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Cameron Rupp, image- Jay Floyd Phillies backstop Cameron Rupp is having quite a month. The righty batting Texan sports a .327 average with seven home runs and 17 RBI in 16 August games. Informed by reporters following Sunday's game that he is the first Phils rookie catcher to hit seven home runs in a calendar month since 1922, the 26-year-old responded in a noteworthy manner. According to reports, Rupp replied , "Ah, that's pretty cool.  Is that when they were the A's?" Say what now? Clearly, the Phillies were never the Athletics.  That team, used to play in Philadelphia though, before relocating to Kansas City back in the 1950's.  The Phils have been around dating back to the 1880's. Rupp, who is an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, can tend to rub some Philadelphia sports fans the wrong way when it comes to his alligience regarding football, but shouldn't he possess at least basic historical knowledge of the team he plays for? Persona...

Brock Stassi, image- Jay Floyd Via a press release, the Double-A Eastern League announced on Saturday that Reading Fightins All-Star first baseman Brock Stassi has been honored as the league's most valuable player for the 2015 season. The Eastern League of Professional Baseball is pleased to announce that Reading Fightin Phils first baseman Brock Stassi has been selected as the winner of the 2015 Eastern League Most Valuable Player Award. Stassi is batting .312 (138-for-442) with 32 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs, 88 RBIs, 73 runs scored, three stolen bases, a .484 slugging percentage and a .402 on-base percentage in 124 games while helping lead Reading to first place in the Eastern Division standings. The 26-year old has reached base safely in 108 of the 122 games in which he's had a plate appearance this season for the Fightin Phils, including reaching base safely in 25 straight games from May 24th-June 22nd. He also has 40 multiple hit games this season, including ...

LAKEWOOD, NJ- Left-handed reliever Joey DeNato has had an exceptional season to date with the Lakewood BlueClaws, but couldn't seem to earn a promotion despite dominating Class A competition. Until now. DeNato, a 19th round draft selection by the Phillies last year out of Indiana University, will jump three levels, as he joins the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Saturday. Honored as a South Atlantic League mid-season All-Star, DeNato sports a 2-3 record with 10 saves and a 1.24 ERA through 43 appearances this season. The move may be overdue, but DeNato has kept a solid frame of mind, fending off discouragement in favor of determination. "There is some frustration because I think this is the best I've ever pitched. Then again, I don't let the frustration get to me," DeNato stated with a look of empowerment during the BlueClaws' homestand this week. "If anything, I can kind of use it as a chip on my shoulder and that's what I've kind ...

Necessary roster moves were made on Friday following the placement on the disabled list for two injured players. Phillies reliever Elvis Araujo will miss time with a groin strain while Reading outfielder Nick Williams is out with a concussion following a collision in the field on Wednesday. Replacing Araujo on the big league roster is righty Nefi Ogando . The 26-year-old was acquired near the end of the 2013 season from Boston in a trade for utility guy John McDonald . Ogando, a native of the Dominican Republic, sports a 4-5 record with a 3.05 ERA, three saves and a 7.8 K/9 mark in 42 games combined at Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season. Cozens, image- Jay Floyd Filling the void with Reading will be outfielder Dylan Cozens . The 21-year-old was the Phillies' 2nd round draft choice in 2012. In 96 games with Class A Advanced Clearwater this season, Cozens sports a .282 average with five home runs, 46 RBI and 18 steals. The 24-year-old rookie Arau...

Tyler Viza, image- Jay Floyd LAKEWOOD, NJ- Atlanta's Shelby Miller has garnered plenty of attention of late for his losing ways . The 25-year-old former first round pick, has not notched a win in his last 18 starts, losing 10 consecutive decisions over that stretch. The lack of success isn't Miller's fault though, as he sports a remarkable 2.63 ERA this season and a solid 3.24 mark during this stretch in the big leagues. In the minors, the Phillies have a poor luck loser of their own. Right-hander Tyler Viza surpassed his win total with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws from last year with his fourth victory on June 1st of this year. The 20-year-old has not recorded a win since that date over a span of 12 appearances. Like Miller, Viza's lack of wins certainly isn't due to poor output. He has tallied a 3.38 ERA this season through 21 games (20 starts). In his last 9 starts, the six-foot-three 170-pounder has gone 0-7 with a 2.58 ERA. The BlueClaws, however, ...

