Monday, March 18, 2024

Spring Training Game 22 - Luplow Homers in Debut, Phils Tie Again

2022 Topps Heritage #21
Phillies 5
, Blue Jays 5
Spring Training Game 22 - Sunday Afternoon, March 16th in Clearwater
Record - 8-9-5

One Sentence Summary:  For the fifth time this spring, the Phillies played to a tie after the bullpen couldn't lock down the win.

What It Means:  The Phillies wore green hats in honor of St. Patrick's Day, and for the second year in a row the Phillies were not also wearing green jerseys.  The green jerseys were a tradition started in 1986 with the help of Tug McGraw, and ended in 2021 when Nike took over manufacturing MLB's uniforms.  The graphic below is from Phillies Nation's X feed.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler had another solid spring outing, allowing a run on three hits in his four innings of work.  Spring training stats don't mean much, but Wheeler's 2.00 ERA through three starts and nine innings pitched is impressive.  Following the game, manager Rob Thomson named Wheeler the opening day starter, ending Aaron Nola's streak at six straight opening day starts.  The Phillies held a 5-4 lead going into the eighth, but Austin Brice blew his third save of the spring as the Blue Jays tied up the score.

Cristian Pache and Rodolfo Castro both doubled in the second, giving the Phillies a 3-1 lead.  A Kyle Schwarber single in the fourth made it 4-1 Phillies, and newcomer Jordan Luplow hit a solo home run in the sixth.

Featured Card:  I'm not sure why the Phillies would sign Luplow so late in spring training, unless they didn't feel as if Jake Cave or Pache were going to be viable options as back-up outfielders.  Luplow last appeared on mainstream baseball cards in 2022, including this card from the Topps Heritage set.

Camp Head Count:  57


Sunday, March 17, 2024

Spring Training Game 21 & Spring Breakout Game

2023 Choice Clearwater
Threshers #1
Phillies 3
, Marlins 3
Spring Training Game 21 - Saturday Afternoon, March 16th in Jupiter
Record - 8-9-4

Tigers Prospects 5, Phillies Prospects 1
Spring Breakout Game - Saturday Afternoon, March 16th in Lakeland

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies played two games, one with current players and one with top prospects, and couldn't find a win in either of them.

What It Means:  The Spring Breakout concept is new in 2024, with each team sending its top prospects to face off against another team's top prospects.  The contests seem to have been well-received, so we'll see if they'll continue this tradition next year.

What Happened:  Against the Marlins, Kolby Allard got the start and went 1 2/3 innings, allowing three hits but no runs.  Phillies reliever Max Castillo was tagged for all three Marlins runs in the fourth and fifth innings.  Whit Merrifield continued to swing a hot bat, collecting two more hits, including a two-run single in the second.

In the Spring Breakout game, Mick Abel started for the Phillies and allowed a solo home run to Tigers prospect Jace Jung.  Jung would hit a second home run in the fifth off Griff McGarry.  Justin Crawford led off for the Phillies and had a pair of singles and a stolen base.  Crawford scored the only run for the Phillies when Aidan Miller singled him home in the first.

Featured Card:  Let's go with a card for Crawford.  He's likely a few years away from being a regular in Phillies game posts on this blog, and by then I'm sure he'll have a ton more baseball cards.  This is his card from last year's Threshers team set.

Camp Head Count:  57

The Phillies are going the wrong way with their spring headcount, adding another non-roster invitee on Saturday.  Jordan Luplow (of) was signed to a minor league contract, a day after the Braves released him.  Luplow has played in parts of seven major league seasons with the Pirates, Indians, Rays, Diamondbacks, Blue Jays and Twins.

Player (position) - 2023 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card

23.  Jordan Luplow - Blue Jays/Twins - 2022 Topps Update #US286 (Diamondbacks)

Spring Training Game 20 - Phils Fall to Astros as Spring Training Rambles On

2022 Topps Now World Series Matchup #WSM-4
Astros 5
, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 20 - Friday Night, March 15th in West Palm Beach
Record - 8-9-3

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies fell quietly to the Astros, 5-3, in one of only two spring training night games they'll play this year.

What It Means:  It would have been cool if this game was televised, but given the outcome it's probably a good thing that I largely ignored it.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez pitched the first 2 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on eight hits.  Spencer Turnbull, Luis F. Ortiz and Yunior Marte all had scoreless innings of relief for the Phillies.  The offense was mostly quiet until the sixth when Johan Rojas walked, Trea Turner singled and Bryson Stott singled Rojas home.  In the ninth, two more runs scored on a Kody Clemens double and a Matt Kroon ground-out.

Featured Card:  Here's a card featuring the shortstops from the 2022 World Series.  Jeremy Pena didn't play in the Friday night spring training game, but in 2022 he'd go on to be the World Series MVP.  I'd love to add some more of these cards to my Phillies collection in 2024.

Camp Head Count:  56

Friday, March 15, 2024

Spring Training Game 19 - Suarez Handles Sox

2024 Topps #229
Phillies 6
, Red Sox 1
Spring Training Game 19 - Thursday Afternoon, March 14th in Clearwater
Record - 8-8-3

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez looked solid in his latest start as the Phillies defeated the Red Sox, 6-1.

What It Means:  This game fell exactly two weeks before opening day.

What Happened:  Suarez pitched 3 2/3 shutout innings, allowing a hit, four walks and striking out five.  The Phillies plated four runs in the second with Edmundo Sosa and Weston Wilson contributing RBI singles and Whit Merrifield adding an RBI double.  Two more runs scored in the sixth following back-to-back doubles from David Dahl and Kyle Schwarber, and an RBI single from Merrifield.  Merrifield is batting .348 so far this spring with four doubles and two home runs.

Featured Card:  Suarez, the club's solid number three starter, is definitely underrated and hopefully he starts to gain more recognition this year.  Here's his first baseball card from 2024, from Topps Series One.

Camp Head Count:  56

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Spring Training Game 18 - Marsh Returns as Phils Top Tigers

2024 Topps Royal Blue #71
Phillies 4
, Tigers 1
Spring Training Game 18 - Wednesday Afternoon, March 13th in Clearwater
Record - 7-8-3

One Sentence Summary:  Whit Merrifield homered and Aaron Nola had a solid spring outing in this 4-1 win over the Tigers.

What It Means:  Brandon Marsh made his first appearance of the spring after having knee surgery last month.  He went 0 for 2, but looked good on defense.

What Happened:  Nola went 4 2/3 innings, allowing a solo home run and striking out five.  Merrifield tied the score with his second spring home run in the sixth inning.  The Phillies took the lead in the eighth when Kody Clemens scored on a wild pitch.  Singles from Carlos De La Cruz and Jake Cave plated two more runs in the inning.

Featured Card:  I think I'm done buying 2024 Topps packs to open, as I've had my fill.  I still really like the design of this year's cards, and here's another Royal Blue parallel I found in one of the packs my wife Jenna recently brought home for me.

Camp Head Count:  56

Before the game, three more non-roster invitees were re-assigned to minor league camp:  Mick Abel (rhp), Ryan Burr (rhp) and Tyler McKay (rhp).  And while the official head count is 56, there are at least two players who are injured and will likely begin the season on the Injured List.  Dylan Covey (rhp) has been shut down with a shoulder issue and Michael Rucker (rhp) was sent back to Philadelphia to have a numb finger checked out.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Spring Training Game 17 - Phils Offense Can't Support Wheels

1969 Topps #229
Yankees 2
, Phillies 1
Spring Training Game 17 - Monday Afternoon, March 11th in Clearwater
Record - 6-8-3

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler appears ready for the season, as he tossed three shutout innings against the Yankees on Monday afternoon, in a game lost by the Phillies, 2-1.

What It Means:  Opening day is 17 days away.

What Happened:  Wheeler didn't allow a hit and struck out three in his 47-pitch outing.  The bullpen shut down the Yankees until the eighth when Oscar Gonzalez hit a two-run home run off Luis F. Ortiz.  The Phillies offense was quiet all afternoon, with only five hits, including doubles from Whit Merrifield and Aramis Garcia.  Garcia's double came in the ninth, and he'd score the Phillies' only run following a David Dahl sacrifice fly.

Featured Card:  I'm going to save my Wheeler cards for the regular season, as I'm hoping to be featuring quite a few of them.  I'm still plugging along on my 1969 Topps blog, and I'm almost caught up on posts for cards purchased over a year ago at the March 2023 Philly Show.  Here's outfielder Don Lock's card from the set, recently featured here, and it looks as if Lock could use some sunglasses.

Camp Head Count:  59

In the first roster moves of the spring, Tyler Phillips (rhp) and Griff McGarry (rhp) were reassigned to minor league camp and Michael Mercado (rhp) was optioned to Triple-A.  Mercado impressed during his outings, and it's likely he'll be back at some point in 2024.

Monday, March 11, 2024

Spring Training Game 16 - Phils Hold on for Win Following Clemens' Slam

2024 Topps #126
Phillies 9
, Pirates 7
Spring Training Game 16 - Sunday Afternoon, March 10th in Bradenton
Record - 6-7-3

One Sentence Summary:  For the second day in a row, the Phillies received a game-tying grand slam, but this time they'd hold on to win the game.

What It Means:  I listened to a lot of this game during a two-hour afternoon drive home, following a memorial service for a dear family friend.

What Happened:  Trailing 5-0 early, the Phillies chipped away with a run in the third and then Kody Clemens' grand slam in the fourth.  Back-to-back doubles in the sixth from Rodolfo Castro and Garrett Stubbs made it 7-5 Phillies.  The Pirates tied it up at 7-7 in the bottom of the sixth, but the Phillies were able to score a pair of runs in the ninth on a costly error by second baseman Termarr Johnson.

Ricardo Pinto picked up the win in his spring debut, and minor league call-up Max Lazer pitched a scoreless ninth to record the save.

