Greene Jr., who got a $1 million signing bonus, worked out with the Gulf Coast League Phillies late in the season last year and spent some time at the Florida Instructional League as well. Despite sitting out with a groin injury, the lefty batting slugger was able to take in plenty of batting practice and put himself on display for the brass in attendance to see many of their newly drafted prospects.

Already, Greene Jr. has begun to impress and has proven himself worthy of the buzz that led to him becoming the 39th overall selection in last year’s draft. According to Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., who got a close up view of the slugger at Instructs, Greene Jr. has the type of raw power that is difficult to find. Additionally, new Class A Lakewood BlueClaws manager Mickey Morandini got to see the 6-feet tall 235-pounder take batting practice at the FIL and was quite impressed with his strength at the plate.

The high school All-American posted a .536 average in 30 games with 11 doubles, 19 homeruns, 52 RBI and 37 walks in his senior season.

Some baseball heads project Greene Jr. as a first baseman, but that isn’t a change the Phillies are convinced is necessary yet. Evaluations of his defensive skills, as far as the Phils are concerned, have Greene Jr. holding court in the outfield for the time being.

Expect Greene Jr., who turns 19-years-old this week, to begin the 2012 season in extended spring training. He should get some playing time with the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters or Class-A Lakewood as well.

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Image- Joe Wombough

Our 2012 prospect countdown index can be found HERE.

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider.  You can check out more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

An Eastern League All-Star, Hyatt posted an overall record of 12-6 with a 3.85 ERA and a .235 batting average against last year in 28 starts. Hyatt tallied tremendous numbers in the second half, to help his team reach the post-season. In 10 starts after the All-Star break, Hyatt posted a 5-1 record with a 2.78 ERA and a .221 batting average against.

In 2011, Hyatt was focused on improving the mental side of his game. His ability to read hitters at the higher levels of the minors has certainly benefited the 6-foot-3-inch 205-pounder. Working closely with Reading pitching coach Bob Milacki on analyzing opposing batters’ approaches were evident as Hyatt shut down some of the best hitters in the Eastern League. Facing the eventual league champion New Hampshire Fisher Cats that included EL Most Valuable Player Travis d’Arnaud, highly regarded Blue Jays prospect Anthony Gose as well as All-Stars Mike McDade and Moises Sierra, during the regular season, Hyatt went 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA. In addition, he went on to allow just 1 earned run in 7 innings, while striking out 9, in his lone postseason outing, against New Hampshire, who ousted Wild Card entrant Reading from the playoffs.

In 2010, Hyatt began the season with Class A Advanced Clearwater, where he tallied an 11-5 record with a 3.04 ERA in 23 games and was named Florida State League pitcher of the year. In August, the Georgia native joined Double-A Reading where he went 1-0 with a 4.91 ERA in 4 starts.

Immediately as a pro in 2009, Hyatt made an impact. As a member of the short season Williamsport Crosscutters, Hyatt dominated en route to becoming a NY-Penn League All-Star, posting a 3-0 record with a 0.66 ERA and a .141 batting average against in 17 games (5 starts). With Williamsport, Hyatt struck out an impressive 81 batters in 54 1/3 innings. Late that season, he earned a promotion to Class A Lakewood for their playoff run and he pitched as a reliever in all 5 of the BlueClaws’ postseason wins on their way to the South Atlantic League championship.

Hyatt’s pitch repertoire includes a mid-90′s fastball, an increasingly lively slider and a good change up. Sporting a K/9 rate of 11.03 in 3 pro seasons, Hyatt’s biggest advantage with his fastball is not necessarily the velocity, it’s his arm angle. The dropped down delivery is deceiving to batters who regularly have a difficult time picking up the 2009 15th round draft choice’s pitches.

After spending time this off-season working out and throwing with old amateur teammates and his brother Jared, a former Texas Rangers farmhand, and spending some time working out in Clearwater this January as part of a mini camp of Phillies minor leaguers, Hyatt is targeting a step upward on the developmental ladder and taking the mound for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Once he tackles the International League, he’ll be focused on taking the next step to the big leagues.

It’s certainly possible that Hyatt could be moved back to a relief role, as needed, down the road, but for now, he remains a good option as a developing starting pitcher on stand-by if needs arise at the big league level.
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Our 2012 prospect countdown index can be found HERE.

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider.  You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

Hernandez made his professional debut with the Venezuelan Summer League at the age of 17. In two seasons there, he tallied a .296 batting average with 3 HR and 45 RBI in 114 games.

The current Phillies 40-man roster member played with the Gulf Coast League Phillies in 2009, where he batted .267 with 5 doubles and a triple in 41 games.

In 2010, as a member of the NY-Penn League’s (short-season Class A) Williamsport Crosscutters, Hernandez was voted as the Most Valuable Player of the club by his teammates. He proved clutch with the ‘Cutters, posting a .400 average (16-for-40) with runners in scoring position and two outs. Overall that season, Hernandez sported an impressive .325/.390/.392 line with 13 doubles and 2 triples in 65 games and was 2nd in the league in stolen bases with 32.

His remarkable season in Williamsport led to a complete skip of full season Class A Lakewood. Hernandez played the entire 2011 season with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, where his offensive production took a dip (.268/.303./.333 line). With just 15 extra-base hits against 98 singles last year, a power boost will be something to look for from Hernandez as he climbs upwards in the developmental ranks.

Also taking a noticeable drop was the damage Hernandez did on the base paths. After a success rate of 84% in 2010, the youngster was only successful in 70% of his stolen base attempts with Clearwater the following year. Moving up two levels provides an acceptable reason for the decreased output and, as such, the Phillies were still very pleased with the progress Hernandez made against the difficult Florida State League competition.

The 21-year-old played in the Venezuelan Winter League this off-season. As a member of the Bravos de Margarita, the switch-hitting Hernandez posted a weak .259/.314/.277 line in 34 games.

Defensively, Hernandez’s arm is clearly above average and his range is very good. He has played 45 games at shortstop in his pro career, but none since advancing above the VSL.

Hernandez’s coaches and organizational instructors praise his many talents (defensive instincts, swing, speed) and are confident that Hernandez has what it will take to compete at the highest levels of professional baseball.

Expect Hernandez to get a shot at playing with the Double-A Reading Phillies in 2012. Whether or not he begins the season there could depend on where the organization places the older Harold Garcia to open the year. While Hernandez may project to compete at the big league level, the capacity in which he could contribute in the Majors will surely depend on the progress he makes in the meantime.

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Image- Joe Wombough

Our 2012 Prospect countdown index can be found HERE.

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider. You can check out more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

In three seasons playing in the VSL, Garcia’s offensive progression was evident, as he posted batting averages that increased annually- .226, .273, .296.

After arriving stateside, Garcia spent the 2008 season with the Gulf Coast League Phillies, where he batted .299 with 5 homers and a .907 OPS in 50 games, leading his club to the league championship.

