Bamboo Brad Returns; Flurry of Ex-Phils Sign Elsewhere

2021 Chachi New Additions #10

2021 Chachi Departures #3

2021 Chachi Departures #4

2021 Chachi Departures #5

2021 Chachi Departures #6

On Wednesday, the official first day of spring training, the Phillies announced the return of popular super utility player Brad Miller, who had spent last season with the Cardinals.  Miller's introduction of a lucky bamboo plant to the Phillies clubhouse during the summer of 2019 sparked a mini winning streak, and led to an increase in bamboo sales across the local area.  To make room for Miller on the 40-man roster, reliever Seranthony Dominguez was placed on the 60-day IL as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

At this point, most of the ex-Phillies that made up the rogue's gallery of the 2020 team have found new homes, with the exceptions of relievers Jose Alvarez and David Robertson.  The day will come when we no longer have to reflect back on the pain caused by the team's 2020 bullpen.  Of the players listed below, I'm saddest to see the departure of Phil Gosselin and I hope The Phillies Room Favorite finds himself a steady job on the Angels' roster.

Departures - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Deolis Guerra - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics (2/2/21).
• Trevor Kelley - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs (12/14/20).
• Jose Alvarez - lhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jake Arrieta - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the Chicago Cubs (2/17/21).
• Jay Bruce - of (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees (2/12/21).
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets (2/14/21).
• Brandon Workman - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Phil Gosselin - inf (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels (2/11/21).
• Heath Hembree - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, singed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians (2/5/21).
• Adam Morgan - lhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs (2/12/21).
• Blake Parker - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians (2/16/21).
• David Phelps - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency, signed with the Toronto Blue Jays (2/11/21).
• David Robertson - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Reggie McClain - rhp (12/10/20) - Selected by the Yankees in the minor league portion of the annual rule 5 draft.
• Garrett Cleavinger - lhp (12/29/20) - Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with the Phillies receiving Jose Alvarado in exchange from the Tampa Bay Rays.
• Kyle Garlick - of (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Victor Arano - rhp (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Cole Irvin - lhp (1/30/21) - Traded to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations.

2021 Chachi Departures #7

2021 Chachi Departures #8

2021 Chachi Departures #9

2021 Chachi Departures #10

2021 Chachi Departures #11

Coming Back - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Ronald Torreyes - inf (10/15/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies as a minor league free agent (1/4/21).
• J.T. Realmuto - c (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (1/29/21).
• Didi Gregorius - ss (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (2/10/21).

New Additions - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Johan Quezada - rhp (10/30/20) - Claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins.
• Ian Hamilton - rhp (12/7/20) Claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
• Kyle Holder - inf (12/10/20) - Selected from the Yankees in the annual rule 5 draft.
• Jose Alvarado - lhp (12/29/20) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays with the Dodgers receiving Garrett Cleavinger in exchange.
• Sam Coonrod - rhp (1/9/21) - Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carson Ragsdale.
• Archie Bradley - rhp (1/18/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds.
• C.J. Chatham - inf (1/18/21) - Acquired from the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later.
• Matt Moore -lhp (2/3/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.
• Chase Anderson - rhp (2/8/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays.
• Brad Miller - inf (2/17/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Already Gone - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Kyle Holder - inf (1/30/21) - Traded to the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations.
• Ian Hamilton - rhp (2/5/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins.
• Johan Quezada - rhp (2/10/21) - Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for cash considerations.

Updated (and Final?) Non-Roster Invitees, Part 2

2020 Topps Total #170

In an attempt to keep up with the Phillies' roster moves, I wanted to update my post from earlier today with the 13th (and final?) non-roster invitee to camp.  Lefty reliever Tony Watson was signed on Wednesday morning, and he'll get strong consideration for a bullpen spot with the club.  Watson spent the last three seasons with the Giants, where he was 7-8 with a 3.20 ERA over 138 innings pitched.  He was an All-Star with the Pirates back in 2014, a year in which he led the league with 78 appearances.  

Watson has been an incredibly durable reliever over his 10 big league seasons, and he's currently ranked second all-time in the Holds category.  In fact, with 227 career holds entering the 2021 season, he's got a chance this year to take the all-time top spot currently occupied by former Phillie Arthur Rhodes, who had 231 holds.

The Phillies made one additional move on Wednesday, bringing back the popular Brad Miller on a one-year contract.  I'll update the offseason comings and goings with the Miller addition in an upcoming post.

I can't wait to actually watch a live Phillies baseball game on TV, especially after the all-around monumental disappointment of the 2020 season.

Non-Roster Invitees (position) - 2020 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card Appearance

1.  Christian Bethancourt (c) - N/A - 2017 Topps #697 (Padres)

2.  Ronald Torreyes (inf) - Phillies - 2019 Topps #537 (Twins)

3.  Michael Ynoa (rhp) - N/A - 2016 Topps Heritage High Numbers #632 (White Sox)

4.  Neftali Feliz (rhp) - N/A - 2017 Topps Update #US117 (Royals)

5.  Ivan Nova (rhp) - Tigers - 2020 Topps Heritage High Numbers #704 (Tigers)

6.  Bryan Mitchell (rhp) - White Sox - 2015 Topps #224 (Yankees)

7.  Hector Rondon (rhp) - Diamondbacks - 2020 Topps Total #600 (Diamondbacks)

8.  Brandon Kintzler (rhp) - Marlins - 2020 Topps Heritage High Numbers #679

9.  Matt Joyce (of) - Marlins - 2020 Topps Heritage High Numbers #636

10.  Travis Jankowski (of) - Reds - 2020 Topps Total #591 (Reds)

11.  Rodolfo Duran (c) - Phillies - N/A

12.  Jeff Mathis (c) - Rangers - 2020 Topps Heritage High Numbers #690 (Rangers)

13.  Tony Watson (lhp) - Giants - 2020 Topps Total #170 (Giants)

Updated (and Final?) Non-Roster Invitees and Mini-Camp Invitees

2020 Topps #645

2020 Topps Total #591

2020 Topps Total #895

2020 Topps Total #739

2019 Grandstand Clearwater Threshers #19

The Phillies threw us a curveball on Tuesday afternoon, finalizing their list of 12 non-roster invitees and adding 19 more players as what they're calling mini-camp invitees.  A byproduct of our pandemic era is that the club needs to limit the number of players in camp, so we get this new wrinkle for who we'll see in Clearwater beginning tomorrow.  If you're keeping score at home, there's 40 players on the big league roster, 12 non-roster invitees and 19 mini-camp invitees, for a total of 71 players suiting up.  That's the same number of players the Phillies started with in Clearwater last February.  The mini campers will train with the big club but report to the minor league clubhouse.

New additions to non-roster invitee list since my last update are outfielder Travis Jankowski along with catchers Rodolfo Duran and Jeff Mathis.  Jankowski is a six-year big league veteran and he appeared in 16 games last year with the Reds.  He's a career .238 hitter and can play all three outfield positions.  Mathis is a 16-year veteran having spent the last two seasons with the Rangers.  A back-up for much of his career, Mathis has played with the Angels (2005-2011), Blue Jays (2012), Marlins (2013-2016), Diamondbacks (2017-2018) and Rangers (2019-2020).

Notable below is that David Paulino has been seemingly demoted from the non-roster invitee list to the mini-camp invitee list.  Pitchers Enyel De Los Santos and JD Hammer, along with outfielder Odubel Herrera, all of whom haven't played with the Phillies since 2019, are also on the mini-camp invitee list.  Play ball!

Non-Roster Invitees (position) - 2020 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card Appearance

