Spring Training Game 12 - Phils Fall to Rays as Spring Marches On

2008 Topps Update
World Baseball Classic #WBC5

Rays 7, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 12 - Tuesday Afternoon, March 7th in Clearwater
Record - 5-6-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Rays handled the Phillies fairly easily, winning 7-3 in this mid-spring exhibition game as players started departing for the World Baseball Classic.

What It Means:  The World Baseball Classic, now somehow in its fifth iteration and the first since 2017, kicks off on Tuesday night and will be played through March 21st.  I like the concept of the tournament, and I'll likely watch some of it, but as has been the case in years' past, I'm not too worked up about it.

What Happened:  Bailey Falter, who will likely begin the season as the team's fifth starter, pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits, while striking out three.  Griff McGarry rebounded nicely from his previous outing and threw a scoreless inning.  There wasn't a lot of Phillies offense.  Weston Wilson scored in the seventh as a result of a fielding error.  Wilson would single home Jhailyn Ortiz in the eighth, and Jim Haley would double home Scott Kingery for the team's third and final run.

Featured Card:  I'm sure there have been others, but the only World Baseball Classic baseball card in my Phillies collection is this Chase Utley card from the 2008 Topps Update set.

Camp Head Count:  65

Spring Training Game 11 - Three Homers Not Enough Against O's

2022 Topps Heritage #461

Orioles 10, Phillies 7
Spring Training Game 11 - Monday Afternoon, March 6th in Sarasota
Record - 5-5-1

One Sentence Summary:  A trio of Phillies hit three home runs in the sixth inning, but the bullpen couldn't fend off the Orioles in this 10-7 loss.

What It Means:  I definitely look forward to composing game summary posts during the regular season.  It's enjoyable for me and gives me a way to keep up with the exploits of the team.  But every year during spring training, I get to the point where I ask myself, "Why am I summarizing these exhibition games?"  Let the record show that point came in 2023 following this 11th game of the spring.  I'm a believer in finishing what I start, so onward we go.

What Happened:  Alec Bohm, Darick Hall and Jake Cave all connected for sixth inning home runs.  It was the third home run for Bohm and the second for both Hall and Cave.  Scott Kingery continues to have a strong spring and with another hit today his average is up to .385 (5 for 13) with a .500 on-base percentage.  Michael Plassmeyer got the start for the Phillies and threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings.  Bullpen casualties today included Louis Head (allowed a 3-run home run in the fourth), Billy Sullivan (four runs in 2/3 of an inning) and Andrew Baker (three runs without retiring a batter in the ninth).

Featured Card:  Cave is seemingly playing his way into a bench role on the club, as he's hitting .412 (7 for 17) with a double, triple and two home runs and he's tied for the team lead (with Bohm) with six RBIs.  He's also played solid defense in the outfield from what I've seen.  Cave has appeared on more baseball cards than I realized, including this card from last year's Heritage set.

Camp Head Count:  65

The roster head count is holding steady, and I would expect reductions to come later this year given a number of players will be departing soon for the World Baseball Classic.

Spring Training Game 10 - Phils Lose Convincingly to Jays

2023 Topps #178

Blue Jays 16, Phillies 4
Spring Training Game 10 - Sunday Afternoon, March 5th in Dunedin
Record - 5-4-1

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler was shelled in this 16-4 loss to the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  The Phillies pitchers appear to be working out some things as the spring exhibition schedule marches onward.

What Happened:  After the game, Wheeler said he was focused on getting used to the new pitch clock and also his not being familiar with catcher John Hicks didn't help either.  His spring ERA shot up to 18.90 after allowing seven runs on seven hits and a walk in 1 1/3 innings.  Non-roster invitee Jake Jewell was also hit hard, being tagged with six runs on four hits and two walks in his 2/3 of an inning.

Kyle Schwarber hit his first spring home run, on his 30th birthday to boot, and went 2 for 2 on the day.  Kody Clemens added a two-run single in the sixth in a largely forgettable exhibition game for the Phillies.

Featured Card:  I added this card to my just started 2023 Phillies binder this afternoon, featuring Schwarber atop the National League home run leaders for 2022.  I like the look of the league leaders cards in this year's Topps flagship set, but I'd like them even more if they were grouped together at the start of the set, as nature intended.

And another nitpicky thing . . . There's no need for HR to be plural in the middle panel.  Reading the card out loud, this is "National League home runs leaders."  Topps probably had enough room to go ahead and spell out Home Run here.

