Base-running drills today focused on leads off first base and reactions to different scenarios. Three bags were set up in order so that three runners could participate concurrently. The drills on base running in particular seem a bit more focused than we’ve seen in years past.
Infield and outfield drills followed on Ashburn and Roberts fields with Pitcher’s Fielding Practice ( PFP’s ) taking place on Carlton Field. Schmidt Field is also being utilized for drills but we can’t see those as it’s partitioned off. Infield practice today was focused into four position groups to start with individual instruction by the coaches assigned to each station. The team drill followed and it was situational play with new Infield Coordinator Adam Everett calling out the situation … e.g. “1st and 2nd - no out”, etc. From our view Casey Martin stood out at shortstop, very fluid and strong arm. Erick Brito continues to impress as well, today at second base.
Batting practice standouts that we saw this afternoon were Kendall Simmons on Ashburn Field, hitting was off the machine and it looked like sliders were the pitch of the day. Kendall stayed on it and consistently hit line drives to left and left center fields. Johan Rojas had a good round on Roberts Field, he drove a couple over the left field fence but also graded out well in the situational hitting called out by the coaches … e.g. different scenarios like “bases loaded - no outs” or “top of the ninth - RBI situation”.
Some of the pitchers who threw on the seven mounds this afternoon were Mick Abel, Andrew Painter, Jose Pena Jr, Erubiel Armenta and Gunner Mayer. We can’t see them from the public access area so no report on how they threw 🤷♂️.
Went to Ford’s Garage for lunch - if you come down to the Clearwater area it’s a very good establishment to eat at, wide array of choices.
Remembering the 2016 Gulf Coast League Phillies : The team went 43-15 under the helm of Roly de Armas and finished first in the Northwest Division. Their .741 winning percentage was the best in the league. The offense led the league in seven different categories while the pitching staff was best in six categories. They defeated the Braves in a one game semifinal playoff but lost to the Cardinals two games to one in the Championship Series.
To date 12 players who made appearances with the 2016 GCL Phillies have played in the major leagues : Mickey Moniak, Aaron Altherr, Roman Quinn, Alec Asher, Austin Davis, Jimmy Cordero, Brandon Leibrandt, Mauricio Llovera, Yoervis Medina, Yacksel Rios, Sixto Sanchez and Jesen Therien.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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