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Last season's 10th round draft choice by the Phillies, Kevin Brady , had a much improved outing his last time out after a troublesome season debut with the Lakewood BlueClaws on Friday. On the road, against the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Marlins affiliate), the right-handed Clemson University product held the opposition to just one unearned run on three hits over six innings for a no decision. Brady, a six-foot-three 220-pounder, allowed six earned runs on eight hits in his first start when he faced the Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox affiliate) last Sunday. After signing his first pro contract last year, Brady put together a great season, posting a 2-3 record along with a 1.90 ERA and an 11.39 K/9 mark in 12 combined outings (10 starts), with the Gulf Coast League Phillies and the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters. In what I hope will be the first in a steady stream of video samples of players this year, here's a clip of Brady warming up prior to his start against...

This past week I had the opportunity to film some interviews for Phillies Nation TV at the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws' open practice and media day. Among those that I spoke with were former Phillies All-Star Mickey Morandini , who currently serves as Lakewood's manager. As a player, Morandini helped lead the Phillies to the 1993 World Series and is now in charge of guiding the Phils of the future to the pinnacle of their sport. In this uncut version of the interview, Morandini chats about Lakewood's young roster, what led him to coaching in the professional ranks, legendary Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas and more. See the full video in the media player below. To view this week's full episode of Phillies Nation TV, click HERE .

On Friday, the Marlins will attempt to turn around their troublesome start to the 2013 season, as they host the division rival Phillies for a three-game set at Miami's Marlins Park.  Through three series, the Marlins have won only once and they've gone scoreless in four of nine contests. The Phillies lost each of their first two series this season, but locked down two wins against the Mets this week to notch their first winning set of the year. In the series opener, lefty John Lannan will make his second start for the Phillies after he allowed three earned runs over seven innings in his season debut against the Royals for a no decision.  Miami will counter with Ricky Nolasco , who has posted a 5.40 ERA in his last four outings against the Phils. Last season, the Phillies won 10 of 18 meetings with the Marlins, including six of nine in Miami.  Read ahead for full details on the pitching match ups and more for this series. Friday, 7:10 PM.  John Lannan (0-...

Phillies 5th round draft choice from 2011, Mitch Walding , is off to a solid start to the regular season this year with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws.  Walding, a 3rd baseman, has gone 9-for-28 (.321 avg) with two doubles and six RBI through eight games thus far against South Atlantic League competition. The lefty batting Lodi, CA native made his pro debut last season with the short-season Class A Williamsport Crosscutters, posting a .233 batting average along with 10 doubles, three triples, a homer and 31 RBI in 69 games. After playing in the Florida Instructional League last year as well, the six-foot-three 190-pounder came into spring training this year, ready to make an impact and made his full season team debut last week. I spoke with the 20-year-old Walding recently about his his draft experience, his time as a pro thus far and plenty more.  Read ahead to check out the full interview. - In 2011, you were a 5th round draft pick.  I just wanted to get you...

On the 21st edition of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast, Jay and Tug discuss the first week of game action in the big leagues and in the minors, reviewing output from Michael Young , Chase Utley , Roman Quinn , Zach Collier and plenty more stars from the Phillies system. Additionally, the guys review the incident involving top Cubs prospect Jorge Soler , with accounts of what happened from Clearwater Threshers backstops Josh Ludy and Logan Moore , along with plenty more baseball topics. Also on the show, the guys tease a major announcement next week. 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 .

This week, I spoke with Class A Lakewood BlueClaws manager Mickey Morandini who shared some thoughts on his team's roster and more. Thoughts on the BlueClaws lineup and where he sees his players fitting in... "With Tyler Greene , he's going to be our utility infielder. So, he'll spell (Mitch) Walding on occasion, he'll spell (Angelo) Mora on occasion, he'll spell "Quinny", when he needs a break. (Willie) Carmona will primarily be our DH, but he'll spell (Art) Charles at first, he will also play some third. In the outfield, it's just gonna be a who's hot type of thing. You know, (Carlos) Tocci's gonna play every day. (Brian) Pointer's probably going to play almost every day. And then with (Yan) Olmo and Zach Taylor , we'll just kind of go with the hot hand, maybe righty-lefty (match up), something like that. (Chace) Numata's gonna catch more games than (Chad) Carman, but they're both going to get a lot ...

