Looking Back on 2021-2022 Roster Moves

2022 Chachi Almost #2

2022 Chachi Almost #3

2022 Chachi Almost #5

2022 Chachi Almost #6

It's that time of year where I clear out my draft post folder and prepare for the upcoming season.  Looking at the list below, summarizing all the comings and goings of former and current Phillies between the end of the 2021 season and the end of the 2022 season, there's no way I would have predicted the moves made would have resulted in a World Series appearance.

The four cards above, created this time last year, became Chachi Almost cards as none of the players shown suited up for the club in 2022.

	2021-2022 Offseason Departures	Date	Transaction
	Archie Bradley (rhp)	11/3/21	Elected free agency, signed with the Los Angeles Angels, 3/18/22.
	Freddy Galvis (inf)	11/3/21	Elected free agency, signed with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, 12/16/21.
	Ian Kennedy (rhp)	11/3/21	Elected free agency, signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, 3/16/22.
	Brad Miller (inf)	11/3/21	Elected free agency, signed with the Texas Rangers, 3/17/22.
	Matt Moore (lhp)	11/3/21	Elected free agency, signed with the Texas Rangers, 3/14/22.
	Hector Neris (rhp)	11/3/21	Elected free agency, signed with the Houston Astros, 11/30/21.
	Andrew McCutchen (of)	11/3/21	Club option declined, elected free agency, signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, 3/16/22.
	JD Hammer (rhp)	11/5/21	Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the Colorado Rockies, 3/13/22.
	Travis Jankowski (of)	11/5/21	Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the New York Mets, 3/17/22.
	Andrew Knapp (c)	11/5/21	Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the Cincinnati Reds, 12/1/21.
	Ramon Rosso (rhp)	11/5/21	Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the Detroit Tigers, 3/14/22.
	Mauricio Llovera (rhp)	11/7/21	Elected free agency, signed with the San Francisco Giants, 12/3/21.
	David Paulino (rhp)	11/7/21	Elected free agency.
	Roman Quinn (of)	11/30/21	Non-tendered, elected free agency, signed with the Miami Marlins, 3/12/22.
	Adonis Medina (rhp)	3/6/22	Claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
	Luke Williams (of)	3/27/22	Traded to the San Francisco Giants for Will Toffey (inf) and cash.
	Adam Haseley (of)	3/29/22	Traded to the Chicago White Sox for McKinley Moore (rhp).
	Coming Back
	Jorge Bonifacio (of)	10/8/21	Released, re-signed with Phillies (3/30/22).
	Cam Bedrosian (rhp)	11/3/21	Elected free agency, re-signed with Phillies (12/1/21).
	Odubel Herrera (of)	11/5/21	Outrighted, elected free agency, re-signed with Phillies (3/16/22).
	Ronald Torreyes (inf)	11/5/21	Outrighted, elected free agency, re-signed with Phillies (3/20/22).
	2021-2022 Offseason Additions
	Nick Nelson (rhp)	11/19/21	Acquired from the New York Yankees for Joel Valdez (lhp) and T.J. Rumfield (1b)
	Donny Sands (c)	11/19/21	--
	Garrett Stubbs (c)	11/19/21	Acquired from the Houston Astros for Logan Cerny (of)
	Corey Knebel (rhp)	12/1/21	Signed as a free agent formerly with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
	Johan Camargo (inf)	12/1/21	Signed as a free agent formerly with the Atlanta Braves.
	Jeurys Familia (rhp)	3/15/22	Signed as a free agent formerly with the New York Mets.
	Brad Hand (lhp)	3/15/22	Signed as a free agent formerly with the New York Mets.
	Kyle Schwarber (of)	3/20/22	Signed as a free agent formerly with the Boston Red Sox.
	Nick Castellanos (of)	3/22/22	Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds.

	Arrived During the 2022 Season	Date	Transaction
	Roman Quinn - of	4/9/22	Signed as a free agent formerly with the Miami Marlins.
	Michael Plassmeyer - lhp	6/8/22	Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Austin Wynns.
	Oscar Mercado - of	6/27/22	Claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians.
	Edmundo Sosa - ss	7/30/22	Acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals for JoJo Romero.
	Brandon Marsh - of	8/2/22	Acquired from the Los Angeles Angels for Logan O'Hoppe.
	David Robertson - rhp	8/2/22	Acquired from the Chicago Cubs for Ben Brown.
	Noah Syndergaard - rhp	8/2/22	Acquired from the Los Angeles Angels for Mickey Moniak and Jadiel Sanchez.
	Bradley Zimmer - of	8/18/22	Claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.
	Chris Devenski - rhp	8/29/22	Signed as a free agent formerly with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
	Vinny Nittoli - rhp	8/31/22	Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays for Karl Ellison.
	Departed During the 2022 Season
	Ronald Torreyes - inf	4/26/22	Released.
	Roman Quinn - of	6/5/22	Granted free agency, signed with the Kansas City Royals, 6/9/22.
	James Norwood - rhp	6/18/22	Traded to the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations.
	Kyle Dohy - lhp	6/23/22	Released.
	Oscar Mercado - of	7/4/22	Claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Guardians.
	JoJo Romero - lhp	7/30/22	Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Edmundo Sosa.
	Mickey Moniak - of	8/2/22	Traded to the Los Angeles Angels with Jadiel Sanchez for Noah Syndergaard.
	Didi Gregorius - ss	8/4/22	Released.
	Odubel Herrera - of	8/6/22	Released.
	Jeurys Familia - rhp	8/6/22	Released, signed with the Boston Red Sox, 8/9/22.
	Cam Bedrosian - rhp	8/8/22	Released.
	Tyler Cyr - rhp	8/24/22	Claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics.
	Bradley Zimmer - of	8/29/22	Claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Phillies at Rangers: March 30th to April 2nd

