Prospect Nation 2014: #20 RHP Kevin Munson

Selected by the Phillies in this off-season's Rule 5 draft, right-handed pitcher Kevin Munson is probably the most likely prospect on this countdown to make the team's opening day roster.

Munson, a fourth round draft selection in 2010 by Arizona, tallied a 1.59 ERA in five outings in the Mexican Winter League prior to joining the Phillies' organization this off-season. The hard-throwing hurler has been an under-performer in recent years and looks to shine with a change of scenery this year.

In four pro seasons, the six-foot-one 215-pounder has posted an 11.39 K/9 mark, which clearly shows his ability to overpower the opposition at the plate. His 4.98 BB/9 mark certainly indicates there's plenty of room for improvement when addressing his control. Also, his 40.2% career ground ball ratio is fair, but not great.

Pitching as high as Triple-A last year, Munson sported a 0-2 record with one save and a 5.09 ERA in 24 appearances for Reno in the hitter friendly Pacific Coast League.

In parts of three seasons at Double-A Mobile, Munson has a 5-7 record along with a 5.03 ERA in 75 games.

Based on the guidelines of the Rule 5 draft, Munson, a reliever, would have to stay on the Phils' 25-man roster, barring any disabled list time, or be offered back to Arizona.

The 25-year-old learned that he'd be leaving the Diamondbacks and joining the Phillies organization when he saw the news on Twitter. Just last year, a different Diamondbacks prospect, Ender Inciarte, made the Phillies' opening day roster after they plucked him in the Rule 5 draft, but the Venezuelan outfielder was offered back to Arizona when the Phils decided not to keep him on their big league roster for the full season.

The Phillies hosted Munson, along with several other minor leaguers, for their annual prospect education seminars last week. While in the area, the group met with team brass, visited the MLB Network studios, gave interviews with local media and attended a Sixers game. Munson also took part in a prospect Q&A session with fans via the Phillies' official Twitter account.

Munson, the career saves leader at James Madison University, sports a fastball that can hit 95 MPH with a hard slider that his coaches like a lot.

Look for Munson to get plenty of action during the exhibition season which will enable the Phillies to make a fair decision on the youngster, as he competes for a bullpen job with the likes of Jake Diekman, Justin De Fratus, Mike Stutes, B.J. Rosenberg, Phillippe Aumont and others.

To view the running list of this year's countdown, click HERE.

Comments

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'

RHP Pipkin headed to AFL after hot August

After completing what was easily the best month of his career, righty hurler Dominic Pipkin is ready to face the tough competition of the prominent Arizona Fall Leage. Pipkin, who was the Phillies' 9th round draft selection in 2018, has had moderate success in his five years as a pro, posting a 4.93 ERA, a 7.6 K/9 mark and a .260 batting average against mostly at the lower levels on the minors. After missing time this year with an unspecified ailment, the six-foot-four 170-pounder proved to be healthy as he dominated AA competition in nine appearances with the Reading Fightin Phils during August. Pipkin's impressive production resulted in a 1-0 record with a save and a 0.96 ERA while striking out eight and walking three in 9 1/3 innings. The California native says his efforts to improve have helped him touch 100 MPH on the radar gun, while his fastball velocity is mostly around 96 MPH. Pipkin's arsenal includes that improved fastball as well as a slider while his curve

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog