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Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Marlon Mitchell Interview
Over the past year the Phillies have traded two of their top catching prospects in the organization in Lou Marson and Travis D’Arnaud in order to acquire aces to help the MLB staff. This left only one big name catcher, Sebastian Valle, in the minor leagues. However, one name that needs to be considered is that of Marlon Mitchell, a seemingly obscure twenty-seventh round pick out of high school. Marlon, born September 30, 1990, stands tall at 6’1” and weighs 180. One interesting thing about him is that prior to being a member of the GCL Phillies, he was a switch-hitting catcher. Now, he only bats left-handed, ironically clipping lefties at a .400 BAA and a struggling .135 against right handed pitchers. The key for Marlon will be to raise his average against right-handed pitchers, and try to keep his .400 against lefties the same.
He is truly a solid catcher, fielding wise, however. According to Perfect Game USA, his ‘pop time’, or the time it takes for a catcher to throw to second base, is an incredible 1.76 time. Pop time helps show whether or not the catcher is able to control the running game, and a good average of high school players tends to be 2.10. Marlon’s time fits up there with major league times already, as many of the major leaguers throw 1.80 on a consistent basis. All in all, if Marlon keeps up his solid fielding and raises his average against righties, there is a solid chance he’ll move up the prospect boards, and definitely is worth following. Thanks to Marlon for his time on the interview.
Q: You were the youngest of four catchers (Diaz, Aviola, and Guerra) to play on the GCL Phillies last year. What separates you from the group?
A: My athleticism, desire to compete, work ethic and desire to advance.
Q: It shows on your Perfect Game USA page that you were a switch hitter in high school. Why now are you only a lefty hitter and is there any reason that you hit .400 against lefties while only .135 against righties?
A: I hit on both sides in high school to challenge myself. Outside of baseball I do everything right handed but hitting wise I just feel more comfortable on the left side. My focus against lefties happened to be much better last year. My goal this season is to focus equally as well against lefties and righties. The more reps I get against righties the better I will get.
Q: How are you like fielding wise as a catcher (.979 fielding with 38% caught stealing)? Would you like to remain a catcher throughout your career and do you think you'll stay there?
A: I’m pretty solid behind the plate and getting better with excellent instruction from the Philly organization. Every day I strive to get better. Development is a priority to me. Being a catcher is my passion. However, I understand in this game things can change.
Q: Which pitchers did you catch last year and which one would you enjoy catching the most?
A: I enjoyed catching the entire GCL Phillies pitching staff each pitcher brought something unique.
Q: What other than money makes a 27th round draft pick sign out of high school?
A: Playing professional baseball is a once in a life time opportunity to play the game I love and to be drafted by one of the best organizations in baseball weighted heavily. My education is just as important to me and the MLB Scholarship Plan made my decision easier as well. I can play for the Phillies and work toward a college degree at the same time.
Q: Did you have a favorite player growing up, if so, who?
A: All of the great catchers! Johnny Bench, Jason Varitek, Joe Mauer, Benito Santiago, Jorge Posada, Ivan Rodriguez and Roy Campanella. They had a passion for the game and gave a 100 % with amazing skills.
Q: Any other comments you'd like to make?
A: I am grateful for the opportunity to play baseball and compete on a professional level. I am still learning, developing and hope to make it to the big leagues.
He is truly a solid catcher, fielding wise, however. According to Perfect Game USA, his ‘pop time’, or the time it takes for a catcher to throw to second base, is an incredible 1.76 time. Pop time helps show whether or not the catcher is able to control the running game, and a good average of high school players tends to be 2.10. Marlon’s time fits up there with major league times already, as many of the major leaguers throw 1.80 on a consistent basis. All in all, if Marlon keeps up his solid fielding and raises his average against righties, there is a solid chance he’ll move up the prospect boards, and definitely is worth following. Thanks to Marlon for his time on the interview.
Q: You were the youngest of four catchers (Diaz, Aviola, and Guerra) to play on the GCL Phillies last year. What separates you from the group?
A: My athleticism, desire to compete, work ethic and desire to advance.
Q: It shows on your Perfect Game USA page that you were a switch hitter in high school. Why now are you only a lefty hitter and is there any reason that you hit .400 against lefties while only .135 against righties?
