RHP prospect Watson returns to action after 22 months

Shane Watson, image- Jay Floyd

For the first time since Independence Day 2013 righty pitcher Shane Watson took the mound in a game on Tuesday.

The Phillies' top draft selection (40th overall) in 2012, Watson was sidelined with a shoulder ailment in the middle of what was a pretty good campaign (4-7, 4.44 ERA, .230 BAA) for a player in his first full professional season with Class A Lakewood. The injury would result in two surgeries along with 22 months of downtime and rehab.

Finally back to full health, Watson took the mound for the Phillies' extended spring training team, tossing an inning against the XST Yankees. According to the 21-year-old, he was satisfied with his effort.

"Went great," said Watson. "I think I was 88-92 (MPH), gave up some base knocks, but that was expected since I was throwing only fastballs."

The six-foot-four 200-pounder threw one inning and is expected to appear in a game again with the extended spring club in five or six days.

The game marked a personal landmark for Watson, who took the field with his childhood friend and teammate, Phils top prospect shortstop J.P. Crawford, who is rehabbing a strained oblique and is expected to be activated for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers on Wednesday.

Watson is currently serving a 50-game suspension for a positive banned substance test last year.

According to Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan, the team hopes to have Watson return to Lakewood this summer.

*UPDATE* The plan for Watson is to have him make more five more starts with the extended spring team, stretching out his endurance. If things progress well, look for him to make an official season debut during the second week of June.

Comments

Rappers in Phillies Caps

Weekend greetings to you phine pholks out there. Today's post features pictures of rappers wearing Phillies caps. Why rappers in Phillies caps, you ask? Because... Any other questions? We will start things off properly by going with a highly recognizable hip hop star. 50 Cent stays constantly relavant by consistantly creating radio friendly material to help sell (G) units, while he "keeps it real" by still rapping about the thug life he lived before becoming the 2nd highest earning black entertainer in America. 50 is seen here in a recent interview rocking a throw-back Phillies cap. Next up we'll use a throw-back screen cap from what may be the very first major appearance by a rapper wearing Phillies gear. Chuck D, of legendary rap group Public Enemy, wore a Phillies cap in the music video for rap anthem Fight The Power in 1989. The song was the lead single from the soundtrack for Spike Lee's film Do The Right Thing . Next up we'll go with some home grown tal...

Prospect Nation 2012: #1 RHP Trevor May

With a massively impressive campaign in 2011 for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, right-handed starting pitcher Trevor May locked down his spot as Philadelphia's top prospect and is on the fast track toward the big leagues. He is the reigning Paul Owens Award winner, given to the top pitcher and player in the Phillies' developmental system each year. In 27 starts with the Threshers in 2011, May posted a 10-8 record with a 3.63 ERA, while striking out a Florida State League leading 208 batters in 151 1/3 innings. He also held opposing hitters to a .221 average. The Phillies' 4th round draft pick from 2008, May earned the win in the 50th annual Florida State League All-Star Game at Bright House Field last year. He also was twice named FSL Pitcher of the Week and earned Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors for June. After signing with Philadelphia, May helped lead the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies to a championship in 2008. In 5 regular ...

Sunday School: Phillies History Lesson 75

Garry Maddox was an outfielder with the Phillies from 1975-1986. Maddox entered the Majors with the San Francisco Giants, where he established himself as an everyday player in 1972. In May, 1975 Maddox was traded to Philadelphia for outfielder/first baseman Willie Montanez. Upon joining the Phillies, Maddox quickly became a key part of the team. In his first full season in Philadelphia, Maddox ranked third in the league in batting, with a .330 average, scored 75 runs and stole 29 bases to finish 5th in league MVP voting. A superior defensive outfielder, Maddox was a nightly human highlight reel long before the national and regional cable sports shows were broadcast into millions of homes on a daily basis. He won many Gold Glove Awards during his 12 seasons in Philadelphia, earning him the nickname "The Secretary of Defense". Metropolitans broadcaster and Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner once summed up Maddox's abilities well by stating, "Two-thirds of the Earth is covered b...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog