Scenes from Phillies Spring Training-February 15, 2019

It was a beautiful but windy day today here in Clearwater. Ross and I started the day a little late and dropped into batting practice at Spectrum Field.

We managed to catch the last group batting. In this group were Mickey Moniak, Austin Listi and Mitch Walding.

Mitch Walding looks on as Mickey Moniak bats

I have video of Mickey Moniak HERE.

Charlie Manuel looks on

Mitch Walding

Roman Quinn and Rhys Hoskins

Andrew McCutchen comes to sign autographs

Buster Olney was here

Austin Listi

Then we went over to the carpenter complex and saw Jojo Romero pitching to Scott Kingery.

Jojo Romero

Scott Kingery

Shortly after we arrived, the Major League camp broke for the day so we waited until 1:30 for the minor league players who have reported early to come out. For me, this is my favorite part of spring training, I know a lot of these guys and it’s great to see my friends again.

I have video of Carlos De La Cruz take batting practice HERE and Jose Pujols HERE.

Alec Bohm

I watched Alec Bohm field and bat as well.

Finally, we got to catch Jose Pujols bat. He hit one off the score board and hit a few more out of the park.

It was a good day, although a long one. Hope to be back at it tomorrow.

First Day of Spring Training 2017

I woke up this morning excited as if it was Christmas morning, but it wasn’t Christmas morning, it was the first day of Spring Training.

Baseball Ross and I did a vlog to give you an over view of the day including photos and videos. You can watch it HERE.

Below you will find some of the pictures I took today:

The new Richie Ashburn Mural at the Carpenter Complex

The new Steve Carlton Mural at the Carpenter Complex

The new Mike Schmidt mural at the Carpenter Complex

The new Robin Robertsmural at the Carpenter Complex

Rhys Hoskins

Cord Sandberg

Mitch Walding

While the large stadium signs have yet to change, some of the smaller signs show the rebranding of Brighthouse to Spectrum Field.

While the large stadium signs have yet to change, some of the smaller signs show the rebranding of Brighthouse to Spectrum Field.

Bryan Holaday, Cameron Rupp and Chase Numata

Drew Anderson

Elniery Garcia

Alberto Tirado

Hector Neris

Clay Buchholz

Ben Lively

Threshers Lose Opener to Dunedin, 6-2

Opening night for the Thershers was beautiful, weather-wise. It was cool enough to need a sweatshirt, a big difference from last season’s stifling heat.

Cord Sandberg

Cord Sandberg looked happy to be here and went on to get a double and a sacrifice fly in the game.

Cord Sandberg hits a double

Mitch Walding hit a nice home run over the left field fence.

Mitch Walding

Herlis Rodriguez hit a foul so hard, he damaged Florida Auto Exchange Stadium’s roof.

The dent to the roof of Florida Auto Exchange Stadium

Herlis Rodriguez fouls and damages the roof.

Herlis Rodriguez robbed of a single.

Herlis Rodriguez was robbed of a single by an athletic play by Dunedin’s pitcher Connor Greene.

Tom Eshelman got off to a shaky start but settled in in the second inning to have a good game.

Tom Eshelman

Victor Arano came in in relief.

Victor Arano

Finally, Jairo Munoz came in to close out the game.

Jairo Munoz

Munoz came in and brought the heat, throwing 94.

They may not have won, but there was some good highlights and I’m looking forward to tonight’s rematch against Dunedin.

Introducing The 2016 Clearwater Threshers

It was a beautiful evening here in Clearwater for the annual “Meet the Threshers” picnic for season ticket holders. It’s a fun time where we had a chance to have a nice meal and hob-knob with the players.

After everyone had a chance to eat, the voice of the Threshers, Kirsten Karbach introduced the team.

2016 Clearwater Threshers

You can see video of the introductions HERE.

The season kicks off tomorrow night in Dunedin against the Blue Jays.

Phillies Minor League Team 2016 Rosters Released!

