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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...

On the 72nd edition of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast, Tug and Jay are joined by cerebral slugger Jake Fox , who talks about his time in the Phillies' organization this year, his transition to playing with the Somerset Patriots this year, his possible future destination, having a plan at the plate and plenty more. The guys also discuss the postseason success of the Kansas City Royals as well as Phillies playing in off-season leagues. 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 .

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...

Zach Collier, image- Jay Floyd They're calling him "Mr. August". You'd have a difficult time finding a hotter batter in professional baseball right now than Double-A Reading outfielder Zach Collier and the increase in production couldn't have come at a better time. In his last six contests, the six-foot-two 200-pounder has been scorching the ball to the tune of a .417 average with seven home runs and 11 RBI, helping his club notch five straight wins. With veteran slugger Jake Fox (.330 avg, 17 HR, 56 RBI in 54 games) leading the Reading Fightins offense for two months since signing with the Phillies, it was only a matter of time before his outstanding production rubbed off on those around him. For Collier, it was some verbal guidance from the 32-year-old as well as Fox's generous nature with his personal equipment that helped. "He's helped me out a lot, you know, just talking, going over hitting and everything like that. I'm actual...

The PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast is back! On the 68th edition of the show Clearwater starting pitcher Colin Kleven and Reading outfielder Zach Collier phone in. Kleven discusses his season as the Threshers' most consistent pitcher, playing in front of smaller crowds in the Florida State League, his teammates Roman Quinn and J.P. Crawford plus plenty more. Collier chats about the secret to his recent hot streak in which he's slugged five home runs and driven in nine runs in his past six games as well as his suspension for a positive Adderall test and much more. Tug and Jay also discuss the Double-A debuts of Aaron Nola and Jacob Lindgren , Jiandido Tromp 's offensive production with Williamsport and Jake Fox 's big season. 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 .

Larry Greene works with a coach, Image- Jay Floyd -Good news this week for Larry Greene Jr., who was previously said to have required surgery to repair his ailing left wrist. The 21-year-old outfielder has resumed game action after spending time in a brace and is playing intrasquad games with the group that is slated to become the Gulf Coast League Phillies. The Phillies' top draft pick from 2011 anticipates that he could be activated for the Class A BlueClaws by July 1st. Greene's original diagnosis was a cartilage tear. Prior to being sidelined, the Georgia native posted a .167 average with five RBI and two steals in 15 games with Lakewood this year. The GCL kicks off its season this coming Friday. Greene could continue action there once their season begins. -Two other outfielders made their returns for the Double-A Reading Fightins on Tuesday. Former 1st round draft selection Zach Collier (back) and 2009 second round pick Kelly Dugan (oblique) were in the ...

With the new year upon us, it’s time to kick off our annual countdown of the top 25 prospects in the Phillies organization. In the coming weeks, as a fresh season approaches, I will be unveiling player reviews for each of the top developmental talents that you, as Phillies fans, should be familiar with. Taken into consideration when reviewing these developing talents will be age, minor league performance relative to levels played, value to the organization as well as future potential and possible proximity to the big leagues. These rankings will not include players over 25 years of age or individuals that have spent lengthy and multiple stretches in the big leagues. Some very talented youngsters did not make the cut simply because other individuals ranked higher. Players that drew consideration included righty pitcher Mitch Gueller , lefty hurler Hoby Milner , and catcher Andrew Knapp . Gueller, the Phils' supplementary first round pick in 2012, has failed to crack the r...

On Sunday, prior to Reading's game in Trenton, I spent some time chatting with Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan regarding as many subjects as I could, before I felt like I might be keeping him from something important on his chiming cell phone.  The topics included the Maikel Franco and Cody Asche 3rd base prospect jam, lefty hurler Adam Morgan 's upcoming return to action, the possibility of moving Brody Colvin out of the Reading rotation, and much more. That interview lies ahead... - Outfielder Kelly Dugan joined the Double-A Reading team this weekend and looks to be very deserving of the promotion.  How about his 2013? Kelly's done really well.  You know, he came- he had a wonderful spring training and had an oblique pull right at the end of camp and so he didn't get to break camp with the club.  But ever since he's gotten back on the field, he's done nothing except hit and he's played good in the outfield.  It's bee...

Following Friday's night's 8-0 loss by the Reading Fightins at the division rival Trenton Thunder (Yankees affiliate), I spoke with several players.  Righty starter Brody Colvin , who took the loss in the contest after being charged with eight earned runs over two innings, offered his thoughts on a discouraging season, catcher Tommy Joseph spoke about dealing with and recovering from his third career concussion, outfielder Kelly Dugan shared his thoughts on making his Double-A debut as well as his 2013 success and outfielder Zach Collier gave some feedback on his 3-for-34 (.088 avg) slump in his last nine contests. Read ahead for all the quotes from these Phillies prospects... Brody Colvin: - I wanted to get your thoughts on what would probably be the exact opposite of what you would find to be an ideal outing for you... The best thing to say is, (stuff) like that happens.  You know, I've been pretty inconsistent lately.  Up and down.  I guess tha...

It's another round of our weekly minor league notes, featuring key performers from each full season level.  Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs- In 23 contests this month, second base prospect Cesar Hernandez is sporting a .241 batting average, after he posted a .375 mark in 24 April games.  The switch-hitting Venezuelan turned 23 years old last week. OF Steve Susdorf is batting .346 with five doubles and seven RBI in 18 May games.  The 27-year-old lefty hitter was a 19th round draft pick by the Phillies in 2008. OF Darin Ruf has been out of action since Thursday, sidelined with a jammed thumb.  The slugger batted .195 in his previous 10 games prior to the ailment. Double-A Reading Fightin' Phillies- Top prospect Jesse Biddle had a weak outing (4 IP, 6R/5ER) on the mound against Harrisburg for the Fightins on Sunday, but his two hits raised his season batting average to .556.  The 21-year-old left-hander saw his season ERA go from 2.50 up to 3...

It's the 26th episode of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast. On this edition of the show, Tug and Jay talk about baseball coming second for many minor league teams, Lakewood's upcoming South Atlantic League All-Star events, the Phillies' bullpen and Tug's annoyance level related to happenings with TheFightins.com. Jay also serves up an exclusive interview with prospect Zach Collier . 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 .

In his second year with the team, former pro catcher Dusty Wathan has led the Double-A Reading Fightin Phillies to a 12-10 record thus far in the early going. After his 14-year playing career, Wathan began the next leg of his career, managing, with the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters in the Phillies organization in 2008. Since then, the son of former Royals manager John Wathan has climbed up the Philadelphia developmental ranks, making stops with Class A Lakewood, Class A Advanced Clearwater and, of course, Reading. As a player, Wathan was signed by Seattle in 1994 and went on to compete in the Florida, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Kansas City and Philadelphia organizations. With the Royals, Wathan appeared in three big league games in 2002. This week, I sat down with Dusty to discuss the collection of well-regarded talent on his roster including top prospect Jesse Biddle , catcher Sebastian Valle , outfielders Anthony Hewitt and Zach Collier , plus plenty more. Read ...