We’re jumping back in at #4 today. Some of these updates are briefer than others…

3 Star Athletes

4. Trevor May, Age 20, NEUTRAL: Keeping May up at #4 was a tough choice. His stuff is fantastic with some scouts calling it the best in the system, but he’s plagued with walks, racking up 47 in 56.2 IP. It’s his 78 K’s over that period that show just how good his stuff is, but I wonder if he isn’t trying too hard to get those strike outs. The issue here is simple, the control has to improve. If it does, the Phillies could have a great arm to pair with Cosart. If it doesn’t they’ll be hoping they can squeeze some relief innings out of him. 4 Star upside, 2 star downside.

5. Sebastian Valle, Age 19, NEUTRAL: Like with May, Valle doesn’t feel like a #5 but I’m not quite ready to upgrade some of the guys I like below him. Right now he’s merely surviving the Sally League while continuing to show good power for a 19 year old catcher by bashing 8 home runs. There’s not much else new to say about him, the defense remains a passing concern, but we’re not going to know if it’s a true issue until he fills out. As a reminder, Valle isn’t a prospect if he isn’t catching.

6. Tyson Gillies, Age 21, NEUTRAL: Gillies was on the DL from May 10th to June 15th so he hasn’t done anything to warrant a change in ranking. When he went on the DL he was just starting to pick things up so he’s one to keep an eye on. In his one game back, he went 1-5 with an SB. He still has 4 star upside

7. Phillippe Aumont, Age 21, STOCK DOWN: Le sigh…Aumont went from showing some encouraging signs of life to imploding. Downgrading him to #7 is probably an overreaction on my part given his physical tools, but I’m concerned that he’s more than a little bit broken right now. Word on the street is that the fastball isn’t the heavy sinker the Phillies thought they were buying. Aumont was recently demoted to Clearwater where’s he’s had two appearances out of the bullpen. This is frustrating to watch…

8. Jiwan James, Age 21, STOCK UP: James is a personal favorite of mine and epitomizes the Phillies prospect profile. Jiwan spent the better part of two years in the system as a pitcher before converting back to OF. He couples great speed with a powerful arm, raw power at the plate, and decent contact skills. His plate discipline still leaves a lot to be desired. After a very slow start to the season, James has heated up in June, catching multiple comments from prospect maven Kevin Goldstein. He’ll need to show his June success is the result actual improvement rather than natural variation. If he does he could become one of our top prospects very quickly as his tools rate out as similar to Dom Brown’s. It’ll probably be a bumpy, slow climb up the organizational ladder for James. Jiwan has 5 star upside if you squint although he could crash and burn against advanced pitching. I look at James as one of those Garrett Jones/Raul Ibanez type players who don’t figure things out until late in their careers.

9. Brody Colvin: Age 19, STOCK UP: Statistically, Colvin hasn’t been particularly impressive with a 4.54 ERA, 24 BB’s to 63 K’s in 69.1 IP. He jumps onto the list because he’s made some incremental improvements with his control in recent outings without sacrificing the strike outs. The Phillies aren’t likely to push Brody, but he has the foundations of a mid rotation pitcher down the road. Keep an eye on him, but he’s a long long ways away.

10. Domingo Santana: Age 17, NEUTRAL: Santana was sent to extend spring training after being over matched as the youngest player in the Sally League. Look for him in the New York Penn League soon. His bat seemingly has a large hole in it, though his plate discipline draws positive reviews. As he ages, he should get better bat control and develop strong plate skills.