Featured Card:  Clemens is front (back?) and center on the Phillies team card in the recently released 2024 Topps Series One.

Camp Head Count:  62

Spring Training Game 15 - Sosa Slams, but Phils Can't Hold Jays

2023 Topps Update #US2
Blue Jays 13
, Phillies 5
Spring Training Game 15 - Saturday Afternoon, March 9th in Clearwater
Record - 5-7-3

One Sentence Summary:  Edmundo Sosa hit a sixth inning grand slam to tie the score 5-5, but eight unanswered runs from the Blue Jays in the ninth inning sunk the Phils.

What It Means:  Spring training records mean nothing, but the Phillies have lost a frustratingly bunch of times this spring using minor league pitchers over the last few innings of most games.

What Happened:  Taijuan Walker made his first start of the spring, pitching two innings and allowing a run on two hits while striking out three.  Nick Castellanos hit his second home run of the spring in the second inning.  Sosa unloaded in the sixth after Bryce Harper walked, J.T. Realmuto was hit by a pitch and Bryson Stott singled.  In the ninth, the Blue Jays plated eight runs on seven hits, including a two-run home run and a grand slam, off Phillies relievers Noah Skirrow and Alex Rao.

Featured Card:  Sosa's game-tying slam should have been the story of this game, if not for the ninth inning bullpen meltdown.  Here's his card from the 2023 Topps Update set, his first flagship set appearance with the Phillies.

Camp Head Count:  62

Spring Training Game 14 - Stott, Suarez Star in Win Over 'Stros

Phillies 6
, Astros 3
Spring Training Game 14 - Friday Afternoon, March 8th in Clearwater
Record - 5-6-3

One Sentence Summary:  Bryson Stott had four RBIs and Ranger Suarez struck out five in his strong outing, as the Phillies downed the Astros, 6-3.

What It Means:  Opening day is less than three weeks away.

What Happened:  Suarez went 3 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and no runs.  J.T. Realmuto started the scoring with an RBI single in the first, and Stott added an RBI groundout a few batters later.  David Dahl capped the first inning scoring with an RBI double.  Stott hit a two-run home run in the third, his first of the spring, and then completed his day with an RBI single in the fifth.

Garrett Stubbs and his younger brother C.J., a catcher for the Astros, shared a baseball field in this game for the first time in their careers.

Featured Card:  This is Stott's card from last year's Stadium Club set, not released until this past January.

Camp Head Count:  62

Listening to the radio broadcast yesterday, color commentator Kevin Stocker discussed how the Phillies had yet to make any reductions to their active roster, likely due to a virus that's been going through the clubhouse the past week.  The Phillies are hesitant to send players down, in case they're needed with so many people out with this bug.

Friday, March 8, 2024

Spring Training Game 13 - Win Eludes Phils Again

2023 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #12
Rays 3
, Phillies 2
Spring Training Game 13 - Thursday Afternoon, March 7th in Port Charlotte
Record - 4-6-3

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola suffered a rough outing and the Phillies offense was again quiet, losing for the third time this week by a score of 3-2.

What It Means:  The Phillies are 0 for the week so far, having last won a game on Saturday afternoon.

What Happened:  Nola pitched into the fourth, striking out five, but departing with his team trailing, 3-2.  That would be the final score as the remaining six innings were a showcase for both team's bullpens.  Of the six relievers used by the Phillies, only Yunior Marte could earn a spot on the opening day roster, and he threw a scoreless fifth inning.  Edmundo Sosa had a pair of hits, including a double, and Aramis Garcia accounted for all the scoring with a two-run single in the third.

Featured Card:  Catcher Garcia is batting an even .500 (9 for 18) for the spring.  I only have one card of his in my Phillies collection so far, from last year's IronPigs team set.

Camp Head Count:  62

Spring Training Game 12 - Phils Fall Quietly to Orioles

2023 Topps Heritage #588
Orioles 3
, Phillies 2
Spring Training Game 12 - Tuesday Afternoon, March 5th in Clearwater
Record - 4-5-3

One Sentence Summary:  A quiet Phillies offense continued to work on some stuff, as Zack Wheeler made his first start since signing his big three-year contract extension.

What It Means:  The Phillies dipped below the .500 mark for the first time this spring, but I don't think any of us are too concerned at this point.

What Happened:  Wheeler went two innings, striking out four and allowing a run on two hits.  Max Castillo entered next and looked great, striking out four and allowing three hits in his three innings.  Jake Cave singled home a run for the Phillies in the fourth after J.T. Realmuto led off with a double.  The Phillies tacked on a run in the ninth when Nick Podkul scored on an infield single from Pedro Martinez.

Featured Card:  Cave, the last out of the Phillies disappointing 2023 playoff run, and now battling for a bench spot, is batting .364 this spring.  He received his first solo mainstream Phillies card in the 2023 Topps Heritage set.

