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.
The second set was four articles on the catchers - if you missed them here’s a link to article 4, it contains within it links to the other 3 catcher’s articles - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-21-23-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-catchers-part-four
We now present notes on infielders in eight groups as listed below.
Today we focus on group four of the infielders.
Group Four : Otto Kemp, Scott Kingery, Dakota Kotowski, Matt Kroon, Casey Martin
Link to previous infielders articles :
Group One : Keaton Anthony, Zach Arnold, Pierce Bennett, William Bergolla, Erick Brito - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-22-23-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-one
Group Two : Chad Castillo, Kody Clemens, Oliver Dunn, Drew Ellis, Trent Farquhar - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-23-23-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-two
Group Three : Wilfredo Flores, Diego Gonzalez, Jim Haley, Darick Hall, Lou Helmig - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-24-23-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-three
The following players will be discussed in future articles :
Group Five : Pedro Martinez, Aidan Miller, Freylin Minyety, Cole Moore, Nick Podkul
Group Six : Nikau Pouaka-Grego, Marco Soto, Ty Penner, Esteban Quiroz, Felix Reyes
Group Seven : Bryan Rincon, Devin Saltiban, Jehisbert Sevilla, Kendall Simmons, Madison Stokes
Group Eight : Will Toffey, Nick Ward, Bryson Ware, Weston Wilson, Rixon Wingrove
So we continue - the fourth article in the 2023 series on infielders ⚾️🤓.
3B,2B - Otto Kemp - 24 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent 8/1/22 - Point Loma Nazarene University, CA
2023 Stats : posted a .243/.360/.376 slash line in 458 plate appearances cumulatively with Clearwater and Jersey Shore. Had 17 doubles, 6 triples, 7 home runs and 53 RBIs, walked 57 times. Stole 21 bases in 28 attempts. With Clearwater posted a .388 OBP with 66 hits and 49 walks in 330 plate appearances, was amongst league leaders in walks and OBP while there, during the months of May and June posted OBP’s of .411 and .415 respectively. Went 3 for 9 with a double and two walks in three playoff games for the BlueClaws (.455 OBP in 11 PA’s). Defensively played both second and third base, was outstanding at third base for Jersey Shore in particular as he made multiple gold glove like plays. Had a 1.000 fielding percentage at 3B for the BlueClaws in 80 chances. Overall recorded a .993 fielding percentage at second base in 134 chances and a .978 fielding percentage at third base in 186 chances.
2023 Notes : Otto produced a twenty nine game on base streak from April 15th thru May 27th while with the Threshers. He was an on-base machine during his time with Clearwater showing patience at the plate and a willingness to accept walks, was also a reliable run producer. He was promoted to Jersey Shore from Clearwater on 8/2/23. Can drive the baseball, particularly into the gaps however we’ve also seen the ability to take the ball out of the yard. Gives a professional effort in each plate appearance. Defensively he learned to play second base after diligent work in practice beginning with efforts shortly after signing however he excels at third base, makes spectacular plays there. Strong arm and great instincts. Good all around ball player.
2024 Projection : a return to Jersey Shore or a bump up to Reading to begin the season.
2B,SS - Scott Kingery - 29 years old - drafted in 2nd round of the 2015 draft from the University of Arizona, AZ
2023 Stats : hit .244/.325/.400 in 117 games (466 plate appearances) with Lehigh Valley with 68 runs scored, 18 doubles, 3 triples, 13 home runs, 47 RBIs, 48 walks and 24 stolen bases (caught just once). He had a .725 OPS. Had an outstanding month of June - .343/.418/.571 slash line with a .989 OPS including 7 doubles, 3 home runs, 9 RBIs and 9 walks in 21 games (79 PA’s). Defensively played mostly shortstop (64 games - 547 innings) and had a .982 fielding percentage in 275 chances. Had a 1.000 fielding percentage in 145 chances at second base, also played 18 games in center field with a 1.000 fielding percentage in 43 chances.
2023 Notes : second year of play after shoulder surgery, continued to make progress and played in the most games since the 2019 season. Had a solid season and showed the ability to drive the baseball once again. Still turns the double play at second base as a second baseman better than anyone I’ve seen, very quick exchange. Scott played predominantly at shortstop this year, made all the plays there and showed no ill effects of previous shoulder issues. Possesses outstanding speed and posted his most stolen bases in a season since 2017.
2024 Projection : still has a year of service left on his minor league contract - likely returns to LHV.
1B - Dakota Kotowski - 23 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/25/22 - Missouri State University
2023 Stats : hit .287/.397/.653 in 179 plate appearances with 8 doubles, a triple, 15 home runs and 34 RBIs with 22 walks for the FCL Phillies. Had a 1.050 OPS and was named the Florida Complex League MVP for the season. Was promoted to the Clearwater Threshers on 8/21/23 and played in six games there hitting a home run and driving in five runs. Defensively posted a .993 fielding percentage as a first baseman in 294 chances.
