I’ve entitled this series “Annual Phillies Minor League Player Notes” and will break down the presentations into defensive categories. I intend to offer notes on every player I watched perform this past season that finished the 2022 season with the organization.
The initial set of articles was on catchers - we chatted about 18 receivers and posted three articles. The next group was on Infielders - we chronicled 40 different players broken down into five postings. I will list below the article links to the catchers and infielders notes previously published if ya missed them.
The next group of articles is Outfielders - I’ll discuss 36 different players broken down into five postings ( alphabetical order ) :
Group One : Jorge Bonifacio, Emaarion Boyd, Chris Burke, Jared Carr, Justin Crawford, Carlos De La Cruz, Jefferson Encarnacion - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-21-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-outfielders-part-one
Group Two : Ezra Farmer, Cade Fergus, Yemal Flores, Wilfredo Flores, Jorge Garcia, Yhoswar Garcia, Dalton Guthrie, Darium Gutierrez
Group Three : Raylin Heredia, Dakota Kotowski, Matt Kroon, Marcus Lee Sang, Simon Muzziotti, Jhailyn Ortiz, Jerffson Pena
Group Four : Dustin Peterson, Leandro Pineda, Baron Radcliff, Felix Reyes, Gabriel Rincones Jr, Albert Rodriquez, Johan Rojas
Group Five : Ricardo Rosario, Troy Schreffler, Chris Sharpe, Gavin Tonkel, Jordan Viars, Justin Williams, Ethan Wilson
So we continue - the second article in the series on outfielders - note that speed will be a predominant theme when discussing the outfielders ⚾️🤓.
Ezra Farmer - 19 years old - Birthdate : 6/10/03 - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/25/22 Tahquitz High School, Hemet, CA - This Fan’s View - Ezra played in 8 FCL games after signing - his first hit was a double on 8/22 vs the Pirates. We did a spotlight article on him in early August - here’s the link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/8-6-22-spotlight-series-of-ezra-farmer
He’s a left handed hitter with good speed and is athletic - also pitched in high school. Participated in Fall Instructs and the follow up camp thereafter. 2023 Projection - most players signed from high school begin their careers in extended spring training followed with a full year in the FCL.
Cade Fergus - 22 years old - Birthdate : 8/22/00 - 2022 13th round draft selection - George Washington University - This Fan’s View - played in 29 games with Clearwater after signing and accumulated 115 plate appearances - showed some pop with 4 home runs and 12 RBIs - also drew 14 walks. One scout who saw him play in college said that Cade was the best defensive center fielder he saw on the college circuit. Speed ( prevailing thing with our outfielders ) is his asset and although scouting reports I’ve read state that he is an impatient hitter that didn’t play out with the Threshers. Like most hitters adjusting to the pro game where velocity and mix are more consistently seen will be key in his development - we see a power stroke that can play - pitch recognition and trusting his hands are development targets. Has tools to climb the ladder. 2023 Projection - could begin the year with the Threshers but I also see a path to Jersey Shore out of spring camp.
Yemal Flores - 18 years old - Birthdate : 11/22/03 - signed as an international free agent - 2/2/21 - San Isidro, Dominican Republic - This Fan’s View - the numbers don’t reflect the potential - Yemal is a very strong young man who has the ability to hit the baseball a long way, we’ve seen him do just that. Already has two seasons of pro baseball under his belt. Pitch recognition, cutting down on the swing and misses and a more consistent approach are keys to further development. Defensively we saw him quite a bit in center field, has a strong and accurate throwing arm and while not a burner he moves decently for a fella with a thick build - probably becomes a corner. Many feel that the unlocked potential will come thru with more game action and repetition. Checks most every box for skill-set - a matter of patience, continued learning and the lightbulb going off to see productive numbers and get fans excited - folks should keep in mind that Ranger Suarez spent five full seasons at the short season level before blossoming. 2023 Projection - another year of extended spring and FCL play seems likely however could progress to see time with the Threshers.
Wilfredo Flores - 22 years old - Birthdate : 5/14/00 - signed as an international free agent - 5/8/18 - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - This Fan’s View - he had an outstanding 2019 GCL season when he hit .342 in 120 AB’s which was a follow up to hitting .320 in the 2018 DSL in 220 AB’s. At times in 2022 was the best player on the field for Low A Clearwater - switched to the outfield this season and played quite a bit of center field. Posted 318 plated appearances with the Threshers - was really good in the month of May ( 23 for 73 - .315 BA ). Left handed hitter ( RH thrower ) who plays hard, smart and is fundamentally sound. Defensively he’s played every position except pitcher, catcher and first base. Reminds me a bit of Ronald Torreyes the way he approaches the game. 2023 Projection - seems in line for a role with Jersey Shore but could also reach Reading with a good spring camp.
Jorge Garcia - 18 years old - Birthdate : 2/6/04 - signed as an international free agent 2/2/21 - Penonome, Panama - This Fan’s View - was named a 2022 Dominican Summer League All Star playing for the league champions Phillies White team. He hit .308 and posted a .378 OBP in 177 PA’s. Defensively played all three outfield spots ( mostly CF and LF ) and has a 1.000 fielding percentage in 63 career games - I remember numerous times watching the live stream where his pitcher applauded him for making standout catches - seems to get after the ball well. We saw him briefly in Fall Instructs before the Hurricane shut things down - another outfielder with good wheels. 2023 Projection - likely will see him stateside in extended spring training and FCL play.