A: I hit on both sides in high school to challenge myself. Outside of baseball I do everything right handed but hitting wise I just feel more comfortable on the left side. My focus against lefties happened to be much better last year. My goal this season is to focus equally as well against lefties and righties. The more reps I get against righties the better I will get.
Q: How are you like fielding wise as a catcher (.979 fielding with 38% caught stealing)? Would you like to remain a catcher throughout your career and do you think you'll stay there?
A: I’m pretty solid behind the plate and getting better with excellent instruction from the Philly organization. Every day I strive to get better. Development is a priority to me. Being a catcher is my passion. However, I understand in this game things can change.
Q: Which pitchers did you catch last year and which one would you enjoy catching the most?
A: I enjoyed catching the entire GCL Phillies pitching staff each pitcher brought something unique.
Q: What other than money makes a 27th round draft pick sign out of high school?
A: Playing professional baseball is a once in a life time opportunity to play the game I love and to be drafted by one of the best organizations in baseball weighted heavily. My education is just as important to me and the MLB Scholarship Plan made my decision easier as well. I can play for the Phillies and work toward a college degree at the same time.
Q: Did you have a favorite player growing up, if so, who?
A: All of the great catchers! Johnny Bench, Jason Varitek, Joe Mauer, Benito Santiago, Jorge Posada, Ivan Rodriguez and Roy Campanella. They had a passion for the game and gave a 100 % with amazing skills.
Q: Any other comments you'd like to make?
A: I am grateful for the opportunity to play baseball and compete on a professional level. I am still learning, developing and hope to make it to the big leagues.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Interview with a phille fan
Today I’ve decided to do what other bloggers here have done and also interview someone. Today I’ll be interviewing philly fans. As I stood in front of Carter Batting Practice stadium, I stopped a few passersby on their views on this year’s philly team.
First up is Tom (not his real name, he can’t remember his real name). He puts down his sign, sponge and squeegee (and accepts my $1 “donation); I asked what he thought of Phillies chances this year.
UL: “So, um, Tom. How do you think the Phillies will do this year?”
Tom: “Who?”
UL: "Never mind, here’s another your dollar for some soap.”
Next up is Gloria.
UL: “And what do you think of the phillies chances this year?”
Gloria: “Well with the right training, hard work and determination, they should be able to ward off the stallions.”
UL: “What?”
Gloria: “You know, the stallions that’ll be chasing the fillies around the pastures.”
UL: “I was talking about the philles baseball team.”
Gloria: “Oh, I’m sorry…who?”
UL: “Thank you Gloria”
Next was Herb. He had on his philly hat, a glove, sports bag and a big “We’re number 1!” foam hand thingee.
UL: “So herb, you look like a real phille fan. What do you think of your teams’ chances this year?”
Herb: “WOW!! YEAH!! I’M READY!! THIS IS THE YEAR!! ALL THE WAY BABY!! YEAH!! CAN’T WAIT FOR THE CELEBRATION!!
UL: “What celebration, Herb?”
Herb: “YOU KNOW!! WHERE WE RUN THE STREETS AND RIOT AFTER A WIN!! (He removes foam hand and shows his brass knuckles. He then opens up his sport bag and shows his bat with nails, lighters and beer.) I’M READY BABY!! IT’S HEAD BASHING TIME!! WOOOOO!!”
UL: "I was asking about the phillies baseball team."
Herb: "YEAH BABY!! ALL THE WAY!! WOOOOO!! SMASH AND BASH!!...Who?"
UL: (I slowly back away.)
Last but not least was this little sweetheart by the name of Lucy. Lucy is 7 years old. She was walking with her parents and I noticed she has a philly t-shirt on.
UL: “Hi Lucy. What lovely pink bows you have in your hair. So, how do you think the philles will do this year?”
Lucy: “Um, hee hee, um, I think they’ll win this year.”
UL: “That’s nice. And who is your favorite player?”
Lucy: “Um, hee hee, um, I think Chase Utley is cute. (Hides behind her mom.) So what’s your favorite team, mister?”
UL: “Well, I’m a METS FAN.”
Lucy: “WHAT?!?! YOU M____________F________ C_________ S__________ SONUVA____________!!!! I HOPE YOUR MOTHER ______________________________ AND __________________________________________________________________________!!”
