Monthly Archives: January 2013

January 27, 2013 · 3:19 pm

2013 Phillies Winter Banquet

Thursday evening, the NoiseNation represented at the 2013 Phillies Winter Banquet to support IronPigs Charities at the Sands Event Center in Bethlehem. There were bells (OK, A bell) and an auction and some time to hob knob with the VIPs. Here are some highlights:

(It’s worth stating, right here at the top, that all photos and video were provided by Cheryl Pursell { @CherylPursell }. They are excellent and I hope I can display them here properly. The pictures and video below will tell you much more about the evening than I ever could by typing. I showed up with an iPhone and a FlipHD camera which was woefully inadequate given our seating. Perhaps next year we all need to pitch in to pay for Cheryl’s ticket…)

The Stage at the Front of the Sands Center
Photo by @CherylPursell

DiPro got there early and cleaned out the casino. Dan provided the Kenny Rogers’ (Know when to walk away…) advice to get DiPro to the banquet on time. As per usual, the NoiseNation was well represented and there early. You’d have thought they were giving away bobbleheads or something (they weren’t).

We entered at the side of the Visions Bar to see a giant Championship Jersey:

Photo by @CherylPursell

DiPro, with his new-found wealth, inquired about bidding on the large jersey. I then wondered if we could sneak a bunch of fans into the IronPigs games Trojan Horse-style…

We walked up the stairs to the VIP area. The first person I saw was Charlie Manuel just standing at a pub table by himself. Of course, I couldn’t think of anything cool or witty to say quickly enough, and he was gone by the time we visited the open bar at the far side of the room.

The young ones (and DiPro) got pictures with some of the VIPs (Kevin Frandsen, Dave Brundage, Charlie Manuel, and Erik Kratz. Reuben Amaro Jr. joined in later.) They whisked us in and out of the photo room pretty quickly; it had been made clear ahead of time that we were not supposed to ask for autographs during the picture sessions. The photo holder they gave us did have a spot for autographs. I suppose had we stayed later in the evening there was opportunity at the end.

It got crowded in the VIP are quickly. The hors d’oeuvres were good and plentiful, and sodas and drinks were complimentary. Matt Provence and Jon Schaffer were around, as well as some media members and some of the front office guys from the Phillies who were in attendance. The local ESPN radio guys were doing a broadcast:

Charlie with the radio guys.
Photo courtesy @CherylPursell

We made our way to our table downstairs, and soon Matt Provence was urging the same for the 1,100 in attendance. This took some time, but we made the best of it while the kiddos planned on how to attack the cupcakes, which were already on the table:

Phanatic Cupcake
Photo: @CherylPursell

There was a video about IronPigs Charities, and some salad, then Chicken for 1,100. The food was probably the low-light of the evening. I was not disappointed because I really had no expectations: I knew they wouldn’t have super dinner for 1,100 people. With that in mind, though, they should have been able to serve it more quickly.

Then, the introductions, and the program. It was great to hear Tim Chorones’ voice again, you know? The remainder of the pictures, and the videos of the program, follow:

Frandsen with Amaro Photo: @CherylPursell

Frandsen, Amaro, and Manuel (@CherylPursell)

Kratz Frandsen Amaro (Photo: @CherylPursell)

Kevin Frandsen looks on as Kurt Landes presents the IronPigs Charities’ Awards (@CherylPursell)

Dave Brundage Speaks (photo: @CherylPursell)

We’re Gonna Like the New Skipper…
(@CherylPursell)

Charlie Signing
Photo Courtesy: @CherylPursell

@Kram209

PS: Thanks again, Cheryl

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Filed under Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

Tagged as IronPigs, Phillies

January 23, 2013 · 10:47 am

Piggy Nation Cartoon of the Day 1-23-2013

www.piggynation.com

Tiny Bobbles

Tiny [Bobbles]

In the wine
Make me happy
Make me feel fine

Tiny [Bobbles]

Make me warm all over
With a feeling that I’m gonna
Love you ’til the end of time

So here’s to the golden moon
And here’s to the silver sea
And mostly here’s a toast
To you and me

