Hunter Pence Brings Balance, Production to Phillies Lineup

On July 30th the Phillies traded four minor league players, including top prospects Jarred Cosart (Pitcher) and Jonathan Singleton (outfielder), to Houston in exchange for Astros fan favorite Hunter Pence and $2 million.

It's been about a month and a half since the trade, and it looks like it's been a great move for Phillies fans.

Since Hunter Pence joined the Phillies at the end of July, they've won 12 out of the last 14 games; and the Phillies are averaging 4.44 runs per game.

Pence also adds a much-needed right handed bat to help balance a lineup that's certainly talented, although a bit heavy on the left side of home plate.

According to MLB.com, before the Phillies traded for Pence they were batting .249 with a .322 on-base percentage, and a .388 slugging percentage. Since the trade on July 30, the Phillies have been batting .271 with a .332 on-base percentage and .441 slugging percentage.

Before the trade, the Phillies were already one of the best teams in Major League Baseball. It looks like Pence has made a great team even stronger heading into the end of summer - and a serious run at the World Series in just a couple of months.

Phillies Sign Top MLB Draft Pick, Larry Greene

Good news for all you Phillies Baseball fans... the Philadelphia Phillies announced that they have reached an agreement with the talented 18 year old high school outfielder, Larry Greene.

Green, who also received a $1 million signing bonus, was selected by the Phillies 39th overall at the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, held from June 6 – 8, 2011 in New Jersey.

Greene, a 6 foot 1 inch, 235 pound outfielder, batted .562 this season playing for Berrien County High School in Nashville, Georgia. He also hit 19 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases to round out a solid season leading up to this year's draft.

We look forward to following Larry Greene as he works his way up the system and plays his first game for the Phillies!