I then jumped in my car a drove the hell out of phillie. But first I stopped at Leo’s Steak House for a cheesesteak sandwich and a dump.
First up is Tom (not his real name, he can’t remember his real name). He puts down his sign, sponge and squeegee (and accepts my $1 “donation); I asked what he thought of Phillies chances this year.
UL: “So, um, Tom. How do you think the Phillies will do this year?”
Tom: “Who?”
UL: "Never mind, here’s another your dollar for some soap.”
Next up is Gloria.
UL: “And what do you think of the phillies chances this year?”
Gloria: “Well with the right training, hard work and determination, they should be able to ward off the stallions.”
UL: “What?”
Gloria: “You know, the stallions that’ll be chasing the fillies around the pastures.”
UL: “I was talking about the philles baseball team.”
Gloria: “Oh, I’m sorry…who?”
UL: “Thank you Gloria”
Next was Herb. He had on his philly hat, a glove, sports bag and a big “We’re number 1!” foam hand thingee.
UL: “So herb, you look like a real phille fan. What do you think of your teams’ chances this year?”
Herb: “WOW!! YEAH!! I’M READY!! THIS IS THE YEAR!! ALL THE WAY BABY!! YEAH!! CAN’T WAIT FOR THE CELEBRATION!!
UL: “What celebration, Herb?”
Herb: “YOU KNOW!! WHERE WE RUN THE STREETS AND RIOT AFTER A WIN!! (He removes foam hand and shows his brass knuckles. He then opens up his sport bag and shows his bat with nails, lighters and beer.) I’M READY BABY!! IT’S HEAD BASHING TIME!! WOOOOO!!”
UL: "I was asking about the phillies baseball team."
Herb: "YEAH BABY!! ALL THE WAY!! WOOOOO!! SMASH AND BASH!!...Who?"
UL: (I slowly back away.)
Last but not least was this little sweetheart by the name of Lucy. Lucy is 7 years old. She was walking with her parents and I noticed she has a philly t-shirt on.
UL: “Hi Lucy. What lovely pink bows you have in your hair. So, how do you think the philles will do this year?”
Lucy: “Um, hee hee, um, I think they’ll win this year.”
UL: “That’s nice. And who is your favorite player?”
Lucy: “Um, hee hee, um, I think Chase Utley is cute. (Hides behind her mom.) So what’s your favorite team, mister?”
UL: “Well, I’m a METS FAN.”
Lucy: “WHAT?!?! YOU M____________F________ C_________ S__________ SONUVA____________!!!! I HOPE YOUR MOTHER ______________________________ AND __________________________________________________________________________!!”
I then jumped in my car a drove the hell out of phillie. But first I stopped at Leo’s Steak House for a cheesesteak sandwich and a dump.
Sixers in Full Tank Mode, Thank God!
Finally, Sixer fans can rejoice. With their heads down and their shoulders sagging the Sixers are finally doing what they should have done the moment they traded Allen Iverson, tanking like no tomorrow. And while the number one pick is still a long shot, it is very possible the Sixers can get a top 5 or even top 3 pick. And with trading chips like Speights, Holliday and Young, the Sixers have the ammunition to move up if needed.
While most fans are clamoring for John Wall, the real area of need for the Sixers is at the shooting guard position and on the inside. Fortunately, this draft may end up having a few real good shooting guards in Evan Turner, James Anderson and Xavier Henry. All are big (6'6) and great shooters. As a matter of fact, Henry and Anderson project as better pure shooters than Evans at the NBA level. Any one of these guys would greatly help the Sixers, and as of now, it looks like the Sixers will be in a position to get at least one of them no matter how the lottery selection plays out.
This draft is also gonna be loaded with some pretty good big men. If the Sixers are fortunate enough to get a top three pick, DeMarcus Cousins will be a name that will get a lot of attention from Sixer management. I've always contended that Cousins has the potential to be another Shaq. Both are big, athletic and have soft hands in the post. Cousins has already bested Shaq's numbers during his freshman year at LSU. Other big men to watch out for include the raw but talented Derrick Favors, the aggressive dunk machine Cole Aldrich and 'Kevin Garnett Lite' Greg Monroe.