Camp Head Count:  65

Spring Training Game 9 - Bohm Homers in Win Over Bucs

2022 Topps Heritage #595

Phillies 4, Pirates 3
Spring Training Game 9 - Saturday Afternoon, March 4th in Clearwater
Record - 5-3-1

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Bohm's two-run home run was the difference in this 4-3 win over the Pirates.

What It Means:  Saturdays in early March are working days for me given my chosen profession, but it's nice to at least have the game on TV in the background as I toil away.

What Happened:  With the Pirates leading 2-0, Jhailyn Ortiz led off the third with a single and came around to score on a Kyle Schwarber single.  Bohm then hit his home run, giving the Phillies a 3-2 lead.  Edmundo Sosa singled, went to second when Darick Hall walked, stole third, and came home on a Scott Kingery sacrifice fly.  Sosa was seeing his first action in center field, as the team looks for a good back-up for Brandon Marsh.  On the mound for the Phillies, Aaron Nola threw three innings, allowing two runs (one earned) and striking out two.  Mark Appel looked good in the ninth and picked up the save.

Featured Card:  Apparently Bohm showed up to camp a few weeks ago sporting some added muscle, and the hope is that he builds off his second half success from last year.  This is his 1973 Topps inspired card from the Heritage High Numbers set, not released until December.  I had decided to use this card for this post before realizing it featured Bohm batting against the Pirates, so that's a nice coincidence.  I'm looking forward to seeing the 1974 Topps design in the 2023 Topps Heritage set.

Camp Head Count:  65

Spring Training Game 8 - Vierling Revenge Tour Begins

2022 Stadium Club #203

Tigers 6, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 8 - Friday Afternoon, March 3rd in Clearwater
Record - 4-3-1

One Sentence Summary:  Matt Vierling did some damage against his former team as the Phillies lost, 6-3.

What It Means:  There were a lot of Phillies news to come out of this day, but the most distressing was that Andrew Painter would be shut down temporarily due to elbow tenderness.  This could likely jeopardize his path to making the team's opening day roster, and we can only hope the issue isn't anything major.

What Happened:  Other news included the spring debut of Rhys Hoskins.  Playing as the DH, Hoskins reached in all three of his plate appearances with a pair of singles and a walk.  Taijuan Walker made his Phillies pitching debut, allowing two runs in 2 1/3 innings on four hits while striking out two.  The only Phillies runs came on long balls, including Edmundo Sosa's second home run in the fifth, and a two-run home run from J.T. Realmuto in the sixth.

Ex-Phillies were all over the Tigers' side of the box score.  Nick Maton led off, was 0 for 2 with a walk and was caught stealing by Realmuto.  Vierling batted second and was 3 for 3 with two RBIs.  Cesar Hernandez started at second base and Donny Sands was the starting catcher.  Andrew Knapp entered the game late at first base for the Tigers.

Featured Card:  It was a good deal for the Phillies, but I was still sorry to see Vierling and Maton head to Detroit.  Reliever Gregory Soto and infielder Kody Clemens came over from the Tigers in early January in exchange for Vierling, Maton and Sands, and Soto will likely be a big part of the Phillies bullpen in 2023.  I'm hoping all three ex-Phillies find success in Detroit.

Camp Head Count:  65

Spring Training Game 7 - Phils Pitching Prospects Thumped by Sox

2022 Choice Jersey Shore
BlueClaws #19

Red Sox 15, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 7 - Thursday Afternoon, March 2nd in Fort Myers
Record - 4-2-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies were blown out for the first time this spring, with the Red Sox winning, 15-3.

What It Means:  It wasn't a good day to be a Phillies pitching prospect.

What Happened:  Almost all the offense came from the Boston side of the box score.  For the Phillies, Kody Clemens hit his second spring home run in the fourth.  Darick Hall doubled home Jhailyn Ortiz in the fifth, with Jake Cave then singling home Hall.  It's way early, but Clemens is batting .444, Hall is at .364 and Cave leads them all with a .545 average.  There's likely only one bench spot to be had for the three of them.

Phillies pitching prospect Griff McGarry had a day he'd probably like to forget.  He allowed a walk to Kiké Hernandez to start the third, then struck out Rafael Devers swinging.  He then allowed a single and two walks, scoring a run.  Christian Arroyo launched a grand slam to left, and McGarry's day was done and his spring ERA, which will never mean anything, was 135.00.  Andrew Baker and Billy Sullivan didn't fare much better, with each pitcher allowing four runs.

