6/20/25 : Just Sayin

The trade deadline is still over a month away (6 PM - 7/31/25) but the research work on other organizations including both scouting and analytics have long been underway for all thirty clubs. Living here in Clearwater and attending games at the complex deliver indications of that as just about every club that still employs feet on the ground pro scouts have been represented. Many of the long term scouts I have gotten to know over the years have either moved on or out - now replaced by younger folks whom I’ve introduced myself to, this past week the Dodgers and Giants had scouts in the house, two new fellas I hadn’t met before.

Every team keeps a “book” on the other teams players of intrigue - seeing a scout at a game doesn’t necessarily mean they are imminent trade partners - just that they are doing their homework in case discussions ensue. Over the next month and a half the baseball internet will be filled with trade speculation postings, many of which have no actual merit in becoming realization or for that matter ever even considered. In the middle of all of that the amateur draft takes place over two days (not three as in years past - July 13th & 14th). Often times the pro scouting crews are deployed as cross checkers on identified amateur players of interest. Private workouts also are ongoing along with the draft combine which wrapped yesterday in Phoenix. Mock drafts will be the rage for those interested in the new additions to come - they are also rarely accurate but always fun to read.

With that being said I believe the Phillies will focus on obtaining relievers who are strikeout type hurlers but also strike throwers as has been their past practice of sorts. There are a few names that come to mind - on the higher end of the scale the Twins could be coaxed to part with either Griffin Jax or Jhoan Duran who fit the bill. The Rangers have a couple under the radar lefties in Hoby Milner and Robert Garcia that could be availed - multi inning types. There’s a young fella on the Padres who is intriguing (26 year old Jeremiah Estrada) that might be pried loose if a compatible swap could be found and there’s multiple expiring contracts such as the Pirates Dennis Santana or the Orioles Andrew Kittredge. No one outside of the organization truly knows what names might be focused upon but it’s certainly common knowledge where the focus is likely to be.

In regards to the outfield while folks may feel the wish list is more offensive prowess, that’s not such an easy thing to come by.  Also don’t discount the impact of solid defense during the playoffs, if a move is made to bolster the outfield corps it’s my opinion that defense is factored in any move that might be made. A player like the Rockies Brenton Doyle who has struggled offensively this season but produced last season and is a gold glove winner might be that type of interest. The immediate answer could also very well be folks already on the team or in the organization.

Speaking of defense the benching this week of outfielder Nick Castellanos was the correct move if the circumstances from which it evolved that we’ve heard are true. A good manager allows for input from his players and coaches but it needs to be done in a manner that respects the leadership of the position. Sounding off when angry in front of others in a disrespectful manner can’t be ignored if that respect is to be maintained. It doesn’t matter who was right or wrong on the point of dispute and has nothing to do with having “thin skin” as a leader - btw that type of leadership sits atop our country at the moment and plenty of folks seem to think it’s great - but I digress 😎.  By all accounts Rob Thomson is far from “thin skinned” as he allows for a great deal of interaction however the manner in which Nick voiced his opinion forced his hand in addressing it. It was dealt with and they’ve moved on akin to similar situations in the past with other players, the only difference this time was that the skipper was more truthful to the public in why the action was taken. It’s really that simple.

I never will understand why certain players get some fans dislike - one would think a player like Castellanos who projects the hard working lunch pail persona that Philly likes to pride itself as being would garner more appreciation. It doesn’t take a review of analytical numbers to tell that he’s not a great defender in terms of range and arm strength but those same numbers discount the fact (for those who watch him play) that most every ball he gets to he will catch. Offensively he’s carried the team at times albeit in an imperfect manner that critics like to focus on. Folks who believe the contract he signed is the issue should realize that it’s basically the same annual pay as the Mets Brandon Nimmo, another grind it out everyday type player.  In an industry with revenue streams of around $12 billion per season I will never understand why folks begrudge what players make. To me players like Castellanos and Nimmo are key cogs to winning clubs, they garner teammates respect with their passion, toughness, hard work and persistence - the qualities that Philly fans want identified as their own persona.  Just sayin.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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