Monthly Archives: June 2012

June 10, 2012 · 4:56 pm

IronPigs Updated Roster as of 6/9 – Pete Orr outrighted

One small update: Pete Orr was outrighted to LHV on Friday night thus removing him from the 40 man roster (as far as I understand) . I believe he must have cleared waivers as well and is another trade forthcoming? According to Baseball America Orr is eligible for arbitration in 2013. Feel free to google arbitration, wavers, etc. as it’s a minefield of information.

Hector Luna and Mike Fontenot do remain on the active roster while Pete was outrighted back to LHV. While Orr was hitting .286 with 5 RBI, 0 HR and 13 K – Luna is batting .324 with 10 RBI, 2 HR and 7 K and Fontenot (“FontenYES”) is on fire at a .342 clip and 5 RBI,1 HR and 6 K. Mike also has the highest current OBP for the Phils at .419 (granted he’s only appeared in 19 games but still had around the same AB as Orr and Luna). Surely disappointing for Speedy Petey but if you go strictly by the current stats I guess it makes sense.

LHP Raul Valdes optioned by Philadelphia to LHV.
RHP B.J. Rosenberg had contract purchased by Philadelphia.
IF Pete Orr was outrighted by Philadelphia.

(click roster to enlarge)

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June 10, 2012 · 3:50 am

IronPigs sweep Braves but lose to Chiefs in a walk-off – 3-2

Kyle Hudson began the 6th with a strike-out followed by a Kevin Frandsen ground out. With 2 outs Domonic Brown walked then Tuffy Gosewisch walked. Up next, Speedy Petey Orr singled to center scoring Brown and brought Cody Overbeck to the plate who also singled to center scoring Gosewisch. Michael Spidale finished the 6th with a fly out to center.

Syracuse would score 1 in the 3rd another in the 6th and would win in walk-off fashion when with 2 outs, 2 on and an 0-2 count – James Skelton would hit a screamer just past Cody Overbeck to score former IronPig Carlos Rivero for the winning, walk-off run. “Oy vey” Rivero was claimed off waivers by the Nationals during the off-season.

New LHV starting pitcher 30 year old Matt Wright threw a decent 6 innings and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits with 6 K, 1 BB and a solo homer to Corey Brown his 16th of the year. Not too bad after most recently pitching for the Sugar Land Skeeters and not having pitched in an MLB affiliated game since 2010.

The IronPigs reportedly tried to re-sign Ryan Feierabend but just missed out and instead got Wright. Thankfully, I don’t have to keep typing Feierabend. On Friday, Feierabend (Oy Vey), who was signed by Cincinnati and assigned to the Louisville Bats pitched 4 1/3 giving up 7 runs on 9 hits with 5K, 3BB and 3 HR (including a grand salami) for a whopping ERA of 14.54. Wright’s ERA is currently 3.00. You make the call.

J.C. Ramirez and David Purcey each threw a scoreless inning until the unfortunate bounce past Overbeck for losing pitcher Jeremy Horst ended the game.

Domonic Brown had a “star-worthy” play in center field but the Syracuse camera faded out just at that time. We’ll have to take Matt Provence’s word that it was one heck of a catch.

I’ve said it for a few weeks… DB 2012 is an updated version of DB 2011 – however, the naysayers still abound. During a recent game when Domonic was the DH I heard someone utter “At least he’s not playing in the outfield so he won’t drop anything”. All I can say is folks like this are either not paying attention or just don’t want to root for a good guy working hard to make his way to the show (and getting closer).

Domonic Brown makes a “star-worthy play” to rob SWB’s Francisco Cervelli back in April at Coca-Cola Park.

Click below to hear “The Voice” Matt Provence with the wrap-up.

Dishing on the tracks

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June 10, 2012 · 2:06 am

Kratz Bats – 3 RBI – ‘Pigs sweep Braves 6-5 (Friday)

Kratzie cleared the bases with a single in the bottom of the 7th to cap the 4 run inning. Kyle Hudson went 2-4 with 2 runs scored and Kevin “Viva La” Frandsen was 3-4 and 2 RBIs. Even starting pitcher Pat Misch plated a run with a sac fly to earn LHV a sweep of the Gwinnett Braves on Friday.

Starting Pitcher Pat Misch

Pat Misch hits a sac fly to right…

…that scores Steve Susdorf for the first run.

