PhoulBallz.com

Thanks to the always-highly-touted-by-PhoulBallz baseball blogger Baseball Betsy , this weekend we got a firm look at the Phillies' workout groups at the start of minor league camp. The group listings will change throughout spring as certain players move down from big league camp and others are simply released. Noteworthy among the initial groupings are outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz with the 4th group as well as the returns of outfielder Samuel Hiciano and infielder Carlos Alonso . Ortiz, a Dominican native, was a big international signing last year.  The Phils invested $4 million in the powerful teenage outfielder last summer.  He was ranked among the top international free agents by MLB.com in 2015. Hiciano, a 22-year-old Dominican, missed the entire 2015 campaign after injuring his ankle with three days left in spring training last year.  He has posted a .262/.327/.428 slash line in three seasons at three levels.  Alonso underwent season-ending left kn...

Ben Lively, image- Tug Haines On Monday, Ben Lively became the second Reading Fightins hurler in three weeks to be named as the Double-A Eastern League's Pitcher of the Week. Lively, who was acquired last off-season from Cincinnati for Marlon Byrd , notched two wins along with a 2.08 ERA while striking out 16 and walking just two in 13 innings for the Fightins during the week of April 27th through May 3rd. The 23-year-old attributes his recent success to learning from his own mistakes. "I've just been working on some stuff," Lively explained. "I was all over the place my first few games, it felt like to me. I mean I did alright, but I expected to do better, so I worked harder and it paid off." According to Reading skipper Dusty Wathan , Lively is able to make improvements when and where others aren't able to, which has helped the Florida native make an impact. "The biggest thing was he went into the sixth inning (on Sunday) and that...

On the 75th edition of the PhoulBallz Podcast, Tug and Jay are joined by Phillies and minor league blogger "Baseball Betsy", who shares some stories about being an American parent to some of the Phils' up and coming Latin prospects and gives some updates on the likes of Perci Garner , Adam Morgan , Grenny Cumana and Carlos Alonso . Lefty hurler Hoby Milner takes time to answer Nine Silly-ass Questions. The guys also discuss the Phillies diving into the analytics era at long last, Kelly Dugan 's injury, questionable Twitter etiquette and plenty 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 . Additionally, thanks to the thousands of you for being part of the growing process as our previous episode featuring an interview with the aforementioned Alonso was our most downloaded episode ever.

The dawn of a near year brings along with it the annual Phillies Nation “Prospect Nation” countdown, running down the organization’s top 25 up and coming players. In the coming weeks, as a brand new season approaches, I’ll be bringing you player reviews for each of the top developmental talents that appear to have the brightest futures for the Phillies. Always taken into consideration when compiling the 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. As such, infielder Carlos Alonso , who played his age 26 season at Double-A last year, will not make the list, despite deserving some consideration. The same applies 28-year-old to relief pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez , who debuted with the Phillies late last season. Additionally, a guy such as infielder...

On the 74th edition of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast, Tug and Jay discuss the recent Hall of Fame voting including thoughts on Pedro Martinez and Barry Bonds . The guys also pour through the revamped Phillies prospect core thanks to last year's amateur draft, trades and December's Rule 5 draft, reviewing Jesmuel Valentin , Zach Eflin , Odubel Herrera as well as plenty more. Also minor league infielder Carlos Alonso joins the guys for the fun segment Nine Silly-Ass Questions. 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 . Thanks also for making the previous episode of the show featuring live call-in guest Matt Imhof the most downloaded edition ever!

The MLB Winter Meetings haven't resulted in much excitement for Phillies fans thus far, but Thursday's Rule 5 draft could have some bearing on the team's near future, if the Phils have their way. Phillies Rule 5 selections in recent years that ended up being returned to their original teams include Ender Inciarte (2012) and Kevin Munson (2013). Players that remained with the Phils for the entire following season in recent years include Michael Martinez (2010) and David Herndon (2009). Righty hurler Seth Rosin was taken from the Phillies in last December's Rule 5 draft and was returned to the organization after officially being property of three different teams in the interim time. Players are eligible for selection in the Rule 5 draft when they are not on their major league organization's 40 man roster and 1) were signed to a contract at age 19 or older and have been in that organization for four years, OR 2) were signed at age 18 or younger and have bee...

Rob Ducey, image- Tug Haines Prior to the end of the minor league season on Monday, I spent some time with Double-A Reading hitting coach Rob Ducey about several of his players' progress this season. Ducey, who played in the big leagues with the Phillies, Blue Jays, Rangers, Mariners, Expos and Angels, joined the Phillies organization as a coach this year. The former outfielder spoke about the Phillies' collection of rising young outfielders including Aaron Altherr , Zach Collier , Kelly Dugan , Cameron Perkins and Peter Lavin . He also offered insight on talented infielder Carlos Alonso . Read ahead for that full interview. - Aaron Altherr has an exciting year with time spent at the big league level. What are your thoughts on Altherr's season? Well, he's obviously in the development part of his career and is trying to iron some things out mechanically, mentally, things that young players go through while they're trying to establish themselves as p...

Jake Fox, image- Tug Haines Since rejoining the Phillies organization in June, corner infielder Jake Fox has been the driving force of the Double-A Reading offense. The 32-year-old veteran of four big league seasons, having played with the Cubs, A's and Orioles, has dominated Eastern League pitching, posting a .322 average while mashing 20 home runs and driving in 65 runs in 66 games. Two seasons ago, Fox played with Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, batting .230 with five homers in 26 total games as a late-season edition. Prior to signing with the Phillies this year, Fox competed in Mexico, where he sported a .307/.397/.605 slash like in 57 games with Laguna. Fox, who was originally drafted in the third round of the 2003 amateur draft by the Cubs, plays with an extremely cerebral approach. Recently, I spoke with Jake about his intellectual focus toward the game, how he helps the teammates around him and more. Read ahead for that interview. -I've talked to Z...

