Only 140 days until the opening pitch of the 2012 Season! In the mean time here’s a wrap of the most recent news and a preliminary look forward.
Coca-Cola Park
The construction of the Red Robin Tiki Terrace and Oasis is progressing nicely. The main steel support structure is mostly complete and as I was leaving CCP on Tuesday (11/15) another full load of steel was being delivered. Amazingly, the field is still exquisitely manicured. Bill Butler is the man!
IronPigs Coaching Staff
As previously reported, Andy Tracy has joined the Philadelphia organization as a coach and (former) Reading Coach Mark Parent has been hired by the White Sox. Thanks to long time poster Emily who found this article, it’s possible that Ryne Sandberg just may return to the Lehigh Valley in 2012. Could this be the first and only successful “occupy” campaign? We can only hope!
If the Phils decide to promote from within will we perhaps see former Phil Mickey Morandini from the Williamsport Crosscutters (Class A Short Season) make a move to Reading or perhaps LHV? Former MLB pitcher Lance Carter and SS Jorge Velandia are also on the Crosscutter’s coaching staff.
The Clearwater Threshers (Class A Advanced) have a few former Major Leaguers on their staff as well. Dusty Wathan a catcher has a history with the Phillies, Reading, and forerunner to the IronPigs the Ottawa Lynx. John Mizerock who actually managed 13 games for the Royals in 2002 and former MLB pitcher David Lunquist round out the Threshers staff.
Over in Lakewood, the BlueClaw’s (Class A) staff consists of former Major Leaguers 3b Chris Truby, P Steve Schrenk and IF Greg Legg who’s been a member of the Phillies organization since he was drafted. Perhaps we’ll see some promotions from here.
With the departure of Parent from Reading (Class AA), Frank Cacciatore and former MLB pitcher Bob Milacki remain. Reading will be looking to replace their manager as well. There could be quite a shuffling of the staff within the Phillies’ Minor League Affiliates.
Let’s not forget we have Sal Rende and Rod Nichols to add to the mix. Seems the Phillies have various options to work with utilizing current staff but it appears they may need to bring in some outside talent especially if Ryno does not return.
IronPigs Free-Agency News
So far, free agents Pete Orr and Kevin Frandsen have reportedly been signed and Orr will be a non-roster invitee to Spring Training. It’s likely at some point we will see both of them return to the IronPigs in 2012.
IronPigs Fall/Winter Ball
There’s a number of current or former IronPigs honing their craft in fall or winter ball. Our own Reading born Richie T (Rich Thompson) has appeared in 9 games for the Dominican League’s Estrellas de Oriente. Rich went 9 for 35 (.265) 1 2b, 1 HR, and 9 SB. Former IronPig Mike Zagurski 3.00 ERA in 11 appearances and Philly Michael Martinez are also on the team.
Juan Perez (P) has appeared in 14 games and has a 0.00 ERA in 16 2/3 innings and has yielded only 5 hits for the Gigantes del Cibao also of the Dominican League.
SS Freddy Galvis who was named Phillies Minor League Player of the Year returned to his native Venezuela for the Aguilas del Zulia and is hitting .222 in 36 AB with 9 RBI’s.
Cody Overbeck, listed at 1B has taken to the Arizona Fall League where he is hitting .324 with 79 AB in 23 games.
There were also a number of other players that are listed on rosters of various fall/winter ball leagues but they had no listed uniform number nor stats.
Who do you think we may see back at the IronPigs in 2012 and who may be promoted either to the coaching staff or the lineup?
DiPro’s Dish – OinK!
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