A Critical Look at the Phillies Organization and Minor League Baseball
I like mailbags because you all ask a lot of interesting questions. Some are things that I often talk about on Twitter, but the longer form here gives more space, and others are things I would never write a full piece on, but are great things to talk about. But enough about me, and more … Read more
I am going to start by saying that this subject deserves more space than I about to give it, because it is meaningful, but this better than saying anything at all. Andrew Knapp is the middle of just destroying the Eastern League (he probably got another hit somewhere while you read this sentence). After … Read more
In 2014 the GCL Phillies had a nice pitching staff and some interesting players, but the lack of HS players limited the prospect power of the team. This season has been much different. The lineup has a premium prospect at every position and while the rotation isn’t full of household names, it has carried the … Read more
I made the statement on Monday that the Phillies might have the deepest farm system in baseball. Two days later I stand by that statement. A lot of focus has been put on the premium trade returns and players like Crawford, Nola, and Franco, but that is really not the legacy of the last few … Read more
Really? Has it really been six weeks since I sat down to write about what I’m seeing at Coca-Cola Park and First Energy Stadium? It certainly hasn’t been a lack of games we’ve attended. I can count at least eight off of the top of my head. I guess at this point in the season, … Read more
I was asked a couple of times after the trades who was Rule 5 eligible of the prospects the Phillies got back in trades. I will talk about the full 40 man and who needs spots and who could be gone when we get closer to September, but for now here is just who they … Read more
The minor leagues are not a static thing and there is little more challenging than writing anything definitive about prospects while games are going on. Players are constantly changing and adjusting, and the key is to try and stay current during the constantly changing evaluations. This list is just a snapshot in time, and frankly … Read more
Ben Revere has been much maligned over his time in Philadelphia, from his lack of power to his questionable route running. But overall he gave the Phillies good value in center field (and later left field) for two pitchers that have been really up and down over the years. The Phillies have been motivated to … Read more
So it appears a deal sending Cole Hamels and Jake Diekman to the Texas Rangers is coming together quickly. Right now the critical pieces are OF Nick Williams, C Jorge Alfaro, RHP Alec Asher, RHP Jake Thompson and RHP Jerad Eikoff along with the contract of Matt Harrison. It appears there are more pieces involved … Read more
The Phillies just traded arguably the best reliever in their history for a AA pitcher, in what is another good solid deal for the Phillies. The reliever is Jonathan Papelbon and right now we don’t know how much they are paying of his contract going forward but indication doesn’t seem to be much if any … Read more