Minor League Monthly Awards

Well it was an eventful month for the Phillies minor league system:

Lehigh Valley IronPigs: The AAA IronPigs started their first season in Allentown by posting by far the worst record in the International League at 3-24. With it, they are a whopping 15 games back after the first month. The IronPigs are a tribute of the complete lack of talent in the upper reaches of the Phillies farm system.

Reading Phillies: The AA Reading Phillies were more impressive posting a 13-12 record. Reading is also the home to most of the top Phillies prospects including SP Carlos Carrasco, SP Josh Outman, SP Andrew Carpenter, SP Fabio Castro (still just 23 years old), OF Greg Golson and C Lou Marson.

Clearwater Threshers: Despite having a decent number of solid prospects, the Clearwater Phillies (A+) got off to a dismal 9-17 start. You will find a couple of top Phillies prospects in Clearwater including SP Joe Savery out of Rice and 2B Adrian Cardenas. In addition to those two, they have several borderline prospects including SP Antonio Bastardo (off to a terrific start), SP Edgar Garcia and OF Matt Spencer.

Personally, I don't keep track of anything below A+ ball despite having a shortseason A team practically in my backyard. Until a player does something at least at the A+ level, I don't care how much "future" he has in him. That being said, here are the Player Awards for the Phillies system for April.

Player of the Month - OF Greg Golson: Golson had an outstanding first month in Reading and he appears to be continuing his pattern of having an awesome second year at each level of the minor leagues. He is a 5-tool player who appears to be on the verge of turning the corner on his tremendous athletic ability and turning into a true ballplayer. He went 32 for 100 in April while collecting 10 Extra base hits, 15 RBI, 17 Runs, 8 SB, 8 BB, and a slightly troubing 30 SOs. He had a .370 OBP and a .850 OPS for the month.

Pitcher of the Month - SP Antonio Bastardo: Scouts aren't that high on Bastardo and they have good reasons. He is short (only 5'11" tall) and has only 2 pitches at the moment. He is however a lefty and his 2 pitches are good ones. If and when he develops a legitimate 3rd pitch, he could easily be a legit starter in the majors. If not, he will likely end up as a LOOGY out of the 'Pen. He has average to above average velocity for a lefty (87-92) and his release point deceives hitters...at least at the A+ level. In 5 starts, he posted a 2-0 record with a 1.17 ERA with 47 Ks in just 30 2/3 IP. He did walk 10 batters but overall he had an outstanding month. Look for him to be promoted to Reading as soon as the weather really warms up, probably in early June.