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This week I brought another exclusive interview to John Stolnis' Felske Files Podcast.  Featured on edition 118 of the show, I spoke with Phillies outfield prospect Andrew Pullin.  The 23-year-old lefty batter has posted a .327 batting average with 10 homers and 32 RBI in 43 games this season with the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils. Pullin, a 5th round pick in 2012, chatted it up in an effort to get to know him, answering some out of the ordinary inquiries. Also on the episode, Phillies beat reporter Kevin Cooney spoke about the big league club's recent struggles and the voice of the Reading Fightins, Mike Ventola, joined John to talk about the Phillies' Double-A squad. Hit the embedded media player below for the full episode, which is available to stream and download. 

On Friday, Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan took time to chat about several promising youngsters that have taken part in off-season leagues. Read ahead for the full interview. M Imhof, image- Jay Floyd - During the season, Threshers pitcher Matt Imhof drew a lot of attention after he suffered a significant injury that resulted in the loss of one of his eyes.  Do you have any updates to share on Matt's progress toward recovery? I really don't have a whole other than I've spoken with him, he's taking classes and it seems like he's adapting.  He seems to be doing well.  That's what he told me.  Right now, I think that's what matters.  You know, just taking some classes and trying to, you know, I would guess just trying to make the adaptations that he needs to make.  But I really don't have a lot more than that to offer. He seems to be doing well.  - Is the goal for him to return to the game? That will be something that if...

Joseph, image- Jay Floyd If you were tuned into my Twitter feed on Thursday night or paid attention to the comments section here on Phillies Nation throughout the evening, you may have been alerted to the news of Tommy Joseph 's impending arrival to the Phillies. . @philliesnation commenter claims 2 have witnessed Tommy Joseph redirecting his luggage &himself toward Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/7GIhC1tVhX — Jay Floyd (@PhoulBallz) May 13, 2016 In the embedded tweet, I screen capped a post in the PhilliesNation.com comments section from a reader named Paul Albrecht, who stated he witnessed the talented prospect redirect his luggage from the IronPigs' bus to Philadelphia to meet the Phillies, who would be returning from a road trip. Well, confirmation came out this morning that the commenter's report was accurate and Joseph will join the Phils for their weekend series at home beginning on Friday. Joseph, 24, sports an International League leading .3...

Tommy Joseph, image- Jay Floyd The standout player on any hotlist of late should be the man that I receive daily tweets from fans about, asking when he’ll be called up to replace Darin Ruf or Philadelphia legend Ryan Howard . The man who was recently an afterthought or a player most fans thought was a fizzled out prospect who had been ravaged by concussions. The player that had to abandon his catching position due to those injuries and moved elsewhere on the diamond in order to continue his career. The guy that was acquired from the Giants in a trade for Hunter Pence back in 2012, Tommy Joseph . The 24-year-old first baseman/designated hitter has been on fire, excelling at the plate all season. In 23 games for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, he sports a .392 average and a 1.126 OPS, both of which lead the Triple-A International League. Joseph a right-handed hitter, has slammed seven doubles and six homers while driving in a team-best 17 runs. He’s playing like someone very deser...

On the latest edition of Phillies Nation, Pat and Corey talk about the call up of 3B prospect Maikel Franco and what the team could expect from Domonic Brown . Looking toward what other players would help the big club, Rachel interviews IronPigs broadcaster Steve Degler, while Jay talks with lefty pitcher Adam Morgan . Hitting consultant Kevin Wilson also returns to the show, running down the mentality of hitting with two strikes. The gang also unveils some huge news about an upcoming addition to the PN family. To view the full episode, check out the media player below. New episodes of Phillies Nation premiere each Tuesday at 6PM on The Comcast Network.

Lehigh Valley IronPigs backstop Tommy Joseph was placed on the 7-day disabled list on Tuesday, diagnosed with a concussion. Tough luck for @IronPigs C Tommy Joseph, who's been placed on DL w/ another concussion. Entering season, he appeared in just 22% G past 2 yr — Matt Provence (@PigsRadio) May 12, 2015 Joseph was removed from Monday's game after being hit in the mask with a foul tip. In 20 games this season, he was batting .123 with four doubles and six RBI. The 23-year-old was acquired in 2012 from San Francisco in the deal for Hunter Pence and had played in 63 total games the past two seasons, missing time with multiple concussions and a wrist injury. This instance marks the sixth stint on the disabled list for the six-foot-one 250-pounder since joining the Phillies organization in July 2012. In an interview with Phillies Nation for a planned television segment last month, Joseph cited growing displeasure with spending so much time on the shelf. "I sig...

