Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
There are officially 35 days until pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater, Florida for Spring Training. The Philadelphia Phillies will be expecting the veteran players, new acquisitions and rookies they extended invitations to. One of those players invited is rookie Jesse Biddle. Is it his time to come up to the majors?
Biddle was a member of the Phillies’ double-A team in Reading last season. He became a popular subject of discussion during last season when he almost pitched a perfect game. He took it all the way to the seventh inning, and finished that game with just one hit and 16 strikeouts. Many thought Biddle was going to make his Phillies debut then.
He finished the season with a 3.64 ERA, which was just four points higher than Phillies ace Cole Hamels. His record was 5-14, which he equaled the same amount of losses as Hamels. He pitched two complete games, which shows he has the stamina and willingness to stay in the game. Biddle had 154 strikeouts, which was more than starters Kyle Kendirck and Jonathan Pettibone.
The major leagues are different than the minor leagues. Some say that the minors are easier. The level of experience the players are facing may not be the same, but the players are still playing the same game.
I believe that Biddle could make the Phillies’ major league squad this season. He may not make it right away, but I believe he will get the call-up at some point during the season. Biddle is just 22-years old. To have this kind of talent at such a young age is something that cannot be wasted by the Phillies. He deserves a shot to show the major leaguers his talent.
Rebekah is a Philadelphia Phillies writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow her on Twitter and Google+
