That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies farm system report: Prospects continue success through June

By Mike Azzalina

Sep 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; From left to right Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak and top prospects pitcher Ben Lively and outfielder Dylan Cozens and first baseman Rhys Hoskins prior to a game against the Chicago White Sox at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; From left to right Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak and top prospects pitcher Ben Lively and outfielder Dylan Cozens and first baseman Rhys Hoskins prior to a game against the Chicago White Sox at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; From left to right Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak and top prospects pitcher Ben Lively and outfielder Dylan Cozens and first baseman Rhys Hoskins prior to a game against the Chicago White Sox at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; From left to right Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak and top prospects pitcher Ben Lively and outfielder Dylan Cozens and first baseman Rhys Hoskins prior to a game against the Chicago White Sox at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

As we begin another version of our farm report, it is important to note that the Williamsport Crosscutters start their season this week. We will be adding them to the article starting next week since they will have a very exciting roster.

Lehigh Valley Ironpigs

Week Record (3-3)

Year Record to Date (44-24)

Recap and Standouts

Lehigh Valley’s .500 record for the week was what some would consider a disappointment. For a team 20 games over .500, I can understand why. The expectation of the AAA team is much higher than normal because of the disappointing performance of the big league club.

With the struggles and injuries in Philadelphia, the Phillies fans are looking for some sort of promotion from within to bolster the roster. Some are calling for one of Nick Williams or Dylan Cozens. Before Sunday’s game, Williams is hitting .273/.308/.513 with 14 homers. Meanwhile Cozens is slashing .249/.313/.494 to the same point.

While either one would be exciting because it simply screams change, I believe the Phillies want to see an improvement in the middle piece of the slash. Williams and Cozens have to improve the on-base skills and AAA is the best place for them to do that.

Rhys Hoskins is another popular name among Phillies faithful. However, he has seen a slight decline in production recently. His numbers have dipped to .292/.385/.584, but those numbers still scream “ready” to me. The problem is that Tommy Joseph, a 25 year old who is putting up fairly impressive numbers in Philly, is blocking him.

Sidenote: J.P. Crawford has been sidelined with a nagging groin injury.

On the pitching end of things, Jake Thompson continued his inconsistencies. Mark Appel keeps being Appel-like. He allowed four earned runs over 5.2 innings on eight hits and two walks.

One the other hand, Thomas Eshelman stayed on a roll. He improved to 5-1 with the Pigs after seven strong innings, allowing two earned on six hits and walk, while striking out three. His ERA stayed at about 1.68 as he continues toward Philadelphia.

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