Lakewood BlueClaws: Pace-of-play rules await as FirstEnergy Park debut arrives

LAKEWOOD - Marty Malloy didn't think there was anything wrong with baseball.

Then, in February, Minor League Baseball announced a host of new rules geared toward reducing the length of extra innings games and the number of mound visits during a game.

"Ten mound visits? I hope I don't need that many because if I do, we're in trouble," the second-year Lakewood BlueClaws manager said. "They've laid down these new rules, and we have to abide by them. Some of us agree with them, some of us don't. We have all opinions.

"Personally, I didn't think there was a problem with the game."

Fair enough, but when the BlueClaws, the Low-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, face the Delmarva Shorebirds (Baltimore Orioles) on Thursday in their home-opener, things on the diamond could look very different if the game goes to extra innings.

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In addition to the limit of 10 mound visits per team at the MiLB level, the other key rule change is that extra innings will begin with a runner on second base. The runner at second base will be the player in the batting order position previous to the leadoff batter of the inning (or a substitute for that player). For example, if the No. 3 hitter is leading off the inning, the No. 2 will begin the inning on second.

There are additional rule changes at the AA and AAA levels, where there will be a 15-second pitch clock when there are no runners on base. A pitch clock has been discussed at the major league level, but has yet to be instituted.

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Pace-of-play rules changes are going to be an adjustment for everyone, but then consider what that adjustment might be like for this BlueClaws roster, which is mostly very young and in some cases, getting their first taste of professional baseball.

"I think we have an exciting group," Malloy said. "We have a lengthy lineup that can hit in several spots. It's always interesting to see how kids react to this level. We do have some guys that have played at the college level. Hopefully, they have some maturity that will help the younger guys out."

3 BlueClaws to watch: Tony Graham rates the top MLB prospects

From the Shore to the Show. That's the path traveled by Carlos Tocci, a former center fielder for the BlueClaws (2013-15), who on March 31 debuted in the Big Leagues when he trotted out to center field for the Texas Rangers.

A day earlier, another former BlueClaw, Scott Kingery, the No. 3 prospect in the Phillies system according to Baseball America, played in his first Major League game when he manned third base for the Phillies in Atlanta.

Overall since the inception of the BlueClaws in 2001, 82 players have passed through Lakewood, the low Class A Philadelphia affiliate on their way to the Major Leagues.

Top players

Which of this season’s Lakewood players have the best chances to reach the majors? Here are the strongest candidates, ranked.

1. Outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz

Age:19. Height 6-3, Weight 215. Bats/Throws R/R.

How acquired: Free agent 2015. 2017 statistics at Williamsport (New York-Penn League): .302, 8 HR, 30 RBI, 47 games.

Background: When the Phillies signed the then 16-year old from the Dominican Republic, scouts believed he had raw power rarely seen at that age on the international market. He was not overmatched as a 17-year old in his first professional season in 2016, batting .231 with 8 home runs and 27 RBI over 47 games in the Rookie Gulf Coast League. Ortiz' power has already been compared to Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins.

Player analysis from Joe Jordan, Phillies Director of Player Development: "He's done everything he needed to do at spring training on top of last summer to earn a right to go to Lakewood and compete at that level."

Lakewood manager Marty Malloy: "What a special player. A lot of power, big time arm.’’

2. Pitcher Spencer Howard

Age 21. 6-3, 205, R/R.

How acquired: Round 2, 2017 Draft. 2017 at Williamsport: 1-1, 4.59 ERA, 9 games.

Background: Howard almost gave up baseball in his senior year of high school, considered opting for volleyball. He signed with the Phillies for a reported $1.15 million.

Analysis from Jordan: "There's three-pitch potential with him. I think it's a matter of (him) getting professional innings and getting professional experience.''

Baseball America Scouting Report: "He sits at 91-94 mph (fastball) which is his best pitch getting swinging strikes in the strike zone thanks to the late finish on his pitch."

3. Outfielder Simon Muziotti

Age:19. 6-1, 175, L/L

How acquired: Free agent 2016. 2017 at Gulf Coast Phillies: .269, 14 RBI, 8 SB, 33 games.

Background: Originally signed by Boston, Muziotti became a free agent in 2016 because Major League Baseball penalized the Red Sox for trying to circumvent the rules during the previous international signing period. The Phillies were able to sign the then 17-year old to a $750,00 bonus after he had already been paid $300,000 by the Red Sox.

Baseball America Scouting Report: "Muziotti still needs to get stronger but he has the upside to be an everyday centerfielder with impact potential on both sides of the ball.''

Other top contenders: IF Jake Scheiner, IF Daniel Brito

Honorable Mention: 1B Quincy Nieporte, RHP Ramon Rosso, LHP Will Stewart.

3 must-see promotional nights at FirstEnergy Park

April 27, Stranger Things Night: I love a good minor league ballpark theme night, and this here is well-played by the folks in charge. Stranger Things on Netflix has been all the rage, so this is timely. The giveaway here, Dustin Henderson's trucker hat, is a goof look.

June 15: BlueClaws Christmas Vacation: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a timeless classic. If you are a parent of a certain age, it is in your contract to teach your kids about the Griswalds. The giveaway? A family Truckster ornament with the BllueClaws logo on the door.

July 28, BruceClaws Night: I have a confession, and it may disappoint you. As a sportswriter from New Jersey, I should like Bruce Springsteen's music, but I don't. I never did. I'm sorry. You New Jerseyans, though, you probably like Springsteen very much, so the team's 11th annual Springsteen Appreciation Night is for you.

“3 BlueClaws to watch: Tony Graham rates the top MLB prospects’’ was submitted by the Lakewood BlueClaws

Staff Writer Josh Newman: jnewman@app.com; @Joshua_Newman