2014 Topps Heritage #20

2014 Topps Heritage #245

Thursday 4:05, Saturday 4:05 and Sunday 7:08
Globe Life Field - Arlington, TX

At the Ballpark:  All fans receive a 2023 Rangers magnetic schedule on opening day, and the first 15,000 fans will receive a Rangers replica hat on Saturday.  On Sunday night, the first 15,000 fans will receive a Corey Seager powder blue replica Rangers jersey.

Phillies 87-35 in 2022
National League Champions

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (11-13, 3.25)
Zack Wheeler (12-7, 2.82)
Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.86)

Phillies Spring Leaders
Average:  Darick Hall - .316
Runs:  Jake Cave and Scott Kingery - 11
Home Runs:  Darick Hall - 5
RBIs:  Jake Cave - 14
Stolen Bases:  Seven tied with - 2

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Erich Uelmen - 2
ERA:  N/A
Strikeouts:  Bailey Falter and Andrew Vasquez - 14
Saves:  Andrew Schultz - 2

Rangers 68-94 in 2022
4th Place in the A.L. West, 38 games behind the Astros

Rangers Probables
Jacob deGrom (5-4, 3.08)
Nathan Eovaldi (6-3, 3.87)
Martin Perez (12-8, 2.89)

Rangers Spring Leaders
Average:  Corey Seager - .400
Runs:  Three tied with - 11
Home Runs:  Corey Seager - 4
RBIs:  Ezequiel Duran - 15
Stolen Bases:  Bubba Thompson - 5

Wins:  Jon Gray - 3
ERA:  Dane Dunning - 4.43

Strikeouts:  Cole Ragans - 24
Saves:  Jose Leclerc - 3

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

Phils Acquire Outfielder Pache from A's

2023 Topps #296

2022 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Update #31

 

On Wednesday afternoon, presumably as the team was settling into Arlington, the Phillies announced a deal.  Cristian Pache (of) was acquired from the Oakland Athletics for Billy Sullivan (rhp).  Pache, a former top prospect with the Braves, struggled last season in Oakland, batting .166 in 91 games.  He'll likely take the opening day roster spot of Dalton Guthrie, which kind of stinks.  Sullivan, a non-roster invitee to spring training this year, was 5-1 with a 4.59 ERA in 44 games, mostly in relief.  He was a 28th round draft pick by the Phillies in 2017.

The Phillies have to submit their final opening day roster prior to game tomorrow at 4:05, so perhaps a few more roster moves are on the way.

Spring Training Game 32 - That's a Wrap on Clearwater

2022 Topps Now Postseason Bonus #PSB-9

Phillies 6, Blue Jays 5
Spring Training Game 32 - Tuesday Afternoon, March 28th in Clearwater
Record - 15-16-1

One Sentence Summary:  Darick Hall ended the spring exhibition season with a walk-off double scoring Cam Cannon, as the Phillies overcame the Blue Jays, 6-5.

What It Means:  The Phillies travel to Arlington on Wednesday and open the 2023 season against the Rangers on Thursday afternoon.

What Happened:  Darick Hall and Jake Cave, two pleasant surprises all spring long, each had two hits in this game.  Cave finished the spring with a .462 average.  Bailey Falter, the team's fourth starter to open the season, recorded five outs between giving up four runs on four hits and three walks.  Nine Phillies relievers took it from there, keeping the Blue Jays within reach until Hall struck in the ninth.

Featured Card:  Let's run it back.  This is the "bonus" card mailed to collectors who had purchased a Topps Now Postseason Phillies team set, after the club advanced to the World Series.

Camp Head Count:  35

A few more moves will be made prior to Thursday afternoon season opener.  For the record, here's a look back at all moves made to date since the final out of the 2022 regular season.

Departures - 2022-2023 Offseason

• Johan Camargo - inf (10/7/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Minnesota Twins, 11/27/22.
• Michael Kelly - rhp (10/14/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Cleveland Guardians, 1/4/23.
• Chris Devenski - rhp (11/6/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Los Angeles Angels, 11/28/22.
• Kyle Gibson - rhp (11/6/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Baltimore Orioles, 12/5/22.
• Brad Hand - lhp (11/6/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Colorado Rockies, 3/4/23.
• Corey Knebel - rhp (11/6/22) - Elected free agency.
• David Robertson - rhp (11/6/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the New York Mets, 12/9/22.
• Noah Syndergaard - rhp (11/6/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, 12/16/22.
• Zach Eflin - rhp (11/7/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, 12/13/22.
• Jean Segura - 2b (11/7/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Miami Marlins, 1/4/23.
• Jorge Bonifacio - of (11/11/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Kansas City Royals, 3/10/23.
• Nick Duron - rhp (11/11/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the San Francisco Giants, 12/10/22.
• Yairo Munoz - inf (11/11/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, 2/3/23.
• Bubby Rossman - rhp (11/11/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Adelaide Giants (Australia), 12/26/22.
• Nick Maton - inf , Matt Vierling - of and Donny Sands - c (1/7/23) - Traded to the Detroit Tigers for Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens.
• Vinny Nittolli - rhp (1/9/23) - Released, signed with the Chicago Cubs, 1/13/23.
• Sam Coonrod - rhp (2/6/23) - Selected off waivers by the New York Mets.
• Mark Appel - rhp (3/19/23) - Released.

