Updated Phillies Offseason Moves - Pre-Winter Meetings Edition

2018 Chachi Departures #1

2018 Chachi Departures #2

2018 Chachi Departures #3

As the Winter Meetings get underway in Florida, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at the Phillies' offseason moves so far.  I would expect (hopefully) the number of additions and subtractions to grow as this week progresses.

Engelb Vielma's Phillies tenure lasted last than a month, and he joins recent recipients A.J. Achter and Dan Otero as players appearing within the Chachi New Additions insert set to move on before spring training.  Vielma and Cameron Perkins were both placed on waivers - and claimed - on Monday giving the team two openings on their 40-man roster.

Perkins appeared in 42 games last season, hitting .182 with a home run.  Perkins was claimed by the Mariners.  He joins Brock Stassi and Jesen Therrien in the Chachi Departures insert set.  Stassi, who signed with the Twins last week, appeared in 51 games for the Phillies, hitting .167 with 2 home runs.  Therrien will miss the entire 2018 season following Tommy John surgery.  The Dodgers picked him up with the hope he can contribute upon his return in 2019.

Jesen Therrien Complete Chachi Checklist
2017 Chachi #48
2018 Chachi Departures #1

Brock Stassi Complete Chachi Checklist
2017 Chachi #12
2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #4 (with Matt Stairs)
2018 Chachi Departures #2

Cameron Perkins Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi IronPigs Signing Autographs #2 (UER - position listed as catcher)
2017 Chachi #45
2017 Chachi Archives #14
2018 Chachi Departures #3

Moving On - 2017-2018 Offseason

• Henderson Alvarez - rhp (10/4/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Ty Kelly - 2b-of (10/4/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Kevin Siegrist - lhp (10/4/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Pedro Beato - rhp (10/13/17) - Elected free agency.
• Andres Blanco - inf (11/2/17) - Elected free agency.
• Clay Buchholz - rhp (11/2/17) - Elected free agency.
• Hyun Soo Kim - of (11/2/17) - Elected free agency.
• Daniel Nava - of (11/2/17) - Elected free agency.
• Jesen Therrien - rhp (11/6/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency, signed as a minor league free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers, 11/29/17.
• Michael Mariot - rhp (11/6/17) - Elected free agency, signed as a minor league free agent with the San Diego Padres, 11/29/17.
• Colton Murray - rhp (11/6/17) - Elected free agency.
• Brock Stassi - 1b (11/6/17) - Elected free agency, signed as a minor league free agent with the Minnesota Twins, 12/7/17.
• Cameron Perkins - of (12/11/17) - Claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners.

Coming Back - 2017-2018 Offseason

• Pedro Florimon - inf-of (11/13/17) - Signed to a minor league contract.

New Additions - 2017-2018 Offseason

• Engelb Vielma - inf (11/20/17) - Claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.

Already Gone - 2017-2018 Offseason

• Engelb Vielma - inf (12/11/17) - Claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Phillies Minor League Free Agents & Chachi Almost Cards

2017 Chachi Almost #18

2017 Chachi Almost #20

2017 Topps Update #US171

On Tuesday, Baseball America published a list of 572 new minor league free agents and the list included 16 players from the Phillies organization.  Players in red below saw time with the Phillies over the past few seasons.

RHP:  Michael Mariot, Colton Murray, Miguel Nunez, Jesen Therrien
LHP:  Cesar Ramos
RHP/LHP:  Pat Venditte
C:  Wilson Garcia, Chace Numata, Nick Rickles
1B:  Jake Fox, Brock Stassi
2B:  Angelo Mora
3B:  Harold Martinez
SS:  Hector Gomez
OF:  Christian Marrero, Herlis Rodriguez

Both Mariot and Murray spent time in the Phillies bullpen during the 2016 season, but neither got the call all season long in 2017.  Stassi provided a feel-good story coming out of spring training, as the 27-year-old rookie made the Phillies' opening day roster.  In 51 games, he hit .167 with a pair of home runs and he earned baseball cards in the Topps Heritage High Numbers and Topps Update sets for his efforts.

