At 76-56, the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils are closing in on the playoffs, three games ahead of second place Binghamton in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League. While the team has lost prospects Roman Quinn, Cam Perkins and most recently Nick Williams, they've managed to maintain a ton of offensive firepower through the entire season. Having a dominant pitching staff helps too. Reading first baseman Brock Stassi, one of the most consistent pieces of their offense, was named Eastern League MVP while manager Dusty Wathan took home Manager of the Year honors.
Stassi, 26, was a 33rd round pick of the Phillies in 2011 and he emerged this season as one of the best hitters in the Double-A Eastern League. Stassi is the seventh player in Reading's history to win the award and joins the likes of Darin Ruf (2012), Ryan Howard (2004), Marlon Byrd (2001), Jeff Stone (1983), Mark Davis(1980), and Greg Luzinski (1970).
This season for the Fightin Phils, he's slashing .312/.399./480 with 32 doubles, one triple, 14 homers, 88 RBI's and 73 runs scored. He's also demonstrated really good plate discipline, walking 72 times and striking out 60 in 446 at-bats this season. He has 39 multi-hit games this season and also got the win as a pitcher on June 11th, striking out three in an 18-inning victory against Altoona. Stassi leads the league in RBI's, doubles, total bases (211) and OPS (.882). He ranks second in on-base percentage, walks, extra-base hits (46) and runs scored. Stassi was also named to the Eastern League end of the season All-Star Team and he started this year's All-Star Game at first base for Reading.
Meanwhile, Fightin Phils manager Dusty Wathan joins Gary Varsho (2000), Al LeBeouf (1997), Bill Dancy (1995 & 1983), and Bob Wellman (1975) as Reading Manager of the Year recipients. Wathan is in his fourth season with Reading, compiling a 280-277 record in that span, including a playoff appearance in 2012. Wathan has spent time managing in the Phillies organization since 2008, when he began as the manager for the Phils short season affiliate in Williamsport. He led Class 'A' Lakewood to the 2009 Championship. Over his eight seasons of managing, he's 538-507. Prior to managing, Wathan had a 14-year playing career. He played with six different teams during his career, reaching the big leagues with Kansas City in 2002.