New Additions - 2022-2023 Offseason

• Luis Ortiz - rhp (11/9/22) - Claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.
• Andrew Vasquez - rhp (11/9/22) - Claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.
• John Hicks - c (11/16/22) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Chicago Cubs.
• Jake Cave - of (12/2/22) - Claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.
• Noah Song - rhp (12/7/22) - Selected from the Boston Red Sox in the annual rule 5 draft.
• Cody Roberts - c (12/7/22) - Selected from the Baltimore Orioles in the annual rule 5 draft, minor league phase
• Jeremy Walker - rhp (12/8/22) Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Tampa Bay Rays.
• Trea Turner - ss (12/8/22) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• Matt Strahm - lhp (12/9/22) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Boston Red Sox.
• Max McDowell - c (12/10/22) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the New York Yankees.
• Taijuan Walker - rhp (12/16/22) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the New York Mets.
• Jim Haley - inf (12/21/22) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Tampa Bay Rays.
• Jake Jewell - rhp (12/24/22) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Minnesota Twins.
• Jon Duplantier - rhp (1/4/23) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• Weston Wilson - inf (1/11/23) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Milwaukee Brewers.
• Erich Uelmen - rhp (1/4/23) - Acquired from the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations.
• Craig Kimbrel - rhp (1/4/23) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• Louis Head - rhp (1/6/23) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Baltimore Orioles.
• Gregory Soto - lhp and Kody Clemens - inf (1/7/23) - Acquired from the Detroit Tigers for Nick Maton, Matt Vierling and Donny Sands.
• Vimael Machin - inf (1/10/23) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Oakland Athletics.
• Ben Bowden - lhp (1/23/23) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the San Francisco Giants.
• Josh Harrison - inf (1/30/23) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Chicago White Sox.
• Aramis Garcia - c (2/16/23) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Baltimore Orioles.

Spring Training Game 31 - Getting Closer to Real Baseball

2022 Topps Archives #139

Phillies 5, Blue Jays 2
Spring Training Game 31 - Monday Afternoon, March 27th in Dunedin
Record - 14-16-1

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker and the Phillies defeated the Blue Jays in this penultimate spring training game of 2023.

What It Means:  One more spring training game to go!

What Happened:  Trea Turner stayed hot, slugging a two-run home run in the second inning.  Bryson Stott had started the scoring in the first with a two-run single, scoring Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto.  Phillies prospect Leandro Pineda hit a solo home run in the ninth.  Walker pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing a hit and walking three, but striking out five.  Craig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless inning of relief to lower his spring ERA to 1.13.

Featured Card:  Home plate umpire Randy Rosenberg ejected Realmuto in the fourth inning after the umpire thought Realmuto was playing keep away with his glove.  It was actually pretty funny, and I've embedded the video below.

Camp Head Count:  44 - 9 = 35

In a flurry of moves before the game, Michael Plassmeyer (lhp), Luis Ortiz (rhp), Erich Uelmen (rhp) and Kody Clemens (inf) were optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.  Aramis Garcia (c), John Hicks (c), Jim Haley (inf), Scott Kingery (inf) and Weston Wilson (inf) were all reassigned to minor league camp.  I would expect all of them to spend some time with the Phillies at some point during the 2023 season.

The Phillies need to trim nine more roster spots prior to Thursday to get down to the opening day roster size of 26.  Bryce Harper (of), Rhys Hoskins (1b) and Ranger Suarez (lhp) will start the season on the Injured List and the remaining two non-roster invitees, Will Toffey (inf) and Andrew Painter (rhp) could be destined for the minor league version of the Injured List.  Noah Song (rhp) will either remain on the Restricted List or be transferred to the Injured List.  That's six spots.

The remaining three players without roster spots seem to be Rafael Marchan (c), Nick Nelson (rhp) and Cristopher Sanchez (lhp).

J.T. Realmuto got ejected... in a spring training game? For this? 🤨 pic.twitter.com/guH1S9rjmG

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 27, 2023

Spring Training Game 30 - Final Look at 2022 Chachi Set

2022 Chachi Fan Favorites #33

Orioles 4, Phillies 2
Spring Training Game 30 - Sunday Afternoon, March 26th in Sarasota
Record - 13-16-1

One Sentence Summary:  The bench squad made the trip to Sarasota and managed only four hits in this 4-2 loss to the Orioles.

What It Means:  There are two spring training games remaining, both against the Blue Jays.  Wednesday is a travel day and the Phillies open the 2023 season on Thursday afternoon in Arlington against the Rangers.

What Happened:  Jake Cave had two more hits, including his fourth double of the spring.  Jim Haley hit an eighth inning home run for the Phillies.  On the mound, Matt Strahm, who will open the season as the team's fifth starter, pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on two hits and three walks.