New Phillies prospect Jorge Alfaro made his Phillies organization debut on Thursday, going 1-for-1 while reaching base twice after being hit with a pitched ball. Starting at catcher for the Phils' rookie level Gulf Coast League team, the Colombia native left the game early after three plate appearances. Reached via text message, Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan said he saw Alfaro play in person and asserted that the 22-year-old is fine after the HBP's. Jordan also stated that the youngster will play again with the GCL club on Friday. Alfaro was a key return from Texas in the Cole Hamels trade just a few weeks ago. He was previously sidelined following ankle surgery. Opposing runners went 0-for-1 against Alfaro in his organizational debut, as the young backstop gunned down the only potential base stealer. Also competing in the game for the GCL team was 28-year-old Cuban Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez , who tossed four scoreless frames, earning a no decisi...

Ben Lively, image- Jay Floyd Activated on Thursday from the disabled list after dealing with a shoulder strain, right-hander Ben Lively will help the Double-A Reading Fightins push toward the postseason. In 22 starts this year for Reading, the 23-year-old sports a record of 8-7 with a 4.17 ERA while striking out 96 batters and walking 42 in 127 1/3 innings. Lively was acquired last off-season from Cincinnati for Marlon Byrd . Earlier this month, I spoke with Ben about some ups and downs this season, his excitement level to be chasing the Eastern League crown and more. Read ahead for that interview. -You've mostly been consistent this season, but have had some shaky outings. What are your thoughts on your 2015 thus far? We've been working on a lot of stuff this year. I kind of got in a little funk and that got me down, and that's what kind of got me up and down and I haven't been consistent. But, this past outing we were watching stuff from last year, kind...

On this week's edition of Phillies Nation, I sat down with rising catching prospect "The California Kid" Andrew Knapp to discuss his recent success. Since he was promoted to Double-A Reading in June, the 23-year-old switch-hitter is batting .380 with 10 homers and 51 RBI in 46 games. The segment also features remarks from teammates Jake Thompson , Nick Pivetta and Mark Leiter Jr. Don't miss this profile...check it out in the media player below and look for new episodes of PNTV premiering each Tuesday at 6PM on The Comcast Network.

Tyler Gilbert, image- Jay Floyd After being drafted in the 6th round out of USC in this year's MLB first year player draft, left-hander Tyler Gilbert has looked impressive for the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters. In nine outings (seven starts), the 21-year-old California native sports a 3-3 record with a 3.00 ERA while striking out 38 batters and walking just five in 36 innings pitched. Recently, I spoke with Tyler about his draft experience, his transition to the pro ranks, which players he looks up to and much more. Read ahead for the full interview. -You've posted some solid number thus far in the minors. What are your thoughts on your time with the Crosscutters thus far? It's been good the whole season. I've been keeping my numbers relatively good and I've got a low ERA. I had one shaky outing a few weeks ago and that was about it. I think so far, five or six outings I've been relatively good. So, I've been really happy w...

On the heels of Chase Utley being traded to the Dodgers , the focus of the Phillies and their fans further focuses on the future. And not the immediate future. We're talking years down the line. In this Phillies Nation TV outtake, Rudy Mezzy and Jay Floyd discuss the possibilities of how the Phils' lineup could pan out in 2017 with so much talent in the minors while keeping it real, knowing the team will use some of their depth to allow themselves to bolster the offense and spend salary. The discussion ranges from names like Aaron Altherr and J.P. Crawford to a perennial MVP candidate. The segment was filmed for an upcoming episode of PNTV, but will not be used, so here it is, in the media player below, as a web exclusive.

Roman Quinn, image- Jay Floyd Reading outfielder Roman Quinn will not return to baseball this year for the regular season or the playoffs. According to Phillies' director of player development Joe Jordan, the 22-year-old switch hitter is progressing well after injuring his hip on June 12th and he could be available in time for Reading's potential post-season run, but instead the organization prefers for Quinn to take things slowly, for his long term benefit. Avoiding any rush to return, in an effort to help his team chase the Eastern League crown, the Phils' brass prefers for him to prepare for winter ball later this year. Prior to being sidelined with the injury, the Phillies' 2nd round draft choice from 2011 was having a breakout season for Double-A Reading, posting a .306 average with four homers, 15 RBI and 29 steals. Reading currently leads with Eastern League's Eastern Division by 4 1/2 games over Binghamton, with Trenton four game behind them...