1.  Christian Bethancourt (c) - N/A - 2017 Topps #697 (Padres)

2.  Ronald Torreyes (inf) - Phillies - 2019 Topps #537 (Twins)

3.  Michael Ynoa (rhp) - N/A - 2016 Topps Heritage High Numbers #632 (White Sox)

4.  Neftali Feliz (rhp) - N/A - 2017 Topps Update #US117 (Royals)

5.  Ivan Nova (rhp) - Tigers - 2020 Topps Heritage High Numbers #704 (Tigers)

6.  Bryan Mitchell (rhp) - White Sox - 2015 Topps #224 (Yankees)

7.  Hector Rondon (rhp) - Diamondbacks - 2020 Topps Total #600 (Diamondbacks)

8.  Brandon Kintzler (rhp) - Marlins - 2020 Topps Heritage High Numbers #679

9.  Matt Joyce (of) - Marlins - 2020 Topps Heritage High Numbers #636

10.  Travis Jankowski (of) - Reds - 2020 Topps Total #591 (Reds)

11.  Rodolfo Duran (c) - Phillies - N/A

12.  Jeff Mathis (c) - Rangers - 2020 Topps Heritage High Numbers #690 (Rangers)

Mini-Camp Invitees (position) - 2020 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card Appearance

1.  Edgar Cabral (c) - Phillies - 2018 Bowman Prospect Autographs #PA-EC (Phillies)

2.  Tyler Carr (rhp) - Phillies - N/A

3.  Enyel De Los Santos (rhp) - Phillies - 2020 Topps Total #895 (Phillies)

4.  Julian Garcia (rhp) - Phillies - N/A

5.  Darick Hall (inf) - Phillies - 2019 Bowman Talent Pipeline #TP-PHI (Phillies)

6.  JD Hammer (rhp) - Phillies - 2020 Topps Total #739 (Phillies)

7.  Jonathan Hennigan (lhp) - Phillies - N/A

8.  Jakob Hernandez (lhp) - Phillies - N/A

9.  Odubel Herrera (of) - Phillies - 2019 Topps Chrome #103 (Phillies)

10.  Erik Miller (lhp) - Phillies - 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-EM (Phillies)

11.  Logan O'Hoppe (c) - Phillies - 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-LOH (Phillies)

12.  Jhailyn Ortiz (of) - Phillies - 2018 Topps Pro Debut Fragments of the Farm #FOTF-WC (Phillies)

13.  David Parkinson (lhp) - Phillies - N/A

14.  David Paulino (rhp) - N/A - 2018 Donruss Promising Pros Materials #PPM-DP (Astros)

15.  Johan Rojas (of) - Phillies - N/A

16.  Bryson Stott (inf) - Phillies - 2020 Bowman Heritage Prospects #BHP-68 (Phillies)

17.  Matt Vierling (of) - Phillies - 2019 Bowman Draft #BD-181 (Phillies)

18.  Zach Warren (lhp) - Phillies - N/A

19.  Luke Williams (inf) - Phillies - 2015 Bowman Draft #56 (Phillies)

New Uniform Numbers Arrive, Spring Training Approaches!

2019 Topps Heritage #667

2019 Topps Heritage #81

2019 Topps Heritage #178

2019 Topps Heritage #657

2019 Topps Heritage #224

This year has been a bit backwards in more ways than one, and the Phillies took their time this offseason issuing new uniform numbers for their offseason additions.  We're still awaiting the official release of the minor league prospect non-roster invitee list, which typically comes before we get to the new number stage of the offseason.  Presented below is a look at the new uniform numbers, one uniform number switch and the numbers still officially and unofficially available.  The Phillies are now one day away from pitchers and catchers officially reporting to Clearwater, masked up and socially distant.

#
7
12
19
23
29
30
31
46
47
53
54
57
65
66
67
69
70
78
96

Old Player/Coach
Josh Harrison - inf (NRI)
Neil Walker - inf
Bryan Price - pitching coach
Kyle Garlick - of
Drew Storen - rhp (NRI)
David Robertson - rhp
David Phelps - rhp
Adam Morgan - lhp
Cole Irvin - lhp
Blake Parker - rhp
Austin Davis - lhp
Deolis Guerra - rhp
JD Hammer - rhp
Garrett Cleavinger - lhp
Trevor Kelley - rhp
Addison Russ - rhp
Arquimedes Gamboa - inf
Mickey Moniak - of*
Tommy Hunter - rhp

New Player/Coach
Matt Joyce - of (NRI)
Rafael Marchan - c*
Brandon Kintzler - rhp (NRI)
Archie Bradley - rhp
Hector Rondon - rhp (NRI)
C.J. Chatham - inf
Matt Moore - lhp
Jose Alvarado - lhp
Ivan Nova - rhp (NRI)
David Paulino - rhp (NRI)
Sam Coonrod - rhp
Chase Anderson - rhp
Caleb Cotham - pitching coach
Michael Ynoa - rhp (NRI)
Nick Maton - ss
Francisco Morales - rhp
Bailey Falter - lhp
Simon Muzziotti - of
Neftali Feliz - rhp (NRI)

* Marchan is switching from #13 to #12, and Moniak wore #78 in spring training but switched to #16 when he joined the Phillies.