Featured Cards:  Preparing for the 2023 season and refreshing the various pages running along the top of this blog under the header image, I realized there were still several 2022 Chachi cards that hadn't made it out into the public yet.  The card shown above for Dickie Thon has absolutely nothing to do with the spring game played on Sunday afternoon.  It was created in case the Phillies needed to go back to San Diego for NLCS Game 6, as part of a Series Preview post.  But Bryce Harper negated the need for that trip, bedlam ensued, and the card was never needed.

The five cards shown below are the final five cards from my 36-card 2000 Topps Missing Links set, featuring the 36 players to have appeared with the Phillies in 2000, but not receive a Topps flagship card.  This was an ambitious project, and I'm happy with the way these cards turned out.

2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #2

2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #9

2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #15

2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #17

2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #35

Camp Head Count:  44

Spring Training Game 29 - Nola Falters in Final Spring Tune-Up

2023 Topps All-Aces #AA-16

Yankees 8, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 30 - Saturday Afternoon, March 25th in Clearwater
Record - 13-15-1

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola, recently named the team's opening day starter, got banged around by the Yankees in this 8-3 loss.

What It Means:  Nola will make his sixth consecutive opening day start, which is the longest active streak in the major leagues.

What Happened:  Nola didn't make it out of the second inning, giving up five runs on six hits and a walk.  He allowed two Yankee home runs.  Most of the Phillies offense was relatively quiet again, with Nick Castellanos and Dalton Guthrie both hitting home runs and Trea Turner going 3 for 3 as his spring tear continued.

Featured Card:  Before the game it was announced the Phillies and Nola's agent had tabled contract extension talks, meaning the ace pitcher will likely enter free agency following the 2023 season.  I'm hopeful this goes the same way it went with J.T. Realmuto a few years ago.  The Phillies and Realmuto couldn't reach an agreement, Realmuto hit free agency, and he ended up re-signing with the Phillies through 2025.  The card shown here is a cool All-Aces insert found in packs of Topps Series One

Camp Head Count:  46 - 2 + 44

Prior to the game, McKinley Moore (rhp) and Jack Conley (c) were reassigned to minor league camp.  During the game's television broadcast, manager Rob Thomson said they plan to finalize the opening day roster by Monday.

Spring Training Game 28 - Phils Fall on Friday Night to Jays

2022 Stadium Club #101

Blue Jays 6, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 28 - Friday Night, March 24th in Dunedin
Record - 13-14-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies went with another bullpen game, falling to the Blue Jays in Dunedin, 6-3.

What It Means:  If it seems as if the Phillies have played more than the usual amount of spring training games this year, it's because they have.  There were 20 total spring training games in 2022 due to the shortened exhibition season caused by the owner's lockout.  In 2021 there were 28 total games, with no fans in attendance, and in 2020 the Phillies played 20 games before the world went sideways.  Barring any rainouts, the Phillies will play 32 spring games this year.

What Happened:  The Blue Jays went up 6-0 after six innings, scoring off relievers Gregory Soto, Yunior Marte and Ethan Lindow.  Scott Kingery and Jake Cave knocked in Phillies runs, and Kody Clemens came home on an error after stealing third base in the ninth inning.  Cave suddenly becomes a big part of the Phillies line-up with Rhys Hoskins out for the season.

Featured Card:  I'm still feeling queasy about the Hoskins situation and I hope we've not seen his last game in a Phillies uniform.

Camp Head Count:  46

Spring Training Game 27 - Hoskins Leaves with Knee Injury

2022 Topps Allen & Ginter #65

Phillies 4, Tigers 1
Spring Training Game 27 - Thursday Afternoon, March 23rd in Clearwater
Record - 13-13-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies won the game, but that was overshadowed by the sight of Rhys Hoskins needing to be carted from the field after appearing to suffer a bad left knee injury.

What It Means:  Not great.  Hoskins is the soul of the team, and was poised for a big year due to his looming free agency.  Thoughts immediately turned to who could start the season as the team's first baseman if Hoskins needs to miss significant time.  Darick Hall seems likely, and I wonder if Edmundo Sosa can play some first base?  Or Alec Bohm could see some time at first, with Sosa starting at third?  Or maybe it's not that bad of an injury, and Hoskins misses limited time.

What Happened:  Trea Turner picked up where he left off in the World Baseball Classic, hitting a two-run home run in the fifth.  Hoskins had singled home the first run in the first inning and Weston Wilson added a run in the seventh with an RBI double.  Bailey Falter pitched his best game of the spring, throwing five shutout innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five.

Featured Card:  I'm hoping for the best for Hoskins and his knee.

Update - The Phillies announced on Thursday night Hoskins had torn his left ACL and surgery is recommended.  This is upsetting news.

Camp Head Count:  50 - 4 = 46

Before the game, the Phillies reassigned Vito Friscia (c), Cody Roberts (c), Vimael Machin (inf) and Jake Jewell (rhp) to minor league camp.  The roster moves are coming a little more frequently now.

Spring Training Game 26 - Walker Returns from WBC; Rays Win

2022 Topps Heritage #126

Rays 6, Phillies 2
Spring Training Game 26 - Wednesday Afternoon, March 22nd in St. Petersburg
Record - 12-13-1

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker, returning from the World Baseball Classic, was hit hard in his start as the Phillies lost to the Rays, 6-2.

What It Means:  There are six more spring training games remaining.