On the latest edition of Phillies Nation TV, the fine men at 20/20 Visual Media and I put together a feature on two of the key prospects acquired from Texas for Cole Hamels , as I sat down to chat with starting pitcher Jake Thompson and outfielder Nick Williams . Check out this great segment in the media player below and look for new episodes of Phillies Nation to premiere each Tuesday on The Comcast Network at 6PM.  To view this week's full episode, click HERE .

Over the weekend I chatted with Double-A Reading pitching coach Dave Lundquist, who spoke about his staff. Among the topics are new addition Jake Thompson , standout starter Zach Eflin , team saves record holder Stephen Shackleford the injured Ben Lively (shoulder strain) and more. Read ahead for all the exclusive remarks from "Lundy"... Jake Thompson, image- Jay Floyd -Since being acquired in the deal for Cole Hamels , Jake Thompson has gone 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in three games started. In his latest out, he kept the team in it and earned a win despite walking five. If I asked him, he probably wouldn't like his output, based on the walks. What are your thoughts on his latest effort? They never want to see that, but you’ve got a situation where a guy can command four pitches and the misses, the fastball was moving a little too much off the plate. But, you have a guy that’s able to find a way to limit the damage to just two runs on a solo home run and you do...

Andrew Knapp, image- Jay Floyd A key contributor for the Double-A Reading Fightins' lineup in recent weeks has been catcher Andrew Knapp . The 23-year-old is riding a 14-game hitting streak and sports a .401/.450/.678 slash line since his promotion from Clearwater, after he was a mid-season All-Star there. Knapp, who was the Phillies' 2nd round draft choice out of Cal in 2013, will be the focus of an upcoming segment on Phillies Nation's weekly TV program, but in the meantime, he offered some thoughts on his recent offensive output and more. -He spoke about his nickname, "The California Kid"... I kind of like it. I like my California roots, but I think someone up in the front office started it and it kept rolling. I think people like it. I think it's cool to represent and entire state, but I wouldn't necessarily call myself "The California Kid". -Comments on his current hitting streak... I don't really try to think about it too mu...

In the finale of Double-A Reading's road series in Trenton on Sunday, Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda made a rehab appearance for the hosting Thunder. The 26-year-old Dominican native, recovering from an elbow issue, looked strong in his initial frame, shutting down rising Phillies prospects J.P. Crawford , Nick William and Andrew Knapp in a quick 10-pitch, 1-2-3 inning. The second time around, though, the 2011 big league All-Star wasn't as lucky. With a run already home in the 3rd inning, Williams, a key return from Texas in last month's Cole Hamels trade, slammed a fastball to deep center field for a three-base hit. Crawford, an Eastern League All-Star, would lace a liner down the left field line for another triple to score Williams. Knapp, the owner of a 13-game hitting streak entering the contest, would get a second shot at Pineda, but he would fly out to end the inning. That ended Pineda's outing, as he was charged with two earned runs in three inn...

Pat Borders, image- Jay Floyd First year manager of the short-season Class A Williamsport Crosscutters (35-19, 1st place in the New York-Penn League's Pinckney Division) Pat Borders took time recently to answer questions about his club, his history of crushing Phillies fans' hopes in 1993 and much more. Read ahead for my full interview with him. -The team got off to a hot start this year and has maintained a lead in the division standings all season. What can you tell me about this 2015 Crosscutters team? They’re a pretty energetic bunch of guys. They play hard. Seems like they’re always banged up because they’re really go-getters. They go the extra step. They’re really energetic. They’re the kind of team that anybody likes to coach. -You’ve got a great pitching staff on this team. We talked about Franklyn Kilome , but what other pitcher has stood out to you. Mitch Gueller …changes speeds really well. He throws like a veteran pitcher. He knows how to...

