Philadelphia Phillies: Top 25 Pitching Prospects in the System
January 20, 2012 by Greg Pinto
Filed under Fan News
When it comes to pitching, the Philadelphia Phillies are filthy, stinking rich, and they aren’t afraid to show it.
After all, how many teams can say they sent three members of their five man starting rotation to the All-Star Game? The Phillies can. How many teams can say they lost a man considered an “ace” on most clubs to a back injury during the season and replaced him with a guy who finished in third place in the National League’s Rookie of the Year voting? The Phillies can.
Impressive tidbits, no doubt, and we haven’t even mentioned the bullpen, which surrendered the fewest runs in the National League last season. Sure, Ryan Madson is wearing a different shade of red (after signing with the Cincinnati Reds,) but so is Jonathan Papelbon.
A lot of teams who have to face this pitching staff like to believe that there is trouble brewing for the Phillies. After all, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee are in their mid 30s. There’s no guarantee that Cole Hamels will be wearing red pinstripes after the 2012 season, and Vance Worley shows signs of regression.
But not so fast.
While it may be true that the Phillies’ big league staff has its share of question marks, they’ve spent a dubious amount of time preparing for the future of their pitching staff. By mixing an intriguing blend of college arms and high school prospects, the Phillies have cultivated one of the game’s strongest farm systems for pitching.
The real question is: Just who are they?
For up to the minute Phillies information, check out Greg’s blog: The Phillies Phactor.