Camp Head Count:  62

I would expect the first spring cuts to start happening any day now.  Only four players haven't yet seen any spring action - Rafael Marchan (c) with a back injury, Brandon Marsh (of) who is recovering from left knee surgery, Taijuan Walker (rhp) with a knee ailment and Ricardo Pinto (rhp) who has had visa issues.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Spring Training Game 11 - Phils Extend Wheeler as Team Falls to Jays

2024 Topps #262
Blue Jays 5
, Phillies 2
Spring Training Game 11 - Monday Afternoon, March 4th in Dunedin
Record - 4-4-3

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies continue to work on some stuff as the pitching was great and the offense was mostly absent in this 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  The regular season starts in a little over three weeks.

What Happened:  Nick Nelson got the start, going three innings and allowing a solo home run to Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. in the first inning.  Griff McGarry's struggles continued, as the pitching prospect couldn't escape the fifth inning.  He allowed three runs on three hits and a walk and was ultimately tagged with the loss.  At the plate, the Phillies offense was 2 for 15 with runners in scoring position.  Aramis Garcia had an RBI double in the fourth, bringing home Bryson Stott who had tripled to start the inning, and Kody Clemens added an RBI single in the seventh.  Garcia has had a productive spring and is now batting .533 (8 for 15) as he solidifies his place in the team's catching depth chart.

Featured Card:  The big news of the day was the extension of Zack Wheeler's contract, taking him through the 2027 season, and presumably, the rest of his career.  The deal is worth $126 million, and the $42 million average annual value is the highest for a contract extension in MLB history.  Wheeler has been a workhorse and an ace on the staff since he signed with the club before the 2020 season.  He was an All-Star in 2021, and finished in the top six of Cy Young voting in 2021 and 2023.  With Wheeler's signing, the core of the Phillies team is locked up through at least 2025.  Looking ahead to this coming offseason, the only definite free agents are pitchers Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm and Spencer Turnbull.

We're in the midst of another Golden Age of Phillies baseball, and this group of players will make up much of the team's future Wall of Fame.  A World Series title is the only thing missing, and hopefully they fix that this year.

Camp Head Count:  62

Monday, March 4, 2024

Spring Training Game 10 - Phils Lose, but Bohm Continues to Hit

2024 Topps Royal Blue #266
Braves 3
, Phillies 2
Spring Training Game 10 - Sunday Afternoon, March 3rd in North Port
Record - 4-3-3

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Bohm was 3 for 3 at the plate, but the rest of the Phillies couldn't get much offense going in this 3-2 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  I settled down to watch this game on TV on Sunday afternoon, having worked most of the previous day, only to find the game was not being televised.  Bummer.  Turns out I didn't really miss much.

What Happened:  Eight Phillies relievers combined to hold the Braves to three runs on five hits, with Connor Brogdon and Yunior Marte starting the game with two scoreless frames.  Minor league call-up Paxton Thompson allowed a two-run home run to Orlando Arcia in the sixth inning, and that was the difference in the ballgame.  Jake Cave had a nice day too, going 2 for 3.

Featured Card:  I mentioned this card in my First Phillie post over the weekend, so I'm glad Bohm gave me an excuse to show it here.  This is the base set Royal Blue parallel, which may not work well with say the Diamondbacks or the Athletics, but it looks great on a Phillies card.  I do wish Topps had taken the extra step of using team coordinated borders for its 2024 flagship set, but I still think the design is fantastic.

With Bohm's 3 for 3 day, he raised his spring average to a gaudy .714.

Camp Head Count:  62

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Spring Training Game 9 - Casty's Homer Leads the Way

2023 Topps Allen & Ginter #189
Phillies 3
, Twins 2
Spring Training Game 9 - Saturday Afternoon, March 2nd in Clearwater
Record - 4-2-3

One Sentence Summary:  There wasn't a lot of offense in this game as the Phillies managed to squeak by the Twins, winning 3-2.

What It Means:  Just a perfect game to watch on a gray, rainy Saturday in New Jersey.

What Happened:  Nick Castellanos hit his first home run of the spring, and then had to call the batboy out, his son Liam, to remind him to remove his bat before he could touch home plate.  Minor league call-up Felix Reyes had the winning hit with a two-run double in the seventh, scoring William Simoneit and Trevor Schwecke.  These games certainly don't matter, but it's worth noting Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott were a combined 0 for 9 with six strikeouts.

David Buchanan got the start and allowed a run on two hits over a pair of innings worked.

Featured Card:  Topps Allen & Ginter was released in mid-October last year, so too late for any of the Phillies cards from the set to be featured in game summary posts.  Here's Casty's card from the popular Topps set, which has now been around since 2006.

Camp Head Count:  62

Saturday, March 2, 2024

The First Phillie - 2024 Topps!


Topps mixed things up this year, making collectors wait until January 11th to reveal the design of its 2024 flagship set.  In year's past, the design was released in August or September and when the season came to a close with no announcement and no inkling as to what the 2024 Topps cards would look like, I was a little worried.  I prepared myself to be underwhelmed whenever the design was finally released.

