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As a busy week continued for the 99-loss Phillies, news was released confirming another swap as the team sent minor league hurler David Whitehead to Pittsburgh for starting pitcher Charlie Morton . The 32-year-old Morton is best known for his mechanics which resemble Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay . In 158 career big league games, the righty sports a 34-70 record along with a 4.54 ERA. Whitehead, a pitcher not particularly close to the Phillies' top 25 prospects, posted a 9-11 record with a 4.44 ERA and a .291 batting average against for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers last season. The addition of Morton likely locks him into a rotation spot as the team's veteran, although he isn't a workhorse, having never thrown 30 or more starts in a season and making more than 26 starts in a year only one time. Morton will join newly acquired pitcher Jeremy Hellickson as the only locks to be Phils starters. Rookies Aaron Nola (the Phils' 1st round pick fr...

Kenny Giles, image- Jay Floyd After a day full of hot stove rumors indicating the Phillies were in talks with Houston about a deal for righty closer Kenny Giles , several reports have the deal in place, pending physicals. A reporter from a Fox affiliate in Houston tweeted incorrect facts about the trade multiple time, but it seems the return coming back for the 25-year-old Giles are right-handed hurler Vincent Velasquez , left-handed pitcher Brett Oberholtzer and outfielder Derek Fisher . Velsaquez, a 23-year-old, was a 2nd round pick by Houston in 2010.  With terrific upside, the youngster sported a 4-0 record with a 1.91 ERA and a 12.3 K/9 mark in nine games at the Double-A level last season prior to a promotion to the big league.  With the Astros, in 19 games (seven starts) Velasquez tallied a 4.37 ERA and a .240 batting average against. Oberholtzer, 26, has an 11-20 record in 3.94 ERA in 45 career big league outings.  He was an 8th round draft sele...

In their first move at the annual MLB Winter Meetings, the Phillies announced the signing of free agent right-hander David Hernandez to a one-year deal. The 30-year-old is a veteran of six big league seasons and was originally a 16th round draft selection by Baltimore in 2005. In 40 appearances last season for Arizona, Hernandez sported a 1-5 record along with a 4.38 ERA. This signing by Philadelphia will help to fill out the bullpen, but should not be expected to improve it. As seen in the embedded tweet below, Hernandez has very similar career numbers to departed righty reliever Justin De Fratus . Phils RHP acquisition David Hernandez- 4.15ERA, 1.32WHIP, 9.0K/9, 3.8BB/9. Departed RHP Justin DeFratus- 4.08ERA, 1.37WHIP, 7.9K/9, 3.6BB/9. — Jay Floyd (@PhoulBallz) December 9, 2015 Additionally, reports out of the Winter Meetings also mention continued dialogue between the Phils and Astros regarding closer Ken Giles. Phils and Astros have been talking about Giles all week....

Getting swept in a double header at home has likely never had such a positive spin as it did for the Phillies on Saturday as they lost a pair of contests against the division rival Marlins. In the opening game of the twin bill, the Phils would lose for the first time this season when leading after eight innings as flame throwing closer Kenny Giles blew just his second save opportunity since taking over the duties at the back end of the bullpen after the trade of Jonathan Papelbon . In the night cap, rookie hurler Alec Asher , acquired from Texas in the Cole Hamels deal, surrendered three earned runs in two innings of work to fall to 0-6 on the season in the big leagues. The Marlins were victors by scores of 7-6 and 5-2. The Phillies solidified their worst record since 1969 with their 99th loss of the season. With one game remaining this season, the century mark isn't out of the question in the loss column. They've not lost 100 or more games since 1961 when the club dro...

On the latest edition of Phillies Nation, Pat and Corey discuss the latest on Aaron Nola , Maikel Franco as well as Jonathan Papelbon and chat about the Phils' early round draft picks. Also on the program, Ryann talks with Phillies reliever Kenny Giles , Jay catches up with outfield prospect Carlos Tocci and Natalie enjoys some unique tailgating food at Palladino's in Philadelphia. Check out this week's episode in the media player below and look for new episodes premiering each Tuesday at 6PM on The Comcast SportsNet.

The PhoulBallz Podcast is back with episode 71. On the latest edition of the show, Tug and Jay are joined by Phillies rookie hurler Mario Hollands , who discusses his first season in the big leagues, his days in the minors, Jonathan Papelbon as a leader and plenty more. The guys also discuss the rookie campaigns of David Buchanan and Kenny Giles as well as Cole Hamels ' remarkable year. 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 .