Not counting the numbers unofficially on ice for Ryan Howard (#6), Jimmy Rollins (#11), Chase Utley (#26) and possibly Cole Hamels (#35), the Phillies have a surprising amount of respectable uniform numbers still available under 70:  8, 9, 13, 39, 43, 49, 52 and 64.  I'm assuming #37 is still being held for Odubel Herrera and #51 for Enyel De Los Santos, both of whom are still in the system but currently not non-roster invitees.  JD Hammer is also still around, but the Phillies gave his #65 to new pitching coach Caleb Cotham.

Non-roster invitees Travis Jankowski and Bryan Mitchell haven't been assigned numbers yet on the team's website so they'll take two of the numbers above off the chart.  And super-utility player Brad Miller is rumored to be returning to the club as well.  The #33 he wore with the team in 2019 is currently being worn by hitting coach Joe Dillon, so perhaps he'll take one of the remaining single digit numbers still available.

Memory Lane

2012 New Numbers

2013 New Numbers
2014 New Numbers - Part One and Part Two
2015 New Numbers
2016 New Numbers - Part One and Part Two
2017 New Numbers
2018 New Numbers
2019 New Numbers - Part One, Part Two and Part Three
2020 New Numbers

2021 New Numbers

Kintzler and Joyce Added to Non-Roster Invitee Options

2020 Topps Heritage #679

2020 Topps Heritage #636

During the press conference on Wednesday to officially welcome Didi Gregorius back to the club, GM Dave Dombrowski told reporters the Phillies had also added two more veteran names to the list of non-roster invitees who will start showing up in Clearwater next week.

Reliever Brandon Kintzler will get some serious consideration for a bullpen role, especially given his success last year with the Marlins when he had a 2.22 ERA over 24 games with 12 saves.  He's an 11-year veteran who went to the All-Star Game in 2017 with the Twins.  His Topps flagship set appearances have been sporadic, with cards in the 2011, 2014, 2018 and 2021 sets, as well as a card in the 2019 Topps Update set.

His Marlins teammate last year, Matt Joyce, will also suit up for the Phillies and could be an outfield reserve option.  Joyce is a 13-year veteran and was an All-Star with the Rays in 2011.  He hit a career high 25 home runs in 2017 while a member of the Athletics.  With the exception of 2010, Joyce appeared in every Topps flagship set between 2009 and 2018 with a multitude of different teams.

Player (position) - 2020 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card Appearance

1.  Christian Bethancourt (c) - N/A - 2017 Topps #697 (Padres)

2.  Ronald Torreyes (inf) - Phillies - 2019 Topps #537 (Twins)

3.  Michael Ynoa (rhp) - N/A - 2016 Topps Heritage High Numbers #632 (White Sox)

4.  Neftali Feliz (rhp) - N/A - 2017 Topps Update #US117 (Royals)

5.  Ivan Nova (rhp) - Tigers - 2020 Topps Heritage #704 (Tigers)

6.  Bryan Mitchell (rhp) - White Sox - 2015 Topps #224 (Yankees)

7.  David Paulino (rhp) - N/A - 2018 Donruss Promising Pros Materials #PPM-DP (Astros)

8.  Hector Rondon (rhp) - Diamondbacks - 2020 Topps Total #600 (Diamondbacks)

9.  Brandon Kintzler (rhp) - Marlins - 2020 Topps Heritage High Numbers #679

10.  Matt Joyce (of) - Marlins - 2020 Topps Heritage High Numbers #636

Didi Returns - 2021 Line-Up Seems Set

2020 Topps Total #659

On Wednesday morning, the signing of shortstop Didi Gregorius was officially announced seemingly setting the Phillies starting line-up for the start of the 2021 season.  Gregorius received a two-year deal worth $28 million, and it's great to know we'll be seeing him in the Phillies infield through the 2022 season.  To make room for Gregorius on the 40-man roster, pitcher Johan Quezada, claimed early in the offseason off waivers from the Marlins, was traded to the Cardinals for cash considerations.