My first thought on seeing the design in mid-January:  These are cool.  My second thought:  The neon-like team name is fantastic, and how has Topps not done this before?  This is what a baseball card in 2024 should look like.  It's a modern look with the foggy border elements Topps likes so much from recent years, but collectors are given a solid photo, a unique way of presenting the team name, the team logo and clearly legible names and positions.  It's a great looking card, and it springs to the top of my list of favorite Topps flagship releases over the past 10 years.

The set was officially released on Valentine's Day, but I didn't open my first packs until February 19th.  My wife Jenna found three blaster boxes at our local Target that day, and I happily opened all three after dinner.  In the past, we've made a big show of the first packs of the year, but this year was a little more subdued.  The First Phillie hunt was extremely anti-climatic, as J.T. Realmuto was staring at me atop the first plastic-wrapped bunch of 59 cards I took from the first box I opened.

This is an exciting design, and Topps clearly creates its base cards now to work well with multiple parallel versions.  It wasn't until I had the cards in hand that I realized the team name and photo borders have foil-like features to them.  Scans don't do the cards justice, as these elements can't really be seen unless you're holding them.  I had a blue-bordered Alec Bohm card in one of my three boxes, and I like the full blue border more than the smoky black and white border on the normal base cards.  That's my only complaint, and if I had designed the cards, each card would have a border color corresponding to the player's team.  I like the backs too - very clean, with complete career statistics as has always been the norm with Topps flagship sets.

Finally, it's a promising sign of things to come that three of my top four sets over the past 10 years are all recent releases.  With 2014 dropping off the list, here's a look at my updated rankings:

Best Five:  2024, 2015, 2023, 2022, 2019
Bottom Five:  2016, 2018, 2021, 2017, 2020

Best - 2024 Topps #194
#2 - 2015 Topps #309
#3 - 2023 Topps #278
#4 - 2022 Topps #249
#5 - 2019 Topps #303
#6 - 2016 Topps #15
#7 - 2018 Topps #26
#8 - 2021 Topps #79
#9 - 2017 Topps #247
Worst - 2020 Topps #221

2024 Topps #194 J.T. Realmuto

Spring Training Games 7 & 8 - Phils March Closer to Opening Day

2022 Topps 206
Tigers 4
, Phillies 2
Spring Training Game 7 - Friday Afternoon, March 1st in Lakeland

Phillies 6Marlins 6
Spring Training Game 8 - Friday Afternoon, March 1st in Clearwater
Record - 3-2-3

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies split their squad, with Ranger Suarez looking great against the Tigers and Aaron Nola looking not so great against the Marlins.

What It Means:  Work continues to conspire against me, keeping me away from any spring training game enjoyment.  I hope to break away and watch some of the games this weekend.

What Happened:  In Lakeland, Suarez pitched three shutout innings, allowing a hit and striking out two.  Minor league call-up Ryan Burr allowed a pair of sixth inning home runs and the Tigers would eventually win, 4-2.

In Clearwater, Nola lasted three innings, giving up four runs on seven hits.  He didn't record any strikeouts or walks.  Spencer Turnbull followed Nola and restored some order, pitching two perfect innings and striking out four.  Griff McGarry struck out the side in the sixth.  Scott Kingery, playing center field in this game, hit a two-run home run in the sixth.  The newly added Cam Gallagher added a two-run home run in the eighth, and David Dahl hit a solo home run in the ninth to tie the game.

Featured Card:  Suarez's strong start was promising.  Here's his card from the 2022 online-only release from Topps, paying tribute to the original T206 tobacco set.

Camp Head Count:  62

Friday, March 1, 2024

Spring Training Game 6 - Castillo, Allard Lead the Way to Shutout Over Jays

2023 Topps #251
Phillies 5
, Blue Jays 0
Spring Training Game 6 - Thursday Afternoon, February 29th in Dunedin
Record - 3-1-2

One Sentence Summary:  Max Castillo, Kolby Allard and five other Phillies pitchers combined to shutout the Blue Jays, holding their offense to four hits.

What It Means:  Not a lot of the regulars were in the Blue Jays' line-up, but a spring training shutout is still fairly impressive.

What Happened:  Castillo got the start, pitching the first two innings, with Allard pitching the third and fourth innings.  The Phillies didn't have a lot of big hits, despite the five runs scored.  Trea Turner connected for an RBI single in the fifth and Cristian Pache hit a solo home run, his second of the spring, in the sixth.  The other Phillies runs scored on a bases loaded walk, a bases loaded hit by pitch and a force out.

Featured Card:  Over the years, I've tried not to repost cards previously posted, but Castillo has one mainstream baseball card to his name, and this 2023 Topps card is it.  Castillo has mostly relieved in his limited major league experience, but he's been primarily a starter over his seven-year minor league career.  He's yet another depth addition who will likely start the season with the IronPigs, but could see some big league action at some point.

