Live Bullpen Session :
Last live bullpen session of the season for the rehab pitching group. It was a good one as twenty year old right-hander Micah Ottenbreit threw about fifteen pitches on Roberts Field against hitters Nikau Pouaka-Grego, Will Toffey and Jorge Garcia. Jose Colmenarez was the catcher.
Micah threw the ball really well and used all of his pitches (I believe I saw fastball, slider, changeup and curve). His motion and delivery was free and easy. The fastball had late life and jumped on hitters and the slider/curve was a put away - he recorded a couple strikeouts in the session. One of our favorites Nikau Pouaka-Grego hit a hanging breaking pitch beyond the right field fence but hooked it foul. Nikau has a quick bat and generates a lot of power, he missed the entire season due to knee surgery but looks very much on his way to returning to game action in 2024, he’s just 19 years old. Along with Micah returning as well the young tandem should excite Clearwater audiences quite a bit next spring.
Micah Ottenbreit live BP - Nikau Pouaka-Grego hitting and Jose Colmenarez catching
Side Bullpen Session :
We watched another young pitcher on the comeback trail throw a side bullpen session. Marty Gair is a twenty year old right-hander who was the Phillies 13th round draft selection this summer from Florida Southwestern State Junior College. We’ve seen three bullpens now and have been continually impressed with the arm talent, ball comes out quick with rise and velo, saw some change ups today as well with little differentiation in arm slot and release but the ball sunk as it arrived to the glove of catcher Rafael Marchan. The combination of the two opposite extremes when mixed with a breaking ball are intriguing. He’s a big fella at 6’6” and comes over the top with his delivery, perhaps some mechanics to clean up or simplify (a-lot of arm and leg activity) but we can see how the stuff definitely can play. In just three observations this old baseball man thinks there’s a great deal of upside with this young man - just sayin.
Marty Gair throwing to Rafael Marchan
Stay Hot Camp :
Triple A players Weston Wilson, Darick Hall, Rafael Marchan, Kody Clemens, Nick Nelson, Michael Plassmeyer, Yunior Marte, McKinley Moore, Andrew Bellatti and Louis Ortiz are here at the complex participating in a camp designed to keep them ready if needed by the Phillies for the playoffs. Connor Brogdon is scheduled to join the group tomorrow.
Akin to spring training they go thru the paces of fielding, batting, strength and conditioning, mental performance, throwing and running drills. Pitchers are continuing to throw side bullpens and some will throw live sessions next week I presume. Joining them are rehab position players Will Toffey, Nikau Pouaka-Grego, Jorge Garcia and catcher Jose Colmenarez. During infield drills today we were particularly impressed with how quick Nikau Pouaka-Grego is with his hands on turning double plays as a second baseman, textbook technique.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Micah Ottenbreit live BP - Will Toffey hitting, Jose Colmenarez catching
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