The Paul Owens Award was instituted in 1986, and is named for the late Paul Owens, who spent 48 years in the Phillies organization as a scout, farm director, general manager, manager and senior advisor. Each year, the Philadelphia Phillies recognize the organization's top minor league player and pitcher, awarding both of them the Paul Owens Award.
In years past the award recipients and their families have been brought to Philadelphia for a night at the ballpark, of course that was when minor league seasons concluded at the end of August, this year the clubs will play thru most of September. While it may be a bit early to “nominate” potential 2021 award winners here’s this observer’s view on which players would seem to be in the running. 🤔
This is part two … position players … following is a link to part one - pitchers … if ya missed it. https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/8-27-21-2021-paul-owens-award-possibilities
Player of the Year “Nominees”
INF Bryson Stott - The 23 year old 2019 first round draft choice has had a very strong first full minor league season of game action. We began the year watching him in big league spring training and then minor league training camp. Bryson was assigned to High A Jersey Shore to start the regular season and played 22 games there slashing .288/.453/.548 with an OPS of 1.001 in 73 at bats, he also drew 22 walks and earned the May minor league hitter of the month award in the organization.
He was promoted to Reading on June 1st and became the Phillies representative in the Futures All Star game in July. At Reading Bryson currently has a .301 batting average in 272 AB’s with 21 doubles, 2 triples, 10 home runs and 34 RBIs … his OBP is .363 and he’s posted an OPS of .867.
During the month of August the young man has been on a tear, he’s hitting .407 ( 37 for 91 ) with a .692 slugging percentage ( 9 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs and 17 RBIs ).
Defensively he’s played the majority of his time at shortstop with second base also in the mix. Most recently he’s been in the lineup as a third baseman. Bryson has shown the ability to handle each position without concern or issue.
His combined stats place him at or near the top in most every offensive category for the Phillies minor league organization … .299/.384/.513 slash line with an .898 OPS in 91 games ( 345 AB’s ) with 25 doubles, 2 triples, 15 home runs, 44 RBIs and 50 walks. There’s no doubt he’s the front runner for this years Paul Owens Player of the Year Award.
OF Jhailyn Ortiz - the 22 year old was having his best pro season prior to being placed on the IL on 8/25 with what appeared to be an oblique issue. Jhailyn has spent most of the season with Jersey Shore, earning promotion on 7/31 to Reading. He had a torrid month of July when he belted 13 home runs and posted 25 RBIs. On the season combined between Jersey Shore and Reading he’s hit .250/.346/.488 with an OPS of .834 and leads the Phillies minor league system with 23 home runs. He’s driven in 54 runs and also has 12 doubles. Jhailyn has abandoned wearing the playing goggles which indicates his vision issues from earlier in his career are behind him. The young man can drive the baseball a very long way and has also shown both a strong arm and a capable range in the outfield, he’s played center field predominantly this summer. Very solid season for Jhailyn, I would think it’s earned himself a 40 man roster spot when Rule 5 protection time comes in November.
C Logan O’Hoppe - the 21 year old is yet another bright spot in the Phillies minor league organization. He was drafted in the 23rd round of the 2018 draft and immediately became one of our favorites, very cordial and friendly young man. Logan can flat out play, his defensive skills were evident the first time we saw him on the backfields at the Complex but the bat has also significantly progressed. Recently promoted to Reading ( 8/25/21 ) from Jersey Shore he’s posted a cumulative slash line of .273/.336/.460 with an OPS of .796 in 86 games ( 326 AB’s ) with 18 doubles, 2 triples, 13 home runs and 48 RBIs … he’s drawn 30 walks and even has 6 stolen bases. He’s posted a .992 fielding percentage and has thrown out 25 base stealers in 80 chances. Very strong first full season squad of play, he was in big league spring training camp and minor league spring camp and before that spent a few weeks out west at the Drive Line facility. His dedication and enthusiasm for the game are exemplary … really cool to see.
IF Daniel Brito - the 23 year old was having his best professional season before suffering a medical emergency issue in Rochester on 7/30/21. Daniel had just been promoted to Lehigh Valley from Reading on 7/22/21. His 2021 season numbers are very good … .295/.364/.473 slash line with an .837 OPS in 71 games ( 275 AB’s ) … 15 doubles, 5 triples, 8 home runs and 30 RBIs. He was also continuing to shine defensively at second base, shortstop and third base. It’s our understanding that he’s doing well and is in process to hopefully gaining a full recovery. Daniel is a very energetic, bright and engaging young man … let’s all keep him in our thoughts and well wishes. Hopefully one day we see him back on the field playing the game he loves.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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