Camp Head Count:  62

Spring Training Game 5 - Phils Fit to Be Tied Again

2023 Topps Allen & Ginter #158
Phillies 7
, Braves 7
Spring Training Game 5 - Wednesday Afternoon, February 28th in Clearwater
Record - 2-1-2

One Sentence Summary:  For the second day in a row, the Phillies couldn't keep a three-run lead in the ninth inning, with their game again ending in a tie.

What It Means:  It's only game five?

What Happened:  J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm hit first inning home runs, giving the Phillies an early 3-0 lead.  Aramis Garcia had a nice day at the plate, with the catcher collecting two RBI-singles.  Tyler Phillips started for the Phillies and allowed a pair of runs in his two innings.  The core of the Phillies' bullpen - Seranthony Dominguez, Matt Strahm, Jose Alvarado and Jeff Hoffman - combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings and five strikeouts.  It was Austin Brice this time who couldn't hold the lead.  With the Phillies leading 7-4, Brice allowed three ninth inning runs and the game ended in a tie.

Featured Card:  Bohm was making his spring debut following some neck stiffness, hitting a two-run home run in his first at-bat.  This is his card from last year's Allen & Ginter set, released in September.

Camp Head Count:  62

Spring Training Game 4 - Phils and Twins Finish in Tie

2023 Chachi #36
Phillies 3
, Twins 3
Spring Training Game 4 - Tuesday Afternoon, February 27th in Fort Myers
Record - 2-1-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies played to a tie against the Twins in Fort Myers.

What It Means:  Admittedly every spring I tell myself I'm going to watch or listen to every spring Phillies game, and then usually by the third of fourth game I've stopped following along live and I'm ready for the regular season to start.  Such is the case again this year.

What Happened:  The Phillies scored their runs on an RBI double from Trea Turner in the third, and a two-run home run from David Dahl in the seventh.  Cristopher Sanchez got the start and looked good in his two innings, allowing a hit while striking out one.  In the bottom of the ninth, with the Phillies leading 3-0, pitching prospect Brett Schulze got two quick outs but then allowed five straight batters to reach.  The Twins would tie the game with Schulze charged with the blown save.

Featured Card:  It will be interesting to see where Sanchez fits in the Phillies' starting pitching rotation.  With Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez and Taijuan Walker all but guaranteed spots, Sanchez could find himself once again as the team's fifth starter.  Or he could start the year in Triple-A as eventual rotation depth.  I only have four Sanchez cards in my Phillies collection, and as all have already appeared on my blog, I'll re-feature his 2023 Chachi card.

Camp Head Count:  62

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Spring Training Game 3 - Phils Fall Late to Sox

2023 Topps #381
Red Sox 7
, Phillies 6
Spring Training Game 3 - Monday Afternoon, February 26th in Fort Myers
Record - 2-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies collected three home runs, but a group of young arms allowed four unanswered, late runs to the Red Sox in this 7-6 loss.

What It Means:  It's still odd in the year 2024 there are Phillies spring training games that are neither televised or broadcast over the radio.  This was one of those games, and I attempted to follow along with MLB Gameday, but would have preferred having the game on in the background on TV.

What Happened:  Whit Merrifield, Darick Hall and Aramis Garcia all homered for the Phillies.  Dave Buchanan, making his return to the club, got the start and allowed a pair of runs on four hits and a walk over two innings.  All four eighth and ninth inning runs scored by the Red Sox were charged to Noah Skirrow.  Skirrow started the ninth with a walk and hit by pitch, and departed in favor of Andrew Schultz.  Schultz allowed back-to-back singles as the Red Sox tied the game, 6-6.  He then uncorked a wild pitch to allow the winning run to score.

Featured Card:  Merrifield gets the card here for his first home run in a Phillies uniform, and I hope I'm featuring more of his cards throughout the year.  He's appeared in every Topps flagship set since 2018, and this is his latest flagship appearance from last year's set.

Camp Head Count:  62

Monday, February 26, 2024

Spring Training Game 2 - Pache Delivers as Phils Shut Out Yankees

2023 Topps Update #US154
Phillies 4
, Yankees 0
Spring Training Game 2 - Sunday Afternoon, February 25th in Clearwater
Record - 2-0

One Sentence Summary:  Solid pitching and a great start to the spring by Cristian Pache led to this 4-0 victory over the Yankees at the Phillies' spring home opener.

What It Means:  We had this game on in the background as we attended a gathering of family and friends to say goodbye to a dear member of our family who recently passed away.  It was a laid back and informal gathering, with plenty of Phillies talk and lots of laughs, which is exactly what he would have wanted.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola looked solid in his first spring outing, striking out three in two perfect innings.  Five Phillies relievers followed and held the Yankees hitless until Gregory Soto allowed a one out single in the top of the eighth.  Austin Brice looked fantastic as he closed out the game, striking out the side in the ninth.

Pache singled home the first run in the second inning and then hit a solo home run to left center field in the fourth inning.

Featured Card:  Pache scored his first mainstream Phillies baseball card in the 2023 Topps Update set.  He had previously appeared on a Topps Now card following his game-winning pinch-hit home run in a July 17th victory in Miami last season.

