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I invite you to visit Patreon.com/PhoulBallz in order to support my work and get access to material like this before anyone, plus you'll get interviews as well as other exclusive content you won't be able to consume anywhere else.  I could use and I would appreciate your backing. At long last, Phillies minor league coaching staffs began to trickle out via each team's news feed on Friday with a few notable additions to the organization's developmental field staffs.  Here is a complete rundown of each team's coaching staff. The Class A Short-season Williamsport Crosscutters will be headed by Milver Reyes.  The 37-year-old Venezuelan played as high as the Triple-A level during his playing career before turning to coaching.  Reyes played with the CrossCutters in 2003 and 2004 as a member of the Pirates organization, before Williamsport was affiliated with the Phillies. The Cutters' pitching coach is set to be a returning Hector Berrios while hittin...

Andrew Knapp, image- Jay Floyd Phillies catching prospect Andrew Knapp launched a solo home run to help the International League All-Stars down the Pacific Coast League team in the Triple-A All-Star Game by a score of 4-2 on Wednesday in Charlotte. In 69 games with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs this season, the switch-hitting 24-year-old sports a .264 average with seven homers and 32 RBI. Recently, I spoke to Knapp about his All-Star nod, learning from veterans, his own progress, the Lehigh Valley staff and plenty more. Read ahead for that full interview. -With the All-Star honor coming your way, what were your feelings on that? Do you feel a level of accomplishment? Yeah, it's awesome. It's great to get any acknowledgement. A lot of hard work went in. I really hammered the defensive stuff this year and I've kind of been battling through the offense, you know? Not getting too down on myself early in the year and being able to put together some good at b...

In his first start of the Grapefruit League season, right-hurler Aaron Nola surrendered four earned runs in two frames to take the loss, as the Phillies fell to Toronto by a score of 9-6 on Saturday. At the contest in Dunedin, the Blue Jays tagged the 22-year-old for four runs in the first inning, all before he recorded an out. Designated hitter Troy Tulowitzki started things off with his first home run of the spring campaign, a solo shot. Left fielder Michael Saunders launched a 3-run shot a few batters later. He would finish with three hits and five RBI on the day. Nola would finish with a walk and four hits allowed while striking out none. It's certainly not panic time for fans of the Phillies' top draft selection from 2014. He posted a 6-2 record with a 3.59 ERA in 13 big league starts as a rookie last season. Having a rusty outing early in spring against one of the top teams in baseball isn't anything to worry about for Nola or Phils fans. It's worth...

Jay and Tug return with episode 49 of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast and are joined by Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp , who chats about the Phillies' heavy amount of activity at the backstop position this off-season, debuting in the big leagues this year, Carlos Ruiz as a mentor and leader as well as the NFC East rivalry between the Eagles and the Cowboys.  The guys also talk about recent transactions involving Sebastian Valle and Lou Marson , Roy Halladay 's retirement plus much 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 .

Tug and Jay are back with the 47th edition of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast.  On this episode the guys talk about the Phillies' additions to their 40-man roster as well as the signings of free agents Marlon Byrd and Carlos Ruiz .  They also take some time to cut some silly radio bumpers for BaseballPodcasts.net and share some thoughts about some of the other programs the site offers. 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 .

Cameron Rupp, image- Jay Floyd It has been more than seven weeks since the Phillies began their off-season, but for one player that wrapped up the 2013 season with the club that missed the postseason for the second consecutive year, it's barely been seven days.  Catcher Cameron Rupp made his major league debut with the Phils in September, but unlike most of his teammates his baseball activity for the year hadn't ended when the MLB schedule was completed. The 25-year-old reported to big league spring training with the Phillies in February.  His promotion to the majors in September resulted in his season lasting roughly a month longer than the minor league schedule does.  By the completion of the Phils' regular season, Rupp had already endured his lengthiest baseball year to date by more than eight weeks.  Despite that, Rupp wanted more time on the field. The University of Texas product had been a 3rd round draft choice in 2010 and played more than 100 games ...

