"Number two, we want to develop each and every player to the utmost of their ability," LaMar said.
Check.
Consider the development of players such as Lehigh Valley shortstop Freddy Galvis, the strong collection of pitchers at single-A Clearwater, and the terrific first full season of single-A Lakewood's Jesse Biddle, and it's easy to see why LaMar is happy with that side of player development, too.
"You're always going to have a few players who do not develop the way they should, and we've had a few this year, but overall it was an outstanding year of moving players up and challenging them to the highest level that they could compete at and developing their skills to hopefully compete in the major leagues."
The final goal is being competitive.
Check.
The team's top five levels, from triple-A Lehigh Valley to rookie-ball Williamsport of the New York-Penn League, went into the final weekend of the season with winning records, and four of the five (Lehigh Valley, Reading, Clearwater, and Williamsport) had a chance to qualify for the postseason.
With the regular season coming to a close Monday, we're going to take one final broad look at the Phillies' minor-league season.
Best story. The Phillies farm system has had some gems this season. Worley went from opening-day starter for Lehigh Valley to candidate for National League rookie of the year, and reliever Phillippe Aumont, acquired in the Cliff Lee deal with Seattle, bounced back from a disastrous first season in the organization to emerge again as a top prospect.
Nothing, however, compares to Joe Savery's story. How often does a guy go from leading the Florida State League in hitting in April to being a lights-out reliever in the International League over five months?
That's what Savery did in 2011.
