Through 14 games with Lakewood, the switch-hitting Stumpo has posted a .314 batting average with 2 doubles, a triple and 7 RBI. Prior to joining Lakewood, Stumpo sported a .313 average in 4 games with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers. In the two seasons prior, Stumpo combined to bat .243 with 1 HR and 26 RBI in 67 combined games at three levels.

Back in June, 2010, Stumpo, a West Chester University graduate, was stunned to hear his name selected by his favorite club during the annual Major League Baseball amateur draft (33rd round). He describes that draft day as one of the most remarkable moments of his life.

“When the Phillies called my name on draft day, I was really excited,” Stumpo, whose father is a Phillies season ticket holder, recently told PhilliesNation.com’s Jay Floyd. “I talked to them before the draft and I thought it might happen, but getting drafted by the team you’ve been following your whole life is really exciting. Hopefully, I can keep moving up and up and be out in Citizens Bank Park one day. It’s almost a dream come true.”

Almost is a meaningful element to that statement for the 6-foot-3-inch 225-pounder. His ultimate goal is to one day don the catcher’s pads for his big league parent club. In the meantime, though, Stumpo speaks like a mature, media savvy Phillie player already. Asked about the troublesome stats belonging to Lakewood’s starting rotation (two hurlers have ERA’s of 6 or greater, while another has an ERA of 4.67, and only one has a winning record), Stumpo put a positive spin on the progress of the pitchers that he helps guide and refocused the negative on the bright futures each hurler could have.

“It’s a talented group. I mean, all of them can pitch, we know that. It’s a different situation, where some guys have never been on a full season team, you know, they were down in Florida, in extended or things like that, going to short-season, so it’s a process of getting used to it and stuff, especially playing up in the cold for a couple weeks, early in the season. But, there’s a lot of talent in this starting rotation, so I don’t think it’s going to be a problem. (I’m) just trying to lead them in the right way,” Stumpo said.

The 24–year-old Stumpo grew up rooting for many of the same players that loads of similarly aged members of the Phillies Nation did during their formative years. Names like Jim Thome, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino stand out as individuals that Stumpo looked up to and modeled his playing style after. But there is one player that stands out just a bit more to Stumpo, who fashions his hard-nosed on-field grind after one of Philadelphia’s hardest playing athletes.

“I’ve always loved how Chase Utley played the game,” Stumpo said with admiration. “It just stands out, how hard he plays. Utley’s number one, of guys to watch and learn from, just because of how intense he is and how he plays the game. He never takes a play off and never takes a pitch off. I’d say I watched Utley the most.”

Stumpo’s demeanor and skills make him stand out as a leader, which is impressive, in just his second full season in the minors. Lakewood manager, former Phillies All-Star Mickey Morandini, coached Stumpo last season in Williamsport and recognizes Stumpo’s ability to be a field general and a positive influence on his team off the field. According to Stumpo, while his demotion from Clearwater to Lakewood in April was beneficial and mainly focused on getting him additional at bats, he thinks Morandini had a little something to do with the move.

“I’m an older guy and I was with Mickey last year and I think he wanted to get me up here, and get me more playing time, and help out around the clubhouse, and help the younger guys and things like that,” Stumpo said.

While he is pleased with his current spot in the organization and credits an aggressive approach with a focus on working the count for his success thus far with Lakewood, Stumpo is always focused on reaching the next level and has a simple Phillie-centric outlook toward attaining his goals and climbing the developmental ladder.

“(I) just try to help my team, anyway I can, whenever I get the chance…even helping other guys.”

That’s how Phillies do it. That’s Bob Stumpo.

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

Class A Lakewood BlueClaws 15-25, 6th place out of 7 (14.5 GB) in South Atlantic League Northern Division.

Who’s hot-

1st baseman/3rd baseman Harold Martinez (pictured left), through action on Saturday, has strung together a stretch of 7 games where he has gone 10-for-24 (.417 avg) to boost his season batting average 58 points. Martinez, 22, was the Phillies’ 2nd round draft selection out of the University of Miami last year.

Right-handed reliever Matt Campbell has been a solid contributor out of the Lakewood bullpen. Since joining the club in late April, the 24th round draft pick from last season has a 1-1 record with 2 saves and a 1.46 ERA while striking out 12 batters in 12 1/3 innings pitched. Campbell has thrown more than 1 inning in 5 of 6 of his outings. Additionally, the Florida native has held opponents to a .163 batting average.

Who’s not-

Infielder Stephen Malcolm, has gone 2-for-18 (.111 avg) through his first 7 games of Class A ball since joining the BlueClaws last weekend. The 22-year-old missed all of last season due to disciplinary issues. Malcolm was an 8th round draft choice in 2010.