In short this draft is gonna be deep in players that will fit the Sixers needs, regardless of what spot in the lottery they select. If the Sixers get the #1 pick, getting Wall will be a no brainer. But between picks #2-12, it looks like the Sixers will have some good options as well.
While most fans are clamoring for John Wall, the real area of need for the Sixers is at the shooting guard position and on the inside. Fortunately, this draft may end up having a few real good shooting guards in Evan Turner, James Anderson and Xavier Henry. All are big (6'6) and great shooters. As a matter of fact, Henry and Anderson project as better pure shooters than Evans at the NBA level. Any one of these guys would greatly help the Sixers, and as of now, it looks like the Sixers will be in a position to get at least one of them no matter how the lottery selection plays out.
This draft is also gonna be loaded with some pretty good big men. If the Sixers are fortunate enough to get a top three pick, DeMarcus Cousins will be a name that will get a lot of attention from Sixer management. I've always contended that Cousins has the potential to be another Shaq. Both are big, athletic and have soft hands in the post. Cousins has already bested Shaq's numbers during his freshman year at LSU. Other big men to watch out for include the raw but talented Derrick Favors, the aggressive dunk machine Cole Aldrich and 'Kevin Garnett Lite' Greg Monroe.
In short this draft is gonna be deep in players that will fit the Sixers needs, regardless of what spot in the lottery they select. If the Sixers get the #1 pick, getting Wall will be a no brainer. But between picks #2-12, it looks like the Sixers will have some good options as well.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Spring Training Games
It is hard not to get caught up in Spring Training games but we have to remember that these do not count. Every time a pitcher gets slammed we want to rag on him and every time he throws a scoreless outing we want to proclaim him a king. But these stats and standings do not carry over to the Regular Season so why care? Sarge and Schmidt were actually discussing this during the Phillies vs Orioles game yesterday. Why even have these exhibition games when they can just scrimmage each other, get in more work quicker thus shortening Spring Training? Well it is all about revenue with these games. Revenue is the reason ESPN covers these games and fools us into thinking they actually matter. Well fact is, the hitters probably do not even care after the first 10 games, they have their timing down well within 10 games then just take it easy trying not to hurt themselves. I mean they just stick around so that pitchers can build up stamina. As for pitchers, why should we not care about them? They are throwing pitches they will not throw even ten times in the regular season. Spring is a time to test new things out and pray something sticks, which it usually doesn't. So that home run you see hit off of a pitch you did not even know that pitcher had, just take a deep breath and remember...it doesn't even matter. That average of under .200 Ibanez has...doesn't matter. That 1.29 ERA of Kendricks...doesn't matter.
That is all I am going to leave you with to think about this week
That is all I am going to leave you with to think about this week
Friday, March 19, 2010
Interview with Ryan Bollinger
In the past five years, 47th Round Phillies draft picks to sign include the likes of Nathan Fike and Jon Blanton. Unlike those two players, Ryan Bollinger, drafted in the 47th Round has a true chance to move up the prospect boards. The eighteen year old out of North Dakota is gigantic at 6’6” 185 lbs. He bats and throws left-handed, and plays a solid first base with no errors in his GCL Phillies career. While playing decently in the GCL, Bollinger will have to develop more hitting in order to make it to the MLB. His Perfect Game USA, however, says that he has good power potential with a quick bat and is a solid fielder. (http://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=154727)
Obviously, Ryan is very raw, but has a projectable frame and is solid enough at first base to have a good chance of moving up the minors. It all depends on the bat and if he can provide power, but he was truly very young last year, and hopefully an under the radar guy to emerge in the next few years. Thanks to him for doing this interview around a month ago, and comments are greatly appreciated.
Q: What was intriguing about the Phillies that made a 47th round draft pick sign out of high school?
A: It really didn't matter to me what round I was drafted in. It’s my chance to do what I've always wanted to do so after talking with my family we decided that it's what I wanted to do.
Q: What type of hitter do you consider yourself and why (pull, power, all-fields, etc)?
A: I consider myself of more of an opposite field hitter. I've always worked hitting the other way and it’s worked for me so I've just stuck with trying to drive the ball to the left-center gap.
Q: Have the Phillies told you where you will be playing next year, and if not, where would you like to play in the organization?
A: They haven't told me any of that yet. All I've heard is that it depends how I in spring training. I'm more or less just shooting for a spot on either of the low A rosters.