In 2009, Garcia continued his winning ways, helping the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws lock down the South Atlantic League championship. As a member of the BlueClaws, Garcia finished third in the SAL with 42 stolen bases. He also batted .291 with 8 homers and 55 RBI with a .765 OPS in 118 games that season.

At age 23 in 2010, Garcia really proved himself worthy of considerable praise when he posted a .305 batting average with an .807 OPS and 29 steals in 101 games at two levels. He made headlines that year when, as a member of the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, he set the all-time Florida State League hit streak record at 37 games. After subsequently being named Phillies minor league player of the month for June, Garcia was promoted to the Double-A Reading Phillies. As a member of the R-Phils, the switch-hitting Garcia posted a solid line of .281/.340/.403.

Primed for a big year in 2011, Garcia’s season ended after just 12 games when he tore ligaments in his right knee. In that limited action, Garcia sported a .300 average with 3 doubles, 2 homeruns and 4 RBI.

Fully recovered over the off-season, Garcia spent some time with the his hometown Aguilas del Zulia in the Venezuelan Winter League. In 2 games, the 25-year-old went 1-for-5 with a walk.

Primarily a second baseman throughout his career, Garcia has also played third base (66 games) and shortstop (3) games during his professional career. He even dabbled in the outfield at fall instructional league in 2010. In the field, Garcia ranks well above average, but he may need to spend more times at those other positions to increase his versatility and value.

Speed is definitely a key aspect of Garcia’s game as he has stolen 107 bases in his pro career. However, his 76% career success rate certainly leaves some room for improvement.

Barring any setbacks, Garcia, a member of the Phillies’ 40-man roster, could see a solid amount of time with the big club in spring training. If Garcia can pick up where he left off last year, he could be counted on as a filler if injuries to the infield arise this season or join the Phils as a September call up this year.

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2012 prospect countdown index can be found HERE.

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider.  You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

Check out the media player below to hear the full interview.
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Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider. You can check out more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

After struggling in the Arizona Fall League in 2010, when he allowed 12 earned runs in 3 2/3 innings over 5 outings, Diekman refocused his approach on the mound. Diekman entered the 2011 season with a goal of throwing all his pitches for strikes and getting into a hitter’s mentality in order to mix up his approach toward the opposition. That approach helped the Phillies’ 30th round draft choice from 2007 compete against hitters at the higher levels of the minors.

The 25-year-old Diekman sports a pitch repertoire that includes a fastball, a slider and a change up. In 2011, the Nebraska native added a couple notches of velocity after receiving advice from former Williamsport pitching coach Lance Carter, in spring training. The tip, lowering his arm angle when playing long toss, landed Diekman’s fastball at 95 MPH on a regular basis. The increased speed helped Diekman in match ups against opposing batters, as he saw his K/9 rate shoot up from 9.05 in 2010 to 11.49 in 2011.

Overall, as a member of the Double-A Reading Phillies in 2011, Diekman had a strong season, posting a 0-1 record with 3 saves, a 3.05 ERA and a .199 batting average against in 53 games.

As a member of the 2009 South Atlantic League champion Class A Lakewood BlueClaws, Diekman sported a 2-0 record with a 4.04 ERA and a .266 batting average against in 32 games (2 starts). The following year, Diekman began the season back with Lakewood and was promoted to Class A Advanced Clearwater after going 2-0 with a 1.90 ERA and a .178 BAA in 21 relief outings. After his move upward in 2010, Diekman went 0-2 with a 3.66 and a .195 BAA ERA in 24 games.

As further evidence of his improvements as a pro, across three levels in his first two professional seasons, Diekman posted a 7-13 record and a 4.45 ERA with 142 strike outs in 194 1/3 innings.

Mentally, Diekman has displayed the ability to be tough and fearless on the mound.  His focus will be on consistent mechanics, especially with his arm angle, as he continues to strive toward the ultimate goal of pitching in the big leagues.

Headed into 2012, Diekman should get a good look with the big club in spring training and will likely begin the season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. As inevitable injuries arise in the Phils’ bullpen during the regular season, Diekman stands a very good chance at being a hurler that the team counts on to fill those voids and contribute.
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Click HERE for the 2012 Phillies prospect countdown index.

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider. You can check out more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

Phils’ manager Charlie Manuel knows what Jim Thome can do and looks forward to the type of contributions Thome will make on and off the field. Manuel coached and managed Thome during the 1990′s and early-2000′s in Cleveland, and then managed Thome again in Philadelphia in 2005.

Thome, who ranks 8th among MLB sluggers all-time in homeruns with 604, solidifies a Phillies bench that lacked power last year, especially from the left side.

Manuel, the most winning manager in team history, knew from Thome’s days as an emerging power hitter, that the now 41-year-old would become an elite slugger in the sport.

“I’ve been around Jimmy about the first fifteen years of his career. I’ll tell you something, when I look at him sometimes, for him to hit 600 homeruns, I never thought he would hit 600 homeruns. But, when he was young, and I used to sit and talk to John Hart and these guys, you know, the general manager and the assistant GM Danny O’Dowd, about what he was going to do, I used to say that he’s gonna hit close to 500 homeruns. I used to definitely think that, if Thome was here, he’d tell you that,” Manuel stated.

Locking up a guy that loves to play and that exudes a positive attitude at nearly all times is something that Manuel was very happy about this off-season. The Phils’ skipper feel that Thome’s presence, even on days off, will help the team on the field.

“Thome’s a guy that can walk through our clubhouse and have (a positive) impact. And if he’s not playing a game that day and he goes out and watches the game, other guys are gonna follow him. Things like that are what I look for. He’s so upbeat and he gets along with everybody.”

The Phillies have a plan in place to get Thome, who has played a total of 28 innings in the field since he left Philadelphia following the 2005 season, some time on defense at first base in minor league games, when the spring training schedule begins. After some time, Thome will be eased into some Grapefruit League games against big league competition.

Manuel feels that Thome can contribute a considerable amount in limited playing time this coming season, citing the veteran’s experience as being beneficial toward adapting to new his reserve role.

“He’s still got a good enough bat,” Manuel stated. “In the last couple years, he’s hit 40 homeruns…in about 500 at bats or something.

“If we can get him in a game a week, or two or something like that, I figure he’ll get- I don’t want to put a solid number on his at bats, but, I would say if he can get to 200, that’ll give him plenty of time to stay sharp, and stuff, because I think he’s experienced enough to know how to pinch hit now.”

Accurate numbers for 6-foot-3-inch 250-pound Thome over the past couple of seasons are 40 homeruns in 553 at bats, but nevertheless, Manuel seems correct, as the potential Hall of Famer, Thome, has kept his productivity up while his playing time has dwindled. Add in his .269 batting average, 32 doubles and 109 RBI over that stretch, it is clear that big Jim can still get it done at the plate.

After an August trade last year, the veteran of 21 major league seasons made a return to Cleveland, where his professional career began when the Indians drafted him in the 13th round of the 1989 amateur draft. The manner in which Thome returned to Philadelphia, which became his second pro organization when he signed there as a free agent in 2002, wasn’t attributable to the opening left when All-Star first baseman Ryan Howard required achilles tendon surgery after the 2011 post season. According to Manuel it was more about both sides wanting to reunite for some time.

