“According to Michael Schwimer on Twitter: LHP Raul Valdes, INF Hector Luna and LHP Jake Diekman have been promoted from IronPigs to Phillies. Organization has not made an official announcement.”
I tried to view Schwimer’s Twitter but the account came back as suspended. Hope all is well for Michael and hope that his account hasn’t been hacked and sending out falso info…
“Sanches, Kratz may be next to get sent down
Diekman, Valdes, Luna could be on way to Philadelphia”
He uses Schwimer’s tweet as a reference as well.
Perhaps it’s time that Freddy Galvis comes back to the IronPigs. Kratz could come back too although I did see some notes about Ruiz needing rest for a nagging injury.
Oh, the Pigs beat Indianapolis today on a game broadcast on the MLB network. Perhaps they need National TV to boost their spirits. As usual, I muted the TV and listend to the broadcast of Pigs Radio with Matt Provence.
When I hear more, so will you. Feel free to comment updates if you see it first.
The IronPig’s got it handed to them tonight. Hyatt had a rough start allowing 6 earned runs in 5.1 innings. In fact, the Indians scored in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 7th innings tonight.
The Pigs squealed out a couple runs early, one each in the 1st and 2nd inning but it ended there. Throughout the game they did scatter 10 hits; Blanco and Mitchell each having a 2 hit game and Fontenot with 3.
If you’ve been keeping up with local events, you know that the arena project is currently on hiatus pending legal proceedings from local municipalities, challenging the rules, economics, and mechanics of the “zone” created to fund the arena project. It’s not clear as of this morning if they’ve passed the “drop dead” date which would prevent hockey from starting in the fall of 2013 as planned. Negotiations are ongoing, as they say.
But, you might be able to buy tickets soon. An email arrived in Kram’s Korner this morning announcing the upcoming pre-sale for hockey season tickets. The ticket office will be open soon. The text of the email is below, and you can add yourself to the season ticket list by visiting www.phantomsarena.com .
I assume that details, such as seating charts, pricing, package options, and “what happens if this whole thing falls through?” will be answered in the coming weeks. Check back here in NoiseNation for further details as they become available!
Email text:
PHANTOMS SALES OFFICE COMING SOON!
Your seat awaits in the new arena! You will be able to talk to your local Phantoms sales representative about the best possible seat for you.
We are excited to meet and talk with you and the other 1,800 people on the ticket priority list about where you want to sit.
We will be making our first calls based on when you signed up. You will get another email telling you when to expect a call from your personal account representative. We anticipate making our first round of calls at the end of the month.
Friday got rained out with a 3-3 tie. Game going to be “continued” in Charlotte at a later date. Drop the number of Openings in Lehigh Valley to 79.
Saturday saw the Pigs defeat the Cheifs 4-1.
Sunday had the Pigs defeat the Chiefs 11-2.
Syracuse is currently battleing for the basement of the International League with a North Division worst 10 win 20 loss record. The only team with a lower winning pct. is Louisville at 10 and 21.
We also got the good news that IronPig starter Scott Elarton was named International League pitcher of the week! Scott was the only pitcher to earn two victories last week and did so by allowing only 1 earned run in 12 innings between both games.
***
Tonight’s game in Indianapolis got off to a familiar start. An error by Domonic Brown allowed the first run of the game to score. To his credit, it was a difficult catch but it hit the glove and popped out. It happens.
Starter Dave Bush lasted 5 innings allowing 4 runs on 7 hits. He threw 90 pitches… 55 of them for strikes.
The Pig’s bats didn’t fare any better than Bush. They swatted only 3 hits in this 4-0 loss.
Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (4-5) dropped another close game, this one to Reading (2-6) this past weekend. With a final score Express 37, Steelhawks 34; this is the 3rd Steelhawk loss by three points or fewer this season.
The game started out as a defensive battle as both teams were held scoreless the entire first quarter.
The second quarter had a little more action as the teams traded touchdowns. The Steelhawks coming off a 35 yd pass from QB Dale Fink to WR Aaron Higdon. Higdon had a great game, scoring three of the Steelhawks five total touchdowns. Express took a 13-6 lead into halftime as they returned a kickoff for a touchdown.
Lehigh Valley came out to play in the third quarter, scoring with a WR Irani DeAraujo touchdown catch on their opening drive. The Express answered with a field goal. The Steelhawks had an answer of their own, this one coming from RB Ryan Leafey who ran it in from three yards out. On the ensuing kickoff, a squib kick was turned into an unintentional onside kick as Reading fumbled the ball and Lehigh Valley recovered giving them the ball back. Unfortunately the offense stalled out and wasn’t able to capitalize on the turnover. The Express managed to find the endzone before the end of the quarter as well.
