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 - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-10-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-twelve
Group Thirteen : Francisco Morales, Vinny Nittoli, Braedon Ogle, Matt Osterberg, Micah Ottenbreit, Andrew Painter, Jose Pena Jr - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-11-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-13
Group Fourteen : Jack Perkins, Jonathan Petit, Tyler Phillips, Nicoly Pina, Dominic Pipkin, Michael Plassmeyer, Danyony Pulido - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-12-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-fourteen
Group Fifteen : Jesus Querales, Alex Rao, Carlos Reyes, Pedro Reyes, Mason Ronan, Jason Ruffcorn - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-13-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-fifteen
Group Sixteen : Matt Russell, Christopher Sanchez, Rodolfo Sanchez, Andrew Schultz, Brett Schulze, Tayler Scott - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-14-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-sixteen
Group Seventeen : Matt Seelinger, Enrique Segura, Eduar Segovia, Ryan Sherriff, Noah Skirrow, Christopher Soriano - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-15-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-seventeen
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 eighteenth 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.
Billy Sullivan - 23 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 4/16/99 - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 6/16/20 - University of Delaware - This Fan’s View - Billy made 44 appearances for Reading in 2022 posting a 4.59 ERA in 51 IP with 77 K’s and 36 walks. He had two outstanding months during the year - in May in 10 appearances he had a 1.46 ERA in 12 1/3 IP with 18 K’s and 8 walks and in July he had a stellar 0.96 ERA in 8 appearances ( 9 1/3 IP ) with 15 K’s and 7 walks. He delivers pitches with a quirky motion and arm angle which looks painful to me but it works for him - it certainly hides the baseball from hitters, tucks his arm inwards towards his body before bringing arm back and exploding forwards with thrust. Is a high velo reliever - the stuff certainly can play - harnessing of control/command is needed as BB/9 projection is 5.91 however K/9 projection is an outstanding 13.50. He’s a local fella from Delaware and attended St Marks High School in Wilmington. Billy had TJ surgery in college but is back to full health now - 2023 could be a breakout season. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 94 to 96 mph - max 99 ) and slider ( 77 to 80 mph ) -2023 Projection - will likely see some Grapefruit League action in spring camp - an eye towards Lehigh Valley opening day roster.
Tom Sutera - 25 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 5/29/97 - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 7/27/18 - Sienna University - This Fan’s View - had Tommy John surgery in March and missed the entire 2022 season. Pitched for Jersey Shore in 2021 making 16 appearances. Tom was signed while pitching in the renowned Cape Cod League after making the all-star game - he’s a strike thrower who was on a quick rise thru the system before the injury set back. A tall build ( 6’5” ) and the ability to mix pitches are his calling cards. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 88 to 91 mph - max 92 ) change up ( 84 to 86 mph ) and splitter ( 78 to 80 mph ). 2023 Projection - will be in spring camp - has made good progress in rehab - could be activated in early May.
