Aug 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of Citizens Bank Park during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The rookie-level Gulf Coast League Phillies wrapped up their season with a loss in the GCL Championship. Numerous prospects stood out for the Phillies as several made their debuts in the organization.
The GCL Phillies finished an overall successful season Wednesday despite losing in the championship. The GCL playoffs end quickly, as the first round consists of a one-game playoff followed by a three-game championship series.
In game three Wednesday, the Phillies opened up the scoring with a two-run single from Danny Zardon in the first. Kyle Young yielded a run to the GCL Cardinals in the fourth, but the lefty looked solid overall as he struck out four over five innings.
The real damage came in the sixth when 21-year old Luis Carrasco allowed three runs in the sixth. He took the loss as the Phillies couldn’t rally back from the hole.
Even though the GCL Phililes couldn’t take home the championship, they still put together a great year. They finished the regular season with the best record in the Gulf Coast League at 43-15. After missing the playoffs in 2015 despite one of the best records in the GCL, they left no doubts making the playoffs.
Several notable prospects propelled the GCL Phillies to their strong record. Most will progress to short-season Williamsport next season. If these prospects continue their strong play, the CrossCutters should be playoff contenders next year.
Next: Moniak and Ortiz Headline Hitting Prospects
Outfielders Mickey Moniak and Jhaiyln Ortiz each made their debut in the Phillies’ system with the GCL Phillies
Like most other No. 1 overall selections, there is plenty of hype surrounding outfielder Mickey Moniak. He is the “shiny new toy” in the Phillies farm system, and has high expectations surrounding him.
Rather than re-writing George’s article from Tuesday on Moniak, I’ll link you and give you the broad strokes if you’re too lazy to click that link. So far, Moniak has produced mixed results out of the leadoff spot, making solid contact while putting the ball all over the field.
California high schooler Mickey Moniak could be the Phillies pick with the first overall selection in the 2016 MLB Draft. (Pic credit from @MickeyMoniak on Twitter) /
However, the 18-year old has walked at a less than ideal rate. In addition, his isolated power of .125 indicates below-average power at the plate. Power is the one tool that Moniak still needs to develop, and it showed this year.
Ortiz flashed his signature power, leading the team with eight home runs and finishing third in the GCL. He swung hard and missed hard, striking out nearly 27% of the time.
In addition, Ortiz may have found his calling out in right field. He played 255.2 innings there, making just three errors in that span. Ortiz’s power profiles out well in right, and so far he’s done nothing to warrant moving him.
Next: Other Notable Hitters with the GCL Phillies
Other Notable Hitters
SS Cole Stobbe-Stobbe joined the GCL Phillies after the Phillies drafted him in the third round this season. He slashed .270/.337/.405 in 168 plate appearances, batting towards the bottom of the order. Stobbe walked 8.3% of the time, but also struck out in 17.9% of his appearances. He manned shortstop for the team but made 11 errors there. Some see him moving over to third base at some point in his future.
2B Daniel Brito-Brito improved upon his affiliated debut in the Dominican League last summer in the GCL this year. He raised his batting average and tallied more extra-base hits. On the other hand, the 2014 signee walked less and struck out more in his first season stateside, which is to be expected with the increased competition level. After spending time at both middle infield positions in the Dominican, Brito played solely at second this year. Still just 18, Brito will likely see another year in the GCL.
C Rodolfo Duran-The Phillies continue to flood the lower minors with catching talent, and Duran was one of four catcher on the GCL Phillies’ roster. He showed a solid combination of contact and power with a .315 average and three home runs in 78 plate appearances. Like many other 18-year olds, he struggled with plate discipline as he walked just four times.
C Lenin Rodriguez-Rodriguez also had to battle for playing time behind the plate, but he took advantage of the time he got. Rodriguez’s .340 batting average came and 168 wRC+ both led the team among players with 40 or more plate appearances. In addition, he walked more than he struck out, with nine walks compared to eight strikeouts. While a small sample size, Rodriguez’s ability to get on base should help him climb the ladder.
Next: Several Pitching Prospects Emerge
Multiple pitching prospects garnered prospect attention this year after strong performances
The Phillies have made it a point to acquire as much pitching talent as possible in the past few years. This permeates throughout the organization, with the rookie level being no exception. You might recognize some of these names from my short-season pitching prospect article.
The one that I’ve seen the most chatter about this season is 17-year old Sixto Sanchez. In the Dominican League in 2015, Sanchez had solid walk but poor strikeout numbers as he carried a meager 4.56 ERA.
When he came to the US this year, Sanchez looked like a new pitcher. His velocity as well as his secondary arsenal both improved. The righty led the team with a 0.50 ERA and 0.76 WHIP.
Sanchez offers a balance of strikeouts and pitching to contact. He struck out 22.7% of opposing batters, along with inducing ground balls 59% of the time.
When the Phillies selected Fanti in the 31st round in 2015, he was just a projectable high school kid with a long frame and solid fastball command. This year, his command continued to shine and his secondary pitches are starting to come together.
Right-hander Mauricio Llovera was right behind Fanti in terms of strikeouts at 56, second in the GCL. In 11 appearances, Llovera posted a 1.87 ERA, and his FIP wasn’t too far off at 2.35. Prior to signing with the Phillies, the 20-year old Venezuelan “was up to 94 after flashing a 96 mph fastball in front of scouts earlier” according to Matt Winkleman of Phillies Minor Thoughts.
Luis Carrasco upped his performance in his first year stateside, nearly doubling his strikeout percentage from 2015. His 2.07 FIP was second on the team. Carrasco lowered his walks to an average rate as well.
Carrasco is turning 22 once the season is over. I wouldn’t be surprised if the team starts him in Low-A Lakewood’s bullpen next year to hasten his development.