Q: Based on the roster at the Gulf Coast League, there were 3 other first baseman prospects including Jonathan Singleton. What separates you from the group?
A: I think might heights a big advantage for me. Singleton and Wine are both great players so it will be interesting where we all end up.
Q: In how many years would you like to make the Phillies?
A: I'm just shooting to progress one level at a time. I'm only 19 so I have my time to progress and get stronger. They consider me a step behind John because of him being from California and me coming from a small town in North Dakota so all I can do is work extremely hard and have a little luck on my side.
Obviously, Ryan is very raw, but has a projectable frame and is solid enough at first base to have a good chance of moving up the minors. It all depends on the bat and if he can provide power, but he was truly very young last year, and hopefully an under the radar guy to emerge in the next few years. Thanks to him for doing this interview around a month ago, and comments are greatly appreciated.
Q: What was intriguing about the Phillies that made a 47th round draft pick sign out of high school?
A: It really didn't matter to me what round I was drafted in. It’s my chance to do what I've always wanted to do so after talking with my family we decided that it's what I wanted to do.
Q: What type of hitter do you consider yourself and why (pull, power, all-fields, etc)?
A: I consider myself of more of an opposite field hitter. I've always worked hitting the other way and it’s worked for me so I've just stuck with trying to drive the ball to the left-center gap.
Q: Have the Phillies told you where you will be playing next year, and if not, where would you like to play in the organization?
A: They haven't told me any of that yet. All I've heard is that it depends how I in spring training. I'm more or less just shooting for a spot on either of the low A rosters.
Q: Based on the roster at the Gulf Coast League, there were 3 other first baseman prospects including Jonathan Singleton. What separates you from the group?
A: I think might heights a big advantage for me. Singleton and Wine are both great players so it will be interesting where we all end up.
Q: In how many years would you like to make the Phillies?
A: I'm just shooting to progress one level at a time. I'm only 19 so I have my time to progress and get stronger. They consider me a step behind John because of him being from California and me coming from a small town in North Dakota so all I can do is work extremely hard and have a little luck on my side.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
I hate doctors...
...always telling you "you should take batter care of yourself", "you need to lose weight", "take your medication as prescribed", "you ARE the father"...no wait, I was watching Maury while in the waiting room. But my doctor is cool except when it's time for my annual physical. Nothing worse than having a female doc say "turn your head and cough" while grabbing the boys. No wonder they keep those rooms at freezing temperature.
So I'm having to provide a stool sample and I'm thinking of philly. Once I was done (and it was easy when philly comes to mind) I started thinking about The New York Mets. Now THAT'S a team to root for. In a city so nice you have to say it twice (NEW YORK, NEW YORK) nothing is better than summers in New York City. And while The Mets are tearing up the league and the pretenders (read: philthies) are wallowing in despair, I know a bunch of you will jump ship and root for The Mets. I mean, Carter Batting Practice stadium is a home away from home for New York Mets fans. It's always been that way and it always will.
I keep looking at this Mets team in ST and I've read where now Reyes is going on the DL to start the season with Beltran and some of you are wringing your hands thinking "this is our chance." Let me say a few things to get you back to reality: Fernando Martinez, Mejia, Pelfry, Perez, Santana just to name a few. You have no chance this year. Oh, you may start hot and think that it's going to be a repeat of the last 3 years but I GUARANTEE it won't be that way this year. The fun and games are over and it's time to remind your silly little team who REALLY owns the N.L. East. Get the handkerchiefs out and start crying a river. This year you CAN riot but it'll be when you're shown to be nothing but the pretenders you've been the last 3 years. I would say I feel sorry for your team but I can't lie. The lie has been thinking you've been the best team the last 3 years. Play time is over kiddies and it's time for the adults to take over. Hope you enjoyed yourselves. And you can have this headline for your teams website: "It was fun while it lasted."
So I'm having to provide a stool sample and I'm thinking of philly. Once I was done (and it was easy when philly comes to mind) I started thinking about The New York Mets. Now THAT'S a team to root for. In a city so nice you have to say it twice (NEW YORK, NEW YORK) nothing is better than summers in New York City. And while The Mets are tearing up the league and the pretenders (read: philthies) are wallowing in despair, I know a bunch of you will jump ship and root for The Mets. I mean, Carter Batting Practice stadium is a home away from home for New York Mets fans. It's always been that way and it always will.