Manuel Urias - 21 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 3/8/01 - signed as an international free agent - 3/7/18 - Ahome, Sinaloa, Mexico - This Fan’s View - made three appearances with Clearwater last season ( May 25th to June 9th ) accumulating 4 2/3 innings ( 3 H, 1 BB, 7 K’s ) before being added to the FCL Phillies roster where he pitched in 11 games ( 7 starts ) posting a 4.23 ERA in 38 1/3 IP with 38 K’s and 9 walks. Finished the season strong with 4 starts in August recording a 2.81 ERA over 16 IP with 18 K’s and 3 walks. He is the ultimate strike thrower, a big fella at 6’6” - has an easy repeatable delivery and knows how to pitch - it’s just a steady approach and look - stuff isn’t overpowering but he commands the zone and reads hitters well. Had stellar numbers in the DSL in his three seasons there ( 2018 to 2021 ) making 39 appearances ( 38 starts ) and recording a 1.75 ERA in 175 1/3 IP - has an outstanding 1.44 BB/9 career projection having allowed just 35 walks in 218 1/3 IP 😳. He’s now pitching for Caneros de los Mochis in the Mexican Winter League. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 87 to 91 mph - max 92 ), slider ( 78 to 81 mph ), change up ( 79 to 81 mph ), cutter ( 85 to 86 mph ) and curve ( 74 to 80 mph ). 2023 Projection - was taken in the minor league Rule 5 draft by the Astros
Wilson Valdez Jr - 23 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 10/25/99 - signed as an international free agent - 4/3/18 - Bani, Dominican Republic - was converted to pitching in spring training camp from prior play as an infielder. Pitched in extended spring training and then for the FCL Phillies. Delivery got smoother each time we saw him, initially was throwing more like an infielder than a pitcher but mechanics progressed during the summer - made 11 appearances in the FCL - 2.31 ERA in 11 2/3 IP converting 3 of 4 save opportunities - 1.03 WHIP - 10 K’s, 6 walks. Is very athletic - focus was on two pitches this past summer and command - struggled with control and command in extended spring but was much better in summer play. There’s likely more velo than what we saw this summer. In July and August showed real progress - in 8 appearances ( 9 IP ) he posted a 2.00 ERA and opponents hit around .150 against him. Looked to be getting the hang of the pitching gig 🤓. This Fan’s View -The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 89 to 91 mph - max 92 ) and slider ( 77 to 79 mph ) - 2023 Projection - should compete for an opening day roster spot with either Clearwater or Jersey Shore.
Spencer Van Scoyoc - 25 years old - LHP - Birthdate : 10/4/97 - 2019 19th round draft selection - Central Oklahoma - This Fan’s View - returned to the mound in Fall Instructs for live BP sessions for the first time facing hitters since 9/15/21 when he pitched for Clearwater - a long rehab effort coming back from Tommy John surgery. We saw him in three live BP sessions - he’s a competitor who pushes for perfection - I’m sure he may not have been satisfied with his three sessions but we saw progress and glimpses of the plus curve ball we took note of in 2019 when we first watched him. There’s still rehab work ahead and plenty more live BP sessions to undertake - just gotta have patience to get back all the way. When he’s back to full tilt needs to harness both control and command to flourish, curve ball can be a consistent out maker. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 88 to 92 mph - max 93 ), change up ( 81 to 84 mph ) and curve ( 74 to 80 mph ). 2023 Projection - continued progress towards perhaps a May/June return to full season game action.
Victor Vargas - 22 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 9/3/00 - signed as an international free agent 7/2/17 - Cartagena, Colombia - This Fan’s View - smooth delivery, strong mechanics and high baseball IQ are his assets for success. Attacks hitters to induce weak contact - generally throws strikes. Had a bit of down time ( May 14th till July 26th ) due to injury but was able to make 13 appearances ( 10 starts ) with the FCL Phillies, Clearwater and Jersey Shore during the 2022 season - finished with a gem on September 7th for JS against Aberdeen throwing 7 shutout innings ( 2 H, 0 BB, 8 K’s ). For the year posted a 3.35 ERA ( 53 2/3 IP ) with 39 K’s and 9 walks - a 1.02 WHIP - seven starts were with JS ( 2.91 ERA in 34 IP - 26 K’s, 8 walks, 1.06 WHIP ). We like his moxy and competitiveness. He gets after the hitters and attacks the zone - gets great ball movement on all four pitches and can throw each for strikes at any point in the count. He’s now pitching winter ball for Caimanes de Barranquilla in the Colombian Winter League. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 88 to 91 mph - max 93 ), slider ( 79 to 87 mph ), change up ( 84 to 87 mph ) and curve ( 77 to 83 mph ). 2023 Projection - a return to JS out of spring camp however Reading is within reach.
Left to right - top to bottom - Spencer Van Scoyoc, Billy Sullivan, Victor Vargas, Wilson Valdez Jr, Manuel Urias, Tom Sutera - photos by Casey Burns, Danie Berlingis, Vivian Mott, George Youngs Jr and 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.