Interestingly enough, the three players acquired during Ned Rice's short stint as interim general manager - Quezada, infielder Kyle Holder and pitcher Ian Hamilton - are all already gone.

Departures - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Deolis Guerra - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics (2/2/21).
• Trevor Kelley - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs (12/14/20).
• Jose Alvarez - lhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jake Arrieta - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jay Bruce - of (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Brandon Workman - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Phil Gosselin - inf (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Heath Hembree - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, singed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians (2/5/21).
• Adam Morgan - lhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Blake Parker - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• David Phelps - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• David Robertson - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Reggie McClain - rhp (12/10/20) - Selected by the Yankees in the minor league portion of the annual rule 5 draft.
• Garrett Cleavinger - lhp (12/29/20) - Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with the Phillies receiving Jose Alvarado in exchange from the Tampa Bay Rays.
• Kyle Garlick - of (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Victor Arano - rhp (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Cole Irvin - lhp (1/30/21) - Traded to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations.

Coming Back - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Ronald Torreyes - inf (10/15/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies as a minor league free agent (1/4/21).
• J.T. Realmuto - c (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (1/29/21).
• Didi Gregorius - ss (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (2/10/21).

New Additions - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Johan Quezada - rhp (10/30/20) - Claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins.
• Ian Hamilton - rhp (12/7/20) Claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
• Kyle Holder - inf (12/10/20) - Selected from the Yankees in the annual rule 5 draft.
• Jose Alvarado - lhp (12/29/20) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays with the Dodgers receiving Garrett Cleavinger in exchange.
• Sam Coonrod - rhp (1/9/21) - Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carson Ragsdale.
• Archie Bradley - rhp (1/18/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds.
• C.J. Chatham - inf (1/18/21) - Acquired from the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later.
• Matt Moore -lhp (2/3/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.
• Chase Anderson - rhp (2/8/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Already Gone - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Kyle Holder - inf (1/30/21) - Traded to the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations.
• Ian Hamilton - rhp (2/5/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins.
• Johan Quezada - rhp (2/10/21) - Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for cash considerations.

Phillies Add Two More Starting Pitchers to the '21 Mix

2021 Chachi New Additions #8

2021 Chachi New Additions #9

The Phillies added more starting pitching depth over the past week, announcing the official signings of lefty Matt Moore and righty Chase Anderson.  Moore is a veteran of nine major league seasons, and spent last year in Japan where he went 6-3 with a 2.65 ERA in 15 games.  Prior to his overseas stint, Moore pitched with the Rays (2011-2016), Giants (2016-2017), Rangers (2018) and Tigers (2019).  He was an All-Star for the Rays in 2013, a season in which he won a career high 17 games.  His last U.S.-based baseball cards can be found in the 2019 Topps flagship and Heritage High Numbers sets.

Anderson has played in parts of seven seasons with the Diamondbacks (2014-2015), Brewers (2016-2019) and Blue Jays (2020).  In 10 games last season, he struggled a bit, going 1-2 with a 7.22 ERA over 33 2/3 innings.  Anderson was a 12-game winner for the Brewers in 2017.  He appeared in both the 2020 Topps flagship set, with the Brewers, and the 2020 Topps Heritage set, with the Blue Jays.

We're still waiting for the official announcement of Didi Gregorius' return.

Departures - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Deolis Guerra - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics (2/2/21).
• Jose Alvarez - lhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jake Arrieta - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jay Bruce - of (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Didi Gregorius - ss (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Brandon Workman - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Phil Gosselin - inf (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Heath Hembree - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Adam Morgan - lhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Blake Parker - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• David Phelps - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• David Robertson - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Reggie McClain - rhp (12/10/20) - Selected by the Yankees in the minor league portion of the annual rule 5 draft.
• Trevor Kelley - rhp (12/14/20) - Signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.
• Garrett Cleavinger - lhp (12/29/20) - Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with the Phillies receiving Jose Alvarado in exchange from the Tampa Bay Rays.
• Kyle Garlick - of (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Victor Arano - rhp (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Cole Irvin - lhp (1/30/21) - Traded to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations.

