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. The third series of articles ( a total of five ) were on 36 outfielders. I will list below the article links to each of the group notes previously published if ya missed them.
The next group of articles is Pitchers - I’ll discuss 133 different hurlers broken down into twenty postings ( alphabetical order ) hopefully finishing before Christmas :
Group One : Mick Abel, Jose Acuna, Mike Adams, Samuel Aldegheri, Aidan Anderson, Chase Antle, Mark Appel - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-28-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-one
Group Two : Erubiel Armenta, Konnor Ash, Andrew Baker, Albertus Barber, Carlos Betancourt, Trevor Bettencourt, Malik Binns
Group Three : Josh Bortka, Andrew Brown, Blake Brown, Jean Cabrera, Eiberson Castellano, Starlyn Castillo, Joel Cesar
Group Four : Edward Chirinos, Ty Collins, Gabriel Cotto, Hans Crouse, Jack Dallas, Chris Devenski, Nick Duron
Group Five : Colton Eastman, Kent Emmanuel, Jaydenn Estanista, Braeden Fausnaught, Jordan Fowler, Carlos Francisco, Jace Fry
Group Six : Alex Garbrick, Eric Garcia, Tristan Garnett, Drew Garrett, Maikel Garrido, Jeffrey German, Kyle Glogoski
Group Seven : Ofreidy Gomez, Luis Gonzalez, Mavis Graves, Daniel Harper, Buddy Hayward, Josh Hendrickson, Jonh Henriquez
Group Eighth : Maxwell Hernandez, Jonathan Hennigan, Cristian Hernandez, Jakob Hernandez, Jonathan Hughes, Sam Jacobsak, Estibenzon Jimenez
Group Nine : Damon Jones, Nathan Karaffa, Orion Kettering, Michael Kelly, Keylan Kilgore, Taylor Lehman, Adam Leverett
Group Ten : Ethan Lindow, Victor Lopez, Fernando Lozano, Alex McFarlane, Rafael Marcano, Brian Marconi, Jordi Martinez
Group Eleven : James Marvel, Gunner Mayer, James McArthur, Tommy McCollum, Griff McGarry, Christian McGowan, Tyler McKay
Group Twelve : Jake McKenna, Alex McKenney, Oswald Medina, Daniel Mejia, Jhordany Mezquita, Erik Miller, McKinley Moore
Group Thirteen : Francisco Morales, Vinny Nittoli, Braedon Ogle, Matt Osterberg, Micah Ottenbreit, Andrew Painter, Jose Pena Jr
Group Fourteen : Jack Perkins, Jonathan Petit, Tyler Phillips, Nicoly Pina, Dominic Pipkin, Michael Plassmeyer, Danyony Pulido
Group Fifteen : Jesus Querales, Alex Rao, Carlos Reyes, Pedro Reyes, Mason Ronan, Jason Ruffcorn
Group Sixteen : Matt Russell, Christopher Sanchez, Rodolfo Sanchez, Andrew Schultz, Brett Schulze, Tayler Scott
Group Seventeen : Matt Seelinger, Enrique Segura, Eduar Segovia, Ryan Sherriff, Noah Skirrow, Christopher Soriano
Group Eighteen : Billy Sullivan, Tom Sutera, Manuel Urias, Wilson Valdez Jr, Spencer Van Scoyoc, Victor Vargas
Group Nineteen : Guissepe Velasquez, Ezequiel Ventura, Andrew Walling, Zach Warren, Chase Webster,Jared Wetherbee
Group Twenty : Danny Wilkinson, JP Woodward, Cam Wynne, Gabriel Yanez, Braden Zarbnisky
So we continue - the second article in the series on pitchers ⚾️🤓.
Thanks to Matt Winkleman ( Phillies Minor Thoughts ) for his diligent efforts in detailing most of the speed gun readings.
