Phillies Prospects Invited to Spring Training

Damon Jones, April 30, 2019 (Florida State League) - photo credit Bryan Green on Flickr

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.”  Rogers Hornsby

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare at my phone reading baseball news on Twitter and wait for Spring Training.”  Tony Bps

After a winter filled with a cheating scandal, the Mookie trade/non-trade/trade and MLB rule changes, Spring Training has arrived and we are more than ready for it. The smell of fresh grass and the sounds of baseballs cracking off the bat are always the perfect ending to these long, cold months.

In this column I’m looking at the Phillies minor league players who received invitations to Spring Training and see if they have a chance to break camp and head north with the Phillies. For more information on these players and the team’s other prospects, check out my Phillies Top 50 List here.

Alec Bohm, 3B
Opening Day Age: 23, DOB: 08/03/1996

Highest Level in 2019: Reading AA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: 1
2019 Stats: 125 G. 540 PA, .305/.378/.518, 76 R, 21 HR, 80 RBI, 6 SB, 13.5 K%, 10.5 BB% (across three levels)

Why is he here? Come on, it’s Alec Bohm and we all know what the Phillies, their fans and I think of him. If you haven’t read it already, check out my interview of him here from his first day at Double A Reading last season.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 25%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 99%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? Going with the assumption that the team doesn’t trade for Kris Bryant, as long as Bohm keeps performing and stays healthy, he should be up by June at the latest.

Darick Hall, 1B
Opening Day Age: 24, DOB: 07/25/1995

Highest Level in 2019: Reading AA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: 26
2019 Stats: 132 G, 532 PA, .235/.344/.454, 69 R, 20 HR, 67 RBI, 5 SB, 25.0 K%, 11.2 BB%

Why is he here? Hall has hit for power during his time with the organization. He gets on base and the team would like for him to get some time in with Major League coaches.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 0%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 10%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? Hoskins would have to get hurt and Hall would have to be in the middle of an awesome campaign to have to be promoted this year. He still has to work on his pitch recognition and a year in Triple A can’t hurt.

Henri Lartigue, C
Opening Day Age: 25, DOB: 02/24/1995

Highest Level in 2019: Reading AA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: Unranked
2019 Stats: 77 G, 287 PA, .136/.259/.248, 24 R, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 3 SB, 30.7 K%, 13.6 BB%

Why is he here? Lartigue is a good-glove/no-hit catcher. Over four seasons, he has a slash line of .220/.291/.340. I can’t say why the team would invite him to Spring Training. I’ve read reports about him being a team player and a good guy in the clubhouse so maybe it’s to reward him for the intangibles?

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 0%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 0%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? Injuries to J.T. Realmuto, Andrew Knapp, Deivy Grullon, and most backup major league catchers who aren’t employed right now.

Austin Listi, 1B/OF
Opening Day Age: 26, DOB: 11/05/1993

Highest Level in 2019: Lehigh Valley AAA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: 21
2019 Stats: 133 G, 545 PA .252/.344/.434, 67 R, 19 HR, 83 RBI, 1 SB, 19.4 K%, 10.4 BB% (across two levels)

Why is he here? Listi has steadily moved up levels and looked good in both Reading and Lehigh Valley last year. This invitation is also a reward for his successful past campaigns and to get a look at what they have in.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 0%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 20%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? Listi is in the same situation as Hall except for his experience at Triple A. Listi would have a better chance at making the majors over Hall especially with his ability to play outfield. The outfielders weren’t all healthy last year and if the team experiences the same health issues this year, Listi could get called up.

Nick Maton, SS
Opening Day Age: 23, DOB: 02/18/1997

Highest Level in 2019: Clearwater A+
Preseason Top 50 Rank: 45

2019 Stats: 114 G, 456 PA, .266/.349/.376 41 R, 7 HR, 51 RBI, 12 SB, 18.6 K%, 10.9 BB%

Why is he here? Maton was one of the team’s representatives in the Arizona Fall League and the organization likes what he brings to the table defensively.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 0%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 5%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? Scott Kingery, Jean Segura, Didi Gregorius and the team’s many veteran back-up options in camp would have to get hurt and/or struggle. Then the veterans they sign to replace those would have to get hurt or retire or also struggle.

