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Showing posts from January, 2016

Prospect Nation 2016: #7 OF Cornelius Randolph

Randolph, image- Baseball Betsy Selected with the 10th overall pick in last year's draft as a shortstop out of Griffin High School in Georgia, Cornelius Randolph quickly placed among the Phillies' top prospect rankings across many outlets. In his senior season, Randolph drew loads of attention from pro clubs, posting great offensive numbers with a .533 average, seven home runs, 33 RBI and a 1.631 OPS in 26 games, leading his team into the state tournament. Listed at five-foot-11, 205-pounds, the 18-year-old had a tremendous professional debut in 2015, posting a .302/.425/.442 slash line in 53 games for the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies. Touted by scouting director Johnny Almaraz as the top high school bat in the country last year, the Phillies were very happy with their selection. Armed with a quick bat, the lefty batting Randolph has the ability to hit for average as well as power. A Clemson recruit out of high school, he is described as a patient hitter

Biddle DFA'd to make room for new addition

Biddle, image- Jay Floyd The Phillies made a move on Friday removing 2010 top draft choice Jesse Biddle from the team's 40-man roster in favor of lefty pitcher Bobby LaFromboise , who was claimed off waivers from the Angels. It's not a stunning move that the Phils designated the 24-year-old for assignment, as he underwent Tommy John surgery this off-season and is expected to miss the entirety of the 2016 campaign. With that down time in mind, it isn't very likely that another team will claim him. Biddle, a lefty, had a fair season last year, splitting time with Double-A Reading the Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In 24 starts, he posted a 9-8 record with a 4.95 ERA and a .295 batting average against. Control had been an issue for Biddle in recent seasons, issuing 4.6 free passes per nine innings for his 2014 and 2015 campaigns. Injuries have become a concern for the Philadelphia native as well. Aside from the elbow issue he is currently dealing with, Biddle has als

Prospect Nation 2016: #8 RHP Zach Eflin

Zach Eflin, image- Jay Floyd Right-hander Zach Eflin was the key target when the Phillies traded away former National League MVP Jimmy Rollins last off-season. With a solid repertoire and a proven track record of being a strike thrower, the 21-year-old is one of the most promising hurlers in the system. Selected with the 33rd overall pick in the 2012 draft by San Diego out of Hagerty High School in FL, Eflin made his professional debut that same year as a member of the rookie level Arizona League Padres. He would post a 0-1 record with a 7.71 ERA in four games (three starts) as an 18-year-old. After making minimal impact upon his minor league debut, Eflin came back strong in 2013, tallying a 7-6 record along with a 2.73 ERA, a .239 batting average against and a 6.5 K/9 mark in 22 starts with Class A Fort Worth. In 2014, as a 20-year-old, Eflin sported a 10-7 record with a 3.80 ERA and a 6.5 K/9 in 24 starts for Lake Elsinore in the Class A California League. Last year,

Prospect Nation 2016: #9 Catcher Jorge Alfaro

Alfaro, image- USA Today Acquired as part of the the return for Cole Hamels and Jake Diekman from Texas last summer, catcher Jorge Alfaro quickly became one of the Phillies' most promising young talents. With a powerful bat and outstanding skills behind the dish, Alfaro could become a fast moving performer for his new organization. Originally signed by the Rangers for a reported $1.3 million in 2010 at the age of 16, the Colombia native would make his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League that same year. In 48 games, the righty hitting Alfaro posted a .221 average and a home run along with 23 RBI. The following year, with Class A short-season Spokane, the talented youngster tallied a .300 average with six homers and 23 RBI. In 2012 with full season Class A level Hickory, he batted .261 with five home runs, 34 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 74 contests.