Joe Jordan, image- Jay Floyd Recently, I caught up with the Phillies' director of player development Joe Jordan to discuss several key subjects throughout the minor leagues. Jordan, who took over his current role following the 2011 season, commented on pitching prospects Adam Morgan and Ricardo Pinto as well as outfielders Cord Sandberg , Roman Quinn , Cam Perkins and Aaron Altherr along with catcher Tommy Joseph . Also a topic of discussion is the realignment of some minor league coaches this year plus field coordinator Doug Mansolino. Read ahead for the comments from Jordan and click here for his exclusive injury updates from last week. - Adam Morgan (0-1, 5.00 ERA in two starts) is back in action at the Triple-A level for the IronPigs. What's the outlook for Adam right now? Adam had a good camp. He just progressed all the way. We got him built up there at the end, so he was ready to go to Lehigh. Adam looks good, you know. He’s fine. He just needs to ...

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...

Tommy Joseph, Image- Jay Floyd -Catching prospect Tommy Joseph is slated to have season ending surgery to repair an ailment in his left wrist. The injury initially took place back in May, when the 23-year-old was part of a collision at home plate while playing with Double-A Reading. As a member of the Fightins this season, the righty batting Joseph tallied a .282 batting average while slugging five home runs and driving in 19 runs in 21 games. Joseph last played in mid-July when, after some rest, he rehabbed with the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies, going 5-for-20 with a double in six games prior to experiencing a setback with the injured wrist. Reports state that the surgery will be performed by Dr. Don Sheridan, an orthopedic hand and wrist surgeon in Arizona. Joseph was acquired from San Francisco along with two other players in 2012 for Hunter Pence . -Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez made his Triple-A debut with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Saturday. The 27-year-...

Over the weekend, I shot video footage of some Double-A Reading players taking their pregame hacks. Included in the clip in the video player below are outfielders Aaron Altherr and Cameron Perkins , first baseman Chris Serritella and catcher Tommy Joseph . Altherr was the Phillies' 9th round draft pick in 2009.  Through 19 games with Reading this year, the 23-year-old, who opened the season on the disabled list with a wrist injury, is batting .234 with two homers, 10 RBI and a stolen base. Perkins had an outstanding start to his second full pro season.  The 23-year-old was the Phillies' 6th round draft pick in 2012.  In 33 games, Perkins sports a .338 average with two home runs, 18 RBI and four steals. Serritella has a .250 average with two home runs and seven RBI in 22 games.  The 24-year-old was the Phils' 4th round pick in 2012. Joseph, acquired from the Giants in the Hunter Pence trade, sports a .282 average with five home runs and 19 RBI throu...

Here's a brief rundown of some top performers and some that aren't doing too well from throughout the Phillies developmental levels, in no particular order. Double-A Reading Fightins- Who's hot... Tommy Joseph, Image- Jay Floyd Catcher Tommy Joseph , who was batting .359 with four home runs and 13 RBI in his last 10 games, left Friday's game with a left wrist issue. The 22-year-old sat out Saturday and wore a brace on the ailing joint. Jose Mayorga , who was with Lakewood last week, was with the Reading team on Saturday, seemingly in case further evaluation on the often injured Joseph results in another trip to the disabled list. Infielder Cesar Hernandez is staying hot at the plate while he adapts to third base in the Eastern League. With two hits in a game that was suspended due to rain on Saturday, the Venezuela native who turns 24-years-old later this month, extended his hitting streak to nine games. He's batting .455 during that stretch. Over...

I sat down with Reading Fightins' manager Dusty Wathan this week to chat about some well-known Phillies prospects. The Double-A skipper openly discussed the progress of young pitching prospect Severino Gonzalez and outfielder Cameron Perkins . He also shared details about the status of infielder Cesar Hernandez , who was a late scratch from the team's lineup on Thursday with groin tightness, as well as catcher Tommy Joseph , who has had repeated concussion concerns. Severino Gonzalez, Image- Jay Floyd Talking about the output and progress of 21-year-old righty Severino Gonzalez, who sports a 3-2 record with a 4.02 ERA through seven starts this season- He's done a nice job. He's, obviously, advanced in the system quickly. One of the younger guys in this league. And he's done a nice job. You know, he's learning a lot of stuff. He's here quick. He hasn't advanced through the system kind of the normal way a guy would. He kind of flew thro...

