So, it's that time again... Spring Training! And Phillies Collectors everywhere are preparing their first round of TTM requests for the the 2014 team. I started sending my requests a few weeks ago - with a few more to follow over the next week or two. This post will help answer questions Phillies fans may have regarding Spring Training TTM...
When to send:
Across Major League Baseball, when it comes to Spring Training TTM, earlier is better...and the Phillies are no exception. If you have not yet started sending out your letters, don't panic! Based on previous experiences, my general rule is to have everything out by March 1st - so, you still have time.
Where to send:
The Phillies have two unique addresses for both the Major and Minor League camps. It may work to only send to the MLB camp, but I have (successfully) used the Minor League address for those who on on not on the Major League camp roster.
Major League Camp -
Bright House Field
601 N. Old Coachman Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
Minor League Camp -
Paul Owens Training Facility at Carpenter Complex
651 N. Old Coachman Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
Who signs:
It's hard to predict. Historically the Phillies have not been the best TTM targets. However, with the recent influx of younger players, the past few years have not been too bad. Of course, there are always surprise signers, who go on a signing-binge after many dry years. My general recommendations are:
- Young players such as Justin DeFratus, Jonathan Pettibone, Ethan Martin or Cody Asche
- Current Phils with good TTM success rates, like Mike Stutes, Kevin Frandsen, Darin Ruf
- Former Phils with good TTM success rates, like Erik Kratz and Vance Worley
- Minor Leaguers. I am sending to Kelly Dugan and Aaron Altherr
- Phillies coaches: Ryne Sandberg, Juan Samuel and Larry Bowa are some of the best signers in baseball
Bad bets -
- Anyone you might consider a "star". Rollins, Howard, Utley, etc will not sign TTM. The team sends pre-print postcards with a note stating they are too busy to sign. My brother is throwing a penny in the well hoping camp instructor, Roy Halladay might sign. It's worth trying - but, don't bet on it.
Good Luck - and keep me up to date on your success by connecting with either my Twitter orFacebook pages!