Featured Card:  Get 'em next time, kid.  McGarry will likely start the season in the Triple-A IronPigs' rotation.  A fifth round draft pick in 2021, I've got four cards of his in my 2022 Phillies binder, including this card from the BlueClaws team set.

Camp Head Count:  65

Spring Training Game 6 - Painter Impresses as Phils Tie Twins

2022 R-Phils Phillies
Top 25 Prospects #3

Phillies 4, Twins 4
Spring Training Game 6 - Wednesday Afternoon, March 1st in Fort Myers
Record - 4-1-1

One Sentence Summary:  Top pitching prospect Andrew Painter made his much-anticipated spring debut and the Phillies played to a tie against the Twins in Fort Myers.

What It Means:  I'm ready for the season to start.

What Happened:  Painter gave up a run on three hits in his two innings of work, touching 99 on the radar and striking out Max Kepler looking.  Not a bad start for the 19-year-old who could be the Phillies' fifth starter to start the season.  All the Phillies runs came on home runs.  Jake Cave hit a two-run homer in the second and Darick Hall hit a two-run homer that banged off the center field batter's eye in the fifth.  The Twins tied it up in the ninth on a wild pitch by Phillies pitcher Braden Zarbnisky followed by a throwing error from catcher Aramis Garcia.

Scott Kingery and Cave both had multiple hits for the Phillies.

Featured Card:  I fully expect to be inundated with Painter baseball cards once he makes his debut, but for now I have a grand total of just six of his cards in my Phillies collection.  This is the first card of his I added, back in April 2022 from the Reading Fightin Phils Top 25 Prospects set.  Painter was #3 on that list last year, and he's since made the climb to #1.

Camp Head Count:  65

Spring Training Game 5 - Wheeler Perfect in Debut

1999 Sports Illustrated #15

Phillies 7, Blue Jays 2
Spring Training Game 5 - Tuesday Afternoon, February 28th in Clearwater
Record - 4-1

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler threw two scoreless innings and Trea Turner had a pair of hits and two more RBIs in this 7-2 win over the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  Five games into the exhibition schedule, and this marks the first game I didn't follow for at least a pitch.  I'll try to get back on track today.

What Happened:  Wheeler struck out two and didn't allow a baserunner, throwing just 19 pitches in his spring debut.  Turner is now 4 for 6 this spring with two runs scored and three RBIs.  Johan Rojas, Vito Friscia, Turner and Nick Castellanos all had RBIs in the five-run fourth inning.  Rojas would make a nice diving catch in center field in this game as well.  Vimael Machin added a two-run double in the eighth for the Phillies.

Featured Card:  Roger Clemens was invited into the Phillies clubhouse by manager Rob Thomson to give the team a pre-game pep talk.  Clemens and Thomson were both employed by the Yankees in the early 2000s, and Clemens' son, Kody Clemens, is trying to make the Phillies' team as a utility player.  One of the all-time greatest pitchers in the game, Clemens' PED use has led to his exclusion from the Hall of Fame so far.  I have two Clemens baseball cards in my Phillies collection, and on both he's paired with another controversial pitcher from the same era - Curt Schilling.  This card is from the 1999 Sports Illustrated set and the pair is included on another card in the 1998 Collector's Choice set.

Camp Head Count:  65

I'll still listing this as 65, even though Bryce Harper won't report for another week or so.

Spring Training Game 4 - Nola Cruises, Sosa Hits 3-Run Bomb

2022 Topps Now #1038

Phillies 9, Pirates 7
Spring Training Game 4 - Monday Afternoon, February 27th in Bradenton
Record - 3-1

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola threw two scoreless innings in his spring debut, and Edmundo Sosa launched a three-run home run to left center field as the Phillies nudged out the Pirates, 9-7.

What It Means:  The game got away a little late, and the Phillies had been up at one point by a score of 9-2.  Minor league call-ups Tyler McKay and Matt Seelinger got hit around a bit in the later innings by the Pirates.

What Happened:  The Phillies offense continues to hit the ball well, adding 11 hits on the day with home runs from Sosa and Alec Bohm, and an inside-the-park home run from Weston Wilson.  Darick Hall had a pair of hits, Garrett Stubbs and Josh Harrison both doubled, and Jake Cave tripled.  Jose Alvarado threw a scoreless inning, striking out a pair.