Misch went a decent 6 2/3’s surrendering 3 runs on 9 hits with a season high 8 K and 0 BB. Brian Sanches got the win in relief going an inning and a 3rd followed by Phillipe Aumont with the lucky save in the ninth giving up 2 runs on 2 hits with 2 K and 1 BB. Aumont gave up a 2 run double to Felix Pie but struck out Ernesto Mejia to end the game and preserve the victory.

Erik Kratz carries a big stick and knows how to use it!

Click below to hear “The Voice” Matt Provence with the wrap-up.

Dishing with a broom

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June 8, 2012 · 2:13 am

IronPigs Deal a Pair of 5’s – Braves Fold – ‘Pigs win 2

After grabbing the last two games from the Gwinnett Braves with a 5 run inning in each successive night, the IronPigs are now an astonishing 23-7 at home. The ‘Pigs are tied with the Akron Aeros (AA) for the 3rd best home record in MiLB. You have to dig all the way to the Florida State League (A Advanced) to find the St. Lucie Mets who are 25-5 at home with the Greensboro Grasshoppers (A) who are 22-5 with the 2nd best record.

Flande the Revenge – ‘Pigs win 5-1

In the first game on Wednesday, Michael Martinez on a 1 game rehab start in LHV went 2 for 3 with an RBI along with Michael Spidale who went 3-4 with an RBI. Even starting pitcher Tyler Cloyd went 2 for 2 with a double, an RBI and a run scored.

(As always click the photos to enlarge)

Tyler Cloyd went 8 strong innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits with 7 K and 1 BB. David Purcey would finish a hit-less, scoreless 9th with 1 K and 1 BB.

Bottom 2nd

Kevin Frandsen began the inning with a walk. Cody Overbeck then singled through short followed by a Steve Susdorf HBP.

Michael Spidale singled up the middle plating Frandsen. Pitcher Tyler Cloyd would help his cause with a single to left scoring Overbeck. Andres Blanco then drew a bases loaded walk scoring Susdorf.

Michael Martinez then singled to right scoring Spidale. Domonic Brown would ground into a 4-6-3 DP and score Cloyd. Erik Kratz grounded out to third to end the inning.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Kitchen Sink – ‘Pig win 5-2

On Thursday night LHV would garner their 5 runs in the 7th with everything but the kitchen sink including three doubles, a hit by pitch, a wild pitch and a balk. 7 of 8 infielders (minus the pitcher spot) had hits with only Kyle Hudson having a multiple hit night. Three doubles all in the 7th inning were hit by Steve Susdorf with back to backers by Kyle Hudson and Kevin Frandsen.

Pitching by committee tonight with Scott Elarton going 6 strong and gave up 1 run on 4 hits with 5 K and 3 BB followed by Tyson Brummett (1 inning, 1 run, 2 hits) and Jeremy Horst with hold and Phillipe Aumont with the save who both went a hit-less, scoreless inning each.

Bottom 7th

Tuffy Gosewisch led off the 7th with a hit by pitch. Pete Orr would reach on a catching error by second baseman Josh Wilson. Buddy Carlyle threw wild pitch advancing the runners and then followed that up with a balk plating Gosewisch.

Cody Overbeck struck out swinging followed by a Steve Susdorf double that scored Orr.

Tug Hulett would add a single scoring Susdorf. Tyson Brummett sacrificed Hulett to 2nd and Kyle Hudson would double in Hulett.

Kevin “Viva La” Frandsen hit the third double in the inning to score Hudson. Domonic Brown would strike out on a caught foul tip to end the 7th.

Two great games in two great nights. On Friday the IronPigs will try to sweep the series with Gwinnett with fireworks. So far everyone has remained in the dugout – hopefully the fireworks will only be in the sky!

Double Dishing

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June 7, 2012 · 9:24 pm

Casino Sets Standard for Coca Cola Park Security

To further address the Caper (I’m going to refer to it as such) that resulted in the firing of an Allentown Police officer…

A few more details have come out today but not much of significance.

Thinking this through I had one more question.

“How did this guy get caught?”

Did his partner turn him in? Police doing what police do and reporting a crime. In my eyes the partner should have stopped him if he knew it was happening but that’s a different story.

Did the IronPig staff catch him red handed? “Hey YOU! You with the bulge in your pants pockets and blue lips!”

How did this police officer get caught stealing from Coca Cola Park?

Note – Kids, it’s not ok at all to steal. Don’t take that message from this.

Earlier today a friend sent over another possible answer to this question.