Chesson Hadley: A Rising Star

Chesson Hadley is an American golfer who can holds several achievements to his name, including winning the Puerto Rico Open and the award of PGA Rookie of the Year which he received in 2014. Chesson Hadley is available to be booked for appearances as an after dinner speaker at private and corporate events or for brand opportunities through London based talent agency MN2S . Hadley was born in North Carolina in 1987 was a natural sportsman from an early age. Especially taken with golf at 6 years of age, by the age of 12, he had already broken par, and was later a three-time All-State performer while at high school and a five-year letterwinner at North Raleigh Christian Academy, as well as winning every conference match in his senior year. Winning a scholarship to Georgia Tech, he went on to perform impressively over the course of his college years, and in 2008 represented the USA on the Palmer Cup team. Off the back of this success, he turned professional in 2010, having also ac

Prospect Nation 2016: #10 RHP Franklyn Kilome

Franklyn Kilome, image- Jay Floyd One of the most promising young pitching prospects in the Phillies organization is right-hander Franklyn Kilome . Armed with great velocity and a remarkable repertoire, the talented youngster will soon be among the collection of the team's pitching prospects pushing his way toward the big leagues. Signed by the Phillies as an international free agent in January, 2013, Kilome would make his professional debut the following year. With the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies, as an 18-year-0ld, Kilome would post a 3-1 record with a 3.12 ERA and a .235 batting average against. He struck out 25 and walked 11 in 40 1/3 innings. The Dominican native opened 2015 in extended spring training, then joined the short-season Class A Williamsport club. He helped the Crosscutters charge into the postseason with a 3-2 record with a 3.28 ERA and a .230 BAA. He struck out 36 and walked 21 in 49 1/3 innings. Consistency was something that stood out

Prospect Nation 2016: #11 RHP Jimmy Cordero

Cordero, image- Jay Floyd Acquired last season from Toronto as part of the Ben Revere trade, righty hurler Jimmy Cordero looks to be a promising arm that could become a top contributor to the Phillies' big league bullpen very soon.  Sporting an overpowering fastball as part of his electric arsenal, Cordero is as promising a reliever as the Phils have in their minor league system. Originally signed as an international free agent by the Blue Jays in 2012, the six-foot-three 215-pounder made his professional debut that year in the Dominican Summer League.  In seven games (three starts) there, he tallied a 1-3 record with a 5.60 ERA and .203 batting average against. The following year, Cordero combined to post a 4-2 record with a 5.47 ERA and a .275 batting average against in 16 total games (two starts) for the rookie level Gulf Coast League Blue Jays and Bluefield of the Appalachian League. In 2014, with Class A Lansing, the Dominican native notched a 3-2 record with a 3.

Prospect Nation 2016: #12 OF Tyler Goeddel

Goeddel, image- MiLB.com Selected by the Phillies in December's MLB Rule 5 draft, outfielder Tyler Goeddel will get every chance to catch on with the big league club as they open a new season in 2016. Goeddel was taken 41st overall out of high school in the 2011 draft by Tampa Bay. Touted as a five-tool player at the time, he has worked hard to prove those reviews as accurate. Upon making his professional debut in 2012 as a 19-year-old for Class A Bowling Green, Goeddel posted a .246 batting average with six homers, 46 RBI and 30 stolen bases. Repeating that level the following season, he tallied a .249 average with seven home runs, 65 RBI and 30 steals in 112 games. The following year, Goeddel posted a .269 average with six homers, 61 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 113 games for Class A Advanced Charlotte in the Florida State League. In 2015 Goeddel posted a strong offensive campaign, sporting a .279 average with 12 home runs, 72 RBI and 28 steals in 123 games with Doubl

Prospect Nation 2016: #13 RHP Ricardo Pinto

Right-handed starting pitcher Ricardo Pinto (pictured, center) had a breakout season in the Phillies organization last year. Honored as the top pitcher in their minor league ranks, the 21-year-old is very promising and will look to continue his success this year, as he moves up. Boasting a mid-90's fastball and a plus change up, Pinto has looked great at the lower levels of the minors. Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan states that Pinto's is the best change up among the organization's righty prospects. Development of a third offering, his slider, will be the determining factor of the type of progress he'll see. Signed as an international free agent in December, 2011, the Venezuela native debuted in pro ball in the Venezuela Summer League the following year. In 15 games (10 starts) he sported a 7-3 record with one save, a 2.74 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. He repeated the VSL in 2013, posting a 3-5 record with a 2.85 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in 14 games, s

