Major league pitchers and catchers took to the field for day three of big league camp. Pitcher’s fielding practice, side bullpens on the seven mounds and BP for the catchers on Roberts Field.
I can’t see the pitchers on the seven mounds so can’t tell ya who threw but I did watch catchers BP again on Roberts field. Similar to yesterday Paul McIntosh put on a great BP show and Payton Henry also impressed today - consistent hard contact.
Minor League Pre Mini-Camp
Six pitchers threw extended side bullpens this morning on the side mounds between Carlton and Roberts and then on the field mound of Roberts. Alex McFarlane, Daniel Harper, Paxton Thompson, Kevin Warunek, Erubiel Armenta and Marty Gair each threw.
I continue to be impressed with Daniel Harper - he throws an electric fastball and the infamous “gyro” slider that I’ve become fascinated with. The thing has a no spin look and breaks side to side - at least to my eye.
My young analytical friend and fellow writer Matt Winkleman explained to me that “If you look at the movement data, the gyro sliders don't get there all the way, but they live in the 0" IVB 0" HB zone (often +/- 5"), it is a fun optical illusion because they are functionally the pitch that takes the straightest line to the plate, but that is 10+ inches more drop and gloveside movement than even a bad shape fastball. Not every guy is the same, but the gyro slider is a really common second breaking ball in the system. I think some guys have more cutters and others more "traditional" sliders, sort of like a cutter they are pitches that can be thrown in the zone.” Good stuff - young Mr. Harper has a really good one - as I’ve said before he’s one to watch - is very close to major league ready in my opinion.
Erubiel Armenta is working his way back from a double surgery - the lefty had good movement on his change-up today which when I asked him afterwards to see the grip he told me it was a Vulcan grip change - thrown between the middle and ring finger. It also had very little spin - it’s a theme in my head 😂.
Other Notes :
I was at the complex early today and saw the newest Phillies minor league signee arrive - the club has signed outfielder Oscar Mercado and granted him a non-roster invitation to big league camp. Infielder Christian Arroyo has also been signed to a minor league contract and extended an NRI.
Former Phillies minor league C/1B Micah Yonamine has signed a contract to play in Japan with the Nippon Ham Fighters - congrats to Micah for the continuation of his baseball career!
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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