Monthly Archives: April 2012

The Podfather – ‘Pigs Prevail 3-2 in 11

Not a Valentino Pascucci or a Vinny Rottino would best The Podfather this night.

.

Starting pitcher Tom Cochran went 6 strong scoreless innings giving up 4 hits with 2 BB and 4 K.

Scott Podsednik leads off with a grounder to short - just out at first. The Podfather would go on to a 2-5 night with 2 R and the game winning RBI.

Domonic Brown singles to right, steals 2nd and is left stranded when Hector Luna...

...ends the inning - "Called 3rd Strike - Got emmm"

In the 2nd, Raul Reyes attempts a steal and the throw is...

...NOT in time - Safe!

In the 'Pigs half of the 3rd, after walks to Podsednik and Brown, Hector Luna advances both runners into scoring position on a ground out to third for the 2nd out.

Mike Fontenot becomes Mike FontenYES (courtesy of Matt Provence) and with a single to left plates Scott Podsednik for the first run of the game. In two games Fontenot is 3 for 7 (.429) with a 2b an RBI and 2 BB while only striking out once.

During the 4th, following a single, Buffalo's Josh Satin (1B) is OUT at a close (force) out at 2nd. The inning then ends on a 6-4-3 DP.

Bottom 5 - Following a single by Podsednik and a double by Frandsen, Domonic Brown launches a fly to LF. Vinny Rottino readies himself and fires home as The Podfather tags and...

...with a nifty slide, Pods beats the play at the plate to score again!

Bottom of the 6th - Erik Kratz ropes one into the BullPen and the 'Pigs are up 3-0. Buffalo would get 2 in the 8th on a 2-run dinger by Vinny Rottino and 1 more in the 9th to tie the game 3-3 and send the 'Pigs to extra frames.

The IronPigs' Raul Valdes strikes out Buffalo's Raul Reyes in the top of the 11th and would get the win in the bottom half when...

The Podfather singles to right... The play at the plate...

... and Kratzie is SAFE - scoring from second to end the game in the 11th. Pigs 4 - Bisons 3. While stranding 11, the 'Pigs did have 2 hits with runners in scoring position to end the losing streak. Pigs Fly!

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No Coke & A Smile – Lutz called up to Mets

Zach Lutz in the last 5 games against LHV went 8 for 17 for a blistering .471. However, Lutz didn’t score any runs and only had 2 RBI along with 1 BB and 6 K.

Lutz has been called up to replace the Met’s Jason Bay (LF) who suffered a broken rib yesterday diving for a fly ball.

One less bat – more ‘Pigs runs!

Go Pigs!

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‘Pigs lose 1st at home – 5-1 to Buffalo – It’s a Philly Thing!

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs lost their first game at home and their 3rd in a row in a downright chilled Coca-Cola Park. The Pigs are now 2 1/2 games behind Pawtucket in the IL North.

The ‘Pigs only managed 1 run on 7 hits while surrendering 5 runs on 15 hits.

It seems the Phils are having about the same luck at the plate at the ‘Pigs.

Looks like both teams are off to a slow offensive start and hopefully as the weather warms up so will the bats. Otherwise, we may all be in for a long season.

Not too many highlights for the evening so we’ll get straight to the Box, the Voice, and the Pix.

 Click below for the Matt Provence IronPigs Radio Recap of the Game.

Despite the chilly weather fans lined up for Richie T bobbleheads. (DiPro)

Rich Thompson was honored before the game with a bobblehead and a birthday wish. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Both former major leaguers, Ryne Sandberg and Wally Backman exchange line-up cards. Ryno & Wally were born 4 days apart and both played 2nd base. Backman has a Ring, Sandberg is in the Hall. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Starting pitcher Pat Misch finished after 4 2/3 giving up 7 hits, 3 ER and a solo home-run to Bison's Pitcher Dylan Owen. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Pat Misch - the other side. (DiPro)

Pat Misch - SSTTRRIIKKEE. (DiPro)

Thanks to Richie T for the amazing years of AAA Baseball in the LHV and for being the first inductee in the "IronPigs Hall of Fame". (DiPro)

