Notes, Rumors, and Speculation from Minor League Camp (3/28)

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It was asked in the comment section on the previous article if I could give updates from the minor league side on who is improving, and just overall rumors and news.  So far it has been a fairly quiet spring from the minor league side, but there has been some things worth noting.  So here is some things that I have heard or seen from various people in and around the minor league camp.

  • On the big name prospect side, Jorge Alfaro has been getting a lot of praise.  No one is saying he is absolutely going to hit and stick behind the plate, but many have noted that his swing is quieter, his approach has improved, and that he looks much better as a receiver.  A lot of this is that the gap in coverage on Alfaro is relatively large because of his injury and so this is the first time everyone is getting to see 8-9 months of behind the scenes work.  Again, he still has a ton of risk, but it does look like the work he has put in is paying off.
  • There was a lot of buzz around RHP Seranthony Dominguez last week.  The 21 year old had some hype last spring when he was 93-96 in short bursts, but then he was hurt over the summer and ended up pitching only 7.2 innings.  He was reportedly 92-95 T96 and showed a potential plus curveball (80-82) and solid changeup (85-86), and most importantly he was throwing strikes.  Based on his age, I would expect to see him heading to Williamsport this year if he is healthy, but he is an early guy to watch for breakout potential.
  • Adonis Medina was 91-94 and touched 97 in an outing over the weekend, he is the real deal.
  • Franklyn Kilome has also been impressive with everyone noting that he has really filled out.  He was 91-96 with his usual sink.  His curveball is showing improvement and he apparently broke off some very nasty ones this weekend.  His changeup has shown the biggest growth of any of his pitches so far.
  • In your yearly Tocci-watch, he is a bit bigger, still skinny, but he is only 20 years old and has definitely added some muscle.
  • Back fully healthy (lost last spring to a wrist injury), Jose Pujols has been showing power again this spring.  He still has a long way to go, but hitting bombs now is a good start.
  • Jhailyn Ortiz has looked good for a 17 year old who likely has not seen a good offspeed pitch in his life.  He has shown power, patience, and athleticism.  It is hard to read too much in, but he looks good.
  • General positive reviews of Cornelius Randolph and other top prospects, outside of maybe Appel, but it has not been disastrous for him either.
  • Zach Eflin has been missing more bats, but without context there is little to take away.
  • Matt Imhof and Tommy Joseph are back healthy.  Both have fallen completely off of the prospect radar so anything from them is a bonus, but it is nice to see players back on the field.
  • Mitch Walding hit some home runs the other day, which is notable because Mitch Walding has not really hit the ball with authority since signing.  I thought I might have noticed the same leg kick that guys like Cameron Perkins and Rhys Hoskins are sporting, but I am not positive.

I wish I could say there was a bunch of breakouts going on, but this is Spring Training and everyone is working on different things, and the best news is that almost everyone has stayed healthy.  Overall everyone on the national stage who has been the Phillies’ camp has had positive things to say.  Just a reminder to check out the YouTube channels in the sidebar because those people are actually in Florida right now and have put out enough video to give you looks at a lot of different players.

Photo by Baseball Betsy

3 thoughts on “Notes, Rumors, and Speculation from Minor League Camp (3/28)”

  1. I’m in favor of listening to any reports that allow me to say the name Seranthony Dominguez with regularity. Between him and Arquimedes Gamboa, the system has really been restocked with Grade 70 names, these guys are going to make everyone forget all about Gauntlett Eldermire (RIP).

    My only person observations from camp–I was there very early, before games started–were: Kingery looks very smooth at second base, at least during drills, and Ortiz looks a bit awkward at the plate. Might have just been the day I was visiting, I realize other reports have been very positive, but he seemed very stiff. But it was just a passing observation and as you say, he’s not old enough to drive at night in some states, he has plenty of time.

    • That was Samuel Hiciano. I wouldn’t really call him toolsy. He shows solid power, approach needs work, not the best defender, but he is a left fielder. He is healthy and hitting, but likely buried a bit on the depth chart now at 22 years old.

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