Outfielder Brian Pointer, who was among the Phillies’ top minor league performers in April, with a .295 batting average, 5 HR, 19 RBI and a .964 OPS, has really struggled in May. The lefty hitting 20-year-old has posted a .140 batting average with 0 HR and just 1 RBI and a .479 OPS in 15 May games.
Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, 21-19, tied for 2nd place (5 GB) in the Florida State League’s North Division.
Who’s hot-

Cody Asche has been on fire for the Threshers. Through action on Friday, the third baseman has posted a .394 batting average with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR and 11 RBI in 16 May games. The left-handed hitting Asche was selected by the Phillies in the 4th round of the 2011 amateur draft. The University of Nebraska product is 21 years old.

University of Delaware product Carlos Alonso (pictured, right) was sporting a .373 batting average with 3 doubles, 2 HR and 10 RBI in 14 May games. Alonso, 24, is a versatile multi-positional infielder for the Threshers.

LHP Jesse Biddle has been sharp lately for Clearwater. The 20-year-old is 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA with a .179 batting average against in 4 May starts. Biddle, a Philadelphia native, was the Phillies’ 1st round draft pick in 2010.

Who’s not-

Righty starting pitcher Perci Garner has had a tough month, posting an 0-2 record with a 6.63 ERA in 4 May starts. Garner is the Phillies’ 2nd round draft pick from 2010.

Double-A Reading Phillies,23-17, 2nd place (1.5 GB) in the Eastern League’s Eastern Division.

Who’s hot-

RHP Julio Rodriguez has been the ace of the R-Phils’ staff. In 4 May starts, Rodriguez has not allowed an earned run. His ERA on the season sits at 1.88 through 7 starts. For all his dominance, Rodriguez has just 3 wins, but has not lost this season.  The 21-year-old Puerto Rico native led the Florida State League in wins last season with 16.

Second baseman Cesar Hernandez (pictured, left) has had an exceptional month as well, sporting a .382 batting average in 17 May games. The switch-hitting Venezuela native has fairly even splits vs. lefty and righty pitchers, as he has tallied a .327 average against left-handers and a .319 mark against right-handers through Friday’s game.  Hernandez will celebrate his 22nd birthday this Wednesday.

Who’s not-

Infielder Jeremy Barnes is 1-for-10 (.100 avg) in 3 games with Reading since being activated from the disabled list.  Overall this season, in time split with Clearwater and Reading, the 25-year-old Notre Dame product has posted a .138 batting average with just 1 extra base hit, a double, in 18 games.
Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 25-17, 3rd place (1 GB) in the International League’s North Division.

Who’s hot-

RHP Tyler Cloyd has posted a 4-0 record with a 0.69 ERA in 4 starts this season with the IronPigs.  The 25-year-old has not lost this season and has a 7-0 record, a 1.24 ERA and a .194 batting average against in 8 combined starts at Reading and Lehigh Valley.  At this rate, it’s only a matter of time before Cloyd gets a shot with the big club.

Who’s not-

Cody Overbeck has had a weak May, posting a .161 batting average in 18 games this month.  The 25-year-old righty hitting first baseman had a strong enough April that his season batting average is still a respectable .252.

Outifelder Domonic Brown has not played in a game since May 7th, as he tries to recover from a left hamstring ailment.

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

After beginning the season rehabbing his injured left hand and playing some games in extended spring training, Harold joined the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws on April 24th.  Through his first 16 games with Lakewood, Martinez was batting .213, but after a hot week, the Cuban born first baseman/third baseman has his average up to .272 against South Atlantic League pitching.

The 22-year-old righty hitter came over to the United States at a young age and has dreamed of playing professional baseball ever since.

Last year, in his first season of pro ball, Martinez, a University of Miami product, sported a .251 batting average with 2 homers and 31 RBI in 67 games for the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters of the NY-Penn League.

Recently, I spoke with Harold about his draft experience, his journey from Cuba to the U.S., playing for Lakewood and plenty more.  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.

(Photo: CBSPhilly.com)

-By now you likely know that Vance Worley has hit the DL with elbow inflammation. The injury was reported yesterday and today the Phillies decided to DL him with Joe Savery joining the team in Chicago. There is no word on the severity of the injury, but it’s never good when it’s an elbow. Kyle Kendrick starts in his place tonight.

On a side note, Will Carroll from SI.com tweeted recently that 91 pitchers were currently on the DL. If that number is correct, I expect that Worley is the 92nd. Think about that for a second. That’s a ridiculous amount of injured pitchers.

-The Phillies have reportedly swapped minor leaguers with the Tampa Bay Rays. Long-time Phillies farmhand Rich Thompson goes to the Rays for OF Kyle Hudson.