Featured Card:  Sosa hit his blast in the third with Bohm and Hall aboard, giving the Phillies a 5-0 lead.  I'm hoping he gets a proper Phillies baseball card this year, as his baseball card appearances last year were limited to Topps Now cards, none of which were dedicated to him specifically.  This is one of those cards and while Sosa is front and center on the card's front, there's no mention of him on the front or on the back.

Camp Head Count:  65

Spring Training Game 3 - Turner Debuts, Wilson Slams

2022 Topps Heritage
Minor League #90

Phillies 10, Twins 8
Spring Training Game 3 - Sunday Afternoon, February 26th in Clearwater
Record - 2-1

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner made his Phillies debut, and Ethan Wilson hit a grand slam in the sixth to break a 6-6 tie and ultimately lead to the win.

What It Means:  What I was hoping would be a productive day turned out to be an enjoyable day as I couldn't pull myself away from watching this game.  Chores can wait a little bit.

What Happened:  In the first inning, Turner singled in his first Phillies at-bat, stole second and came around to score on a bloop single to left from J.T. Realmuto.  Turner would add an RBI-single in the second.  I'm going to enjoy watching him for the next 11 seasons.  In the fifth, with the Phillies leading 2-0, the Twins' Elliot Soto hit a grand slam off reliever Brian Marconi.  Nick Castellanos hit a two-run home run in the fifth, and he's already looking better at the plate than last season.  In the sixth, Kody Clemens hit a solo home run and Vito Friscia would walk with the bases loaded to tie the score.  Wilson then hit his grand slam to give the Phillies a 10-6 lead.

Featured Card:  I'm confident Turner will get his share of featured cards during the 2023 season, so I'll go with Wilson here.  (Not to be confused with Weston Wilson, who was the featured card from Saturday's games.)  Wilson had a bunch of 2022 minor league cards in 2022, including this one from the Topps Heritage Minor League set.

Camp Head Count:  65

Spring Training Games 1 & 2 - Phils Split First Games of '23

2022 Choice
Nashville Sounds #32

Phillies 7, Yankees 4
Spring Training Game 1 - Saturday Afternoon, February 25th in Clearwater

Tigers 4, Phillies 2
Spring Training Game 2 - Tuesday Afternoon, February 25th in Lakeland
Record - 1-1

One Sentence Summary:  The reigning National League Champion Phillies split their squad for the spring lid lifter, winning at home against the Yankees and losing on the road to the Tigers.

What It Means:  With no owner's lock-out this year, and an earlier spring schedule due to the World Baseball Classic, baseball is back a little early in 2023.  The first spring game last year wasn't until March 19th.  It's such a great feeling to have baseball back, even though the offseason wasn't as long as usual thanks to an unexpected trip to the World Series.  We watched most of the Yankees game with snow flurries coming down outside, and I found myself wishing several times throughout the game we were in Florida.

What Happened:  In Clearwater, non-roster invitee Weston Wilson hit the first home run of the spring for the Phillies.  He'd  add a two-run double in the fifth to tie the game at 4-4, and he'd make a nice catch in right field.  Jake Cave and Brandon Marsh also had a pair of hits for the Phillies.  First baseman and minor league call-up Carlos De La Cruz hit a moonshot home run in the eighth, and pitching prospect Andrew Baker earned the win following a scoreless seventh inning in which he struck out a pair.

In Lakeland, all the offense came from minor league addition Nick Podkul, who had a two-run double to center in the seventh.  Michael Plassmeyer got the start and threw two scoreless innings.

Featured Card:  Wilson's baseball card appearances have been slim to date, and the TCDB shows him with six minor league cards to his name.  This is his most recent card, and the watermark across it gives away I snagged the image from the Go Sports Cards minor league baseball card online store.

Camp Head Count:  65

The Phils break camp with 65 players on their roster - 40 on the 40-man roster, 24 non-roster invitees and one player on the restricted list - Noah Song (rhp).  Song was recently discharged from active military duty, and there are a bunch of complex roster rules around him given his military service and the fact he was a rule 5 pick from the Red Sox.  He's the one addition to the list of 64 players I posted here last week.  The Phillies could add him to the 40-man roster as a corresponding move whenever Bryce Harper (dh), recovering from Tommy John surgery, is placed on the 60-day Injured List.  From pictures I've seen, it looks as if Song is wearing #52, which was one of four numbers under 60 still available.

Getting Closer to Games - New Numbers are Here!