The IronPigs now watch you as you watch them. Reportedly these are located above the field level on each the first and third base side.

Interesting. Security cameras. Just like the Bethlehem Casino has all over the place.

We rarely hear of any crimes committed at CCP. There was a “rumor” of a knife attack near the picnic patio a couple years ago and a well publicized sexual assault in the parking lot during a rain delay.

Now I have a new question to wonder about today… Why cameras?

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June 7, 2012 · 12:06 pm

Officer Fired for Stealing IronPig’s Balls

Just read a story about an Allentown Police Officer being fired for allegedly breaking into Coca Cola Park and stealing 2 baseballs and an Ice Pop.

Full article from LehighValleyLive.com

An Allentown police officer was fired tonight after allegedly breaking into Coca-Cola Park and stealing two baseballs and an ice pop, according to sources.

That raised a question for me. Is there a written rule about baseballs going into the stands? We generally accept this as a part of the game these days but it always hasn’t been that way.

An article posted on PhillySportsHistory.com shows us of an actual court case involving our beloved Phillies and an 11 year old boy.

In July 1923, Cotter was an 11-year-old spectator in the bleachers at a Phillies game at the Baker Bowl. As luck would have it, a foul ball flew towards him and he made the catch. When ushers approached Cotter to get the ball back, Cotter refused, placing the ball in his pocket. Instead of letting the kid slide, the Phillies brass (owner William Baker and business manager William Shettsline) brought the 11-year-old to the police and demanded he be arrested. Baker and Shettsline decided that Cotter would be a good test case to get law on the books about the ownership rights to baseballs batted into the stands.

Charged with larceny, Cotter spent the night in jail and was in front of Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Brown the next day. After a Phillies’ witness testified that the team should have the right to get balls back from the fans, Judge Brown did what any reasonable person would have done: he lambasted the Phillies ownership:

From the Reading Eagle July 20, 1923 – http://www.PhillySportsHistory.com

“It don’t so far as this court is concerned. I never heard of Connie Mack or Tom Shibe throwing small boys into prison because they took a ball that was batted into the bleachers. They were boys. I don’t know whether you or Shettsline were ever boys, for if you were you would know how they cherish the ball they get, and you would permit them to have the ball instead of throwing them into a cell overnight.Such an act on the part of a boy is merely proof that he is following his own natural impulses … I wouldn’t brand this boy a thief just to help Mr. Shettsline save a $1.50 ball. If Mr. Shettsline wanted his test case, there is the decision.”

Cotter was released and the Phillies never prosecuted another child for bringing home a foul ball.

These days we gasp and police officers are causing uproars when children are cuffed and carted away for bringing drugs or firearms to school or causing a violent disruption. This kid spent time in the brig for keeping a foul ball.

While the details of the Coca Cola Park Caper are being sparsley reported, there seems to be something we are missing. Either this master criminal posing as a law enforcement officer drilled through the lock on one of the gates at CCP and snuck away with his two ball and ice pop booty or he is being singled out for something everyone does at a professional ball game.

We see dozens of balls hit into fan areas and even more tossed to amused fans by the players themselves. Would that make the players an accessory to the crime? Not to mention the hundreds of criminals that do not immediately return the balls to the team.

Note – I’ve only gotten two balls batted my way and I gave both back. Call me a good citizen or a dedicated fan. (Both were opposing team home runs)

The ice pop.. I just don’t understand the ice pop. Those freezers have locks and chains. It just doesn’t seem worth the effort. Speculating here, but maybe an employee handed him an ice pop and said “Don’t worry about it.” Perhaps he saw an unopened ice pop in the trash and helped himself? If we go by the rules at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem every piece of property has an owner. Someone drops a dollar bill there security cameras will identify who dropped it and if the person who picks it up doesn’t turn it in they are also charged with theft. Who knew helping yourself to that abandoned half hot dog in the trash could lead to charges…

Like the 1980’s episode of the Transformers that was on a few minutes ago, “There’s more than meets the eye” to this story.

If these are indeed the circumstances, I think the officer in question could use the above noted ruling as a legal precedence.

Either way, someone lost their job for something stupid. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.

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June 6, 2012 · 10:18 pm

Jamie Moyer Could Play at Coca Cola Park

Per the Washington Times…

Jamie Moyer has signed with the Orioles and was placed on the Norfolk Tides roster.

The IronPigs face the Tide at home on July 24th-27th.

