That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies Alumni Well-Represented on World Series-Bound Cleveland Indians

By George Stockburger

Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Cleveland Indians celebrate beating the Toronto Blue Jays in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Cleveland Indians celebrate beating the Toronto Blue Jays in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland has clinched a ticket to the World Series, and several former Phillies will be playing in the Fall Classic

The most recognizable name for Phillies fans is utility-man Michael Martinez, who floated between Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley. Martinez was selected in the 2011 Rule 5 Draft out of the National organization, and hit .187 with 15 extra-base hits during his three partial seasons with the Phillies. He was known more for his glove and speed than his bat, and was rarely the top player coming off the bench.

Cleveland signed Martinez as a free agent prior to Spring Training in 2015, and re-signed him the following offseason. In July Cleveland traded Martinez to Boston in exchange for cash, but would claim “Mini-Mart” on waivers less than a month after the move with Boston.

Relief pitcher Jeff Manship appeared in 20 games for the Phillies during the 2014 campaign, where he had a 1-2 record with a 6.65 ERA over 23 innings.

Carlos Carrasco was once among the top pitchers in the Phillies farm system, but the 2009 Cliff Lee trade sent him to Cleveland.

Sep 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

After initially struggling mightily in the majors, Carrasco has developed into a top-half of the rotation pitcher. Last season he led the team with 14 wins, and he was a key member of the Indians advancing towards the playoffs this season.

Two separate incidents have kept Carrasco off the field for the post-season. In September he took a line-drive off his hand, which resulted in a “non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal, which is a bone in the hand located below the pinky finger.” 

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In a rehab appearance last month Carrasco suffered a separated shoulder and a non-displaced fracture, essentially eliminating any chances he had of returning for the season.

While technically no longer with the Indians organization due to a PED suspension, Marlon Byrd played in Cleveland this season. He is still under contract with the club, but was suspended by Major League Baseball for an entire season after multiple failed drug tests.

Finally, manager Terry Francona began his managerial career with the Phillies in 1997. During his four seasons as the Phillies manager, Francona never finished higher than third in the National League East, and his club never won more than 77 games in a single season. Francona went on to win two World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and 2007.

Next: Phillies Post-2016 Top 30 Prospect Rankings: 1-5

Cleveland will play either the Chicago Cubs or Los Angeles Dodgers in Cleveland for game one of the World Series.

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