Moving On - 2017-2018 Offseason

• Henderson Alvarez - rhp (10/4/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Ty Kelly - 2b-of (10/4/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Kevin Siegrist - lhp (10/4/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Pedro Beato - rhp (10/13/17) - Elected free agency.
• Andres Blanco - inf (11/2/17) - Elected free agency.
• Clay Buchholz - rhp (11/2/17) - Elected free agency.
• Hyun Soo Kim - of (11/2/17) - Elected free agency.
• Daniel Nava - of (11/2/17) - Elected free agency.
• Pedro Florimon - inf-of (11/6/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Jesen Therrien - rhp (11/6/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Michael Mariot - rhp (11/6/17) - Elected free agency.
• Colton Murray - rhp (11/6/17) - Elected free agency.
• Brock Stassi - 1b (11/6/17) - Elected free agency.

2017 Chachi Almost #16

2017 Chachi Almost #21

2017 Chachi Almost #24

I also wanted to clear out my draft folder of a bunch of Chachi Almost cards.  I make cards during spring training of every player on the 40-man roster as well as each non-roster invitee if a good photo becomes available.  These cards wait patiently all season to perhaps become official Chachi cards, but if the player doesn't get the call the cards join the Chachi Almost insert set.  Mark Appel, Dylan Cozens, Elniery Garcia, Scott Kingery, Logan Moore, Shane Pullin, Roman Quinn and Alberto Tirado should all be in the mix when the Phillies head to Clearwater in February.

Hector Gomez, Mariot, Murray, Chace Numata and Cesar Ramos will be moving on.

2017 Chachi Almost #13

2017 Chachi Almost #14

2017 Chachi Almost #15

2017 Chachi Almost #17

2017 Chachi Almost #19

2017 Chachi Almost #22

2017 Chachi Almost #23

2017 Chachi Almost #25

Highlights from the 2017 Phillies Phestival (Part 1) #StrikeOutALS

2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #10

2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #4

2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #1

On Thursday afternoon, we attended our first Phillies Phestival at Citizens Bank Park.  This annual event, which the Phillies have held every year since 1984, features games, giveaways, photo opportunities and autograph tables with all proceeds benefitting research into striking out ALS.  The Phillies raised $656,600 at the Phestival, adding to their $17 million total raised since 1984.

Before we entered the left field gate right before 4pm and again as we were leaving right after 6pm, my wife Jenna summed up my exact thoughts by saying, "I can't believe you've never done that before."

Armed with nine autograph tickets, we split into two groups with Jenna and Ben in search of a Maikel Franco autograph (Ben's favorite player) and Doug and me in search of as many autographs as possible.  Doug came away with over 20 autographs, Ben ultimately got to meet Franco and I came away with a lot of great memories and some terrific pictures.  I made a limited edition Chachi card set to commemorate the day, and I'll split the set into two separate posts starting with this one.

2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #2

2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #3

2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #5

2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #6

2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #7

2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #8

2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #9

Some highlights and random thoughts:

• When Ben met John Kruk he informed Kruk he'd rather be getting an autograph from Franco, his favorite player.  Kruk actually tried to get a ticket for Ben, was unsuccessful, and told him to stop back later . . .

• . . . Which Ben did, securing an autograph and a picture with his favorite player!

• The newly acquired Ty Kelly had nothing for anyone to sign.  Paired up with Larry Bowa, Kelly signed a Phillies team card for Doug.

• Doug informed Bowa he'd be making the big leagues one day to which Bowa responded with a fist pump and told him to "Get it."  Bowa was happy to hear that Doug's best position was third base.

• Jerad Eickhoff seemed a little punchy, photobombing our picture with Andres Blanco.

• Mickey Morandini and Tommy Joseph both told Doug they really liked his hair.

• Daniel Nava was very impressed when Doug referred to him as Mr. Nava.  "First kid to do that all day," he mentioned.

2017 Topps Now #23

• Doug's favorite new autographed card is the dual signature Topps Now card of Howie Kendrick and Joseph.  Honestly, the kid can't stop looking at it and remarking, "This is so cool."

• We bought a number of $20 grab bags and the boys scored autographed hats from Nick Williams, Dylan Cozens, Vince Velasquez and Jeremy Hellickson.  We also received two of the special edition Greg Luzinski bobble heads.