Coming Back - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Ronald Torreyes - inf (10/15/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies as a minor league free agent (1/4/21).
• J.T. Realmuto - c (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (1/29/21).

New Additions - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Johan Quezada - rhp (10/30/20) - Claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins.
• Ian Hamilton - rhp (12/7/20) Claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
• Kyle Holder - inf (12/10/20) - Selected from the Yankees in the annual rule 5 draft.
• Jose Alvarado - lhp (12/29/20) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays with the Dodgers receiving Garrett Cleavinger in exchange.
• Sam Coonrod - rhp (1/9/21) - Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carson Ragsdale.
• Archie Bradley - rhp (1/18/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds.
• C.J. Chatham - inf (1/18/21) - Acquired from the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later.
• Matt Moore -lhp (2/3/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.
• Chase Anderson - rhp (2/8/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Already Gone - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Kyle Holder - inf (1/30/21) - Traded to the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations.
• Ian Hamilton - rhp (2/5/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins.

 

1965 Topps - 1st Series Phillies Alumni

In celebration of the completion of the first series (cards 1 to 88) of our 1965 Topps set, here's a look at each card from that first series featuring a former, current or future Phillies player, coach or manager.  You can follow along as we collect this set here.

#13

#15

#16

#20

#22

#23

#33

#36

#52

#62

#64

#67

#72

#75

#80

1965 Topps 2nd Series Phillies Alumni

Second Quartet of Non-Roster Invitees Announced

2015 Topps #382

2015 Topps #412

2017 Topps Chrome Rookie Autographs #RA-DP

2015 Topps #224

Unbelievably, we're less than two weeks away from the start of spring training and the Phillies are picking up the pace in terms of their off-season additions.

Pitcher Ivan Nova was signed to a minor league contract on the same day as the J.T. Realmuto signing was announced, so his addition to the list of non-roster pitchers may have flown under the radar.  An 11-year veteran, Nova is best known for his years with the Yankees (2010-2016) and he appeared in 4 games last season with the Tigers.  He's been a starter most of his career and actually led the American League in games started in 2019 with 34.  He'll either find himself as the team's fifth or sixth starter or provide Triple-A depth in Lehigh Valley.

The next three pitchers showed up on the team's transaction page over the past few weeks, but their signings were made official on Tuesday.  Bryan Mitchell last pitched in the majors in 2018 with the Padres, and he's also a former Yankee, having appeared in 48 games with the club between 2014 and 2017.  David Paulino has pitched in 16 major league games with the Astros and Blue Jays between 2016 and 2018.  And finally, Hector Rondon got an invite and the hope is that he's in the mix for one of the open bullpen spots.  Rondon has 92 career saves to his name and won a World Series ring with the Cubs in 2016.  He appeared in 23 games last season for the Diamondbacks.

Player (position) - 2020 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card Appearance

1.  Christian Bethancourt (c) - N/A - 2017 Topps #697 (Padres)

2.  Ronald Torreyes (inf) - Phillies - 2019 Topps #537 (Twins)

3.  Michael Ynoa (rhp) - N/A - 2016 Topps Heritage High Numbers #632 (White Sox)

4.  Neftali Feliz (rhp) - N/A - 2017 Topps Update #US117 (Royals)

5.  Ivan Nova (rhp) - Tigers - 2020 Topps Heritage #704 (Tigers)

6.  Bryan Mitchell (rhp) - White Sox - 2015 Topps #224 (Yankees)

7.  David Paulino (rhp) - N/A - 2018 Donruss Promising Pros Materials #PPM-DP (Astros)

8.  Hector Rondon (rhp) - Diamondbacks - 2020 Topps Total #600 (Diamondbacks)

REALMUTO RETURNS

2020 Stadium Club #17

Sometimes Phillies news happens that's so big I completely overlook mentioning it on this blog.  Such is the case with the recent re-signing of All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto, officially announced this past Friday.  While I'm quick to post on seemingly random non-roster invitee announcements, I occasionally miss the bigger news as I assume everyone who has found their way here is already well aware of Realmuto's return.  Nevertheless, I'll make it official here!  Realmuto's five-year deal takes him through the 2025 season and will pay the fan favorite $115.5 million.  I'm suddenly excited for the 2021 season to begin.