Hollands visits team doctor in Philly, progressing well

Hollands, image- Jay Floyd Phillies left-hander Mario Hollands was in Philadelphia this week to have a follow up exam on his surgically repaired elbow and feedback was positive. Hollands, who was the Phils' 10th round draft selection in 2010 out of UC Santa Barbara, was sidelined last year during spring training, and soon underwent UCL reconstructive ( Tommy John ) surgery. Nine months out from surgery, the throwing arm is healing as well as can be expected, according to team doctor Michael Ciccotti . The team anticipates that Hollands will begin throwing off a mound by late January or early February. His time table for facing batters remains to be determined, but with a month of spring training action still six weeks away, Hollands will have plenty of time to get in game shape. Keep the 27-year-old in discussions for holding down a big league bullpen spot in the first half of the coming season. In 50 games as a big league rookie in 2014, Hollands posted a 2-2 record

Prospect Nation 2016: #14 1B Rhys Hoskins

Rhys Hoskins, image- Jay Floyd First baseman Rhys Hoskins made significant impressions in his first full season as a pro in 2015. With a powerful bat and a great approach at the plate, the righty hitting slugger could be on a fast pace toward the upper levels of the sport. A product of Cal State- Sacramento, Hoskins tallied a .319 average with 25 home runs and 128 RBI in 168 college games prior to turning pro. Drafted by the Phillies as a 5th round selection in 2014, Hoskins made his minor league debut as a member of the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters. In 70 games there, the California native posted a .237 average with nine homers and 40 RBI. He was said to have hit better there than his numbers would show, as he hit into a lot of hard outs and lacked luck at the plate. He would spend time at the Florida Instructional League following the regular season. It was there that coaches implemented a leg kick as a timing mechanism, to assist with Hoskins' ef

Prospect Nation 2016: #15 2B Scott Kingery

Scott Kingery, image- Jay Floyd A second round draft choice last year, second baseman Scott Kingery is a talented player that many feel could be a fast moving prospect for the rebuilding Phillies. Kingery, who was a walk-on as a freshman at Arizona, was named Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2015, in his junior season. The 21-year-old posted a .392/.423/.561 slash line while driving in 36 runs and stealing 11 bases in 54 games. In three seasons with the Wildcats, Kingery batted .351 while driving in 80 runs and stealing 38 bases in 149 games. Making his pro debut, the five-foot-10 180-pounder joined the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws in June. In 66 games, he tallied a .250/.314/.337 slash line while swiping 11 bags in 12 opportunities. Phillies fans will certainly enjoy Kingery's game, as he is a very exciting young player with all the right tools to become an offensive catalyst at the highest levels of the sport. Very capable with the bat, Kingery projects to be a very go

Prospect Nation 2016: #16 OF Dylan Cozens

Cozens with Lakewood in 2014, image- Jay Floyd Outfielder Dylan Cozens is one of the Phillies most underrated prospects.  A pure athlete that can really drive the ball, the 21-year-old could have a very promising future as he matures on the diamond. At six feet six inches tall and weighing 235 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. Already touting some significant power, the youngster sports some big time homer potential. After he was selected 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 whe

Prospect Nation 2016: #17 RHP Alberto Tirado

Right-hander Alberto Tirado has an arm that scouts can go wild for.  Acquired by the Phillies from Toronto last season as part of the Ben Revere trade, the talented hurler could develop into a top bullpen arm for the organization in the coming years. Despite concerns with his accuracy, Tirado misses plenty of bats and clocks big numbers on radar guns, which leads many to feel he has a very high ceiling. Signed by the Blue Jays in 2011, Tirado would make his professional debut as a member of their rookie level Gulf Coast League team in 2012 as a 17-year-old.  In 14 games started, combined with the rookie level Appalachian League and the Gulf Coast League teams, he tallied a 3-2 record with a 2.63 ERA and a .198 batting average against. He returned to the Appalachian League the following season posting a 3-0 record with a 1.68 ERA and an 8.2 K/9 mark in 12 games (eight starts). In 2014, splitting time between Class A short-season Vancouver and Class A Lansing, the Domincan native

Prospect Nation 2016: #18 RHP Edubray Ramos

Edubray Ramos, image- Jay Floyd Righty pitcher Edubray Ramos took strides with an exceptional campaign last year and locked himself into discussion among hurlers that could impact the big league roster very soon. Equipped with a fastball that steadily ranges from 93 to 95 MPH, the promising reliever also has a standout breaking pitch described by battery mate Andrew Knapp as "a wipe out slider" that is a plus offering as his out pitch. He also tosses a curve ball to get ahead in the count at times along with a change up to keep batters honest. Splitting his time rather evenly at three levels in 2014 after missing two seasons, Ramos tallied a 2-1 record with 10 saves, a 0.81 ERA and a .189 batting average against in 26 total games combined with the Phillies' Venezuelan Summer League team, the rookie level Gulf Coast League team and with the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters. Lights out stats with Class A Advanced Clearwater had fans and media memb

