Catcher Sebastian Valle was once one of the Phillies' top prospects. But, like many prospects, he never materialized into a major league ballplayer. Valle was a member of the Phillies organization for eight seasons, but 2014 will be his last. Valle signed a minor-league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates today.
Perhaps Valle's most famous moment in his career came as a member of team Mexico in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Facing Team Canada and teammates Tyson Gillies and Phillippe Aumont, Valle incited a brawl. Aumont called out Valle on Twitter after the game, since Valle kept his catcher's mask on the entire time.
One catcher returning to the Phillies organization next season will Koyie Hill. The Phillies acquired Hill last season during Spring Training from the Washington Nationals. Hill made it into 10 games last season at the major league level and batted .238. While the Phillies have not announced the signing (it appears on the MLB transactions page), Hill likely will head to Clearwater for major league camp when it opens in February.
The Phillies will also add a new face to the organization in pitcher Paul Clemens. The Phillies signed Clemens to a minor-league contract, according to the MLB transactions page. Clemens, who is no relation to former major league pitcher Roger Clemens, appeared in 48 games for the Houston Astros over the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Clemens is 4-8 with a 5.51 ERA. Clemens headed to the Astros from the Atlanta Braves in the Michael Bourn trade in 2012.