“I think the opening really didn’t matter. Last year, we were trying to get him, like down toward the end (of the season), ’cause we wanted him to hit for us. But, he had to clear waivers and Cleveland is where he started his career and they picked him up. In some ways that was good for him, but when the season was over and he became a free agent, he had us in mind all along and Ryan getting hurt is something that had nothing to do with it.”

It’s a sure thing that the potential to win that elusive World Series ring helped rank steadily post-season bound Philadelphia high on Thome’s list of desired destinations. If everyone involved has their way, jewelry will surely be in the big man’s future.

Another key addition to the Phillies’ roster this off-season was Jonathan Papelbon, who served as Boston’s closer for six seasons. Manuel expressed additional excitement about the four-time All-Star solidifying the back end of his bullpen.

“He’s a legit big time closer…a proven commodity. When I met him and I talked to him, he was, he gets real excited. He’s really intense, he’s ready to go. And it’s good. I liked him before I ever met him, but at the same time, (now) I like him even more. I think he’s gonna be great for our club, I think he’s gonna go good in our bullpen, I think he’s gonna be everything that we expect of him.”

And in regards to the manner in which the Phillies may ease some ailing players into action this season, Manuel was candid and referenced a focus on light .

“We’ve got some regular players, especially the ones that’s nursing injuries and things like that, we’ll take it easy on those guys. We’ll definitely monitor them and won’t expect them to go out there right away and throw a big heavy workload on them.”
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Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider. You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

For more than two years, righty hurler J.C. Ramirez has been primed to become an impact prospect in the Phillies system, but inconsistency seems to be preventing the Nicaragua native from truly proving himself as a dependable talent.

Last season, Ramirez spent the entire season in the Double-A Reading Phillies’ starting rotation, where he got off to a scorching hot start in April, going 4-0 with a 1.03 ERA and a .187 batting average against in 4 starts, but his output fizzled quite a bit after that. Ramirez posted an overall record of 11-13, an ERA of 4.50 and .258 batting average against in 26 starts for the R-Phils. After the All-Star break, Ramirez struggled considerably, tallying a 5.92 ERA and a .305 BAA in 10 outings.

It’s possible the 23-year-old experienced fatigue, after he was initially thought to be fully recovered from off-season hip surgery. The wear and tear was rumored to have resulted in nagging discomfort that Ramirez decided to play through.

Regularly praised for his “stuff” by coaches, Ramirez rolls easily when things are going good, but he virtually crumbles when things don’t go his way. Often open about his own lack of confidence in his pitches after rough outings, the 6-foot-3-inch 225-pounder’s mental toughness is likely the quality most in need of development. The key is often for Ramirez to keep his pitches down in the zone. He runs into trouble when he fails to locate properly and then it snowballs from there.

With a two-seam fastball that steadily reaches the mid-90′s, a slider with excellent control, and a change up that he uses to keep opposing batters honest, Ramirez has tools that continue to impress at times. After focusing on using his change up more in 2010, Ramirez worked on maintaining a steady release point with his slider in 2011.

After joining the Phillies, along with Phillippe Aumont and Tyson Gillies as part of the Cliff Lee to Seattle trade, Ramirez posted a 7-7 record and a 4.82 ERA combined over 24 starts with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers and the R-Phils in 2010.

Ramirez, the product of a Cuban father and a Nicaraguan mother, says that he loves being able to learn from so many of the Phillies’ highly regarded major league players. During spring training last year, Ramirez spent time with the big club and was able to talk pitching with Cliff Lee, the man he was once traded for, as well as Jose Contreras, who coached the youngster a bit. He was also able to bond closely with Chase Utley, who once had similar surgery to repair torn hip cartilage.

A year ago, it looked like Ramirez was on the fast track toward the big leagues. These days, it is clear that Ramirez needs a considerable amount of seasoning before he’ll reach the big time. 2012 presents a great challenge for Ramirez to see if he can display a reliable steadiness that will help him climb the developmental ladder.
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Click HERE for the updated top prospects countdown index page.

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider. You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

Formerly a third baseman through his first three seasons in the minor leagues, Overbeck, a 6-foot-1-inch 200-pounder, dabbled in the outfield and was primarily a first baseman in 2011 with Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The experience for Overbeck increased his versatility.

This past season, the right-handed hitting Overbeck wrecked Eastern League pitching to the tune of a .275 batting average, 18 HR and 46 RBI through 62 games with the Double-A Reading Phillies before he was promoted to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Under manager Ryne Sandberg, Overbeck had a slow start, but came back strong to help the the Pigs reach the post season. In 68 regular season games with Lehigh Valley, Overbeck batted .279, with 6 HR and 26 RBI. His power drop, after jumping levels in 2011, was evident, as his .532 slugging percentage with Reading looked far greater than his .416 slugging percentage with Lehigh.

The Tennessee native spent time this off-season playing in the Arizona Fall League, where he posted a .321 batting average with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 homerun, 7 RBI and a .457 slugging percentage in 24 games. With the Scottsdale Scorpions, Overbeck spent time at first base and designated hitter.

Overbeck was named a Florida State League All-Star in 2010, as a member of the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, when he sported a .302 average with 11 HR and 41 RBI in 58 games. He missed the actual All-Star game as he was promoted to Reading before he could take part in the annual exhibition. With Reading, he went on to bash 13 more homers and drive in 41 runs in 78 games.

In his first two seasons as a pro, with short-season A level Williamsport and High A Clearwater, Overbeck tallied 24 homeruns and a .249 batting average in 171 games.

Defensively, Overbeck was never highly regarded for his range at the hot corner, but he adapted rather quickly to changes in the field last year and seemed to be strong at first base and left field.  For many guys with a bat that commands playing time, not being a liability in the field is key, but Overbeck was above average at first and could certainly improve further with more time there.

Originally a 9th round draft choice in 2008, the 25-year-old Overbeck heads into a season on the verge of crossing into the Matt Rizzotti zone, as an older prospect with a great list of minor league accomplishments who the organization simply doesn’t have full confidence in to provide a shot at the big leagues. Less than favorable for the University of Mississippi product are the additions of players like Laynce Nix and Ty Wigginton, who have plenty of big league experience at the positions where Overbeck is experienced.

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2012 Countdown thus far…
#22- David Buchanan
#23- Garett Claypool
#24- Cameron Rupp
#25- Austin Wright & Aaron Altherr (tie)

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider. You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

The Lakewood BlueClaws’ horse became the starting pitcher for the SAL Northern Division All-Star team in 2011. In 20 starts, Buchanan went 11-5 with a 3.38 ERA and a .246 batting average against with Lakewood before being promoted for the final month of the season. As a member of the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, Buchanan posted considerable numbers through his first five outings, sporting a 3-1 record with a 3.07 ERA. A weak final start to his 2011 campaign (4 ER, 8 hits, 3 innings) largely effected his Clearwater stats.