I keep looking at this Mets team in ST and I've read where now Reyes is going on the DL to start the season with Beltran and some of you are wringing your hands thinking "this is our chance." Let me say a few things to get you back to reality: Fernando Martinez, Mejia, Pelfry, Perez, Santana just to name a few. You have no chance this year. Oh, you may start hot and think that it's going to be a repeat of the last 3 years but I GUARANTEE it won't be that way this year. The fun and games are over and it's time to remind your silly little team who REALLY owns the N.L. East. Get the handkerchiefs out and start crying a river. This year you CAN riot but it'll be when you're shown to be nothing but the pretenders you've been the last 3 years. I would say I feel sorry for your team but I can't lie. The lie has been thinking you've been the best team the last 3 years. Play time is over kiddies and it's time for the adults to take over. Hope you enjoyed yourselves. And you can have this headline for your teams website: "It was fun while it lasted."
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Ryan Howard The New Scott Rolen?
Is Ryan Howard gonna be the new Scott Rolen? Not if Ruben plays his Cards right.
As many Phillies fans know, this week Buster Olney of ESPN reported a discussion within the Phillies organization about a Ryan Howard for Albert Pujols trade. On cue of course, Ruben denied the trade. And many fans have apparently taken issue with Olney's speculative report. But the reality is that Judgment day is nearing with Ryan Howard. With two year left on his current deal, the time for extending Howard or trading him might be now.
The Phillies were in a similar situation with Scott Rolen a few years back. Ed Wade and the Phillies organization did just about everything it could to please Rolen. First came the very generous 4 year 10 million dollar deal that Rolen got before even being arbitration eligible. Then of course came the removal of the Vet's hard AstroTurf, which coincidentally happened at the exact same time the Rolen started complaining about it. And finally there was the eye popping 10 year 140 million dollar offer which Rolen publicly turned down before his final season with the Phillies.
The mistake made by the Philies with Rolen was assuming that they he would resign if they treated him well. Rolen however had other motives. The Midwest native wanted to play in St. Louis, and nothing the Phillies did was gonna change that. And by refusing to come to terms with this reality, the Phillies cost themselves a chance at acquiring a young Albert Pujols.
Now the Phillies find themselves in a similar situation with Howard. Howard, a St. Louis native, has been treated with all the respect that a player of his caliber should be treated with. The recent 3 year 54 million dollar extension was something that the Phillies didn't have to do but did anyways to make Howard happy. Ownership has proven itself willing to pay for a winner, and the fans have provided Howard with one of the loudest and most vibrant atmospheres to play the game of baseball in.
Yet despite all of this, talks of a new deal with Howard are conspicuously absent. One must assume that Ruben has at least had preliminary discussions with Howard and his people about signing a new deal. Only Howard and those closest to him could know for sure what his intentions are at this moment. But Ruben for his part needs make a decision as to whether or not he can resign Howard pretty soon. And if Ruben does get the feeling that Howard is simply not coming back, he better be kicking the tires on a trade with the Cardinals for Albert Pujols.
As many Phillies fans know, this week Buster Olney of ESPN reported a discussion within the Phillies organization about a Ryan Howard for Albert Pujols trade. On cue of course, Ruben denied the trade. And many fans have apparently taken issue with Olney's speculative report. But the reality is that Judgment day is nearing with Ryan Howard. With two year left on his current deal, the time for extending Howard or trading him might be now.
The Phillies were in a similar situation with Scott Rolen a few years back. Ed Wade and the Phillies organization did just about everything it could to please Rolen. First came the very generous 4 year 10 million dollar deal that Rolen got before even being arbitration eligible. Then of course came the removal of the Vet's hard AstroTurf, which coincidentally happened at the exact same time the Rolen started complaining about it. And finally there was the eye popping 10 year 140 million dollar offer which Rolen publicly turned down before his final season with the Phillies.
The mistake made by the Philies with Rolen was assuming that they he would resign if they treated him well. Rolen however had other motives. The Midwest native wanted to play in St. Louis, and nothing the Phillies did was gonna change that. And by refusing to come to terms with this reality, the Phillies cost themselves a chance at acquiring a young Albert Pujols.