What Happened:  Nothing to be too concerned with where Walker is concerned.  He pitched into the fifth inning, and his final line shows 6 runs on 8 hits and a pair of walks.  Walker struck out five.  Andrew Vasquez pitched the final two scoreless innings, striking out three.  The Phillies offense was relatively quiet with Kody Clemens driving in both runs with a two-run single in the sixth.  Clemens and Scott Kingery also had doubles.

Featured Card:  We need to wait a little bit longer for Walker's first Phillies baseball card, but here's his most recently available mainstream card from last year's Topps Heritage set.

Camp Head Count:  50

The Phillies have taken a different approach to trimming the roster in 2023, with very few actual roster moves through the first month-plus of spring training.  In prior years, by this point in the exhibition season, we'd be down to the 30s with the camp head count.

Spring Training Game 25 - Phils Lose to Pirates; Japan Wins WBC

2021 Topps Now Offseason #OS-42

Pirates 4, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 25 - Tuesday Afternoon, February 25th in Bradenton
Record - 12-12-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Pirates plated four late runs to overcome the Phillies by a 4-3 score in Bradenton.

What It Means:  Of course the big baseball game of the day was the World Baseball Classic Championship, featuring USA battling Japan.  Japan prevailed, with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout to end the game, in a truly dramatic moment.  Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber provided all the offense for USA with a pair of home runs.  Turner's home run was his fifth, tying a World Baseball Classic record also held by Korea's Seung Yuop Lee.

What Happened:  The Phillies scored their runs on RBI singles from Scott Kingery and Weston Wilson, and a solo home run from Jake Cave.  Matt Strahm looked solid on the mound for the Phillies, throwing 2 1/3 innings, and striking out three while keeping the Pirates off the board.  Andrew Bellatti followed with 1 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out a pair.

Featured Card:  Here's the only Ohtani card in my Phillies collection, featuring the 2021 MVPs on a dual Topps Now Offseason card.  And speaking of Bryce Harper, he'll apparently not begin the season on the 60-day IL, leaving the door open for an earlier than expected return.

Camp Head Count:  51 - 1 = 50

Prior to the game, Jeremy Walker (rhp) was reassigned to minor league camp.

Spring Training Game 24 - Phils Romp O's; Appel Released

2023 Topps #259

Phillies 14, Orioles 6
Spring Training Game 24 - Monday Afternoon, March 19th in Clearwater
Record - 12-11-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies banged out 14 runs on 15 hits in this lopsided win over the Orioles in Clearwater.

What It Means:  Let's get this season started.

What Happened:  Rhys Hoskins went 2 for 3 with a two-run home run in the second, and Alec Bohm went 2 for 4 with a solo home run in the seven-run second inning as well.  Nick Castellanos and Edmundo Sosa also had two hits a piece.  The Phillies went with another bullpen game, and minor leaguer Matt Russell struck out the side to end the game.

Featured Card:  See below.

Camp Head Count:  55 - 4 = 51

Prior to the game, Ben Bowden (lhp), Louis Head (rhp) and Max McDowell (c) were reassigned to minor league camp and Mark Appel (rhp) was released.

Hopefully Appel will catch on somewhere and continue playing for one more year, as he had recently announced his intention for this to be his last year in baseball.  Appel pitched 10 1/3 innings last season for the Phillies over six relief appearances, earning a 1.74 ERA.  This is his card from Topps Series One, coming almost 10 years after the Astros had made his their top pick in the 2013 amateur player draft.

Spring Training Game 23 - Turner's WBC Performance Overshadows Phils

2022 Topps Gypsy Queen #203

Red Sox 9, Phillies 5
Spring Training Game 22 - Sunday Afternoon, March 19th in Clearwater
Record - 11-11-1

One Sentence Summary:  The minor league Red Sox defeated the Phillies' minor league pitching staff in this 9-5 loss in Clearwater.

What It Means:  Most of the baseball world continues to marvel at what Trea Turner is doing in the World Baseball Classic, and the fight for the final bench or bullpen spots isn't really on many Phillies fan's minds at this point.  Turner hit a dramatic and eventual game-winning grand slam on Saturday night against Venezuela and then hit two more home runs in the 14-2 win over Cuba in the semifinals on Sunday night.

What Happened:  Back in Clearwater, it was a lazy Sunday afternoon spring exhibition game.  The Phillies offense had only five hits.  Rhys Hoskins hit a solo home run in the first, Cody Roberts hit a two-run home run in the third and Nick Castellanos contributed a two-run double in the fifth.  The Phillies went with a minor league bullpen game for their pitching and it's unlikely any of the nine pitchers used will head north with the team in less than two weeks.

Featured Card:  Hans Crouse pitched a scoreless seventh inning for the Phillies.  Crouse is the only remaining player in the organization from the July 2021 Spencer Howard trade with the Rangers, and he started two games at the very end of the 2021 season for the Phillies.  He missed nearly all of 2022 with an arm injury, but that didn't stop Topps from including him in at least four of its sets, including Gypsy Queen, shown here.

Camp Head Count:  55

Spring Training Game 22 - Phils Fall Quietly to Braves

2021 Topps Heritage Minor
League 1972 Topps Poster Card 
#72BPC-15

Braves 5, Phillies 1
Spring Training Game 22 - Saturday Night, March 18th in North Port
Record - 11-10-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies line-up collected just two hits, including a solo home run from Brandon Marsh, in this 5-1 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  We were admittedly watching the World Baseball Classic during this game, and the Phillies were an afterthought.

