August 4, 2023
Catcher Phil Clarke was a non-roster invitee to major league spring training this year.
“Being a NRI for spring training is a huge honor and I don’t take it for granted,” stated Clarke. “My goals this year were just getting comfortable at that level and learning about how the team operates and what it takes to play at that level. I learned a lot this year at spring training both about myself and about the game at that level.”
And his experience in big league camp was a major stepping stone for his second season with Double-A New Hampshire.
“This year in New Hampshire I wanted to get better at handling a staff,” explained Clarke. “My goal was to take a really good group of young pitchers and help them get better and be comfortable at Double-A. I also want this to be a good environment and a fun team to play on. Lastly I want to improve on my offensive numbers in my second year here and have a better plan at the plate.”
Currently slashing .254/.380/.376 in 173 at-bats this season; is a nice improvement over his .234/.343/.319 line a year ago.
Clarke made a few adjustments at the plate during the off-season, “I made a few adjustments to my stance and my load this off-season,” said Clarke. “But overall I’m trying to just trust my process and my routine this year and not search or deviate from what’s been getting me in a good mindset.”
And Clarke enjoys working with the young pitching staff in New Hampshire, “I love how young our staff in NH is,” stated Clarke. “There’s a ton of talent and they are developing quickly so it’s fun to watch.”
It sure is!