Now the Phillies find themselves in a similar situation with Howard. Howard, a St. Louis native, has been treated with all the respect that a player of his caliber should be treated with. The recent 3 year 54 million dollar extension was something that the Phillies didn't have to do but did anyways to make Howard happy. Ownership has proven itself willing to pay for a winner, and the fans have provided Howard with one of the loudest and most vibrant atmospheres to play the game of baseball in.
Yet despite all of this, talks of a new deal with Howard are conspicuously absent. One must assume that Ruben has at least had preliminary discussions with Howard and his people about signing a new deal. Only Howard and those closest to him could know for sure what his intentions are at this moment. But Ruben for his part needs make a decision as to whether or not he can resign Howard pretty soon. And if Ruben does get the feeling that Howard is simply not coming back, he better be kicking the tires on a trade with the Cardinals for Albert Pujols.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Kendrick To Stick Around?
Just ask any Phillies Phan. We all know the story of Kyle Kendrick. This is the story of a kid who was extremely unknown, but got his call up for one start and made a lasting impression. Kyle was not overly impressive in the minors, we just needed a guy to fill in for a week or two, but KK decided it was not in his plans to return to Reading. He finished the season as a hero. Unfortunately for him fame left as quick as it came. In 2008 he floundered pretty badly with an ERA over 5. In 09 he made his return as a relief pitcher to many fans dismay. But in a shocking fashion he produced a mid 3 era. So why are fans not all over him? Fool me once, shame on you but fool me twice, shame on me.
So why am I writing about him? Well much like other Phillies fans I am taking strong notice of his Spring. Kyle Kendrick has thrown 9 innings without letting up a single run. So what, who cares. Chan Ho Mania was thriving last spring how did that work out? Yea well Chan Ho Mania wasn't entering spring with a new pitch or two. Kyle Kendrick has showcased and admitted to working on some pitches and in great fashion he put those pitches to work. We are seeing more movement out of him than ever before. If anything, maybe this new pitch and tweak to the others will give him one more season of mild success and fool a few hitters. To be honest, I will not be overly upset if KK comes in does his thing and is done again. Our farm is thriving with prospects, many in the lower levels, that maybe all we need is one more decent season out of him.
Overall I think KK will have a pretty nice season. I am not going ape shit over him but i do not think a 10 win 3.80 ERA season is too far out of reach. I think he was destined for the relief role but i feel confident with him going into 2010 as our starting number 5, i mean after seeing Moyer last season how much worse can it get? I will be calling for 1 last HURRAH season out of him before he is subjected to the likes of a mediocre career pitcher(4.25 ERA)
So why am I writing about him? Well much like other Phillies fans I am taking strong notice of his Spring. Kyle Kendrick has thrown 9 innings without letting up a single run. So what, who cares. Chan Ho Mania was thriving last spring how did that work out? Yea well Chan Ho Mania wasn't entering spring with a new pitch or two. Kyle Kendrick has showcased and admitted to working on some pitches and in great fashion he put those pitches to work. We are seeing more movement out of him than ever before. If anything, maybe this new pitch and tweak to the others will give him one more season of mild success and fool a few hitters. To be honest, I will not be overly upset if KK comes in does his thing and is done again. Our farm is thriving with prospects, many in the lower levels, that maybe all we need is one more decent season out of him.
Overall I think KK will have a pretty nice season. I am not going ape shit over him but i do not think a 10 win 3.80 ERA season is too far out of reach. I think he was destined for the relief role but i feel confident with him going into 2010 as our starting number 5, i mean after seeing Moyer last season how much worse can it get? I will be calling for 1 last HURRAH season out of him before he is subjected to the likes of a mediocre career pitcher(4.25 ERA)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Interview with Jon Pettibone
Picked in Round 3 of the 2008 MLB, Jonathan Pettibone is the highest round pick I have interviewed to this point. The righty has very projectable size at 6’5” 200 lbs as a soon to be 20-year-old. The interesting thing about Pettibone is that he claims to be a control pitcher, yet gets a good amount of strikeouts. 36 strikeouts in 35.1 innings is 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings, and is a very good sign for things to come. However, Pettibone will definitely need to work to limit the amounts of hits and walks he gives up, (WHIP 1.500 last year). His most alarming concern would be the 37 hits he gave up in the 35.1 innings.