Thompson had a cup of tea with the Royals in ’04 but hasn’t been back to the show since. Hudson had a brief stint with the Orioles a year ago. He’s expected to go to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

An 8th round draft selection by the Phillies in 2010, Malcolm missed the entire 2011 season after he was sent home for disciplinary reasons in April.

In 2010, after signing as a pro, Malcolm posted a .253 batting average with 3 doubles and 10 RBI in 27 games with the Gulf Coast League Phillies.

Recently, I spoke with Stephen about his promotion, working closely with his manager, former Phillies All-Star Mickey Morandini, his feelings toward the Phillies’ brass and plenty more.  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 read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

Last year, with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, the 6-foot-4-inch 230-pounder led the Florida State League in wins when he posted a 16-7 record with a 2.76 ERA and a .186 batting average against. The season before that, Rodriguez split time at short-season Williamsport and with Class A Lakewood, where he combined to post a 7-3 record with a 1.89 ERA in 20 games (12 starts). Prior to that he played two seasons with the Gulf Coast League Phillies.  In those areas, fan attention toward rising prospects isn’t very prevalent.  Things would certainly change when Rodriguez came north to show what he’s all about.

Having never possessed a blazing fastball, regularly registering in the high-80′s with his best offerings, Rodriguez still produces big-time strikeout totals that are reflective of a power pitcher. His 10.50 K’s per 9 innings mark, in his 4 pro season entering this season, is extremely impressive and indicative of some serious talent.

The 8th round draft selection from 2008 uses a bit of trickery on the mound to draw swings and misses. Rodriguez attributes his deceiving windup with helping to blow away opposing batters.

“I just forget about the velocity and try to make my pitches the best that I can and keep the ball down,” Rodriguez stated in an exclusive interview with PhilliesNation.com’s Jay Floyd. “I have a difficult wind up. I keep the ball back and hidden from view. I think that bothers the hitters.”

Despite a bit of a drop in the strike out rate in the early going this year (8 K/9 IP), for Rodriguez, the success has continued into the new season, as he has been an extremely dependable starter for the Reading Phillies. Through 7 starts in the Double-A Eastern League, Rodriguez sports a 3-0 record with a 2.25 ERA.

All of Rodriguez’s minor league success, including the 2010 South Atlantic League title he helped Lakewood win as well as the 2011 mid-season and postseason Florida State League All-Star nods he earned last year, are certainly among the highlights of his playing career. However, the moment of his baseball life that stands out as significantly memorable came in a contest while Rodriguez was pitching away from the Phillies system, when he was competing for Carolina in the Puerto Rican winter league last off-season. The 21-year-old Phillies prospect faced 40-year-old big league veteran Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez.

Julio was not able to bond with the future Hall of Famer.  Being on opposing clubs prevented that. However, the younger Rodriguez speaks glowingly about the moment he was able to shine against the Puerto Rican legend that every young player from the same commonwealth grew up idolizing.

“I didn’t talk to him, because he was on another team,” Julio stated of Pudge. “But I did strike him out the just one time I faced him. It was a big, big experience for me. I was following Rodriguez when I was like 8 years old, and then to pitch against him was a great experience.”

Rodriguez, who has previously competed for Team Puerto Rico in the Pan-Am qualifiers, takes great pride in representing his place of birth.

One new thing that ranks up there with the excitement of pitching for his home is the vibe that Rodriguez now gets when he takes the mound in the Philadelphia region with Reading. Located just about one hour outside the home city
to the parent club, the municipality known as Baseball Town provides a taste of the big league life, as fans with generations-old attachments to their Phillies root hard for their team’s star prospects. He hears the attention that well-regarded prospects garner more than he ever did in previous seasons. The high praise that comes along with the “Baby Aces” nickname, given to Rodriguez and his top performing teammates Trevor May and Jonathan Pettibone, is something that flatters Rodriguez.

“It feels good. It feels great when they say that,” Rodriguez said with a smile.  “I really hope to be an ace in the big leagues for the Phillies some day and live up to it.”

With a bright future ahead, Rodriguez will continue to draw from his love of the game that he built as a youth rooting for a local legend from his homeland and now from the fanfare surrounding him in the spirited Philadelphia sports region.

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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.

-Kelly Dugan (pictured), who nastily twisted his ankle last month, has returned to action after missing nearly three weeks of playing time.  On April 20th, the Phillies’ top draft pick from 2009 sprained his ankle when he stepped on first base awkwardly, taking a throw on a ground out.

According to Lakewood manager Mickey Morandini, Dugan played in extended spring training games on Thursday and Friday and is feeling much improved, running and hitting with no difficulties.

For an image of Dugan’s awfully bruised and swollen ankle, from the time of the injury, click here.

In 15 games with Lakewood this season, the 21-year-old Dugan posted a .245 batting average with 2 doubles, 2 homeruns and 9 RBI.

