We will likely never see something like the 2015 Reading Fightins again. It was the perfect combination of top prospects, post promotion breakouts, and a huge influx of talent via trade. The team was the favorites going into the Eastern League playoffs and steamrolled through the first round. But in the end they ended up one starting pitcher short and fell in a heartbreaking Game 5. From start to finish the Reading team was must see and they rarely disappointed. While minor league success does not necessarily translate to the majors, this year showed Phillies’ fans a glimpse of what the future could be.
Record: 80-61
Standing: 1st in Eastern Division (Lost 3-2 in Eastern League Championship Series)
Interview with Mike Ventola and Chris LaBarge
Statistical Leaders:
Hits – Brock Stassi (140)
Doubles – Brock Stassi (32)
Triples – J.P. Crawford (7)
Home Runs – Brock Stassi (15)
Walks – Brock Stassi (77)
Strikeouts – Art Charles (100)
Stolen Bases – Roman Quinn (29)
Batting Average – Andrew Knapp (.360)
On Base Percentage – Andrew Knapp (.419)
Slugging – Andrew Knapp (.631)
ERA (SP) – Aaron Nola (1.88)
ERA (RP) – Reinier Roibal (1.66)
Innings – Ben Lively (143.2)
Home Runs – Ben Lively (14)
Walks – Tom Windle (51)
Strikeouts – Ben Lively (111)
WHIP (SP) – Aaron Nola (0.89)
WHIP (RP) – Reinier Roibal (0.95)
An Amazing Collection of Offensive Talent:
There has been a ton written about this Reading team, both during and after the season. But just how much better was their offense than the rest of the league?
Runs: 1st (+62 runs on second place)
Doubles: 1st (+9)
Home Runs: 1st (+5)
Total Bases: 1st (+103)
Walks: T-1st
AVG: 2nd (-.002)
OBP: 1st (+.004)
SLG: 1st (+.021)
Among players with at least 200 PAs in the Eastern League there were 43 who posted a wRC+ greater than 120. There are 7 that played for Reading (6 full time) in Andrew Knapp (200), Brock Stassi (149), Aaron Altherr (145), Destin Hood (134), Roman Quinn (129), Brian Pointer (125), and J.P. Crawford (121). Andrew Knapp’s 200 wRC+ lead 2nd place Trey Mancini by 20.
Among players with at least 200 PAs, Reading had 6 of the Top 20 players by BB% in Brock Stassi (13.9%), Brian Pointer (13.1%), J.P. Crawford (12.1%), Art Charles (11.6%), Brodie Greene (11.2%), and Aaron Altherr (10.8%).
In just 58 games Roman Quinn stole the 3rd most bases in the Eastern League (29).