This coming week minor league spring training camp breaks as the AAA group is scheduled to leave on Friday and the other levels on Saturday. Because of the lockout the minor leaguers will leave camp before the big leaguers this year, that in itself is an oddity. Some of the players have been in Clearwater since mid February when minor league mini camp commenced. I’m sure the players will be appreciative that early morning wake ups and long days will be in the rear view mirror - replaced by later daily ballpark report times and games under the lights.
Unfortunately the end of spring camp also will become the release points for a few more minor league players ( some have already been released this spring ), there’s a limit on how many players can be active in an organization by MLB rules. Cutdown day is always an anxious one at the Complex. Those players on the long term injured list don’t count towards the active allowance - there will be a few made inactive to continue their rehab work here in Clearwater.
From this observer’s view it’s been a good camp for the crew led by first year Player Development Director Preston Mattingly. Player development always has it’s nuances and a daily coordinated schedule of activities is key to keeping things in sync. I think that Field Coordinator Kevin Bradshaw did a great job with both the mini and regular camp. The players education process doesn’t stop though as many will be assigned to the four full season opening day rosters while others will remain in Clearwater for extended spring training. Teaching and coaching are acts of optimism. You believe in someone’s positive future and you help them create it - that effort continues thru the entirety of the process.
Today was a camp day at the Complex - we didn’t go over as we had tickets for the big league game in Dunedin.
Today’s Grapefruit League Game : Dunedin, FL
Phillies 10 Blue Jays 5
Big day for the offense, in particular the Clearwater housemates Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott. Harper clubbed two no doubt about it home runs and was 3 for 4 overall with 3 runs scored and 3 RBIs. Stott walked twice and hit a three run home run in four plate appearances. He certainly moved towards solidifying an opening day roster spot, perhaps as the third baseman. Bryson was told to come to spring camp with the mindset of winning a job, his .417 batting average and 1.255 OPS are indicative of making a strong case to do just that 👀.
Didi Gregorius also homered and again played well defensively at shortstop, looks much more fluid and like the old Didi so far this spring. Mickey Moniak is also pushing for a roster spot, he clubbed a two run home run and just missed another one in his second AB of the game when a deep fly was caught against the right field wall. Mickey also made a nice catch in center field on a sinking hard hit liner. Johan Carmago had two hits and late in the game Hunter Markwardt singled and drove in a run in his first Grapefruit League AB - way to go Hunter !
Twenty year old outfielder Jadiel Sanchez made a web gem worthy play in right field leaping to catch a ball up against the right field fence. 1B Darick Hall made a diving catch on a hard liner in the ninth inning to record an out.
Odd play of the game - pitcher Bailey Falter’s delivery got past catcher JT Realmuto in the second inning with a runner on first, the runner broke for second but the baseball bounced back off of the back stop fence directly to Falter who turned and threw the runner out at second base !
Pitchers :
LH Bailey Falter - 3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 0 BB - 43 pitches - 30 strikes - threw the baseball really well, stretching out as a starter - FB ( 89-91 mph ), slider ( 81-84 ), curve ( 74-76 ), sinker ( 89-91 ) and changeup ( 82-85 )
RH Nick Nelson - 2 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 4 K’s - 38 pitches - 26 strikes - in my mind he has made the club - changeup ( 86-89 mph ), FB ( 94-97 ), slider ( 85 ) and curve ( 78 ).
RH Cam Bedrosian - 1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 0 K’s - 27 pitches - 13 strikes - FB ( 91-94 mph ), changeup ( 82-84 ), slider ( 83 ) and cutter ( 87 ).
LH Braedon Ogle - 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K - 9 pitches - 6 strikes - continues to impress - sinker ( 93-95 mph ) and slider ( 84 )
RH Mike Adams - 1 IP, 2 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K - 20 pitches - 12 strikes - sinker ( 93-95 mph ), FB ( 94-96 ), changeup ( 84 ) and slider ( 83-85 ).
LH Jonathan Hennigan - 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K - 12 pitches - 9 strikes - strong outing - sinker ( 93-94 mph ), changeup ( 84 ) and slider ( 80 ).
Roster Moves :
UTL Luke Williams is now a member of the San Francisco Giants. He was designated for assignment a few days ago and today was traded to the Giants for utility player Will Toffey. Toffey is 27 years old and was the 4th round draft selection of the Oakland A’s in the 2017 draft from Vanderbilt. He was traded to the Giants last July and is a career .238 hitter in 951 minor league AB’s, defensively he’s played primarily third base. Best wishes to Luke with the Giants and welcome to Will to the Phillies!
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Jonathan Hennigan warming up in bullpen with catcher Anthony Quirion
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