2023 Topps #283

2023 Topps #209

2023 Topps #176

2023 Topps #86

2023 Topps #145

It looks as if I skipped the "New Numbers" post last year, which I'll blame on the owners' lock-out that delayed the start of spring training.  One of the many milestones I look forward to each offseason is the assignment of new uniform numbers on the Phillies' website.  This is a hit or miss process as some years the numbers have arrived in spurts, very late or not at all.  I checked the roster page on Friday morning, noticing "--" listed as the uniform number for every non-roster invitee except Francisco Morales, and for most of the non-high profile new additions to the 40-man roster.  By Friday afternoon, uniform numbers had miraculously appeared and we're now that much closer to baseball returning.

Here's a look at the new players and their uniform numbers, who wore the number previously, and a few uniform number switches.

40-Man Roster

• #2 Josh Harrison (inf) - Worn by Jean Segura since 2019.  Harrison had worn #7 when he was in summer camp with the Phillies in 2020.
• #7 Trea Turner (ss) -  Johan Camargo wore #7 in 2022, and Turner will wear it through at least the 2033 season.
• #23 Kody Clemens (inf) - Corey Knebel last year.
• #25 Matt Strahm (lhp) - Strahm took the number from Darick Hall, who switched to #24.
• #30 Gregory Sosa (lhp) - David Robertson in 2022.
• #31 Craig Kimbrel (rhp) - Last worn by Jeurys Familia.
• #37 Andrew Vasquez (lhp) - This had been Odubel Herrera's number since 2015.
• #43 Yunior Marte (rhp) - Worn by Noah Syndergaard in 2022.
• #44 Jake Cave (of) - Kyle Gibson's former number.
• #47 Erich Uelman (rhp) - Worn very briefly last season by Chris Devenski.
• #56 Luis Ortiz (rhp) - This had been Zach Efllin's number since 2016.
• #99 Taijuan Walker (rhp) - Last worn by So Taguchi in 2008.  Prior to that, the only other #99 in franchise history were Turk Wendell and Mitch Williams.

Notable Non-Roster Invitees - 60 and Under

• #29 John Hicks (c) - Worn in 2022 by Nick Maton.
• #39 Vimael Machin (inf) - Worn briefly by back-up catcher Donny Sands.
• #41 Vito Friscia (c) - Belonged to Yairo Munoz last year.
• #50 Jon Duplantier (rhp) - Worn by Austin Wynns in spring training last year, and last worn in season by closer Hector Neris.
• #51 Ben Bowden (lhp) - Hans Crouse, still in the organization, wore this number for one game in 2021.
• #60 Louis Head (rhp) - Ryan Sherriff wore this number in spring training last year, Ramon Rosso wore it in 2021.

Uniform Number Switches

• #24 Darick Hall (inf) - Hall surrendered #25 to Strahm, and takes the number last worn by Roman Quinn.
• #73 Will Toffey (inf) - Toffey was active for one game in 2022 and wore #33, which now belongs to Edmundo Sosa.

Still Unofficially Retired

#6 Ryan Howard, #11 Jimmy Rollins, #26 Chase Utley, #35 Cole Hamels

Still Available - 60 and Under

#19, #48, #52, #54

#19 was worn by Matt Vierling in 2022, #48 was Vinny Nittoli, #52 was Brad Hand and #54 was Sam Coonrod.  I always suspect they're saving these for an acquisition that hasn't been  made official yet.  Coonrod was the latest departure, as he was claimed by the Mets off waivers on February 6th.

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 - Part One and Part Two

2022 New Numbers - Skipped it!

2023 New Numbers

The Tradition Continues! - 2023 First Phillie Winner

I surprised myself last week by deciding to buy a hobby box of Topps Series One, as I'm still riding the high of the Phillies being in the World Series and this is the first flagship set design in several years I really like.  As much as I enjoyed the 2022 Topps design, it was almost too plain for me and this year's design will definitely not be accused of that.  There's a lot going on here.

I appreciate that Topps recognizes a somewhat under appreciated tradition of having two photos - one action, one portrait - on the front of its flagship cards every 20 years in years ending in -3.  This started in 1963, came back in 1983, kept the tradition going in 2003 and makes its triumphant return in 2023.  Well done, Topps.  While I expect the 2043 Topps baseball cards to just be holograms we launch from our tricorders, hopefully the two photos on the front return for a fifth time in the sequence.