-Lefty pitcher Nick Hernandez is still roughly a month away from facing hitters.  The Phils’ 12th round draft pick from 2009 has been out of action for nearly two years.  The 6-foot-5-inch 215-pounder underwent surgery on the labrum in his throwing shoulder last season after rehabbing the injury since the previous May with failed results.

According to the 23-year-old Hernandez, who spoke exclusively with PhilliesNation.com’s Jay Floyd earlier this week, “I’ve thrown three bullpen sessions already and the ball is feeling good in my hand.”

Hernandez, who was a South Atlantic League All-Star with Class A Lakewood in 2010 when he posted a 3-1 record with a 1.61 ERA through 8 starts prior to the injury, is currently on what he describes as a “recovery week”, to build strength, while he exercises with weights.  He’ll get back to throwing bullpen sessions twice a week on Monday.

-Phillies right-handed reliever Justin De Fratus is still shut down, after dealing with a setback while he rehabbed his elbow.   The 24-year-old is dealing with a strained flexor tendon and was placed on the 60-day disabled list on Friday, to make room for other Phillies roster moves.

After missing the start of the season with the ailment, De Fratus appeared in an extended spring training game and followed that up with a scoreless inning of work for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers on April 22nd.  However, the 6-foot-5-inch 220-pounder experienced considerable discomfort following that outing and was forced to discontinue throwing.

According to De Fratus, he has continued to do rehabilitation exercises and he expects to begin another throwing program in roughly two weeks. There is no current time frame on when he may face hitters again.

De Fratus made his big league debut with the Phillies last September, posting a 1-0 record with a 2.25 ERA in 5 appearances.

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

Reading Phillies first baseman Darin Ruf is ripping through Double-A Eastern League pitching this season.  In 32 games for the R-Phils, Ruf has posted a league leading .393 batting average with 6 HR and 26 RBI.

On a torrid pace recently, in his past 4 games, Ruf has gone 8-for-14 (.571 avg) with 3 walks, 3 doubles, 4 HR and 13 RBI.

The 20th round draft selection from 2009 spoke about his manager, Dusty Wathan, his own approach to the game, players that he looked up to in his younger days and more. Check out the media player below to hear from Darin.

Overall in 7 starts this season at two levels, Cloyd, who was the Phillies’ 18th round draft pick from 2008, has posted a 6-0 record with a 1.40 ERA and a .199 batting average against.

Below are some interview excerpts from recent my one-on-one interview with the Nebraska native.  Use the media player to hear what Cloyd had to say about his hot start this season, his approach, players he looked up to and plenty more.

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

Diekman, 25, has posted sparkling numbers dating back to last year.  Over 16 combined relief outings in the Arizona Fall League and in Major League spring training this year, Diekman posted a 0.55 ERA with 23 strike outs and 7 walks.  The Nebraska native followed that up by allowing just 1 earned run through 12 relief innings, while striking out 22 and walking just 3 batters with the IronPigs.

Diekman, a 30th round pick of the Phillies in the 2007 amateur draft, sports a fastball that reaches 95 MPH, a solid slider and a deceiving change up. He was ranked 18th on the 2012 PhilliesNation top prospects countdown.

Valdes was signed by the Phillies last October as a free agent and has big league experience with the Yankees and St. Louis.  In 51 Major League games, Valdes has posted a 3-4 record with 4.58 ERA and a .265 batting average against.  This season with the IronPigs, the Cuba native was 1-2 with 1 save and a 3.86 ERA while producing an impressive 26/1 strike out/walk ratio in 21 innings pitched over 11 relief outings.

The additions to the relief corps should help solidify a Phillies bullpen that has shown considerable weakness this season, serving up a Major League worst 5.59 ERA in 31 games. The struggles have gotten worse recently, as Phillies relievers have allowed 19 earned runs in 16 2/3 innings over the past six games, leaving no question that some changes in the bullpen were necessary.

Luna, who signed as a free agent for organizational depth this past off-season, is a career utility man, who has big league experience at every position besides catcher and pitcher.

Through 29 games this season for the IronPigs, the righty batting Dominican native posted a .274 batting average with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR and 12 RBI. The 32-year-old Luna has played in the Majors with St. Louis, Toronto, Cleveland and Miami.

The corresponding moves at the big league level seem to be the demotion of reliever Joe Savery, who was sent down after Wednesday night’s loss to the Mets, along with two likely additions to the team’s disabled list, namely Chad Qualls and Laynce Nix.

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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.

