Chuck LaMar, the Phillies' assistant general manager in charge of the player development department, said the Phillies waited six weeks to send Singleton to Lakewood because they wanted to make sure he was ready for what is considered a high level of competition for someone his age.
"I needed to be convinced if he struggled that he would not get away from swinging the bat forcefully," LaMar said. "Sometimes if you push young hitters, especially young power hitters, they worry about their stats and putting the ball in play rather than driving the baseball. I wanted to make sure that he'd have the mind-set to continue to drive the baseball. He has a chance to be a true power hitter when he reaches the major leagues."
So far, so good.
Here's a look at some of the Phillies' other minor-league prospects through the first two months of the season.
Lakewood
Nicholas Hernandez. The 21-year-old lefthander was off to a 3-1 start with a 1.61 ERA, but he is now on the disabled list with a weak left shoulder, and isn't likely to pitch again for at least a month.
"We've shut him down for two to three weeks and then we will let him start his program again," LaMar said. "He has to get stronger. There is some weakness in the back of his shoulder. That weakness was indicated in spring training."
Domingo Santana. The 17-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic has continued to struggle at the plate - he's hitting .194 with 64 strikeouts - but Parent said he has made great strides with his outfield play. LaMar said Santana could be sent to short-season Williamsport when that club begins its season next month.
Clearwater