Prospect Nation 2016: #19 OF Carlos Tocci

Carlos Tocci, image- Jay Floyd Since he was signed by the Phillies for a reported bonus of $759,000 in the summer of 2011 on his 16th birthday, Carlos Tocci has been followed by a tremendous reputation that he seemed to finally be living up to during his 2015 season. Right from the start of his career, he was tasked with very challenging assignments.  Tocci says that one of the things that resulted in him choosing to sign with the Phillies was that they pledged to allow him to begin his pro career in the United States instead of playing at home in the Venezuelan Summer League. After participating in the Phillies’ fall instructional league following his signing, Tocci debuted in the minors with the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies in 2012, batting .278 with two doubles, nine RBI and nine steals in 38 games. The following year, as a 17-year-old, he played the entire season with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. Struggling against more experienced pitching, Tocci poste

Prospect Nation 2016: #20 SS Malquin Canelo

Malquin Canelo, image- Jay Floyd Shortstop Malquin Canelo had a breakout season in 2015, proving himself worthy of being in consideration to rank among the Phillies' top prospects, coming a long way as a hitter from previous seasons as he continued to shine with his glove. Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2012, the talented youngster made his professional debut that year with the Phils' Dominican Summer League team. In 54 games, Canelo sported a .167 average with five doubles, two triples and nine RBI. The following season, he split time at two levels, producing a .221/.287/.296 slash line in 61 total games for the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies and the short-season A level Williamsport Crosscutters. In 2014, Canelo displayed improvements with the bat posting a .249/.302/.324 slash line in 66 combined games with Williamsport, Class A Lakewood and Class A Advanced Clearwater. As a 20-year-old, Canelo would open the 2015 campaign back at Lakewood, wh

Prospect Nation 2016: #21 RHP Thomas Eshelman

Eshelman, image- MiLB.com Right-handed pitcher Thomas Eshelman joined the Phillies organization this off-season as part of the return from Houston from the Ken Giles trade.  With the right amount of progress, Eshelman could become the steal of the deal. Control is definitely the big factor in Eshelman's game, as he notched a collegiate career record 0.4 BB/9 mark in three years at Cal State Fullerton, where he was a multi-time All-American.  He possessed a 313-to-18 strike out-to-walk ratio in his college career.  For his 2015 junior campaign, Eshelman sported a 1.58 ERA in 18 outings. Scouts had Eshelman classified as one of the most polished pitchers in last year's draft. After becoming Houston's 2nd round draft choice (46th overall) in 2015 and signing for a reported $1.1 million, the 21-year-old started four total games at two levels of the Astros' system. As a member of the rookie level Gulf Coast League Astros, Eshelman allowed two earned runs while st

Prospect Nation 2016: #22 LHP Tom Windle

Tom Windle, image- Jay Floyd Left-handed pitcher Tom Windle joined a new organization and was among a group of well-touted pitching prospects on the Double-A Reading Fightins pitching staff last year. Part of the return from the Dodgers in the swap for Phillies all-time hits leader Jimmy Rollins , along with right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin , Windle is a promising hurler with tools that scouts have long been high on. A 2nd round pick in 2013 (56th overall), the Minnesota native  debuted in the minors the same year with Class A Great Lakes. In 13 games (12 starts), Windle posted a 5-1 record with a 2.68 ERA while striking out 51 and walking 20 in 53 2/3 innings. His excellent initial pro effort followed a strong junior campaign at the University of Minnesota that year which saw the youngster sport a 6-4 record, a 2.14 ERA with a .208 batting average against and 86 strike outs in 92 2/3 innings in 14 games. With Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamongo in 2014, the six-foot-fo