Savery will report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. A corresponding move will be announced Friday. Photo (AP)

As first reported on Twitter by Ryan Petzar, and quickly confirmed by the Phillies, Joe Savery has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and a corresponding roster move will be announced Friday. Savery last pitched Tuesday, giving up 1 hit against 2 batters against the Mets. Savery has thrown strikes but is getting hit hard. Savery has a 4.50 ERA and an identical 2.25 K/9 IP and BB/9 IP rate. It is anticipated Jake Diekman will replace Savery on the 25-man roster. Diekman has been on fire with the IronPigs, racking up 22 Ks over 15.1 IP, walking 3 with a 0.59 ERA and 5 saves.

For our own Jay Floyd’s 2012 preview of Diekman, click here.

To see Jay, Corey, and Pat discuss Diekman on Tuesday’s episode of Phillies Nation TV, click here.

Fontenot, 31, is a career .263 hitter in six big league seasons.  The lefty hitting former 1st round draft pick of the Orioles (2001) had the most successful season of his career in 2009 with the Cubs, when he mashed 9 homeruns and drove in 43 runs in 135 games.

On the defensive side, Fontenot has played 286 games at 2nd base, 50 games at shortstop and 77 games at 3rd base in the Majors.  The Louisiana State product also has a .976 fielding percentage in his career.

Additionally, Fontenot’s .738 career OPS in the big leagues stands out as being plenty reliable from a backup infielder that would be filling in until All-Star Chase Utley makes a return from a knee ailment.

What could really force the Phillies’ hand to make such a move may be the output of another player.  After his 0-for-4 effort in Monday night’s series opener against the New York Mets, Phils rookie second baseman Freddy Galvis lowered his batting average on the season to .189 while his OPS dropped to .504 through 30 games.

One bonus with potentially swapping Galvis and Fontenot on the rosters would be that the 22-year-old Galvis could return to the International League where he proved he could compete last year and gain a boost in confidence.

Utility infielder Pete Orr along with his very respectable .276 batting average and a .714 OPS this season, would not likely be on the chopping block, if the Phillies were itching to promote Fontenot.

So, while many folks witness the repeated failures of the varied lineups and wonder what changes the Phillies can make to improve the offense…the beginning to a remedy could be as simple as making a switch at second base, using some organizational depth.  Is it time for such a change?  The answer could be Fonte-YES.

Ranked over the off-season as PhilliesNation’s #25 prospect, and even higher by some other outlets, Altherr has certainly shown flashes of serious skill and earned recognition for his tools on the field.

Recently, I spoke with Aaron about his improvements this year, his manager Mickey Morandini and more.  Check out the media player below to hear that 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.

Lakewood

Who’s Hot-

Local product Bob Stumpo (pictured, right) has been hot for the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws through his first 5 games with the club. The West Chester University grad, who was a 33rd round draft selection in 2010, has gone 10-for-21 in the South Atlantic League thus far, after being re-assigned from Clearwater. Combined at two levels this year, the switch-hitting catcher posted a .405 batting average through action o Saturday.

Who’s Not-

Brian Pointer, who had been a standout star for the BlueClaws in the opening three weeks of the season, hit a slow spell this week, going 1-for-20 over a stretch of five games to drop his batting average over 50 points. Pointer still sported a .253 average with 5 HR and 19 RBI through 26 games through action on Saturday. The lefty hitting Pointer was a 28th round draft choice by the Phillies in 2010.

Well regarded third base prospect Maikel Franco has seen his production drop off lately. In a 9-game stretch that ended Friday, the 19-year-old third baseman had gone 2-for-35 (.057 avg), a slump that dropped the Dominican born slugger’s average from .295 down to .208.

Clearwater

Who’s Hot-

Third baseman Cody Asche has been steadily showing his worth this season for Class A Advanced Clearwater. The Phillies’ 4th round draft pick from 2011 sported a .322 batting average, through action on Friday, which ranked him 7th in the Florida State League. The 21-year-old attended the University of Nebraska prior to turning pro. Asche batted .192 with 2 HR and 19 RBI in 68 games with short-season Williamsport last year.

Left-handed starting pitcher Austin Wright (pictured, left), 22, has been excellent for the Threshers, posting a 4-0 record with a 2.40 ERA and a .182 batting average against in 5 outings this season. Additionally, the 8th round draft selection from 2011 has struck out 37 batters while walking 12 in 30 innings. Wright, a University of Mississippi product, went 4-3 with a 3.03 ERA while striking out 85 batters and walking 22 in 68 1/3 innings in 15 games combined for short-season Williamsport and Lakewood last season.

Who’s Not-

Right-handed hurler Garett Claypool has had a troublesome season thus far, tallying a 9.98 ERA through 9 relief outings for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers. The 23-year-old UCLA product had the worst outing of his career on Friday, when he was charged with 6 earned runs without recording an out in an appearance against Charlotte. Claypool was terrific last season, when he sported a 5-7 record with a 3.47 ERA in 27 games (23 starts) for Lakewood.

