PhoulBallz.com

It's the landmark 69th edition of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast with our special guest Phillies pitcher Justin De Fratus . Joining the program in studio, Justin sat in for an extensive interview talking about his time in the minors, his past "controversial" Twitter comments as well as playing for Charlie Manuel and Ryne Sandberg . He also shares stories about initiating former teammate Brian Gump to Class A ball and how former big league All-Star Brad Lidge impacted his approach after Lidge's retirement plus loads more. Use the media player below to stream the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

We're back with episode 29 of the PhoulBallz Podcast. This week, Jay and Tug interview Clearwater Threshers radio man Ben Gellman, who discusses all the team's top performers including Aaron Altherr , Kelly Dugan and Hoby Milner . The guys also share updates on Jiwan James ' road to recovery following knee surgery, discuss the future of the Phillies' third base position with prospects Maikel Franco and Cody Asche , plus Jay dishes some juicy rumors about catching prospect Sebastian Valle . Use the media player below to stream the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

The PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast is back with its 27th episode.  On this edition of the show, Phillies outfield prospect Kelly Dugan calls in to chat with the guys.  Additionally, Jay and Tug discuss shortstop Roman Quinn 's recent offensive improvements leading the way for the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws as well as righty pitcher Perci Garner 's success with Class A Advanced Clearwater.  Some breaking TheFightins.com news is announced and discussions also include Brian Gump , Bill Rice and some local independent league clubs. Use the media player below to stream the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

On the latest edition of the program the guys continue to tease Tug's massive announcement and chat with pro pitcher Brian Gump .  They also discuss the Phillies' offensive struggles, Lakewood's newest additions, Lehigh Valley's promising performers and plenty more. Check out the media player below to hear the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

Mario Hollands Lefty hurler Mario Hollands , who is on the disabled list for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, is not currently ailing and is spending time with the Phils’ extended spring training team until further notice. Pitching at four levels of the organization’s developmental system last season, the 24-year-old posted a 7-9 record with a 4.55 ERA and a .282 batting average against in 27 outings (18 starts). Right-handed reliever Kenny Giles , who also opened the 2013 season on the disabled list for the Threshers, is dealing with an oblique strain. There is no known time frame for the Phillies’ 2011 7th round draft selection's return. Last season, with Class A Lakewood and Clearwater, the 22-year-old tallied a 4-3 record with eight saves, a 3.51 ERA and a 12.18 K/9 mark in 39 contests. Left-handed starting pitcher Nick Hernandez made his official return to the mound for the Threshers on Tuesday evening. Out since 2010 with repeated shoulder injuries, t...

On the latest edition of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast, Jay and Tug welcome Eric Floyd on the third mic. The guys discuss Darin Ruf 's torrid August output, Jimmy Rollins ' hustle concerns, an update on Brian Gump 's indy pitching career and their favorite ballpark giveaways. Also, it's Tug and Eric going head-to-head in the Twitter Game. Check out the media player below to hear the full show, or download it by clicking HERE . Additionally, click HERE to listen to previous episodes of the program. You can also subscribe on iTunes .

We're back with another brand new edition of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast. This week, Tug and I talked about the progress of RHP Colby Shreve , Trevor May 's DJ gig the R-Phils game last Saturday, Brian Gump 's progress as a pitcher, the Charlotte Knights (Triple-A White Sox), the short-season Crosscutters' season beginning, R-Phils closer Justin Friend and BlueClaws OF Kyrell Hudson . We also provide updates on the Clearwater Threshers, including exclusive info on LHP Mario Hollands , first baseman Jim Murphy , along with notes on rehabbing Phillies, plus the progress of RHP Justin De Fratus ' elbow. Click HERE to download this episode. You can also listen to the show with the media player below. In addtion, find a backlog of episodes HERE . You can also subscribe on iTunes by clicking HERE .

It's another brand new edition of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast, brought to you by me and Tug Haines. In epiosde 6, we talk about Domonic Brown 's offensive surge at Triple-A, the Phillies' draft focus as well as departed prospects like Jonathan Singleton , Travis d'Arnaud and Brian Gump . Tug and I also play the Twitter Game and provide an exclusive update on Eric Pettis ' pro career. In addition to listening to the show with the embedded player below, you can also download the show by clicking HERE and check out previous episodes by clicking HERE . __________________________________________________________ You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE . Also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE

As we do each week, Tug Haines and I bring you another new edition of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast! The latest edition features a big time Twitter focus with a lot of Latin flavor, as we talk about potential Phils' opening day second baseman Freddy Galvis, another Chooch story and Ruben Amaro Jr's impact on acquiring foreign born players. We also have some fun with several team personnel's social networking accounts and there's plenty more. Check out the player below, to listen or download the show. And don't miss our previous two episodes. ________________________________________________________ You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE . Also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE .

If you missed it on Sunday, I detailed the Phillies' initial wave of minor league player releases . Among the individuals that Philadelphia parted ways with was outfielder Brian Gump , who was a 26th round draft selection in 2009 out of UC Santa Barbara. I had the opportunity to speak with Brian on Sunday and he agreed to allow a glance inside the process of getting released, his time with the Phillies and other things. Read ahead for that exclusive content. What is the process of getting released like? How does everything go down? The process is what the players refer to as "the walk of death". In the early (morning), when we are all arriving at the complex, there is usually a coach or two waiting outside the front office to pluck players away and send them to the office to sign their release papers and talk with the brass. It is an unsettling feeling for almost all the players as you approach the front and have to walk past the coaches to get into the locker r...

Sunday morning, the Phillies began trimming some players they deemed expendable from minor league camp. Outfielder Brian Gump (pictured, center, celebrating Lakewood's 2010 South Atlantic League championship with coach Greg Legg and Kyle Lafrenz ), who posted a .239 average with 9 HR and 52 RBI in his three professional seasons, was among the collection of players that Philadelphia parted ways with. Gump, a 26th round draft selection in 2009 out of UC Santa Barbara, worked hard this past off-season to increase his strength and stamina. Often used as an extra man, Gump entered spring training this year with a focus on showing the Phillies that he was deserving of a shot as an everyday player. On his personal blog today, Gump wrote, "Adversity breeds greatness, so I've got to battle on and see where this takes me." The 24-year-old earned the nickname "The Jewelry Man" as he put together a nice collection of rings by winning three championships (one with ...

It's that time of year that gets you in the mood to be jolly. The biggest of all holidays is loved by all, for many reasons. Phillies prospects are no different. I checked in recently with several minor leaguers to find out what stands out for them as reasons to get excited for Christmas. Highly ranked lefty pitching prospect and the Phils' #1 draft choice last year, Jesse Biddle (pictured), took part....as did outfielders Brian Gump , Tyson Gillies and another former top draft selection Anthony Hewitt ...right-handed hurler Tyler Knigge also offered his thoughts along with slugging first baseman Jim Murphy . What's your favorite holiday movie? Jesse Biddle: My favorite movie is easily "Elf" with Will Ferrell because he plays a character perfect for my sense of humor. There is something about the innocent slapstick humor that I find hilarious. Brian Gump: Probably "Nightmare Before Christmas", I think that counts as a Christmas movie right?...

Throughout the autumn and winter months, we'll check in with various Phillies prospects and inquire about how they try to maintain their baseball acumen during the long, drawn-out off-season. This installment features outfielder Brian Gump , who was a 26th round draft selection in the 2009 draft. Gump, a lefty hitting 24-year-old California native, has posted a .239 batting average with 9 homeruns and 52 RBI in 178 games during his 3 seasons in the Philadelphia developmental ranks. Recently, I got in touch with Brian, who has played all three outfield positions during his professional career, to inquire about how he trains during the off-season. Read ahead to check out some good insight from the UC Santa Barbara graduate. What is your training regimen like during the fall and winter months? Well, I try and tweak my off-season training a little bit every year. This year, I grew a mustache and it seems to be working quite well. Seriously though, I recently saw a quote, by Bi...

After the BlueClaws' loss to Delmarva on Monday, I spoke with manager Mark Parent. I asked Mark about Jiwan James' 20-game hitting streak and James' progress toward becoming an offensive leader for the club, about Jonathan Pettibone's recent success (2.36 ERA & .156 batting average against over his last 6 games) and about Jonathan Singleton's slump. I also asked him about Brian Gump's injury and recovery progress. Gump's forearm was fractured when he was hit by a pitch on Independence Day last week. Check out the media player below to listen to all of Parent's comments. _____________________________________________ Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE . For BlueClaws tickets click here . Upcoming promotions include a Phillie Phanatic & World Series trophy appearance on the 21st and a Dusty Wathan SAL Championship bobble head giveaway on July 22nd. Share on Facebook

23-year-old outfielder Brian Gump began his 2010 season batting .183 in 22 games for the Phillies affiliate Advanced A-level Clearwater Threshers. After struggling there, Gump was sent down to Lakewood, where he was the everyday right fielder through their South Atlantic League championship run in 2009. Upon his return to Lakewood, Gump started on a 3-for-25 (.125 avg) stretch before manager Mark Parent placed Gump 3rd in the lineup and Gump worked closely with team hitting coach, Greg Legg, to iron out some flaws in his own mechanics. Since then, things have turned around for Gump, going 12-for-29 (.413 avg.). I talked with Brian, who was a 26th round draft pick out of UC Santa Barbara in 2009, last week about his turnaround at the plate and several other topics. Check out the media player below, to listen to the interview. ________________________________ Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE . Share on Facebook