Phillies Spring Training Discussion 2024

[fish]

We probably need to accept that Rojas will never swing much of a bat.

He’s shown he can hit high velocity, that’s a good first step, and he seems to be able to recognize spin.

It does seem to be an issue of a disconnect between his upperbody and legs, which is something an athlete like him should be able to figure out with reps.

[andyb]

Rosario will almost certainly make the Nats. He is batting 5th in the projected lineups I have seen. Less room for Winker. Age is not really a concern on these 1-year deals and both Wood and Crews are likely up by midseason if not sooner anyway.

[Jazzhead]

Pham is a RHB. Sounds like he's signing with the Padres too. The Phillies made their choice with Merrifield. Rosario is the LHB they let get away.

I see that David Peralta is on a minor league deal and has the ability to opt out if he doesn't make the Cubs roster. He would seem to be the type of left handed outfield bat the Phils may be looking for.

[zambonir]

Agreed. He's not actually good, but he's still probably better than Cave (even if Cave is a better fielder).

[phillychuck]

Clemens has played very well this spring. Making it hard to make a decision of the Phils.

[xogfog]

Clemens has played well, but of all the guys fighting for the last spot, I'd prefer Wilson, due to his RH power and positional versatility.

[andyb]

Keith Law (of all people) predicting a semi-breakout for Pache. Thinks they will send Rojas down and Pache will do better than expected.

MLB breakout candidates: CJ Abrams, Jordan Walker and others set to leap forward...

[zambonir]

Neither Clemens nor Wilson are really viewed as OFs. And there's no room for a RHB on the bench with Merrifield and Sosa taking two spots (or Pache if Rojas doesn't make it and you call Merrifield a starter). Wilson's best position still 3B and you've got Bohm, Sosa and possibly Merrifield there too.

I'd give Clemens a shot over Cave if he could play LF, and they wanted to play him instead of Bohm once a week.

But, mostly I still think none of these stats mean a thing. I think Clemens was very good last spring too, and we know Cave and Darrick Hall were as well.

I don't think Law knows anything but if they did do that, there is really no downside to making Pache the starting CF and playing him every day. He will play good enough defense to make up for a poor bat just the same as Rojas,considering you'd also get better defense in LF from Marsh too. And if he fails then you let him go, but you've found out. If they let him go next week, it will be another team that finds out.

[andyb]

Law is recommending something. Assume there is no special knowledge. As I have said before, Rojas skipped AAA and had barely conquered AA offensively. It is not a surprise if he needs some AAA time and Pache could easily be almost as good as him. Rojas is the better future prospect but that does not mean he is ready.

[zambonir]

Too bad Law's not still working in a front office that could trade for Pache!

[Austinfan]

Watching Sanchez, he definitely has had a velo jump, mostly 94-95, down to 93 after 60 pitches but still hit 95 before he left the game. Command a bit off, but it's spring training.

[zambonir]

Might see Schwarber in LF a lot sooner than we thought

[Harper will] be playing on Opening Day. The Phillies had no doubts about that. It’s a matter of how much first base Harper can play, especially early in the season, and the Phillies might have to be flexible on that.

Matt Strahm, the Phillies' do-it-all lefty reliever; Bryce Harper update; camp...

[julio]

Prior to today’s game, the Phillies made the following roster moves:

INF/OF Weston Wilson was optioned to Lehigh Valley (AAA).

RHP David Buchanan, C’s Cam Gallagher & Aramis Garcia and OF Jordan Luplow were reassigned to minor league camp.

— Philadelphia Phillies ( @Phillies ) March 22, 2024

[David_Criss]

Getting close to knowing the final roster. I keep hearing Rojas is a lock. Rojas is a lock. The kid is only 23 and skipped AAA all together last year. To me, it just seems like a lot of pressure to expect him to master hitting and keep up with the amazing glove at the big league level.

To me more and more it looks like he needs to start at AAA. Having Pache makes this easier. Let Rojas play everyday without pressure at AAA and work on his swing. I also think they should keep Clemens over Cave. But that is just me.

But is it the end of the world if Rojas and Cave make the team over Pache and Clemens? Nope. These are good problems to have.

What about the bullpen - Bellatti, Ortiz, Marte, Brogdon - which one do you cut?
Does Walker start on the DL or stay in extended spring training? They won't need a fifth starter for a couple weeks.

Just a thought.

[zambonir]

Bellatti is no longer on the 40. It will probably be Ortiz and Marte and Brogdon, or someone else who can't be optioned (Turnbull can be if he accepts). Covey will still be in the mix once he comes off the IL.

Jose Ruiz (also not on 40) still there too right?

[andyb]

With Walker a little shaky I have to think Turnbull makes the team as someone who can give you 2-3 innings. Assume Marchan is going on the 60-day IL so they will have a roster spot to play with. More is they have to DFA some players without options.

[Austinfan]

Doubt Caves would be claimed, Clemons is 27 and having a hot spring.
I don't think they'll really worry about DFA marginal RPs, if Brogdon isn't good enough to make the team, at 29 they won't lose sleep if he's claimed.

[andyb]

Who is Caves? Jake Cave, on the other hand, does seem to be the most likely earn the last spot because he is playing well and they might need more OF defense if Harper has to DH some (and someone else has to play 1B). Clemens is less good in the outfield so Cave probably has the upper hand if they don't go outside the organization.

[Austinfan]

What makes you think Sosa is a lock?
Clemons can play 3B, Stott can play SS, Merrifield 2B.

[andyb]

Sosa is the only reserve seen as capable of playing good defense in the middle infield. Merrifield and Clemens do not do that and they probably do not want Stott to move around any more other than in an emergency. They did not do it at all last season.

Clemens could still make the roster and that might be about getting a left-handed 3B bat more than anything. If the need is more in the OF though (i.e. Rojas may not play all the time against RHP) then Cave is the better fit.