Reading

Who’s Hot-

Reading second baseman Cesar Hernandez (pictured, right) has picked up his offensive game lately, posting a .385 batting average in his past 10 games, ending Friday. Hernandez capped off a stretch in which he had multiple hits in 5 of 8 games with a 4-for-5 effort with 2 doubles and 3 RBI in Friday’s victory over Erie. The 21-year-old Venezuela native sported a .268 batting average in 119 games with Clearwater last season.

Who’s Not-

Outfielder Leandro Castro has struggled lately for the Double-A Reading Phillies. The 22-year-old went 3-for-32 (.091 avg) over a ten game stretch that wrapped up Friday. Overall this season, the Dominican born Castro is batting .212 with 1 HR and 15 RBI in 24 games, through action on Friday.
Lehigh Valley

Who’s Hot-

Lefty reliever Jake Diekman has been tremendous out of the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ bullpen this season. In 11 outings, the 25-year-old has posted a 1-0 record with 4 saves and a 0.73 ERA. Additionally, Diekman’s strikeout to walk ratio (20:3 in 12 1/3 innings) is just about as good as it gets. Diekman was the Phillies’ 30th round draft selection in 2007.

Who’s Not-

Domonic Brown is still without a homerun through 24 games with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, after action on Friday. The top rated Phillies prospect entered the weekend with a .247/.292/.337 line through 24 games.

Outfielder Scott Podsednik has posted a .190 batting average for the IronPigs through 17 games, prior to Saturday. Podsednik batted .309 in 31 spring training games with the Phillies 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.

Through 26 games for the R-Phils in the Double-A Eastern League, Ruf has posted impressive numbers, tallying a .362 batting average with 2 homeruns, 11 RBI and 15 runs scored.

A 20th round draft pick by the Phillies in 2009, Ruf has steadily progressed upward in the developmental system during his time as a pro, having made stops in the rookie level Gulf Coast League, Class A Lakewood, Class A Advanced Clearwater and now with Reading.

A solid performer at the plate last year with a .308 average, 17 HR and 82 RBI with Clearwater in the Florida State League, Ruf credits his time playing as a member of the Scottsdale Scorpions last autumn with benefiting his offensive development.

“I think a lot of my success can be attributed to my time in the Arizona Fall League.  I got a lot of good learning in, out there.  I got to pick the brains of some different coaches and some of the players…guys that have had success at the big league level and everything like that,” Ruf stated.

The Creighton University product also acknowledges his four years of collegiate baseball as being helpful in developing the type of player mindset that has become prevalent in today’s game.

“It’s a very fundamentally sound program.  It’s built from defense and playing a little small ball, bunting here and there.  It’s actually kind of what the Major League game is almost going back to, and
what they’re stressing, at least since I got in the organization, is situational hitting, things like that, which ultimately win games.  Not sitting around waiting for a 3-run homerun, to put runs on the board, you have to move runners and you have to get them in when they’re on 3rd with less than 2 outs,” Ruf said.

Even with all the essential elements, a minor leaguer that is deemed old can have issues within his organization.  Slugger Matt Rizzotti is one recent example of a player that the Phillies felt had reached his ceiling in relation to progress, despite his proven success at the Double-A and Triple-A levels.  Judgement by the brass isn’t something that Ruf sweats.

“I think all four-year college (players) are in the same boat,” Ruf said with a laugh.  “I’m always going to be old for whatever level I’m playing at, in terms of prospect ages and stuff like that, but it doesn’t really bother me.  It’ll always be a disadvantage, I guess, but if you can play, you can play.”

In an organization where former National League Most Valuable Player Ryan Howard is signed with the big league Phillies, to man first base, through at least the 2016 season, players downward on the developmental ladder would clearly seem blocked.  And with another older prospect, the versatile Cody Overbeck, holding that same position at the Triple-A level with Lehigh Valley, there’s even more talent in the way.  That fact is something Ruf admits to pondering, but he chooses to channel the majority of his thoughts away from things he has no control over and more toward what he can have an effect on, which is playing hard and contributing where ever he is assigned.

“It runs through your mind every now and again, but you can only control what you can control.  And I can control going out and giving a good effort every day where I’m at, at the current time.  I have a bunch of respect for Cody.  I got to play with him in Arizona and I have a relationship with him.  And I’ve gotten to talk with Ryan at times, when I’ve been over for a couple spring training games, and he’s been nothing but the nicest guy.  So, you just wish them the best and hope they do well and hope that you get an opportunity and take advantage of it.”

With a terrific frame of mind and a skill set that is clearly progressing, Darin Ruf could be the individual that breaks the trend of older players who don’t quite make that jump to the top level of the game and could very well overcome the obstruction of talent that lies ahead in the Philadelphia organization.

