UPDATE, 2/22/2014, 12:18 PM:
And according to CSN Philly’s Jim Salisbury, that’s all the Phillies will be saying about Ben Wetzler:
The Phillies issue statement acknowledging participation in NCAA investigation of OSU pitcher. Team says it will have no further comment
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) February 22, 2014
Amaro tight lipped on NCAA issue. He was aware complaint had been filed. He said Marti Wolever remains as scouting director/asst GM
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) February 22, 2014
Amaro added that he is not concerned about team’s perception. Says team is regarded in industry for being professional.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) February 22, 2014
———-
UPDATE, 2/22/2014, 12:07 PM:
According to multiple sources, the Phillies have released the following statement regarding the situation:
“The Phillies did participate in the NCAA investigation and a ruling has been issued. We believe it is inappropriate to comment further on either the negotiation with the player or the action taken by the NCAA.”
(H/t Chris Branch, Matt Gelb)
———
2/20/2014, 8:21 AM:
This one is, well, bizarre. The Phillies have reportedly turned in Oregon State LHP Ben Wetzler into the NCAA for using an agent during last year’s signing process. Wetzler, the Phillies fifth-round pick, chose to return to the Beavers for his senior campaign in 2014. The news was first reported by Baseball America’s Aaron Fitt in a series of tweets:
Several sources have confirmed #OregonState LHP Ben Wetzler was turned in to #NCAA by #Phillies, who drafted him in 5th round last year.
— Aaron Fitt (@aaronfitt) February 20, 2014
#Phillies move is a significant departure from industry norm, as #MLB clubs almost never try to get unsigned players in trouble with #NCAA
— Aaron Fitt (@aaronfitt) February 20, 2014
When asked about Wetzler situation, #Phillies scouting director Marti Wolever said, “I have no comment.” Expect more details in coming days.
— Aaron Fitt (@aaronfitt) February 20, 2014
In what is sort of a now open secret, most amateur players likely to be drafted work with agents as “draft-day consultants” to skirt around hiring an agent. This is a practice that has been established for years and Wetzler is not the first nor will be the last to do it but Wetzler was hit with an indefinite suspension for it. The Phillies have also reportedly attempted to turn in Washington State outfielder/first baseman Jason Monda but Monda was cleared to play by the NCAA this Thursday.
This may hurt the Phillies’ ability to sign players in the upcoming drafts. Scout’s Kiley McDaniel says it has broken any trust the Phillies may have had with amateur players and Jim Callis of Baseball America says it will give amateur players a pause before dealing with the Phillies.