Mario Hollands Lefty hurler Mario Hollands , who is on the disabled list for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, is not currently ailing and is spending time with the Phils’ extended spring training team until further notice. Pitching at four levels of the organization’s developmental system last season, the 24-year-old posted a 7-9 record with a 4.55 ERA and a .282 batting average against in 27 outings (18 starts). Right-handed reliever Kenny Giles , who also opened the 2013 season on the disabled list for the Threshers, is dealing with an oblique strain. There is no known time frame for the Phillies’ 2011 7th round draft selection's return. Last season, with Class A Lakewood and Clearwater, the 22-year-old tallied a 4-3 record with eight saves, a 3.51 ERA and a 12.18 K/9 mark in 39 contests. Left-handed starting pitcher Nick Hernandez made his official return to the mound for the Threshers on Tuesday evening. Out since 2010 with repeated shoulder injuries, t...

In lieu of the usual full series preview that this site offers, here's an abbreviated version that provides an overview of the pitching match ups for this week's upcoming Metropolitans (4-2) vs. Phillies (2-4) series at Citizens Bank Park. Monday, 7:05 PM. Matt Harvey (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (0-1, 13.50 ERA). Harvey threw seven scoreless innings while striking out 10, surrendering only one hit and walking two in his first start of the season against the Padres last week. In two career starts against the Phillies, Harvey has a 1-0 record with a 2.03 ERA. Ryan Howard is 0-for-5 in his career against the right-handed Harvey. As a rookie last season, Harvey posted a 3.31 ERA in six road starts. Halladay allowed five earned runs in 3 1/3 innings in his initial start this season against the Braves last week. In eight starts against the Mets since joining the Phillies, Halladay has a 7-0 record along with a 1.78 ERA. David Wright is 4-for-24 (.167 avg) in his career against...

Quinn reflects on his efforts during Sunday's game Following a day in which he committed three errors in an 11-4 loss to Kannapolis at Lakewood's FirstEnergy Park, highly regarded Phillies prospect Roman Quinn seemed to be pondering a change of position in order to help his career, his team and his own peace of mind. Quinn's three errors on Sunday for the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws, gave the speedster, who is generously listed five-foot-ten 170-pounds, a total of five miscues on the new season. Having spent more time in the outfield during his high school days, Quinn switched to shortstop on a full time basis upon signing his first professional contract with the Phillies late in the summer of 2011, after the organization selected him in the 2nd round of that year's amateur draft. Asked on Sunday if he can take a lesson from his dismal defensive effort, in order to bounce back the next time out, a clearly discouraged Quinn, who knows that baseball is a g...

The Phillies will kick off their 2013 home schedule with interleague play for the very first time this week as the visiting Kansas City Royals come to town for a three game series. Right-hander Kyle Kendrick will take the mound for the Phillies in the opener. The 28-year-old opens the regular season with a spot in the team's starting rotation for the first time since 2010. The Royals, who last visited Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park in 2004, will counter with Wade Davis , who makes his team debut after being acquired from Tampa Bay in a trade over the off-season that saw a total of seven players swap uniforms. Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups and more from this series. Friday, 4:05 PM. Wade Davis (3-0, 2.43 ERA in 2012) vs. Kyle Kendrick (11-12, 3.90 ERA). David, the Ray's 3rd round draft pick in 2004, sported a 2.81 ERA in 25 road outings last season. Michael Young is 3-for-8 (.375 avg) in his career against Davis. Kendrick has ...

The Phillies home opener is finally here.  Just as you can expect every year, the team has loads of fun planned for the big day as the Phils kick things off at Citizens Bank Park. Check out all the details... 7:00 AM- Majestic Clubhouse Store opens. 1:00 PM- Citizens Bank Way opening day party.  Live entertainment, with food and drinks available. 1:35 PM- All gates open.   Fans receive opening day rally towel. 1:55 PM- Phillies batting practice. 2:30 PM- Royals batting practice. 3:15 PM- Phils line up on 10th Street.  Fans are invited to line up on 10th St. and cheer on the Phillies, as they make their “Leadoff Walk” into the ballpark. The team will be escorted by the Cardinal O'Hara High School Marching Band. 3:28 PM- Fans urged to be in their seats for a pregame ceremony. The Fralinger String Band will provide the music as the team enters the field. 3:32 PM- Philadelphia Boys Choir and Men's Chorale sing "Philadelphia Pride" and "America th...

Tug and Jay are back with Episode 20 of The PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast. On this episode, the guys discuss the Phillies opening series against the Braves, Roy Halladay 's struggles, minor league promotional schedules, Shane Watson , the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws, Chris Duffy , the independent Camden Riversharks and tons more! 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 .