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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.

Fresh off a solid season with Class A Advanced Clearwater in 2011, when he went 10-11 with a 2.96 ERA and a .248 batting average against while striking out 115 and walking just 34 in 161 innings, the expectations were high for the California native that ranked 9th on the PhilliesNation.com off-season prospect rankings.   Pettibone, a 6-foot-5-inch 200-pounder that was a 3rd round draft selection by the Phillies in 2008, isn’t worried.

I spoke with Jonathan last week about his less-than-ideal start, his progress along with battery mate Sebastian Valle, the fans in Reading, his pitch repertoire and plenty more.  Check out the media player below to hear that 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.

May, who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs roughly 220 pounds, was the Phillies’ 4th round draft selection in 2008 and has been earning considerable recognition ever since.

The 2011 winner of the Paul Owens Award, an honor bestowed upon the top pitcher and the top offensive player in the Phillies developmental ranks each year, May really made an impact on the Florida State League.  In 27 starts last year, May posted a 10-8 record with a 3.63 ERA and 208 strike outs in 151 1/3 innings pitched.

Last week, I spoke with Trevor about his success, his rise up the minor league ladder with battery mate Sebastian Valle, the Reading community and much more..  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.

The switch-hitting Dugan has been sidelined since the Class A BlueClaws’ game at Hagerstown on April 20th, when he stepped on first base awkwardly, while taking a throw on a ground out, and turned his left ankle.

According to Lakewood manager Mickey Morandini, there is no time frame for a return for Dugan, but the injury is not very serious.

“It’s basically a twisted ankle.  Once the swelling goes down and the pain goes away, he’ll resume some strengthening (exercises) and he’ll start running again,” Morandini stated.

Morandini added that Dugan spent some time in a protective boot, after suffering the injury, to limit the range of motion and to keep the swelling contained.

The 21-year-old Dugan was the Phillies’ top draft selection (2nd round) out of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, CA in 2009.

This season in 15 games with Lakewood, Dugan posted a .245 average with 2 homeruns and 9 RBI.

Last year, after beginning the season in extended spring training, Dugan was named as a NY-Penn League All-Star with short-season Williamsport, where he sported a .284 batting average with 2 homeruns and 21 RBI over 47 games.

Additional minor league notes…

Lakewood outfielder Gauntlett Eldemire is considered day-to-day, after being hit in the left forearm with a pitch on Saturday.  Eldemire, who missed the entirety of each of the past two seasons with injuries, is expected to return to action by Wednesday.

Lefty reliever Ryan Sasaki was released by the Phillies on Sunday.  Sasaki, who missed the past two seasons following back surgery, had posted a 6.60 ERA in 7 appearances for Lakewood this year.   Right-hander Luis Paulino will be added to the BlueClaws’ roster from extended spring training to fill that void.

Last year’s 2nd round draft choice Harold Martinez (pictured, right) was assigned to Lakewood from extended spring training last week, to fill in at 1st base for the injured Dugan.  In 6 games, the righty hitting Martinez, who will turn 22 years of age this week, has posted a .304/.320/.478 line.

Class-A Advanced Clearwater outfielder Cody Asche ranks 5th in the Florida State League with a .319 batting average for the Clearwater Threshers.  Asche, the Phillies’ 4th round draft selection last year, has posted 3-hit games twice in his past three outings.  The 21-year-old is a University of Nebraska product.

Double-A Reading starting pitcher Tyler Cloyd took a no decision with 6 scoreless innings on Sunday, lowering his season ERA, in 5 starts, to 1.45.

Veteran minor league infielder Miguel Abreu has put together 6 multi-hits games in his last 7 contests and is batting .500 for the Reading Phillies through 11 games this year.

After opening the season with a 10-2 record, the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs have gone 3-9.

Lefty reliever Jake Diekman has opened the season on a roll, after impressive efforts in the Arizona Fall League and in spring training with the Phillies.  In 9 games, the 25-year-old has no record, but he has notched 3 saves and posted a 0.82 ERA while striking out 17 batters and walking 3 in 11 innings of work.

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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.

An 18th round draft selection in 2008, Cloyd made his professional debut that year, posting a 7-4 record with a 3.91 ERA in 14 outings combined with the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies and short-season Williamsport. Since then, the Nebraska native has had winning records every season, while alternating between starting and relief duties.

Cloyd made a considerable impact last year, following up a season in which he sported an unimpressive 5.17 ERA in 37 combined games (5 starts) with Class A Advanced Clearwater and Double-A Reading to serve up a 9-4 record and a 2.77 ERA overall in 2011, splitting time with Clearwater and Reading once again.

Officially on the prospect map, heading into the 2012 season, Cloyd was called upon to fill in for suspended Triple-A hurler Dave Bush on opening day this season. He took that opportunity to shine, throwing 6 shutout innings, allowing no baserunners and striking out 8 batters.