Erubiel Armenta - 22 years old - LHP - Birthdate : 3/11/00 - signed 7/11/19 - Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico - This Fan’s View - earned the nickname “Everyday Erubiel” from the Jersey Shore radio broadcasters due to his “rubber arm” ability to seemingly pitch everyday - appeared in 40 games overall with the 2022 BlueClaws - 3.60 ERA - 54 K’s - 32 BB ( 7.26 BB/9 projection ). After the season with JS he pitched for Team Mexico in the Under 23 World Baseball Cup in Taiwan ( 5 appearances - 4 1/3 IP - 0 R, 4 K’s, 3 BB ) and is now pitching for Caneros de Los Mochis in the Mexican Winter League where he’s posted a 1.04 ERA in 9 appearances ( 8 2/3 IP ) with 13 K’s, 4 BB and 3 hits allowed. We’ve seen him on multiple occasions - has a delivery similar to Aroldis Chapman and is a big body ( 6’3” ) - generally sits mid 90’s with his fastball which has late ride and life - changeup is a strikeout pitch. Mechanics sometimes get out of kilter which causes him to fly open but when he’s on every pitch comes from same arm slot. We think he’s capable of pitching in the big leagues at some point - loves to pitch and will always take the baseball. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 94 to 95 mph - max 97 ), change up ( 76 to 81 mph ), slider ( 84 to 85 mph ) and curve ( 75 to 80 mph ) 2023 Projection - finished 2021 ( 1 appearance ) at Reading and then spent the entire 2022 season at Jersey Shore, we anticipate he will be on Reading’s opening day roster as part of the bullpen.
Konnor Ash - 23 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 3/17/99 - signed 7/20/21 as an un-drafted free agent - University of Missouri - This Fan’s View - started the season in extended spring training - made his Clearwater Threshers debut on May 3rd and had a dominant month ( 9 appearances - 1.35 ERA in 13 1/3 IP - 21 K’s - 5 walks ) - big breaking curve ball was a swing and miss delivery - hides the ball really well - seems to come from behind his front knee with arm slot and leg kick. Three outings in July blew up his season totals and mushroomed his ERA to 5.36 in 40 1/3 IP - without those three games the tally is a 3.28 ERA in 38 1/3 IP. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 88 to 93 mph - max 93 ), change up ( 76 to 81 mph ) and curve ( 77 to 82 mph ) 2023 Projection - will compete in the spring to break camp with either Jersey Shore or Reading.
Andrew Baker - 22 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 3/24/00 - 2021 11th round draft choice - Chipola Junior College, Florida - This Fan’s View - When you watch him pitch the elite level velocity certainly stands out but I’m equally impressed with his slider which in itself is a put away pitch. We see both as big league quality pitches. Andrew began the year with Jersey Shore and had a rough start to the season in April, things improved in May where with the exception of one bad outing he yielded only one run in seven appearances. June was similar as a singular bad outing skewed the stat line. Consistency was found in July - August was stellar ( 14 1/3 IP in 10 games - 1.89 ERA ) and September was even better ( 0.87 ERA in 5 games - 10 1/3 IP at AA level Reading ). He finished the season with 72 K’s in 54 1/3 IP combined ( Jersey Shore & Reading ) and a 3.98 overall ERA ( 1.34 WHIP ). Cutting down on free passes ( 4.80 BB/9 ) is key to future success - has strikeout stuff ( 11.93 K/9 ) along with the strength and moxy to be a big league back end reliever. Has a real chance of reaching the show at some point during the summer. Can become a backend weapon. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 97 to 100 mph - max 102 ), change up ( 84 to 86 ), slider ( 78 to 83 mph ) and curve ( 80 to 81 mph ) 2023 Projection - has a chance to move up quickly as a power reliever - will be in big league spring training - likely breaks camp with either Reading or Lehigh Valley.
Albertus Barber - 26 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 2/18/96 -signed 6/23/19 as an un-drafted free agent - Oklahoma Baptist University - This Fan’s View - energy to the nth degree! Will never shy away from taking the ball nor be outworked. One of our favorites to talk with. He underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2021 season - returned to full season action in 2022 on June 28th with Jersey Shore - made 16 appearances with the BlueClaws ( 0.98 ERA in 18 1/3 IP - 22 K’s - 7 walks - 0.87 WHIP ). Promoted to Reading on September 7th and made three appearances. Started throwing a sinker more than previously featuring a four seamer - also now uses a slider as a put away delivery more than a splitter. Tenacious competitor who’s a great teammate - positive approach and attitude. Wants to succeed badly. Velo will likely return to pre TJ output with more repetition and build up. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 90 to 93 mph - max 95 ), change up/splitter ( 83-84 mph ), slider ( 83 to 86 mph ) 2023 Projection - likely breaks spring camp with Reading.
Carlos Betancourt - 21 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 3/27/01 - signed 7/2/17 as an international free agent - Cumana, Venezuela - This Fan’s View - spent the majority of the 2021 season on the injured list appearing in just three games, we saw him pitch multiple times in Fall Instructs that year though. Made his full season squad debut in 2022 with Clearwater on May 6th - had two standout months ( June - 1.64 ERA in 6 games - 11 IP - 14 K’s, 5 BB ) and August ( 1.93 ERA in 6 games - 9 1/3 IP - 11 K’s - 1 BB ). For the season posted a 2.78 ERA in 26 appearances - 45 1/3 IP - 51 K’s, 16 BB ). Had knee issues previously but is now past that - very athletic - is presently pitching for Aguilas del Zulia in the Venezuelan Winter League. Has a repeatable delivery and the ability to throw all of his pitches for strikes - higher velo is possible with more repetition. Curve ball is a knee buckler. Can go multiple innings out of the bullpen - potentially a starter still as well. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 90 to 94 mph - max 94 ), change up ( 83-88 mph ), slider ( 76 to 81 mph ) and curve ( 74 to 79 mph ). 2023 Projection - will be in the mix for an opening day role with Jersey Shore.
Trevor Bettencourt - 28 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 7/21/94 - 2016 25th round draft selection - UC Santa Barbara - This Fan’s View - we did a feature article on Trevor on 7/18/22 - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/7-18-22-spotlight-series-rhp-trevor-bettencourt Has battled thru multiple injuries and TJ surgeries - returned to action in 2022 on June 21st with a rehab appearance in the FCL followed by two appearances with Clearwater. Returned to Reading on July 12th where he last pitched in 2019 before the prolonged rehab stint ensued. Put up good numbers - 3.32 ERA in 19 IP ( 20 K’s & 5 BB ) with Reading which earned him a promotion to Lehigh Valley on August 30th which is where he finished the year. Features a cutter, slider and big hook ( 12 to 6 action - put away pitch ). Hope someone gives him a chance to pitch this coming season - is a fighter and will compete. The speed gun : cutter ( sits in a range of 90 to 91 mph - max 92 ), slider ( 88 to 89 mph ) and curve ( 82 to 83 mph ) 2023 Projection - elected minor league free agency
Malik Binns - 23 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 1/5/99 - 2021 18th round draft selection - Benedictine University, Mesa, AZ - This Fan’s View - broke 2022 spring camp with the Clearwater Threshers and was dominant in April ( 0.84 ERA in 6 games - 10 2/3 IP - 17 K’s - 7 BB ) before struggles finding the strike zone began in May - was sent to extended spring and finished the year with the FCL Phillies working on delivery and mechanics - 10.29 BB/9 projection displays the issue - flys open on his pitches and ball either sails or sinks out of the zone. Is a very inexperienced pitcher - played mostly basketball in high school and Junior College - is 6’7” - very athletic - throws a potential put away splitter if he can harness the command and has ability to also delivery a high velocity fastball - both pitches have great movement. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 90 to 94 mph - max 96 ), curve ( 76 to 85 mph ) and splitter ( 86 to 90 mph ). 2023 Projection - will be in the mix for an A level assignment if can show ability to throw strikes in spring camp
Top to Bottom - left to right - Andrew Baker, Albertus Barber, Konnor Ash, Carlos Betancourt, Trevor Bettencourt, Malik Binns, Erubiel Armenta - photos by George Youngs Jr, Mark Wylie & Cheryl Pursell
Prior Reports - Catchers, Infielders & Outfielders :
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
Outfielders :
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 - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-22-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-outfielders-part-two
Group Three : Raylin Heredia, Dakota Kotowski, Matt Kroon, Marcus Lee Sang, Simon Muzziotti, Jhailyn Ortiz, Jerffson Pena - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-23-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-notes-outfielders-part-3-happy-thanksgiving-tomorrow
Group Four : Dustin Peterson, Leandro Pineda, Baron Radcliff, Felix Reyes, Gabriel Rincones Jr, Albert Rodriquez, Johan Rojas - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-25-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-outfielders-part-four
Group Five : Ricardo Rosario, Troy Schreffler, Chris Sharpe, Gavin Tonkel, Jordan Viars, Justin Williams, Ethan Wilson - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-26-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-outfielders-part-five
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