Maikel Franco has been on Phillies fans radar’s for almost 2 years now, ever since he mashed pitching in the Florida State League. There was some clamoring for him to win the third base job out of spring training in 2014, but the Phillies sent him to Lehigh Valley for the season. But now it appears they will be calling up the right-handed third baseman, so who is Maikel Franco, and what should Phillies fans expect from Franco going forward.
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Phillies Acquire Victor Arano to Complete Roberto Hernandez Trade
A couple of weeks ago the Phillies acquired the first of two PTBNL in a trade that sent Roberto Hernandez to the Dodgers, in second baseman Jesmuel Valentin. Today they completed the trade by acquiring 19 year old RHP Victor Arano. Arano is already physically mature for a 19 year old (6’2″ 200lbs) so it … Read more
Roman Quinn Headlines Phillies Arizona Fall League Participants
Here is your Phillies Arizona Fall League participants, outside of Quinn there are a lot of relievers trying to get protected from Rule 5 draft.
Roman Quinn – CF – Clearwater – .252/.330/.361 6 HR 30 SBs
Roman Quinn has returned from an Achilles injury better than anyone could have predicted, with his speed still intact. In deference to J.P. Crawford, Quinn has moved to center field and the fall should give him plenty of reps in the outfield. Quinn should be an outstanding defender in centerfield with his elite speed and plus arm. The bat is now the main focus as Quinn will need to become comfortable from both sides of the plate and begin to show more ability to drive the ball.
Jose Pujols to be Promoted to Williamsport
According to Ian Catherine, GCL right fielder Jose Pujols will be promoted to Williamsport.
Jose Pujols will join the Cutters in Mahoning Valley according to manager Shawn Williams.
— 𝙸𝚊𝚗 𝙲𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚎 (@IanCatherine27) August 15, 2014
Pujols will be rejoining the other big signing of the Phillies 2012 International FA class, Deivi Grullon. Pujols signed for $540,000 out of the Dominican Republic after showing impressive raw power that had one scout invoke the name of a certain Marlin slugger. At the time Pujols’ swing showed incredible bat speed but a lot of uppercut and natural miss to it. Last year the Phillies worked to retool his swing to be more level, the end result was a more contact oriented swing that did not sacrifice any of what may be 80 grade raw power. Pujols has made large strides in pitch recognition, but he still has approach and aggression issues at the plate that have lead to high strikeout totals, but he has also shown a willingness at times to work deep counts. Last year Pujols tied for the GCL lead in home runs, but most of his power was to the pull side, this year he has shown the ability to hit the ball hard to the opposite field as seen in his spray chart.
Yoel Mecias Activated for Lakewood
Yoel Mecias was one of my breakout prospects a year ago before he injured his elbow and required Tommy John surgery. At his best Mecias’s fastball was 88-92 touching 94 in short outings. However, his body suggests he could have plus velocity as he matures. His real weapon is his changeup which shows plus potential … Read more
Aaron Nola to Make Pro Debut and Other Weekend News
The big news coming out this weekend is that Phillies first round pick (#7 overall), Aaron Nola will make his pro debut with the Clearwater Threshers today. On the mound Nola will bring a fastball that sits 91-94 but touches 96 when he needs it. He has shown the ability to command the fastball around … Read more
Malquin Canelo Takes Crawford’s spot in Lakewood
On any other team Malquin Canelo starts for their Low-A affiliate in 2014. However, most organizations don’t have J.P. Crawford, and so Canelo stayed in Florida this spring. He made a brief cameo in the Florida State League, where he didn’t completely embarrass himself. Canelo isn’t going to replace Crawford for the Blueclaws. However, his … Read more