Nate is on the road, but that doesn't stop him from spreading the news about the notable prospect performances going on in the Cactus League. Rhys is at home, wondering what Phillies pitching prospect could be a monster late-inning weapon for them.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
The worst part of Spring Training is the injuries, and this Gerrit Cole one is not great; as of writing this, he is going to get a second opinion, so here is hoping everything looks better the second time around. We have Nate on a diminished Cactus League because of rain in Arizona...I know, weird, right? Rhys is over enjoying the Grapefruit League.
Samuel Basallo, C BAL (Grapefruit League) 1-for-3, 3B, 3 RBI
Not a bad day for one of the best hitting prospects in all the land. Samuel Basslo looks to be the next in a long line of reinforcements for the Orioles. Maybe he can pitch in as the backup catcher from time to time, but ultimately, he will be rotating around as a first-base or designated hitter type. He has some of the craziest raw power in all of the minors, and if an injury happens, I expect him to be up rather quickly.
Luke Keaschall, DH MIN (Grapefruit League) 2-for-2, 2B, R, BB
Can you imagine playing a long-season stretch with a torn UCL? Keaschall did that, and he thinks it made him more selective as a hitter because he had to grapple with how bad it hurt to swing. Keaschall’s bat-to-ball skills are easily plus, and in a lineup that might need a consistent everyday option, Keaschall should be able to provide some much-needed certainty with a lineup that is filled with variance, mostly because of health and whatever Matt Wallner does during his extreme hot and cold stretches.
Chace might have one of the best fastballs in all of the majors, and it will be interesting to see if the Phillies just fast-track him to the bullpen, where he might be one of their 3-4 best options. It has that vertical ride you want up in the zone, and it is such a formidable offering for batters to square up. Think along the lines of a Jared Jonesesque fastball. Oh, and all of that to go along with a nice slider as well. I would fast-track him to the bullpen and let him eat, but the Phillies have become a good organization for pitchers and might be able to round up the command a half-grade.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Watch Path to the Show on Bally Sports Live & Stadium! | Amateur and Dynasty Team Writer/Podcaster | I love the Tennessee Volunteers, milk, pitchers, catchers, & you <3 P4:13
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