Camp Head Count:  62

Before the game, the Phillies announced the signing of Cam Gallagher (c) to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.  Gallagher was brought on border as Rafael Marchan (c) is dealing with a back injury.  With the new catcher's addition, the camp head count increased by one to 62.

Player (position) - 2023 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card

22.  Cam Gallagher (c) - Guardians - 2021 Topps Update #US27 (Royals)

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Spring Training Game 1 - Baseball Returns; Phils Rake

2023 Choice Reading
Fightin Phils Update #5
Phillies 14
, Blue Jays 13
Spring Training Game 1 - Saturday Afternoon, February 24th in Dunedin
Record - 1-0

One Sentence Summary:  In the first Phillies game of 2024, the offense pounded out 16 hits and enjoyed a 10-run fifth inning in this 14-13 win over the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  With the exception of maybe Johan Rojas, none of the regulars played in this game, but it was still nice to see several potential bench players look productive early.  Like last year, and pretty much every year before that, I spent the day wishing I was in Florida.

What Happened:  For the second spring in a row, Weston Wilson connected for the Phillies' first home run, hitting a two-run blast in the second inning.  Scott Kingery followed a few batters later with a solo home run of his own.  The Phillies piled it on on the fifth inning, with big hits coming from Wilson (two-run double), Rojas (two-run triple) and Matt Kroon (three-run home run).

Phillies pitching allowed the Blue Jays to keep the game interesting.  Kolby Allard got the start and he allowed three runs (two earned) in his two innings of work.  Nick Nelson was hit the hardest, allowing four runs on five hits and a walk in two innings.

Featured Card:  Wilson was in line to get the featured card, but since he received the card in last year's first spring game, I went with Kroon instead.  Kroon has steadily climbed through the Phillies' minor league system since 2018, appearing in a bunch of minor league team sets.  This is the newest card of his in my collection, from the 2023 Reading Fightin Phils update set.

Camp Head Count:  61

As the Grapefruit League season begins, the Phillies have 61 players in major league camp - 40 on their 40-man roster and another 21 non-roster invitees.  This is down a few from the 65 players around for the start of spring training in 2023.

Friday, February 23, 2024

Phils Sign Merrifield / Games Start Tomorrow!

2023 Topps Update #US291
2023 Topps Heritage #524
2023 Topps Big League #136
2023 Topps Heritage #668
2017 Chachi Photo Night #14

The Phillies spent most of the offseason with little to no roster movement, but once camp started in Clearwater there was a sudden flurry of moves.  By my unofficial tally, 65 days passed between the Phillies re-signing Aaron Nola on November 19th and the signing of Kolby Allard on January 23rd.  As we look forward to the first Grapefruit League action tomorrow afternoon, here's a look at the latest comings and goings over the past week.
  • On February 14th, the signing of Spencer Turnbull (rhp) was announced, and McKinley Moore (rhp) was designated for assignment.  Turnbull is 12-29 over parts of five seasons with the Tigers.  In 2023, he was 1-4 with a 7.26 ERA in seven starts and I'm assuming he'll provide some starting pitching depth at Triple-A.
  • On February 16th, Moore and Diego Castillo (inf) were both claimed off waivers.  Moore went to the Yankees with Castillo going to the Orioles.  It's surprising to me Moore would be let go, given he had been identified as one of the organization's top pitching prospects.
  • There were a flurry of moves on Monday, with the biggest being the signing of Whit Merrifield (inf) to a one-year deal to provide a solid infield or outfield bench option.  Merrifield has long been a Phillies Room favorite, as he's one of our son Doug's favorite non-Phillies players.  Like Merrifield, Doug prides himself in being able to play all over the diamond, wherever the team needs him to play.  And I'm excited to add some Merrifield baseball cards to my 2024 Phillies binder
  • To make room for Merrifield, Kaleb Ort was designated for assignment and later traded to the Orioles for cash considerations.  Ort had been on the 40-man roster for six days.
  • Finally, three more non-roster invitees were added, bringing the total spring head count to 61.  Austin Brice (rhp) last pitched in the majors in 2022 with the Pirates, and he's a veteran of seven big league seasons having spent time with the Marlins, Reds, Marlins again, Red Sox and Pirates.  David Dahl (of) was an All-Star with the Rockies in 2019, and he's spent most of the past two seasons bouncing around the minor league systems of the Brewers, Nationals, Dodgers and Padres.  And Ricardo Pinto (rhp) returns to the Phillies, having last pitched in 25 games for the team in 2017.  He's been all over the place since then, having last pitched in the Mexican League in 2023.
Player (position) - 2023 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card

19.  Austin Brice (rhp) - Diamondbacks/Twins - 2023 Topps Pro Debut #PD-86
20.  David Dahl (of) - Padres/Dodgers - 2019 Topps Total (White Sox)
21.  Ricardo Pinto (rhp) - Mexico - 2023 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-GM

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Pitchers and Catchers Report!

