Future Phillies V

(Fifth in an eight-part series on young prospects in the Phillies minor league system, catchers.  Next: Corner infielders).

D’Arnaud, Travis . . . B-T: R-R . . . 5-11, 195 . . . 20 . . . Lakewood, CA . . . Selected between 1st and 2nd round, 2007, out of Lakewood HS; signed by Tim Kissner . . . Three-year pro . . . Spent most of the season at Williamsport (.309, 48 G) before late-season promotion to Lakewood (.297, 16 G); combined, .305, 64 G, 6 HR, 30 RBI . . . Ranked #7 in Phillies minor league system by Baseball America.

Scouting Report: “Has a chance to be a good hitter with power.  Much improved behind the plate.  Wants to learn and is a good worker.”

Gosewisch, Tuffy . . . B-T: R-R . . . 5-11, 190 . . . 25 . . . Scottsdale, AZ . . . Selected in 11th round, 2005, out of Arizona State U.; signed by Therron Brockish . . . Four-year pro . . . Spent season at Clearwater, .218 in career-high 102 G, 3 HR, 34 RBI.

Scouting Report: “Takes pride behind the plate.  Handles the staff well.  Needs to work on hitting skills.”

Marson, Lou . . . B-T: R-R . . . 6-1, 198 . . . 22 . . . Scottsdale, AZ . . . Selected in 4th round, 2004, out of Coronado HS; signed by Therron Brockish . . . Five-year pro . . . EL in-season and post-season All-Star at Reading, .314, 94 G, 5 HR, 46 RBI; led EL in OBP (.433), second in hitting . . . Phillies minor league player of the month (May) . . . Starting catcher for Team USA in the Futures Game . . . Played for USA in Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal; hit .308 . . . Paul Owens Award winner as best player in Phillies minor league system . . . Ranked #3 in Phillies system by Baseball America.

Scouting Report: “Mature hitter for his age and experience.  Drives the ball to right and right center.  Power will come with experience.  Plus base runner.  Handles a staff well.  Has a chance to be a plus receiver. Driven to get better.”

Naughton, Joel . . . B-T: L-R . . . 6-1, 178 . . . 22 . . . Queensland, Australia . . . Signed as an amateur free agent, 8/32/03, by Kevin Hooker . . . Four-year pro . . . Spent season at Lakewood, .275, 86 G, 2 HR, 33 RBI . . . SAL in-season All-Star

Scouting Report: “Made strides defensively, including blocking balls in the dirt and throwing.  Needs to get stronger and catch a lot of games.”

Valle, Sebastian . . . B-T: R-R . . . 6-1, 168 . . . 18 . . . Los Mochis, San Aloa, Mexico . . . Signed as an amateur free agent, 10/6/06, by Tomas Herrera . . . Two-year pro . . . Spent first year in the states playing for the Gulf Coast League Phillies, .281, 48 games, 1 HR, 18 RBI . . . Ranked as #7 best prospect in GCL by Baseball America.

Scouting Report: “Very young player.  Gifted hitter for his age.  Not a lot of experience behind the plate.  Matured as a player a lot.  Just needs to play.”