Mickey Moniak, OF
Opening Day Age: 21, DOB: 05/13/1998

Highest Level in 2019: Reading AA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: 28
2019 Stats: 119 G, 519 PA, .252/.303/.439, 63 R, 11 HR, 67 RBI, 15 SB, 22 K%, 6.5 BB%

Why is he here? Moniak’s story has been told many times – first round pick, struggled to start his career but turned it up a notch last year. The organization is showing confidence in him with the invitation.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 0%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 10%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? Moniak would have to show a lot in Double A then show he can hit Triple A pitching before he is even considered for a promotion. I could see a September call-up, though, if anything but it’s a very slim chance of that happening.

Luke Williams, OF
Opening Day Age: 23, DOB: 08/09/1996

Highest Level in 2019: Reading AA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: Unranked
2019 Stats: 125 G, 504 PA, .238/.319/.395, 77 R, 11 HR, 51 RBI, 30 SB, 22.4 K%, 9.7 BB%

Why is he here? Williams came out of nowhere last year to hit 11 home runs after hitting 12 in his previous 4 years. The team wants to reward him for his solid year for Double A Reading and to give him some reps with the Major League coaches.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 0%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 10%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year?  See Moniak above.

Spencer Howard, RHP
Opening Day Age: 23, DOB: 07/02/1996

Highest Level in 2019: Reading AA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: 2
2019 Stats: 15 G, 15 GS, 2.03 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 71 IP, 94 K, 16 BB. 11.9 K/9, 5.88 K/BB (across four levels)

Why is he here? The team’s top pitching prospect could have been a call-up last year if not for the shoulder injury that caused him to miss two months. Howard has been promoted quickly in his time with the organization and, if the team wants to contend this year, they could use more pitching and Howard could be able to be help. He projects to eventually be a solid 2-level starter.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 10%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 75%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? The team doesn’t have many options for the rotation behind Wheeler, Nola, Arietta and possibly Zach Eflin. That is, unless Vinny Velasquez or Nick Pivetta excite you. If those two keep being Vinny Velasquez and Nick Pivetta, Howard could be needed especially if the team wants to contend in the improved N.L. East. General Manager, Matt Klentak, said the other day that the team envisions Howard helping the team sometime this year but they have to monitor his innings so expect to see him called up.

Connor Brogdon, RHP
Opening Day Age: 25, DOB: 01/25/1995

Highest Level in 2019: Lehigh Valley AAA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: 35
2019 Stats: 51 G, 0 GS, 2.61 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 76 IP, 106 K, 24 BB, 12.6 K/9, 4.42 K/BB (across three levels)

Why is he here? Brogdon has pitched well the last few years during his time with the organization and the team didn’t have much luck last year with their relivers. His invitation is the team showing their confidence in him and to gauge his abilities to contribute this year.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 10%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 50%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? Last year, the Injured List was filled with many relievers – David Robertson, Seranthony Dominguez, Victor Arano, etc. If the team wants reinforcements, they could look to Brogdon to help. He’s showed success at every level, averaging 11.5 K/9 in his career so far.

Kyle Dohy, LHP
Opening Day Age: 23, DOB: 09/17/1996

Highest Level in 2019: Lehigh Valley AAA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: 49
2019 Stats: 47 G, 0 GS, 5.32 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, 67.2 IP 105 K, 59 BB, 14 K/9, 1.78 K/BB (across two levels)

Why is he here? Same reason as Brogdon above.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 10%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 75%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? Same reasons as Brogdon above. Dohy may have a better chance since he’s left handed, though.

Tyler Gilbert, LHP
Opening Day Age: 26,  DOB: 12/22/1993

Highest Level in 2019: Lehigh Valley AAA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: Unranked
2019 Stats: 36 G, 0 GS, 2.83 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 47.2 IP, 46 K, 14 BB, 8.69 K/9, 3.29 K/BB

Why is he here? Gilbert hasn’t had the same level of success that Dohy or Brogdon has but he’s left handed and you can never have a shortage of left handed pitchers in reserve.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 25%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 50%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? The Phillies have a few left-handed options ahead of Gilbert on the depth chart but if they struggle or get hurt (there’s those reasons again), Gilbert could theoretically get a shot. He’s not a top prospect by any means but he could be serviceable in Holds leagues like Adam Morgan last year.

