Savery Showing His Stuff in Arizona Fall League
Courtesy MLB.com/Ken Mandel
November 5 - Impressive stats from the Arizona Fall League aside, Joe Savery is still a great distance from Citizens Bank Park.

But he's getting there.

"Joe's been on a very good course," said Mike Arbuckle, the Phillies' assistant general manager, scouting and player development. "He's shown good command, three quality pitches. He's facing a higher level of competition without breaking stride."

The former Rice University pitcher/first baseman has shown good command of his fastball, curveball and changeup while honing his skills with the Peoria Saguaros of the AFL. Savery, the Phillies' top pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, is one of roughly 30 first-round picks peppered among the six AFL teams this offseason.

After appearing in seven games with Class A Williamsport -- logging a 2-3 record with a 2.73 ERA in 26 1/3 innings -- the affable and confident Savery hopes for a quick ascent though the Minor Leagues. Though his ability will dictate that, it goes against the Phillies' philosophy of developing prospects slowly.

Savery, 21, could start as high as Double-A Reading, but he's probably ticketed for Class A Clearwater in 2008.

"Spring Training will determine that," Arbuckle said. "The main thing was getting him up and going again, which we did. We like how he's progressed and feel he'll pitch in the Major Leagues."

How about 2008?

"At some point," Arbuckle said. "It's too early to say when."

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