The 6-foot-3-inch 190-pounder used his sweeping delivery and an arsenal of a fastball that registers in the low-90′s, a developing slider and a solid sinker to tally strong stats in his first full professional season. The sinking two-seamer helps him live up to the billing of being a ground ball pitcher, something that could prove valuable as he moves up the developmental ranks.

The modest Georgia native attributes his promising success to date to his coaches, other Phillies instructors as well as the defense that plays behind him during each outing.

Selected by the Phillies in the 7th round of the 2010 amateur draft, the man jokingly referred as “Buck Nasty” by his teammates made his pro debut that same year as a member of the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters. He posted a 3-1 record with a 4.21 ERA in 13 starts. His questionable control at that level (30 strike outs/23 walks in 62 innings) led to some necessary adjustments to his delivery. As Buchanan showed tendencies to get ahead of himself, rush through his motions and to over-analyze situations, Lakewood pitching coach Steve Schrenk would often stress the need for the youngster to slow things down on the mound and to pitch with a clean mental slate. That focus resulted in a much improved strike out to walk ratio (110 strike outs/43 walks in 157 1/3 innings) at two levels last year.

Growing up as a Braves fan, Buchanan was a major fan of pitchers like John Smoltz, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. These days, he’s most impressed by a hurler in the Phillies organization that he hopes to share a locker room with some day…Roy Halladay.

Buchanan was originally selected by the Mets in the 6th round of the 2009 draft, but chose not to sign. Instead, he transferred from Chipola Junior College in Florida to Georgia State University, where he became that school’s highest drafted baseball player ever.

Looking forward to 2012, Buchanan could benefit from a full season with Clearwater in the Florida State League, where he’ll be reunited with promoted skipper Truby and strive to impress organizational brass once again. Buchanan projects as a finesse starter at higher levels. Progress will determine how far up the ladder he goes.
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2012 Countdown thus far…
#23- Garett Claypool
#24- Cameron Rupp
#25- Austin Wright & Aaron Altherr (tie)

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider.  You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

Armed with a fastball that ranges from 90-92 MPH, a strong slider which he uses to put hitters away, as well as a curve ball and a change up that are definitely improving, Claypool ranked in the top 10 among South Atlantic League pitchers in several key statistical categories. His ERA (3.47) ranked 8th, and he was tops in strike outs (151). That dominance is even more impressive considering he was 21 K’s ahead of the next highest total while only having the 11th highest innings pitched total (137 1/3) in the league.

According to Claypool himself, the key to his success has been getting ahead of opposing batters by targeting both sides of the plate with his fastball. He also utilizes a bit of deception with his front side, as he winds up, which enables him to hide the ball longer.

Some baseball heads describe this hurler, who grew up idolizing pitchers Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez, as having a limited ceiling based on scouting reports on his secondary pitches, but Claypool’s dominance should not be ignored, even considering that he was 22-years-old last season, facing plenty of younger SAL competition.

In a May start against the Nationals affiliate Hagerstown Suns, Claypool was strong, affirming that he is a formidable young pitcher by shutting down one of baseball’s top prospects, Bryce Harper, on strikes, two consecutive times. However, Harper figured out Claypool’s approach in those at bats and proved why he is so highly regarded by slugging a solo homerun on the first pitch of his third at bat against the Lakewood ace.

In 2010, his first pro season, Claypool was assigned to the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters and posted a 3-3 record with a 3.18 ERA and 45 strike outs in 34 innings over 12 games (4 starts). From there, Claypool began the 2011 season in the Lakewood bullpen before moving to the rotation after 4 relief outings.

The Woodland Hills, CA resident feels more comfortable as a starter, as the routine of going once every five days appeals to him. However, Claypool is clear when he states that as long as he is getting opportunities to pitch, he is pleased to be on the mound.

The 23-year-old Claypool was originally drafted in the 34th round in 2009 by Oakland, but chose to return to school, with hopes of getting drafted higher the next year. That worked out well.

Very likely to begin his 2012 season with Class A Advanced Clearwater, Claypool could be on the fast track to reach Double A Reading by mid-season. This youngster strikes me as a Mike Stutes type…a guy with a wide repertoire as a starter, who could later reduce his arsenal with a move to the bullpen and contribute in a big way with his most refined offerings. In fact, Stutes skipped Clearwater completely in 2009. Could Claypool do the same this year?

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Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider.  You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

Selected in the 3rd round of the 2010 amateur draft out of the University of Texas, Rupp made his professional debut with the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters that season. In 55 games in 2010, Rupp posted a .218 batting average with 5 homeruns and 28 RBI against NY-Penn League competition.

Praised for his work ethic on defense, his strong throwing arm, his solid footwork and especially for his ability to lead, Rupp is quickly becoming the complete package on that side of the game.

Last season, the 6-foot-2-inch 230-pound Rupp helped a developing collection of young pitchers like David Buchanan, Garett Claypool and Lisalberto Bonilla make their marks in a tough South Atlantic League. Each of those hurlers were named as All-Stars, but each attributed credit to their battery mate for guiding them to such heights.

The 23-year-old Plano, TX native was perhaps a victim of a heavy workload at times during 2011, due to injuries suffered by his back ups, Jeff Lanning and Torre Langley. In leagues where pitchers and other position players get days off and/or certain amounts of down time, catchers are counted on to work with pitchers for their side sessions daily, before batting practice and other team activities. Rupp finally adapted to the daily grind in the latter portion of his first full season in the minors.

Confidence was the biggest key for Rupp, although, according to Lakewood hitting coach Greg Legg, he did tweak his offensive approach a shade, after his early season struggles. Throughout last summer, Rupp and Legg worked closely together, shortening his swing and improving his load. On top of those minor adjustments, Rupp’s focus at the plate became more sharp. All of that translated into a string of success that snowballed and helped Rupp raise his season OPS 87 points in the second half of the season.

Look for Rupp, whose father Kevin pitched in the Montreal organization during his playing days in the 1970′s, to begin the season with Class A Advanced Clearwater in 2012. Clearly positioned behind highly-regarded catching prospect Sebastian Valle, on the organization’s developmental rankings, Rupp will get every opportunity to shine, as he tries to play catch up to the talented Mexican that is twenty-two months his junior.

If his hitting can follow the other facets of his game and improve to impressive levels, Rupp will be a prospect that other teams come calling for this summer.
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Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider. You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

With just over five weeks until pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater, FL to officially kick off spring training, we’ll be spending this time reviewing our exclusive rankings of the top 25 prospects in the Phillies’ organization. Taken into consideration when reviewing these young talents will be age, minor league performance relative to levels played, value to the organization and future potential.

Gradually, over the comings weeks, as we approach a new season with hopes higher than Snoop Dogg on his marijuana stocked tour bus, we will be unveiling player reviews for all of the best developmental talent that Phils fans should be familiar with.

