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Charlie Manuel raves about Phillies prospect Alec Bohm & improvements

By George Stockburger

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 10: Manager Charlie Manuel #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies watches batting practice before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 10, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 10: Manager Charlie Manuel #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies watches batting practice before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 10, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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The Phillies first round pick is getting some rave reviews

When the Phillies drafted third baseman Alec Bohm third overall out of Wichita State there were questions regarding whether or not he can stay at the hot corner. Listed at 6-foot-5, 220-pounds with a lanky frame, some projected Bohm to move across the diamond to first.

NBCS Philadelphia insider Jim Salisbury wrote a piece for Baseball America (subscription required), who he also apparently works for, looking at how Bohm has improved and the organization’s projections for the 22-year-old.

Former skipper Charlie Manuel watched Bohm play in college several times and while Manuel loved Bohm’s bat, he questioned his defense.

According to Salisbury, Manuel caught up with Bohm and has been impressed, saying “He’s moving better laterally and he’s quicker over there.”

Infield coordinator Chris Truby said that Bohm came out of the draft process with a chip on his shoulder and wanted to prove he can play third.

"“I don’t know that he’s ever taken defense as seriously as he is now. He has made tremendous strides since Day One to the end of instructional league. We all know and see he’s going to hit. He’s taking this defense thing personally. He wants to be a total player.”"

If Bohm can develop into a third baseman he would be the white whale the Phillies have been searching for since Scott Rolen was traded. Philadelphia has failed to develop an all-star third baseman since Rolen, who technically wasn’t an all-star for the Phillies after being traded a couple weeks before his first midsummer classic.

Right now Maikel Franco is the placeholder at third until Bohm arrives, but even Franco, who the Phillies hoped would be their next Rolen, could be on his way out. Perhaps that’s the only way he follows in Rolen’s footsteps.

MLB Pipeline rates Bohm is the 50th best prospect in baseball, the fifth-best third baseman, and the Phillies second-best prospect behind Sixto Sanchez. In 40 games in the rookie league and Short-Season ball Bohm hit .252 with 17 RBI and eight extra-base hits.

Manuel left with a glowing scouting report on Bohm that should leave Phillies fans excited about the future.

"“He’s going to hit,” Manuel said. “He’s going to be a line-drive hitter with power. He’s going to be an RBI guy. He’s a tough out. He doesn’t like to strike out and he can really get on the fastball. We’d turn the machine up to 100, 105 (mph) in the cage and he can get to it. I liked him in college and I like him more now.”"

Next. Offseason simulation: Spending money a little bit stupid. dark

Nothing better than a rave review from the greatest manager in team history.

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