It's Episode 70 and the guys are joined by pitcher Adam Loewen who participates in the inaugural edition of the new segment, "Nine Silly-ass Questions".  The episode also features exclusive interviews with Reading pitching coach Dave Lundquist and Double-A reliever Colton Murray.  Jay and Tug also chat about 2014 season highlights including Kenny Giles, Maikel Franco, Willians Astudillo and Hoby Milner while other topics include Kyle Kendrick as well as the Paul Owens Awards won by Luis Garcia and J.P. Crawford. 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 .

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 .

While big leaguers and the top two levels of the minors were on their All-Star breaks, the Phillies Nation crew continued their season.  In the 17th edition of this season's PNTV, Pat and Corey discuss the MLB All-Star rosters and nominate their mid-season award winners.  Meanwhile, Jay caught up with top prospect Maikel Franco , who pledged to the Phillies fan base that his offense was about to turn around.  Former Phils hurler Tommy Greene also joins the crew for his weekly coaching segment.  Natalie and Ryann also appear with fan questions. Check out this week's episode in the media player below and catch new episodes each week at 6PM on The Comcast Network with replays throughout the week on TCN and Comcast Sportsnet.

If you missed it on television, check out the latest edition of Phillies Nation TV.  On this week's edition, Pat and Corey chat about Jimmy Rollins and Jake Diekman , Natalie talks with Matt Stairs , and I visit the set to discuss Kenny Giles , top draft pick Aaron Nola, Roman Quinn as well as J.P. Crawford . Check it out in the media player below. New episodes of Phillies Nation TV can be seen each Tuesday at 6PM EST on The Comcast Network with replays throughout each week on TCN and Comcast Sportsnet.

On Monday, I guested on Corey Seidman's HD radio show on the Phillies 24/7 channel. During my interview segment, we talked about some promising names in the Phils organization including Kenny Giles , J.P. Crawford , Cam Perkins and Maikel Franco . Top draft pick Aaron Nola and a pair of troubling Canadians in Phillippe Aumont and Tyson Gillies were discussed as well. To hear my segment with Corey on Monday's edition of "Phillies Today", click here and skip to the 9:00 mark of the show to get right to me.

Kenny Giles, image- Jay Floyd In a week packed with Phillies organizational transactions, one of the most anticipated ones occurred.  With veteran right-hander Mike Adams sidelined with shoulder concerns, the Phillies promoted promising reliever Kenny Giles to the big leagues. Giles is an overpowering right-hander whose fastball is often clocked at 100 MPH or higher.  Additionally armed with an improving slider, Giles has the making of a back-end-of-the-bullpen hurler. In 24 games combined with Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season, the 23-year-old tallied a 2-0 record with 12 saves, a 1.88 ERA and an 11.93 K/9 mark. The Phils' 7th round draft pick from 2011, Giles, was the focus of a recent feature on Phillies Nation TV.  Check that out in the media player below. Adams, who missed time earlier this season with a shoulder strain, has a 2-1 record with a 2.12 ERA in 19 games this season.

Kenny Giles, Image- Jay Floyd Recently, I spoke with Phillies pitching prospect Kenny Giles for a segment on Phillies Nation TV . Some of what the 23-year-old right-hander chatted with me about didn't make the cut for the show, but I've transcribed that material below. Through 18 combined games with Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season, Giles has posted a 2-0 record along with eight saves, a 1.29 ERA and a .155 batting average against.  Additionally, the Phils' 7th round pick from 2011 has struck out 33 and walked 10 in 21 innings. Read ahead for some exclusive quotes from Kenny. -I asked Giles which individual stood out among Phillies teammates that he learned the most from during his time with the big club in spring training this year... I can't just pick one guy.  I mean, everybody on that team opened up my eyes and opened my mind to bigger and better things.  Just things I never thought I would think about.  I'd just say everybo...

While the Phillies have struggled out of the bullpen this year, fans and media alike have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of righty reliever Ken Giles to the big leagues. Armed with a fastball that regularly clocks at 100 MPH or higher and a steadily improving slider, the 23-year-old has been a standout performer in the minor leagues this season. Through 13 games with Double-A Reading, the 6-foot-2 205-pounder sported a 1.20 ERA with seven saves while striking out 29 batters and walking five in 15 innings. Since he was promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley last week, Giles has allowed one earned run in three innings while striking out two and walking one. Recently, I spoke with Giles and his manager with Reading Dusty Wathan about his progress and potential for Phillies Nation TV. New episodes of the show air each Tuesday at 6PM on The Comcast Network and replay throughout the week on TCN and Comcast Sportsnet. Check out the media player below to see that video feature on G...