These rankings will not include players over 25-years-old or individuals that have spent multiple stints with the Phillies at the big league level. Thus, players like Domonic Brown, Joe Savery and Matt Rizzotti will not be featured.

Some terrifically talented young players did not make the cut simply because other individuals ranked higher. Included in the group that fell short of making this year’s top 25 list are a former supplemental round draft pick, outfielder Zach Collier, 2011 second round draft choice infielder Roman Quinn and righty hurler Eric Pettis.

Additionally, some players from last year’s rankings won’t appear on this list for a few reasons. Some have left the organization, one graduated to the big league club and a couple have advanced beyond the newly imposed 25-year age limit. Others fell off the list simply because they haven’t proven themselves worthy of holding down their spots. Those players are former second round pick Kelly Dugan and outfielder Leandro Castro.

Collier, who missed the entire 2010 season with multiple injuries, had a solid return campaign in 2011 in his second stint with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. The Phillies’ supplemental round pick from the 2008 draft, batted .255 with 1 HR, 36 RBI, 50 runs scored and 35 stolen bases in 112 games this past season, but in early September news broke that the 21-year-old Collier had tested positive for amphetamines. He will have to serve a 50-game suspension at the start of the 2012 season.

Quinn, a speedy infield prospect, spent time around the Phils’ Gulf Coast League club in the latter portion of the 2011 minor league season, after he signed his first professional contract, but has yet to see action in an official minor league game. The shortstop is well-hyped and I simply want to review some game stats or to see him in action before he cracks this list. Quinn agreed to sign out of high school with the Phillies for $775,000.

Pettis was a 35th round draft choice out of UC Irvine in 2010 and has proven to be quite the late round steal. In two seasons with the Philadelphia organization, Pettis has posted a 10-3 record with 12 saves and a 2.17 ERA in 67 games (62 in relief) while striking out 122 batters and walking just 24 in 128 2/3 innings. Pettis, 23, should surely see action during the 2012 season with the Double-A Reading Phillies and is poised to force his way onto this list at any time. A weak second half in which Pettis sported a 5.54 ERA over his final 21 outings effected his consideration for this list.

Dugan, who was selected by the Phillies in the second round of the 2009 draft, was an All-Star in the short-season NY Penn League in 2011, but a failure to reach the Class A full-season level, in his third year as a pro, downgraded him a bit in regards to this list. Son of Hollywood director Dennis Dugan, Kelly posted a .284/.343/.386 line in 47 games for Williamsport last season. The 21-year-old spent a considerable amount of time at first base during 2011 spring training, as the Phillies tried to enhance the outfielder’s versatility, but he only notched 5 games there last season. Consider Dugan a lock to play with Class A Lakewood in 2012.

The Dominican-born Castro may still be a dancing machine, but an injury limited him to just 56 games in 2011. The outfielder sported a .277 batting average and a .785 OPS with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, but is likely to return to the Florida State League to begin the 2012 season due to missing time last year. Castro, 22, has the tools to make a solid impact and simply needs to stay healthy in order to rise back upward in the organizational prospect ranks.

In the coming weeks, check back here regularly as I unveil how bright the Phils’ future is with the newest list of the top 25 ranked prospects within the Philadelphia organization, one by one.
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Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider. You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

• Each player page has been updated with 2011 season stats
• New Philllies were added, others removed
• Hitting statistics replaced fielding statistics for pitchers
• “Player Value” tab added to show stats like WAR and salary
• Minor league statistics are listed for all players
• A new sponsorship feature: you can sponsor a player page for $2/day.
• Player salaries have been updated in right sidebar

On The Phillies Page you can also see our “special rosters” – lists highlighting the Phillies top 25 prospects and 100 greatest of all-time.

As a member of the Double-A Reading Phillies in 2011, the 25-year-old Hyatt was named an Eastern League All-Star as he sported a 12-6 record with a 3.85 ERA while striking out 171 batters in 154 1/3 innings. As solid as Hyatt’s stats seem over his 28 starts, he really turned things on after the All-Star break, going 5-1 with a 2.78 ERA and a .221 batting average against.

The 6-foot-2-inch 180-pounder took some time to answer some questions, from his home in Georgia this week, about his off-season routine, his goals for the upcoming season and more. Read ahead to check out what Austin had to say.

Q: How much time off do you take from throwing during the off-season and what’s your routine like…anything new added to your work outs?

A: After the season I took off from throwing till about the week before Christmas. I started light, going about twice a week, and I’ve started to pick it up to about three to four times a week now and I’ve started to work some long toss in. I’ve kind of stuck with the same formula (as past off-seasons) with at-home exercises then working up to throwing.

Q: Obviously, for throwing, you’d need help to get it shape. Who do you partner up with, for your long tosses and throwing sessions?

A: I have a couple friends that live in the area that I went to high school with and played high school ball with. And mostly I throw with my brother, Jared, who played baseball at Georgia Tech and played in the minors for a couple years with the Texas Rangers. He’s definitely a good throwing partner. It’s good to have someone who can keep up with you.

Q: I’ve spoken with other guys who hold down a job over the off-season to make ends meet. Are you currently employed?

A: No, I don’t have a job right now. But, it’s funny, last off-season my brother and I bought a house and we renovated it. Kind of like “Flip This House” and it turned out to be pretty expensive and it took a lot more work than we anticipated. We worked from 8 in the morning till after 6 at night and it was kind of a busy, hectic schedule. This off-season, not having a job is kind of nice. It allows me more time to focus on work outs and having time to throw more often and focus on getting in better shape.

Q: Last season with the great second half and the Eastern League All-Star nod, you really had a remarkable year. What are your biggest goals heading into 2012?

A; I just want to keep it up. I would like to be, hopefully, in (Triple-A) Lehigh Valley. I just want to build off last year and keep winning games. What I focused on last year was developing a slider and continuing to throw my change up like I have the past couple years. I feel like I did that and I just want to keep building off of that. The strides I made last year in Reading will hopefully carry over with Lehigh.

Q: Last season with Reading you were managed by former big leaguer Mark Parent, who took a job as a big league bench coach with the White Sox this off-season. Potentially, when you take that next step, to Lehigh Valley, the skipper there is Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. Do you look forward to being mentored by another former big leaguer and a legend in his own respect?

A: Yeah, absolutely. I’ve heard nothing but good things about him and it would be an honor to be able to play for him. Those guys have so much experience and have been around the game so long that they have so much knowledge to teach the players coming up through the minors.

I learned a lot from Parent in regards to how you play the game and how to conduct yourself in the club house and everything- on and off the field. It was really good getting to know him and I’m really happy for him to be going to a big league job, like everyone expected that he would be.

Q: Lastly, I just wanted to check and see if you have a departure date set to head down to spring training in Clearwater, FL.

Well, I don’t know exactly when yet. I was invited to big league camp and that begins, I believe, the second week of February. And if I’m not mistaken (the Phillies) said they’re going to send me information on that in the next couple of weeks probably.