Franklyn Kilome, image- Jay Floyd STATEN ISLAND, NY- Coming into the 2015 season, Franklyn Kilome wasn't among the buzz names in the land of Phillies prospects. But as some of the top ranked talents in the organization have successfully climbed the developmental ladder, the 20-year-old righty pitcher has begun to stand out. With an excellent season thus far for the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters, Kilome has begun to draw plenty of attention. In seven starts, the six-foot-six 175 pounder sports a 2-1 record with a 1.74 ERA and a 7.26 K/9 mark. It's not just the numbers that have caught people's eyes. It's his blazing fastball and solid secondary offerings, a strong change up and a curve ball that features good break, as well. "Kilome throws upper-90's, touching 100 every once in a while," Crosscutters manager and former big league catcher Pat Borders stated. "He's got some velocity. He's very talented and one to...

Kenny Koplove, image- Jay Floyd Drafted by the Phillies in the 17th round out of Duke University this year, righty hurler Kenny Koplove has been living his dream. The 22-year-old is a South Philadelphia resident and grew up rooting for the team that now employs him. Through 14 relief appearances with the short-season Class A Williamsport Crosscutters, the six-foot-two 170-pounder has tallied a 1-2 record with a 5.62 ERA while striking out 19 and 10 walks in 24 innings. This week I spoke with Kenny about his draft experience, Duke athletics, his transition to the pro ranks and plenty more. Read ahead for the full interview. -Take me through your draft experience. What was it like, how did you track it and how did you celebrate? The day before the draft, I went to the pre-draft workout at Citizens Bank Park, which is around the corner from my house. I can walk there, which I did. Then draft day came and we didn't expect anything to happen on the first day and it wa...

Tom Windle, image- Jay Floyd Left-handed pitcher Tom Windle was a key acquisition last off-season for the Phillies. Part of the return from Los Angeles for Jimmy Rollins , the six-foot-four 215-pounder came into the season as a promising starter, but after some concerning results through half of the season, he was moved to the bullpen, where he has shined brightly. Through 14 starts this season with the Double-A Reading Fightins, the 23-year-old sported a 2-5 record along with a 5.35 ERA, a .297 batting average against and a 5.48 K/9 mark. In 12 relief appearances, Windle has tallied a 2-0 record with a 1.59 ERA, a .194 batting and a 7.41 K/9 mark. Recently, I spoke Windle, who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Minnesota in 2013, about his adjustment to the new role, coming over in the big trade last off-season and much more. Read ahead for the full interview. -When I saw you last you were still in the rotation and since then, you've has a lot of success as a reliever....

Stephen Shackleford, image- Jay Floyd As the Double-A Reading Fightins' winning streak continued, their closer etched his name in the club's record books. Right-handed reliever Stephen Shackleford closed out Reading's 4-1 win over New Britain on Sunday, their seventh straight victory. With the successful save, the 26-year-old tied Justin Friend , Wayne Gomes and Toby Borland for the most in a single season, with 24. Shackleford, who was originally drafted by San Francisco and also played in the Seattle organization, came to the Phillies last off-season as a minor league free agent. He says the potential to make his mark in history for a team that dates back nearly 50 years is important. "It would mean a lot to me," Shackleford told Phillies Nation. "I really like Baseballtown. Reading, the fans are awesome. They've been great to me. They've been great to everybody on the team. So, it would be great to be part of their history!"...

Lefty reliever Adam Loewen is slated to join the Phillie for the first time this weekend, when the team begins its series in San Diego. Having hit his stride with Triple-A Lehigh Valley in recent months, Loewen has been scored on in only one outing dating back to June 9th, a stretch of 23 appearances. Overall in the minors this season, the British Columbia native sports a 2-3 record with 10 saves in 11 opportunities and a .195 batting average against in 40 games. The 31-year-old has had a unique route to what is his third call up to the big leagues, making his MLB debut in 2006 as a starting pitcher with the Orioles, then reappearing at the top level with the Blue Jays as an outfielder in 2011. Check out the video player below for our PNTV profile from earlier this season on the 2002 first round draft pick's remarkable path.