Three players will represent Reading in the Double-A Eastern League's All-Star Game later this month in Curve, PA. Infielders Carlos Alonso and Albert Cartwright along with lefty hurler Hoby Milner were honored and will participate in the annual event on July 15-16. Carlos Alonso, Image- Jay Floyd Alonso, a minor league Gold Glove winner last season, is batting .271 with eight homers and 25 RBI in 77 games this year. The 26-year-old University of Delaware product was a 32nd round pick by the Phillies in 2010. Cartwright, who also dabbles in the outfield, sports a .257 average with three home runs, 12 RBI and 15 steals in 71 games this year. The 26-year-old was also an All-Star last season with Reading. Milner sports a 5-5 record with a 4.55 ERA and a .252 batting average against in 16 starts. The 23-year-old University of Texas product was a 7th round draft choice in 2012 by the Phillies. The Altoona Curve, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, will host the 20...

The latest semi-weekly rundown of your top performers from the Phillies developmental ranks and those that aren't doing so well is back. In this edition we look at all four full-season clubs. Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs- Who’s hot... Right-hander Brad Lincoln has pitched 13 scoreless innings over his last two starts while allowing just four total hits in those outings. The 29-year-old allowed three earned runs in 2 1/3 innings this season in relief with the big league team. Lincoln was the 4th overall draft selection by the Pirates back in 2006. Through his first seven games since earning a promotion to Lehigh Valley, OF Cam Perkins posted a .308 batting average. With Double-A Reading this season, the 23-year-old sported a .342/.408/.495 slash line. Perkins was the Phillies’ 6th round draft choice in 2012. Who’s not... Third baseman Maikel Franco entered action on Tuesday batting .103 with a home runs and five RBI in nine June games. Overall this season, the 21...

While covering the Double-A Reading Fightins over the past week, I collected a ton of feedback from many players and coaches. With so much material in the hopper, here are some quotes that I didn't want readers to miss from 2008's top Phillies draft pick Anthony Hewitt , U Del product and utility infielder Carlos Alonso as well as team manager Dusty Wathan . Anthony Hewitt, Image- Jay Floyd -Hewitt (.139/.149/.181 slash line in 24 games this season) spoke of if there's any mental impact related to his struggles at the plate thus far in 2014... Mental impact? I don't even know. I'm struggling, (but) I'm just going out there every day, grinding, having fun, having a positive attitude, getting my work in on and off the field and, you know, that's all I can do. It's a game of failure. Just, right now, no hits are falling. No luck's turning my way, but I'm sure that tomorrow, today, whenever it's gonna happen, good luck's gonna...

Cesar Hernandez, Image- Jay Floyd Recalled by the Phillies on Tuesday, infielder Cesar Hernandez hopes that he has displayed enough improvement at a new position to stick around in the big leagues for the foreseeable future. The switch-hitting Hernandez opened the 2014 season with the Phillies, but was demoted to Double-A Reading in April tasked with developing his defensive repertoire. The Phillies wanted the slick-fielding second baseman to add third base to his skill set. After an extensive amount of work, Hernandez seems ready to handle the entire infield. At the hot corner, the 23-year-old no longer looks new to the position. Hernandez worked extensively to become well-rounded and has been able to show how far he has come. Whether it's coming in hard on a dribbler to gun down a runner, going quickly to his left with a stab-and-spin effort to notch an out or making the routine plays expected of a capable fielder, Hernandez looks ready for the challenge of being a u...

It's another edition of the (usually) weekly off-season league rundown.  Check it out, as we take a tour around the globe for a look at Phillies talents participating in various autumn and winter league action. Dominican League- Antonio Bastardo (pictured, right) made his DR League season debut on Saturday, throwing a scoreless frame and allowing no baserunners for Cibao.  Bastardo tossed a 1-2-3 inning against Este, closing it out by getting Phils catcher Steven Lerud to fly out.  The 27-year-old lefty was 2-5 with a 4.33 ERA and a save in 65 games for the Phillies in 2012. Lerud sports a .200 batting average with a double, a home run and four RBI in 19 games.  The 28-year-old made his big league debut with the Phils during the 2012 regular season. Veteran lefty Raul Valdes has tallied a 1-2 record with a 3.81 ERA in seven starts for Este.  The 35-year-old had a 2.90 ERA and held opponents to a .168 batting average against in...

It's another edition of our weekly off-season league updates.  Check it out, as we take a tour around the globe for a look at Phillies talents participating in various autumn and winter league action.  Venezuelan League- Outfielder Tyson Gillies (pictured, left) is done playing with the Lara team, after just 13 games, as his contract is up.  The 24-year-old had two separate stints in which he missed time in Venezuela, due to ailments, at least one of which was a hamstring issue, something Gillies has dealt with on a recurring basis since the Phillies acquired him in 2009.  The British Columbia native posted a .294 average with two doubles, one triple and four RBI with the Cardenales. Darin Ruf slugged his Venezuelan League leading 10th home run of the season on Sunday.  Ruf, playing mostly left field, has posted a .943 OPS and his 27 RBI are also tops in the league (tie).  Combined with his minor league leading total of 38 homers and his thre...