A look at some rooks who could help 2012 Phillies
We know this is the first day of free agency, but, as we pointed out earlier in the week, things tend to move at a snail's pace when players hit the open market.
A look at some rooks who could help 2012 Phillies
Bob Brookover, Inquirer Baseball Columnist
We know this is the first day of free agency, but, as we pointed out earlier in the week, things tend to move at a snail's pace when players hit the open market.
We'd love to report that the Phillies have offered Albert Pujols a bazillion, gazillion dollars to come to Philadelphia.
Instead, we're going to discuss rookies.
Who's ready to help at the big-league level obviously influences what a team will do in the free-agent market and the greatest strength in the Phillies' farm system last summer was relief pitching.
Lefty Antonio Bastardo (6-1, 8 saves, 2.64 ERA), in his first full big-league season, was obviously sensational last season and Michael Stutes (6-2, 3.63) played a huge relief role as a rookie.
It would not be surprising if at least two rookie pitchers played a role in the Phillies' bullpen next season.
The most likely rookie candidates right now are righthander Justin De Fratus and lefty Joe Savery, both of whom, received a September look after strong minor-league seasons. De Fratus, 24, and Savery, 25, did nothing in their brief big-league stints to discourage the enthusiam they had created in the minors.
The same could not be said for righthander Michael Schwimer, who struggled with his command and posted a 5.02 ERA in 12 big-league appearances after a sensational season at triple-A Lehigh Valley.
An off-the-radar reliever whose stock keeps rising is 24-year-old lefty Jacob Diekman. After a strong season at double-A Reading, Diekman has continued to impress while pitching for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League.
In eight games with the Scorpions through Wednesday, he had allowed one hit and struck out nine in 8 1/3 scoreless innings. The red flag is his five walks, but if he can get a handle on that, he could become a heck of a story since he was a 30th-round draft pick.
The other AFL Phillies player with impressive numbers is infielder Cody Overbeck, who was hitting .280 with a .410 on-base percentage through 15 games. Darin Ruf, meanwhile, has displayed some power, hitting three home runs and driving in 11 runs in 15 games despite a .212 batting average. Both men have the same problem: They are first basemen who would be considered defensive liabilities at any other position.
We know there was no mention of Domonic Brown here and that's because he will not be a rookie in 2012. If general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.s stated plan comes to pass, he will not be a Phillie either. We promise there will be plenty of discussion about Brown between now and the first pitch of the 2012 season.
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I've read many idiotic posts here at different times, but this one has to be one of the dumbest I've ever read. Another crutch for Brown supporters to lean on. Man up to the fact Brown isn't as talented as you thought, and quit playing the EXCUSE CARD !
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(HTML deleted)— phineas- Phills mgt. may not be mentioning Brown to take some pressure off. He was poor when sent back to minors and completely out of sync. but talent there. Other teams would jump at chance to get him.— Don w
- That jump has now turned to a skip...but your point is valid...If Dom is not moved, the brass would love for him to come in somewhat under the radar ( basically impossible in this baseball crazy market)...and HOPE is talent comes out...But it really is all on Brown, he has to shut out past difficulties, shorten up his stroke a bit, maintain his good batting eye, and seize what still may be a real good opportunity...He really has become a fallback piece to a lineup deprived of youth, speed, and power. — bearsfriend
- KimK is a free agent. Consider signing as back end in the 'pen.— NewMick314
- All you Brown haters--let's trade him away to an organization that won't give up on him because he didn't come up here and start hitting 3-run homers on the first day...and see what happens
— Richie Allen - A latter day Jeff Stone — NewMick314
- Very optimistic about the young arms that the minor league system is producing. Part of me thinks that if they become absolutely flush with young arms that can pitch, they should trade a few guys and get some positional talent in return. Flat out there isn't much there and it's scary. And whomever is responsible for developing the pitching talent in the minors: well done. Keep up the good work.— beegal99
- Bring back Jamie Moyer!!!— CaptainCrunch
