The Unheralded Battle in the Phillies’ Pen

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT:   “Any baseball is beautiful. No other small package comes as close to the ideal design and utility. It is a perfect object for a man’s hand. Pick it up and it instantly suggests its purpose; it is meant to be thrown a considerable distance – thrown hard and with precision.” – Roger Angell"

When management had their meetings regarding field personnel, they discussed the players on the parent club and others in their immediate plans. They covered Morgan’s pluses: 38 MLB outings in the last two years, a portsider among predominately right-handed hurlers and the improvement he made after a minor league stint in July and August. And if he has any shot at the 25-man roster, they believe long relief and spot starting would be it.

Even though he’s only made 12 major league starts and eight with Lehigh Valley, Asher could be a casualty because Eflin, Thompson, Lively and Appel have the first four slots in the IronPigs’ rotation. In other words, Asher could also compete there with Nick Pivetta for the fifth spot if Pivetta is ready for the Triple-A staff.

Next: Who Will Be the Eventual Phillies Closer?

Regarding MiLB pitchers, general manager Matt Klentak is keeping an eye on the stud with Clearwater he protected on the 40-man roster. Yes, because Drew Anderson recorded a 1.93 ERA in eight starts for the Threshers, the GM will probably discuss a promotion to the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils in May or June if the right-hander impresses him. And some – not all – have stated Anderson may have the best arm in the organization. So, if they are correct, the righty may shortly push someone from the IronPigs’ rotation. The domino effect!