CLEARWATER, Fla. - A month ago, 21 amateur scouts, four scouting supervisors and two coordinators went to Citizens Bank Park for a meeting before the busy season started. The scouts presented Johnny Almaraz, the Phillies' scouting director, with lists of top 15 draft prospects from their coverage areas.
The preparation for this summer's draft, held three months from now, carries a higher importance than normal. The Phillies will pick first in every round. They have more bonus money to spend than any other club. It is a chance to infuse even more talent into the rebuilding process.
That is why the organization will devote resources in the next three months to putting more eyes in the field.