2016 Minor League Roster

The minor league roster was released today and I have a copy. The copy is at the top of the page. For ease of reading the tiny print, I have transcribed it here (Note Disabled List is at the end):

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs

Catchers

• JP Arencibia
• Andrew Knapp#

Infielders

• Carlos Alonso
• Taylor Featherston
• Ryan Jackson
• Tommy Joseph
• Angelys Nina
• Brock Stassi

Outfielders

• Cameron Perkins
• David Lough
• Darnell Sweeny #
• Wil Venable
• Nick Williams*

Starting Pitchers

• Mark Appel
• David Buchanan
• Zach Eflin
• Adam Morgan*
• Jake Thompson

The Bullpen

• Elvis Araujo
• Andrew Bailey
• Ernesto Frieri
• Luis Garcia
• Bobby Lafromboise*
• Edward Mujica
• Colton Murray

Reading Fightin’ Phils

Catchers

• Jorge Alfaro
• Logan Moore

Infielders

• JP Crawford*
• Jake Fox
• Rhys Hoskins
• Harold Martinez
• Angelo Mora#
• KC Serna
• Jesmuel Valentin#

Outfielders

• Aaron Brown
• Dylan Cozens
• Christian Marrero*
• Roman Quinn#

Starting Pitchers

• Alec Asher
• Ben Lively
• Ricardo Pinto
• Nick Pivetta
• Anthony Vasquez

The Bullpen

• Severino Gonzalez
• Ulises Joaquin
• Edubray Ramos
• Joeley Rodriguez*
• Reinier Roibal
• Tom Windle

Clearwater Threshers

Catchers

• Gabriel Lino
• Chace Numata#
• Joel Fisher

Infielders

• Maquin Canelo
• Zach Green
• Scott Kingery
• Kyle Martin*
• Drew Stankiewicz#
• Mitch Walding*

Outfielders

• Andrew Pullin*
• Herlis Rodriguez
• Cord Sandberg*
• Carlos Tocci

Starting Pitchers

• Tom Eshelman
• Ranfi Casimiro
• Elniery Garcia*
• Matthew Imhof*
• Will Morris
• Tyler Visa

The Bullpen

• Victor Arano
• Joey DeNato
• Matt Hockenberry
• Jario Munoz
• Miguel Nunez
• Alexis Rivero
• Jesen Therrien

Lakewood BlueClaws

Catchers

• Austin Bossart
• Deivi Grullon
• Wilson Garcia

Infielders

• Grenny Cumana
• Brendon Hayden
• Jan Hernandez
• Emmanuel Marrero#
• Josh Tobias#

Outfielders

• Zach Coppola
• Jose Pujols
• Cornelius Randolph*
• Damek Tomscha
• Jiandido Tromp

Starting Pitchers

• Harold Arauz
• Tyler Gilbert*
• Franklyn Kilome
• Luke Leftwich
• Mitch Gueller
• Shane Watson

The Bullpen

• Alejandro Arteaga
• Kenny Koplove
• Zach Morris*
• Robert Tasin
• Jose Taveras
• Alberto Tirado
• Jacob Waguespack

Extended Spring Training

Catchers

• Edgar Cabral
• Roldolfo Duran
• Greg Brodzinski
• Nerlius Martinez
• Gregori Rivero*
• Lenin Rodriguez
• Rafeal Marchan

Infielders

• Jose Antequera
• Daniel Brito*
• William Cuicas#
• Luis Encarnacion
• Luis Espiritu
• Arquismedez Gamboa#
• Edwin Rodriguez
• Lucas Williams

Outfielders

• Jesus Alastre
• Venn Biter*
• Carlos Duran
• Enmanuel Garcia
• Samuel Hiciano
• Mark Laird*
• Juan Luis*
• Jhailyn Ortiz
• Greg Pickett*
• Jake Sweaney

Starting Pitchers

• Ismael Cabrera
• Seranthony Dominguez
• Bailey Falter
• Nick Fanti
• Edgar Garcia
• Adonis Medina
• Felix Paulino
• William Stewart*
• Ranger Suarez*

The Bullpen

• Steiner Carmona
• Skylar Hunter
• Carlos Indriago
• Sutter McLoughlin
• Luis Morales
• Geudy Ortiz
• Oskerlly Sanchez*
• Anthony Sequiera
• Jeff Singer*
• Horace Stubblefield
• Gregory Infante
• Chris Leroux
• Jeremy Bleich
• Hoby Milner

Extended Spring Training Rehab

• Jimmy Cordero
• Frank Herrmann
• Yoervis Medina
• Brandon Leibrandt*
• Mark Leiter
• John Richy
• Andrew Anderson
• Scott Harris
• Austin Davis
• Derek Campbell

 

Scenes From Phillies Minor League Spring Training-March 26, 2016

Today was one of those days where there was so much going on on three of the four fields at the Carpenter Complex that I could have used a twin or even a triplet to help me try to cover all the action. I’m still stuck using my knee scooter, which has actually turned out to be a help, I can zip around faster than I can walk and when I pick a spot to set up, I can sit on the cushioned seat right against the fence without obstructing anyone’s view.

