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Madison Stokes, image- Jay Floyd Selected in the 10th round of this year's MLB amateur draft, corner infielder Madison Stokes was quick to make an impact in his pro career, helping the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws reach the postseason. The 22-year-old righty hitter enjoyed a swift ascent, playing six games in the rookie level Gulf Coast League before earning a promotion to Class A short-season Williamsport.  As a member of the Crosscutters, Stokes sported a .338/.452/.506 slash line in 22 games. Promoted again to Lakewood in early August, the South Carolina native would posted a .260 average with a homer and 11 RBI in 27 contests. Prior to the end of the season, I chatted with Stokes, a University of South Carolina product, about his transition to the minor leagues, his draft experience and more.  Read ahead for that interview. -What experiences did you have prior to the draft that prepared you most for playing pro ball? I think playing in the ACC in that conf...

The 2018 MLB draft wrapped up on Wednesday with rounds 11 through 40.  Here are some highlights from the Phillies' day of picks. With their first pick of the third and final day of the 2018 draft, the Phillies selected right-handed pitcher Jack Perkins out of Stetson University in the 11 th round.  This year, in his junior season, the 20-year-old sported an 11-2 record with a 2.34 ERA, two complete games and a 9.2 K/9 mark in 17 games.  Listed at six-foot-three, 218 pounds, the Florida native was named to the pre-season All-ASUN conference team this year.  Last summer in the Cape Cod league he notched a 0-4 record with a 5.93 ERA in seven starts. Righty hurler James McArthur was the Phillies’ 12 th round selection.  McArthur was a teammate of Lakewood pitcher David Parkinson at Ole Miss, before the former was drafted by the Phillies in the 12 th round last year.  The six-foot-seven 235-pounder made 16 starts for the Rebels this sea...

Some details on the Phillies' activities during day 2 of this year's MLB Draft... With the team’s 2nd pick in the draft, at number 107 overall, the Phillies selected right-handed pitcher Colton Eastman. The six-foot-three 200-pounder looked great this year in his junior season with Cal State Fullerton. In 16 starts for the Titans, the Fresco, CA native posted a 10-3 record with a 2.20 ERA while striking out 116 and walking 27 in 110 2/3 innings pitched. He tossed a no-hitter against UC Santa Barbara in March and took a no-no into the sixth frame three other times this year. Last week, in the NCCA baseball tournament, Eastman was remarkable, retiring the first 13 batters he faced, with seven of the first eight being strike outs.  He ended up giving up two runs on four hits in that outing.   Eastman tallied a 2.20 ERA over his three year collegiate career. In the 5th round, the Phillies drafted outfielder Matt Vierling out of Notre Dame. The six-foot-two 208-poun...

Selecting 3rd overall in this year's MLB amateur draft, the Phillies chose Wichita State third baseman Alec Bohm. The six-foot-five 240-pound righty hitter is said to have an advanced approach at the plate.  Scouts think he projects as an offensive force in the big leagues.  He has loads of raw power, but can also hit for average. A collegiate second team All-American, Bohm batted .339 with 14 doubles, a triple, 16 home runs and 55 RBI while swiping nine bags in 57 games this year in his junior season.  He notched 24 multi-hit games during his 2018 campaign with the Shockers. Overall in three seasons at Wichita State, Bohm batted .317 with 33 homers, 125 RBI and a .941 OPS in 166 contests. On MLB Network's draft coverage, long-time reporter Peter Gammons stated that Bohm showed significant improvements on defense in the prominent Cape Cod league last summer.  Gammons also praised the youngster's work ethic. Former Phillies All-Stars Mickey Morandini and L...