Monthly Archives: July 2010

Per Ken Rosenthal’s Twitter tweet… Cody Ransom has been summoned by the Phillies and Brian Bocock designated for assignment. I’m looking forward to Bocock’s return to solidify the infield. If Ransom’s stay is more than a week, though, the Ironpigs will only have three All Stars at the game in less than two weeks. Still can’t believe it’s that soon.

Also of note, The Hog Blog reports that Ryan Madsen will make rehab appearances with the Pigs next week.. along with JA Happ making another start on Sunday.

The Lehigh Valley is still leading AAA Baseball in per game average attendance at 9,054 fans per game. The Phillies rehab appearance have contributed to the early season numbers as we saw JC Romero, Brad Lidge, Brian Schneider and JA Happ all making rehab appearances at The Coke.

Tomorrow will also be our next tailgate picnic before the game. We will be in the lower LSI parking lot and food and drink is on a Bring Your Own basis. We strictly adhere to all parking lot and stadium rules as posted on the Ironpig’s website.

Oink!

I don’t do this often, and I honestly don’t want to hurt anyones feelings but I really wonder how National Anthem singers are selected. Do they audition well and then choke at their big moment or are they just bad? I’ve heard from several people who told me they were not asked to return after an audition so it leads me to think that there is a talent base from which to draw from… not that they just throw the kid from the Dip’n’Dots stand out there. Actually, they did that once last year and he was great. I really can’t say the same for the Reba McIntyre impersonator they had out there tonight. She had one thing going for her and that was remembering all the words, where the person a few nights before did not. Anyways, that all aside…

The Pigs lost tonight to the Chiefs 0 to 7. They had one hit or I should say Domonic Brown had one hit. The rest of the team got skunked. The real story tonight was Jason Jones. Jones retired 23 straight batters before allowing a hit to Brown. It came very close to not being a hit. The ball was hit hard and deflected off his glove and away from the Syracuse shortstops reach. He could just as easily have snagged that ball and led the Ironpigs down embarrassment lane with a perfect game.

I’ve only witnessed one perfect game in person. Last summer Softball Legend Jenny Finch tossed a perfect game against the now defunct Philly Force at Bicentennial Park here in Allentown. I give the edge to Finch as she completed the game and is also a heck of a lot prettier than Jones.

With all that going on, the highlight of the night was a new fan hanging out with the Noise Nation in centerfield. No, it wasn’t the 10 year old walking around in coveralls and a gas mask (never did get a picture of that). This little guy was about 2 years old and was very involved in the game. He was clapping, he was ringing bells, he was giving high fives and sharing smiles with everyone while sporting his “Lady killer” T-Shirt. He even helped us send a whammy ala Philly Phanatic style to Syracuse pitcher Jones.

Good times and Good people! See you Sunday!

Oink!

The Ironpigs continue to move into the social media realm by announcing the release of their new iPhone app.

I downloaded it this morning and it is pretty neat. Allows you to check schedules, news, updates, rosters and more.

It is free for a limited time. Not sure why it wouldn’t be free for all time, but that’s not my decision to make.

iPhone users can download the App via the iTunes store.. simply search “Ironpigs”

While you are there be sure to download the Noise Nation app too! The Noise Nation app was released before the season began and is free for all to download!

Oink!

The Pigs lost last night to Syracuse 2 to 4. The bats were there and plays were being made but they just couldn’t get the rally to come together.

Following the 2 inning Concepcion start, Joe Savery came in and pitched 7 solid innings allowing 5 hits and 1 run, striking out 7 and allowing no walks. Thinking the Ironpig’s team therapist needs to work on innings 1 and 2 with Savery. Do the Ironpig’s have an “official” therapist? Maybe hypnotism… maybe something…

Anyways, this weekend is going to be busy. The Pigs will be traveling to Pawtucket for one game after tonight’s game vs. the Chiefs. Due to an International League rule, every team must have at least one home game over this holiday weekend. The forecast for tomorrow in Pawtucket is partly sunny so it could be worse…they could travel all that distance for a rain out. The Pig’s will endure a 5 hour busride each way, play in Pawtucket and return on Sunday to a forecasted 97 degrees on Sunday! (for those attending the Noise Nation tailgate on Sunday.. don’t forget the sunscreen) Look for some tired Pigs Sunday evening.

The Phillies injuries have sent the minor league affiliates scrambling to adjust rosters. If you’ve noticed Keoni De Renne in the dugout and wondered who he is.. you will find out that he was called to the Lehigh Valley directly from Clearwater. He has spent time in Reading this season also. The 31 year old minor leage veteran has played in only 23 games this season.

On to more important things. The Pretzel burger stand has moved! On my daily game lap around the park I noticed it over behind section 119 close to the turkey stand. The same burgers, the same great team cooking up the goodness and same great toppings. I breathed a sigh of relief as I was concerned when I didn’t see it parked next to the clubhouse store the past two games. Another good night with the thursday whole hog pick picken. The rolls were still hamburger rolls but the server was more careful to allow the pork to drain a little before adding it to the sandwich. I sampled 2 plates (for quality purposes) and neither sandwich roll became soggy.

OINK!

Sorry Jimmy T.. he will be playing for the Pacific Coast League and it isn’t our beloved Rich Thompson… it is Rich Thompson, a right handed pitcher out of Salt Lake. Got your attention though didn’t I?

PCL Roster
Pitchers
Brandon Dickson
Thomas Diamond
Steve Edlefsen
Luke French
Ernesto Frieri
Michael Kirkman
Clayton Mortenson
Jordan Norberto
Matt Reynolds
Pedro Strop
Rich Thompson

Catchers
JP Arencibia
Josh Donaldson
Lucas May

Infielders
Darwin Barney
Brock Bond
Luis Cruz
Chris Davis
Brad Eldred
Tyler Green
Kila Ka’aihue
John Lindsey
Hector Luna
Mark Trumbo
Brett Wallace

Outfielders
Brian Bogusevic
Jay Gibbons
Alex Gordon
Chris Lubanski
Matt Miller

Not too many familiar names out there. Brad Edlred was an Ironpig slayer in 2008 and 2009 but most of the others don’t come to mind at first thought. A lot of interesting names and I forsee a plethora of puns coming out of the radio booth during this broadcast….

If you haven’t noticed two new links on the Noise Nation blogroll I just wanted to mention them to you and afford the opportunity to the authors to post, via comments, any information they would like to share about their blogs.

The Bacon and Biscuits blog came about recently to cover the Ironpigs and (hopefully) a future minor league hockey Phantoms franchise.

The Philly Phour follows Philly Sports and is partly authored by the Ironpig’s own Alex Cohen.

Take a moment to check out these new blogs!

OINK!

Great call in to ESPN radio by Dennis Haskins! Enjoy!

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/player?rd=1#/podcenter/?id=5322276&autoplay=1&callsign=ESPNRADIO