A weird trend in Pettibone’s career though is his number of unearned runs. In a career 36.1 innings, he has a bizarre 9 unearned runs to go along with 21 earned runs. Clearly, the defense benind Pettibone has not been the best, and not making excuses, but seems to have an effect on how he pitches. Ultimately, I believe that if Pettibone is able to get his WHIP down and continue to develop power and get strikeouts, he has a real chance to be a top prospect. His stats are similar to Jonathan Sanchez of the San Francisco Giants. Granted, Sanchez was two years older at the same level that Pettibone is at, but the stats are very similar. If Pettibone can follow Sanchez’s path of decreasing walks and hits, he will shoot up on the scene. Thanks to Jon for the interview, and is a good player to follow next year.
Q: The prospect boards find your strikeout total (36 in 35 innings) a good sign of things to come. Would you consider yourself more of a power pitcher or a control pitcher?
A: Control pitcher, this is something the Phillies stress at this point and that is being able to control all of your pitches, at anytime in the count. And eventually power coming later on in my career.
Q: What pitches do you have and what is the MPH of your fastball?
A: 2-seam and 4-seam fastball, curveball and changeup. My fastball can be anywhere from 88 to 92.
Q: Going into the next season, what do you think is the thing that you would like to accomplish most, work on most, and consider your best pitching skill?
A: Being a young pitcher like myself there are several things I need to approve on as well as accomplish but the one that comes to mind as the most important is being able to throw my pitches (fast, curve, change) for strikes on a consistent basis and throwing my fastballs on both sides of the plate.
Q: What other than the money did you see in the Phillies organization that made you want to sign out of high school?
A: Just having strong reputation of being a solid organization year after year, also I knew they felt highly of me with the investment they made so it was just something I couldnt pass up.
Q: Have the Phillies told you where you will start next year and if not, what year would you like to be a part of the starting rotation for the Phillies?
A: They have told me they want me starting in low class A Lakewood. A reasonable goal on when I would like to be a part of the Phillies rotation is in 2012.
Q: Any other comments?
A: With my first full season under my belt I'm really excited for the upcoming season as well as a successful one.
A weird trend in Pettibone’s career though is his number of unearned runs. In a career 36.1 innings, he has a bizarre 9 unearned runs to go along with 21 earned runs. Clearly, the defense benind Pettibone has not been the best, and not making excuses, but seems to have an effect on how he pitches. Ultimately, I believe that if Pettibone is able to get his WHIP down and continue to develop power and get strikeouts, he has a real chance to be a top prospect. His stats are similar to Jonathan Sanchez of the San Francisco Giants. Granted, Sanchez was two years older at the same level that Pettibone is at, but the stats are very similar. If Pettibone can follow Sanchez’s path of decreasing walks and hits, he will shoot up on the scene. Thanks to Jon for the interview, and is a good player to follow next year.
Q: The prospect boards find your strikeout total (36 in 35 innings) a good sign of things to come. Would you consider yourself more of a power pitcher or a control pitcher?
A: Control pitcher, this is something the Phillies stress at this point and that is being able to control all of your pitches, at anytime in the count. And eventually power coming later on in my career.
Q: What pitches do you have and what is the MPH of your fastball?
A: 2-seam and 4-seam fastball, curveball and changeup. My fastball can be anywhere from 88 to 92.
Q: Going into the next season, what do you think is the thing that you would like to accomplish most, work on most, and consider your best pitching skill?
A: Being a young pitcher like myself there are several things I need to approve on as well as accomplish but the one that comes to mind as the most important is being able to throw my pitches (fast, curve, change) for strikes on a consistent basis and throwing my fastballs on both sides of the plate.
Q: What other than the money did you see in the Phillies organization that made you want to sign out of high school?
A: Just having strong reputation of being a solid organization year after year, also I knew they felt highly of me with the investment they made so it was just something I couldnt pass up.
Q: Have the Phillies told you where you will start next year and if not, what year would you like to be a part of the starting rotation for the Phillies?
A: They have told me they want me starting in low class A Lakewood. A reasonable goal on when I would like to be a part of the Phillies rotation is in 2012.
Q: Any other comments?
A: With my first full season under my belt I'm really excited for the upcoming season as well as a successful one.
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