As the Philadelphia Phillies close in on Spring Training 2016, this week marks the first of the next 37 weeks where baseball will be played in some capacity. We celebrate with our first installment of Phillies must-reads.
Is that Potential we see in the 2016 Phillies?
The Philadelphia Daily News’ David Murphy likes the over on the Vegas line for Phils’ victories in 2016 of 67. That would be an improvement over the 63 of a year ago, but expect even more from the 2016 Phillies, as they will likely debut many top prospects. Odubel Herrera wants to prove his rookie season was no fluke. Peter Bourjos will get what will probably be his final opportunity at a starting position. Aaron Altherr’s late 2015 audition showed that he has the potential of being a building block for the future and he will look to build on that in 2016. One of either Freddy Galvis or Cesar Hernadez will move into a utility position once top prospect J.P. Crawford arrives sometime in 2016, so both of them are competing for long-term playing time this season.
Phillies land 5 in Keith Law's Top 100 Prospects
John Stolnis of The Good Phight looked at Keith Law’s top 100 prospects and found five Phillies prospects, including the fourth ranked player, shortstop J.P. Crawford. Law sees Crawford as a perennial All-Star and a plus player on both sides of the ball.
Joining Crawford in the top 100 are pitchers Jake Thompson (#63) and newly-acquired Mark Appel (#68), along with outfielder Nick Williams (#74), and catcher Jorge Alfaro (#82). Appel is the most intriguing, as the former No. 1 overall draft pick was a major disappointment in Houston, but still has the ability to be a top of the rotation contributor.
A look at the Phils competition on the mound
Ryan Lawrence of Philly Voice sees the closer role vacated by the trade of Ken Giles going to David Hernandez and his $3.9 million salary. Hernandez will get the first and probably second crack at the job, but don’t be surprised if Andrew Bailey emerges in the ninth inning at some point this season if he's able to make the team out of Spring Training. Bailey saved better than 20 games three consecutive years from 2009-2011 for Oakland before injuries derailed the Voorhees product's career. Former closers Edward Mujica and Ernesto Frieri will have their chance to prove their worthiness as well, as they are among a slew of non-roster invitees to Spring Training.
Phillies acquire infielder Featherston from Angels
Jay Floyd of Phoul Ballz looked at the recent infield depth acquired by the Phillies. Besides re-signing Tyler Henson, GM Matt Klentak reached out to his former employer, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and acquired utility IF Taylor Featherston. The 26-year old struggled in his first crack at majors last season, hitting just .162, after batting .273 in his first four minor-leagues seasons. He will likely provide depth at AAA with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
George Gouvas is a contributor to Philliedelphia.com.
