Phillies catching for the 2018 Whiz Kids

Even though Rupp isn’t giving up his job so quickly, the locals are only focusing on Alfaro, not Rupp or Andrew Knapp. Granted, the second-round draft pick for 2013 behind J.P. Crawford has only 32 at-bats so far, but he has a .281 average. And, yes, the switch-hitting rookie is earning more opportunities and keeping Rupp from overuse.

In the dugout, hitting coach Matt Stairs sits right next to the batting helmets in the equipment section, where he reminds – for instance – Maikel Franco to track the ball into his swing path. And after Franco finishes his AB, coach gives him pointers regarding how the pitcher worked him. Meanwhile, Tommy Joseph listens to the third baseman describe with words and his right hand the movement of the hurler’s out pitch. Then, Joseph walks to the on-deck circle, observes his opponent, and takes practice swings during a few pitches to time his fastball.

Even thought Alfaro had injuries in the last two years, he is healthy and performing at Lehigh Valley like he did with the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils since he joined the organization. He’s batting .320 with three home runs and 14 RBIs for 100 at-bats, but Klentak will want him to produce these numbers for the first half before considering to promote him. And remember, Alfaro did not impress Mackanin last September: 17 plate appearances and eight strikeouts. Ergo, 100 ABs isn’t going to cut it.

Even thought Alfaro had injuries in the last two years, he is healthy and performing at Lehigh Valley like he did with the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils since he joined the organization. He’s batting .320 with three home runs and 14 RBIs for 100 at-bats, but Klentak will want him to produce these numbers for the first half before considering to promote him. And remember, Alfaro did not impress Mackanin last September: 17 plate appearances and eight strikeouts. Ergo, 100 ABs isn’t going to cut it.