Failure to Launch: The Phillies’ Shortcomings in Player Development
“Never Miss a Moment” is the catchphrase for NBC Sports Philadelphia.
For anyone who’s watched Phillies baseball over the past decade, one would believe the organization shares the same spirit as its broadcast station.
The Philadelphia Phillies have been a turnstile of emotions since their 2008 World Series victory.
They’ve contended at the highest level (the 2009 World Series loss to New York), disappointed at the highest level (a 2011 first-round playoff exit after a franchise-record 102 regular-season wins), dwindled in the basement of the NL East, and now, finally, are frustratingly mediocre.
What is striking about the Phillies over the past twelve years has not been the decade-long rebuild and the abstinence of a once rabid fanbase, but instead the methodology of player development. Or rather, the utter futility of player development.
The Phillies have maintained a “win now” temperament even in their worst years — sacrificing crucial playing time for top prospects in favor of chasing pipe dreams of playoff success.
Darin Ruf
Let’s begin with the tragedy of Darin Ruf. In 2011-2012 Darin Ruf appeared to be Ryan Howard’s sure-fire successor at first base. By 2016, after an underwhelming Major League career, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. What happened? The first in a series of brutal decisions that would hallmark Philadelphia’s player development for years to come.
Since smashing 38 homers in AA Reading, Ruf was destined for first base. The only issue was the rapidly declining stalwart Ryan Howard. Ruf was held down in AA far too long and forced to platoon at 1st and in left field (in which the slugger played worse than a high school bench player) — all of which led to an underwhelming performance at the plate. Instead of benching Howard, the Phillies never gave their top prospect room to succeed at the Major League level.
Nick Willaims
Photo: Chris Szagola/Associated Press
Next up is Nick Williams. This one still bothers me. One of the ‘gems’ of the 2015 Cole Hamels trade, Williams finished out his strong season in AA Reading with a slash line of .303/.354/.491. When the athletic outfielder made his Major League debut in June of 2017, he brought speed and power to the lineup, but also some concerns regarding his attitude and defensive abilities.
While those concerns turned out to be true — Williams posted a National League worst -9 Defensive Runs Saved in right field — he still churned out an impressive rookie year, batting .288/.388/.473 along with 12 home runs and 55 RBIs in 313 at-bats. William’s athleticism was evident, he had a rocket launcher of an arm and could fly around the bases, he just needed some time to put it all together as any rookie would.
So time to develop is what this promising prospect got, right? Wrong.
Aaron Altherr
While Williams managed to log 448 plate appearances, he only started 101 games, often used as a pinch hitter — albeit a very good one — and was forced to embrace a bench role behind fellow failed prospect, Aaron Altherr. Admittedly, Williams’ complete lack of defensive instincts and struggles against left-handed pitching helped to keep him out of the lineup, but Williams found defensive surety in his few starts in left field and had the kind of rookie season that warranted further development. In 2019, Williams’ spot in right field was usurped by the signing of a certain $330 million free agent and his offensive production sputtered to a halt. Williams was designated for assignment in August of 2020 and with that, the last piece of the 2015 Cole Hamels trade was gone.
The list of the Phillies’ development contains far more disappointments than just Nick Williams and Darin Ruf, and frankly, is too depressing to further explore. Instead, let’s take a gander at the next young Phillie with the highest risk of slipping back into the ether of the minor leagues.
Adam Haseley
Adam Haseley is another promising corner outfielder on whom I’m crossing my fingers that he won’t suffer the same fate as his predecessors. Perhaps the brightest light to emerge from the doldrums of the Phillies farm system, the University of Virginia product has shined when given the chance but was far too often benched in favor of the speedy Roman Quinn this past season. For the Phils to actually get something out of this proven college bat — seriously guys, when are we going to stop drafting spindly high school players who aren’t going to reach South Philly for another 5 years? — they need to give Haseley the starting role he deserves.
Other high-risk players include infielder/utility man Scott Kingery, Spencer Howard, Zach Eflin, and the young Mickey Moniak — who’s trip to the big leagues SHOULD NOT be rushed. Who knows, maybe the Phils will even find a way to screw up NL Rookie of the Year Finalist Alec Bohm’s development. Their track record isn’t exactly stellar. Just kidding — not about the Phils’ track record — but about Bohm. He’s amazing and always will be. I think.
Featured Image: Chris Szagola/Associated Press
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Categorized:Phillies