Josh Satin (1B) is tagged out by Tuffy Gosewisch (C) on a strong throw by Derrick Mitchell (RF) to end the first. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Not by Kevin Frandsen's (3B) chiny chin chin. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Newest IronPig acquisition Mike Fontenot (2B) turns two. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Cody Overbeck (1B) calls off Mike Fontenot and catches a pop-up by Bisons catcher Lucas May. (DiPro)

Rich Thompson (CF) is hit by a pitch in the bottom of the 4th. (DiPro)

Richie T is SAFE after a pick-off attempt. (DiPro)

Kevin Frandsen lays down a successful SAC bunt and advances Rich T to 2nd. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Cody Overbeck singles to left... (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

...and scores Rich Thompson for the only run of the night. (DiPro)

Phillipe Aumont sets... (DiPro)

...and delivers. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Phillippe Aumont misses a bunt try and Derrick Mitchell is thrown out after wandering too far off 2nd - by catcher May - rally done. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

David Purcey - SSTTRRIIKKEE. (DiPro)

Mike Fontenont smacks the only multi-base hit of the night with a double to left and is stranded on 3rd when Blanco is called out on strikes by an apparently cold HP Umpire Chad Whitson. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Barbie Q in the lead but is distracted by a dancer... (DiPro)

...leaving Hambone in the lead but he too is distracted and loses. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

"Pregame autographs by Dave Bush & Dom Brown...what really impressed me---there was a huge line---and Dom Brown stayed at least an extra 10 minutes & signed & signed & signed---everyone in that line (plus more who jumped in late) got an autograph! Gotta love that!"
(Photograph & Quote courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

I agree with Cheryl – Domonic is a different player than he was last year. Mayberry is hitting .175 with 2 RBI – Brown is hitting .262 with 8 RBIs. Will the Phils make some moves?

Twelve more games to go in this record-breaking home stand – game time today is 7:05 and the forecast looks slightly warmer – let’s hope the bats thaw.

Go Pigs!

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IronPigs – RISP – .088 Avg in Losses

With the ‘Pigs 11-6 and 1 game behind the Pawtucket Red Sox in the IL North, I wanted to expand a little on Dan’s earlier post with some interesting stats.  All IL team stats can be found here for your own comparison purposes.

“If winning isn’t important, why do we spend all that money on scoreboards?”
~Chuck Coonradt (author of The Game of Work)

Runners left in scoring position refers to the number of runners on second or third base at the end of an inning and is an inverse measure of a team’s offensive efficiency. (Wiki)

RISPRunners In Scoring Position

Total Team – 28 for 138 (.203 avg)  108 LOB

When winning – 25 for 104 (.240 avg)  74 LOB

When losing – 3 for 34 (.088 avg)  29 LOB

At Home –  14 for 58 (.241 avg)  39 LOB

Away – 14 for 80 (.175 avg)  69 LOB

[Home Record 7-0  Away Record 4-6]

Pawtucket’s Totals – 50 for 175 (.286 avg)  139 LOB

Scoring  – Total Runs Scored

Total Team – 64 Runs scored

When winning – The IronPigs have outscored their opponent by 25 (57-32)

When losing –  The IronPigs have been outscored by their opponent by 21 (28-7) {9 of those were un-earned}

At home – The IronPigs have outscored their opponent by 13  (37-24)

Away – The IronPigs have been outscored by their opponent by 9 (36-27)

What does it all mean? Only time will tell…

This team is loaded with young and veteran talent and while at this point there is no need to panic, the stats are interesting just the same, especially with an 11-6 record.

It’s the bullpen that appears to be keeping the ‘Pigs near the top of the standings for the most part. Stay tuned for a future post about the ‘pen.

There have also been some un-timely errors that have cost the IronPigs a few games. At this point, we’ll just chalk that up to being in the early part of the season.

Let’s hear from all the “unemployed analysts” out there with your opinions!

Pig Out!

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MLB Veteran Mike Fontenot Now a ‘Pig

MLB verteran Mike Fontenot (INF) (usually 2B) was activated from the temporary inactive list and assigned to LHV today.