As Lloyd Christmas would say… “So you’re saying there’s a chance!”

OinK!

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June 6, 2012 · 3:32 pm

IronPigs Day-Night Double Header – Announced for July 1

OFFICIAL IRONPIGS NEWS
For Immediate Release
Jon Schaeffer
June 6, 2012

DAY-NIGHT DOUBLEHEADER ANNOUNCED FOR JULY 1

12:05 p.m. Start Time for Game One is the Result of a June 4 Postponement

(Allentown, Pa.) – As a result of a rainout on June 4, The IronPigs and Pawtucket Red Sox will play a day-night doubleheader on Sunday, July 1. A separate ticket will be required for entry to each of the two nine-inning games, which are scheduled for 12:05 p.m. and 6:35 p.m., respectively.

Tickets for the newly-announced Game One on July 1, as well as all future games at Coca-Cola Park this season are available for all upcoming IronPigs games and can be purchased in-person at Coca-Cola Park, by calling (610) 841-PIGS or online at ironpigsbaseball.com. Prices for single-game start as low as $7 for General Admission, granting fans access to the Capital BlueCross Lawn seating area, the brand-new bar at the Red Robin Tiki Terrace & Oasis along with standing room only areas. Field Level reserved seats are just $10. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as Coca-Cola Park was Minor League Baseball’s most visited venue in 2011 with seating capacity reached or surpassed during 60 of the club’s 68 home dates.

Only a limited number of Field Level tickets remain for the 6:35 p.m. game on July 1 that features a post-game fireworks show presented by Ford. Promotions and activities for Game One will be announced shortly and be made available at ironpigsbaseball.com.

Fans that are still holding tickets from a rain out this season may exchange each ticket for a ticket of equal or lesser value to any remaining 2012 regular season game at Coca-Cola Park, including the brand-new 12:05 p.m. game on Sunday, July 1. All ticket exchanges must be made in-person at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office (no phone or internet exchanges). Ticket exchanges are subject to availability. Fans with additional questions are asked to call (610) 841-PIGS (7447).

IronPigs full-season (Club, Suite, Front Row & Field Level) ticket holders will have the benefit of receiving a complimentary ticket in their same seats for the newly-announced 12:05 p.m. game. Tickets can be picked up in-person at the Coca-Cola Park ticket office or printed via the ticket holder’s online account. Full-season ticket holders with tickets cards will have these complimentary games automatically loaded onto the cards and need to take no further action to enjoy this outstanding benefit.

IronPigs 18- and 36-game ticket holders will receive correspondence shortly for how to secure prime seating for Game One of the doubleheader.

Hospitality areas, including the brand-new Red Robin Oasis along with the BSI Dugout Suites, PenTeleData Party Porches, the PPL Picnic Patio and the IronPigs’ Team Suite are on sale now for the newly-announced 12:05 p.m. game. Book your group in these spectacular areas today by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447).

Please note that all gates will open at 11:05 a.m. for Game One. For Game Two, the Main Gates open at the regularly scheduled time of 5:15 p.m. Club Level patrons may enter the Club Level gates beginning at 5 p.m. Since a day-night doubleheader constitutes two separate games, all fans must exit Coca-Cola Park at the conclusion of the first game of the doubleheader.

This day-night doubleheader marks just the second in franchise history and the first since a Coca-Cola Park one-day record of 17,006 fans attended a pair of games on July 3, 2009.

Fans are reminded that there are three entry points for parking and are encouraged to use the Dauphin Street entrance when traveling from downtown Allentown. In addition to the Dauphin Street entrance, entry to Coca-Cola Park can be gained off American Parkway and Union Boulevard. Preferred/Handicapped Parking access is available via American Parkway only.

The cost of parking in Coca-Cola Park’s “Pig Tail Porking Spaces” is $3 per vehicle for all IronPigs home games.

Single-game tickets, mini-plan packages and group tickets for all IronPigs home games presented by Capital BlueCross, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online atwww.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS.

Don’t forget to ask about the all-new four-person “islands” in the Red Robin Oasis located directly above the left field bullpens. Each island is covered underneath a thatched roof and includes a circular half-table, cocktail-style seating for the four fans in the party and wait service.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are dedicated to providing family-friendly entertainment and are the only Minor League team to offer bubbles to fans entering the AT&T Plaza and balloons for all children exiting Coca-Cola Park.

— pig out —

Dishing by Day Dishing by Night