In his three starts that followed, after returning to Double-A, Cloyd has been nearly as sharp, posting a 3-0 record with a 2.37 ERA and 13 strike outs in 19 innings. Even more remarkable is that Cloyd has yet to allow a walk this season.

Many minor leaguers would be considered to have aged themselves right out of prospect consideration by the age of 25, but that’s not something that bothers Cloyd. He keeps a focus on performance, regardless of the level he is assigned to.

“For me it’s just- I do what I can, where I’m at. I’m not in a big hurry to move. Whenever the Phillies want to move me, then that’s their decision to make,” Cloyd said in an exclusive interview. “For me, I try not to get too caught up into that. I do what I can, where I’m at, every five days when I go out on the field. I just do what I can and go out there and show them that I can do this. As far as me moving up, obviously, I want to get back up there and keep climbing the ladder, but when that is would be up to the Phillies.”

Reading manager Dusty Wathan, who has coached Cloyd at four different levels of the Phillies’ developmental system, feels that there’s a definite place in baseball for a versatile pitcher like Cloyd.
“He’s really comfortable starting, he’s comfortable throwing out of the bullpen. That’s just another benefit that he has. Some guys have trouble going back and forth and he’s went back and forth his whole career. Sometimes he’s starting, sometimes he’d be in the bullpen. So, he does a nice job in both areas and he knows how to prepare himself well in both areas.”

The 6-foot-3-inch 210-pounder has a fastball that typically maxes out at 87 MPH, but the lack of great heat doesn’t stop Cloyd from shutting down the competition. Cloyd has shown so much progress in the past couple seasons thanks to some adjustments to his pitch repertoire. Ditching one offering that had not proven successful, for an option with more movement, has increased the damage he is able to do on the mound.

“I got rid of my slider and started throwing a cutter,” said Cloyd. “I’ve also been working on more of a curve ball pitch to get away from more of the speed change and the deception and the movement change.”

What has also helped Cloyd excel has been bursting levels of confidence that have just gradually brewed and bubbled over. He’s become a young minor league veteran that knows he can command every aspect of his game and he is capable of dictating the pace of a contest, no matter what the scenario may be.

“Obviously, momentum is a big thing for me, in any situation of the game. When I go out there, and everything’s working pretty good, it just helps out the next inning and the next inning and the next inning…I try to keep the game one speed, and that’s my speed. Whatever I want that speed to be. If I want it to be going quick, then I’ll make the batter get in the box and I’ll be ready for my pitches right away. If I want to slow it down, or I need to slow it down…I go out there and I try not to get flustered too often.”

So, with proven success in Double-A and a great showing in his lone outing at Triple-A, where does Cloyd belong? Ask Wathan, and he’ll tell you that Cloyd could move up any time and should reach the pinnacle of the baseball world in the near future.

“I think Tyler can pitch in the big leagues. Whether that’s with the Philadelphia Phillies or one of the others teams, is yet to be seen.”

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

De Fratus told PhilliesNation.com’s Jay Floyd exclusively last weekend that, following a rehab appearance with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers that he would have a similar outing with Clearwater the following Wednesday.  After experiencing more discomfort with his increasingly aggressive work schedule, De Fratus was shut down by the Phillies, as a precautionary measure to avoid additional problems.

Described as a strain on the flexor tendon in his throwing elbow, the ailment is expected to heal fully with rest.  The native of Oxnard, CA is expected to sit out for two weeks and will then be reevaluated for a return to an active throwing program.

An 11th round draft pick in 2007, De Fratus made his Major League debut last season and posted a 1-0 record with a 2.25 ERA in 5 relief appearances for the Phillies.

This year, after rest and several bullpen sessions, De Fratus got his first taste of game action nine days ago, when he threw an effective inning in extended spring training and followed that up with a scoreless frame for Clearwater on Sunday, April 22nd.

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

After his 14-year playing career, Wathan began the next leg of his career, managing, with the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters in the Phillies organization in 2008.  Since then, the son of former Royals manager John Wathan has climbed up the Philadelphia developmental ranks, making stops with Class A Lakewood, Class A Advanced Clearwater and now Reading.

As a player, Wathan was signed by Seattle in 1994 and went on to compete in the Florida, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Kansas City and Philadelphia organizations.  With the Royals, Wathan appeared in 3 big league games in 2002.

This week, I sat down with Dusty to discuss the collection of well-regarded prospects that make up the R-Phils’ roster, including RHP Tyler Cloyd, second baseman Cesar Hernandez, catcher Sebastian Valle, outfielder Tyson Gillies and the trio of starting pitchers known as “The Baby Aces”.  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 read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.