What Happened:  Marsh hit his home run to lead-off the game, and then the offense pretty much took off for the next eight innings.

Featured Card:  Mick Abel got the start, and was nearly perfect in his two innings of work, allowing just one walk.  He struck out a pair.  With fellow top pitching prospect Andrew Painter on the shelf with elbow issues, Abel could conceivably make his big league debut with the Phillies before Painter.  The Phillies' top draft pick in 2020, I already have 18 different Abel cards in my collection, including this cool card from 2021 Topps Heritage Minor League in the style of a 1972 Topps Poster.

Camp Head Count:  55

Spring Training Games 20 & 21 - Phils Win Twice on St. Patrick's Day

1983 Donruss #371

Phillies 4, Blue Jays 2
Spring Training Game 20 - Friday Afternoon, March 17th in Clearwater

Phillies 8, Blue Jays 1
Spring Training Game 21 - Friday Afternoon, March 17th in Dunedin
Record - 11-9-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies split their squad, donned green hats for St. Patrick's Day, and won both games against the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  The Phillies will be playing meaningful baseball in less than two weeks, as the spring schedule has 11 games remaining over the next 11 days.

What Happened:  In Clearwater, Rhys Hoskins hit a first inning home run on his 30th birthday and doubled later in the game.  Minor leaguer Gabriel Rincones, Jr. hit a two-run home run for the Phillies in the sixth.  Bailey Falter, likely the team's fifth starter, went five innings, allowing a run on three hits.

In Dunedin, Jake Cave and Kody Clemens led the offense, with both players fighting for the same bench job.  Cave was 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs, including an RBI double in the first and a two-run single in the fourth.  Clemens was 2 for 4 with a solo home run in the fourth and an RBI-single in the fifth.  Matt Strahm drew the start for the Phillies, and looked great in two shutout innings, allowing a hit and striking out four.

Featured Card:  I'm fine with any excuse to post a Tug McGraw card, and I'll feature him here as it was McGraw who pushed the Phillies to wear green jerseys and hats for St. Patrick's Day beginning in the early 1980s.  There were only green hats yesterday, which was a little jarring given the bright red jersey pairing.

Camp Head Count:  55

Spring Training Game 19 - Stott, Haley, Hall and Fergus Homer in Win

2023 Topps #209

Phillies 10, Tigers 1
Spring Training Game 19 - Thursday Night, March 16th in Lakeland
Record - 9-9-1

One Sentence Summary:  With a line-up dominated by likely bench players or minor leaguers, the Phillies dominated the Tigers in this 10-1 win.

What It Means:  This is one of only three night games scheduled for the Phillies this spring, and I admittedly completely missed it.

What Happened:  Bryson Stott was the only regular to make the trip to Lakeland and he announced his presence with a lead-off home run.  He had three hits in the game.  Jim Haley and Darick Hall also homered, with Hall hitting his Grapefruit League leading fifth home run of the spring.  Minor leaguer Cade Fergus hit a ninth inning grand slam for the Phillies to put the game away.

On the mound, Zack Wheeler pitched a solid 4 1/3 innings, allowing a run while striking out five.

Featured Card:  I wish I had cards for Fergus or Haley, as I'd feature one of them here.  Instead, Hall gets the call and I'd be shocked at this point if he doesn't make the opening day roster as a bat off the bench.

Camp Head Count:  55

Spring Training Game 18 - Phils Outlast Yanks in Tampa

2023 Topps Orange Foil #237

Phillies 9, Yankees 8
Spring Training Game 18 - Wednesday Afternoon, March 15th in Tampa
Record - 8-9-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies outslugged the Yankees in Tampa, hanging on to win by a score of 9-8.

What It Means:  With interest in World Baseball Classic games ramping up, it's easy to forget there are still regular old spring training games going on.

What Happened:  Brandon Marsh hit a bases-clearing double in the first inning to give the Phillies an early 7-0 lead.  It was an ugly inning, with Nick Castellanos and Josh Harrison contributing RBI singles before Marsh's hit, but with runs also scoring on a wild pitch and a bases loaded walk.  Aaron Nola went 3 2/3 innings, allowing a run on two hits while striking out seven.

Featured Card:  After opening our box of 2023 Topps Series One last month, I decided to try to collect a Brandon Marsh rainbow of available parallel cards from the set.  For the uninitiated, a rainbow consists of the multiple parallels available of any given player's card, with those parallel versions featuring the same photo and typically the same back, but a different border color.  

I started this quest innocently enough, getting as far as some of the less expensive versions of the Marsh card, including this Orange Foil version numbered to 299.  But then my quest stalled out when I realized I'd need to pay in excess of $20 or more for some of the lower numbered parallel versions of the card.  I'm going to have a tough time paying a ton of money for a card that, as of this writing, is about a month old.  I'll try to add a few more versions of the card, but my rainbow hunt may have ended just as quickly as it started.

Camp Head Count:  55

Spring Training Game 17 - Braves Mash Phils; Kingery Stays Hot

2021 Topps #464

Braves 15, Phillies 5
Spring Training Game 17 - Tuesday Afternoon, March 14th in Clearwater
Record - 7-9-1

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez and a few other relievers were mashed by the Braves in this 15-5 loss.

What It Means:  We have just two more weeks of exhibition baseball before the games start counting.

