Phillies Finalize 2011 Roster

My Fellow Phans,

The Phillies finalized their roster today. Incase any of you haven’t gotten a chance to see it, here it is:

Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, Brian Schiender
Infielders (7): Ross Gload, Ryan Howard, Michael Martinez, Pete Orr, Placido Polanco, Jimmy Rollins, Wilson Valdez
Outfielders (4): Ben Francisco, Raul Ibanez, John Mayberry, Shane Victorino, Starters (5):  Joe Blanton, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt
Relievers (7):  Danys Baez, Antonio Bastardo, Jose Contreras, David Herndon, Kyle Kendrick, Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero,

So, for the record, I correctly predicted 22 of the 25 roster players. Now, some were locks, but there were also some surprises that I personally found interesting.

When I heard that they had cut Castillo, I first was shocked as the guy appeared to be having a very successful time with the Phillies. I think his age truly played a role in this release. I was also surprised Delwyn Young didn’t make the cut, but I have no doubt that we will see him later this season with the big club. The rest of the bench, I can accept.

With Peter Orr, Michael Martinez, and Wilson Valdez, we have 3 guys, 4 if you include Polanco, that can play all 4 infield spots as well as the outfield. This is going to prove to be a strength for us in the long run. Oh and congrats to John Mayberry on making the roster. He had a superb spring and I think could play dividends in the long run.

What will the lineup look like tomorrow? Well, we will just have to wait and see. I think the bigger question at this point is really if we will actually play this game since the weather is apparently going to provide some stiff opposition to getting this game in as scheduled.

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 On a side note: the Phillies have recently added a pair of infielders to minor league deals. Former Giant Kevin Frandsen and former National, Indian, and Dodger Ronnie Belliard.

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Last, but not least, I regret to inform you that the Phillies sit in 2nd place behind the Atlanta Braves since the Bravos won today. I guess the experts were right… Oh wait, there is still 162 games for us to play. Instead of making predictions, let’s just watch this season play out.

Get ready… Tomorrow at 1:00pm, the greatest sports team on this Earth begins their 2011 campaign…LETS GO PHILLIES!!!!

Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

Lidge out 3-6 Weeks…

My Fellow Phans,

I regret to inform you, but I am the bearer of bad news. Reports have surfaced that Brad Lidge will be out for the next 3-6 weeks.

I guess the shred of good news in all of this is that Lidge will not need any surgery to fix his injuries, just several weeks of rest.

In an interview with phillysportsdaily.com on Tuesday, Manuel was asked about his closing situtation. "Right now, if I had to choose, Jose Contreras would be the closer,"

So, It looks like Conteras will start the season with the closing duties. Madson will be the reserve closer, I guess that limits the chances of him kicking metal chairs this season. Nice to see Charlie is looking out for the mental health of his players…

On an related note, there is no real news to report on Chase Utley’s knee except to say that it is becoming a real thorn in the Phillies’ side.

More news on both injuries to come later.

Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

2011 Phillies Predictions!

My Fellow Phans,

I’m sure it is not news to anyone when I say that we just a measly four days until the Phillies 2011 Season Opener!

I guess it is as good as a time as any to preview this upcoming season. I will do another look at the roster, once the final 25 is completed, but for now, I will give you a general overview of how this upcoming season is looking. At the end of the post, I will give my offensive and pitching predictions for this upcoming season and 
I will reveal where I think the Phillies will finish in the NL East this year.

Let’s go position by position:

Catcher: We all know that Chooch will be starting and Brian Schiender will be the backup catcher. I’m not worried bout Ruiz’s struggles during this spring, he will be fine this season and Schiender will do his solid job in the backup role once again.

First Base: Ryan Howard is the primary guy here obviously. I would not be surprised to see the rare start for Ross Gload or John Mayberry here since I picture both to be on the roster.

Second Base: With Chase Utley on the DL, I am leaning towards Luis Castillo here starting on Friday. He’s a qualified veteran and has been playing substantially better over the last few spring training games. I’m not sure if Michael Martinez makes the roster, Josh Barfield is out, I am still pulling for Delwyn Young to make the roster. Oh, and we all know Wilson Valdez will be there come Friday.

Third Base: Placido Polanco appears to be healthy and ill have this spot. He’s an ideal 2hole hitter, never strikes out and always seems to work the count. Where he will hit in our lineup come Friday, I cannot honestly tell you, but he’ll be there.

Shortstop: Jimmy Rollins fills in here. He does look healthy, and has still proven he loves popping up the first pitch in the infield, but Rollins is healthy and may end up hitting 3rd in the lineup.

Left Field: Left Field is Raaauuullll’s territory! He has shown a lot of life this spring and appears to be offensively healthy so I am expecting a big year from our outfielder.

Center Field: There’s talk that Shane Victorino will actually lead off this season. When you look at the current lineup, this could be a very real scenario. He seems to be more dedicated to getting on base and stealing bases as opposed to hitting home runs like he seemed to be attempting to do last year.

Right Field: After seeing several games this spring, I think it is pretty clear who the starting right fielder this season: Ben Francisco. Francisco has been amongst the league leaders in hits, RBIs, and home runs this spring. From day 1, he has come out of the gates firing and was pretty much a lock to right field even before Domonic Brown got hurt.

Starting Pitchers: You all know the 5 starters that will be gracing the rotation this season. Roy “Doc” Halladay, Clifton “Cliff” Lee, Cole “Hollywood” Hamels, Roy “No real nickname” Oswalt, and last, but not least, “Big” Joe Blanton. The key to those 5 is health. If they are healthy, they can be some of the best in the game, they just need to keep going all season.

Relievers: Brad Lidge is hurt so the closing duties are expected to be shared by Ryan Madson and Jose Contreras. The Phillies have a solid bullpen regardless of what some may say. Madson and Contreras were both very sharp last season; J.C. Romero is a quality lefty when he’s tossing strikes as well. There are talks of bringing 12 pitchers so there will be 7 relievers. Excluding Lidge, the pen should look something like Madson, Contreras, Romero, Antonio Bastardo, Kyle Kendrick, David Herndon, and Danys Baez.

Breaking News: State of the Phillies Branches Out!

 

My Fellow Phans,

Alright, so to some of you this may seem like overkill on my part, but I am adding “State of the Phillies” to Wordpress joining its already postings here n Blogger and MLBlogs as well. I know some people prefer Wordpress over Blogger so this way, they have a convenient way to follow it.

Here is the new Wordpress Link. For those of you that didn’t know, here is the MLBlogs site. Check them all out. I don’t mind what site you prefer as long as you read! that is the goal here to gather viewers and readers for my blog.

Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

Injury Bug Keeps On Biting…

 

My Fellow Phans,

I’m sure it is no surprise to hear that Chase Utley will start the season on the Disabled List. Add another name to that list: Closer Brad Lidge.

Lidge is having pain in his shoulder. There is a chance that this latest pain is related to his bicep tendinitis so the Phillies are taking the safe route and putting him on the DL so he doesn’t accidently hurt himself any further. He will have an MRI on that next week in Philadelphia,

I will keep you posted.

Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

Infielders Out the Wazoo!: Injury & Signing Updates

My Fellow Phans,


Alright – so it’s really been awhile so I have gotten to post on here. For that, I do apologize. It’s been a long week or so for me with school, class, work and other such things all occurring simultaneously.

Now, when I should be doing some schoolwork, I have decided to sit here and give you lovely folks on some updates from our beloved Phillies.

Well, as I am sure you all already know; Utley is still hurt and there are some reports that he may start the season on the Disabled List. Brad Lidge is hurting, yes a huge shocker there I know, as well as our starting third baseman, Placido Polanco.

Both Lidge and Polanco insist that they will be ready and healthy for opening day. I guess the one possibly upside to Utley and Polanco’s injuries, not saying that it’s a good thing – but I am trying to be optimistic, is that we have an overabundance of infielders at spring training. Not only do we have a truckload of infielders playing well at spring training, we also just signed yet another one as insurance for Utley at second base.