(photo ESPN)

The 31 year old, Lousianna native, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 21st round of the 1999 MLB June Amateur Draft and the Baltimore Orioles in the 1st round (19th) of the 2001 MLB June Amateur Draft

Mike brings another (veteran) lefty bat to LHV and has 6 years of MLB service (Cubs/Giants) under his belt. During his MLB career he hit .263 with 26 HR, 266 SO, and 133 BB. Wonder how he hits with runners in scoring position?

In 2004 Fontenot played for the Ottawa Lynx which (as you know) eventually became the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

So, welcome back? Or perhaps welcome aboard Mike!

OinK On!

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IronPigs Roster Update – 4/23 – No More Joe(s)

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs had some roster transactions last 24 hours.

Joe Savery (P) was recalled by the Phils – Good luck Joe – pitch well!
John Suomi (C) was activated from the DL. Time for Pie!
Joe Thurston (INF) was released.
Mike Fontenot (INF)  was removed form the temporary inactive list and assigned to.

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Happy Birthday to Rich Thompson

Hopefully the rain will stay away and Richie T can celebrate his birthday with his bobblehead and an IronPigs win!

Happy Birthday Richie T! (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

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Swingin Like an IronPig… Too Aggressive?

Looking at the current Team Stats for the International league I’m seeing a trend starting. The Pigs are last or close to last in just about every offensive category.

A quick review: (14 teams)

Avg – 12th in league at .229

Hits – 13th in league with 120, only 3 hits above Norfolk

Doubles – Last with 20

Triples – Tied for 12th with 2

Home runs – Tied with 3 others for 8th in league with 8 HR

RBI – 12th with 52

Slugging Pct – Last with .321

Walks – Tied for last with 53

Strike outs – Lowest total in league with 96.

So the Pigs aren’t getting a high number of hits, RBI or big Homers (nod to Fox’s 25th anniversry special currently on my TV)

They aren’t getting many walks and they aren’t striking out too often.

If you’ve watched the games so far this season you see indicators of an aggressive approach at the plate. Many lines drives have been caught, many long fly balls have been caught. The Pigs have certainly been thwarted with incredible defense so far.

I’m also thinking (my opinion) that they could benefit from being more patient at the plate. Take more pitches and let those top notch pitchers raise the pitch counts and wear out. See more pitches, take the walk.. lean into one of those inside pitches. (Yeah, I know.. and I have taken a 90mph fastball in the ribs) Those opportunities to get on base are there they just need to be patient to get at them.

My thoughts.. what are yours?

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‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ – Pigs swept by Wings – lose 3-2

Yes, how many times must the long balls fly
Before they’re never caught?
The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.

The answer was certainly blowing  in the wind today as the IronPigs were windblown into 3-2 loss with at lease two blasts that without the wind would have changed the outcome. Erik Kratz blasted one to center that surely would have been gone and Kevin Frandsen blasted one to left center that would have surely tied the game in the 9th.

In fact, the weather was so nasty (wind chills in the 30’s) that the scheduled double header was re-scheduled until July and today’s game will therefore be of the 9 inning variety. Let’s see if the ‘Pigs can take advantage and squeak out a final win on this week long (6 games) road trip.

Bottom 1Attack of the Wings

Ben Revere (LF) leads the game off with a single followed by a Matt Carson (RF) double that scores Revere. Wings 1 – Pigs 0

Bottom 3Return of the Wings

Ray Chang (2B) singles then Ben Revere (LF) singles. Brian Dozier (SS) bunts to Hector Luna at 3rd and Luna charges, makes a strong throw in the dirt, dug out by Cody Overbeck and Dozier just beats it out – Dozier is credited with a single.

Matt Carson (RF) knocks a sac fly to Derrick Micthell in CF and scores Chang.  Joe Benson (CF) then smacks a ground ball past 3rd scoring Revere. Pigs now down 3 – 0.

Top 4Nine straight innings without a run until…

Andres Blanco (SS) and Domonic Brown(LF) begin the 4th with back-to-back singles. The IronPigs get their first run when Hector Luna (3B) grounds to short scoring Blanco. Rochester 3 – Lehigh Valley 1

Kevin Frandsen (2B) pops out to left fielder Ben Revere (LF) for the 2nd out.

