Future Phillies VI

(Part six in an eight-part series on the young prospects in the Phillies minor league system, corner infielders.  Next: middle infielders).

1B  Durant, Michael . . . B-T: R-R . . . 6-5, 260 . . . 22 . . . Resides: Berkeley, CA . . . Selected in 4th round, 2005, out of Berkeley HS; signed by Joey Davis . . . Four-year pro . . . Spent season with Lakewood, .234, 106 G, 23 2B, 17 HR, 67 RBI; missed last 3 weeks with high ankle sprain . . . SAL in-season All-Star.

Scouting Report: “Projects as a plus power guy.  Will hit balls a long way.  Has made strides in first full season.  Moves well around the bag.  Needs to improve making contact on a consistent basis.”

1B-3B Harris, Clay . . . B-T: R-R . . . 6-4, 227 . . . 26 . . . Slidell, LA . . . Selected in 9th round, 2005, out of LSU; signed by Mike Stauffer . . . Four-year pro . . . Split season between Clearwater (44 G) and Reading (41 G); combined, .300, 85 G, 11 2B, 12 HR, 45 RBI . . . Hit .365 vs. LHP.

Scouting Report: “Shows power potential.  Makes good contact (37 SO, 257 AB). Has shown abilities to play both corner positions.  Good arm strength and good baseball instincts.”

3B Hewitt, Anthony . . . B-T: R-R . . .  6-1, 190 . . . 19 . . . Brooklyn, NY . . . Selected in 1st round, 2008, out of Salisbury (CT) HS; signed by Gene Schall . . . First-year pro . . . Made pro debut with Gulf Coast League Phillies, .197, 33 G, 7 2B, 1 HR, 9 RBI.

Scouting Report: “Very young.  Great athlete.  Ball jumps off his bat.  Power-plus potential.  Needs lots of playing time.  Will come slowly but has a high ceiling.”

3B Mattair, Travis . . . B-T: R-R . . . 6-4, 205 . . . 20 . . . Kennewick, WA . . . Selected in 3rd round, 2007, out of Southridge (WA) HS; signed by Dave Ryles . . . Two-year pro . . . Spent first full season with Lakewood, .254, 129 G, 20 2B, 4 HR, 52 RBI.

Scouting Report: “Good hands; makes the play coming in very well.  Needs experience in the field and at-bat.  Very good work habits.”

1B Murphy, Jim . . . B-T: R-R . . . 6-3, 245 . . . 23 . . . Pullman, WA . . . Selected in 17th round, 2008, out of Washington State U.; signed by Dave Ryles . . . First-year pro . . . Split season between Gulf Coast League Phillies (28 G) and Williamsport (31) with 3 games at Clearwater; combined, .281, 62 G, 5 HR, 30 RBI . . . Hit safely in first 9 pro games (.355).

Scouting Report: “College kid who overmatched the GCL. Has an idea at the plate.  Has power potential.  Handles himself well around the bag.”

3B Overbeck, Cody . . . B-T: R-R . . . 6-1, 195 . . . 22 . . . Atoka, TN . . . Selected in 9th round, 2008, out of U. of Mississippi; signed by Mike Stauffer . . . First-year pro . . . Made pro debut at Williamsport, 272, 75 G, 18 2B 12 HR, 57 RBI.

Scouting Report: “Good looking third base prospect.  Has the knack for driving in runs.  Like many first-year players, he needs a lot of playing time to polish skills.”