Section 215
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Phillies Prospects To Watch In IronPigs Season Opener Tonight

By George Kondoleon

Mar 11, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Williams (65) is congratulated by manager Pete Mackanin (45) after he scored against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Williams (65) is congratulated by manager Pete Mackanin (45) after he scored against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Phillies have some highly touted prospects kicking off their season tonight for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Who will shine through on MiLB’s Opening Day?

The talk surrounding the Phillies usually ends up back in the farm system. And on Thursday night, a big part of that farm system will be in the spotlight for the AAA Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ opening day matchup against the Pawtucket Red Sox.

The IronPigs are coming off their best season, and hope to be back near the top of the International League. To do so, they will feed off the play of some of the Phillies’ top prospects. Here’s who to watch on opening night.

Jake Thompson, SP

Jake Thompson is coming off a terrific year where he won International Player of the Year. Many thought Thompson could inch his way onto the MLB roster, but a sore right wrist made his Spring Training audition a short one.

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Thompson will try to build off a year where he went 11-5 in 21 starts, recording a sparkling 2.50 ERA with 87 strikeouts. Thompson’s stuff gives him the promise of a top of the rotation pitcher, and he can prove it in his opening start for the IronPigs. The Phillies pitching staff is in question, but they may have a future bolster in Thompson.

As the Opening Day starter, Thompson has the chance to start his MLB auditions early on.

Jorge Alfaro, C

Alfaro may be the closest prospect to reach the Phillies roster. His 15-homerun season in AA Reading last year has him pinned as the team’s catcher of the future. There are still questions about his footwork behind the plate, and whether he’s limited at that position or better suited at first.

It’ll be imperative to watch his play behind the plate, but also his consistency at the plate. Alfaro was overwhelmed in his first Major League stint last season, going 2-for-17. Alfaro finding his rhythm in AAA will only help his chances of reaching the Phillies sooner than later.

J.P. Crawford, SS

J.P. Crawford is the organization’s top prospect, so leaving him off the list would be a disservice to his potential. Crawford is trying to bounce back from a tough season at the plate, and shake off any “bust” criticisms.

Much like most young prospects, Crawford’s impatience at the plate is what is halting his breakthrough. The young shortstop has all the potential in the world to be a cornerstone player, but can only improve with a strong mentality.

At just 22-years old, Crawford is still on the expected curve. To be ahead of the curve, Crawford will have to improve at the plate from a .244 season.

Rhys Hoskins, 1B

Rhys Hoskins’ future with the team is in question, depending on the play of current Phillies first-baseman Tommy Joseph and the positional assessment of Alfaro. But Hoskins is a power bat that can catch the eyes of teams around the league. The Phillies would be smart to keep him close however, as Hoskins blasted 38 home runs and 116 RBI in AA Reading.

Hoskins will have a good time tormenting pitchers in Coca-Cola Park as well, as the powerful right-handed bat will try to push his career forward at age 24.

The Outfield

The outfield prospects the Phillies obtain in the Lehigh Valley is enough to make anyone who follows the game giddy. Nick Williams, Dylan Cozens, and Roman Quinn all have everyday player potential, and they are all daringly close to their breakthrough.

Cozens and Williams bring big power at the plate, while Roman Quinn brings a more consistent attack. The three will hold down the outfield in an impactful way. With all three being on the 40-man roster, there’s a chance they don the Phillies pinstripes sometime this season.

Next: Section 215 Top 25 Philadelphia Athletes

If the weather holds up, the IronPigs scheduled opener is Thursday night at 7:05 pm. The game can be watched on the Service Electric Cable channel in the Lehigh Valley area, or streamed on MiLB.tv (subscription required).

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