Haven’t written anything for a bit as have been up in PA visiting and planning our potential move.
We’ve enjoyed very nice weather this past week for our visit - it’s always fun to see the fall foliage in it’s splendid color, sometimes when ya are as wrapped up in sports as most Philly fans are you forget to see and recognize the other spectacular things in life - good to take a little break and do so. 🤓
Will return to Florida this coming week and get over to the complex to watch some High Performance Camp albeit there’s not a lot to view as it’s dedicated to strength, conditioning and learning the right way to “Protect the Standard”. Nonetheless it’s an opportunity to say hello to some of the players and coaches once more before the off season blackout period begins. HP Camp will conclude on 11/22/24.
Can take one of the names off of the pending Phillies minor league free agent list as IF/OF Matt Kroon has re-signed with the Phillies. Matt no doubt will get a non-roster invitation to big league spring camp - he is 27 years old - was drafted in 18th round of the 2018 draft from Oklahoma State University, OK - is a multi position player (plays 1B, 3B and all three OF spots) that I believe can play in the show and contribute - issues have been injuries. Was limited to 280 plate appearances this past season at AAA Lehigh Valley due to various stints on the IL. When he’s played has shown the ability to hit - posted a .326 BA in 2023 between Reading and LHV in 361 PA’s and popped 11 home runs and 14 doubles for the IronPigs this past season. He’s athletic and quick - can steal bases (42 over past two years) - recovered from major knee surgery that cost him the 2022 season - is a dedicated and diligent worker. There’s talent here - if can stay healthy. Welcome back Matt!
I’m not one for predictions of off-season transactions but I do expect the Phillies to once again be pretty active. In my opinion they will be in the mix on the biggest name free agent - doesn’t mean they will sign him but they will be sincere in their pursuit. There are also a few trades to re-visit from the trade deadline that make sense to, at the least, see where things stand now. Just sayin.
The three hurricanes in two months did significant damage to the Clearwater and surrounding areas but one thing I’ve learned about Florida people is their resilience and ability to kick damage aside, get it sorted and rebuild - not saying Spring Training will look the same in all areas of the extended community but have no doubt that it will in most. Storms and recovery have long been a way of life in FLA. There is definite work to be done but folks are already getting after it.
Just checking in - more baseball chatter in a few days - writing this as I sit on my son’s porch on a bright sunny morning enjoying the crispness of northeast fall weather - invigorating 🤓.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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