Kenny Giles, Image- Jay Floyd According to some, the back-end of the Phillies' bullpen is questionable. But true relief might not be very far away. With Double-A Reading, closer Kenny Giles is off to a hot start and his velocity brings the real heat. The 23-year-old sports a fastball that is regularly clocked at 100 MPH or higher. His arsenal is rounded out with a strong slider that leaves opposing batters looking foolish. This year, with the responsibility of being a late inning reliever, the Phils' 7th round draft selection from 2011 is ready for the challenges that lie ahead. "I'm really excited (to close), 'cause this will be my first time doing it in the Phillies organization. A lot of guys on the team want me to shut the door and I'm going to be able to do that for them," Giles said in a recent interview. Unlike others in his line of work, Giles is open about getting a kick out of notching such big numbers on radar gun readings. Wh...

On episode 57 of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast Tug and Jay are joined by former Phillies outfielder Wes Chamberlain who chats about his new book, his pro career, playing in Japan, Philadelphia fans and tons more. The guys also discuss Tug's new gig as Reading team photographer as well as early season success for some Double-A Fightins talent like Kenny Giles, Severino Gonzalez , Cameron Perkins and Edgar Duran among others. 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 . 

With a fastball that is regularly clocked at 100 MPH, right-handed pitcher Ken Giles has garnered increased attention since joining the Phillies' organization and is primed to be a fast moving prospect that could make an impact on the big leagues in the near future. Selected in the 7th round of the 2011 amateur draft out of Yavapai (Junior) College, although he was committed to transferring to Arizona at the time, Giles began his professional career with the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies that year. After facing a difficult decision to turn pro and leave college behind, Giles struck out seven batters in 4 2/3 innings over three outings with the GCL team. Prior to making his debut in the minors, Giles, a big-time strike out artist, notched 67 strike outs in 38 innings during the 2011 college season. Giles began the 2012 season with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws where he went 3-3 with five saves, a 3.61 ERA and a .215 batting average against in 29 outings (six starts)....

A news release from the Phillies on Wednesday addressed upcoming changes to the team's broadcast staff, which features the removal of Chris Wheeler and Gary Matthews from the television "airwaves". Wheeler and "Sarge" were often mocked by fans, with the former being hated by viewers while the latter was a beloved character chock full of catchphrases and neat hats. The Phillies' statement: As the longest-tenured member of the Phillies broadcasting team, Chris Wheeler will return to his club roots after stepping down from his role as a Phillies broadcaster. With 37 years of broadcasting experience, combined with his front office background where he began his Phillies career, ‘Wheels’ will take on a new role allowing the organization to continue to benefit from his knowledge, experience and dedication to the game. Additionally, Gary Matthews will continue to work with the Phillies bringing his exceptional background as a major league ballplayer, bro...

Throughout the autumn and winter months, we'll have a weekly rundowns of how Phillies players are performing in the various leagues around the globe.  Read ahead for the latest on many familiar names, some top prospects and plenty more. Venezuelan Winter League-  In news that I first mentioned on Twitter over the weekend, minor league slugger Jim Murphy was released by the Aragua Tigres last Thursday.  Through 20 games, the first baseman batted .274 with three doubles, two homers and 10 RBI.  The release came as a surprise to the 28-year-old, who was planning to play through the full season, into late December, but will now be home in time for Thanksgiving Day. Murphy remains signed with the Phillies. Second baseman Cesar Hernandez - The 23-year-old switch hitter has gone 5-for-32 (.156 avg) in his last eight games.  Overall in 26 games for Margarita, Hernandez, who has also been playing center field, has posted a .242 average with two hom...

Throughout the autumn and winter months, we'll have a weekly run down of how Phillies players are performing in the various leagues around the globe.  Read ahead for loads of details on some familiar names, prospects and more. Arizona Fall League (seven Phils prospects play together on the Peoria Javelinas)... RHP Kenny Giles - The 23-year-old, was the Phillies' lone representative in the AFL Rising Stars Game over the weekend.  In the annual all-star exhibition Giles threw a scoreless frame, striking out two and walking one while impressing many with his 98-100 MPH fastball and his strong slider.  Overall, Giles has allowed six earned runs while striking out eight and walking seven batters in six innings for Peoria, although all of the runs were surrendered in one very unlucky outing.  The right-hander missed considerable time during the 2013 regular season with two oblique strains.  Giles, a 7th round pick in 2011, posted a 6.31 ERA in 24 g...