 3-3 record with a 2.01 ERA in 11 starts in his debut professional season as a member of the short-season Class A Williamsport Crosscutters, Morgan skipped full season A level Lakewood and began the 2012 season in the Florida State League. With the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, Morgan tallied a 4-10 record with a 3.29 ERA and was named a mid-season All-Star.

His win-loss record certainly doesn't accurately convey the true effort that Morgan put forth with the Threshers, as he held opponents to a .227 batting average while averaging 10.24 K/9, posting a 1.10 WHIP and sporting a 2.62 SIERA in 21 games (20 starts).

In July, the six-foot-one 195-pounder posted a 1.29 ERA in five July starts and was named as the Phillies' minor league pitcher of the month. Soon after, the 23-year-old found himself promoted to Double-A Reading, where he helped the club lock down a playoff spot in the Eastern League.  In six regular season starts with Reading, Morgan tallied a 4-1 record with a 3.53 ERA.

Morgan's pitch repertoire includes a fastball that resides in the low 90's typically, a plus change up that scouts like a lot, a very good slider and a curve ball that could use some refinement.  If the curve ball doesn't come along, it could wind up being dropped from the menu, but with the slider that Morgan considers his out pitch, he'll still have a strong selection of offerings.

The Georgia native also exhibits good control, as he has tallied a 6.2 walk percentage over the past two seasons, which is remarkably good, for a pitcher in his first year and a half in the minors.  

A very goal oriented individual, Morgan views his father, Wiley, as his hero.  Dating back to 5th grade, Adam wanted to be just like the elder Morgan and proclaimed at a young age that he would some day pitch for Alabama, just like his father. Displaying with that achievement that he can do virtually anything he sets his mind to, Morgan has barely started accomplishing everything he wishes to do on the baseball field.

The upcoming season should see Morgan pitching with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs at some point sooner than later.  The youngster currently projects to be a big league starter that could fill a middle of the rotation spot.  Look for a big league arrival in 2014 for Morgan, who certainly has the potential to make that happen sooner, if he progresses at the same rate this year as he did in the previous season.

Prospect Nation 2013: #3 RHP Ethan Martin

Acquired from the Dodgers in the trade that sent Shane Victorino to LA last summer, Ethan Martin quickly showed why he was regarded as a fast rising pitching prospect, as he helped the Double-A Reading Phillies reach the postseason and posted great numbers in a short period of time. 

Originally selected by Los Angeles in the 1st round (15th overall) in the 2008 amateur draft out of Stephens County High School in Georgia, when scouts weren't sure if he would proceed as a pitcher or a third baseman in his career, Martin had not posted great numbers as a professional prior to last season.

In his first three years in the minors, Martin tallied a 24-29 record with a 5.42 ERA.  He missed action in 2008 due to a knee injury and officially began his pro career in 2009 with Great Lakes of the Class A Midwest League.  There, with the Loons, he performed well, sporting a 6-8 with a 3.87 ERA and a .232 batting average against in 27 games (19 starts).

The following season, the six-foot-two 195-pounder had a difficult time, posting a 9-14 record along with a 6.35 ERA and a .279 batting average against in 25 games (22 starts) for Inland Empire of the Class A Advanced California League.  In 2011, Martin split his time between the California League and the Double-A Southern League, putting together a 9-7 record and a 5.95 ERA in 37 games (12 starts).

Last year, in a return campaign with Double-A Chattanooga, Martin began to show why he was such a high pick, as he tallied an 8-6 record with a 3.56 ERA en route to becoming a Southern League All-Star.  Following his trade to the Phillies, Martin looked unbeatable, posting a 5-0 record with a 3.18 ERA and a .206 batting average against in seven regular season starts for Reading in the Double-A Eastern League.

The 23-year-old also pitched extremely well for Reading in the EL playoffs, striking out 11 batters while walking none over 7 1/3 innings in a loss to Trenton, in which he surrendered three runs (one earned).

Armed with a fastball that regularly registers 93-94 MPH, but can reach up to 97 and higher, a very good slider and a plus curve ball, Martin is primed to become a hurler that the Phillies could count on in the near future.

The area that has posed the greatest challenge for Martin, who grew up as a Braves fan, has been his control, but he seems to have overcome those struggles.  Walks had been an issue for Martin and he improved the amount of free passes he would issue last year, lowering his walk % from roughly 15 in 2011 to 12.1 in 2012.  There is certainly still room for improvement there, but Martin is heavily focused on continuing to improve that aspect of his game and has a strong focus on doing everything in his power to step his game up and improve his skills with each outing.

Overall, Martin has steadily notched strong strike out numbers through his time in the minor leagues, averaging 9.18 K/9 in four seasons.  

Look for Martin to possibly begin the 2013 season at the top of the Double-A Reading rotation with a likely step or two upward in the not too distant future.

Gillies Excited to Represent Canada in WBC

Phillies outfield prospect Tyson Gillies is a very skilled player that has had some well documented ups and downs in recent years.  Being traded, bouncing back from several injuries and a return from a suspension have induced plenty of emotion from the lefty batter, but an opportunity to play for his home country of Canada in the World Baseball Classic has the Vancouver native more excited about the game than he's been in some time.

"It's always a dream come true to represent your country, doing something you love," Gillies said from Team Canada's training facility this week.  "The excitement level has been through the roof for everyone out here in Arizona."
 
