"We don't really pay attention to that," Greene said of the Phillies' 31-37 record. "We're here because we have skills to improve and to learn to play the game as a professional."
Greene was taken in the first round of the 2011 draft, 39th overall. Quinn went in the second round. Neither of them signed until August, missing any chance of heading to rookie ball. Together, they commanded more than $1.7 million for signing, with Greene getting $1 million.
Greene looks like a shorter Ryan Howard, with raw power but poor plate discipline. Quinn looks like a leaner Jimmy Rollins and has speed not often seen in the majors, but he will need to get on base more consistently to earn a promotion.
"It's been a long wait, man," Quinn said. "It was worth it. It's just about getting better every day now."
They will learn from minor-league journeyman Andy Tracy, who spent three seasons in the Phillies organization and is in his first season as a manager.
Last year, Major League Baseball allowed contract negotiations between teams and draft picks to carry into August, but this year all deals must be signed by 11:59 p.m. on July 13, which means more draftees will make their professional debuts sooner.
The Phillies' 2012 fourth- and seventh-round selections, first baseman Chris Serritella and pitcher Hoby Milner, respectively, already are in Williamsport after signing deals.
"The tools that the scouts drafted them on are there," Tracy said. "We just have to build on them."
With his crazy speed, Quinn wreaks havoc on the basepaths. In the first inning, he hit a chopper to shortstop and advanced to second on a throwing error. Three pitches later, he stole third. He went home when Spikes catcher Ryan Hornback airmailed the throw to third. And just like that, Williamsport led, 1-0, after an infield hit and before the second batter finished his at-bat.
Greene played left field, but he may move to first base as he progresses. Quinn played shortstop. The duo were ranked the No. 11 and No. 12 Phillies prospects respectively by philly.com this spring.
On a damp Monday night, as fans filed in through the white picket fences outside and a local jazz band played, Greene and Quinn sat together and quietly reflected on their long road to the pros. It didn't matter that they were about to go a combined 1 for 8. They were playing a meaningful baseball game. And that's all they have wanted to do the last 13 months.
Contact Chad Graff at 215-854-4550 or at cgraff@philly.com. Follow @ChadGraff on Twitter.
