The minor league group was given the day off today with the exception of the catchers who were required to catch bullpen sessions. We saw nine hurlers ( all of whom are either on the 40 man roster or are non-roster invitees to big league camp ) throw bullpens on the mounds between Ashburn and Schmidt fields.
RH Aaron Nola, LH Jose Alvarado, RH Nick Nelson, RH Connor Brogdon, LH Christopher Sanchez, LH Ben Bowden, RH Yunior Marte, RH James McArthur & RH Mick Abel all had sessions.
My Observations :
First time we’ve seen Marte and Bowden - both as advertised - Marte ( acquired in a trade with SF Giants for LHP Erik Miller ) has a big arm and it showed - reportedly heats it up in the 99-100 mph rare space - we saw both the fastball and slider today - tucks his delivery by bringing his arm from behind his back with a full extension - slider had decent break and fastball is certainly quick.
Bowden was signed as a minor league free agent after pitching last season with both the Rays and Giants organizations. The lefty reportedly has a fastball that tops out at 97 mph and a changeup that has both tumble and comes out with same arm speed. We saw the change up a few times in the session - indeed we couldn’t distinguish any slower arm action as compared to the fastball - seemingly has very good mechanics.
It was Mick Abel’s first session at the complex as he just arrived - he’s been working diligently during the off-season at home and it showed, picked right up where he left off last season. He’s fun to watch - broke off a couple sliders and curves in the session which were plain old nasty and he’s got velo at will on his fastball. It’s gonna be interesting seeing him this spring in big league camp and Grapefruit League games.
Both Alvarado and Nola have been here working for awhile - each continues to look strong and on point - Nelson, Brogdon, McArthur and Sanchez all threw productive sessions as well - keep an eye 👁️ on McArthur - we feel he’s gonna turn heads this spring.
Mick Abel delivers pitch to catcher Cody Roberts
Batting Practice :
At around 11:30 or so Kyle Schwarber, Simon Muzziotti, Alec Bohm & Rhys Hoskins took batting practice on Ashburn Field - a lot of baseballs sailed into the parking lot. Hoskins hit one over the right center field fence that had a right turning tail towards the line - was a line drive rocket. Schwarber had a very colorful sleeveless shirt on displaying a saying typifying a Philly tude - good stuff 🤓
Kyle Schwarber BP
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