• Special photo cards were created for Zach Eflin, Mark Leiter, Jr., and Nick Pivetta, given that those pitchers were omitted from the first series team issued set.  I grabbed a Leiter, Jr. card but totally missed out on the Eflin and Pivetta cards.  Rookie mistake!  Next year, I'll look closer at the tables of those players not in the photo card set.  (Thanks to Rick and Steve for confirming the existence of these extra cards.)

• Team president Andy MacPhail was walking around personally thanking each of the players for their time at this event.  We had the chance to meet MacPhail towards the end of the event. He was extremely gracious and struck up a small conversation with Doug about his Little League season.

What a fantastic event and we'll be back next year!

2017 Chachi #12 Brock Stassi

#41
Brock James Stassi
First Base-Outfield

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  190
Born:  August 7, 1989, Sacramento, CA
Home:  Sacramento, CA
Drafted:  Selected by the Phillies in the 33rd round of the June 2011 draft
Teams:  Phillies 2017
Acquired:  Via draft

2011 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #27

2017 Phillies Team Issue #41

10 Stassi Baseball Cards in My Collection per The Phillies Room Checklist
First Card:  2011 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #27
First Phillies Card:  2017 Phillies Team Issue #41
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2017 Phillies Team Issue #41
Latest Card:  2017 Phillies Team Issue #41

Click to enlarge

Complete Chachi Checklist
2017 Chachi #12

Card statistics through 5/1/17.

2013 Grandstand Clearwater Threshers #28 Brock Stassi

Yankees 14, Phillies 1
Spring Training Game 35 - Tursday Afternoon, March 30th in Clearwater
Record - 14-17-4

One Sentence Summary:  In their penultimate spring training game, the Phillies were absolutely smoked by the Yankees, 14-1.

What It Means:  The Yankees put together a nine-run first inning.

What Happened:  Jared Eickhoff didn't escape the first inning, allowing six runs on four hits in 2/3 of an inning.  Prospect Matt Hockenberry took one for the team and allowed five runs (two earned) over the next 1 1/3 innings.

Featured Card:  Brock Stassi was informed following this game that he had officially made the club's opening day roster.  The former 33rd round pick has been working his way through the Phillies system since 2011, so it's great to see his hard work pay off.  Here's a link to the Philly.com story from Matt Breen, which includes an emotional video of Stassi fighting back tears as he discusses making it to the majors.

Camp Head Count:  33 - 2 = 31.  The Phillies pretty much finalized their roster following the game. Luis Garcia was optioned to Lehigh Valley, meaning Adam Morgan and Joely Rodriguez had both won bullpen spots.  Infielder Jesmuel Valentin was also optioned to the IronPigs, meaning Daniel Nava and Brock Stassi locked up the final two bench positions.  To make room on the 40-man roster for Stassi, outfielder Tyler Goeddel was designated for assignment.

The final six cuts will come after tomorrow's game when Zach Eflin will be sent to the IronPigs and non-roster invitees Pedro Florimon, Pat Venditte, Cesar Ramos, Colton Murray and Hoby Milner will be reassigned.

2011 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #27 Brock Stassi

Phillies 11, Tigers 6
Spring Training Game 12 - Tuesday Afternoon, March 7th in Lakeland
Record - 6-4-2

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies overcame a shaky start from Aaron Nola to defeat the Tigers, 11-6.

What It Means:  A crazy busy week at work means I was almost completely in the dark as to recent Phillies happenings.  I'm spending my Friday night catching up with a few game summary posts and reliving the week that was for the Phils.  (Spoiler alert:  It seems as if not much happened.)

What Happened:  Nola was scheduled to pitch three innings, but he only made it through two, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk.  This was his second start of the spring.

Brock Stassi hit a grand slam in the sixth inning, his third home run of the spring.  Bryan Holaday (1) added a two-run home run off former short-time Phillie Daniel Stumpf.

Featured Card:  I always like looking back to see the first card I have in my collection for a particular prospect, especially when that player is poised to potentially make the opening day roster. The first Stassi card in my collection is from the 2011 Williamsport Crosscutters team set, a set that also features cards of Hector Neris, Cody Asche, Maikel Franco and Aaron Altherr.