The IronPigs finally get a hit with runners in scoring position with a single scoring Brown for his team leading 10th RBI.

Derrick Mitchell (CF) grounds out to 3rd to end the inning. Red Wings 3 – IronPigs 2

Top 5Holy Kratz! (it’s windy)

Erik Kratz blasts one to center – Benson goes back – and the ball falls out the sky when it’s knocked down by the Arctic blast. Wings 3 – ‘Pigs 3  2

Top 6More RISP / No Scoring

Andres Blanco leads the inning with a single.

Domonic Brown flies out to center (1 out).

Hector Luna grounds into a 4-3 FC for the 2nd out advancing Blanco to 2nd.

With still yet another runner in scoring position Kevin Frandsen fouls out to former IronPig Matt Rizzotti to end the inning. Wings 3 – ‘Pigs 2

Bottom 6The return of Valdes

Valdes strikes out Benson swinging.  1-out

Michael Hollimon (3B) is called out on strikes. 2 down

Aaron “Norman” Bates pops out to Domonic Brown in left to end the inning.

Time for the ‘Pigs bats to get warmed up!

Top 7Diamonds are not a ‘Pigs best friend

Cody Overbeck flies out to 3rd baseman Holliman in a win blown, adventurous pop. The wind is brutal today blowing in from Lake Ontario.

Derrick Mitchell grounds out to 3rd baseman Holliman.

Lou Montanzez fouls out to our friend, first-baseman Matt Rizzotti.

Scott Diamond with 7 strong innings giving up 4 hits, 2 runs (both un-earned) 4 SO and no walks.

Bottom 7thValdez retires 6 in a row

J.R. Towles (C) flies out to left.

Ray Chang flies out to center

Ben Revere grounds out to Overbeck at 1st – unassisted.

Six outs left for the ‘Pigs to create some offense.

Top 8Fien is just Fine

Casey Fien on to replace starter Scott Diamond.

Kratz flies out to RF, Podsednik flies out to LF, Blanco grounds out to Fien to end the inning after 11 pitches.

Bottom 8Diekman no Leakman

Brian Dozier grounds out to short.  1 out

Matt Carson singles on a line drive to center fielder.

Pitching change (Jake Diekman) for LHV replacing Valdes who pitched 2 1/3, 1 H, 0 R, 2 K, and 0 BB.

Carson steals 2nd on the first pitch from Diekman.

Matt Rizzotti grounds out on a tough play by pitcher Diekman and Carson advances to 3rd.

Joe Benson – “Cuuuttt on and Missed” on a 94 mph fastball to end the inning and left 90’ of insurance on 3rd.

Last chance for the ‘Pigs as Brown, Luna, and Frandsen – 2 ,  3,  4 come to the plate.

Top 9RISP? NOPE!

Domonic Brown flies out to left on a line shot right in the mitt of RF Matt Carson. 1 out

Hector Luna singles on a liner to right and Richie T replaces Luna running at first.

Kevin Frandsen rips a line drive to right center, Rich Thompson rounds 2nd and the Canadian win strikes again as center fielder Matt Carson tracks it down just in front of the 390’ sign.

Rich Thomson steals 2nd followed by Cody Overbeck’s  ground out on a close play – Rizzotti to pitcher Fien.

The Red Wings revenge the 3 game sweep at Coca-Cola Park by sweeping the ‘Pigs at Frontier Fields. LHV ends the 6 game road trip 2-4 and return for Monday’s home stand 1 game behind Pawtucket in the IL N.

Tomorrow is Richie T bobblehead day better get there early!

Pig Out!

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“Blame it on the Rain” – ‘Pigs Postponed

No sure if we can blame Milli Vanilli but today’s game at the Rochester Red Wings has been rescheduled as part of a dreaded 7 inning doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 1:05 pm. Austin Hyatt (2-0, 2.20) is scheduled on the hill for the ‘Pigs and Scott Diamond (3-0, 1.47) for the Wings.

Oy Vey

Go Pigs!

DiPro’s Dish

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