Notes from LHV. Abel moves up to today, Crismatt likely tomorrow. Also interesting is that the Phillies have the more sophisticated pitch monitoring devices at Clearwater and LHV but not in between, so Ranger's rehab might stay in Clearwater for one more start before a bump to LHV. Painter too could spend little time in the in between levels.

He was only throwing 92-94, and mostly on the low side of that. 40 degrees and wind may have something to do with that. His slider was fine, but in terms of big league quality it would be an ok third pitch.

Morgan looks athletic and strong, some good run on his fastball and the sweeper is a good pitch when he gets it near the plate, but he’s all over the place and not throwing hard enough to miss bats.

Two guys billed as being high velo arms that aren’t putting on much of a show out oft the gate.

All things aside, Aroon Esobar is the biggest story in the minors so far this year. Advanced hit tool combined with family pedigree = top 100 prospect in my book.

Nieves Izaguirre on the way as well (signed this January 2025) and part of the same family pedigree and good hit tool.

McGarry with another 4 no-hit innings a fed 5 k, 3 bb. He was throwing with confidence and rythm, and a big league nasty slider. Something looks a little different, like it’s a slightly lower arm slot throwing a 2 seamer. He was consistently down in the zone in a way I don’t remember seeing from him before.

I thought Reading was going to be very good, especially offensively, but they are really struggling out of the gate.

Abel started strong, wheels came off in the 5th.

Had the third out on a K (of former Phillies' prospect Jon Singleton), obvious strike was called a ball, somehow pigs didn't challenge, that loaded the bases and Abel gave up a double for 3 runs. All in all, compared to recent years, it was a good outing.