Camp Head Count:  62

2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #25 Brock Stassi

Phillies 6, Yankees 5
Spring Training Game 2 - Saturday Afternoon, February 25th in Clearwater
Record - 1-1

One Sentence Summary:  Brock Stassi delivered the game-winning hit in the ninth and Maikel Franco hit two home runs in a 6-5 win over the Yankees.

What It Means:  The Phils captured their first win of many of the 2017 season.  Let's start the regular season now!

What Happened:  Stassi's hit broke a 5-5 tie and scored Roman Quinn with the winning run.  Franco hit one legitimate home run and what was ruled an inside-the-park home run after the ball was lodged under the outfield wall but the umpires did not stop play.  Rhys Hoskins also hit his first home run of the spring.

Adam Morgan threw two scoreless innings to start the game, and there's talk of Morgan joining the bullpen this season as a long man.

Featured Card:  Stassi has somehow avoided inclusion in any Bowman-related sets, and to date his only baseball cards can be found within Phillies minor league team sets.  Stassi even avoided being featured on his 2016 IronPigs card from last year's team set, as the card pictures Tommy Joseph in action at first base and not Stassi.

Camp Head Count:  62

Phillies Now Up to 20 Non-Roster Invitees

2011 Topps #639

2015 Topps Update #US293

2016 Topps Pro Debut #50

In a sure sign that we're inching closer to spring training, the Phillies announced 15 new additions to the non-roster invitee list yesterday.  I had originally missed the addition of left-handed pitcher Cesar Ramos, as he was signed to a minor league contract back on January 5th.  The majority of these players spent the bulk of 2016 within the Phillies organization, and the most notable name on the list is top prospect J.P. Crawford.

Here's a run-down of the now 20 players who will be wearing numbers in the 70s and 80s when camp breaks in February.

2016 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Holiday #2

2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #10

2015 Immaculate Collection Blue #151

2016 Topps Heritage Minor League #184

Player (position) - 2016 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card Appearance
1.  Sean Burnett (lhp) - Nationals/Dodgers/Braves/Twins/Nationals - 2014 Topps #68 (Angels)
2.  Pedro Florimon (inf) - Pirates - 2014 Topps #568 (Twins)
3.  Hector Gomez (inf) - Korea - 2015 Topps Update #US229 (Brewers)
4.  Daniel Nava (of) - Angels/Royals - 2016 Topps Now #293 (Angels)
5.  Bryan Holaday (c) - Tigers/Rangers/Red Sox - 2014 Topps Update #US117 (Tigers)
6.  Cesar Ramos (lhp) - Rangers/Tigers - 2015 Topps Update #US293 (Angels)
7.  Victor Arano (rhp) - Phillies - 2015 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #BCAP-VA (Phillies)
8.  Pedro Beato (rhp) - Orioles - 2011 Topps Chrome #199 (Mets)
9.  J.P. Crawford (inf) - Phillies - 2016 Bowman's Best Top Prospects #TP12 (Phillies)
10.  Taylor Featherston (inf) - Angels/Phillies - 2015 Topps Update #US148 (Angels)
11.  Dalier Hinojosa (rhp) - Phillies - 2015 Immaculate Collection #151 (Red Sox)
12.  Rhys Hoskins (1b) - Phillies - 2016 Bowman Draft #BD186 (Phillies)
13.  Scott Kingery (inf) - Phillies - 2016 Bowman Draft #BD128 (Phillies)
14.  Michael Mariot (rhp) - Phillies - N/A
15.  Logan Moore (c) - Phillies - 2011 Bowman Draft Chrome Prospects #BDPP44 (Phillies)
16.  Colton Murray (rhp) - Phillies - 2016 Topps #488 (Phillies)
17.  Chace Numata (c) - Phillies - N/A
18.  Cam Perkins (of) - Phillies - 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP86 (Phillies)
19.  Andrew Pullin (of) - Phillies - 2012 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks #BDPP59 (Phillies)
20.  Brock Stassi (1b) - Phillies - N/A

2016 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Playoff #29

2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #17

2016 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #19

2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #20

2016 Grandstand Clearwater Threshers #20

2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #21

2016 Reading Fightin Phils Holiday #25

2016 Reading Phillies 50 Greatest Players #42