2023 Notes : it’s rare to see a player post double digit home run totals in the FCL because of conditions (fields are generally bigger and games are mid day in suppressing heat and humidity) but that’s what “Koto” (as he’s been nicknamed) did. He’s always been a standout home run hitter as he hit 44 home runs in collegiate play including 24 during his senior season. He transitioned to a new position (first base) this summer which is a primary reason he spent the year on the backfields, significant progress was made in that regard, daily drills, worked very hard to learn the position taking ground ball after ground ball from coaches and practicing taking throws from infielders. An imposing presence at 6’4”, the ball jumps off the bat, he’s fun to watch - balls leave the park quickly. Quiet, dedicated and a baseball rat who loves to play the game, we met his mom during the summer at the games - he has very proud parents as they should be - good young man.
Dakota’s reflections : “I think that the biggest personal takeaway from this season was the first experience of a full professional season. The experience of baseball everyday as compared to one day a week is something that is eye opening. I want nothing less but taking care of your body and diet is so critical. I’ve played sports all year round my whole life but never in the sense of the same sport and the length. Another take away was that I had was I feel a lot more comfortable in my ability to make changes in my game. Nobody in this game is perfect and we all have to make adjustments. When I was younger and less mature when I had to make changes I would usually get down on myself and lose confidence. This year I proved to myself (mentally) that I can make changes physically and still compete. This off-season I’m really focusing on creating challenging environments, whether that be hitting or fielding. I am someone who believes that you can better prepare yourself in harder environments so the game can be easier. Another thing is just being as repeatable as possible. Sometimes I struggle with is trying to get too strong with my swing. I’m trying just to stay calm and repeatable and let my strength do the rest. This year I learned a lot about myself and I’m glad that I can use that into the offseason to help me for next season.”
FCL Manager Shawn Williams : “MVP of the league - well deserved. Works very hard whether it’s on the field or in the gym, gives everything he’s got to get better every day. He had a great year, very determined. Never played first in his life and by the end of this year was playing very well there defensively. The results are a tribute to him, got after it in early January, would come every day and ask for extra ground balls and swings, doesn’t want to just be good, wants to be great.”
2024 Projection : should claim an opening day roster spot at either Clearwater or Jersey Shore.
3B, OF - Matt Kroon - 26 years old - drafted in 18th round of the 2018 draft from Oklahoma State University, OK
2023 Stats : had an outstanding season - .326/.399/.526 slash line in 432 overall plate appearances with Jersey Shore (rehab), Reading and Lehigh Valley. Hit 31 doubles, 5 triples, 11 home runs with 58 RBIs and 46 walks. Stole 26 bases in 35 attempts. Had strong numbers at both Reading and Lehigh Valley - .319/.387/.493 with an .880 OPS at Reading in 344 plate appearances and a .381/.467/.698 slash line with a 1.165 OPS in 15 games (76 plate appearances) at Lehigh Valley. Had a tremendous month of June - .376/.433/.518 slash line in 21 games - 92 plate appearances. Defensively played mostly third base (.908 fielding percentage in 98 chances) but also saw action in 48 games in the outfield - all three positions. Was selected for the Arizona Fall League and played in 18 games - 73 plate appearances - .262/.356/.344 slash line with .700 OPS - 2 doubles, 1 triple, 15 RBIs, 7 walks, 13 runs scored, 5 stolen bases.
2023 Notes : This spring he broke camp as Reading’s primary third baseman while also seeing time in all the outfield positions. Matt has above average speed, a short swing and has shown the ability to play multiple positions, we’ve seen him play at every position except catcher. He’s a diligent worker who is a baseball rat, gets after it and loves to play. Was promoted to Lehigh Valley on 8/7/23 and went 3 for 5 in his first game at the AAA level. Suffered a hamstring injury in his second game with the IronPigs and went on the IL on 8/11/23. Returned to action on rehab assignment with Jersey Shore on 8/29, was reactivated at Lehigh Valley on 9/3/23. Many project Matt in a multi position role (due to his defensive versatility) in the big leagues, we believe that he can hit in the show and contribute to a winning club. Came back this year from a significant knee injury in 2022 which required surgery and ended his season on April 10th.
2024 Projection : will be given opportunities in big league spring training to impress. Can contribute in the major leagues.
SS, 2B - Casey Martin - 24 years old - drafted in 3rd round of the 2020 draft from the University of Arkansas, AR
2023 Stats : hit .226/.298/.366 in 444 plate appearances with Jersey Shore (52 games) and Reading (61 games) with 17 doubles, 3 triples, 11 home runs and 37 RBIs. Walked 39 times and stole 22 bases in 28 attempts. Put up the best numbers of his career with Jersey Shore - .280/.367/.456 slash line in 208 plate appearances with 10 doubles, 6 home runs and 16 stolen bases. Defensively had a .946 fielding percentage in 949 chances at shortstop and a .975 fielding percentage in 238 chances at second base.
2023 Notes : was promoted to Reading from Jersey Shore on 6/12/23 - Casey struggled offensively in his first two professional seasons making consistent contact. This season he cut down on the swing and had better pitch recognition at Jersey Shore. He’s very good defensively at shortstop with more range than most and a very strong arm, if can hold his own at the plate can be a valuable defensive reserve at the higher levels. Has talent, just needs to maintain an offensive approach.
2024 Projection : a return to Reading seems likely.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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