Since I've been opening packs of Topps flagship cards, we've had a family tradition of seeking the First Phillie of the year.  My Dad and I started the tradition in the early 1980s, I carried it through, some years by myself, through the early 2000s, and the practice has continued with my wife and sons since then.  On late Friday afternoon, not soon after the box had been delivered to the door, we selected our packs and commenced the search for the First Phillie of 2023.  There was some controversy this year as Doug pulled a league leaders card featuring Kyle Schwarber seconds before I found this Aaron Nola card in my first pack.  Ben quickly followed with the J.T. Realmuto card in his first pack.  Consulting the hallowed family First Phillie bylaws, I'm awarding First Phillie honors this year to myself, as the league leaders card doesn't quite count.

Yes, the fronts of these cards are busy.  Yes, there are a few too many design elements crammed on the bottom of the cards.  But I like them, and these seem to me what baseball cards should look like in the year 2023.  Our box had amazing collation, as we didn't have any doubles and we were just 14 cards short of a complete 330-card first series set.  There seemed to be way fewer inserts and parallels than in prior years, and I was completely fine with that.  My one continued gripe with Topps flagship is that I wish the checklist grouped subsets together.  League leaders and the combo card/checklists should be grouped sequentially and not dropped in randomly throughout the checklist.  

Revisiting a ranking of Topps flagship sets from the past 10 years, the 2023 Topps set, at least for now, finishes near the top.  I think I could flip flop the 2022 and 2019 designs in these rankings too:

Best Five:  2015, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2016

Bottom Five:  2018, 2014, 2021, 2017, 2020

Best - 2015 Topps #309

#2 - 2023 Topps #278

#3 - 2022 Topps #249

#4 - 2019 Topps #303

#5 - 2016 Topps #15

#6 - 2018 Topps #26

#7 - 2014 Topps #90

#8 - 2021 Topps #79

#9 - 2017 Topps #247

Worst - 2020 Topps #221

Past First Phillies

2010 Topps #300 Chase Utley

2011 Topps #242 Brad Lidge

2012 Topps #98 Domonic Brown

2013 Topps #6 Ryan Howard
2014 Topps #90 Ethan Martin
2015 Topps #309 Maikel Franco
2016 Topps #15 Ryan Howard
2017 Topps #247 Hector Neris
2018 Topps #26 Cesar Hernandez
2019 Topps #303 Ranger Suarez
2020 Topps #190 Aaron Nola

2021 Topps #79 Roman Quinn

2022 Topps #249 Zack Wheeler

2023 Topps #278 Aaron Nola

Pitchers and Catchers Report!

2020 Chachi Almost #8

Phillies pitchers and catchers officially reported yesterday, and I spent a fair bit of the day refreshing my Twitter feed in the hope of seeing new pictures or action from Clearwater.  After the letdown of the Eagles loss in the Super Bowl, and the general dreariness of January/early February, it was a much-needed diversion.  The Phillies and several of the team's beat writers didn't disappoint, with photos and videos from sunny Clearwater.

Since I last posted, the Phillies added Josh Harrison (inf) to their 40-man roster, signing the veteran infielder to a one-year deal on January 30th.  Harrison had been in spring/summer camp with the Phillies in 2020, and was a late roster cut.  To make room for Harrison, Sam Coonrod (rhp) was designated for assignment and selected off waivers by the Mets.  Coonrod was one the Phillies' top used relievers in 2021, appearing in 42 games and saving a pair of games.  He was limited to just 12 games in 2022 due to injury, getting hit hard in his limited appearances and earning a 7.82 ERA.

The Phillies also announced the addition of three more catchers as non-roster invitees, listed below.  With J.T. Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs both departing shortly for the World Baseball Classic, the team wisely added a trio of additional catchers to its roster.

Player (position) - 2022 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card

22.  Jack Conley (c) - Phillies - N/A

23.  Aramis Garcia (c) - Reds - 2020 Topps Total #477 (Giants)

24.  Cody Roberts (c) - Orioles - N/A

64 players are in camp with the team, and hopefully at some point the Phillies website updates its roster page with uniform numbers.  An * indicates the player is a non-roster invitee.

