Monthly Archives: August 2010

While Cody Ransom was designated for assignment yesterday he could be claimed by another team, he could clear waivers and accept an assignment and return to the Ironpigs or he could refuse his assignment and become a free agent.

I don’t think Ransom will return to the Ironpigs. Just call it a gut feeling.. I don’t think Ransom enjoyed anything during his time here. His interactions with the fans, or lack thereof… the way he kept to himself in the dugout and seemed to be lonely in his play on the field…

It wasn’t a match made in heaven.

I’ve heard many insults sent his way.. over his play, over his attitude. I don’t think he’s a bad guy. I just don’t think he will return.

We’ll see…

They have lost 9 of the last 10 games. They look drained. The team has lost players and gained players.

Rich Thompson returned to The Coke tonight to many cheers. He acknowledged his fans with a smile and wave. He actually had two nice bunts tonight and scored the Pig’s only run. Must still have a little of the winning attitude that is still strong out in Reading.

Matt Rizzotti made his debut with the Pigs tonight. Made a great play at 1st base and didn’t do much else. I find it very interesting to see what will happen with Andy Tracy the next few weeks. I believe the Phillies made their feelings clear by not calling him up this week with an injury to Howard. That nagging shoulder injury could spell the end for Tracy’s tour in the Lehigh Valley.

Really, if he isn’t called up in September, I don’t think he will stick around even if the Phillies organization asks him to. I heard a rumor he was even asked to try playing 3rd base when Rizzotti was added to the roster. Andy did play third early in his career but I don’t think twisting and diving for ground balls will do anything to help that shoulder heal.

I do feel this team has given up. With 30 some games left.. they are playing to stay out of the basement.

I think I’ve almost given up on them too. Almost. At least we aren’t Rochester.

OinK

He was designated today to make room for newly aquired 1st baseman Mike Sweeney.

With a slew of infielders now on the Ironpigs… I wonder where Ransom would fit. It is expected that he returns but as we found out earlier in the season.. he’s no right-fielder.

We’ll see…

OinK!

Per Kevin Czerwinski of CSN Philly.com…

“The big news, however, came after the game when slugger Matt Rizzotti was informed that he’d be moving up to Lehigh Valley in time for the IronPigs’ game against Gwinnett on Friday night at Coca-Cola Park. Rizzotti went 1-for-4 in his Eastern League swan song and leaves with a league-best .362 average in 76 games. He finished string, hitting .455 [15-for-33] over his final 10 games.

“I’m very, very excited, it hasn’t sunk in yet,” Rizzotti told CSNPhilly.com. “I’m surprised because I didn’t have any idea. I was asked earlier if I had been expecting anything and I said no. I try to stay away from what’s going and keep focused on the game I’m in and what I’m going to do.”

Rizzotti said he didn’t know if he would be in the lineup Friday night for Lehigh Valley. ”

Link to full story

The way Rizzotti has been tearing apart AA this was really no surprise. Also with Andy Tracy’s shoulder hurting he has been spending more and more time as a designated hitter with other infielders filling in for him at first base.

Hopefull Rizzotti will bring that same spark to the Lehigh Valley that Domonic Brown did. The Pigs have won 1 game since Brown departed for Philadelphia.

See you tonight.. or this afternoon if you are trying to get a Schneider bobblehead. Great homestand coming up!

OinK!

John Mayberry was promoted to the Phillies today as 1st baseman Ryan Howard was sent to the disabled list.

Tweet rumors are saying Mayberry took some grounders at first today and could fill in there. Probably a more suitable position for him.

OinK!

Not likely. At least from my viewpoint.

Yes, we all love Andy. How could you not.. but his shoulder problems will likely keep him from getting a call up in the case of Ryan Howard hitting the DL.

Another reason is Reading Phillies 1st baseman Matt Rizzotti.

Rizzotti is hitting .362 in 73 games with Reading this season. He has 25 doubles and 16 HR with a .446 on base percentage. He reaches base in almost 50% of his at bats! This guy is on fire now and with September call ups looming.. maybe he is the answer if the Phillies lose Howard for two weeks.

Would I like to see Tracy in a Phil’s uniform again this season. Yes, for many reasons. I just don’t think he will at this point.

OinK!

The Pigs lost their 8th straight game tonight.. I’m not even going to start on how I feel about that so… How about some more transactions?

OF Joey Gathright was released by Baltimore. This guy is amazing.. go to youtube and check out the video of him jumping over a car. (The Pigs have an open OF spot.. hint.. HINT!)

Pawtucket OF Bubba Bell was placed on the 7 day disabled list.

The Reds released Gary Matthews Jr.. (Hint Hint!)

Gary Majewski was sent back to AAA Round Rock.

The Dodgers added Jack Taschner to their 40 man roster.

Per Tommy V’s Twitter post…

RHP John Wayne Ennis has been released by Philadelphia.

The target of our trivia jokes and an original Ironpig… we haven’t seen Ennis all to much lately, but we will be sad to see him go.

Good luck John!

As of yesterday, the Ironpig’s record of 44 wins 64 losses exactly matched the 2008 team’s record at 108 games into the season. They celebrated by losing their seventh consective game in walk off fashion in Buffalo last night. A few of the Noise Nation made the trip to Buffalo and hopefully were able to have fun regardless of the final score.

I remember that 2008 season. We oinked. We cheered. They still lost.

“It’s their first season.. give them a break.”

“2009 will be different”

In 2009 we heard…

“It’s a whole new team… we lost prospects to trades”

“2010 will be different”

This losing is getting old quick. I can’t imagine the players are enjoying it. Comments posted by the Hog Blog a week or so ago kind of sum it up.. when Dave Huppert made a comment that most of the older players are there to pad stats and collect a paycheck.

What else could there be?

We all know the age old line that the Phillies control everything.. yes yes yes.. I know, but three straight years of losing. This year seems worse than the other 2 as the games have been close. The Ironpigs have lost 18 one run games.. one run. Actually we should say 2 runs as the team is 1-8 in extra innings games. Also still haven’t won a game on a Friday. (The one win they had was a suspended game that was not completed on a Friday) Could the team be distracted by the excitement of Friday night fireworks?

Distractions.. that makes me wonder. Are the players distracted? Could the circus show going on around and in between the game have an effect on the players? I would hope not..

One thing that I’ve noticed throughout the last 3 years is game times. It is rare for the Ironpigs to complete a game under 3 hours. It is more common that the games last 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Do between inning stunts and advertisements stretch out the warm up session causing the game to last longer?

I will still love my pork racers and whack-a-intern contests but I wonder how any of the players feel about it.

That’s all I have for today.

OinK!