What Happened:  Sanchez had been in the conversation for the team's fifth starter at the start of spring, but it seems as if he's better suited for a relief role.  He gave up four runs on four hits and a walk in his one inning of work in this game.  Nick Castellanos and Dustin Peterson both homered for the Phillies, while Scott Kingery raised his average to an unreal .522 (12 for 23) with two more hits.

Featured Card:  Good for Kingery.  He's making it a tough decision whether or not to keep him around for the opening day roster and I'm rooting for him to make it.  He spent mostly all of last season in the minor leagues, and I don't have any 2022 cards of his in my collection.  Per the TCDB, his one 2022 baseball card is a tough to find Topps Opening Day Luck of the Irish insert.  He somehow completely missed out on appearing in the Lehigh Valley IronPigs team set.

Camp Head Count:  55

Again, this is a somewhat misleading tally given the players who are currently appearing in the World Baseball Classic, and knowing Bryce Harper will begin the season on the 60-day Injured List.  Additionally, the 55 includes Noah Song (rhp) who is still on the team's Restricted List.

Philly Baseball Card Show Report - 1969 Topps Commons Explosion

On Sunday, Doug and I drove an hour north to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks for the March Philadelphia Sports Collectors Show, known to its friends as the Philly Show.  This could be our last show for a while, as baseball schedules along with a packed summer and fall tend to keep us away from any June or September shows.  We were happy we had decided to attend on Sunday, as we both heard from dealers and other collectors that Saturday's show was, "way too crowded, "a madhouse" and "chaos."  There were still a lot of people there on Sunday, but we were able to leisurely browse the dealer tables and we both came away with hauls that had us smiling all the way home.

• Doug's collecting habits are geared towards cards he thinks are cool, which is usually some combination of a signature, a relic and/or a low serial number for a favorite baseball or basketball player.  He's got quite the display going on his bedroom desk, and he added the cards shown below to his collection after a few hours of scouting and negotiating.
• After being a big spender on star cards at the December show, and completing our 1965 Topps set, I was focused on volume this time around.  I pulled up a chair at Uncle Dick's table, found the first binder of 1969 Topps commons (1-300) and plowed through it.  I stopped after each 100 cards to ask for a price check, and with the understanding I'd buy more if there was as a discount in play for volume, I soldiered on.  I added 193 cards to our 1969 Topps set, which is most likely the highest single set tally since the 1980s when my Dad and me were collecting the 1976 Topps set and we bought most of the commons needed for that set at an Ocean City baseball card show.
• I was happy to find quite a few dealers with Diamond Stars cards for sale.  I visited three separate dealers, making three separate purchases, all of which came in a little lower than the advertised prices. With five more cards added to that set, I'm down to needing 38 cards out of the 119 I'm collecting as my version of a master set.

I purchased one Phillies card, a 1987 team-issued variation card of the Phillie Phanatic, and we didn't purchase autographs from any of the dozens of autograph signers.  It was another great show, and it may need to hold us over until December.

Doug's Haul

New Diamond Stars cards

Memory Lane

Valley Forge 1 - September 2010 - Thinking of my Dad
Valley Forge 2 - October 2012 - Doug's first baseball card show
Valley Forge 3 - September 2014 - Meeting Darren Daulton
Oaks 1 - October 2015 - Meeting Pete Rose and Steve Carlton
Valley Forge 4 - September 2016 - Phillies acquisitions and 4 Phillies Legends
Valley Forge 5 - December 2016 - Meeting Don Money
Valley Forge 6 - September 2017 - Doug's big day
Valley Forge 7 - December 2017 - Ben's first baseball card show with Mike Schmidt and Rhys Hoskins!
Oaks 2 - December 2018 - Meeting Matt Stairs and Cole Hamels
Valley Forge 8 - March 2019 - 5 Phillies Autographs and Vintage Phillies Additions
Valley Forge 9 - September 2019 - Closing in on 1971 Topps set and Andrew McCutchen
Valley Forge 10 - December 2019 - Finishing 1971 Topps set, Starting 1965 Topps set, adding key autographs from Ryan Howard and Brad Lidge
Valley Forge 11 - February 2020 - More 1965 Topps cards, Jimmy Rollins, Mike Lieberthal and Jim Kaat

Valley Forge 12 - December 2021 - Huge haul of 1965 Topps, Jim Thome

Valley Forge 13 - March 2022 - Easy like Sunday morning, close to completing 1965 Topps

Oaks 3 - December 2022 - 1965 Topps set completed, dent made in 1969 Topps, Schwarber, Vierling and Stott

Oaks 4 - March 2023 - Huge haul of 1969 Topps and five Diamond Stars cards added

Blue Jays 8, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 16 - Sunday Afternoon, March 12th in Clearwater
Record - 7-8-1

One Sentence Summary:  Further south, the Phillies dropped a spring training game to the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  With our fresh spoils in hand, we listened to the start of this game on our ride home from the Philly Show.

What Happened:  Starting pitcher Bailey Falter got hit early and often, allowing seven hits and three runs (two earned) in 2 2/3 innings of work.  Jake Jewell was the recipient of four unearned runs in the ninth due to a costly error by second baseman Hao-Yu Lee.  Josh Harrison hit a two-run home run in the fifth.

Featured Card:  See above!