Prospect Nation 2016: #23 RHP Ben Lively

Ben Lively, image- Jay Floyd Acquired last off-season from Cincinnati, righty hurler Ben Lively quickly joined the ranks of the top Phillies prospects. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2013 draft, Lively would begin his pro career as a member of the rookie level Billings Mustangs. In 12 starts, he posted a 0-3 record with a 0.73 ERA and an 11.9 K/9 mark. He was promoted to Class A Dayton to close out the season with a single start, allowing one earned run in four innings of work while striking out seven and walking one. This was fresh off his junior season at the University of Central Florida where, in 15 games, he went 7-5 with a 2.04 ERA and an 8.6 K/9 mark as the team's ace. Lively would follow up his exceptional year by becoming the Reds' minor league player of the year in 2014. Opening his first full professional season with Class A Advanced Bakersfield, Lively tallied a 10-1 record with a 2.28 ERA, a .201 batting average against along

Prospect Nation 2016: #24 Catcher Deivi Grullon

Deivi Grullon, image- Jay Floyd At the time of his signing with the Phillies at the age of 16, backstop Deivi Grullon was one of the top baseball prospects in the Caribbean. Following three years in the minors, the 19-year-old is still looked at as a very promising player. Grullon, who signed for a reported $575,000 in July 2012, looked very good upon making his professional debut with the Gulf Coast League Phillies in 2013, posting a .273 batting average with eight doubles, a home run and 14 RBI in 41 games at the rookie level. He followed up that campaign with a season in which he split time at three levels in 2014. Grullon started his season in mid-April with a promotion to Class A Advanced Clearwater out of extended spring training. He notched two hits in ten at bats in two games there. A demotion to Class A Lakewood, where he would get more playing time, followed. In 24 games as a BlueClaw, Grullon posted a .237 average with five doubles, a home run and seve

Prospect Nation 2016: #25 LHP Matt Imhof

Matt Imhof, image- Jay Floyd Lefty hurler Matt Imhof quickly shot toward the rankings of Phillies top prospects after being selected as their 2nd round pick in 2014.  Following a season in which he suffered an injury to his throwing arm, Imhof's position on such lists has taken a hit. Regarded as a polished college hurler, the Cal Poly product looked tremendous in his junior season, posting a 10-4 record with a 2.45 ERA and an 11.24 K/9 mark in 15 starts while earning second team All-American honors and leading to him being drafted 47th overall. He wrapped up his college career with an 18-7 record and a 2.68 ERA in 48 games. After the draft, Imhof quickly signed his first pro deal and proceeded to pitch at three levels of the developmental ranks in 2014. Following his initial outing in which he tossed three scoreless frames for the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies, Imhof was promoted to short-season A level Williamsport. As a member of the Crosscutters, h

Prospect Nation 2016 Countdown Prelude

The dawn of a near year brings along with it our annual “Prospect Nation” rankings, which counts down the Phillies organization’s top 25 up and coming young players. Over the next several weeks, with the organization in rebuild mode, I’ll be bringing you reviews for each of the top developmental talents that appear to have the brightest futures for the Phillies. Always taken into consideration when compiling this list is age, minor league performance relative to levels played, value to the organization as well as future potential and proximity to the big leagues. These rankings do not include players over 25 years old or individuals that have spent lengthy stretches in the big leagues. For instance, a talented youngster such as Darnell Sweeney , who wrapped up the regular season on the Major League roster after having played in 37 games for the Phils last year, will not be on this list. Hurlers Alec Asher and Severino Gonzalez , who each made seven starts in the majors last s

PhoulBallz Off-season Check In: OF Nick Williams

Nick Williams, image- Jay Floyd Outfielder Nick Williams was one of the highly touted players that the Phillies acquired in the deal that sent Cole Hamels to Texas last summer. Upon arriving in the Phillies organization, Williams was assigned to Double-A Reading, where he helped the club reach the postseason. In 22 regular season games as a member of the Fightins, the 22-year-old posted a .320/.340/.536 slash line. Overall in 119 Double-A games last season, the promising lefty batting prospect sported a .303 average with 17 home runs, 55 RBI and 13 stolen bases. Williams, a Texas native, took time recently to offer some feedback on his off-season routine and his upcoming plans to visit Philadelphia for the first time and more. Read ahead for that full interview. -Are you still enjoying some down time or have you gotten back to baseball activities yet? I am swinging now. I like to get my work outs done in the morning. Or some days I'll go hit before and then work