Phil Bickford Riding the Simple Train

Right-hander Phil Bickford was claimed off waivers from the Brewers by the Dodgers on May 3, 2021. I expect the move was questioned by more than  a few Dodger faithful since the 25-year-old Bickford had previously pitched just two innings at the MLB level – both with the Brewers – resulting in four and two runs scored against him respectively and a Brewer ERA of 27.00. He debuted with the Dodgers on May 23 and by June 27 has made 15 appearances in Dodger Blue.

By now we know something about him and no longer question why he was acquired by the Dodgers. I must admit I had not heard of him before the Dodgers picked him up and just bumming around today I thought I might have a look back at his background.

Bickford was born in Ventura, California and attended high school at Oaks Christian in Westlake Village about a half hour drive from Los Angeles. He was dominant in his senior year, going 12-1 with a 0.83 ERA and 146 strikeouts in 84.2  innings. He struck out 18 in the Division IV championship game, to finish his high school career.

He was then  selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1st round (10th overall) of the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft. He chose not to sign and headed off to Cal State Fullerton for the 2014 season in which he had a good freshman year.

Bickford did spend a summer in 2014 in the Cape Cod League where he was named the “Outstanding Pro Prospect”

However, for the 2015 season he transferred to the college of Southern Nevada whose most notable alumnus to make it to MLB is none other than outfielder Bryce Harper. With the Coyotes, Bickford had a year that attracted more attention.

He went 9-1 at Southern Nevada with a 1.45 ERA and 166 strikeouts in 16 starts. He threw one complete game, and had two games where he struck out 15.

His college coach – Nick Garritano – had this to day about Bickford.

“His command on the fastball for a 19-year-old is unbelievable,” Garritano told the Review-Journal. “He can put a 96 mph fastball anywhere he wants — up in the zone, down in the zone, in, away. Anywhere he wants.

“Just being able to locate at that velocity at any given time is something I think separates Phil from a lot of people.

“Another thing I saw is he is one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever seen. On game day, he is in such a zone, it’s not even funny. Our entire staff tried to do what Phil did.”

He was again a first round selection in the 2015 June Amateur Draft selected by the Giants with their 18th overall pick. It was thought at that time that there might be a signability issue with Bickford so the first 17 selectors looked elsewhere. The slot value in 2013 when selected by the Blue Jays  decreased in 2015 by almost $700,000. Still a signing bonus in the $2,000,000 range isn’t bad. Bickford  did not labor on any money lost.

“The way I looked at it was, it was all just part of the process of getting better at the sport, and everything that happened helped the bigger cause,” Bickford said. “I don’t necessarily think it was difficult.

At that time comparisons were drawn between Phil Bickford and former Giant right-hander Matt Cain. His arm and physical makeup could be comparable to Cain. Both pitchers have similar builds with Bickford (6’4″ and 200 lbs) taller but lighter than Cain at (6’3″ 230 lbs).

Bickford was sent to the Arizona Fall League after signing starting 10 games but only pitched an average of 2 innings in each start. He posted a 2.01 ERA and 32 strikeouts, giving up only 5 runs and 13 hits.

During the 2016 season he posted a combined 2.93 ERA and a WHIP of 1.15 over 22 starts and 120 innings pitched. He struck out 135 and walked 42.

He began the 2016 season in the Giant organization making stops in San Jose and Augusta and then he got a surprise. He was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in the trade that brought reliever Will Smith to the Giants. He finished out the 2016 season with Brevard County, a Brewer affiliate. He again took things in his stride admitting it was difficult leaving the Giants.

““It’s both things,” he said. “I definitely tell it how it is, and it was unfortunate to leave a program that has had success during this generation and is an amazing program.”

“But the Brewers have a lot of developing going on and it’s very exciting to be part of a team that has the opportunity to do great things in the future.”

“It’s definitely exciting being a part of that process.”

The 2017 season did not go well for Bickford or the Brewers. First, the bad news.

Bickford was suspended following a second positive test for a drug of abuse in December of 2016 leading to a 50-game suspension. Then he suffered a broken hand on a comebacker just as he was returning to action.

X-rays revealed fractured metacarpals in his ring finger and pinkie finger. The surgery, performed in Phoenix by Dr. Don Sheridan, delayed a season debut that was scheduled for the final week of May into early July at the earliest.

The good news.

Bickford persevered, and climbed back to prospect status with a strong ’19 season at advanced Class A Carolina, followed by a series of excellent outings during ’20 Spring Training while on loan from Minor League camp.

Another change in his career started to take shape in 2018. He pitched both the 2018 and 2019 seasons with the A+ Carolina Mudcats of the Carolina League pitching a combined 67.1 innings while striking out 94 and walking 29. He made 41 appearances, all in relief. It’s at this point that Andy Patton of Prospects 1500 feels that Bickford’s career took a change in the right direction. He was moved to the bullpen after having spent his entire career up to that point as a starter.

Andy Patton wrote:

”Here is where I want to focus, as Milwaukee finally made the decision many had been clamoring for: they moved Bickford to the bullpen. Scouting reports all pegged Bickford as a future late-inning reliever, thanks to a dynamic sinking fastball that he runs up to 98 miles per hour, but a complete lack for a changeup feel and limited command. His slider has flashed plus in the past, and many believe a move to a late-inning role will allow that pitch to play up in conjunction with his heavy fastball.”

Then came the 2020 non-season for minor league ball. Bickford did pitch one inning with the Brewers giving up four earned runs in the aforementioned one inning pitched.

He had one more shot with the Brewers to start the 2021 season and this time gave up only two earned runs but again in only one inning pitched. That finished his Brewers career and in early May he was placed on waivers. The Dodgers waved.

He reported to the Oklahoma City Dodgers and in five appearances over five innings he gave up three earned runs. He gave up those three runs in his first appearance and none in his next four. Perhaps what really drew the attention of the Dodger brass is that he struck out 12 and issued no walks.

The young man seems to have to turned a corner , or several corners. It has been a bumpy trip that now seems to have smoothed out on the mound and in his life.

Impact: The right-hander’s 2.70 ERA and 1.14 WHIP on the season look solid enough, but those numbers improve to 1.72 and 1.02, respectively, since Bickford debuted with the Dodgers on May 23. Aside from a rough outing against Texas on June 13 during which he was charged with three earned runs without getting an out, he has appeared nearly impossible to score upon. Since the blowup against the Rangers, Bickford has hurled 8.2 scoreless innings, registering a 12:3 K:BB and giving up only four hits.

Dave Roberts:

“Phil was great. You don’t see too many three pitch innings in the big leagues, but his willingness and eagerness to take the baseball and pitch big innings regardless of when the spot is, is incredible. His gratitude for being a big league ball player playing for the Dodgers, his hometown team, is next level and he’s just been a complete joy for all of us.”

LINK TO 3-PITCH INNING

Phil Bickford will turn 26 on July 10 but now he’s having some fun.

“Kind of riding the simple train,” he said. “I’m happy with where I’m at.”