-Don Ho

Yeah, I’m gonna go there again. And, here’s the thing: I like the giveaways. Yup. I said it. It’s unpopular with the kool kids and the baseball purists, but I love the swag. Give me more stuff, man, I’ll take it! (no, I won’t fight anybody over it and I won’t complain, but…) I’m on my second bottle of Rhone tonight and I’m willing to admit to about anything. I love that they give the club level patrons guaranteed giveaways. I drive over 55 sometimes. Golly, somebody stop me…

The IronPigs released a preliminary promotion schedule today, and here are the highlights:

Thursday, April 4 – Fleece Blanket Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)
Friday, April 5 – Friday Night Fireworks, Dueling Pianos
Saturday, April 6 – 2013 Magnet Schedule Giveaway
Sunday, April 7 – “Pigs to the Bigs” T-Shirt Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older), Dog Day # 1 (Bring Your Dog to the Park)
Tuesday, April 9 – Kevin Frandsen Bobblehead Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)
Wednesday, April 10 – FeRROUS & FeFe Salt & Pepper Shaker Set (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)
Saturday, April 20 – John Mayberry Commemorative Glass Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)
Sunday, April 21 – Knit Cap Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older) Dog Day # 2 (Bring Your Dog to the Park)
Saturday, May 4 – Margarita Glass Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 21 and older)
Sunday, May 5 – Adult Cap Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)
Tuesday, May 7 – Tyler Cloyd Bobblehead Giveaway (first 3,000 adults 18 and older)
Monday, May 20 – Youth Cap Giveaway (First 2,000 youth 17 and under)
Tuesday, May 21 – Erik Kratz Bobblehead Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)
Sunday, May 26 – Mini Barbie Q. Bobblehead Giveaway (First 2,000 youth 17 and under)
Saturday, June 1 (6:35 p.m.) – Russian Bar Trio Performance
Monday, June 3 – Team Photo & Autograph Session (First 5,000 Fans)
Monday, June 10 – Adult Cap Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)
Thursday, June 13 – Beach Towel Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)
Sunday, June 16 – Fathers Day Bucket Cap Giveaway (First 2,000 men 18 and older)
Sunday, June 30 – Youth Replica Jersey Shirt Giveaway (First 2,000 youth 17 and under)
Monday, July 8 – Ryan Howard Bobblehead Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)
Wednesday, July 10 – Adult Cap Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)
Thursday, July 18 – Scoreboard Clock Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)-Turn Back the Clock Night
Friday, July 19 – Friday Night Fireworks + Umbrella Giveaway (3,000 adults 18 and older) + Dueling Pianos
Saturday, July 20 – Acrylic Cup Giveaway (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)
Sunday, July 21 – Piggy Bank Giveaway (First 2,000 youth 17 and under)
Thursday, August 1 – Team Card Set Giveaway (First 2,000 youth 17 and under)
Monday, August 26 – 2014 Magnet Schedule Giveaway (First 5,000 fans) – Dog Day # 4 (Bring your Dog to the Park) / IronHeads Night
Tuesday, August 27 – Foam Finger Giveaway (First 3,500 fans)
Saturday, August 31 – 2014 Wall Calendar (First 7,000 adults 18 and older)
Monday, September 2 – Fan Appreciation Day
Tuesday, September 17 – 2013 Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game

My favorites are bolded, and there are many other regular events, such as the Friday Night Fireworks. Additional nights will be added, but the big ones are above. Enjoy. And get your tickets early. March, they say.

@Kram209

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January 17, 2013 · 11:34 am

Piggy Nation Comes to the Noise Nation!

Need a laugh or some humor during the off season? Piggy Nation has offered to share their comic strip with us! Stay tuned for the first one coming soon!

From the Piggy Nation:

Los Angeles Man Takes On Piggy Behavior

Richard Rosser is on a mission to rid the world of piggy behavior. After a man stole a parking space from his mother-in-law, Rosser decided…

No more dogs pooping on neighbors’ lawns!

No more drivers parking in two spaces!

No more yelling on cell phones!

Having worked on children’s programs for Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel, Rosser considered a children’s book the natural outlet for his frustration with piggy behavior. Teaming up with illustrator Shane Sowell (The Simpsons, King of the Hill), the two created Piggy Nation: A Day At Work With Dad, an award winning children’s book that focuses on piggy behavior in an amusing update of the Golden Rule. The main character is a piglet named Sammy who joins his dad on Piggy Patrol. As they search the town for piggies, Sammy learns about rude behavior!

