Last off-season I started a different writing venture - rather than producing a hard copy version of what was an annual Phillies Minor League Digest I went with a new approach and posted a series of articles on the webpage instead. A large portion of the digest was my player notes - views that are not entirely built upon seasonal or short term stats - while I referenced them I relied more upon my observations and feedback from players and coaches.
This off-season we continue the series “Annual Phillies Minor League Player Notes” with profiles presented in groupings by defensive positions. I intend to offer notes on every stateside player I watched perform this past season that finished the 2023 season with the organization. I can attest that I actually watched most every Phillies minor league game each evening, attended practices and interacted with a vast amount of players, coaches, scouts and front office folks. Recently I sent a couple questions to the players - asked them what was their biggest personal takeaway from the 2023 season and what they are focusing on this off-season to prepare for 2024. Where I have responses I will include them in the notes. Also where I’m able I will include feedback from coaches and player development leadership.
The initial set of twenty articles were on the pitchers - if you missed them here’s a link to article 20, it contains within it links to the other 19 pitcher’s articles - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-17-23-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-twenty.
Today we focus on group one of the catchers. There are twenty-one catchers that we will present notes on in groups of five as listed below.
Group One : Lou Albrecht, Kliubert Avila, Jose Colmenarez, Arturo De Freitas, Jordan Dissin
The following groups will be discussed in future articles :
Group Two : Vito Friscia, Aramis Garcia, Herbert Iser, Kehden Hettiger, Ryan Leitch
Group Three : Rafael Marchan, Jorge Mendez, Andrick Nava, Jackie Pertuz, Anthony Quirion
Group Four : Caleb Ricketts, Cody Roberts, Leonardo Rondon, Gustavo Sosa, Eduardo Tait, Jared Thomas
So we continue - the first article in the 2023 series on catchers ⚾️🤓.
Lou Albrecht - 21 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/21/23 - Central Arizona Junior College, AZ
2023 Stats : played in five games for the FCL Phillies and went 3 for 8 with an RBI. In his first game he threw out a very quick runner at second base attempting to steal.
2023 Notes : right handed hitter - I have not seen him play in person to date. He played for Central Arizona Junior College where he posted a .372 OBP in 156 plate appearances. He hit three home runs and drove in 28 runs. Prior to playing for Central Arizona he attended and played for Washington State University. Luke is from Renton, Washington and attended Kentridge High School. He was ranked as the No. 1 catcher in Washington by Perfect Game while in High School.
2024 Projection : will compete for a Clearwater Threshers opening day roster spot.
Kliubert Avila - 20 years old - signed as an international free agent 11/27/19 - Caracas, Venezuela
2023 Stats : played in nine games - 5 with the FCL Phillies and 4 with the Threshers - 27 total plate appearances - .250/.333/.375 slash line with a home run, 4 RBIs and 3 walks. Caught 60 innings - 1.000 fielding percentage - threw out 3 of 10 would be base stealers. Spent the previous two seasons in the Dominican Summer League.
2023 Notes : right handed hitter who seemed to be on schedule to play in a couple games per week on a crowded catching corps for the FCL Phillies when he was promoted to the Threshers on June 30th as the third catcher on staff. Played in four games in July then was transferred to the development list. Has shown a decent bat and good defensive skills in the limited amount of play.
2024 Projection : in the mix for a Threshers opening day roster spot.
Jose Colmenarez - 20 years old - signed as an international free agent 7/2/19 - Mariara, Venezuela
2023 Stats : played in nine games with the FCL Phillies - two for eleven with a double, two RBIs and a walk. Played previous two seasons in the Dominican Summer League appearing in fifty games.
2023 Notes : a right handed hitter, assigned to the FCL Phillies on 6/5/23 and seemed to be on schedule to get catching duties in a couple games per week but went on the IL on 6/18/23 and didn’t return till 7/28/23. Played in four games in August. Continued after the FCL season to work with the rehab team catching bullpen sessions and then with the October “Stay Hot” camp of AAA players - in my view good experience as he also got to participate in live bullpen sessions and took regular BP with the group. In the sessions we’ve seen he looks like a solid receiver, decent arm and ball catching skills. Haven’t seen enough AB’s to have thoughts on offensive ability yet.
Jose’s reflections : “I learned a lot of things from my teachers, in part I couldn't play much of the season due to an injury to my thumb. I missed a lot of it but by watching the games I learned more about how to lead the pitchers, how to anticipate the plays and now I am preparing myself physically and mentally to arrive next year better and lighter and avoid any type of injury to be able to show what I am 100% 🙏🏽.”
2024 Projection : seems healthy and ready to compete next spring.
Arturo DeFreitas - 22 years old - signed as an international free agent 3/13/18 - Maracay, Venezuela
2023 Stats : played 36 games for Jersey Shore - posted a .162/.233/.181 slash line in 116 plate appearances. Moved up to AA Reading on 8/7/23 and appeared in one game. Posted a .987 fielding percentage in 35 games, threw out 14 of 52 base stealers (27 %).
2023 Notes : is an excellent defender and thrower - takes pride in his defense as well as supporting his pitchers. A right handed hitter - has struggled to put up numbers offensively albeit has dealt with some injury setbacks. Has good leadership skills and is well regarded by the pitchers - has to hit though to continue any advancement.
2024 Projection : defensive skills are top drawer - could return to Reading as reserve - better role if can hit consistently.
Jordan Dissin - 21 years old - drafted in 12th round of the 2022 draft from Saddleback Junior College, CA
2023 Stats : played in 65 games - posted a .252/.351/.358 slash line in 263 plate appearances with 10 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs and 35 RBIs for the Low A level Clearwater Threshers. Excelled against left handed pitchers hitting .327 with a .411 OBP (16 for 49). Defensively had a .989 fielding percentage and threw out 24 % of attempted base stealers (20 of 85). He hit .316/.381/.474 in 21 playoff/championship series plate appearances playing in all six games.
2023 Notes : a right handed hitter who played a key role in Clearwater’s first half championship run and excelled in the post-season playoffs. Has an outstanding throwing arm. Shared catching duties throughout the season and got consistent playing time. When you watch him play it’s readily apparent that he loves doing so, has big time energy and truly enjoys competing. Has a similar build as Logan O’Hoppe and I often see similarities in approach - very good baseball instincts, well schooled and intuitive. Jordan is originally from Pottstown, PA and went to Malvern Prep ( 2020 graduate ) where he played high school baseball.
Jordan’s reflections : “My biggest takeaway was learning to not let my emotions control me. Learning how to look forward and leave stuff behind and being a leader on the field. Off season is just continuing to grow and get bigger and stronger and working on my blocking.”
2024 Projection : likely moves up a level to Jersey Shore out of spring camp.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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