I was also delaying this post in the hope that the Didi Gregorius signing would become official, but we're still waiting on all of the details to be settled there.

In ex-Phillies news, pitcher Cole Irvin was traded to the A's on January 30th to free up a 40-man roster spot, and outfielder Kyle Garlick and pitcher Victor Arano were both claimed off waivers by the Braves after being designated for assignment on January 18th.  Short-time Phillies reliever Deolis Guerra will join Irvin in Oakland as the right-hander was signed to a minor league contract on Tuesday.

2021 Chachi Depatures #16

2021 Chachi Departures #15

2021 Chachi Departures #17

2021 Chachi Departures #1

Departures - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Deolis Guerra - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics (2/2/21).
• Jose Alvarez - lhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jake Arrieta - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jay Bruce - of (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Didi Gregorius - ss (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Brandon Workman - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Phil Gosselin - inf (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Heath Hembree - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Adam Morgan - lhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Blake Parker - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• David Phelps - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• David Robertson - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Reggie McClain - rhp (12/10/20) - Selected by the Yankees in the minor league portion of the annual rule 5 draft.
• Trevor Kelley - rhp (12/14/20) - Signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.
• Garrett Cleavinger - lhp (12/29/20) - Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with the Phillies receiving Jose Alvarado in exchange from the Tampa Bay Rays.
• Kyle Garlick - of (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Victor Arano - rhp (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Cole Irvin - lhp (1/30/21) - Traded to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations.

Coming Back - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Ronald Torreyes - inf (10/15/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies as a minor league free agent (1/4/21).
• J.T. Realmuto - c (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (1/29/21).

New Additions - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Johan Quezada - rhp (10/30/20) - Claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins.
• Ian Hamilton - rhp (12/7/20) Claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
• Kyle Holder - inf (12/10/20) - Selected from the Yankees in the annual rule 5 draft.
• Jose Alvarado - lhp (12/29/20) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays with the Dodgers receiving Garrett Cleavinger in exchange.
• Sam Coonrod - rhp (1/9/21) - Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carson Ragsdale.
• Archie Bradley - rhp (1/18/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds.
• C.J. Chatham - inf (1/18/21) - Acquired from the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later.

Already Gone - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Kyle Holder - inf (1/30/21) - Traded to the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations.

Reliever Bradley Headlines Trio of Phillies Additions

2021 Chachi New Additions #6

2021 Chachi New Additions #7

2021 Chachi New Additions #5

It may appear The Phillies Room has been dormant over the past few weeks, but behind the scenes we've started stretching, playing some long toss and dusting off our custom baseball card creation software in preparation of the 2021 baseball season.  Despite the best efforts of a worldwide pandemic and continued national unrest, we're getting closer to pitchers and catchers reporting to Clearwater in mid-February.

Admittedly, I've not been excited by the Phillies offseason and it seems as if player moves have been infrequent and inconsequential.  But on Monday morning, the first player move to cause a flicker of excitement at Phillies Room HQ was officially announced.  The Phillies signed free-agent relief pitcher Archie Bradley to a one-year deal, with Bradley expected to fill a key back of the bullpen role, potentially serving as the team's closer.  In 16 games last season, Bradley was 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA and 6 saves for the Diamondbacks and Reds.  To make room on the 40-man roster, outfielder Kyle Garlick was designated for assignment.

Bradley's first baseball card appearance came in the 2011 Bowman Draft set, and he began appearing in the Topps flagship sets in 2015.  Last year, he had readily available cards in Topps flagship, Topps Chrome, Topps Gypsy Queen and Topps Heritage.

