PhoulBallz.com

Greg Legg, image- Jay Floyd Last week I spent time with manager of the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils, Greg Legg.  The skipper offered his thoughts on several players including corner infielder Zach Green, backstop Deivi Grullon, starting pitcher JoJo Romero, outfielder Cornelius Randolph and others.  Read ahead to check out the interview. -Zach Green's been consistent this year.  Showing a lot of power, when in previous seasons, due to injuries, maybe he didn't get to show it off that much.  Thoughts on him? I think just being healthy.  Getting to play steady and getting to play the field and not having to worry about "Do I have to go down?" He's just taking advantage of the opportunity to play every day and it's been fun for Zach.  Years ago, the talent was all there, but now he's getting to showcase it.  I think just him playing and being free of injuries is letting him be him and doing what he's done probably his whole life.  -Prior ...

Zach Coppola, image- Jay Floyd In an occasional role with the big league Phillies this spring outfield prospect Zach Coppola impressed many.  In 10 games, the 23-year-old lefty batted posted a .273 average with two RBI and three stolen bases. A 13th round draft selection by the Phils in 2015, Coppola has been a steady moved in the team's developmental ranks over the last couple of season. Coppola, a .290 career hitter in the minors, could be a valuable contributor in years to come for the Phillies. Last week, prior to opening the season with Double-A Reading, I talked with Zach about his time around the big club this pre-season.  Read ahead for that full interview. -How would you describe your time around the major league team in spring training? It was really fun just getting to know those guys, being around them, just seeing how they go about their business. It was cool especially with the new culture going on up there. It was an exciting time. -With that ...

Zach Coppola, image- Jay Floyd Outfielder Zach Coppola has enjoyed some solid success this year in the Phillies developmental ranks.  The 23-year-old, who was a 13th round draft choice in 2015, opened the season with Class A Advanced Clearwater, where he batted .350 with a homer, 12 RBI and 10 steals in 55 games.  Following a promotion to Double-A Reading, the five-foot-10 160-pounder has tallied a .281 average with nine RBI and 10 stolen bases in 34 games.  Recently, I talked with Zach about coaches who have made lasting impressions on him, his family, Reading Fightin Phils fans and more.  Read ahead for that full interview. -It's been a great 2017 for you so far.  Hitting for high average, earning a promotion.  Talk about your success. It's been a good year.  I'm just working hard, trying to stay consistent.  I think that's been my main goal.  But, yeah, it's been going well. -What has been the difference for you?  'Cause l...

Shawn Williams, image- Jay Floyd Recently, I sat down with Class A Lakewood BlueClaws manager Shawn Williams to ask about several of his team's rising prospects. Among the topics of discussion were impressive lefty reliever Zach Morris , well regarded backstop Deivi Grullon , outfielder Jose Pujols and several others. Read ahead for that full interview. -Zach Morris has been so consistent for this team dating back to late April, with an ERA under one during that stretch. What are your thoughts on him? I mean he’s been outstanding all year. He’s done every single role for us, whether it’s setting up, closing, he’s been huge for us when he’s picked up three or four innings he’s saved out bullpen. All around he’s done an outstanding job to help us and help our bullpen. -With other guys performing well and moving up, is there something that Zach is missing or needs to be doing to earn a promotion? I think it’s more that there are a lot of guys doing well up above, so it’s...

Shawn Williams, image- Jay Floyd I recently sat down with Class A Lakewood manager Shawn Williams to discuss his BlueClaws team. Topics ranged from injured players, a returning pitcher, a pitching prospect's improvements, his team's backstops and plenty more. Read ahead for the full interview. -Firstly, I wanted to start out by asking about a pair of guys that have been on the disabled list for a while. Last year's Phillies first round pick Cornelius Randolph (shoulder) and outfielder Zach Coppola (hamstring) have been sidelined for a while. Any update on those guys nearing a return? The only thing I have is that Randolph has started doing some hitting stuff, some tee stuff and I don't know what the time table is for him. I just know he's hitting again, so I probably couldn't even tell you. I know Zach is a lot closer than Cornelius. I think he's almost into games here in the next couple days, probably just getting his legs going, I mean, po...