A; But, even before that, we have a mini camp on January 22nd. So, I’ll be going down for a 5-day camp on the 22nd. I’ll go down there for that, come back here (to Atlanta) for a couple weeks, then go back down (to Clearwater).

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Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider. You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

Highly ranked lefty pitching prospect and the Phils’ #1 draft choice last year, Jesse Biddle (pictured), took part….as did outfielders Brian Gump, Tyson Gillies and another former top draft selection Anthony Hewitt…right-handed hurler Tyler Knigge also offered his thoughts along with slugging first baseman Jim Murphy.

What’s your favorite holiday movie?

Jesse Biddle: My favorite movie is easily “Elf” with Will Ferrell because he plays a character perfect for my sense of humor. There is something about the innocent slapstick humor that I find hilarious.

Brian Gump: Probably “Nightmare Before Christmas”, I think that counts as a Christmas movie right? It’s just a really imaginative movie and is a nice break from the traditional Christmas schmaltz.

Tyson Gillies: I’d have to say Bad Santa. I like Billy Bob Thornton, even in Bad News Bears, he’s got a funny sense of humor.

Anthony Hewitt: The Grinch and Charlie Brown Christmas.

Tyler Knigge: A Christmas Story because it’s definitely a family tradition to watch it every Christmas Eve and it’s one of the funniest movies I have ever seen!

Jim Murphy: Bad Santa. My brother and I got tired of watching standard Christmas movies, and wanted something to kinda break the holiday mold. That and Billy Bob Thornton couldn’t be a better delinquent Santa.

What is your favorite Christmas song?

Jesse Biddle: I like the Hanson Christmas album. It was something that my family listened to when we were kids and now it’s just a family tradition.

Brian Gump: Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas. I’ve never been much of a Mariah fan, but her version just makes me feel like a cup of hot cocoa.

Tyson Gillies: White Christmas (by The Drifters), probably ’cause of Home Alone, when he’s lip syncing in the bathroom. I like that upbeat R&B version. Seriously, it has a catchy tune and I have always enjoyed listening to it.

Anthony Hewitt: Jingle Bells is my favorite. Simple. Classic.

Tyler Knigge: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town because that’s when I know Santa is bringing me presents! Haha. Kidding.

What’s your favorite food to enjoy at Christmas time?

Biddle: Ham, simply because it’s delicious.

Gump: Egg Nog, yes, even if it’s not spiked. Can’t get enough of it.

Hewitt: My all time favorite holiday food is apple pie!

Murphy: Stuffing, I can’t ever get enough of it at Thanksgiving Day dinner, so I ask for another round at Christmas.

Knigge: Spiral Honey Ham!! It’s just that good.

Gillies: We always have crab, lobster, shrimp, clams and muscles and everything for Christmas dinner. We already do the turkey for the other holidays, and me being such a big seafood fan, that’s what I look forward to every year.

What is the best Christmas tradition that you or your family have?

Biddle: My favorite tradition is going to my uncle’s house to meet up with the rest of my extended family for Christmas dinner.

Gump: Being surrounded by my family. That’s easily the most important part of Christmas for me…and the crumpled up wrapping paper fight we always have afterwards.

Hewitt: I love just being with family and remembering all the good times.

Murphy: Old James Bond movies on TV. My step-dad loves them and loves to say those cheesy lines over and over it’s pretty funny. The Bond girls aren’t bad either. My favorite is “The Spy Who Loved Me”, with Roger Moore. Against popular opinion, I think he was better than Sean Connery.

Knigge: Going to the movies with my family on Christmas Day.

What is the most memorable Christmas gift you got as a child?

Biddle: My dog that my parents got me for my very first Christmas.

Gump: Oh man, my parents always found a way to make Christmas special for me and my brothers when we were kids and I am very lucky for that. I did get a little mini electric guitar from “Santa” when I was probably 8 or 9. That thing was sweet…unfortunately, I never quite got the hang of it like my dad had hoped I would. Too busy playing baseball, I guess.

Hewitt: My favorite gift as a kid was a remote controlled car.

Murphy: Jeep 4X4 big wheel. I think it started my obsession with Jeeps. I have owned three of them since I turned 16.

Knigge: It was my first glove I ever got. It was a Rawlings Heart of the Hide. 11 3/4 inch glove. Still have it to this day!

From PhilliesNation.com and the players who took part in this survey…we wish you all a terrific holiday season!

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Photo editing- Eric  Floyd

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider. You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

-Wilson Valdez, playing with the Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican League, has posted a weak .213/.255/.301 line in 35 games. In addition, Valdez has slugged 2 homers, driven in 18 runs and stolen 6 bases. The 33-year-old infielder batted .249 in 99 games with the big league Phillies in 2011.

-Phillies utility man Michael Martinez has not seen action since December 9th with the Estrellas del Oriente in the Dominican League. Through 19 games, Martinez posted a .113 batting average with just 1 extra base hit, a double. The 29-year-old has been playing shortstop for the Estrellas. Martinez batted .196 in 88 games with the Phillies in his first MLB season in 2011.

-Lefty reliever Juan Perez has performed greatly in the Dominican Winter League with the Gigantes del Cibao. Through 26 games Perez has a 0-1 record with 3 saves and a 1.93 ERA. In 28 innings, the 33-year-old has produced a .140 batting average against. With the Phillies in 2011, the veteran reliever appeared in 8 games and went 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA, but is currently a free agent.

-Catcher Sebastian Valle has been appearing as an outfielder and in pinch hitting roles with his hometown Caneros de los Mochis in Mexico. The 21-year-old has 3 HR and 9 RBI as well. Valle, a righty batter, is the Phillies’ top non-pitching prospect. In 91 games with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers during the 2011 season, Valle batted .284 with 5 HR and 40 RBI en route to earning a nod as a full season All-Star in the Florida State League.

-Right-handed hurler Julio Rodriguez has made six relief appearances for the Gigantes de Carolina in the Puerto Rican Winter League. The 21-year-old Rodriguez has posted a 3.52 ERA with no decisions. The 6-foot-4-inch 200-pounder had an outstanding regular season for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers in 2011, going 16-7 with a 2.76 ERA and a .186 batting average against in 27 starts.

-Shortstop Freddy Galvis has begun to pick up the pace lately, posting a .318 batting average in his last 10 games for the Aguilas del Zulia in the Venezuelan league. Galvis sports a .253 average with 7 doubles, 4 triples and 23 RBI in 45 games overall. The switch-hitting 22-year-old has posted a troubling .222 batting average against lefty hurlers in Dominican League play, while hitting .261 against right-handers.

-Righty pitcher Jesus Pirela, a 22-year-old native Venezuelan, is a teammate of Galvis. In 5 relief outings with the Aquilas, Pirela has tallied a 21.21 ERA with a 0-1 record and a .500 opponents batting average. In 17 games with the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters in 2011, Pirela went 3-0 with a 4.34 ERA and 31 strike outs in 29 innings.

