Checking the Weather

While we’re thankful here in Kram’s Korner that we didn’t just get 10 inches of snow, fact is, it’s not baseball weather yet.  Mother Nature’s not ready.  In fact, she’s not provided Clearwater, Florida with a ton of nice weather, either.  That’s where our guys are battling for jobs to see who breaks camp with the AAA IronPigs.  Here’s a roster update on which way the wind is blowing right now–what I’m hearing and what to watch for:

Catcher:

Young Tommy Joseph is impressing all around.  He’s hitting the ball, calling good games for the MLB pitchers, and throwing guys out.  Right now, I have him as a lock to break camp with the IronPigs.  Get ready to chant: TOE!  JOE!  TOE!  JOE!

As for the other, who knows?  Valle could go back to Reading or back up Tommy, or he could be on the DL as he battles a broken finger.  Or he could get traded.  He’s with the Mexican WBC team right now, so we’ll see what happens when he gets back, as well as who gets sent to minor league camp first.  It is assumed that Humberto Quintero–older and more experienced–will back up Kratz in Philadelphia.  Remember that Lerud had MLB time last year as well.  Also recall, the IronPigs started with three catchers last year.  Cameron Rupp should be “the guy” in Reading, as he’s been getting some time in MLB camp too, of late.   Finally, there was a rumor that the Phillies were scanning the market for another veteran back-up type.  Don’t be surprised to see a last minute addition to this derby.

Infield:

It looks like it’s coming down to three guys for two back-up spots in Philly:  Frandsen, Galvis, and Betancourt.  Yuni has a 3/24 out clause, so the Phillies will have to make a decision by then if they want to keep him.  Given that kind of clause, I really doubt he’ll accept an assignment to Lehigh Valley; he’ll have a whole week to hook on with another MLB team who needs a shortstop (St Louis?).  But, if they keep him, they could option Galvis to the IronPigs to play every day.  This is what I’m hoping for, but I’m not holding my breath.  Charlie Manuel has already counted up all the at-bats he can give Galvis, and he’s got him at 3B now, too, to boot (poor choice of words..).  You can count on Michael Martinez and Pete Orr for the IronPigs at this juncture.

Josh Fields has been getting time at 1B with the big club thus far.  I think this is because Michael Young is the starter at 3B, Kevin Frandsen (or, Galvis) is the backup, and they want a long look at young Cody Asche.  While I still kind of expect to see Fields at 3B with the ‘Pigs, Ache has–like Joseph–been impressing on both sides of the ball.  I didn’t think they’d start him at LHV, but it is possible.  I wonder if another Cody–Overbeck–could be the odd guy out.  Or, perhaps, Fields gets the DH.  Let’s see what the minor league camp looks like when they start playing games.

Outfield:

Dom Brown has a strangle-hold on one corner spot, and Delmon Young will definitely start the season on the DL.  In fact, they’re saying Young could be ready mid-April or so.  I wonder, if the weather’s warm enough, if he’ll get a rehab assignment in Allentown during the Bison series April 19-22?

But I digress.  Mayberry and Nix should hold down the other corner outfield spot, leaving Darrin Ruf to battle Rule 5 guy Ender Inciarte for the last spot.  Young Ender has impressed me as I’ve watched him in the MLB spring training games.  He’s been patient at the plate, stolen a couple bases, and played an energetic CF as Ben Revere’s backup.  If they want to keep him, he has to stay on the 25-man.  Plus, Ruf’s not done well at the plate or in LF.  Right now, I think Ruf comes to Allentown as they delay the decision on Inciarte.  They can offer him back at any time, and it gives them a chance to see if Tyson Gillies (currently playing for Canada in the WBC) can arrive in Allentown healthy and ready to play.

Pitchers:

I haven’t heard much in the wind about the spots.  Predictions kind of remain the same.  The only note is young lefty Adam Morgan.  I had him slotted to start the season in Reading, and come up mid-season with Asche and perhaps Joseph.  Like the two former, he’s been impressing and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him break with the ‘Pigs.  I’m not predicting it; it just wouldn’t blow me away.

So that’s what I’m hearing in the wind.  I’ve also heard that some exciting announcements are forthcoming from the IronPigs about new additions to Coca Cola Park.  Mr. Landes wasn’t kidding on Pig Day when he said he had other secrets.  Please stay tuned, and we’ll keep you informed right here at the Horn and Bell.

@Kram209 (Twitter)

PS: Go SteelHawks!