The minor league signings keep coming in for the Phillies and other teams. Some names are familiar, other names might have been made up in The Show. Some will not make it past spring training, but others will be silent and integral parts of the Reading and Lehigh Valley teams as they fill in the gaps in the lineup and bullpen. So per various sources including mlbtraderumors and Baseball America here are the most recent signings
Former Phillies: Reid Brignac (Marlins), Sebastian Valle (Pirates), Raywilly Gomez (Angels)
Signed By Phillies: Paul Clemens (Astros), Koyie Hill (Phillies), Cord Phelps (Orioles), Chris Nelson (Padres), Tyler Gonzales (Blue Jays)
- Valle was once ranked as high as the #3 prospect in the Phillies system (following the 2011 season). He has impressive power and good defensive tools, but he never developed an approach at the plate that allowed him to make quality contact. There is a chance that he could develop into a back up catcher, but the Phillies have been down on him for a while.
- Paul Clemens highlighted (along with Jordan Schafer, Juan Abreu, and Brett Olberholtzer) the trade that sent Michael Bourn from Houston to Atlanta. Clemens was then ranked the #5 prospect in the Astros system according to BA and they cited a FB that was 93-96 and curve with plus potential, his floor was supposed to be that of a inconsistent reliever, but he has struggled to even get close to that. By pitchFx, Clemens averaged 92.3 mph on his fastball, but was up to 96.4. He will join what should be an interesting Ironpigs bullpen.
- Gonzales was the #60 overall pick in 2012 draft. He did not pitch in 2014 and will be serving a 50 game suspension for recreational drug use to start 2015