With the major league season over for the Phillies, all that's left to do in the offseason is check out minor league baseball winter leagues! I do not feel like addressing major league issues at this point so this will have to suffice for now. I promise it's just as exciting. The Phils have eight of their minor leaguers playing for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League. Here's how they're doing:
Matt Rizzotti (1B - LHV) - 7-20, 5BB, 2K, 0 XBH.
Depending on how Rizz plays this fall and what the Phils decide to do with the vets on the bench, he could find a spot backing up Ryan Howard.
Tim Kennelly (C - REA) - 3-8, 2K
A good fall and continuing to play multiple spots on the diamond opens up the possibility of being a utilityman in 2012.
John Mayberry (OF - LHV) - 0-2
Haven't heard why J-May has been out for the past two weeks, but depending on the Phillies outfield situation, he could make the team as a fifth guy. I think it's more likely he gets dealt or released.
Tyson Brummett (RP - REA) - 8 IP, 4 ER, 8H, 1 HR, 0BB, 5K
I've never liked Tyson Brummett. He'll turn 27 next season and is hardcore org. filler at this point.
Justin De Fratus (RP - REA) - 2 IP, 0 ER, 0H, 1BB, 2K
Big JDF fan and think he's got a shot to make the major league team next year. It may be rushing him, but he'd be great in a cost-controlled 7th/8th inning role for years. I'm not convinced he can't be a major league starter, but he's been really effective as a reliever so if they want to go that route, I'm okay with it. At least two of he, Schwimer, and Scott Mathieson should start next season with the big club (in addition to Antonio Bastardo and Vance Worley -- hopefully as a fifth starter).
Chris Kissock (RP - REA) - 2 IP, 0 ER, 1H, 0BB, 2K
More organizational filler. No plus pitch and his sinker doesn't induce enough ground balls at the higher levels.
B.J. Rosenberg (RP - REA) - 4.2 IP, 3 ER, 7H, 2BB, 2K
All three of his runs were given up in his first outing and has since thrown three scoreless innings. B.J. is a guy that had a terrific '09, one that fastracked him from Lakewood to Reading, but injuries and ineffectiveness bumped him to Clearwater for most of 2010. He definitely needs a full season at AA before the majors are a thought, but a bounceback year could mean a bullpen spot in 2012.
Josh Zeid (RP - LWD) - 6 IP, 2 ER, 4H, 0BB, 5K
Zeid had an amazing 2010 season and probably would have gotten a promotion to Clearwater if Lakewood wasn't in the playoffs. He tallied 111 strikeouts in 107.1 innings, walking 27 and keeping hitters to a .238 average. Seven home runs allowed is a bit much, but he's got good stuff and is capable of pitching more than an inning. He's been used for three innings both of his outings in the AFL and that's the role I envision him in once he gets to Philadelphia. A 6th/7th inning swingman. If any of our higher-level relievers get the call from Amaro, Zeid would be due for a bump from Clearwater to Reading.
I'll be keeping an eye on these fellas all fall/winter long so check back for updates. I'll also have my morbid Phillies depression post up in a few days when I can think clearly.