-Well touted second base prospect Cesar Hernandez has posted a .259 batting average through 36 games with the Bravos de Margarita in Venezuela. The switch-hitting 21-year-old has only two doubles to claim as extra base hits. Hernandez’s low success rate on stolen base attempts (caught 3 out of 8 times) is clear evidence of an area of the youngster’s game that needs improvement. Hernandez posted a .268/.306/.333 line in 119 games with the High A level Clearwater Threshers during the 2011 regular season.

-Infielder Carlos Rivero is batting .250 with 8 doubles, 2 triples, a HR and 15 RBI through 46 games with the Leones del Caracas in Venezuela. The 23-year-old was claimed by the Phillies last off-season from Cleveland. The Venezuelan born Rivero had a solid 2011 regular season, posting a .270 average with 16 homeruns and 71 RBI in 136 combined games for Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

-Reliever Justin Friend, a Rule 5 draft pick of the Phillies last off-season, has appeared in 18 games for the Tiburones de La Guaira in Venezuela. The 25-year-old has posted a 2-0 record with 3 saves and a 3.44 ERA. Friend has struck out 15 and walked 10 in 18 1/3 innings. In 55 combined games with Class A Advanced Clearwater and Double-A Reading during the 2011 regular season, Friend posted a 3-7 record with 28 saves and a 2.75 ERA while striking out 61 and walking 16 batters in 59 innings.

-Swarthmore, PA native RHP Mike McGuire, who pitched with the Clearwater Threshers and the Lakewood BlueClaws in 2011, is now a free agent, but was the starting pitcher for the World team in the Australian Baseball League All-Star game on Wednesday. The 25-year-old earned the win with 1 scoreless inning of work. As a member of the Canberra Cavalry, McGuire has tallied a 2-2 record with a 1.74 ERA in 7 regular season outings down under.

-Tim Kennelly, a member of the Reading Phillies in 2011, was the starting third baseman for Team Australia in the ABL All-Star game. The 25-year-old who ranks 4th in the league with his .341 batting average, went 0-for-4 in the mid-season exhibition. Kennelly is also a free agent.

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Image- FOX Sports

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league contributor. You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

Ask a child about his Christmas wish list and the tyke might not be quite as excited as Tyson Gillies is when he talks about being on a baseball field on a daily basis. The Phillies’ young outfield prospect has spent a great amount of time away from the diamond, as he has suffered repeated injuries over the past two seasons. However, at long last recently, Gillies has been on the field, training at the Phillies’ spring training facilities in Clearwater, FL.

“I took a week to ten days off for Thanksgiving and when I came back I started hitting straight away. (I’ve) been taking fly balls in the outfield and I’ll be starting to run again here soon. And basically, I’ve just been lifting weights, hitting and fielding a little bit. I love being on the field!”

The Canadian born Gillies was acquired by Philadelphia as part of the December 2009 Cliff Lee trade with Seattle, along with pitchers J.C. Ramirez and Phillippe Aumont.

Fresh off a stellar campaign with Class A Advanced High Desert in 2009, where he posted a .341 batting average with 9 homeruns, 42 RBI and 44 stolen bases, Gillies joined the Philadelphia organization and seemed fragile, as recurring hamstring issues and a nagging foot injury limited him to just 29 games played with full season clubs over the next two seasons.

The 23-year-old grew healthy as the 2011 regular season came to a close, but the organization didn’t wish to rush Gillies back to action too soon, as that was part of the reason his hamstrings acted up multiple times, so he continued to rest and rehab.

In an effort to make up for some missed time, Gillies was assigned to the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League this year, where he shared outfield duties with top prospects Bryce Harper and Mike Trout. Unfortunately for Gillies, he had a rough go of it during AFL play and batted just .178 with 2 doubles, a HR and 7 RBI in 27 games in the autumn developmental league. The speedster also stole 4 bases without being caught, as he continues to achieve better health in the lower half of his body.

While striving to be pain free and capable of displaying some endurance, Gillies’ plans include continuing to work out throughout the entire off-season, with trips home from Clearwater planned strictly for holidays.

“The off-season’s been good. I’ve been going into Brighthouse (Field) and working out every morning. I’ve been doing things to strengthen my hamstrings and taking care of my foot, to make sure everything gets strong and that I have no setbacks,” Gillies stated.

“I’ll be spending the whole off-season down here, all the way through. Having missed the past two years, I’ve been missing baseball a little too much, so I’m likely to take the bat anyway I can.”

While there has certainly been some discouragement, Gillies does not fret over the challenges involved with overcoming a string of serious injuries. At the age of 4, he was diagnosed with a significant hearing impairment that left him with 30 percent hearing in one ear and 50 percent in the other and he has been able to overcome the disability throughout his entire life. His patience, learned from those experiences, has helped calm Gillies during frustrating times. He’s also able to build confidence, thanks to some votes of confidence from his organization.

The Phillies surprised many people this off-season by adding Gillies to their 40-man roster. The move protected the youngster from being selected by another team in this month’s Rule 5 draft, showing that the Phillies continue to be high on Gillies’ future. Team general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has been clear in the past, stating that he has not soured on Gillies, despite the health problems. Amaro has expressed great confidence in the projected ceiling for Gillies on multiple occasions, admitting that his overall grade might deserve an “incomplete” based on the time Gillies has missed with his varying ailments. That considered, the addition to the 40-man roster is evidence that the organization values the British Columbia native who was once ranked among the top Mariners prospects by varying outlets.

Regarding any high expectations that baseball heads had for for Gillies, and whether that opinion has changed, isn’t something that weighs on the mind of the 6-foot-2-inch 190-pounder. If his body permits, Gillies is confident that people will finally see what he can do.

“I know what I am capable of,” Gillies said. “I can’t wait to play every day and really contribute (for the Phillies organization). I won’t be happy until I can be on an active roster and get out there and just play. That is the biggest thing for me right now and I want to get back to where I was.”
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Image- Joe Wombough

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider.  You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

-Right-handed hurler Julio Rodriguez (pictured), an 8th round draft selection in 2008, has appeared in two games as a reliever for the Gigantes de Carolina in the Puerto Rican Winter League. In his first outing, the 21-year-old threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings, while he allowed 2 earned runs in 2/3 of an inning in his second appearance. Rodriguez had an outstanding regular season for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers in 2011, going 16-7 with a 2.76 ERA and a .186 batting average against in 27 starts.

-Shortstop Freddy Galvis has performed well lately for the Aguilas del Zulia in the Venezuelan league. After a considerably slow start and a wrist ailment that forced him to miss a week, Galvis has produced steadily improving numbers resulting in a .241 batting average with 12 RBI in 18 games. Galvis solidified his status among top Phillies prospects this year by posting a .278/.324/.392 line in 137 combined games with Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

-Second baseman Cesar Hernandez has posted a .266 average through 21 games with the Bravos de Margarita in Venezuela. The switch-hitting 21-year-old has just one extra base hit thus far…a double. Hernandez, who was signed as a free agent by the Phillies in July, 2006, has not appeared in a game in more than twoa weeks. The well-regarded prospect posted a .268/.306/.333 line in 119 games with the High A level Clearwater Threshers during the 2011 regular season.

