A light day of outdoor baseball practice today with pitchers doing PFP’s on Schmidt Field and position players doing base running drills and their throwing programs on Ashburn Field. Some players took BP on Roberts Field and Carlton Field.
Batting Practice :
Optional BP today - Dante Nori, Devin Saltiban, Otto Kemp, Aidan Miller, Gabriel Rincones Jr, Caleb Ricketts, Leandro Pineda and Hendry Mendez participated. Dante Nori took the first pitch he saw yard over the right field fence - the young man has genuine pop in his swing. Devin Saltiban is a prototypical “pro hitter” - he’s got easy power - just 19 years old and has such a mature approach - is fun to watch hit. Hendry Mendez swings a really long bat - has a huge nob on the end and barrel is thick akin to the old Jackie Robinson model.
Big League Pre-Camp Work :
JT Realmuto, Paul McIntosh and Rafael Marchan took batting practice on Carlton Field. Mr. McIntosh came over from the Marlins in the Luzardo deal - today was his first day of work at the complex. He’s built like a fullback - thick muscular body type. Had a good round of BP, he also participated in catching drills after BP to begin his indoctrination in the Phillies methods of pitch framing. I introduced myself to him afterwards and welcomed him to the Phillies on all fan’s behalf.
Scouts Wrap-Up :
Today was the last day of amateur scouts meetings - they now go back to their areas to continue reviewing talent for the 2025 draft in July. I have tremendous respect for them - it takes a keen eye and love of the game to do the heavy travel job of scouting. Good stuff - every spring I tell them thank you for bringing in ballplayers for us to watch and write about.
Winter League Catch-Up :
The Canberra Calvery defeated the Perth Heat two games to none in the Australian Baseball League championship series. It is the first title for Calvary since they won the Claxton Cup in 2013. The only former Phillie in the series was Perth left fielder Tim Kennelly who was in the Phillies minor league system from 2005 to 2010.
Caribbean Series :
RHP Carlos Francisco pitched 1.2 scoreless innings (2 H, 1 BB, 2 K’s - 22 pitches - 14 strikes) for Puerto Rico to help them advance to the knockout round of the tournament in a 10-7 Tuesday night victory over the Dominican Republic. In the two one game semi-finals which will be played today Venezuela will meet the Dominican Republic while Mexico will play Puerto Rico.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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