* * *

As Bradley was being introduced via a Zoom press conference, the Phillies announced they had acquired infielder C.J. Chatham from the Red Sox for a player to be named later.  Chatham is expected to provide some much needed infield depth in 2021.  Reliever Victor Arano was designated for assignment to make room for Chatham on the 40-man roster.

Chatham was a 2nd round selection by the Red Sox in 2016, and he last played for their Double-A team in Portland in 2019.  His most recent mainstream card can be found in the 2020 Topps Heritage Minor League set.

* * *

Way back on January 9th, the Phillies acquired reliever Sam Coonrod from the Giants for pitching prospect Carson Ragsdale.  Ragsdale was the Phillies' 4th round pick in the 2020 draft and he had yet to play at any level officially within their minor league system.  Coonrod went 0-2 with a 9.82 ERA in 18 games last season with the Giants.  His latest mainstream card can be found in the 2020 Topps Heritage set, and he made his Topps flagship set debut on a multi-player rookie card in 2019 Topps Update.

* * *

Finally, the Phillies announced their full coaching staff for 2021 back on January 11th.  Jim Gott is officially out as the bullpen coach with David Lundquist sliding over to the bullpen from the assistant pitching coach role he filled last season.  In lieu of a new assistant pitching coach in 2021, the Phillies have named Mike Calitri their Quality Assurance Coach, and if I told you I knew what that meant, I'd be lying.

Departures - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Deolis Guerra - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jose Alvarez - lhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jake Arrieta - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jay Bruce - of (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Didi Gregorius - ss (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• J.T. Realmuto - c (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Brandon Workman - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Phil Gosselin - inf (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Heath Hembree - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Adam Morgan - lhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Blake Parker - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• David Phelps - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• David Robertson - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Reggie McClain - rhp (12/10/20) - Selected by the Yankees in the minor league portion of the annual rule 5 draft.
• Trevor Kelley - rhp (12/14/20) - Signed a minor league contract with the Chicao Cubs.
• Garrett Cleavinger - lhp (12/29/20) - Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with the Phillies receiving Jose Alvarado in exchange from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Coming Back - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Ronald Torreyes - inf (10/15/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies as a minor league free agent (1/4/21).

New Additions - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Johan Quezada - rhp (10/30/20) - Claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins.
• Ian Hamilton - rhp (12/7/20) Claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
• Kyle Holder - inf (12/10/20) - Selected from the Yankees in the annual rule 5 draft.
• Jose Alvarado - lhp (12/29/20) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays with the Dodgers receiving Garrett Cleavinger in exchange.
• Sam Coonrod - rhp (1/9/21) - Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carson Ragsdale.
• Archie Bradley - rhp (1/18/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds.
• C.J. Chatham - inf (1/18/21) - Acquired from the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later.

First Four Non-Roster Invitees Announced

2019 Topps Heritage #642

2016 Topps Heritage #221

2016 Topps Heritage #632

2012 Topps Heritage #143

If and when spring training happens in a few months, the Phillies will have at least four non-roster invitees suiting up in Clearwater.  That number is sure to grow, but it's always a good sign when non-roster invitee news starts to hit.  The Phillies announced these four names on Monday, a few weeks behind the pace of prior years.  For comparison purposes, the first four non-roster invitees were announced last year on December 20th.

Ronald Torreyes is the only returning Phillies player from 2020, for now, although Christian Bethancourt was in Clearwater with the club last spring before seemingly disappearing.  Neftali Feliz is a nine-year veteran, making the All-Star team and winning the Rookie of the Year Award in 2010 while with the Rangers.  He last pitched in the majors in 2017 with the Royals.  The 6'7" Michael Ynoa also last pitched in the majors in 2017, when he appeared in 22 games for the White Sox.

Player (position) - 2020 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card Appearance

1.  Christian Bethancourt (c) - N/A - 2017 Topps #697 (Padres)

2.  Ronald Torreyes (inf) - Phillies - 2019 Topps #537 (Twins)

3.  Michael Ynoa (rhp) - N/A - 2016 Topps Heritage High Numbers #632 (White Sox)

4.  Neftali Feliz (rhp) - N/A - 2017 Topps Update #US117 (Royals)