-Infielder Carlos Rivero is batting .246 with 5 doubles and a HR through 19 games with the Leones del Caracas in the Venezuelan league. Rivero, who was claimed by the Phillies last off-season from Cleveland, is 23 years old and bats right-handed. The Venezuelan born Rivero had a good 2011 regular season, posting a .270/.326/.440 line, combined with Reading and Lehigh Valley.

-Lefty pitcher Ervis Manzanillo has made one scoreless relief appearance for the Navegantes del Magallanes in Venezuela. No word on why Manzanillo has not pitched since October 13th. During the 2011 regular season, the 20-year-old Manzanillo had some ups and downs with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws, posting an 8-7 record with a 5.02 ERA with a .257 batting average against in 26 games (25 starts).

-Reliever Justin Friend, a Rule 5 draft pick of the Phillies last off-season, has pitched in 6 games for the Tiburones de La Guaira in Venezuela. The 25-year-old, who served as a closer for both Clearwater and Reading this past season, has earned 3 saves for the Tiburones. In 55 combined games during the 2011 regular season, Friend went 3-7 with 28 saves and a 2.75 ERA while striking out 61 and walking 16 batters in 59 innings.

-Outfielder Rich Thompson, who was a key contributor throughout the 2011 season with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, has posted a .265 average with a double and a homerun through 9 games with the Estrellas de Oriente in the Dominican League. The 32-year-old Thompson has not appeared in a game since November 2nd.

-Scott Podsednik and Scott Mathieson are assigned to rosters in the Venezuelan Winter League, however neither of them have seen game action just yet.

-Left-handed pitcher Juan Perez has looked great in the Dominican Winter League with the Gigantes del Cibao. Through 13 games Perez has a 0-1 record with a save and has not allowed an earned run. In 16 innings, the 33-year-old has struck out 19 batters and walked 6 batters. The veteran reliever appeared in 8 games at the big league level with the Phillies in 2011.

-Another member of the Gigantes in the Dominican Republic, Wilson Valdez, has struggled with his average, going 8-for-34 (.235 avg) through 9 games with the Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican Republic. Among his 8 hits, Valdez has laced 2 doubles and 2 homeruns. The 33-year-old batted .249 in 99 games with the big league Phillies this past regular season.

-Utility man Michael Martinez has performed miserably with the Estrellas del Oriente in the Dominican league. Through 7 games, Martinez has gone 2-for-28 (.071 avg). The 29-year-old has been playing shortstop and batting lead-off for the Estrellas. Martinez batted .196 in 88 games with the Phillies in his first MLB season in 2011.

-Another member of the Estrellas, outfielder Leandro Castro, who missed much of the 2011 regular season with an injury, has appeared in one Dominican League game, but did not have an official at bat. Castro, 22, was assigned to the High A level Threshers this year, where he posted a .277/.304/481 line in 56 games.

-19-year-old pitcher Fabian Cota, through 10 relief appearaces with the Caneros de los Mochis in the Mexican Winter League, has posted a 9.64 ERA with 1 save and a .412 batting average against. In 15 games with the Gulf Coast League Phillies in 2011, the Mexican lefty recorded a 1-0 record with a 3.52 ERA. The 6-foot-1-inch 170-pound Cota has not appeared in a game since November 6th.

-Also in the Mexican league, top Phillies offensive prospect Sebastian Valle has posted a .261 batting average through 6 games with his hometown Caneros de los Mochis. Valle, 21, has 2 doubles and a homerun among his 6 hits. Last year, Valle, who is a catcher, played the outfield in the Mexican league to avoid additional wear and tear behind the plate. The righty-hitting Valle is the Phillies’ top ranked offensive prospect according to several outlets.

In the Australian Baseball League, two Phillies coaches are leading teams as managers, with Lakewood pitching coach piloting the Canberra Cavalry and  long time developmental coach Kevin Jordan in charge of the Brisbane Bandits.

Catcher/infielder/outfielder Tim Kennelly has posted a .471 average with 4 doubles and 4 steals in 4 games with the Perth Heat in the Aussie league.  Kennelly batted .215 in 61 games with Reading in 2011.

With the Arizona Fall League wrapping up in the coming days, stay tuned as that stateside player will get their own write up.

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Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league contribution. You can visit Jay’s site at PhoulBallz.com.

Left-handed pitcher Jake Diekman, a 30th round draft choice in 2007, will be the Phillies’ lone representative, as he will be among the relievers for the East division squad.

Thus far in 7 appearances for the Scottsdale Scorpions, the 6-foot-4-inch 190-pound Diekman has not allowed a run or a hit. In 7 1/3 innings, Diekman has struck out 9 opponents and walked 5.

Last year, Diekman was summoned to the Arizona Fall League late, to fill a roster void left when John Mayberry Jr. suffered an injury. Diekman’s efforts weren’t as outstanding during that stint, as he did not expect to compete in the AFL. Diekman had a difficult time adjusting to the surprise, allowing 12 earned runs in 3 2/3 innings over 5 outings.

Diekman discribes that experience as a disappointing one, but feels it was an opportunity to grow.

“That was a downer,” Diekman stated. “That was probably the worst month I’ve ever had, both mentally and physically. But it teaches you how to throw backwards and throw all your pitches for strikes. Like, there might be some lead-off guys (in Double-A) that you know they’re gonna swing first pitch, so you just drop a slider in there and freeze them. It just taught me how to pitch to hitters at a higher level.”

The 24-year-old bounced back in the 2011 regular season with the Double-A Reading Phillies as he sported a 0-1 record with 3 saves, a 3.05 ERA and a .199 batting average against.

Diekman, a Nebraska native, sports a pitch repertoire that includes a fastball, a slider and a change up. He added a couple notches of velocity this year after receiving advice from Williamsport pitching coach Lance Carter, in spring training, to lower his arm angle when playing long toss. The increased speed helped Diekman in match ups against opposing batters, as he saw his K/9 rate shoot up from 9.05 in 2010 to 11.49 in 2011.

As the Phillies move forward with several well-regarded righty hurlers like Justin De Fratus, Michael Schwimer, Phillippe Aumont, Trevor May, Austin Hyatt and others, Diekman is on a short list of left-handers that have the potential to reach the highest levels of the organization.

Diekman realizes it’s a long road ahead to reach the big leagues. He has a simple mentality moving forward and a solid focus on what he needs to do in order to make his dreams a reality.

“I’ve just got to keep pitching! I’ve still got a long ways to go. Every now and then, my arm slot will go up and down, but I’ve just got to keep it consistent, where it is now.”

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Other players set to see action in autumn’s version of The MLB Futures Game include Angels top prospect Mike Trout, 18-year-old Nats phenom Bryce Harper, Blue Jays outfielder and former Phils prospect Anthony Gose as well as Royals hurler Nate Adcock, who pitched in 24 big league games in 2011.
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Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider. You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.