Scott Lauber

The Phillies' minor league director joined The Inquirer’s baseball podcast to discuss the state of the farm system, with a focus on Justin Crawford, Andrew Painter, and Aidan Miller.

The Phillies are among four teams to be shut out from signing a player out of Japan to a major league deal, but it’s not for a lack of trying. It all comes down to one player willing to be the first.

We’re leaving Las Vegas with some observations after baseball’s braintrusts spent this week laying the groundwork for what should be a busy offseason.

“We think he can play center field," Phillies president Dave Dombrowski said of the prospect at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas. Crawford hit .334 this season at Lehigh Valley.

Dombrowski said "sometimes change of sceneries can be beneficial for people, too" in reference to his conversation with Castellanos. St. Louis is looking to move on from Arenado, too.

Harper’s agent said John Middleton and Dave Dombrowski have “nothing but intentions” to have Harper finish his career in Philadelphia.

The next few days in Vegas will likely provide greater clarity to some of the Phillies’ biggest questions.

Long talked with The Inquirer's baseball podcast to discuss Bryce Harper's less-than-elite season, Schwarber's free agency, and other topics.

With the GM meetings set to begin Monday in Las Vegas, let’s wander down a few potential paths to an offseason trade for the Phillies.

Suárez was 16 when the Phillies signed him out of Venezuela for $25,000. He’s 30 now and poised to be flattered with nine-figure overtures. Is he as good as gone from the only team he's ever known?