Yhoswar Garcia - 21 years old - Birthdate : 9/13/01 - signed as an international free agent - 3/14/20 - Guatire, Venezuela - This Fan’s View - we first saw Yhoswar play in 2021 extended spring training, he has an unbridled energy and passion to perform. Quick bat and the ability to drive the baseball into the gaps, outstanding speed and defensive skill set - they don’t call him the “drone” for nothing - he’s battled lower leg injuries the past two seasons - limited to just 37 games in 2022 - stole 32 bases - when he gets on first base it’s almost automatic that he’s taking off for second - very quick - relies primarily on speed at this point as a base stealer - with better reads, leads and technique can become a guy capable of Johan Rojas like stolen base numbers. He’s a line drive type hitter who can excel in that approach given his elite speed. Defensively has a strong arm and gets good jumps on the ball off the bat - covers a lot of ground in center field. Tools are there to be a top of the order weapon and defensive stalwart. Just needs to get past the injury bugs and accumulate reps - he’s been at the Complex since the season ended working on his rehab to do just that. 2023 Projection - once he’s healthy likely starts again with Clearwater with an eye towards Jersey Shore.
Dalton Guthrie - 26 years old - Birthdate : 12/23/95 - 2017 6th round draft selection - University of Florida - This Fan’s View - Dalton had a very good 2021 season for Reading and Lehigh Valley. He followed that up with an even better 2022 season at Lehigh Valley ( .302 BA, .363 OBP in 374 PA’s - 27 doubles, 10 HR, 52 RBIs and 21 stolen bases ) which earned him his first big league call up on September 4th - he finished out the season with the Phillies. Dalton has outstanding speed, a high baseball acumen and plays the game with all out hustle. He converted to being primarily an outfielder in 2022 however also can play 2B,SS and 3B very well - he was Florida’s starting SS on a national championship team while he was there. The young man is one of our favorites - great personality and strong will to succeed, has battled thru injuries and set backs through out his career - is more than ready to be a steady big league contributor. 2023 Projection - is on the 40 man roster - should compete for an opening day role with the big club in spring training.
Darium Gutierrez - 20 years old - Birthdate : 1/26/02 - signed as an international free agent 12/5/21 - La Habana, Cuba - This Fan’s View - in his first season as a pro posted a .359 OBP with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs and 27 RBIs for league champion Phillies White in the DSL. He also stole 16 bases. Powerful build - we saw him briefly in Fall Instructs where he put on some rocket shows in both BP and team competitions - seems to have a competitive albeit fun persona about him. Raw skill set - another outfielder with plus speed - left Cuba in 2020 and established residency in the Dominican Republic. Didn’t see him in action much defensively as Camp broke early due to the hurricane. 2023 Projection - will likely see him stateside in extended spring camp and FCL action.
Top to Bottom - left to right - Yemal Flores, Dalton Guthrie, Cade Fergus, Ezra Farmer, Jorge Garcia, Darium Gutierrez, Yhoswar Garcia & Wilfredo Flores - photos taken by Mark Wylie, Casey Burns & Cheryl Pursell
Prior Reports - Catchers & Infielders :
Catchers :
Group 1 : Jack Conley, Arturo DeFreitas, Jordan Dissin, Vito Friscia, Herbert Iser and Ryan Leitch. - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-9-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-catchers
Group 2 : Rafael Marchan, Nick Matera, Adony Mejia, Andrik Nava, Rickardo Perez & Jackie Pertuz - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-10-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-catchers-part-two
Group 3 : Anthony Quirion, Caleb Ricketts, Leanardo Rondon, Donny Sands, Gustavo Sosa & Micah Yonamine - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-11-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-catchers-part-three
Infielders :
Group One : Matt Alifano, Alexeis Azuaje, Jamari Baylor, William Bergolla, Erick Brito, Johan Camargo,Ali Castillo, Chad Castillo - article posted 11/14/22 - link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-14-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-one
Group Two : Aldrem Corredor, Aroon Escobar, Diego Gonzalez, Sal Gozzo, Jonathan Guzman, Darick Hall, Lou Helmig, Otto Kemp - article posted 11/15/22 - link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-15-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-two
Group Three : Scott Kingery, Hao Yu Lee, Casey Martin, Nick Maton, Freylin Minyety, Cole Moore, Yairo Munoz, Josh Ockimey - article posted 11/16/22 - link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-16-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-three
Group Four : Nikau Pouaka-Grego, Ty Penner, Wendell Rijo, Brian Rincon, Daniel Robertson, Jehisbert Sevilla, Kendall Simmons, Marco Soto - article posted 11/17/22 - link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-17-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-four
Group Five : Madison Stokes, McCarthy Tatum, Will Toffey, Nicolas Torres, Randy Vasquez, Kevin Vicuña, Uziel Viloria, Rixon Wingrove - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-18-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-five
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