2014 Topps Update #US-281
We made it!  On Wednesday, there will be activity in Clearwater as it's the first official reporting day for the team's pitchers and catchers.  The day prior, the Phillies continued to tinker with their roster, making a few roster moves.

Kaleb Ort (rhp) was claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins, and Diego Castillo (inf) was designated for assignment.  Castillo had been on the 40-man roster for eight days.  Ort has appeared in 47 games with the Red Sox over the past three seasons.  In 2023, he appeared in 21 games overall, making two starts, and was 1-2 with a 6.26 ERA in 23 innings pitched.  Ort has appeared in several minor league team sets, but has yet to receive a mainstream baseball card.

Andrew Bellatti (rhp) and Simon Muzziotti (of) both cleared waivers and were outrighted to the IronPigs.  They'll join the ranks of non-roster invitees, updated below.

And finally, David Buchanan (rhp) was signed to a minor league contract (!) and invited to spring training.  Buchanan, now 34, last pitched for the Phillies in 2015, and he's been active in Japan and Korea ever since.  In 30 starts last season with the Samsung Lions, Buchanan was 12-8 with a 2.54 ERA in 188 innings pitched.  It's an intriguing signing, and there's a good chance Buchanan makes a return with the Phillies at some point during the 2024 season.

Camp Head Count:  58

Player (position) - 2023 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card

1.  Mick Abel (rhp) - Phillies - 2023 Topps Pro Debut #PD-86
2.  Ryan Burr (rhp) - Rays - 2019 Topps Total (White Sox)
3.  Griff McGarry (rhp) - Phillies - 2023 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-GM
4.  Tyler McKay (rhp) - Phillies - N/A
5.  Tyler Phillips (rhp) - Phillies - 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-TP
6.  Jose Ruiz (rhp) - White Sox / Diamondbacks - 2020 Topps Total #720 (White Sox)
7.  Nick Snyder (rhp) - Rangers - N/A
8.  Aramis Garcia (c) - Phillies - 2020 Topps Total #477 (Giants)
9.  Cody Roberts (c) - Phillies - N/A
10.  William Simoneit (c) - Athletics - N/A
11.  Scott Kingery (inf) - Phillies - 2022 Topps Opening Day Luck of the Irish #LI-3
12.  Nick Podkul (inf) - Phillies - N/A
13.  Carlos De La Cruz (of) - Phillies - 2023 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-CDC
14.  Matt Kroon (of) - Phillies - N/A
15.  Cal Stevenson (of) - Athletics / Giants / Phillies - 2023 Topps Heritage #508
16.  Andrew Bellatti (rhp) - Phillies - 2023 Topps Heritage #568
17.  Simon Muzziotti (of) - Phillies - 2022 Topps Update #US19
18.  David Buchanan (rhp) - Samsung Lions (KBO) - 2015 Topps #218

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Phils Add Pair of Castillos, Rucker; Getting Closer to Pitchers and Catchers

2023 Topps #430
2023 Topps Heritage #568
2023 Topps #251
2022 Topps Update #US19

We've started to play a little long toss at The Phillies Room, in anticipation of the imminent return to (mostly) daily posting.  As we start to get loose, hopefully we won't tweak anything, avoiding the fate of Brandon Marsh who felt something wrong with his knee and underwent surgery on Friday.  The Phillies are hoping Marsh is fine and active in time for opening day.

The Quietest Offseason continued with three more roster additions.  With the 40-man roster now at a full 40 and 15 official non-roster invitees coming to camp, there will be 55 players suiting up in Clearwater soon.  Pitchers and catcher report on Wednesday, with the first full squad work out scheduled for Monday, February 19th.  The first Grapefruit League game is less than a week after that on Saturday, February 24th against the Blue Jays in Dunedin.

Here's a quick look at the three roster moves made this past week:
  • On Monday, Diego Castillo (inf) was claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees.  Castillo played in 96 games for the Pirates in 2022, batting .206, and appeared in just one game for the Diamondbacks in 2023.  He played five positions in the field for the Pirates (ss, 2b, rf, 1b, 3b) while also pitching in two games and DH'ing in two games.  That's him as #64 on the Pirates team card from the 2023 Topps set. 
  •  On Tuesday, Michael Rucker (rhp) was acquired from the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations.  Andrew Bellati (rhp), who was out of options, was designated for assignment to make room for Rucker on the 40-man roster.  In 96 games with the Cubs over the past three seasons, all in relief, Rucker is 5-2 with a 4.96 ERA over 123 1/3 innings pitched.  As is the fate of many relievers these days, Rucker has yet to appear on any mainstream baseball cards. 
  •  A day later, Max Castillo (rhp) was claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox, with Simon Muzziotti (of) designated for assignment.  In 21 games with the Blue Jays and Royals in 2022 and 2023, Castillo was 0-3 with a 5.43 ERA in 59 2/3 innings pitched.  Although he's appeared in less games than Rucker, Castillo made it into the 2023 Topps set last year.