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Philadelphia Phillies: 8 players to keep an eye on during Spring Training

By David Esser

LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 05: Matt Moore #51 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the Spring Training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 5, 2019 in Lakeland, Florida. The Blue Jays defeated the Tigers 5-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB photos via Getty Images)
LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 05: Matt Moore #51 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the Spring Training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 5, 2019 in Lakeland, Florida. The Blue Jays defeated the Tigers 5-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB photos via Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Phillies Sam Coonrod
Jul 21, 2020; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Sam Coonrod (65) pitches the ball against the Oakland Athletics during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Sam Coonrod, RHP

One of the before mentioned relievers that Dave Dombrowski acquired via trade this offseason, right-hander Sam Coonrod very much has the makings of a “project” this spring. While his fastball velocity was exceptional last season with the San Francisco Giants (98.7 MPH), his on-field results were not. He allowed 17 hits and 16 earned runs across just 14.2 innings of work.

Coonrod’s box score numbers were significantly better the year prior (3.58), but his FIP sat at a pretty brutal 5.24. Definitely a pitcher who needs some serious work if he’s going to reach a consistent level of play.

If the Philadelphia Phillies new pitching coach – Caleb Cotham – can work some voodoo magic on Coonrod, he could end up as a solid high-velocity arm for Joe Girardi to turn to out of the ‘pen. On the flip side, if Coonrod continues to struggle with his location and control during Spring Training, he could end up as a “DFA” candidate.

The Phillies didn’t give up much for Coonrod, so it’s very much a low-risk/high-reward type signing. Either way, his performance during the spring will likely dictate his status come Opening Day – and if he’ll be a realistic option working out of a bullpen that desperately needs impact arms here in 2021.

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