After the book was published, Rosser began performing school assemblies (seen by 7000 students to date). The kids responded so positively that Rosser adapted the story into a full-length musical. With composer Alec Wells (theoutsidejoke.com), the two crafted a show richly layered with Rock, Blues, Rap and Gospel influences. Piggy Nation The Musical premiered at The Pierson Playhouse in Pacific Palisades, California and is available through Steele Spring Theatrical Licensing.

Building on the concept of Piggy Behavior, Rosser and Sowell developed Piggy Nation the comic strip, which runs each Sunday in The Sunday Oklahoman and online at uskidsmags.com which publishes Jack & Jill and Humpty Dumpty.

School assemblies have led to writing workshops, which spawned a chapter book, Piggy Nation: Let’s Go Camping. In addition, Rosser has created educational programs including The Piggy Tales Story Bee which he recently transformed into a storytelling game, Piggy Tales Story Cards.

Contact Piggy Nation for more information about School Assemblies,
Piggy Nation The Musical or Piggy Tales Story Bees

818-404-1642
richard@piggynation.com

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January 14, 2013 · 12:47 pm

Quick Thoughts on the IronPigs’ Ball Girls

It was announced today that the IronPigs will be presenting their first ever class of Ball Girls this year, at games and in the community. Read more about it here:

Here are my initial thoughts:

Yes! Wonderful idea. This makes it feel more like a big-league game. My life just got a little bit better.
Now I’m REALLY looking forward to sitting in the Hot Corner.
Wait, I wonder if I could apply. Doesn’t really say that dudes are excluded. Oh, I have no softball experience. Darn. I have a softball in my trunk, though. I’ll have my kids throw it to me to give me experience.
Dan, you’ve played softball before, right? We should apply. It’s probably the best chance I’ll ever have of getting on the field during a professional baseball game. We meet all the requirements. There’s no way they turn us down!

🙂

It’s all good!

@Kram209

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Filed under Coca Cola Park, Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

January 13, 2013 · 3:50 pm

Not-so Quick Stab at the 2013 IronPigs Roster

Yesterday on Twitter and Sulia I took a quick stab at the roster again, with the news that old friend Rodrigo Lopez had been signed to a minor league deal. I think we can expect to see him hold down a spot in the IronPigs rotation and contribute some veteran leadership there. He should be able to eat up some innings for the early part of the season until things shake out for the youngsters. It was pointed out that his age may be a problem and that his ERA was 5.++ last year for the Cubs and AAA Iowa. It was also pointed out (thanks, Decal) that he pitched very very well with Gwinnett two years ago for our new manager Dave Brundage. His only loss prior to going to the Cubs was to the IronPigs.

I’ve considered the roster a little more over the last 24 hours. Enough to generate 1200+ words! However, I think I’ve got to look again at the Philadelphia 25 before I can fine tune my stab. Injuries, suspensions, and trades can have an impact here; since I’m not going to predict any more of those, we’ll assume perfect health and behavior.

Phillies:

Catcher (2):

Kratz, Quintero

Discussion: Chooch starts on the suspended list. I’d expect to see Quintero move on and Kratz stick as backup after the first 25 games. The only other possibility is Valle, who is already on the 40-man. I’m just not sure he’s ready.

Starting Infield (4):

Howard, Utley, Rollins, Young

Discussion: Really, after the past two years, can they figure out a way to get Utley’s knees ready for April rather than June? I could really care if he plays in Florida or not. Just get him ready so that the IronPigs don’t have to subsidize the Phillies infield for the first two months.

Starting Outfield (3):

Mayberry, Revere, Brown

Reserve Outfield (1):

Nix

Discussion: There may be a platoon here with Nix. An additional reserve my be involved (see below). Also, can’t completely rule out another trade–or Ruf.

Other Reserves (3): Frandsen, Martinez, Inciarte

Discussion: Frandsen is already on the 40-man, where Orr is not. Galvis is, but I think they’d like to have him start the year playing every day (at AAA) rather than on the bench. In the case of an injury or suspension, Galvis would be up right away and has 40-man status. Martinez is only signed to a minor league deal, but I think they like is ability to back up multiple positions, including CF. Then again, if they’re going to keep Rule-5 guy Inciarte on the roster, perhaps he’s their CF backup (and indeed, Mayberry and Brown can play CF as well.) Personally, I’m not sure Inciarte makes it. He doesn’t seem like he’s advanced enough to warrant a 25-man spot. But, that’s something to watch in Spring Training. He could stick as part of a trade and then get optioned, I guess.