It's another edition of our weekly minor league round up, where we take a look at the hottest players in the Phillies system. Read ahead for all the notes on your standout prospects and a shining pro vet. Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs- Maikel Franco, Image- Jay Floyd Third baseman Maikel Franco is 9-for-31 (.290 avg) with three doubles, a homer and five RBI in his last seven games. The 21-year-old Domincan was batting .111 on the season prior to that stretch of games. Righty hurler Greg Smith has been on fire in his past three starts, posting a 2-0 record with a 0.90 ERA while striking out 15 and walking one in 20 innings during that stretch. Smith tallied a 3.31 ERA in 23 games with the IronPigs last season. The 30-year-old has pitched in the big leagues with Oakland and Colorado. Double-A Reading Fightins- Outfielder Cam Perkins has maintained his strong output since the start of the season and, after notching his 12th multi-hit game of the year on Monday,...

Tommy Joseph, Image- Jay Floyd Acquired from San Francisco in a swap for Hunter Pence in July 2012, catcher Tommy Joseph quickly became one of the Phillies' top positional prospects. In the time since that trade, however, Joseph has struggled to produce as he has dealt with injury concerns that have prevented him from getting and staying hot. Possessing a high ceiling bat and strong backstop skills, Joseph is still a prospect that could make a big splash in the Phils system if his health allows him to stay on the field. In 2009 Joseph was was drafted in the second round out of Horizon High School in Arizona. That season, he was recognized as an All-State player as he dominated opposing pitchers with his .494 average, 15 home runs and 36 RBI in 37 games played. Upon making his professional debut the following year, the six-foot-one 215-pounder played with Class A Augusta of the South Atlantic League. In 2010, with the GreenJackets, Joseph posted a .236 average with 16...

Throughout the autumn and winter months, we'll have a weekly rundown 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. Dominican Winter League... LHP Antonio Bastardo - The 28-year-old has a 0-1 record with a 1.04 ERA in nine outings for the Gigantes.  Through 8 2/3 innings, Bastardo has struck out 17 batters while walking two.  In 48 big league games this year, before missing time due to a banned substance suspension, the reliever had a 3-2 record with two saves and a 2.32 ERA. 3B/1B Maikel Franco -  The 21-year-old slugged his first homer of the Dominican League season this past week.  Overall, in 32 games the righty batting Franco has tallied a .237 average with six doubles, a home run, 11 RBI and three steals.  Franco had an excellent 2013, mashing 31 homers and driving in 103 runs in 134 games with Clearwa...

Throughout the autumn and winter months, we'll have a weekly rundown 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-  Second baseman Cesar Hernandez - The 23-year-old is 6-for-29 (.207 avg) in his last eight games.  Overall in 31 games for Margarita, Hernandez, who has also been playing center field, has posted a .254 average with two home runs, 15 RBI and two steals.  Hernandez batted .289 with five doubles and 10 RBI in 34 games with the Phillies and was honored as a Triple-A All-Star this past season. Shortstop Freddy Galvis - The 23-year-old is batting .295 with eight doubles, one triple and two homers along with 12 RBI in 27 games.  The switch-hitting Galvis is batting .295 from both sides of the plate for Zulia.  Galvis sported a .234 average with six home runs and 19 RBI ...

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 .

Throughout the autumn and winter months, we'll have a weekly review of how Phillies players are performing in the various leagues around the globe.  Read ahead for he latest on many familiar names, some top prospects and plenty more. Dominican Winter League... 3B Maikel Franco -  The trial of Franco at first base continued as the slugger played his fourth straight game there on Monday.  Franco played eight games at first in the closing weeks of the 2013 regular season with Double-A Reading.  The 21-year-old sports a .328 average with four doubles and seven RBI in 17 games with the Gigantes.  The righty batting Franco had a bust-out 2013, slamming 31 homers and droving in 103 runs in 134 games with Clearwater and Reading this year. LHP Antonio Bastardo - In two appearances, the 28-year-old has pitched two scoreless innings, striking out four and walking one without surrendering a hit.  In 48 big league games this year, before m...