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 - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-29-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-two
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, MavisGraves, 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 third 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.
Josh Bortka - 23 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 7/12/99 - 2022 16th round draft selection - Central Missouri University - This Fan’s View - pitched in 5 games ( 2 FCL, 3 with Clearwater ) - 1.80 ERA in 5 IP, 7 K’s, 3 BB, 6 hits. Pitched for the State College Spikes in the MLB draft league - high spin rates on his two pitches - big fella at 6’5” - had UCL repair and bridge surgery in 2019 - drafted as a reliever - collegiately pitched out of the bullpen. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 91 to 94 mph - max 95 ) and slider ( 82 to 85 mph ). 2023 Projection - will compete in spring camp for a role with Jersey Shore.
Andrew Brown - 25 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 10/24/97 - 2016 13th round draft selection - Granite Hills HS, El Cajon, CA - This Fan’s View - missed the entire 2022 season with a shoulder injury. Made progress in 2021 pitching in 19 games as a reliever ( 34 2/3 IP ) with 46 K’s and 20 walks - previously was a starter and pitched over 100 innings for Clearwater in 2019. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 91 to 93 mph - max 94 ), slider ( 78 to 83 mph ), change-up ( 78 to 79 mph ) and curve ( 75 to 78 mph ). 2023 Projection - elected minor league free agency
Blake Brown - 24 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 8/18/98 - signed 6/18/20 as an un-drafted free agent - UNC Asheville - This Fan’s View - Blake has shown the capability to register his fastball in the triple digits and sit consistently in the upper 90’s. Had a strong ‘21 season for Jersey Shore posting a 3.15 ERA in 33 games ( 40 IP ) with 58 K’s and 34 walks. Suffered an Achilles injury and missed the entire 2022 season - is on track to return in 2023 - continues to work with the rehab group in Clearwater. Has dominate stuff and can be a back end reliever, has to harness control and develop more consistent command - is a viable big league arm. High spin rates on fastball and slider - slider gets good horizontal movement - both pitches have high spin rates. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 97 to 99 mph - max 100 ), slider ( 84 to 88 mph ) and curve ( 75 to 78 mph ). 2023 Projection - once ready to return should eventually see action at AA Reading where he made one appearance in 2021 to end the season.
Jean Cabrera - 21 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 10/20/01 - signed 7/2/19 as an international free agent - Maracay, Venezuela - This Fan’s View - won the 2021 Paul Owens Award as he struck out 61 batters and walked only ten in 13 starts ( 52 2/3 IP ) in the DSL posting a 1.54 ERA. He is a quick worker, easy delivery - started 12 games for Clearwater in 2022 - 46 1/3 IP - 51 K’s but 28 walks - best month was in July - 6 starts - 3.68 ERA ( 14 2/3 IP ) with 18 K’s and 11 walks. Lean frame - gets great torque on his pitches. Will add strength and bulk as he grows into his body. Gets after it - a competitor. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 90 to 94 mph - max 97 ), slider ( 84 to 88 mph ), change up ( 83 to 86 mph ), slider ( 80 to 83 mph ) and curve ( 77 to 82 mph ). 2023 Projection - will pitch at the A level - either Clearwater or Jersey Shore out of spring camp.
Eiberson Castellano - 21 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 5/9/01 - signed 7/2/18 as an international free agent - Maracaibo, Venezuela - This Fan’s View - had a strong 2021 DSL season posting a 1.09 ERA in 16 games ( 33 IP ) with 36 K’s and 16 BB. Pitched in 17 games for Clearwater in 2022 ( 8 starts ) posting a 3.51 ERA in 51 1/3 IP - 61 K’s - 18 BB - 1.07 WHIP. Has a presence about him on the mound and big time movement and spin on his deliveries ( in particular the curve ball ) - the RPM is consistently above major league average. We saw him first in 2021 Fall Instructs and then in 2022 extended spring before he debuted with the Threshers. Is capable of both starting and relieving - certainly can pitch multiple innings. He had a very good stretch of games in May and June with Clearwater ( 9 appearances - 31 IP - 2.03 ERA - 40 K’s - 10 BB ) in which he showcased his abilities - it was decided to shut down his season after reaching 50 innings. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 90 to 94 mph - max 95 ), curve ( 77 to 81 mph ) and change up ( 85 to 87 mph ). 2023 Projection - We see him as either returning to CW to begin 2023 else as part of the High A staff at Jersey Shore with a very bright future ahead of him.
Starlyn Castillo - 20 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 2/24/02 - signed 7/2/18 as an international free agent - Pimental, Dominican Republic - This Fan’s View - broke 2021 spring camp as part of the Threshers rotation but went on the inured list on June 9th and had TJ surgery shortly thereafter. Returned to game action a year later on June 9th with the ‘22 FCL Phillies - rejoined the Threshers on July 4th. Made 14 appearances - 39 2/3 IP - 44 K’s - 15 BB - has elite spin on his curve ball but struggled to command location upon his return and was hit hard. Assigned to the Adelaide Giants in the Australian Baseball League where he’s pitching now to re-gain form and command. The “stuff” can play - pitch ability needs to be sharper with a focus on location- needs to build innings - relatively inexperienced with just 69 IP over three seasons due to injuries. Very nice young man who has great faith and beliefs - well grounded and liked. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 91 to 95 mph - max 96 ), curve ( 76 to 84 mph ), slider ( 77 to 81 mph ) and change up ( 85 to 89 mph ). 2023 Projection - a return to Clearwater as part of the rotation seems likely
Joel Cesar - 26 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 1/26/96 - acquired in trade with Pirates 9/20/20 - Altamira, Dominican Republic - This Fan’s View - began the 2021 season with Reading but went on the injured list on 5/26 and did not return after having TJ surgery. Spent the majority of 2022 rehabbing at the complex - returned to game action with Jersey Shore on 8/31 - made 3 appearances totaling 2 2/3 IP - battled control with 6 walks. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 90 to 94 mph - max 96 ) and curve ( 83 to 84 mph ). 2023 Projection - elected minor league free agency
Left to Right ( top to bottom ) : Joel Cesar, Starlyn Castillo, Jean Cabrera, Eiberson Castellano ( middle ), Andrew Brown, Blake Brown and Josh Bortka - photos by Casey Burns, Mark Wylie, George Youngs Jr & Michael Dill
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
Note : I've partnered with Fanatics on Phillies Merchandise - if you would like to help support my website and articles here's a link to order merchandise - I get a small commission on any sales - thanks for the support.
Comments