5/1/25 : Perseverance and Value

The first full month of the professional baseball season has now concluded.  Last evening I posted an article (https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/4-30-25-march-april-standouts-phillies-minor-leagues) highlighting Phillies minor league players who had standout statistical months. Just for a minute I’d like to delve on how three of those fellas has persevered to get to this point.

RHP Mick Abel had been written off by many, on a recent podcast I heard a writer who covers the major league team state that he was no longer a prospect despite what he may now or further accomplish. That statement is of course ludicrous and immensely dumb given that Mick was added to the 40 man roster for the first time this past off-season and is just 23 years old! Last year he battled thru multiple issues; stamina, mechanics, command, control, over thinking and yes - self doubt.  But the young man, as he still does, showed up for work each and every day, took the ball on every turn and battled. He made all of his starts and posted over 100 innings for the third consecutive season. The critics were abundant on his numbers, the talk shows buzzed with chatter on how he was a failed draft pick, yet he kept his head down and worked. I know him just a little bit but can tell you that his politeness and outward demeanor has never wavered, he was here in Clearwater in Fall High Performance Camp and continued to set an example for his organization mates by how he went about his daily regimen. This spring he went generally unnoticed (as most young players do on a perennial title contender) but for those of us who watch the backfields we could tell there was a difference - the energy was back and the mitt was popping again. He showed that to the general fan base in April and while it’s just one month of work it’s a mini redemption against those who voiced doubt. Mick is a genuine and good person, that’s easy to tell by just a brief discussion. I truly believe the positive re-enforcement of now having a teammate like Garrett Stubbs catch him and influence a “good vibes” locker room for a 21-8 Lehigh Valley team is also part of the equation.  But, when it comes down to it the success Mick has had this past month it is very much due to him and his perseverance and dedication to his craft as well as the coaches who continue to guide him.  And yes sir he is very much still a freaking prospect!

Otto Kemp has his own story of perseverance - in high school knee injuries (ligament tears) caused lost time, his senior season in particular, then a blood clot in his shoulder followed by a torn labrum and the pandemic cost him significant time in his initial collegiate career, he bounced back to put up strong numbers in his last two college seasons. He attended Point Loma Nazarene University in the San Diego area and while it has perhaps the most picturesque collegiate baseball field in the country it’s not a hot bed for major league talent. Otto went un-drafted and signed a free agent deal with the Phillies in August of 2022. The first time I saw him in the field was that August on the backfields working with coaches at the second base position, a relatively new position for him as he was generally a third baseman in college - I talked with him afterwards as is my usual endeavor to welcome new players. Later that summer he debuted as a second baseman in the FCL and then with the Clearwater Threshers. The next season he settled in more at third base at the A level of play - one thing that was evident to those who watched was his ability to swing the bat, hard contact is a constant both then and now but so is patience and plate presence - he will make pitchers throw strikes. In the spring of 2024 Otto suffered an oblique injury and his start to the season was delayed - he ended up playing at all four levels of the system, initially assigned to Reading out of spring camp he did extended rehab work with Clearwater and Jersey Shore before moving to Reading for the brunt of the year in June and then finishing up in LHV in September. The bat remained constant - the numbers didn’t pop but both external scouts and internal baseball folks knew that Otto was a blossoming hitting prospect. He was assigned to the Arizona Fall League and excelled bringing further attention his way.  His stint in the AFL was shortened by an even more important life event - he married college sweetheart Lily on November 10th. This spring Otto turned heads in big league spring camp and then put up the best monthly numbers of his pro career in April albeit his May, 2024 numbers in Jersey Shore also earned him the system’s player of the month award recognition. Some folks and scouts discount his defensive abilities and while he may never be the most skilled defender on the field I talked to multiple Phillies pitchers who have played with him and all stated that they have full confidence in his glove, especially at third base - he excelled there at Jersey Shore but struggled a bit at Reading (where he played thru some nagging leg issues). He’s an aggressive fielder, does very well with balls in front that he has to come get, perhaps lags a bit laterally and with an occasional erratic throw but to me his bat outshines any defensive misgivings especially given his versatility (has played 1B,2B, SS, 3B, LF and RF in his minor league career). The kid is hard nosed and posts every day - he’s a blossoming major leaguer who, in my humble opinion, can be a productive lineup regular at the highest level. He just grinds and that in itself is a special skill.

Twenty year old Aroon Escobar was first brought to my attention by fellow writer Matt Winkleman (Phillies Minor Thoughts) who is very detailed and observant on all Phillies minor leaguers but especially on those who play their initial years at the Dominican Academy. Matt picks up on the talent in the DSL well before anyone external to the organization does. Aroon signed on 1/15/22 as a just turned seventeen year old (his birthday is 1/1/05). His initial numbers in the DSL were far from eye-popping but we watched him as part of the 2022 DSL Champion Phillies White team and had a feeling that his game could get even better. Aroon popped three home runs that summer as a seventeen year old and delivered many key hits on a championship squad. He became a “one to watch” on our radar. He spent some time stateside at the complex in 2023 with the rehab team as he was going thru some lower leg issues, his 2023 season was delayed but he eventually returned to the DSL and played in 33 games - the overall numbers didn’t pop but the underlying talent kept brewing. Aroon was assigned to both extended spring camp in Clearwater and the FCL Phillies in 2024 and excelled, I wrote about him repeatedly, he’s built like a tank and showed tremendous plate presence, great hands and an ongoing ability to put the bat on the ball (as he has done since game one in the DSL). In 24 FCL games he put up very impressive numbers (.338/.495/.481) and began to barrel the ball with authority, he was blossoming before our eyes when his season was cut short due to shin splints which sidelined him on 6/8/24 for the balance of the year. Aroon remained stateside after the season to continue his work with the rehab team at Carpenter Complex, he also recently graduated from the Phillies learning academy with his high school diploma and is continually progressing in his understanding of and ability to speak the English language, every time we see him he greets us with a wide smile, a hello and fist bump. The Philly crowd got to see a glimpse of him this spring when he obliterated a pitch for a long home run in a Grapefruit League game and in the Spring Breakout game. He’s had a tremendous start to his affiliated ball career as his April numbers with the Threshers are eye-popping, his defense as a second baseman has also been exemplary. At just twenty years of age he’s already battled thru some adversity to bust out of thr ranks of the unknown - perseverance has paid dividends. More to come, he’s a very talented player.

Perseverance isn’t absolute but it is a necessary for success - especially those working as professional athletes. They aren’t just statistics, they are people with similar yet different walks and challenges in their lives as others. I attempt to connect to the people perspective and not just see the numbers - to me it’s impossible to separate that. The numbers often times enumerate baseball success but also at times camouflage growth and progress especially where player development is concerned. It is the divide that makes player analysis more than just about data but also judgements of character, work ethic and heart as well - the things that are vital to team collaboration and success - without those there are no numbers of true value. Kudos to Mick, Otto and Aroon for their perseverance and work - wishing them all continued success.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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