There was a bit of a kerfuffle trying to get into the parking lot so we were delayed a bit, but as I walked up to Roberts Field in the back, I was pleased to see Cody Asche back at the plate. I was even more pleased to see him smack the ball so hard that it landed at the base of the hill to US 19! It was definitely one of the longest hits I’ve ever seen on that field. You can see pictures of the hit HERE.

Mitch Walding also had a great day, with two home runs, one that I have a picture of and one that Baseball Ross has on video. You can see it HERE.

Mitch Walding

Mitch Walding

Dylan Cozens also hit two home runs, I managed to get a picture of one of them.

Dylan Cozens

Here’s some pictures from the rest of the day, my only regret is that I got to Schmidt field in time to see David Buchanan’s last pitch and didn’t have time to get my camera up to get a shot.

Christian Merraro

Jorge Alfarro

Jorge Alfaro

Zach Eflin

Zach Eflin

JP Crawford gets hit by his foul

Andrew Pullin

Aaron Brown

Aaron Nola

Tommy Joseph

Colton Murray

Ben Lively

Ben Lively

KC Serna

Carlos Alonso

Herlis Rodriguez

Rhys Hoskins

KC Serna

 

Jesmel Valentin

The most unique thing I saw today was a true submariner, Ben Rowen of the Jays. I think he has the lowest release point of any submariner I’ve ever seen.

Ben Rowen

It was a great day for baseball and I can’t wait to do it again tomorrow.

Phillies Minor League Work Group List as of 3-18-2016

After the latest round of releases, the newest work group list was handed out at the Carpenter Complex. This list is as of March 18, 2016.

As a reminder: #=Switch hitter *=Left handed 

Players in grey are injured  

First Games of Phillies Minor League Camp

Baseball Ross and I had a prior commitment so we were only able to stop in for a little while to see the AAA Phillies vs the AAA Blue Jays and the AA Phillies vs the AA Blue Jays atCarpenter.

I focused on the AA game as Ruan Howard was making a guest appearance.

 

Ryan Howard

 The thing that made me be a fangirl today was right after I took this shot, I put the camera down and said hello and Ryan Howard actually looked at me and said hello. First time that’s happened to me, so I was tickled.

Here are some pictures from the game:
 

Carlos Tocci

Carlos Tocci about to hit the ball.

 

Severino Gonzalez

Severino Gonzalez was the starting pitcher.

 

Ryan Howard

Ryan Howard was inserted into the line up whenever he was ready.   
 

Mitch Walding

 

Zach Green

  
When we left, it was the bottom of the 3rd, the Jays were up 2-0 and a friend of mine stated the score was the same when he left in the 9th.

Even if we didn’t win, it still was a great day for baseball. 

Scenes from Phillies Minor League Spring Training-March 9

It was another beautiful day here in Clearwater. After a cold and wet winter, this warm dry March is a wonderful change. 

The one thing that I’ve noticed that’s different from last year is that the atmosphere is lighter and more positive. You see the players with smiles on their faces and a little more bounce in their steps. It seems to be almost the opposite of last season, at least, so far.

Unless you’re someone who’s unnecessarily loquacious, there’s really not a lot that you can say about watching the endless drills of the first week of spring training. So my contribution will be a series of pictures depicting today’s activities.

Jose Taveras

José Taveras tracks down the ball during PFPs-Pitcher Fielding Practice.

 

Zach Green

Zach Green begins to spring for the ball.

 

Deivi Grullon

Deivi Grullon snags the ball from the pitching machine.

Rhys Hoskins

Rhys Hoskins makes contact in batting practice.

Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez

Miguel Gonzalez begins long tossing before going into the bullpen.

 

Aaron Brown and Dylan Cozens

Aaron Brown and Dylan Cozens during base running drills.

Alberto Tirado

 
Alberto Tirado pantomimes a toss in PFPs.

  

Evan Crower

 Evan Crower was a quarterback at Stanford University who still had a year of eligibility when he was signed by the Phillies.

Derek Campbell

Derek Campbell gets ready to fire to first.

Matt Imhof

Matt Imhof smiles after a successful throw to first.
 

Christian Marrero

 

Christian Merraro is ready to fly.

  

Drew Stankiewicz

 
  Drew Stankiewicz swings for the fence.

Alexis Rivero

Alexis Rivero tracks down the ball during PFPs.

Mitch Walding

Mitch Walding throws to second. 
 

Jeff Singer

 

Newcomer Jeff Singer played last season for the Camden Riversharks. He looked sharp today.

Baseball Ross and I will be back at it tomorrow, another day in paradise.

2016 Minor League Work Group List Released

 The minor league workgroup was released and here it is, hot off the presses: 

If you have questions about the list, I’ve answered the most common ones HERE.