Prospect Nation 2015: #18 IF/OF Odubel Herrera

Odubel Herrera, image- MiLB.com

Selected by the Phillies last month in the big league portion of the annual MLB Rule 5 draft, muti-positional prospect Odubel Herrera is primed to make the team's opening day big league roster.

The 23-year-old Venezuelan spent this off-season proving the Phils were right when they plucked him from the Rangers' system. With a league-leading .372 average, six homers, 27 RBI and eight stolen bases in 58 games for La Guaira, Herrera was named the Venezuelan Winter League Most Valuable Player as well as the league's Rookie of the Year.

In the summer of 2008, Herrera signed for a reported bonus of $160,00 at the age of 16. He would begin his pro career the follow year in the Dominican Summer League. Herrera moved at a steady pace in the Texas developmental ranks, but was behind some of the Rangers' other top young infielders (Hanser Alberto, Rougned Odor and Jurickson Profar) on their depth chart, making him expendable to that club.

Splitting his 2014 campaign between Double-A Frisco and Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach, Herrera posted a .315 average with two home runs, 59 RBI and 21 steals in 125 combined games. He was also named an All-Star last year in the Double-A Texas League where he won that league's batting title with a .321 mark.

Overall in his minor league career, the lefty batting Herrera sports a .294/.354/.377 offensive line in 610 games.

His size seems to limit his power potential, but the five-foot-eleven 200-pounder, having logged two batting titles in the past half-year, has proven that he can be an offensive threat. The main concern would be Herrera's effort against left-handed pitchers. He batted just .207 with a .489 OPS against lefties at Double-A, while his numbers facing right-handers were much better with a .353 average and an .855 OPS.

On defense, Herrera is a quality fielder with much versatility. He has played the majority of his affiliated pro career in the infield, notching 411 games at second base and 135 at shortstop. He's touted as a slick fielder with strong range and a good arm. Also in the minors, Herrera has played 13 games in the outfield. His primary position with La Guaira in the VWL this off-season was center field. The Phillies are said to see his future in the outfield.

Speed is certainly part of Herrera's tool set. Having been successful in 72% (128 steals in 178 attempts) of the time swiping bags, he can definitely be a contributor on the bases with some effort focused on getting smarter in that aspect of his game.

A team in rebuild mode like the Phillies have claimed to be should give serious consideration to carrying Herrera for the duration of next season to avoid the risk of losing him back to Texas, as per the Rule 5 pick criteria.

Look for the youngster to get boat loads of playing time all throughout spring training in order to give him every opportunity to impress Phils brass and coaches.

To follow along with this year’s full countdown, click HERE.

2017 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #4 OF Mickey Moniak

Mickey Moniak, image- Joe Wombough Taken with the top overall selection in last year's MLB amateur draft, outfielder Mickey Moniak has garnered a lot of attention as a highly promising talent in the Phillies' developmental ranks. After signing out of La Costa Canyon High School for a reported $6.1 million, the lefty batting Moniak had a very good professional debut. In 46 games with the Phillies' Gulf Coast League team, Moniak posted a .284 batting average with 11 doubles, four triples, a home run and 28 RBI. Additionally, he showed some speed, swiping 10 bases in 14 opportunities. Following the regular season, Moniak participated in the Florida Instructional League and spent time at the Phillies' training facility in Clearwater, where he worked to add strength and muscle to his six-foot-two 185-pound frame. At the plate, Moniak, who was committed to play at UCLA prior to the 2016 draft, makes steady, hard contact. He is touted as a line drive hitter tha...

Chris Truby Speaks on Santana & Other BlueClaws Matters

On Monday, it was announced that the Astros selected outfielder Domingo Santana as the player to be named later in the late July trade that sent Hunter Pence to the Phillies. Santana, a Dominican born slugger, posted a .269 average with 7 HR and 32 RBI in 96 games with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. The 19-year-old is regarded as a five tool talent and has been ranked among the Phillies' top ten prospects by multiple national outlets. I had the opportunity to speak with Lakewood manager Chris Truby about Santana, the PTBNL list of five Phillies prospects that the Astros had to choose from, as well as other matters pertaining to the BlueClaws, as they enter the final few weeks of their regular season. Check out the media player below to hear the full interview. ______________________________________________ You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE . You can also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE .

2019 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #9 OF Dylan Cozens

Dylan Cozens, image- Jay Floyd Powerful outfield prospect Dylan Cozens hopes to shake the reputation of a free swinger and become a more complete hitter in order to fulfill his dream of reaching the major leagues. At six feet six inches tall and weighing 245 pounds, Cozens has an imposing frame that was well-suited for the grid iron, as he was a two-sport star in his high school days. After he was chosen in the 2nd round of the 2012 draft, Cozens debuted in the minors with the rookie level Gulf Coast Phillies. In 50 games there, he notched 15 doubles, two triples, five homers and 24 RBI. Cozens also participated in the Florida Instructional League in 2012. Following a productive spring in 2013, Cozens was retained in extended spring training and made his official season debut with the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters when they began playing in June. Cozens was among the league leaders in many categories that year, ...

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