The Steelhawks had a rough start to the fourth quarter as a fumble recovered in the endzone became a costly turnover as the Express lead was extended to 10, 30-20. As the Steelhawks got the ball back, they scored 14 unanswered points. All coming off Fink passes to Higdon who found the back of the endzone each time. This streak made it 34-30 Steelhawks with just under six minutes left in the game. Reading were able to score a quick touchdown to put them back in the lead, 37-34. The Steelhawks had 3:33 to counter but another turnover, the team’s fifth of the night, gave Reading the ball back where all they needed to do was take a knee to run the clock out and get their second win on the year.
While the Steelhawks weren’t their best this last game, they are still in the playoff hunt as they retain a half game lead over Chicago in the United Conference for the 4th and final playoff spot with five games remaining in the season.
Offensively, WR Aaron Higdon had 6 rec for 102 yds, 3 tds… WR Irani DeAraujo had 6 rec for 31 yds, 1 td… RB Ryan Leafey had 44 yds, 1 td on 12 att… DB Jesse Cooper 48 return yards on 1 att… Defensively… LB Mat Cohen 9 tackles… DL Brian Brikowski 7 tackles… Team had 2 forced fumbles.
The Steelhawks return to the Lehigh Valley on May 19th for the first of three home contests in a row as they take on the Omaha Beef in the two teams first meeting ever. The game is being deemed as “Salute to Heroes Night” and is being presented by Cohen & Feeley Attorneys at Law. The game will feature an auction throughout the contest with ALL proceeds going to local military families. In addition, the first 1,500 fans will receive a free Steelhawks/Cohen & Feeley drawstring bag. Tickets for the game are still available and can be purchased by calling the Steelhawks front office at 610-282-3100, via the Steelhawks Website (www.lvsteelhawks.com), or by visiting the Stabler Arena Box Office at 124 Goodman in Bethlehem. For further information on the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks please contact Executive Vice President Mike Clark at 610-282-3100.
Season ticket packages, starting as low as $8 per game, are still available but great seats are limited so reserve your seats close to the action and call the team’s front office at 610-282-3100. Don’t miss out on the fun and exciting atmosphere that is Steelhawks Professional Indoor Football!
I arrived at the Park early this evening to take in some batting practice in addition to a photo op with my niece’s softball team. It was about the time during pre-game
FeRROUS entertains the Lehigh Township AA softball team.
warm-ups when the players are long tossing and I carefully tread my way behind them down the left field line keeping a watchful eye for any strays.
Phillippe Aumont was leaning along the wall in left by the PPL Picnic Patio. Standing next to him straining my neck looking up I asked how he was feeling. He said “Not good”. I asked if it was his back. He said “Yes”. I mentioned that the fans sure miss the 97 mile per hour fast ball we all hoped he was back soon. He said “Me too”. One could just tell Phillippe was not happy to be sidelined for any reason. At 6’7″ and 255 pounds I surely didn’t want to make the big man angry and wished him a speedy recovery and headed back toward the dugout.
It’s always a pleasure speaking with and listening to the media on hand. From Jeff Schuler to Micheal Lore to Doug Heater and Matt Provence the conversation is always insightful (and entertaining). As you may know the IronPigs (with Domonic Brown hurt) are playing with 22 players out of 25 and certainly need help in the ‘pen quickly. While it is not my desire to publish the rumor mill here, I
Ryne Sandberg
will say that if what was being tossed around comes true – we will all be surely pleased. Some moves are coming they have to be – but who and from where just may surprise all of us.
I caught a few moments with Domonic Brown in the dugout just after warm-ups. After introducing myself and Domonic acknowledging that yes he’s heard the bells, I of course asked him how he was feeling. Domonic said he was feeling fine and it’s just a small strain just above the bend on the back of his leg. He said he’ll take a few days just as a precautionary measure.
For me, Domonic has been a different player than last year when the boo birds were in full flight. He didn’t look happy
Bill Butler expertly lines the field.
then. In fact, it appeared he didn’t want much of anything to do with baseball at one point. It was sad to see the young man with so much potential riding the pine. The subject was discussed often with many fans and friends around the Park. The consenus among most was of course the mental aspect and some were downright (surprisingly) bitter about the whole thing.
Which brings us to 2012 and despite a few mis-cues in the outfield, I’ve noticed something different with Domonic this year. He is hustling on and off the field, smiling in
Domonic Brown
the dug-out, laughing with his team mates, signing autographs for the kids and overall looks like he’s enjoying baseball again. As we talked a little more Domonic brought up that very fact when I mentioned “It seems like something has changed from last year”. He said “You know nothing’s really changed much, I’m just having fun – trying to show the fans another side of me they didn’t get to see before.” I mentioned that he was hitting better than some Philly starters and with a perfect response he said “I’m not even thinking about that – I’m just having fun – working on my game.” You can’t doubt the influence of Ryne Sandberg on the maturation of Domonic Brown.
Following warm-ups D. Brown remained near the dugout while his team mates were dressing in the club house and appeared to be contemplating his next at bat or who to pie during post – not sure. Regardless, he’s having fun! Domonic then made his way to the kids (and a few adults) and signed autographs for nearly every one of them. He then delivered the flowers to the lady’s night recipients. The young man is making progress – progress on his way to successful Big League career – watch and see.