Damon Jones, LHP
Opening Day Age: 25, DOB: 09/30/1994

Highest Level in 2019: Lehigh Valley AAA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: 18
2019 Stats: 23 G, 23 GS, 2.91 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 114.1 IP, 152 K, 59 BB, 12 K/9, 2.58 K/BB (across three levels)

Why is he here? Jones had a phenomenal year for Reading before struggling at AAA. There was talk of the team promoting him to the big leagues last year before the promotion to Lehigh Valley. The Phillies are looking at potential starters with the uncertainty behind Nola, Wheeler and Arietta so giving Jones a chance to spend time with the big league coaches makes sense.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 25%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 50%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? Same things would have to happen for Howard to get a shot except Jones would have to pick up where he left off in Reading and not in Lehigh Valley. He was a strikeout machine in Double A but the walks hurt him when he was promoted. If he does well this year early in the season, there’s a good chance he may get a call if the team needs a left-hander in the rotation.

Ramon Rosso, RHP
Opening Day Age: 23, DOB: 06/09/1996

Highest Level in 2019: Lehigh Valley AAA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: 39
2019 Stats: 24 G, 24 GS, 4.46 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 123 IP, 116 K, 46 BB, 8.5 K/9, 2.52 K/BB (across two levels)

Why is he here? Rosso has pitched very well at every level until he hit Triple A last year. The invitation is the organization’s way to give him confidence to get him back on track.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 0%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 10%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? Rosso probably has no shot at the majors this year unless he has a spectacular start to his season. Howard, Jones, Cole Irvin and a few others are above him in the pecking order. I expect him to stay at Triple A all year then maybe get a promotion in September when rosters expand.

Addison Russ, RHP
Opening Day Age: 25, DOB:10/29/1994

Highest Level in 2019: Reading AA
Preseason Top 50 Rank: 33
2019 Stats: 55 G, 0 GS, 2.54 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 56.2 IP, 81 K, 20 BB, 12.8 K/9, 4.05 K/BB

Why is he here? Russ has been great in the bullpen for the organization and, at 25 years old, is about ready to contribute to the big league team.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 10%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 50%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? Russ is in a similar situation as Brogdon and Dohy in that they have all been successful relievers for the minor league teams and need some injuries to happen at the big league level to get a chance.

Zach Warren, RHP
Opening Day Age: 23, DOB: 06/09/1996

Highest Level in 2019: Clearwater A+
Preseason Top 50 Rank: Outside the Top 50
2019 Stats: 40 G, 0 GS, 3.86 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 60 IP, 44 K, 45 BB, 13.5 K/9, 1.75 K/BB

Why is he here? Warren is coming off the Arizona Fall League, in addition to the 60 innings he threw for Clearwater. The team would like to see him work more on his control and learn from the coaches during Spring Training.

Odds of making Opening Day Roster: 5%
Odds of being promoted in 2020: 10%

What would have to happen to see him promoted this year? With all the more experienced relievers above him, Warren has a very slim change of making the majors this season. He needs to refine his control and at least get to Reading to get a taste of more advanced competition.

Tony Bps Spina is a lifelong baseball fan hailing from the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia! Tony has loved baseball since 1980 and has followed the Phillies through good and bad times. Tony is married with 3 kids and works for a financial institution but has enough free time to play in 20 fantasy baseball leagues with 75% of them being Dynasty Leagues. He lives a few blocks away from Citizens Bank Park and attends many Phillies games per year in addition to their minor league teams in Lehigh Valley and Reading. He can be reached on Twitter at @TonyBps1.




2 Comments

  1. I think there’s no better Manager for getting the most out of rookies than Phillies new Manager Joe Giradi. In 2006, his Marlins had the best group of rookies ever on a single MLB team. There were six regular position players, four SPs and three RPs. I think they will be needed. At least seven of the Phillies acquired veterans are in a performance downslope.

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