Catchers (9) - Jack Conley*, Vito Friscia*, Aramis Garcia*, John Hicks*, Rafael Marchan, Max McDowell*, J.T. Realmuto, Cody Roberts*, Garrett Stubbs

Infielders (13) - Alec Bohm, Kody Clemens, Darick Hall, Jim Haley*, Josh Harrison, Rhys Hoskins, Scott Kingery*, Vimael Machin*, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott, Will Toffey*, Trea Turner, Weston Wilson*

Outfielders (9) - Nick Castellanos, Jake Cave, Dalton Guthrie, Bryce Harper, Brandon Marsh, Simon Muzziotti, Jhailyn Ortiz, Johan Rojas, Kyle Schwarber

Right-handed pitchers (24) - Mick Abel*, Mark Appel*, Andrew Baker*, Andrew Bellatti, Connor Brogdon, Seranthony Dominguez, Jon Duplantier*, Louis Head*, Jake Jewell*, Craig Kimbrel, Yunior Marte, James McArthur, Griff McGarry*, McKinley Moore*, Francisco Morales*, Nick Nelson, Aaron Nola, Luis Ortiz, Andrew Painter*, Billy Sullivan*, Erich Uelman, Jeremy Walker*, Taijuan Walker, Zack Wheeler

Left-handed pitchers (9) - Jose Alvarado, Ben Bowden*, Bailey Falter, Michael Plassmeyer, Cristopher Sanchez, Gregory Sosa, Matt Strahm, Ranger Suarez, Andrew Vasquez

For what it's worth, the only players with prior major league experience with the Phillies not in major league camp are Hans Crouse (rhp) and Damon Jones (lhp).  Rule 5 pick Noah Song (rhp) is on the restricted list as he's currently serving in the military.

Phillies Add 21 Non-Roster Invitees to Spring Camp

2022 Topps Pro Debut #PD-8

2022 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #5

2022 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Update #17

2022 Reading Fightin Phils Top 10 Prospects

2022  Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #35

I've faithfully tracked the Phillies' non-roster invitee announcements on this blog since 2010, and this is the latest year ever we've received news of the team's invitees.  Adding to the intrigue, the list came all at once instead of in dribs and drabs.  For comparison purposes, the fist seven invitees to 2022 spring training were announced on December 14, 2021.  Here's a look at the 21 players who will show up to Clearwater in a few weeks, along with their 2022 organization and last major baseball card appearance, if any.

Player (position) - 2022 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card

1. Mick Abel (rhp) - Phillies - 2022 Topps Heritage Minor League #173 (Phillies)
2. Mark Appel (rhp) - Phillies - 2022 Topps Now #433 (Phillies)
3. Andrew Baker (rhp) - Phillies - N/A
4. Jon Duplantier (rhp) - Dodgers - 2021 Donruss Retro 1987 Signatures #87S-JO (Diamondbacks)
5. Louis Head (rhp) - Marlins / Orioles - N/A
6. Jake Jewell (rhp) - Guardians / Twins - N/A
7. Griff McGarry (rhp) - Phillies - N/A
8. Francisco Morales (rhp) - Phillies - 2022 Topps Update #US318 (Phillies)
9. McKinley Moore (rhp) - Phillies - N/A
10. Andrew Painter (rhp) - Phillies - 2022 Topps Pro Debut #PD-48 (Phillies)
11. Billy Sullivan (rhp) - Phillies - N/A
12. Jeremy Walker (rhp) - Giants / Rays - 2020 Topps Total #777 (Braves)
13. Ben Bowden (lhp) - Rockies / Rays / Giants - 2021 Topps Update #US298 (Rockies)
14. Jim Haley (inf) - Rays - N/A
15. Scott Kingery (inf) - Phillies - 2022 Topps Opening Day Luck of the Irish #LI-3 (Phillies)
16. Vimael Machin (inf) - Athletics - 2021 Topps Heritage #502 (Athletics)
17. Will Toffey (inf) - Phillies - 2020 Bowman Prospect Autographs #PA-WT (Mets)
18. Weston Wilson (inf) - Brewers - N/A
19. Vito Friscia (c) - Phillies - N/A
20. John Hicks (c) - Cubs - 2019 Topps #593 (Tigers)
21. Max McDowell (c) - Yankees - N/A

Rolen Elected Into Hall of Fame

1996 Topps #434

1997 Topps #268

1998 Topps #25

1999 Topps #125

2000 Topps #328

2001 Topps #478

2002 Topps #610

2002 Topps #709

On Tuesday evening, and with 76.3% of the votes, Scott Rolen squeaked into the Hall of Fame and will be inducted in Cooperstown on July 23.  It was Rolen's fifth year on the ballot, and he saw a steady ascent since receiving just 10.2% of the votes during his initial year of 2018, when the ballot had been much more crowded.  He's a Hall of Famer on the strength of his combined offensive and defensive output, and his induction hopefully builds the case for Dick Allen, Dale Murphy and eventually Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley.