With the worst offense in the major leagues, the Marlins (55-94) seem to be an ideal opponent for a Phillies (69-80) team looking to avoid their first losing season since 2002.  Miami, which ranks last in the big leagues in batting average (.231), runs scored (479), home runs (90), OPS (.627), will face Phils ace Cliff Lee in the opener of a three-game series on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park. The Phils have been victorious in five straight games against Miami. Read ahead for full details in the pitching match ups and plenty more details from this series. Monday, 7:05 PM.  Sam Dyson (0-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. Cliff Lee (13-6, 2.97 ERA).   The 25-year-old Dyson will be making his first big league start.  In five big league relief appearances, Dyson sports a 7.27 ERA and a .371 batting average against.  In his last five starts, Lee has a 3-0 record with a 2.00 ERA.  After throwing six complete game shutouts in 2011, Lee has completed one game, a...

Tyler Cloyd, Image- Jay Floyd Fresh off a series sweep of the National League East division leading Braves over the weekend, the Phillies (66-77) will continue their homestand as they host the San Diego Padres (65-77). During their successful sweep, Phils starting pitchers posted a 2.45 ERA while striking out 27 batters in the three games. In the opening contest of the three-game set, the Phillies will send right-hander Tyler Cloyd , who tallied a 1.36 ERA in his final eight minor league games this season, to the mound.  San Diego will counter with righty Andrew Cashner , who has a 2.18 ERA in his last five starts.  The Phils were victorious in two of three meetings with the Padres at Citizens Bank Park last season.  Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups and loads more details on this series. Tuesday, 7:05 PM.  Andrew Cashner (8-8, 3.45 ERA) vs. Tyler Cloyd (2-3, 3.57 ERA).   In 16 road games this season, the righty Cashner has a 3...

The Rockies (35-32) were dealt a poor hand on Thursday, when three of their regulars suffered injuries.  Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki , the National League's second leading hitter, has been placed on the disabled list with a broken rib suffered on a diving defensive play in Thursday's contest against Washington.  Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez was drilled with a line dive foul, while standing on deck in that game, while outfielder Dexter Fowler was hit by a pitch on his hand. The Phillies (32-35) are no strangers to ailing stars, as the team currently has two All-Stars, second baseman Chase Utley and catcher Carlos Ruiz , on the disabled list with injuries of their own.  Additionally, multi-time Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay is out of action following shoulder surgery and starting hurler John Lannan has missed nearly two months due to a left quad issue. Both clubs will try to persevere as they begin a three-game series at Coors Field on Friday night. The...

The Phillies (14-18) head west to begin a three-game series on Monday night at San Francisco's AT&T Park. The hosting Giants (19-12) have won six straight contests. The Phils' offense, which ranks second from worst in the majors with a .669 OPS, struggled over the weekend, as they tallied only five total hits in a pair of losses to the team with the worst record in the National League, the Marlins. The first place Giants were victorious in four of six meetings between these two teams last year. Read ahead for full details on the pitching match ups and other key stats for this series. Monday. 10:15 PM.  Cliff Lee (2-2, 3.46 ERA) vs. Madison Bumgarner (3-0, 1.55 ERA). In five career regular season starts against San Francisco, Lee is 4-0 with a 0.63 ERA and two complete games.   Lee has a 0-2 record with a 5.04 ERA in his last four starts.  Pablo Sandoval is 2-for-12 (.167 avg) in his career against Lee.  Opponents are hitting just .181 against Bumgarn...

Cameron Rupp, image- Jay Floyd In an organization stocked with catching talent, Cameron Rupp has, at times, been an afterthought.  That isn't the case any longer, as the Phils' 3rd round draft choice from 2010 has forced the team's brass and scouts alike to take notice and hold him in consideration as a potential big league backstop candidate. While Rupp's numbers (.215 avg, two home runs, six RBI through 18 games) aren't overly impressive thus far this season, it's the overall effort, defensive skills and numbers from previous seasons that have the projected ceiling for the University of Texas product on the rise. Rupp's manager, Dusty Wathan , who had a 14-year playing career as a catcher, sees a great amount of potential in the six-foot-two 230-pounder and thinks that his future is bright, comparing him to the Phils' current big league All-Star at the same position.  " Carlos Ruiz came here eight or nine years ago and wasn't ve...

