Phillies Spring Training Tracker Part Deux: The Second One
Studs
J.T. Realmuto
The Phillies’ new catcher batted a crisp .350 over 40 at-bats this spring, with four homers and eight RBI. He also put up an impressive .725 slugging percentage and an outstanding 1.097 OPS. This spring made it clear why the Phillies went out and got him. He’s a solid defensive catcher with great offensive upside that was somewhat limited by playing in Marlins’ Cavern.
Realmuto’s power numbers should go through the roof with a full home slate at noted not-cavern Citizen’s Bank Park. One worrying note from Spring Training is that he did strike out 13 times, and he’ll need to cut back on the strikeouts if he wants to continue his success into the regular season.
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Drew Anderson
While some of my comments aged poorly, my take on Anderson aged like a fine wine, nay, like a 50-year single malt scotch. Anderson made four starts this spring, and posted an ERA of 0.71. Zero. Point. Seven. One. He pitched 12.2 innings and racked up 12 K while only giving up two walks and one run on six hits.
Unfortunately, Anderson did not make the Opening Day roster, and I’m frankly a little surprised given how Vince Velasquez has looked this spring (more on that later on). With Velasquez currently the fifth starter, and Eickhoff set to start the year in Triple-A, Anderson will have to wait awhile before making his way to the big leagues, but he’s been good enough to warrant a shot.
Phil Gosselin
Yes, I know he won’t be on the Opening Day roster, and has little chance of making any sort of impact on this team, but the story’s too good, and his spring was too strong to ignore. The West Chester native who grew up rooting for the Phils had a stellar spring, batting .405 across 19 games and 42 at bats. He also clubbed two home runs, and drove in in six, while slugging at .714 and posting an OPS of 1.159.
I had Gosselin as an honorable mention in my previous list, but I just felt like he needs more recognition for how good he’s been this spring. He’s the Vince Papale (whose son is trying out for the Eagles by the way) type story; the local guy that you just really hope can fulfill his lifelong dream, and help this ball club out along the way.