Starting Pitchers (5):

Halladay, Hamels, Lee, Lannan, Kendrick

Relievers (7):

Papelbon, Adams, Aumont, Stutes, Bastardo, Horst, Diekman

Discussion: Really, there could be a number of choices here, most of whom we’re familiar with. The only guy without options is JC Ramirez, which may force a decision there. I’m not sure if he’s pitched well enough to be in demand by other teams, though. I’m also not sure which of these guys fills the “long guy” roll. I would assume, though, if Kendrick’s in the rotation, then the sixth starter will come from the IronPigs: Cloyd probably, with the other starters as possibilities depending upon who’s throwing well and whose turn it is. Pettibone, Martin and Rosenberg are all on the 40-man while Lopez is not (although he’s the most veteran.)

IronPigs:

Catchers (2):

Valle, Suomi

Discussion: I think they start Joseph in Reading and I don’t think they’re confident enough in Valle to let him back up Kratz in Philadelphia. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see any 2-3 of Quintero, Valle, Suomi, Lerud, Joseph with the IronPigs to start–or at any time during the season. Here’s another thing: I don’t want to get into predicting trades, but reportedly, they’ve already tried to trade Valle once (to the Astros, whose pitcher failed his physical). If they want Joseph at AAA, Valle could be moved.

Starting Infield (4):

Overbeck, Hernandez, Galvis, Fields

Discussion: As above, I’m predicting that they want Galvis to play every day to start the season. If this is the way it plays out, we likely won’t have him for long. The first sign of any infield injury with the Phils, and that’ll be it. There was some talk of Galvis trying third base, as well, although I’ve seen nothing official about this.

Starting Outfield (3):

Ruf, Gillies, Jermaine Mitchell

Discussion: Can Gillies get from here to April 4 without getting injured or suspended? Will Ruf earn a spot in Philadelphia? (As with Galvis, I think they’ll want to see him play every day before Charlie will trust him in important spots in Philadelphia) Can Jermaine hold off his brother-from-another-mother(-and father) Derrick for the starting spot? Can he replicate the .731 OPS he put up in the PCL? Will we expect too much from a PCL bat again? What’s going on with Susdorf? Where will Hudson land? A lot of questions here. Stay tuned.

Reserves (4):

Blanco, Orr, Derrick Mitchell, Castro

Discussion: As I said above, it’s only a matter of time before we lose Galvis to Philadelphia–or maybe Ruf. Ruf can back up Overbeck, as can Suomi. Castro has earned this promotion. I would start Susdorf in Reading before Derrick, but you could make the case otherwise. I don’t think Jiwan James has done enough to be in this group.

Starting Pitchers (5):

Cloyd, Pettibone, Martin, Rosenberg, Lopez

Discussion: As I said above, I think this is where additional starters come from for the Phillies. Rosenberg ended the year as more of a starter, so I’ve kept him there–and there aren’t a ton of other options. Further, I don’t think there’s much more to prove at AA for Ethan Martin, but I think Adam Morgan will start there for now.

Relievers (7):

Schwimer, DeFratus, Valdes, Robles, Savery, Ramirez, Friend

Discussion: Schwim and JD start with the ‘Pigs but could be up at any time. Valdes is the odd lefty out, but could switch with Horst or Diekman. As I said, Ramirez may need a change of scenery based on lack of options, but that remains to be seen–I don’t see him making the 25-man. I wonder if Savery gets thrown into a deal with Valle if the Phils have seen enough? Friend has proven himself at Reading and should get a spot. A couple other pen guys could find their way up sooner rather than later as the Reading pen looks to be rather crowded. Zach Miner and Cesar Jimenez are strong possibilities for spots here, too, if Ramirez and Savery move on.