Ethan Martin, image- Jay Floyd TRENTON, NJ- Phillies minor league pitcher  Ethan Martin has dealt with shoulder issues in recent seasons that have kept him sidelined at times, but lack of firm details on the ailment have left the hurler's future full of mystery and doubt. Once a promising righty pitching prospect that came in return from Los Angeles in the 2012 Shane Victorino trade, Martin was armed with a mid-90's fastball (clocked as high as 97 MPH) as well as strong off-speed pitches. Lately, he struggles to produce a fastball that gets above 90 MPH, which leaves minimal variance with velocity compared to his secondary offerings. Over the past two seasons, Martin, who was the 15th overall draft selection by the Dodgers in 2008, appeared in 17 games with the big league Phillies, tallying a 2-5 record with a 5.93 ERA, but with the dip in velocity, he hasn't been able to climb back to the upper levels and produce. "I've dealt with failure in my career...

Dusty Wathan, image- Jay Floyd Following a dominating three-game sweep over division rival Trenton on the road in which his team outscored the opposition in the series 26-3, Double-A Reading manager Dusty Wathan took some time to talk about the impact on the playoff race the match ups had. He also offered feedback on Roman Quinn 's health status, Ethan Martin 's return from the disabled list, Andrew Knapp 's outstanding offensive output as well as the demotion of a pitcher and plenty more. Read ahead for all the exclusive insight from Dusty. -You guys came to town tied with the Thunder for a playoff spot and swept them. How big is that for you guys? It's good. You come in to play a team that you're running neck and neck with right there and then you come in and kind of make a statement with a three game sweep, if there are such things as comfortable wins, with three comfortable wins, it's good for us. We get a little bit of breathing room, but obvi...

Chase Utley, image- Jay Floyd TRENTON, NJ- Playing defense in a game for the first time in six weeks, Phillies second baseman Chase Utley looked solid in the field for Double-A Reading in a rehab appearance on Tuesday night. In the Fightins' 7-1 defeat of the hosting Trenton Thunder, Utley, who has been sidelined since June 22nd with a right ankle injury, went 1-for-4 with a strike out and two runs scored. On the bases, Utley didn't miss a beat, going from first to third on a Brock Stassi RBI single in the 7th. In the field, the six-time National League All-Star had seven balls hit to him and fielded each one cleanly, including three grounders in the opening frame of the contest. "I think when you're playing defense you always want the ball hit to you. Three ground balls in the first inning was a nice challenge," Utley stated. On a night that saw his long-time double play partner Jimmy Rollins return to Philadelphia for the first time since he was...

In his first game action since June 22nd, Phillies second baseman Chase Utley went 2-for-3 with a walk for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Sunday. In the 4-0 loss to Norfolk at home in Allentown, Utley acted as the team's designated hitter. The 36-year-old has been sidelined in recent weeks with a right ankle injury. In 65 games at the big league level this season, the veteran has tallied a .179 average with four home runs and 25 RBI. In his 13-year big league career, Utley, who was the Phils' first round draft choice in 2000, has a .281 batting average with 232 homers and 911 RBI. With the IronPigs slated to hit the road this week, the Phillies will keep Utley close to home and have him continue his rehab with Double-A Reading when they make the short road trip to Trenton beginning on Tuesday. The plan is for Utley to see some action in the field and play with the Fightins for two days. He will be reevaluated after that. Outfielder Nick Williams and hurle...

Kelly Dugan, image- Jay Floyd The Phillies have promoted outfielder Kelly Dugan to Triple-A Lehigh Valley from Double-A Reading. This season with the Fightins, Dugan tallied a .315/.391/.393 slash line in 44 games. Coaches love Dugan's offensive development in recent seasons, but the youngster has suffered repeated injury concerns throughout his career, most recently a foot fracture, which was originally diagnosed as a "stress reaction", that kept him out of action from spring training until June this year. In 2013, Dugan posted a career high 20 home runs and drove in 59 runs while batting .291 in 112 combined games with Class A Advanced Clearwater and Reading. He looked primed to bust out in 2014, but missed considerable time with an oblique strain. In 76 games with Reading last year, he sported a .296 average with five homers and 34 RBI. The 24-year-old lefty batter was the Phillies' top draft pick (2nd round) in 2009.