Welcome back to “Philling You In”, the only blog dedicated to everything Reading Phillies! The Winter Meetings are over, even though it’s not technically winter yet, and hot stove baseball is heating up by the day!

Last week, the Phillies made a huge splash by signing Cliff Lee — giving them perhaps the greatest rotation in the history of the sport. It will definitely be interesting to see the Big Phour take the hill.

As I was looking for a blog topic, I noticed late last night that the Braves and Yohan Flande agreed on a minor league contract. Flande, 25, was also invited to spring training. Two weeks ago, I wrote about Flande in-depth, after his release from the Phillies organization. You can view that blog entry here.

With that, it’s time for your weekly update on former R-Phils who are in the news. Also, if you would like a list of all the former R-Phils, please take a look at the R-Phils All-Time Roster.

Steve Roadcap ’09-’10 — Signed by the Cincinnati Reds as a professional scout.

Former R-Phils manager Steve Roadcap, who guided the R-Phils to a playoff appearance in 2009, was signed by the Cincinnati Reds as a scout. Roadcap posted a 144-139 mark over his two years in Baseballtown.

A former Major League catcher, “Roadie” spent five years as a manager in the Phillies organization. He had a record of .500 or better in three of his five years. Mark Parent was named as the next R-Phils manager back in November. Parent led Lakewood to the SAL championship in 2010. 

Marlon Anderson ‘(96-’97) — Named hitting coach of the Hagerston Suns (Class-A affliate of the Washington Nationals. 

Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2nd round of the 1995 draft, Anderson spent 12 seasons in the ‘Bigs, and compiled a .265 batting average with six teams. The former infielder/outfielder made his Major League debut on September 8, 1998 with the Philadelphia Phillies — launching a pinch-hit home run off Mets reliever Mel Rojas during his first-ever Major League at-bat. He had 43 at-bats that year in the Majors, and hit .326 with one home run and four RBIs.

A native of Montgomery, AL, Anderson spent 1996 and 1997 in Baseballtown, and was a solid contributor for the R-Phils. In 1997, he hit .266 with 10 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases. A year later, as a member of the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, Anderson was named the International League Rookie of the Year.

Throughout his career, Anderson was one of the best clutch hitters in the game. While he never really had a position, he proved to be a valuable player on many different teams over the years. His new position as hitting coach should be perfect for him. He will probably get to work with future superstar Bryce Harper — which should be great for the Nats top prospect. Maybe someday we’ll see Marlon back in the Phillies organization – stay tuned!

Brandon Duckworth  — ’00 & ’03 (R) — Signed to a Minor League contract by the Boston Red Sox

Duckworth spent the 2000 season in Baseballtown, and a year later, made his Major League debut with the Phillies. After being part of the Billy Wagner trade in 2003, Duckworth was out of the organization. He would, however return in 2010, spending the entire campaign in Lehigh Valley.

Now, the former Major Leaguer has signed on with the Boston Red Sox, and should help — if healthy, at the Minor League level.