Round 1: Joe Savery, LHP
Savery had a good start to his pro career last summer at Williamsport (2-3,
2.73) and started the season well at Clearwater in 2008, but things have
fallen apart of late. Savery was 1-1, 0.90 after his first three games this
season, but went 0-3 with an 8.01 ERA in his next eight starts. The good news
is that Savery looked more like the early season version of himself when he
started Wednesday night against Daytona and went seven innings and allowed
just one earned run while striking out seven.
It's not unusual for young pitchers to hit a wall and there's no real need
to worry about Savery since he appears healthy and figures to be able to
straighten himself out. If anything, it just tempers spirits a little as far
as how quickly Savery could be in the majors.
Supplemental Pick: Travis D'Arnaud, C
While he didn't turn a lot of heads in his pro debut in the Gulf Coast
League in 2007, D'Arnaud showed some very good signs. D'Arnaud needs to work
on developing more plate discipline, but that is more a result of learning how
to hit better pitchers and not letting them fool him, because in college he
showed a pretty good eye. As he returns to form, his average should start to
climb a little. He's got decent power and his defense is above average, so
there is a lot to like.
The Phillies kept D'Arnaud in extended camp this spring and he'll likely
start the year at Williamsport when the short-seasons kick in after the draft.
Round 2: Travis Mattair, 3B
Even though he didn't show big numbers in the Gulf Coast League
(3-21-.235), the Phillies moved him along to Lakewood in 2008 and he's had his
early struggles with the BlueClaws, but has been picking up the pace of late.
In the month of May, Mattair is hitting .267 after starting out with a .195
performance through the first month of the season. Defensively, Mattair is
struggling a little, having made ten errors already this season, which is
surprising considering that he's always been a good defensive player. Mattair
isn't a natural third baseman, so there is an adjustment curve that he'll have
to endure. His power is also going to develop as he adjusts to the pitching
and using a wood bat.
Round 3: Brandon Workman, RHP
The Phillies were unable to sign Workman and he headed off to the
University of Texas where he's gone 5-2, 5.13 in 18 games (six starts).
Supplemental Pick: Matt Spencer, LF
After a good debut at Williamsport (9-26-.263), the Phillies sent him to
Clearwater to start the 2008 season and he hasn't disappointed. The Arizona State product is hitting .269 and considering the skip that he made over
Lakewood, that's not a bad number. Spencer is going to have to make some
adjustments though, because pitchers have figured out how to get him out and
his average has been falling. Spencer is a hard worker and smart player and
he'll get back to where he was early in the year.