CLEARWATER, Fla. — Scott Kingery opened the door to the conference room adjacent to Gabe Kapler’s office Monday and was quickly greeted by the Phillies manager.
“We’ve been thinking a lot about you lately,” said Kapler, surrounded by members of the Phillies brain trust.
Kingery, one of the team’s top prospects, had received a text the night before from Kapler to set up a meeting. He guessed Kapler might be joined by maybe two others. Instead, there sat general manager Matt Klentak and his assistant, Ned Rice. First base coach Jose Flores and minor-league infield coordinator Chris Truby also were there, as were special assistant to the general manager Jorge Velandia and player-information coordinators Sam Fuld and Ben Werthan.