Phillies move on from foursome of developmental coaches

Micucci (right) with Luis Garcia in August, image- Jay Floyd

Early on Monday, I tweeted a bit of a teaser about Phillies minor league staffing moves I had learned about from a pair of sources. Unclear when the personnel had learned of their fates, I did not want to report the news until all parties had time to address the news in their own ways.

As has been reported by at least another outlet to this point, I am able to confirm that 2019 Class A Lakewood manager Mike Micucci will not be returning to the organization. Additionally, base running and bunting coordinator Rob Ducey, Gulf Coast League coach Charlie Hayes and Triple-A pitching coach Steve Schrenk are also done in the Phils system.

Micucci was a north Jersey native in his youth and had been hired by the organization less than a year ago. He worked with Phillies general manager Matt Klentak in Anaheim, which makes his termination even more surprising.

Players that saw action for the BlueClaws this year loved Micucci. Also, from personal experience, I'd say that, genuinely, Mike could not have been more nice to me each time I encountered him at Lakewood's FirstEnergy Park this year.

Multiple people that I have spoke with feel that another "new hire" that's still under a year into his tenure, Phillies director of player development Josh Bonifay, may be looking to open positions for individuals who are more focused on analytics.

One Phillies minor leaguer who was surprised by the moves expressed concern that with many teams likely going about the same approach, there may not be enough "good analytics guys" to go around.

However, the same player expressed confidence in the current regime, stating that he knows the front office has things under control and will make the right additions.

Hayes had just completed his third season coaching in the Phillies farm system. He previously played in the big leagues for the Phils, among other teams.

Ducey, another former Phillies player, had been a coach in the system dating back to 2014. Schrenk also pitched for the Phils in his playing days and coached in the organization since 2004.

Additionally, I have heard a rumor that 2019 Clearwater skipper Marty Malloy may be on deck to fill the void left by Ducey. This transition would leave both full-season Class A teams with vacancies in their managerial positions.

Comments

Sunday School: Phillies History Lesson 73

Danny Ozark was the Phillies' manager from 1973-1979. During his tenure as the team's general, Ozark led Philadelphia to three straight division titles. In his playing days, Ozark was a first baseman, who was a career minor leaguer in the Dodgers system. When Ozark took over the team in 1973, the Phillies were fresh off 5 consecutive losing seasons and 3 straight last place finishes. During his first season in charge, the Phillies would again finish in last place, 20 games under .500, but as his core of young talent, like Mike Schmidt and Larry Bowa, developed, the Phillies' win totals rose. Within 2 years, the Phillies were above .500 and in the playoff hunt until late in the season and the most successful era of Phillies history was about to begin. By 1976, the Phillies were headed to the post-season for the first time since 1950. The Phils would enjoy a 10-game lead over their nearest division rival at the midway point of the season. Despite a lul, which saw their lead d...

Velasquez shut down, Eflin on deck?

Eflin with Reading in 2015, image- Jay Floyd Following Vincent Velasquez leaving his start after just two pitches for the Phillies on Wednesday, righty prospect Zach Eflin was pulled from his start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley at Gwinnett. The 22-year-old sports a 5-1 record with a 3.14 ERA and a .210 batting average against in 10 starts for the IronPigs this season. He could take the place of Velasquez if he is required to miss any additional time. Initial word on Velasquez after he threw two fastballs that clocked in the 86-87 MPH range (considerably slower than the 94 MPH he averages) and was swiftly pulled from his outing, is that he has a biceps strain. He'll be further evaluated in the coming days. Prior to the regular season, Eflin got a taste of competing against big leaguers when he was charged with 12 runs (nine earned) on 11 hits while striking out two and walking one with a wild pitch in three innings of work in an intrasquad exhibition that pitted the Phils...

Mathieson Still Focused Despite Being Sent Down

CLEARWATER, FL- Somehow, despite the recent news that Brad Lidge is set to begin the season on the disabled list with a right shoulder injury, the Phillies didn't see fit to keep fire-balling righty hurler Scott Mathieson around. Mathieson, who has had a long road back to the big leagues following three elbow procedures (two of which were Tommy John surgeries), appeared in 7 games with the Phillies in spring training this year, posting a 2.00 ERA with 9 strike outs and 6 walks over 9 innings. The Vancouver, British Columbia native made his Major League debut with the Phils in 2006 as a starter, going 1-4 with a 7.47 ERA, but had his career sidetracked due to arm trouble. This spring, Mathieson was back where he wanted to be and felt that he was primed to return to a regular gig in the big leagues. However, on Saturday, the Phillies sent Mathieson back down to minor league camp. Mathieson's goal throughout his recovery has been to get back into the Phillies' red pinstripes...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog