Phillies Nation

Art Charles, photo- Jay Floyd

Acquired by the Phillies during spring training in a trade with Toronto, first baseman Art Charles welcomed the change and is happy to be a part of the Phils organization.  The six-foot-six 225 pounder was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the 20th round in 2010 out of Bakersfield College.  Now, the 22-year-old bats cleanup for Class A Lakewood BlueClaws.

Through 19 games this season, Charles is batting .275 with five doubles, two homers and 12 RBI.

Charles was named the Phillies minor league player of the week for April 15th through the 21st, as he batted .423 with a home run and six RBI in seven games played. 

I recently spoke with Art about the trade, his work to improve his hitting approach and plenty more.  Read ahead for that full interview.

- During spring training, of course, your were swapped by the Blue Jays for reliever Michael Schwimer.  How were you notified of the deal and what was your reaction?

I had talked to the Blue Jays prior and they had scheduled me for a doctors appointment, I think it was a check up, they have us do our physicals and what not, this is on Saturday.  And I was like, “Alright, sounds good.  I’ll be able to get a ride over to the doctors appointment and what not.”  And then later on, maybe like three, four hours later, I got called and notified of the trade, so I was a little shocked.  Like, “Oh, I just talked to you guys…”  So, it was kind of shocking.  And didn’t know all the details about the trade and they kind of told me a little about it and after a while I realized that this was a good thing.  This is a good thing for me and my career and it’s just one of those experiences you go through that’s kind of a shocker at first, then as it sinks in, you start thinking about it and it kind of mellows out a little bit. 

- It must have been an easy transition for you to go from Dunedin to nearby Clearwater, though, right?

Yeah, it wasn’t too far away.  I think it’s like ten minutes.  It wasn’t like I was going three hours away.  I knew the area still and I remembered seeing some of the Phillies guys walking around and stuff.  It wasn’t a bad transition at all and they made me feel at home. Continue reading PN Interview: First Base Prospect Art Charles

Jim Murphy with Lakewood in 2011, image- Jay Floyd

Goals are something every baseball player has. Climbing the developmental ladder and striving for that next level is tops on every guy’s list. Reading Fightin Phils first baseman Jim Murphy is not unlike all those other players in that regard. What does set him apart, though, is the path he took to arrive in the Double-A Eastern League and the determination he has to never quit.

After five seasons in the Phillies organization, during which he bounced back and forth between Class A Lakewood and Class A Advanced Clearwater, Murphy, who was selected by the Phillies in the 17th round of the 2008 MLB amateur draft out of Washington State University, has, at long last, landed in Reading and does not intend to fall back downward again.

The 27-year-old credits a focused approach every time up to bat for his success in the minors and for being ready to play at the Double-A level this season.

“I try to go out and compete every day, not necessarily worried about stats,” Murphy stated. “I just try to have a quality at bat every time up. If I’m focused on a quality process, the results will be there. Continue reading Reading’s Murphy Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop

Larry Greene Jr., image- Jay Floyd

Left fielder Larry Greene Jr. was selected by the Phillies in the supplementary round of the 2011 draft (39th overall) out of Berrien County High School (GA).  The 6-foot 235-pounder signed late that season and spent some time with the Florida Instructional League team.  He made his official regular season debut last year with the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters, where he batted .272 with 22 doubles, two homers and 26 RBI in 70 games.

This season, citing concern over Greene’s weight, the Phillies kept him in extended spring training to open the season.  However, the 20-year-old was added to the Class A Lakewood roster this week, as his fitness is clearly headed in the right direction.

I spoke with Larry, who is 0-for-5 with five strike outs and two walks through his first two games with the BlueClaws, on Friday about his draft process, his weight, his family and plenty more.  Read ahead for that full interview.

-So, you got the call this week to join this BlueClaws club.  What do you think of the facilities in Lakewood and the town here thus far?

I like it.  It’s beautiful here. I mean, the whole team welcomed me with open arms.  It’s a lot of my buddies and it feels good to join them. Continue reading PN Interview: Top 2011 Draft Pick Larry Greene Jr.

It’s time, once again, for our weekly glance around the Phillies’ developmental ranks, taking a look a some exceptional performers and those that have raised some eyebrows for different reasons.

Class A Lakewood hot list-

Art Charles, photo- Jay Floyd

First baseman Art Charles, who was acquired from Toronto this spring in the Michael Schwimer trade, has hit in six straight games, going 9-for-22 (.409 avg) with two doubles, two homers and seven RBI in that stretch. Overall, the lefty batting 22-year-old is hitting .239 in 13 games this season.

Righty reliever Nic Hanson, who celebrated his 21st birthday this week, has struck out 10 batters while walking two in eight innings of work through three appearances. Additionally, he has a save and a 3.38 ERA during that time as well. The six-foot-seven 210-pounder was drafted by the Phils in the 16th round last year out of Golden West College.

Lakewood red flags-

OF Brian Pointer is batting .174 this season, despite a current three-game hitting streak. The lefty batting 21-year-old was the Phillies’ 28th round draft pick in 2010.

17-year-old outfielder Carlos Tocci, the youngest player in the South Atlantic League, has posted a .186 batting average with one extra-base hit (a double) in 12 contests this season. The right-handed hitting Venezuelan batted .278 with two doubles in 38 games last season with the Gulf Coast League Phillies. Continue reading Weekly Minor League Wrap Up, 4/17/13

Lakewood 3B Mitch Walding, photo- Jay Floyd

Phillies 5th round draft choice from 2011, Mitch Walding, is off to a solid start to the  regular season this year with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws.  Walding, a 3rd baseman, has gone 9-for-28 (.321 avg) with two doubles and six RBI through eight games thus far against South Atlantic League competition.

The lefty batting Lodi, CA native made his pro debut last season with the short-season Class A Williamsport Crosscutters, posting a .233 batting average along with 10 doubles, three triples, a homer and 31 RBI in 60 games.

After playing in the Florida Instructional League last year as well, the six-foot-three 190-pounder came into spring training this year, ready to make an impact and made his full season team debut last week.

I spoke with the 20-year-old Walding recently about his his draft experience, his time as a pro thus far and plenty more.  Read ahead to check out the full interview.

- In 2011, you were a 5th round draft pick.  I just wanted to get you to take me through your draft experience and talk about how you were tracking the draft, how did you learn the Phillies drafted you and how did you celebrate?

I was at my grandmother’s house with all my family and friends.  I knew I wasn’t probably gonna go the first day, I knew I was gonna go anywhere from four to, anywhere to round 15. We were just kind of sitting there and waiting and we came down and I didn’t really think I was gonna get picked that day, ’cause I was the last pick of that day, or whatever, on TV, and all of a sudden it kind of just happened. They called my name and my whole family was excited and kind of jumping around. Everyone was stoked. It was a great time. You can’t really explain it. It was a great time. Everyone was full of excitement. Continue reading PN Interview: 3B Prospect Mitch Walding

Mario Hollands

Lefty hurler Mario Hollands, who is on the disabled list for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, is not currently ailing and is spending time with the Phils’ extended spring training team until further notice. Pitching at four levels of the organization’s developmental system last season, the 24-year-old posted a 7-9 record with a 4.55 ERA and a .282 batting average against in 27 outings (18 starts).

Right-handed reliever Kenny Giles, who also opened the 2013 season on the disabled list for the Threshers, is dealing with an oblique strain. There is no known time frame for the Phillies’ 2011 7th round draft selection’s return. Last season, with Class A Lakewood and Clearwater, the 22-year-old tallied a 4-3 record with eight saves, a 3.51 ERA and a 12.18 K/9 mark in 39 contests.

Left-handed starting pitcher Nick Hernandez made his official return to the mound for the Threshers on Tuesday evening. Out since 2010 with repeated shoulder injuries, the 24-year-old had a very good outing for Clearwater, throwing five innings, allowing two runs (both earned) on five hits while surrendering four walks and striking out five opposing batters.  Hernandez, the nephew on MLB umpire Angel Hernandez, was a mid-season South Atlantic League All-Star with Lakewood in 2010, when he went 3-1 with a 1.61 ERA in eight outings prior to being sidelined. Continue reading Minor League Notebook: Injuries, Signings and Stats

Roman Quinn reflecting on his efforts during Sunday’s contest, Photo- Jay Floyd

Following a day in which he committed three errors in an 11-4 loss to Kannapolis at Lakewood’s FirstEnergy Park, highly regarded Phillies prospect Roman Quinn seemed to be pondering a change of position in order to help his career, his team and his own peace of mind.

Quinn’s three errors on Sunday for the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws, gave the speedster, who is generously listed five-foot-ten 170-pounds, a total of five miscues on the new season. Having spent more time in the outfield during his high school days, Quinn switched to shortstop on a full time basis upon signing his first professional contract with the Phillies late in the summer of 2011, after the organization selected him in the 2nd round of that year’s amateur draft.

Asked on Sunday if he can take a lesson from his dismal defensive effort, in order to bounce back the next time out, a clearly discouraged Quinn, who knows that baseball is a game full of failures, assuredly stated he had no choice in the matter, but admitted that he has been having a difficult time in a position that still feels new to him.

“I can’t do nothing but bounce back tomorrow,” Quinn said from his locker after Sunday’s series finale that put the BlueClaws’ record at 1-3 this year.  “I think most of (the defensive troubles) got to do with the mental part of it. I’m not too focused on the game when I’m playing shortstop. Something I just got to adjust to.”

Continue reading Prospect Quinn Not Working Out at Shortstop?

The Class A Lakewood BlueClaws’ opening day roster is loaded with young talent.  Highly regarded prospects like Carlos Tocci, Shane Watson, Roman Quinn and Mitch Walding are all set to make their full season Class A debuts as the season gets rolling on Thursday evening at FirstEnergy Park.  And while those names are among the ones that will draw the largest amount of attention in the early going and, possibly, through much of the season, it could very well be the returning players, one that didn’t have noteworthy debuts with Lakewood last year, that could be the difference makers in the standings.

A trio of offensive players entering their second seasons with Lakewood are back to rectify any shortcoming they displayed during their previous stints with the team.  Corner infielder Willie Carmona, middle infielder Tyler Greene and outfielder Brian Pointer feel that any necessary adjustments have been made and improvements will show in their results this season.

Carmona, a 22-year-old, was selected in the 11th round out of Stony Brook University last June. After debuting as a pro, the six-foot 230-pounder got off to a very hot start, posting a .348 average, as he laced five doubles, three triples and two homers while knocking in 20 runs in 25 games with the Gulf Coast League Phillies before making the jump up two levels to Lakewood. As a member of the BlueClaws, playing most of his games as a designated hitter, a sizzling Carmona cooled off, batting .221 with five doubles and two home runs while plating 10 runners in 27 contests.

The confidence of the Hempstead, NY native didn’t suffer, as he performed well throughout spring training and is prepared to roll that into a strong regular season.

“I’m gonna be more consistent.  Last year, I got here with about a month remaining (in the regular season) and I kind of struggled.  So, I’m trying to just get better each and every day and work harder,” Carmona stated. Continue reading Consistency the Main Goal for Returning BlueClaws

Phillies top 2012 draft pick Shane Watson, photo- Jay Floyd

Last season’s top Phillies draft choice, righty pitcher Shane Watson is set to kick off the new season as a member of the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws.  Taken 40th overall, the six-foot-four 200-pounder signed for nearly $1.3 million and made his pro debut with the Gulf Coast League Phillies, posting a 1.29 ERA over five outings late last summer.

After spending time in the fall instructional league, the 19-year-old will be among a young group of hurlers hoping to take the BlueClaws back to the top of the South Atlantic League in 2013.

At Tuesday’s open practice in Lakewood, I spoke with Shane, about his draft experience, his offerings on the mound, his transition into the professional ranks and plenty more.  Read ahead for that full interview.

- Shane, last year you were selected in the first round, 40th overall…I wanted to talk with you and just learn what your draft experience was like.  How did you track it and how did you celebrate once you learned you were picked by the Phillies?

It was a pretty incredible feeling.  I couldn’t really describe how it felt, but I was hoping I would go fairly early on draft day and it kind of just happened and I can’t really describe how it felt to hear my name on TV, but it was fun. It was a once in a lifetime chance.

- So, is that something you were watching live?  You know, who were you watching with when it happened?

I was at my grandma’s house watching live.  Actually, I invited about six friends over.  It ended up being, like, a 45, 50 people affair, way too many people, but when my name was called, everyone went crazy.  Air horns and stuff.  It was fun!

- That sounds pretty big.  Now, you spent some time as a pro last year pitching in five games, seven innings pitched, then spending time at instructs.  What did you take out of your brief time as a pro last year that you’re going to bring into this year?

It was a humbling experience.  I thought I was good and big in high school, but once you come out here, you’re just another player, so you’ve got to just earn your keep and work hard pretty much. Continue reading PN Interview: Top 2012 Draft Pick Shane Watson

As minor leaguers break camp and three quarters of the teams head north to their full season destinations, I had the opportunity to speak with righty hurler Tyler Knigge.

The Phils’ 12th round draft selection in 2010, took big strides last year, as he posted a 4-1 record, nine saves and a 0.60 ERA in 34 outings for Class A Advanced Clearwater, en route to becoming a Florida State League All-Star.  The six-foot-three 225-pounder then earned a promotion to Double-A, where he tallied a 2.92 ERA with no decisions and two saves in 21 appearances for Reading.  Additionally, Knigge, who sports a fastball that is regularly clocked in the mid-90′s, averaged 9.09 K/9 at the two levels.  He went on to pitcher with Peoria in the Arizona Fall League last year as well.

This weekend, Tyler offered some quick thoughts on his preseason, his assignment to begin the regular season with Reading and more.  Read ahead to check out the interview.

- How has your spring gone?  Thoughts on how you’ve progressed physically? Any spring training goals met?

My spring has gone well. Had my ups and downs but that’s what spring training is for. Fixing the kinks. Physically, I know I’ve gotten stronger. That’s my goal and I will continue working towards it. Continue reading Spring Wrap Up Interview: RHP Tyler Knigge