I’m sure you have all heard this by now, but the Phillies signed veteran Luis Castillo to a minor league deal. Don’t let the minor league label fool you, as Castillo will have a legitimate shot at making the starting roster. Todd Zoleki has quoted Ruben Amaro as saying that Castillo won't open season in Minors. Either he makes the team or he's released.

Alright, I can agree with the logic on that one. Castillo is a major leaguer and can easily catch on somewhere else if he’s let go.

What I don’t get is that actual signing itself. I think my objection to the signing rests with the point that I made earlier; we already have an abundance of infielders. Not only do we have a truckload of infielders, we have several that play 3-4 spots and even some that can play the outfield.

We have Pete Orr, who can play 2B, 3B, SS, as well as the outfield (hitting .333 this spring). Delwyn Young, whom I believe to be a lock for the ballclub now, is hitting .333 with a homer and 7 RBIs in 22 games this spring and can play the 2B, 3B, as well as the outfield. Rule 5 pick second baseman Michael Martinez is hitting a crisp .320 this spring with a pair of homers. Last, but not least, we cannot forget Wilson Valdez. He is leading the Phillies in hits this spring hitting .439 with a homer and 6 RBIs.

Throw in Castillo, who is a career .290 hitter, but hit just barely over the Mendoza line last year and has been battling lingering injuries into the mix. I think he’s lower on the depth charts, but it would not be surprised if he makes the club thanks to a big emphasis on his previous MLB experience. I am actually truly curious to see how he performs this spring. He is scheduled to report today to camp so we shall see how this goes.

Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

VOTE VOTE VOTE! - We're in the Phield!!!

My Fellow Phans,

I have just received word that The State of the Phillies has made "The Phield". (See full bracket here)

I don't agree with the 11th-seed, but I will take it.

Readers! Here's how you vote.

1. look over the bracket
2.vote for The State of the Phillies! (Disclaimer: you must vote for all the matchups for your votes to be counted)
3. Email your picks to ThePhield@gmail.com

Let's get the State of the Phillies past this first round!

I thank you all in advance!

Have a wonderful night everyone!

Spring Training Happenings Update

My Fellow Phans,


Can you tell that I am bored at work? This is the third, and possibly not last, blog post coming at you this morning.

Unlike the past two posts that have involved injuries to some of our most beloved Phillies, this post is one of positive notes and good tidings. I know that it has only been a small dosage thus far, but the Phillies’ rotation already appears to be at mid-season form just a couple starts into Spring Training.

The 6 starters, and yes I am including Kyle Kendrick in the last, have pitched unbelievably this spring and their ERA rests around 2.00. Only two of the starters have allowed earned runs and they may not be the ones you would guess. Cliff Lee has allowed 2 earned in 6 innings, Joe Blanton has allowed 2 runs in 6.2 innings pitched, and Roy Oswalt has allowed an earned run in 2 innings, with his second spring start coming today. Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, and Kendrick have thrown 16 scoreless innings thus far this spring.

Now, I am not trying to get ahead of myself, I am just updating you on what is occurring down in Clearwater.

Offensively, it has been pretty much the lesser known guys that have stepped it up. Ben Francisco has posted a .417 average while leading the team in RBIs and is tied for the lead in homers with John Mayberry (.364 2 HR) and Ryan Howard. Howard, whom has evidently taken a liking to his improved batting stance, has mashed a pair of homers, knocked in 4 runs, and is hitting a crisp .350.

Another surprising standout has been Wilson Valdez, whose .611 batting average is tops amongst the roster players. His 8 hits are tied with Francisco for the team lead.

Non- Roster invites are also standing out as well. Josh Barfield is hitting .711 on the spring gathering 5 hits in just 7 at bats. Delwyn Young has been extremely impressive this spring knocking in a pair of runs with 7 hits while batting at a .381 clip.

Regulars, Jimmy Rollins (.190) and Raul Ibanez (.200) have been struggling this spring, but it is still early and they have plenty of time to pick it up.

I will keep you guys posted on the happenings down in Florida.

Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

Operation: Chase Utley Edition

My Fellow Phans,

It seems like for the past few years we have been playing this same, old song. Apparently, Chase Utley is hurt; well sort of, well maybe just a little bit, but it’s not that bad, or is it? Both the team and Chase himself have said this injury is just a little case of tendinitis; the long, lingering tendinitis that has prevented Utley from playing at all this Spring Training.

How hurt is Chase Utley?

Fans are starting to worry. Is it warranted? It has seemed that we have played the Chase Utley version of Operation for the past couple season. Utley is hurt, but nobody knows for certain. How serious could this get or maybe it is already gotten to that point; we just don’t know. Unfortunately for the Phillies, Chase Utley may just have water on the knee that could take some serious recovery time.

Utley has stated the situation is fine. "The whole goal for me is to try to get this fixed as soon as possible, but also keep it in perspective," Utley said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I have to keep it right for the long haul as well. I think we're making the right progressions."

Of course, tendinitis is nothing to write home about in the way of injuries, but the prolonged state of this case is what worrisome. "I've had it maybe in terms of pain here and there," he said, according to the report. "But this is lingering longer than it has in the past. So with that said, there is a little bit of level of concern. But I think we're doing the right things to try to get it better."

Now, he has had an MRI and the results were clean. I guess that is something to be relieved about. I just worry about what is unsaid and the long term effects. He even received a cortisone shot to help relieve the swelling and discomfort in his knee.

We all know Chase Utley and the type of player he is; he will never admit defeat. He would play with a broken leg if he had to. I just hope that he is not hiding something with this whole situation.

I will keep you posted.

Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

Domonic Brown's Injury: The Possible Positives

My Fellow Phans,

Brown is the future of the Phillies.

I am sad to report that Domonic Brown will be out for 4 to 6 weeks after suffering a hand injury last weekend. Brown was riding a hitless spring before the at-bat where he fouled a ball successfully injuring his hand. Ironically enough, this injury occurred the pitch just before he got this hit. He is expected to have surgery on Tuesday and miss the remainder of Spring Training.

Although, I will not say that this all but ends the right field battle, but taking into account the way Ben Francisco has been hitting this spring and Brown’s injury, Francisco seems to be a lock for the job. He may share time with Ross Gload in right field, but Ben should a significant amount of playing time.

This may actually help Brown in the long run. I have long been a supporter of holding off his starting in the Major Leagues until the end of Raul Ibanez’s contract next season. This way, he will have one last year of fine tuning in the minors, which will give him time to perfect his new batting stance, and will be ready to start fresh in 2012. Strategically this works out well, as Brown will be replacing a fellow left-handed hitter in the lineup and the Phillies won’t have to worry about having too many lefties in the lineup.

The way that Brown was used last season was not the most helpful to his experience. He is the quality of player that needs to play every day. If he doesn’t get a chance to do, as was at the case at the end of last season, he will struggle and lose his timing. Objectively speaking, Brown’s debut last year did not pan out too well. He struggled with his average and strikeouts. You can’t tell me that his lack of playing time didn’t play a role in those struggles.

Domonic Brown is not a bench player. He is the type of player that needs to play on a routine basis to keep up his stats. He will not get that chance in 2011 on the Major League roster, so why force him into a role that he is not accustomed to? Let the man play every day in AAA.

Trust me, we will have the honor of seeing him play for many years on the Phillies, we just need to be patient and let him develop before we put all this pressure on him.

For now, I just ask for your patience … Brown’s time will come soon enough…

Look for more updates to come and of course, the Starting Pitchers’ Who’s Who!

Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

Phillies' Spring Training: Who's Who?!: The Catchers and Outfielders

My Fellow Phans,


Here as promised is the next part of my Spring Training outlook. Last time we got to know the infielders that the Phillies down in Clearwater. Now, we will introduce the catchers and outfielders. Enjoy!

Catchers

Roster:

Carlos Ruiz:

Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .302 AVG 8 HR 53 RBI

Career Major Stats: .260 AVG 30 HR 191 RBI

I don’t think the Chooch needs any introduction. The silent assassin behind the plate for the Phillies has seen his offensive numbers increase over the past few years. I think it is safe to assume that this could be Ruiz’s best year in the big leagues yet. I’m actually an all-star season from one of the most underrated players in all of baseball.

Brian Schneider:

Bats: Left – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: 240 AVG 4 HR 15 RBI

Career Major League stats: .250 AVG 63 HR 371 RBI

Schneider is the backup catcher on our squad. I’m sure some of you recall his days in Washington and New York when he seemed to make a habit out of destroying Phillies pitching. He is a solid backup catcher. He can handle the pitching staffs and provided a few key hits last season. That is all you ask from a backup backstop; good defense and solid offense. Schneider fits both.

Non-Roster:

Tuffy Gosewisch:

Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .241 AVG 9 HR 32 RBI (AA)

No Career Major League stats

Gosewisch was a guy that I had never really heard of until season. He was actually drafted by the Phillies in the 11^th round of the 2005 draft. He has been in the organization ever since making it as high as AAA Lehigh Valley in 2009. His career minor league stats aren’t that impressive, but 2010 was his best year thus far so that is always a plus.

Erik Kratz:

Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .274 AVG 9 HR 41 RBI (AAA)

No Major League Career stats

Kratz has played 9 seasons in the minors, never breaking into the major leagues.  From his start in 2002 until 2008, he played at various levels in the Blue Jays organization and has spent the last 3 years in the Pirates’ organization. The 30 year old is not just a catcher, but can always play 1B, 3B, and the OF as well.

Joel Naughton :

Bats: Left – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .308 AVG 5 HR 31 RBI (A)

No Career Major League stats

The Australian prospect started in the Phillies system back in 2005 and has been improving annually. I don’t think he was drafted as I saw no information, but he is only 24 and could one day be a key player in the Phillies’ catching plans.

Dane Sardinha:  

Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .207 AVG 5 HR 24 RBI (AAA) - .205 AVG 3 HR 8 RBI (13 games – MLB)

Career Major League stats: .151 AVG 3 HR 14 RBI

Sardinha is easily the most identifiable of the non-roster invites thanks to his brief time with the Phillies last season. He was actually drafted by the Reds way back in 2010 and has seemed limited time in the majors. I have always liked this guy for some reason although he still needs time in the minors before he is major league ready.

Outfielders 

Roster

Domonic Brown:

Bats: Left – Throws: Left

2010 Stats: .327 AVG 20 HR 68 RBI 17 (AA&AAA)

Career Major League stats (2010): .210 AVG 2 HR 13 RBI

Brown’s debut in the big leagues started with a splash as he launched an RBI double in his very first game. After that, the hype was tremendous and he kind of deflated after that game. I guess that is to be expected for a young player. I’m not going to say that I was rooting against him in the right field battle this spring, but I think that needs another year in the minors and then can take over for the departing Ibanez after this season. Sadly, he left yesterday’s game with an injury which all but ended his right field bid. Either way, this young man is going to a true talent in the game someday, we will just have to wait for that to happen.

Ben Francisco:

Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .268 AVG 6 HR 28 RBI 8 SB

Career Major League stats: .263 AVG 39 HR 140 RBI

One of my personal favorites, Francisco was the unknown part of the Cliff Lee deal back when we acquired him the first time. Few realize that he was an everyday starter for the Indians when we got him putting up solid numbers in Cleveland. He has the potential to be a 20 homer guy with a full season and he may just get that chance this season with Brown’s injury.

Ross Gload: .

Bats: Left – Throws: Left

2010 Stats: 281 AVG 6 HR 22 RBI

Career Major League stats: .283 AVG 34 HR 214 RBI

Gload is the primary bat off the Phillies’ bench. His most common role through the years has been the pinch hitter position and this is where he excelled at all year. At the times, he was asked to fill in due to injuries, he performed this role admirably. Gload has been around since 2000 and is a quality major league hitter. I look forward to seeing him play this season.

Raul Ibanez:

Bats: Left – Throws: Right

2010 Stats : .275 AVG 16 HR 83 RBI

Career Major League stats: .284 AVG 232 HR 970 RBI

I don’t think I need to give a serious description about RAAAUUULLLLL Ibanez. He is a seasoned veteran entering the final year of his contract with the Phillies. The main question with Ibanez is his age as he enters this season at the old age of 38, at least from a baseball perspective. Hopefully he holds up and has one more productive year for the Phillies.

John Mayberry:

Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .267 15 HR 65 RBI 20 SB .740 OPS (AAA)

Career Major League stats: .232 AVG 6 HR 14 RBI (50 games)

Mayberry is a right handed slugger whom always seems to be on the brink of making the Phillies’ roster. He’s actually been one of my personal favorites ever since he homered off of Andy Pettitte. Anyone else remember that? He was actually drafted by the Rangers in 2005 and entered the Phillies’ organization in 2009. He may turn out to be a bench player on this year’s roster since the team still needs a right handed bat.

Shane Victorino:

Bats: Switch – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .259 AVG 18 HR 69 RBI 34 SB

Career Major League stats: .279 AVG 62 HR 293 RBI 143 SB

The Flyin’ Hawaiian needs no introduction. Victorino is one of the most beloved Phillies players to date.  The speedy centerfielder is a vital cog in the Phillies’ offense. He provides a dynamic to the game that few others players can do with courtesy of his speed. It has been fun to watch Victorino develop as he is and we hope that he can continue to improve as time goes along.

Non-Roster  

Matt Miller:

Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .325 AVG 10 HR 81 RBI .840 OPS (AAA)
No Career Major League stats

Well, this guy was hard to find information on. What I do know is that he was drafted in 2004 by the Rockies. This is his first season with the Phillies’ organization having played 7 seasons in the minors before this year spanning from A to AAA.

Brandon Moss:

Throws: Right – Bats: Left

2010 stats:  .266 AVG 22 HR 96 RBI (AAA)

Career Major League stats: .238 AVG 15 HR 78 RBI

Moss was drafted by Boston was back in 2002.He played briefly for the Red Soxs before being dealt to Pittsburgh in the Manny Ramirez 3-Team deal in 2008. He played for the Pirates a few seasons before being released in 2010. Just two weeks later, he signed with the Phillies and was invited to Spring Training.

Delwyn Young:

Bats: Switch – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .236 AVG 7 HR 28 RBI

Career Major League stats: .258 AVG 17 HR 81 RBI

Another Pirates castoff, Young was drafted by the Dodgers in 2004, traded to Pittsburgh in 2009, released in November 2010 and signed with the Phillies. From what I’ve seen from him, he is a solid player. An interesting note, he was the first player to homer and knock in a run against Washington’s young superstar Stephen Strasburg. Sadly, that may be his biggest claim to fame. 

Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

Phillies' Spring Training: Who's Who?!: The Infielders

My Fellow Phans,

First I wanted to wish you a Happy Cliffmas as Cliff Lee is set to make his 2011 Phillies debut in just about 30 minutes; I also wanted to deliver another section of my Spring Training information.

Here is your Who’s-Who of Phillies’ players down in Clearwater. Let’s start with the infielders! I must make a note that some of these guys were difficult to find a lot of information on. The Phillies have traded away most of the significant names in their farm system and therefore, a lot of these names are unknown even to myself. I did my best to make sure that you get information on these guys you will be seeing this spring.

Roster Infielders

Brian Bocock:

Utility Infielder - Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .226 AVG 4 HR 31 RBI

Career Major League Stats: .134 AVG 0 HR 2 RBI

Bocock was actually the Giants’ opening day starting shortstop back in 2008 when Omar Vizquel went down with an injury. He didn’t perform very well during his time there and was quickly replaced mid-April. He’s been with the Philllies’ Minor League system since January 2010 appearing in limited time with the big club.

Freddy Galvis:

Shortstop – Bats: Switch – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .233 AVG 5 HR 48 RBI 15 SB (AA)

No Major League stats

I don’t know much about Galvis. The 21-year old Venezuelan was signed by the Phillies in 2006. Reports on him are that he has good speed to go along with Gold Glove caliber defense. He’s never been higher than AA in our system, but has the youth and ability to make his way through the ranks.