Camp Head Count:  65 - 7 - 3 = 55

Before the game, James McArthur (rhp) was optioned and Mick Abel (rhp), Andrew Baker (rhp), Jon Duplantier (rhp), Griff McGarry (rhp), Francisco Morales (rhp) and Billy Sullivan (rhp) were all assigned to minor league camp.  Following the game, Jhailyn Ortiz (of) and Simon Muzziotti (of) were optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and Johan Rojas (of) was optioned to Double-A Reading.

Spring Training Game 15 - Phils Top Yankees in Tampa

2013 Topps #249

Phillies 6, Yankees 3
Spring Training Game 15 - Saturday Afternoon, March 11th in Tampa
Record - 7-7-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies played small ball to win this game against the Yankees, 6-3, while some of the team's stars were kicking off the World Baseball Classic Tournament.

What It Means:  After downplaying my excitement about the World Baseball Classic earlier in the week, I'll admit I've found myself tuning in to some of the games.  If nothing else, it's cool to hear some of the players' stories or to play "remember some guys" with former Phillies who are showing up in tournament games.

What Happened:  Michael Plassmeyer is still in the mix for the team's fifth starter role, and while he wriggled out of trouble in his 1+ inning of work, it wasn't pretty.  He allowed four walks and two hits without giving up a run.  The Phillies offense received RBI singles from Jim Haley, Edmundo Sosa and Jack Conley.  Scott Kingery had two more hits and his average is now a gaudy .476.

Featured Card:  In Phoenix, Team USA took on Team Great Britain beginning at 9pm with former Phillies pitcher Vance Worley on the mound for Great Britain.  Worley was the eventual losing pitcher, but  both runs he allowed were unearned as a result of a pair of errors, one from former Phillie infielder Darnell Sweeney.  Kyle Schwarber hit a three-run home run for Team USA in the win.

Camp Head Count:  65

The Phillies still haven't made any roster moves to trim their roster, which is a little odd two weeks into exhibition games.

Spring Training Game 14 - Phils Connect for 6 Home Runs, Hall Hits 2

2023 Chachi Preview #2

Phillies 10, Pirates 4
Spring Training Game 14 - Friday Afternoon, March 10th in Clearwater
Record - 6-7-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies mashed six home runs on the way to this 10-4 win over the Pirates.

What It Means:  Injury news dominated the day, as it was announced top pitching prospect Andrew Painter (rhp) would be shut down for four weeks with a UCL sprain.  The news could have been worse.  Ranger Suarez (lhp) was sent home from the World Baseball Classic by Team Venezuela due to tightness in his left forearm.  Again, nothing too major, but still concerning.

What Happened:  The home runs were collected by Darick Hall, who had a pair, Rhys Hoskins (his first), Scott Kingery, Will Toffey and Jhailyn Ortiz.  Hall was 3 for 3 on the day, raising his average to .409, while Kingery was 2 for 3, raising his average to .444.  Both are getting serious consideration for one of the final bench spots available on the opening day roster.  Starting pitcher Zack Wheeler continued to work on some stuff, giving up three runs over three innings.

Featured Card:  It would seem as if the final two bench spots are going to go to two of Hall, Kingery, Kody Clemens or Jake Cave.  I'll take this opportunity to repost the 2023 Chachi Preview card featuring Hall I first introduced back in September.  The Phillies Room graphic design department has started some long tossing and production on the 2023 Chachi set will go into full swing in the coming weeks.  It's going to be a full season of appreciating the 1965 Topps design.

Camp Head Count:  65

Spring Training Game 13 - Phils Win, Harper Returns

2023 Topps 2022 Greatest
Hits #22GH-12

Phillies 7, Orioles 6
Spring Training Game 13 - Thursday Afternoon, March 9th in Clearwater
Record - 5-7-1

One Sentence Summary:  On the day Bryce Harper made his first appearance in Clearwater, the Phillies hung on to beat the Orioles, 7-6.

What It Means:  The World Baseball Classic is in full swing, and while I'm not following that closely, it seems as if most of the baseball world is focused on that tournament and not these exhibition games.

What Happened:  Bryson Stott, Edmundo Sosa, Jake Cave and Aramis Garcia led the offense with two hits each.  Sosa's two hits were both home runs, tying him for the overall spring training lead in that category.   Stott and Garcia also homered.  On the mound, Aaron Nola pitched three innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits.  Craig Kimbrel, Seranthony Dominguez and McKinley Moore all threw a scoreless inning of relief and each struck out a pair.

Featured Card:  I'll use the excuse of Harper's return to feature one of the three cards of his from 2023 I've already added to my Phillies collection.  Harper had offseason Tommy John surgery and will miss the first half, hopefully at most, of the 2023 season.

This card celebrates the game-tying eighth inning grand slam Harper hit against the Angels last June 5th.  Impressively enough, the photo used here is actually from the game.  One of my pet peeves from Topps over the years is when they use a photo to represent a player from a certain career highlight or game and the photo is years removed from the actual event.  They do this quite often with Steve Carlton, using photos showing him pitching in the 1980s when celebrating his 1972 season or something similar.  Topps also issued a Topps Now card following Harper's slam, and that card uses a different picture than this one.

Camp Head Count:  65

This number is completely inaccurate given the number of players who departed for the World Baseball Classic.  Also, reliever Gregory Soto (lhp) who hadn't been in camp due to Visa issues, recently arrived as well.