A Minor Review of 2016: Philadelphia Phillies

Welcome to the annual series that provides both a review of your favorite teams’ 2016 season, as well as a early look toward 2017. It also serves as a helpful guide for keeper and dynasty leagues.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Graduate: Tommy Josephs (1B): It looked like Joseph’s days as a top prospect were over when injuries (concussions) forced him out from behind the plate and to first base. It just didn’t look like he would be able to produce enough power to warrant a full-time gig at an offensively-demanding position. Then he went and hit 21 home runs in 107 big league games in 2016 as a rookie. Now, his season wasn’t without flaws (such as his on-base percentage) but he’s good enough for the Phillies to finally kick incumbent first baseman Ryan Howard to the curb. Joseph, 25, has a chance to be a middle-of-the-order guy for the Phillies for at least a few years until something better comes along.

The Riser: Dylan Cozens (OF): There aren’t many prospects in baseball that are more polarizing than Cozens. He showed immense power in 2016 at the double-A level with 40 home runs and 38 doubles but he also struck out 186 times. Add in the fact that he was playing in a very good hitter’s park and you have some serious asterisks around the results (see also Rhys Hoskins, who hit 38 home runs — or Darin Ruf who enjoyed similar success in 2012 – both in the same park). Cozens, though, has a little more to offer than the others above, as he can play a respectable corner outfield and can even steal some bases (21 in ’16). At the end of the day the Phillies have a powerful prospect who’s capable of doing a few things to help a ball club win but has enough question marks to make him more of a “player to watch” in 2017 than a true top prospect.

The Tumbler: Mark Appel (RHP): Oh, Mark Appel… The man chosen first overall, ahead of Cubs star third baseman Kris Bryant. The right-hander entered pro ball with a ton of expectation and he’s produced respectable but hardly otherworldly numbers. And injuries have taken a real bite out of his development. He made just eight starts in 2016 before hitting the disabled list with a shoulder strain and later undergoing surgery for a bone spur in his throwing elbow. Now 25, Appel will look to have a strong spring and first few months of 2017 in triple-A to springboard into the Phillies big league rotation. His ceiling is somewhat diminished but the club would no doubt be happy if he could develop into a mid-rotation starter.

The ’16 Draft Pick: Mickey Moniak (OF): Selected first overall out of a California high school, Moniak already has been drawing Mike Trout comparisons — which is probably unfair to the young outfielder. However, the intense media scrutiny that comes with the draft slot hasn’t slowed him down and he had an excellent offensive debut in rookie ball where he showed the ability to hit for average, play solid defence and even run a little bit. The in-game power isn’t there just yet — he hit one home run in his debut — but he has the frame and swing to eventual hit double-digit home runs, and perhaps even threaten to become a 20-20 (homers-steals) threat. Look for Moniak to jump up to full season ball in 2017.

The Lottery Ticket: Sixto Sanchez (RHP): Sanchez’s stats will definitely grab your attention: He posted a 0.50 ERA with just eight walks and 33 hits allowed in 54 innings. Just 18, he’s not a big-time strikeout artist just yet (44 Ks) but he has the ability to work in the low-to-mid 90s with above-average control. Toss in the potential for three average or better pitches and you have an intriguing diamond-in-the-rough for the Phillies.

For reference sake, here is the 2015 Review.