Harold Garcia:

Infielder – Bats: Switch – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .305 AVG 8 HR 64 RBI 29 SB (A&AA)

No Major League stats

Garcia was signed as an amateur free agent in September of 2004. Since then, he has been slowly climbing the ranks of the Phillies’ farm system and currently sits at the AA level. He has good speed as he stole a career-high 42 bases during the 2009 season at Lakewood.

Cesar Hernandez:

Infielder – Bats: Switch – Throws: Rights

2010 Stats: .325 AVG 0 HR 23 RBI 32 SB (A)

No Major League stats

I honestly couldn’t find much on this guy. In fact most of the sites that I researched were all about a former Reds’ outfielder by the same name. He has been in the Phillies system since 2007 and was finally promoted to the A- level in 2010. He doesn’t seem to have much power, but like others on this list, he has a nice amount of speed.

Ryan Howard:

First Base- Bats: Left – Throws: Left

2010 Stats: .276 AVG 31 HR 108 RBI

Career Major League Stats: .279 AVG 253 HR 748 RBI

I would make a joke about not knowing a thing about Howard, but with the lack of knowledge on the previous players on this list, I have to admit that I am glad to finally see a name that I was extremely familiar with! I don’t think there is much to say about Howard that you wouldn’t know. He was drafted in 2001, making his debut in September 2004. He proceeded to win the Rookie of the Year award in 2005 and the MVP in 2006. He is the fastest player in the history of the game to reach both the 100 and 200 home run mark (in terms of games) and currently sits 3^rd on the Phillies’ career home run chasing only the great Mike Schmidt and Dale Ennis in that category. Yes, I think it’s a safe assumption that he’ll be on the club this season.

Michael Martinez:

Second Base – Bats: Switch – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .312 AVG 11 HR 56 RBI 23 SB (AA&AAA)

No Career Major League stats

Martinez was taken by the Phillies in the rule 5 draft. He has been described as an athletic second baseman whom can also play shortstop, and apparently, centerfield as well. His 2010 stats are from the Nationals’ minor league system, the team the Phillies snatched him away from, and he has never played a game in the Majors. He is just another speedy infielder with little power; a growing trend of the Phillies’ minor leaguer infielders on this list.

Placido Polanco:

Third Base – Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: 298 AVG 6 HR 52 RBI

Career Major League Stats: .303 AVG 96 HR 631 RBI

We all know and love Polanco. He is a scrappy player whom has made a living out of putting the ball in play. I would like to note here that third base is not his only position as he can solidly play SS, second base and even the outfield as well. I just listed third as his primary spot since that is where he’ll be playing this season.

Carlos Rivero:

Infielder – Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats:  .232 AVG 6 HR 43 RBI (AA)

No Major League stats

I cannot find much on Rivero. He was in the Indians’ organization up until the Phillies claimed him off waivers in November of 2011. His stats from 2010 were from the Indians’ AA affiliate.

Matt Rizzotti:

First Base – Bats: Left – Throws: Left

2010 Stats: .343 AVG 17 HR 76 RBI (A&AA&AAA)

No Major League stats

Rizzotti may be the biggest offensive hitter in the Phillies’ organization not named Dominic Brown. He has been developing rather nicely over the past few years and has quickly been climbing the ranks of the minors playing in A, AA and AAA this past year. Ironically enough, he was actually drafted by the Twins in the 2004 draft, but he decided to go to college and then was drafted by the Phillies in 2007.Obviously, there is no room for him at the moment, but that gives this young man more time to develop in the minors. You can see from those stats that he is truly a fine looking young talent. I look forward to watching him this spring.

Jimmy Rollins:

Shortstop – Bats: Switch – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: 243 AVG 8 HR 41 RBI 17 SB

Career Major League stats: .272 AVG 154 HR 662 RBI 343 SB

Rollins may be the closest to a team captain that this team has. I don’t think there is much else to say about him. He was the NL MVP in 2007. Last season, he was off to a blistering hot start hitting .391 in his first 7 games in April before going down with an injury. When he returned, he was never the same. I’m expecting a healthy J-Roll this year and that should translate to a very good season for our outspoken shortstop.

