Every week we're going to profile one player from the Phillies' system. You all know about D-Brown, now let's find out about the rest...
Position: LHP
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 175
Drafted: Undrafted
Opening Day Age: 24
Skills: 87-91mph fastball, plus change-up, developing slider
John Sickels' Grade: C
Organizational Ranking: 18th
Flande is a relatively old guy who is relatively new to the scene. Playing in rookie ball as a 22-year old in 2008, he put together 50 solid enough innings to earn him another year. Because of his age, the Phillies decided to put him on the fast track and see what this kid could do. Last year, Flande made 26 starts directly split between Clearwater and Reading going 11-5 with an FIP coming in around 3.50. He struck out just under 7 batters a game, while keeping his walks in check (2.65 BB/9). He also threw groundballs 52% of the time and earned a spot in the Futures Game.
This year, Flande started right back in AA and is off to an encouraging start. He's 0-2 in 4 GS, but is carrying a light 1.52 ERA with a GO/AO of 1.37. What's most enouraging is that he's only struck out 6 batters all season. Even though I don't expect Yohan to be a big strikeout guy, we should see those numbers come along throughout the season. The great thing is he is pitching to contact and batters aren't doing much with it. The ERA will come up, but with a WHIP at 1.25, the success is legit.
Another reason to get excited about Yohan is Eastern League hitters had a .337 BABIP against him last year. A regression of BABIP and K/9 should allow him to put up even better numbers this year. Because of his early success and age the Phillies should stay aggressive with his development and drop him in Lehigh Valley. At 24, it's time to start seeing what he can do at the next level.
With Joe Blanton's bad outing, Kendrick's unpredictability, Happ's health, Moyer's age, and Hamels' pouty face, there is a need to establish as much rotation depth as possible. Andrew Carpenter has never done it for me, and with such a great defense, the Phillies would be right to take a look at Flande if (God I hope this doesn't happen) the needs become so. He's a guy who can keep the ball in the park and limit the walks. With the big club's offense and defense, it could transfer sufficiently later this year or beyond.
In the comments, please come up with your best Berman-esque nickname for this guy. I will kick it off with...
Yohan (Yo, Hun) "put some whipped cream on my frickin" Flande
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