The Phillies (12-16) are set to kick off a four-game series as host to the Marlins (8-20).  The series marks the returns of Phils Gold Glove Award winner Placido Polanco and speedster Juan Pierre to Philadelphia for the first time since each man parted ways via free agency. The Phillies have won nine of their last 12 meetings with the Marlins.  Additionally, the Phils were victorious in six of nine games against Miami at Philly's Citizens Bank Park last season. Read ahead for full details on the pitching match ups and other key details from this series. Thursday, 7:05 PM. Alex Sanabia (2-3, 4.85 ERA) vs. Kyle Kendrick (2-1, 2.41 ERA). Sanabia, a 24-year-old righty, allowed one earned run in six innings pitched in his lone career start against the Phillies in 2011. In 13 career road outings, Sanabia has a 4-1 record along with a 3.32 ERA. In three home starts this year, Kendrick is 1-1 with a 4.58 ERA. In 19 career games against Miami, Kendrick has a 10-2 rec...

On this week's edition, Jay and Tug talk about Tug's purchase of TheFightins.com and its relaunch.  Additionally, the guys discuss the Phils' struggles and how the returns of Carlos Ruiz and Delmon Young could impact the offense. Also, an injury update on lefty pitching prospect Austin Wright is featured and the guys stall, waiting for Jesse Biddle to phone in plus much more great content. 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 .

By now, you've heard about the drug suspension imposed upon Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz earlier this week.  Following a second positive test for amphetamines, the 33-year-old Panama native will miss the first 25 games of the 2013 regular season. Following the news, Ruiz issued a statement to apologize to his team as well as the fans.  The Phillies also went public, stating that they were disappointed, but would continue to support their player.  Both of those are typical and were expected.  Also a sure thing are Philadelphia baseball fans' reactions to Ruiz upon his return.  The man they call "Chooch" is an individual that has accomplished a great amount while wearing Phils' red.  The "home grown" player has caught no-hitters.  He has become an All-Star.  He helped lock down a World Series championship and five consecutive division titles.  Philly faithful will absolutely continue to have their guy's back when he gets back on the field...

To begin their final series of the 2012 season, the Phillies (80-79) will travel to Washington, where they'll face the playoff-bound Nationals (96-63), who have a magic number of one, to clinch their first National League East division title. Just one win by the Nationals or a loss by the Braves will lock down Washington's division crown and Atlanta's wild card placement.  This will mark an end to the Phillies' run of five consecutive division titles, a franchise record.  Not only is the division title on the line, but the Nats are also tied with Cincinnati for the best record in the league, which would determine home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Read ahead for more about the pitching match ups as well as plenty more statistical information from this series. Monday, 7:05 PM. Kyle Kendrick (10-12, 4.08 ERA) vs. John Lannan (4-0, 4.23 ERA). The lefty Lannan earned a win against the Phils last week, when he allowed 2 earned runs...

With their newly extended lefty ace in tow, the Phillies (45-54) hit the road and visit the Braves (54-44) to begin a three-game set on Friday night at Turner Field in Atlanta. This week, the Phils signed their three-time All-Star and former World Series Most Valuable Player Cole Hamels to a six-year $144 million pact. Hamels was the team's 1st round draft selection back in 2002 and he'll start the series opener. The Phillies will begin the road trip without third baseman Placido Polanco , who was placed on the disabled list with back inflammation, retroactive to July 23rd. International League hit leader Kevin Frandsen was promoted from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Polanco's void on the big league roster. Read ahead for information on the pitching match ups and plenty more details for this series. Friday, 7:35 PM. Cole Hamels (11-4, 3.23 ERA) vs. Ben Sheets (2-0, 0.00 ERA). In his last 5 starts, Hamels is 1-1 with a 3.19 ERA. Hamels has a 6-1 record with a 3....