Prospect Nation 2016: #3 OF Nick Williams

Nick Williams, image- Jay Floyd

Part of the collection of prospects the Phillies obtained last season in the trade that sent Cole Hamels to Texas, slugging outfielder Nick Williams is as promising as any of the very talented young players the team has in their developmental ranks.

A second round pick of the Rangers out of Ball High School (TX) in 2012, Williams quickly signed and debuted as a pro. In the rookie level Arizona League, he posted a .313 batting average with a pair of home runs and 27 RBI while swiping 15 bases in 48 games.

The following year Williams played with Class A Hickory in the Sally League. In 95 games, he tallied a .293 average with 17 homers, 60 RBI and eight steals.

In 2014 Williams would open the season with Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach, where he notched a .292 average with 13 home runs and 68 RBI in 94 games. That production earned him a promotion to the Double-A level to wrap up that season in August, where he posted a .226/.250/.290 slash line in 15 contests.

Last season, the lefty batting Williams returned to Double-A Frisco, batting .299 with 13 homers and 45 RBI through 97 games. He also represented the Rangers in the MLB All-Star Futures Game. By late July, the trade to the Phillies occurred and Williams transitioned to Double-A Reading, where he suffered a concussion as the result of a collision on defense in the field and missed some time. Despite the stint on the shelf, Williams posted a .320/.340/.536 slash line in 22 regular season games, helping the Fightins reach the Eastern League playoffs.

The hit tool is outstanding with Williams, who will be 22 years old for the entire 2016 minor league season. With super fast hands and a considerable amount of strength, the Texas native is able to drive any pitch that's within his reach. Williams improved his plate discipline very much last year, striking out at a reduced rate (140 K's in 486 PA's in 2014/97 K's in 515 PA's in 2015). That is a trend that Williams and the Phils will hope can continue.

Williams hasn't been a true threat on the bases in recent years, swiping 19 bags in 35 chances (54% success rate) in the last two seasons. While he's not exactly a speedster, he is quick enough to steal a bit with reliability, but he'll need to develop better abilities at reading opposing pitchers in order to make this a key part of his offensive game.

Primarily a left-fielder in the pro ranks, Williams has the quickness and range to play all three spots in the outfield. He has a solid arm that can keep runners conservative.

At six-foot-three and 195 pounds, Williams has a well-proportioned and athletic frame that could still pack on some muscle.

It's possible Williams could spend some time back at Reading this year, but, based on his success, look for him to get some experience at the Triple-A level in 2016.

The exciting Williams certainly projects as an everyday big leaguer, possessing the tools to surpass the production that outfielders of recent Phillies playoff clubs enjoyed.

Follow this year's full prospect countdown by clicking this link.

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 ...

PhoulBallz Interview: RHP Prospect Brody Colvin

Recently, right-handed pitcher Brody Colvin was promoted from Class A Advanced Clearwater to Double-A Reading. Prior to the 2012 season, Colvin, who turns 22-years-old on Tuesday, was ranked as PhilliesNation's 6th best prospect . This season, following some ups and downs, it's unclear where Colvin will rank next preseason. Earlier this year, Colvin, a Louisiana native, was removed from Clearwater's starting rotation and moved to the bullpen to relax and improve his mental approach. He did so and returned to starting after a brief time. Through his first two outings with the R-Phils, the 7th round draft choice from 2009 posted a 1-0 record while allowing five earned runs in 11 innings (4.09 ERA). In his last start on Saturday, however, Colvin allowed eight earned runs in 2 2/3 innings pitched in a loss to New Britain. In a recent interview with Brody, he spoke about the transition moving to the Eastern League, his brief bullpen stint, physical concerns from last season...

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.

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog