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 - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-30-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-three
Group Four : Edward Chirinos, Ty Collins, Gabriel Cotto, Hans Crouse, Jack Dallas, Chris Devenski, Nick Duron - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-1-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-four
Group Five : Colton Eastman, Kent Emmanuel, Jaydenn Estanista, Braeden Fausnaught, Jordan Fowler, Carlos Francisco, Jace Fry - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-2-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-five
Group Six : Alex Garbrick, Eric Garcia, Tristan Garnett, Drew Garrett, Maikel Garrido, Jeffrey German, Kyle Glogoski - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-3-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-six
Group Seven : Ofreidy Gomez, Luis Gonzalez, Mavis Graves, Daniel Harper, Buddy Hayward, Josh Hendrickson, Jonh Henriquez - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-5-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-seven
Group Eighth : Jonathan Hennigan, Cristian Hernandez, Jakob Hernandez, Maxwell Hernandez, Jonathan Hughes, Sam Jacobsak, Estibenzon Jimenez - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-6-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-eight
Group Nine : Damon Jones, Nathan Karaffa, Orion Kettering, Michael Kelly, Keylan Kilgore, Taylor Lehman, Adam Leverett - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-7-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-nine
Group Ten : Ethan Lindow, Victor Lopez, Fernando Lozano, Alex McFarlane, Rafael Marcano, Brian Marconi, Jordi Martinez - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-8-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-10
Group Eleven : James Marvel, Gunner Mayer, James McArthur, Tommy McCollum, Griff McGarry, Christian McGowan, Tyler McKay - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-9-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-eleven
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 twelfth 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.
Jake McKenna - 20 years old - LHP - Birthdate : 4/24/02 - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 6/18/20 - Ocean City High School, Ocean City, NJ - This Fan’s View - Jake went on the restricted list on 7/12/22 - didn’t pitch the balance of the season after spending the initial months at the complex. He can light up the speed gun into the 95-96 mph range - pitched in six FCL games in 2021 ( 6 IP ) and posted 13 K’s but also 12 walks - battled control and command. Is a hard worker looking to learn and advance. 2023 Projection - will be back for spring camp to pick up where he left off
Alex McKenney - 23 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 5/11/99 - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 7/21/21 - University of Maine - This Fan’s View - opened the season in extended spring training and FCL play - pitched in two FCL games - 2 2/3 IP - promoted to the Clearwater Threshers on 6/17 - made 14 appearances - 17 1/3 IP - 13 K’s, 19 walks - battled command for most of the year - had a strong month of July - 6 appearance - 2.70 ERA - 6 2/3 IP - 1.20 WHIP. Features a heavy sinker, slider and curve with a split finger change up that has diving action. Alex had Tommy John surgery in 2018 and missed the 2019 & 2020 collegiate seasons - If can harness control and command, the velocity likely returns to upper nineties postings in prior collegiate days. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 87 to 94 mph - max 95 ), slider ( 76 to 84 mph ), change up ( 82 to 87 mph ) and curve ( 76 to 81 mph ). 2023 Projection - will compete for a full season roster spot in spring camp.
Oswald Medina - 21 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 12/2/01 - signed as an international free agent - 5/9/19 - Puerto Cabello, Venezuela - This Fan’s View - broke 2022 spring camp with the Threshers in the starting rotation - transferred to the FCL team in mid May and threw 34 innings as their main starter - totaled 69 IP for the season. Fastball is primary pitch with a slider and change up as support. Ball comes out of his hand differently - hard to describe - unique movement on many pitches. Solid second year of experience after tossing 58 1/3 innings (14 starts - 2.16 ERA - 0.93 WHIP, 65 K’s and a minuscule 6 walks ) in the DSL in 2021. Lean frame - room to add muscle and weight and incorporate legs more into delivery. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 85 to 90 mph - max 91 ), slider ( x to x mph ), change up ( 77 to 84 mph ) and curve ( 71 to 78 mph ). 2023 Projection - will compete for a Clearwater roster spot
Daniel Mejia - 20 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 4/19/02 - signed 2/2/21 as an international free agent - San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic - This Fan’s View - tall ( 6’5” ) and lanky - fast ball is generally in the 90-93 mph range - showed a slider but we saw mostly a fastball approach in 10 FCL games ( 16 1/3 IP ) - 12 K’s, 14 walks. Had issues with control during the summer walking too many batters. Has an easy delivery which indicates to this observer that with added strength velocity can tick higher - key is to harness control and build command. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 91 to 93 mph - max 93 ). - 2023 Projection - a return to extended spring training and FCL play.
Jhordany Mezquita - 24 years old - LHP - Birthdate : 1/30/98 - 2017 8th round draft selection - Hazelton, PA - This Fan’s View - went on the IL in early June - had Tommy John surgery shortly thereafter. Pitched in 6 games with Jersey Shore before the shut down - 2.51 ERA in 14 1/3 IP - 1.05 WHIP - 16 K’s - 4 walks. Throughout his pro career he’s been a productive starter who’s posted a 9.22 K/9 projection rate. Was previously noted as having mid to upper nineties velo - has the natural tail of a lefty to boot. Will now work diligently with the rehab team to return to action. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 90 to 94 mph - max 96 ), slider ( 79 to 86 mph ), change up ( 82 to 87 mph ) and curve ( 74 to 78 mph ). 2023 Projection - a late season return to game action is the optimistic outlook.
Erik Miller - 24 years old - LHP - Birthdate : 2/13/98 - 2019 4th round draft selection - Stanford University - This Fan’s View - The development plan for Erik this past season was to acclimate a routine where he could focus on his power arsenal, work between appearances with side sessions and weight lifting training and build back repetitive strength in his shoulder which had been a lingering issue. He’s no longer hindered by the shoulder and is now considered a full time reliever going forward. A lefty with a power arsenal can be a valuable bullpen asset. The numbers at Reading are more in line with expectancies and capabilities ( 2.23 ERA in 36 IP ) than his late season stint with Lehigh Valley but that experience can prove to be valuable for next season. Erik needs to be much more consistent in both control and command ( 5.77 BB/9 is way to high ) - the stuff can certainly play at the highest level. He will come into 2023 spring camp with an opportunity to turn heads. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 92 to 96 mph - max 97 ), slider ( x to x mph ), change up ( 80 to 81 mph ) and curve ( 73 to 76 mph ). 2023 Projection - will be in big league spring training with a likely assignment to Lehigh Valley to open the season.
McKinley Moore - 24 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 8/24/98 - acquired in a trade with the White Sox on 3/29/22 in exchange for OF Adam Haseley - was drafted in the 14th round of the 2019 draft by the White Sox from Arkansas-Little Rock. - This Fan’s View - McKinley pitched for AA level Reading in 2022 appearing in 39 games ( 49 2/3 IP ) posting 71 K’s while walking 26. He’s a high velocity reliever capable of upper nineties to triple digits heat and has a hard and sharp breaking slider to go along with it. Issues have been control and command for the 6’6” hurler. His 2022 season 4.35 ERA at Reading nearly matches his career mark of 4.39 over 112 IP. The stuff can shine thru if he can learn to throw strikes consistently and command the zone. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 95 to 99 mph - max 100 ), slider ( 86 to 92 mph ), change up ( 87 to 95 mph ). 2023 Projection - likely bumps to AAA Lehigh Valley out of spring camp.
Left to right - top to bottom - McKinley Moore, Jhordany Mezquita, Daniel Mejia, Erik Miller ( middle ), Oswald Medina, Alex McKenny & Jake McKenna - photos by Casey Burns, Michael Dill, George Youngs Jr, Cheryl Pursell and Mark Wylie
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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