Phillies stock watch: Risers and fallers from Spring Training game #1
By David Esser
The Philadelphia Phillies first Spring Training game is officially in the books, and boy was it something. As grateful as we all are to finally have MLB baseball back, following along as the Phils got thrashed 10-2 was probably not how most people would’ve preferred this first warmup game to go.
Granted, the Phillies were fielding a skeleton squad compared to what their actual lineup will look like come Opening Day. Joe Girardi was very much “getting a feel” for a few guys – players who are either fighting for a starting gig this spring, or competing for a roster spot altogether.
Stock watch from the Phillies first Spring Training game.
With that in mind, here were the major stock “risers” and “fallers” from the Phillies first Spring Training game:
More from Section 215
- 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
- Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
- 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
- Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
- Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles
STOCK DOWN: Ivan Nova
The most obvious stock faller from today’s seven inning affair, RHP Ivan Nova might have pitched himself out of the league this afternoon.
Getting the start as a fringe depth arm looking to crack the back-end of the Phils’ rotation, Nova completely collapsed after just a handful of batters. He gave up a leadoff HR to begin his outing, and then allowed four consecutive baserunners immediately thereafter. The veteran starter recorded just one out despite throwing 27 pitches, and departed the game with a 135.0 ERA.
It might sound a tad harsh, but I genuinely think that might be all she wrote when it comes to Nova’s career in Philadelphia
Stock UP: Adam Haseley
Getting the start in the leadoff position today, Adam Haseley wasted little time making a first impression this spring. He blasted an opposite field HR on just the second pitch of the game, and later recorded a walk as well.
For a guy looking to snag himself an everyday job out in CF this season, it was a picture perfect start.
Stock DOWN: David Hale
One of Matt Klentak’s ill-fated bullpen additions from last season, David Hale initially projected to have himself a spot on the major league bullpen in 2021. He finished off last year in above average form, and he’s of course already on a major league contract.
However, after Hale’s shaky performance this afternoon (2 hits, 1 run, 1 walk over 1.0 innings), the Phillies might want to think twice about including him in their future plans. Girardi and Dave Dombrowski will likely see how guys like Tony Watson, Brandon Kintzler, and Hector Rondon fare before making any decisions on Hale.
Stock UP: Bryan Mitchell
Another fringe veteran looking to win himself a major league job this spring, RHP Bryan Mitchell by far had the best day of all the Phillies pitchers. The 29 year old righty went two solid innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three.
Mitchell hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2018, but he brings some added versatility as someone who can start games and work out of the bullpen. Worth keeping an eye on.
Stock DOWN: Scott Kingery
Haseley’s main competition out in center field this season, Scott Kingery did not have a day worth remembering. He went 0-3, striking out once and leaving two men on base.
While there’s plenty of time for Scott to turn things around this spring, Haseley is definitely ahead in that battle for CF at the moment.
The Phillies play again on Monday, and it sounds like at least a handful of starters will find themselves worked into the action. Continuing to follow along with all of these quasi-practice games should ultimately give us an idea in regards to how the team’s final roster will end up shaking out.