Rookies on the 2011 Playoff Teams: Philadelphia Phillies

Rookies on the 2011 Playoff Teams: Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies lineup is primarily dominated by veterans, but several rookie pitchers contributed this year, most notably starting pitcher Vance Worley.

Antonio Bastardo, LHP: 26-year-old Dominican signed in 2005, performed very well in relief this year, going 6-1, 2.64 with eight saves and a 70/26 K/BB in 58 innings, with a miniscule .144 average against. 90-94 MPH fastball and slider combination is quite effective, and while he had some good luck in the BABIP department this year, I don't see any reason why he won't remain successful.

Domonic Brown, OF: Tool-laden outfielder drafted in the 20^th round from high school in Georgia in 2006, entered '11 as one of the elite prospects in the game. Hit just .245/.333/.391 in 184 major league at-bats, but at age 23/24 his potential remains quite high. He draws walks, and with more experience he can still be a star.

Justin De Fratus, RHP: 11^th round pick in 2007 from Ventura Community College, dominated the minors with 2.99 ERA with a 99/25 K/BB in 75 innings in Double-A/Triple-A, with 15 saves. Gave up two runs in four major league innings, with a 3/3 K/BB. Fastball/slider combination makes him ideal short reliever with potential to close. Age 23.

Michael Martinez, UT: Dominican originally signed by the Washington Nationals in 2005. 29 years old, claimed in the Rule 5 draft last fall, hit .196/.258/.282 in 209 at-bats for the Phillies. Not much of a bat, but he is very versatile with the glove, seeing time at third base, second base, shortstop, center, and left.

Scott Mathieson, RHP: Hard-throwing Canadian drafted in the 17^th round back in 2002. Career has been slowed by frequent injuries and command troubles, but he posted a 3.28 ERA with an 83/50 K/BB in 82 innings in Triple-A, and threw five shutout innings in the majors. Age 27, he could fill a relief role next year although some scouts still think he can be an effective starter.

John Mayberry, Jr,, OF: First-round pick in 2005 by the Rangers out of Stanford, son of former major leaguer John Mayberry. It took junior several years to get his plate discipline and swing mechanics in order, but he proved useful for the Phillies this year, hitting .273/.341/.513 with 15 homers in 267 at-bats at age 27.  

Joe Savery, LHP: First-round pick out of Rice in 2007. Plagued by velocity loss in pro ball, his career looked on the ropes a year ago and he began 2011 playing first base in High-A. His velocity returned to previous standards in June and he returned to the mound, posting a 1.50 ERA with a 41/6 K/BB in 36 innings between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, then throwing 2.2 shutout innings in the majors. With his stuff back, he should settle nicely into a relief role next year.

Michael Schwimer, RHP: 14^th round pick in 2008 from the University of Virginia. Huge at 6-8, 240, posted a 1.85 ERA with an 86/22 K/BB in 68 innings in Triple-A, collecting 10 saves. Posted 5.02 ERA with 16/7 K/BB in 14 innings in the majors. Fastball ranges between 88 and 93, and he mixes in a slider and changeup. Should be useful middle reliever.

Michael Stutes, RHP: 11^th round pick in 2008 from Oregon State, posted a 3.63 ERA with a 58/28 K/BB in 62 major league innings, 49 hits allowed. 92-95 MPH fastball, mixes in a curve and slider. Generally a very competent relief pitcher although his command can be spotty.

Vance Worley, RHP: A third-round pick in 2008 from Long Beach State, Worley was a revelation in the majors, going 11-3, 3.01 with a 119/46 K/BB in 132 innings, with 116 hits allowed. He has good command of his 88-92 MPH fastball and effectively mixes in a slider, changeup, and occasional curve. The 24-year-old was well-supported by his teammates, but his FIP at 3.31 was solid and I don't see why he can't be a very effective inning-eater going forward.