Submitted by frequent reader “Kram209”
Thanks Kram209! All – Feel free to add to the discussion!
NN
April 2009 vs April 2010
Andy Tracy1B = Andy Tracy1B push
Pablo Ozuna2B > Wilson Valdez2B Adv. 2009*
*I think Pablo had the better resumeJason DonaldSS = Brian BocockSS push*
*Donald was a prospect, which made him fun to watch. Bocock’s more of a vet—a defensive backup plan for the Phils, and he is hitting coming out of camp. At this point I can’t declare a winner.Furmaniak/Tiffee3B < Ransom/Sellers 3B Adv. 2010*
*Tiffee was highly regarded, but injured coming out of camp. Furmaniak was weak. Ransom and Sellers are both playing very well coming out of camp.Jason Ellison OF < DeWayne Wise OF Adv. 2010*
*Wise will probably play center.Thompson OF = Thompson OF push
John Mayberry OF < John Mayberry OF Adv. 2010*
*He’s a better hitter now—a known quantity.Mike Cervenak DH > Chris Duffy OF Adv. 2009*
*Cervy was so dependable at the plate. Duffy could be good, but we just don’t know. Even if you sub in Ransom or Sellers here, I don’t think it’s an advantage.Jorge Velandia IF = Luis Maza IF push*
*whatever. Maybe Maza’s more versatile?Hoover/Marson C = Hoover/Sardinha C push*
*Marson was a prospect, but I don’t see a major advantage for the ‘Pigs either way.Kyle Kendrick SP1 = Drew Carpenter SP1 push*
*both non-dominant vetsCarlos Carrasco SP2 > Joe Savery SP2 Adv. 2009*
*Common thinking was that Carrasco was a star in the making. I like Savery, but he’s been underwhelming so far.Rodrigo Lopez SP3 > Ryan Vogelsong SP3 Adv. 2009**Lopez was more of a known quantity with ML experience. Vogelsong’s been pitching well, but is a reclamation project: we just don’t know.
Justin Lehr SP4 = Brian Mazone SP4 push*
*I don’t remember the book on Lehr preseason last year. Mazone is a known quantity now that we’ve undone what the Dodgers did to him. No significant advantage at this point.Drew Carpenter SP5 > Brandon DuckworthSP5 Adv 2009*
*I think when Carpenter comes back to the ‘Pigs this year, this turns back into a push.Bullpen 2009
Woods/Anderson/Borkowski/Majewski/Walker/Bowers/KoploveBullpen 2010
Woods/Anderson/Gordon/Zagurski/Concepcion/Wasserman/MatheisonAdv. 2010: Woods and Anderson cancel out. Stronger middle and end with more potential with the 2010 group
Final Tally: 5-4, advantage 2009. It’s about equal at this point. We know how the story ends in 2009, though. We know the injuries and the trades. We know who showed up and who took PEDs.
I’m maybe more optimistic about this year as a number of these players have been doing really well in Spring Training. The starting pitching makes me nervous, though; I’ll feel more comfortable when/if Drew comes back. I hope the DH spot can replace Cervy.
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
Hey, thanks for posting it. I know I’m going to take some heat. Y’all remember that I’m comparing April to April–not August to April. Hopes and dreams are what this time of the season is all about. As of right now, we’re still undefeated (I’m just like my son: who likes to point out the no-hitter status starting in the top of the first…). Anyway, the games are more fun when you know the players.
On another note: I noticed that the first four-game series in Syracuse is all 2PM starts. That’s cool–err, not-as-cold, as night games in upstate NY in April. The second two are weekend games, though, so it shouldn’t hurt their attendance too much. Of note: “First Class” season ticket to Syracuse Chiefs at ABS: $375. No subtext, it’s just with that kind of discount, I know they can’t afford to sacrifice game time for comfort too often.
I’m thinking it might take 5-8 years before the Ironpig season ticket holders see a generous discount for buying a full season pass. The incentive to buy them is low right now but the demand is high.
Oh, yeah, I hear what you’re saying about the S/T. I had a more snarky comment to make–and one to make about SWB as well–but I held off. I tried to buy two more (season) tickets this year but they couldn’t find them for me within two sections of where I am. Demand > Supply for sure. It is what it is–and I’m not complaining.
One other thing though: have you seen the promotion schedule for Syracuse? Or, SWB for that matter? I know I don’t need a ‘desktop ring’ to come out to the park, but it doesn’t hurt to put fannies in the seats. Maybe they’re (Syr, SWB) just not trying hard enough. Or, maybe it goes to show what a great organization WE have…
I haven’t heard much about promotions. Thought about a weekend roadtrip to Syracuse.. not sure about that one yet.
If you click on ‘promotions’ on their web sites, there’s almost nothing. Dropping ticket prices is a great supply/demand way to get better attendance, but maybe get out there and get some sponsors and generate some buzz with a free hat, too, you know?
They really don’t have too much going on, even with 2 visits from the terrible Reggie mascot. Maybe he is relation to their mascot Champ? I have to say that our trip to Scranton last year had mixed results. They promised Tshirts and Hat, (we are still waiting for them), the concessions would have made the Philly Force foodstand look quick and the stadium was concrete and rough. On the other side, they still haven’t forgotten the tshirts and have promised to have them there for our next visit, the staff is incredibly accomodating and friendly. Our group rep last year came to sit with us for a couple innings as we were having a lot of fun. Overall good time. Another example of the Noise Nation creating fun!