That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies prospects to watch in short-season Williamsport

By John Town

WILLIAMSPORT, PA - AUGUST 25: A general view during the third inning of the Tokyo, Japan team playing in the field against the West team from Chula Vista, Ca during the Little League World Series Championship game on August 25, 2013 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WILLIAMSPORT, PA - AUGUST 25: A general view during the third inning of the Tokyo, Japan team playing in the field against the West team from Chula Vista, Ca during the Little League World Series Championship game on August 25, 2013 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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First Baseman Greg Pickett

Greg Pickett is an under-the-radar prospect with the potential to be an impact bat at the plate. He didn’t play last season due to injury and struggled during his professional debut in 2015 in the GCL.

During spring training, team director of player development Joe Jordan and Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com discussed several potential breakout prospects for this season, and Pickett’s name came up. This is what Jordan had to say:

"“He has the chance to be a really good hitter with power,” Jordan said. “He’s hit five home runs this spring. He took a 95-mph fastball from Luke Leftwich and hit it out to dead center out. It’s legitimate power. He not a real athletic kid, he’s going to have to play first, but the swing is really good.”"

True to Jordan’s word, Pickett has solely manned first base this season. He hasn’t made an error yet in 35 chances, but the defense isn’t really what matters for Pickett.

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Pickett’s raw power is tremendous, but his lack of game power is what drags him down as a prospect. With an uninspiring pro debut, now is the time for Pickett to show his worth at the plate. He has four hits so far this season with a home run and double to boot. It’s a small sample size, but Pickett is off to a good start to what could be his breakout season.

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