Chase Utley:

Second Base – Bats: Left – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .275 AVG 16 HR 75 RBI 13 SB

Career Major League stats: .293 AVG 177 HR 650 RBI

I think it’s safe to say that there is not a Philadelphian that doesn’t know Mr. Utley. Ever since he blasted himself into the hearts of Philadelphians with a punch hit grand slam his rookie season. It’s funny to think that Chase was once the backup to Polanco at the second base position. A lot has changed since then.

Wilson Valdez:

Middle Infielder – Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .258 AVG 4 HR 35 RBI 7 SB

Career Major League stats: .240 AVG 5 HR 62 RBI

Last season, Valdez came out of nowhere to steal the super utility role from Juan Castro. He was an injury callup and ended up playing 111 games for the big club. I admit at first, I was not a fan of Valdez, but I warmed up to him as the season went along. He played a critical role in the Phillies season last year and he appears to have the inside track on our utility role for this upcoming season. I look forward to having him for an entire season.

Non-Roster Invitees

Josh Barfield:

Second Base – Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: 294 AVG 5 HR 36 RBI  (AAA)

Major League stats: .264 AVG 16 HR 112 RBI

Barfield was drafted in 2001 by the San Diego Padres and went on to make his debut them in 2006. His rookie season wasn’t that bad (.280 AVG 13 HR 58 RBI) He was traded to Cleveland in November of that same year. His numbers in Cleveland never amounted to much. He was released by the Indians in 2009, actually was signed briefly by the Padres was cut once again, and then ended up in Philadelphia thanks to a deal in November of 2010.

Tagg Bozied:

First Base – Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .315 AVG 27 HR 92 (AA)

No Major League stats

The more I read into this guy’s stats, the more I wonder why he has been so traveled throughout the minor league system. Since 2001, he has been through several organizations including the Padres and Mets’ minor league affiliates. I’m not sure what is more interesting: that fact or his name itself. He has never been to the majors, but his power is something that should be valued. 2010 was his first year with the Phillies playing for Reading. This is another guy that I am intrigued by and hopefully we get to see him this spring.

Jeff Larish:

First Base – Bats: Left – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .179 AVG 2 HR 9 RBI

Career Major League stats: .224 AVG 8 HR 32 RBI

Larish was drafted by the Tigers back in 2005. He made his debut with Detroit in 2008 and since then has played sparingly for the Tigers and Athletics.

Pete Orr:

Infielder – Bats: Left – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .264 AVG 12 HR 45 RBI (AAA)

Career Major League stats: .260 AVG 3 HR 35 RBI

Does anyone else, besides me, remember this guy from when he was with Atlanta back between 2005-2007. Perhaps you recall his 2008-2009 days with the Washington Nationals? Regardless, when Pete Orr has played, it’s been with a National League East team. He was never a power hitter, but the thing that I admired about Orr was his ability to play every position and I mean every position. During his time in the big leagues, the Canadian born player has logged time at 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, RF, and DH. I’m sure he could even play first base if needed. He gives a new meaning to the idea of super utility player. He may not make our roster, but his skills could be a valuable asset to have down the line.

Robb Quinlan:

First Base / Third Base – Bats: Right – Throws: Right

2010 Stats: .121 AVG 0 HR 2 RBI

Career Major League stats: .276 AVG 25 HR 121 RBI

If anyone knows anything about Rob Quinlan is that he has been a career Angels player since his debut back in 2003; the team that also drafted him back in 1999. Outside from that, the only other thing I knew coming in about him was that he was a Greg Dobbs-type player with the ability to play the corner infield spots as well as the outfield. He is not a young guy at any stretch of the imagination, at least compared to others on this list, being a 33 year old non-roster invitee. He is not a big power guy, but has a steady batting average and can play those multiple spots. All he needs is a place to play. 

So that is your look at the Phillies’ infielders for this spring training. I apologize that I couldn’t get loads of information on everyone, but I just hope that this gives you the fans, a better idea of some of these unknown names that we are throwing out on the field this spring training. Look for the catchers and outfielders next followed by the pitchers! 

Enjoy the game today everyone! 

Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!