Philadelphia Phillies: Ace’s Trade Under Review

When general manager Matt Klentak reviewed Alfaro’s September call-up and Williams’ final five weeks, the decision-maker anticipated both opening the season with the IronPigs. In other words, Williams must prove he can hit and coax walks for at least two months: Plate discipline equals a promotion. He averaged .161 in his last 31 games with 45 punch outs but only one free pass. On the other hand, Double D, Alfaro struck out eight times in 17 plate appearances as a Philadelphia Phillie, and it didn’t go unnoticed. He saw less playing time because of it.

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT:     “I have discovered in 20 years of moving around a ballpark, that the knowledge of the game is usually in inverse proportion to the price of the seats.” – Bill Veeck"

If you’re lucky enough to be in Clearwater on March 4, you might see the Phillies holding a one-run lead after two outs in the top of the ninth. But Pat Neshek is in a jam with runners on the corners. The batter smokes the ball toward the shortstop hole. J.P. Crawford dives to glove the scorched grounder, springs up and cocks his arm. The runner from third is speeding home but Crawford fires a bullet to Tommy Joseph. Nipped him!