The 24-year-old, who plays with a hearing impairment, has experienced some considerable injury issues since the Phillies acquired him in the 2009 trade that sent Cliff Lee to Seattle.  A recurring left hamstring ailment, a troublesome foot problem and a concussion that forced Gillies to miss six weeks of action following a collision in the outfield last year have limited him to 106 games in three seasons in the Phillies organization.  Additionally, he was arrested for drug possession in 2010, although those charges were dropped.  And last season, Gillies was suspended by the Phillies for violating team rules following a non-physical confrontation with the Double-A Reading Phillies bus driver.  The arrest and the bus outburst were quite uncharacteristic for the 6-foot-2 205-pounder, as his behavior is typically on the exemplary side among his peers.

Expected to bat lead-off for Team Canada, Gillies, who was recently ranked as the Phils' 9th best prospect, performed well last year, when he was active, posting a .299/.369/.440 line with nine steals in 75 games during the 2012 regular season.

While the World Baseball Classic got rolling last week, the first round Pool D games, which feature Canada and the United States, will begin on Thursday, with each of the aforementioned clubs seeing their initial 2013 tournament action on Friday.

Armed with a solid bat, great speed and sparkling defense, Gillies feels as though the chase for a world championship is extra special because he's doing it along side some Phillies teammates, including his close friend, righty hurler Scott Mathieson, another Vancouver resident that previously spent time in the big leagues with the Phils, and team manager Ernie Whitt, a Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer that is currently the Phillies' minor league catching coordinator.

"Mathieson, Phillippe Aumont, Jay Johnson, Pete Orr and John Suomi from the Phillies!  It's a great bunch of guys and Ernie Whitt has been great also.  He is a players' manager and you can't ask for anything better."

Of course, we wish Tyson and all of his teammates the best as they seek to dethrone two-time defending champion Japan.

More details on this year's WBC can be found here.  Exclusive quotes from Gillies following last season's suspension can be found here.

The Cody Chronicles, Vol. 3: Asche Focused Strictly on Playing Ball

Fans, Phillies third base prospect Cody Asche is back once again to share his thoughts directly from inside big league spring training in Clearwater, FL.

Asche was a 4th round draft selection in 2011 out of the University of Nebraska. Since then, the 22-year-old has ascended quickly upward in the Phils' system. Last year, in his first full professional season, the Missouri native posted a .324 batting average with 12 home runs, 72 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 130 combined games with Class A Advanced Clearwater and Double-A Reading. Asche also followed that up with a .281/.343/.438 line with Peoria in the Arizona Fall League.

This year, Asche has landed in Major League spring training and is doing his best to make a lasting impression. Thus far in seven contests, the youngster is 3-for-10 with a double and two runs scored.

In the latest edition of The Cody Chronicles, Asche discusses his first start with the big league club, being ranked highly on prospect lists, his concerns over cut days and plenty more.


On being ranked among the top Phils' prospects...

"I've never really been one to delve into the whole prospect rankings area of baseball, but, you know, it's always nice to be regarded highly and thought highly of.  It's a thing that you've just got to take it for what it is.  It doesn't mean anything along the lines of playing time or anything like that.  You've just got to keep working hard.  You're always flattered when you hear or see good things about yourself, but you've got to be careful about always reading what is said about you, so I try not to look into stuff like that too much."


On if he's thinking about where he might begin the upcoming season...

"I have no idea what their plan is for me.  Right now, I'm just taking everything day by day and trying to make the most out of every day I have in Major League camp and I'll just see what happens from there.  I've been lucky to get some good assignments, starting last year in High A.  So, I'll just take whatever they give me and run with it.  I don't have a guess or anything like that."


On what his thoughts were upon learning that he was starting his first big league spring training game against the Yankees at home last week...

"My thoughts were, 'Let's go!  Just go play'.  You just get into that normal preparation mode that you just fall back on and your routine that you develop over all your experience playing baseball.  It just really comes natural to you to get in that mode and go play a game.  It was probably the most memorable thing so far for me in spring training." 


On his level of concern when potential cuts are approaching...

"I think for each person, they think about it differently.  For me, you know, I mean last year I didn't know what to expect down there and I really just tried to take it one day at a time and just tried to earn a job.  And that's the way I went about spring training (last year).  I got down there early, to make sure I was ready to go and, so, whenever it came time for evaluations and putting rosters together, I'd be in conversations.  And that's really the plan of action I took this year too...I got down there early, make sure I'm ready and make sure I'm in a good position that nothing really devastating can happen.  And that's just my way of thinking.  And it's probably different for other people."


On if he's ever experienced any fun with hazing in the pro's or in college...

"Nothing too crazy.  Just small little locker room pranks like back in college we might have thrown a couple guy's shoes in a towel and wet a towel and got their clothes and put it in a freezer during practice, but I've never been on the receiving end of anything like that.  I've pretty much escaped that kind of stuff so far.  You know, it's one of those things that is fun and it's just part of the of camaraderie of teammates and everything.  You can't get mad at stuff like that."


On what video game he's best at and what else he's been doing during his free time this preseason...

"Well, NHL, that's the game I'm playing right now.  I feel like I'm getting worse down here.  It's just tough to keep up and I'm a little rusty right now.  Other than video games, we'll go try to find a little fishing hole and drop a couple lines and see if we can catch something.  The guys I live with, we try to stay pretty low key and relax whenever we have downtime and take full advantage of that."


On if he ever took part in playing fantasy baseball and what his draft advice would be for folks that participate in it...

"I never have done fantasy baseball.  I don't spend a lot of time on the computer and I feel like that takes a lot of time.  I've done fantasy football before though.  I don't know, as far as advice goes, maybe take Mike Trout with your first pick.  I think that's pretty good."

Check back for more from Cody right here in the coming weeks!

Cody Chronicles, Vol. 1- Click here.
Cody Chronicles, Vol. 2- Click here.