2/2/26 : High Performance Camp - Day Eleven
- Steve Potter
- 2 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Workouts continued for camp participants. While the emphasis is on strength training and conditioning the winter version of HP Camp has more baseball practice activities that the Fall version.
HP Camp workouts were held on the complex training fields. Position players fielding drills were conducted on Ashburn field while pitchers did their fielding drills on Carlton field. BP work continued in the indoor cages.
Fourteen pitchers threw side bullpen sessions - Angel Liranzo, Titan Kennedy-Hayes, Peyton Havard, Keegan Batka, Zuher Yousuf, Tyler Bowen, Richie Cortese, Jonathan Gonzalez, Matthew Fisher, Brad Pacheco, Matt Potok, Jacob Pruitt, Cole Gilley and Gabriel Barbosa.
Robert Phelps - 22 years old - drafted in 19th round of the 2025 draft from Reinhardt University, Georgia
2025 Stats : RH hitter/thrower - after signing he initially worked at the complex in draftee mini-camp. Was promoted to Clearwater on 8/5 - played in 12 games - 53 plate appearances - .231/.415/.282 slash line with a .697 OPS - 2 doubles, 7 RBIs, 12 walks, 8 strikeouts and 5 stolen bases - defensively played shortstop (9 games - .947 fielding pct) and second base (3 games - 1.000 fielding pct). In his second pro game went 3 for 4 with a double. Was placed on the IL on 8/22. Finished the year with the rehab team at the complex.
Notes : he’s from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Allderdice HS - attended Harford Community College where he played two seasons before transferring to the the University of West Virginia then to Reinhardt University in Georgia. In an article written by Rob Taylor Jr on 8/2 in the Pittsburgh Courier Robert was quoted as saying “I’ve loved it since I was a little kid, it’s always been what I’ve done, it’s always been my dream,” about the game of baseball. About being drafted - “For the dream to come true is amazing, and it’s just the first step.” Taylor wrote that Phelps’ family has always supported his baseball dreams and that he even lived in the Dominican Republic from the age of 13 to 16, before returning to Pittsburgh to attend Allderdice. I have yet to meet Robert in person but the energy comes thru in our correspondence - it’s very clear he wants to excel and climb the ladder to the show. He’s known for his speed, is a base stealing threat every time he reaches base, and his defensive prowess. A spark plug type player who exudes confidence and enthusiasm - his summer ball coach Jake Lanferman of the Edmonton RiverHawks said this “"He is a special type of player with multiple pro tools, Robbie has been a spark plug for us as our leadoff hitter all summer. He has one of the best gloves I've seen come through our program and he's always competing with a huge smile on his face." Am eager to see Robert play in person.
Robert’s 2025 pro debut reflections : “I learned that it’s still the game of baseball I’ve been playing since a little kid. Same dream, same goal, same game. Learning to go out and have fun everyday and not turn it into a job or business. It’s a blessing to be doing what I’m doing so embracing that and knowing that there’s a lot worse things going on in the world than whatever I’m dealing with. I wasn’t happy with how my personal season ended as my year was cut short with injury. I felt I was taking some steps of improvement though and finding my rhythm a little bit before getting hurt. I just want to come into camp healthy, strong and in a good mindset to accept everything for what it is and be ready to work. This will be my first spring training so I only can learn so much from other people’s word before experiencing it myself. It will be an experience for sure but also an opportunity. As for where I break out of camp, that is out of my control. I tell myself that I’m going to control the controllables and the rest will take care of itself. Wherever they put me I will be grateful and ready to start my first full year of pro ball.”
Winter League Roundup :
Notes on Phillies and former Phillies participating in winter leagues from games played on 1/31 and 2/1.
Venezuela Winter League : Championship Series :
1/31 : Navegantes del Magallanes 14 (3-1) Caribes de Anzoategui 5 (1-3)
2/1 : Caribes de Anzoategui 5 (2-3) Navegantes del Magallanes 3 (3-2) - Herlis Rodriquez (CF) went 2 for 4 (single & double) with a run scored for the Caribe’s.
Caribbean Series :
2/1 : Puerto Rico (Cangrejeros de Santurce) 5 (1-0) Mexico Green (Tomateros de Culiacán) 4 (0-1)
2/1 : Dominican Republic (Leones del Escogido) 5 (1-0) Mexico Red (Charros de Jalisco) 4 (0-1)
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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