Hyatt to start first exhibition game
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Hyatt to start first exhibition game
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Three days before Grapefruit League play begins, the Phillies will play Major League Baseball's first exhibition game of the 2012 spring. And starting that game against Florida State University is righthander Austin Hyatt.
The Phillies typically reward one of their younger starters in camp with the first start. Last spring it was Drew Naylor. The Australian later underwent Tommy John surgery, so that's a fine omen.
Hyatt, 25, had an excellent season for double-A Reading in 2011. He posted a 3.85 ERA in 28 starts with 171 strikeouts and 49 walks in 154 1/3 innings. He's likely headed to triple-A Lehigh Valley and is the only homegrown starter ahead of the Baby Aces that's worth mentioning.
A few Phillies people have compared Hyatt's stuff to that of Kyle Kendrick, with more strikeout prowess. Hyatt doesn't have overpowering stuff, but "sneaks up on you," said one evaluator. So the Phillies will see how that fares in triple A, and maybe he provides starting depth.
Behind Hyatt on Wednesday are a bunch of young arms scheduled to pitch:
Jake Diekman
Jeremy Horst
Michael Schwimer
Joe Savery
J.C. Ramirez
B.J. Rosenberg
Phillippe Aumont
The Phillies' Grapefruit League opener is a week from Saturday against the Yankees in Clearwater. The next day, the two teams play again in Tampa, Fla. Both games are being televised nationally on MLB Network.
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And in a related story, little Joshie Goldberg is scheduled to start in the Lower Merion little league opener in the 10- 12 year olds...— kelprod2- Goldberg needs to bounce back after last year's disappointing performance. — hey buddy
- But Goldberg also had the luxury last year of his team having the ability to get the ball out of the infield during the playoffs...unlike another baseball team that plays down the expressway in south Philly.— kelprod2
- I like Goldberg's stuff. He has shown progress every year. Increased strength and velocity. This year I don't expect any issue getting the ball the full 45 feet to home plate. And his voice is getting a little deeper, which gains instant credibility with the scouts. Definitely should be considered one of the Baby Aces.— bobby orr
- I think Goldberg might be juicing. He is up to 67 pounds and it's all muscle.— phillyinsd
- Goldberg in his 12-year age season, has above average FIP, 1.4 WHIP and 2WAR.— Romus
- Isn't Goldberg eligible for arbitration after the season?
— MightyFlye - One of the supporting hitters in that league was Hunter McGarvey who recked havic all season. they might want to keep an eye on his development too.— pjm0825
- With Joey Goldberg's stuff, if the wind is blowing in, no ball leaves the infield.— Claudio Vernight
- With Joey Goldberg's stuff, if the wind is blowing in, no ball leaves the infield.— Claudio Vernight
- Could be a blue chipper. The Jewish demographic is switching its allegiance to baseball from chess. BTW, I hope they teach young Hunter McGarvey not to stand with his foot in the bucket.— bobdc
Comment removed.- Wait!...
What?...
You mean they're STAYING AT the Austin Hyatt?... (is this a 'Longhorn-League' game?...)
Okay, ... so .. who's pitching?'...
- Wait!...
What?...
You mean they're STAYING AT the Austin Hyatt?... (is this a 'Longhorn-League' game?...)
Okay, ... so .. who's pitching?...
- A column that could be termed as Idiots Delight. Saturday night must be awfully lonesome for kiddies without a date. Tsk ! Tsk !— phineas
