Higher Learning

Former No. 1 overall pick Mickey Moniak has had a tough time in his first full season as a pro.

- Kyle Glaser

Contrary to popular belief, this season has been one of ups and downs rather than constant struggles for Mickey Moniak.

Last year’s No. 1 overall pick hit .283/.335/.424 in his first 49 games at low Class A Lakewood. He slumped through a .227/.280/.303 stretch in his next 49.

The inconsistency has not been pleasant for the Phillies’ top prospect. What it has been is educational.

“He turned 19 during the season. He’s a kid who could still be a senior in high school. He’s learning,” Lakewood manager Marty Malloy said. “He’s had a few downs, but he’s had more ups than downs. A lot of it is playing every day for the first time. Limited days off, the travel, the wear and tear, but he’s held his own. He really has.”

Overall, Moniak hit .248/.301/.355 with four home runs through 107 games at Lakewood as his first full season neared a close. While it is not an inspiring batting line—the South Atlantic League averages were .250/.317/.368—kernels of promise and progress have emerged.

Most notable has been Moniak’s adjustment to how he’s been pitched. Early in the year he saw a lot of fastballs in traditional hitter’s counts. After pitchers quickly learned that wasn’t going to be a successful way to attack him—see his solid first two months of the season— they quickly changed course.