Analysis:

This appears to be a strong team, to me, even with the unknown spots and the possibility of injuries and trades. I see the strengths as fielding and relief pitching, while hitting-for-power and starter depth appear to be possible weaknesses. There aren’t really any starters-in-waiting around. It seems like the Braves of Gwinnett were always rather competitive, so I’d predict that the new manager will not be a hinderance to our success. The biggest note, though, is that this is most likely to be the most “prospect”-laden squad we’ve seen at Coca Cola Park in six years. I count as many as 12/25 as current or very recent prospect-level players. It should be fun to watch!

@Kram209

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January 5, 2013 · 1:56 pm

Kram’s 2013 IronPig (read: New Year) Resolutions

As you know, I’ve got no problem telling the IronPigs what I think they ought to do. However, now it’s time for me to take a look in the mirror and decide what I need to do to become a better fan–for myself, and the team.

In 2013, I, Kram, resolve to:

Put the IronPigs license plate back on my car before the Phillies Banquet.

I’ve never been to the Phillies Banquet, which I guess used to be called the “Phillies Caravan.” But, we’re going this year. The whole crew. Plus, dignitaries from the Noise Nation as well. Look for our report some time after January 24. I’m looking forward to seeing Kratzie and Frannie, and meeting and welcoming our new manager.

2. Try not to get caught up in the jersey bidding on my phone.

I never got into the table blocking and pen stealing (you know who you are!) of the previous charity jersey auctions, but last year I found it very compelling to constantly check the prices and put in bids. I “won” two of them. It can get expensive, though. Since I’ve already got two, I’ll try to sit these out the best I can for the good of my wallet.

3. Spend a game in the Bacon Strip, the Hot Corner, the Tiki Terrace, and just maybe, a Dugout Suite.

I love my regular seats, but it is nice to take in a game from another section. It gives another perspective of the game and the park. Last year I sat in 115 twice, 112 once, and 104 once. I also spent a game with a GA ticket, mostly standing in the area of 106. I never got to the Tiki last year other than to walk through. I’ll make a better effort this year to enjoy the park from other locations.

4. Try not to buy any more hats–unless they’re really cool.

This backfired on me a bit in the playoffs. Others in my crew bought nice Reading hats on our trip down there and I passed because “I’ve already got enough hats.” Now, they’re gone because of the name change and I’m having regrets. I should have purchased one when I had the chance. But, still, I’ve got too many hats…

5. Save some of the swag for the holidays.

I was thinking last month it would have been nice to have saved some of the stuff I got to give away for Christmas. Alas, I either already gave it away, or opened it and used it, or let the kids “consume” it… Remind me to stash some of this stuff for the holidays.

6. Tailgate more often.

The tailgates need not be big fancy endeavors, but a chance to relax and get a sandwich and a soda before the game will add to the “relaxation factor” of attending as many games as I do. Plus, it could save me some cash.

7. Buy less food and drink at the park.

The IronPigs will be OK without any more of my money. Plus, “Pigs Fly” will be a reminder that I need to follow my diet, and not “Pig Out” or “Go Hog Wild.” 😉

8. Record more podcasts.

DiPro and I did one last year, and I thought it came out pretty good. If we can do a few more, then perhaps it will be time to expand the guest list: There are plenty knowledgable and interesting IronPigs fans out there. The following folks should get ready for an invite this season: Dan, JimmyT, Jared, Cheryl, Jim, Eric, Joe, Decal, and others!

9. Support the radio show better.

I should listen to the radio post-game even when we lose. My habit is to turn on the radio only following a win. Also, I should call in more often, and bring my portable to the park more often.

10. Try to get to the park on time.

I admit I was a lazy fan last year, often arriving at the park late. And, it’s not because I stopped to eat on the way, either. If I’m on time I’ll have more choices for dinner. I’ve already found a new route from my office to the park which should get me there faster once you factor in traffic. Plus, there’s more chance to tailgate! (see also, #6 and #7).

11. Attempt to subscribe to TV2 for HD IronPigs, pre-game, and for when I’m not at the park.

I’ve already got DirecTV, so I’m not excited about spending a lot more money. However, the MiLB thing just didn’t do it for me last season. Sure, TV2 won’t get me the away games, but it will get me some Reading games. And, HD. It’s beyond me how anyone can watch anything that’s not in HD.

So there it is. What are YOU going to do differently this year?

Twitter: @Kram209