We continue to recover from the latest hurricane here in the Tampa Bay area and the Florida west coast in general - three big storms in a matter of two and a half months - enough is enough. Dealing with the damage is one thing but the mental aspects of going through these storms also takes a toll. Shame on those who state, post or repeat bold faced lies about what’s happened, the recovery process and what’s coming - it’s ignorant, abhorrent and self serving - certainly not leadership or worthy of anyone’s attention or support - truly pathetic.
Carpenter Complex, from what I’ve heard, had some damage, part of the right field fence is down after a tree fell on it, the ball park took on water and storm issues are being addressed - those folks who work on facilities maintenance there are dedicated, smart, strong willed and excellent at their jobs, they will push thru it. That includes monitoring ongoing construction efforts for a new scoreboard installation and other underlying stadium improvements, those will be impacted by the recovery from whatever damages were incurred from this latest storm. We got pummeled here with 12 to 16 inches of rain in a forty eight hour window and winds gusting close to 100 mph with lower velocity consistent damaging winds. For those of you who visit during spring training some of the areas in Clearwater are currently not recognizable. It’s going to take awhile to build it all back - some will not be, many will be done so differently.
In regard to baseball player development the High Performance Camp scheduled for 10/13 has been postponed till at least 10/20. All of the players who were here training with the rehab group were sent home prior to the hurricane - not sure when they will return.
The organization now has ten players participating in the Arizona Fall League with the recent addition of RHP Andrew Painter who is scheduled to throw two innings today. Rehab pitching coach Aaron Barrett accompanied Andrew to Arizona. The Phillies are part of the Glendale roster and have played four so far (3-1). RHP Griff McGarry threw two scoreless innings yesterday (no hits allowed, two walks, no K’s). Otto Kemp, Gabriel Rincones Jr and Bryan Rincon have each participated in three games - Otto has played a good amount of first base - he’s a young man whom I think will be a player capable of major league support service next season in a multi position role. Catcher Jordan Dissin has caught one game - he’s part of a three catcher contingent on the roster.
Andrew Painter’s first inning in the Arizona Fall League:
1-2-3 inning, nine pitches
Three pitches touched 100 MPH
Struck out Bryce Eldridge in three pitches (got him with an 84 MPH curveball)
He pitched two innings - 2 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K’s - 1 HR allowed - 29 pitches - 18 strikes.
More Phillies minor league players are on pre-season rosters in both Venezuela and the Dominican Republic winter leagues. I will attempt to come up with a list in the coming days. I also will finish up an article I started a few weeks ago on the upcoming minor league free agents from the system and post shortly thereafter.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Note : I've partnered with Fanatics on Phillies Merchandise - if you would like to help support my website and articles here's a link to order merchandise - I get a small commission on any sales - thanks for the support.
Comments