Harry Kalas sculptor Lawrence J. Nowlan and son.
As I was awaiting the softball team’s arrival on the field, a gentleman approached me noticing my camera. As we exchanged cards, he casually mentioned he was Lawrence J. Nowlan the sculptor of the very Harry Kalas statue that appears at Citizen’s Bank Park and as tonight’s give-away. What a great idea it was for him to throw out the first pitch and his young son thoroughly enjoyed his time on the field. Later, I was fortunate to locate Mr. Nowlan (with a little help) and spend a few moments watching the game with him. What a pleasure it was speaking with what may be one of the greatest sculptors of our time and a genuinely nice guy on top of it. He and his family thoroughly enjoyed their evening and had nothing but the highest regard for the IronPigs organization, Coca-Cola Park and the fans.
Despite the frustrating loss, spending the evening with family and friends both new and old is what LHV baseball is all
Kevin Frandsen makes lawn art.
about. From the usher who gave me a bp ball to give to my nephew, to almost putting a launch-a-ball in the big bucket, it doesn’t get much better than IronPigs baseball! Oh and I also discovered a new color – Provence blue!
Click here for the game story and below to hear The Voice.
Rich ‘Richie T’ Thompson created an ESPN top-10 virtually by himself today after replacing an injured Domonic Brown (who according to reports is day-today). After a previous 0 hits in 11 tries, Thompson went 2 for 2 with 3 RBIs but the stats don’t tell the whole story***.
Charlotte would begin the scoring in the 4th when Josh Phegley (DH) singled a full-count pitch to right scoring Conor Jackson (3B) who also singled and the ‘Dangerous’ Dan Johnson who was hit with a pitch.
The Knights would get two more in the 5th after a Jose Castro single (2B), Greg Golson would triple and then score on a “soggy dog slobbered tennis ball” throw by Andres Blanco and would lead the IronPigs 4-0 into the seventh.
The kids are always cheering no matter what the score and in the bottom of the 7th, LHV would hear them loud and clear. After just 18 at bats for the IronPigs in the first six innings, Andres Blanco (SS) would lead off with a deep shot off the Rothrock sign for a double. Kevin Frandsen then ripped the first pitch past Conor Jackson to put men at first and third bringing up Pig ‘O the Day, Richie T who just did everything right today.
***Proving that he deserves more playing time (and perhaps a promotion at some point) Rich legged out a perfect drag bunt that scored Blanco for the ‘Pigs first run and brought Cody Overbeck to the plate. Then when Overbeck slapped a grounder to second baseman Jose Castro, Thompson in a brilliant base running move, deliberately put himself in a run-down to break up the double-play and keep the inning alive. Hector Luna would then come on to sac fly in the second run for LHV. I can bet ya some Philly Pretzels there are many up in the “big show” who do not have the skills Rich Thompson does. {wink}
The Pigs would score again in the 8th when after a Mitchell lead off walk and with two outs, Andres Blanco would single to right. Kevin Frandsen would then do his best ‘Richie T’ impersonation and single another drag-bunt down the third-base line. ***Up comes the man himself who would promptly take the second pitch from Knight’s reliever Brian Bruney and slam it down the line scoring Mitchell and Blanco and tying the game with a pair of 4’s.
Lehigh Valley got 6 innings out of Dave Bush who gave up 6 hits, 4 earned runs with a walk and 3 strikeouts before yielding to B.J. Rosenberg. B.J. tossed two shut-out innings surrendering 3 hits with a walk and 2 strikeouts. Phillipe Aumont came on in the 9th and struck out the first batter, walked the next, struck out the next batter and proceeded to walk the bases loaded. I noticed Aumont staring in the dugout between pitches as if he was looking for someone to rescue him. Hopefully his back is not still injured and he just had one of the “Aum-outings”. Jake Diekman replaced Aumont and faced the bases loaded, two outs and Charlotte’s leading hitter, Josh Phegley (.373) at the plate. Phegley popped the second pitch to center fielder Derrick Mitchell to end the threat in the 9th and ultimately earn Diekman his first AAA win.
In the last chance before all the buses left, Hector Luna drew a walk followed by a wild pitch by Brian Bruney and advanced to second. Mike Fontenot would use yet another bunt to advance Luna to third and Tuffy Gosewisch with two outs in the bottom of the 9th would single to score Luna. “Pigs FLY!”
A tale of two games
Last night LHV won the game on two, 2 run home-runs. Today they won without anything more than one double, some timely hitting, Richie T, and a bunch of bunts. Whichever method you may prefer both resulted in entertaining games. Hopefully, the ‘Pigs will continue their winning ways tomorrow when Austin Hyatt (2-2, 3.12) gets the nod for the ‘Pigs and Charlie Shirek (3-2, 4.40) for the Knights.
It’s Harry the K bronze statue give-away night – lines begin at 3:30 pm!
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