Rolen was drafted by the Phillies in the 2nd round of the June 1993 amateur player draft, and he'd make his big league debut on August 1, 1996, getting the call after third baseman Todd Zeile was dealt to the Orioles at the trade deadline.  Rolen was the team's opening day third baseman in 1997, ultimately winning the Rookie of the Year in the National League, after batting .283 with 21 home runs and 92 RBIs.  He'd win his first of eight Gold Gloves the following year in 1998.  Rolen was the Phillies' opening day and regular third baseman between 1997 and mid-2002, during some pretty lean years.  Not looking to sign a contract extension, and wanting to play for a winning team, he was dealt to the Cardinals on July 29, 2002 with Doug Nickle and cash for Placido Polanco, Bud Smith and Mike Timlin.

I was disappointed and upset with Rolen when the trade was announced, and I've since gotten over that.

In his seven seasons with the club, he appeared in 884 games, nearly 200 more than he appeared with the Cardinals.  Rolen batted .282 with 150 home runs and 559 RBIs with the Phillies, again surpassing his totals with the Cardinals.  He's not yet decided which hat his plaque will show when he's inducted, and while a Cardinals hat probably makes the most sense, I'm hoping he wears a Phillies hat.  Rolen also seems a natural candidate to be the team's Wall of Fame Inductee in 2023, but no official announcement has been made.

Phils Acquire Reliever Soto from Tigers for Vierling, Maton

2023 Chachi New Additions #6

2022 Topps Now #342

2022 Topps Now #934

2022 Topps Now #719

2022 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #33

The Phillies bullpen got stronger on Saturday, but it cost the team two young and popular players who both played a part in getting the club to the World Series in 2022.  Gregory Soto (lhp) and Kody Clemens (inf) were acquired from the Detroit Tigers for Matt Vierling (of), Nick Maton (inf) and Donny Sands (c).

Soto was an All-Star with the Tigers in 2021 and 2022, and he converted 30 of 33 save opportunities last season.  He appeared in a career-high 64 games, striking out 60 in 60 1/3 innings pitched.  His most recent mainstream baseball card can be found in the 2022 Topps set, and he began appearing in Bowman sets in 2018.  He wore #65 with the Tigers, and presumably he'll take that number with the Phillies too.  Clemens, son of former pitcher Roger Clemens, made his big league debut last season in May.  In 56 games with the Tigers, he batted .145 (17 for 117) while seeing time at third base, first base, second base, left field and seven games (!) as a reliever in blow-out losses.  He received a Topps Now card last season to mark his call-up.

It's tough to see Vierling and Maton go, as both were fan favorites and I'll forever associate both with the improbable march to the World Series in 2022.  Both came up with the team in 2021, filling in at various times as regulars.  Maton appeared in 86 games for the Phillies, batting .254.  He'll be remembered for the game-winning home run he hit off the Marlins' Sandy Alcantara in mid-September and the walk-off single against the Reds in early September to keep the Phillies' play-off hopes alive.

Vierling appeared in 151 games, batting .260 with eight home runs and 38 RBIs.  He struggled in the postseason, batting just .154 while getting starts in center field in Games 2 and 6 of the World Series.  Vierling had a few big hits in 2022, including his ninth inning home run off Brewers' closer Josh Hader in June and a 10th inning walk-off single against the Blue Jays in late September.  Doug fortunately got him to autograph a few cards at the Philly Show a month ago.

Donny Sands made it into three games with the Phillies in 2022, going 0 for 3.  He was used sparingly, but was on the active roster for 21 games.  Sands received a card in the IronPigs team set to mark his time with the club.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Mark Appel - rhp (11/11/22) - Elected free agency.
• Jorge Bonifacio - of (11/11/22) - Elected free agency.
• Nick Duron - rhp (11/11/22) - Elected free agency.
• Yairo Munoz - inf (11/11/22) - Elected free agency.
• Bubby Rossman - rhp (11/11/22) - Elected free agency.
• Nick Maton - inf , Matt Vierling - of and Donny Sands - c (1/7/23) - Traded to the Detroit Tigers for Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Taijuan Walker - rhp (12/16/22) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the New York Mets.
• 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.
• Gregory Soto - lhp and Kody Clemens - inf (1/7/23) - Acquired from the Detroit Tigers for Nick Maton, Matt Vierling and Donny Sands.