The Phillies made a couple of roster moves today that brought us one step closer to the IronPigs opening day roster. But before we get into that, lets review some of the baseball happenings of the day:
- Jesse Biddle battled R A Dickey in the AAA game. Delmon Young (yeah, him; first action) and Cody Overbeck homered.
- Jiwan James, projected to be back at Reading, had his knee scoped yesterday. That’ll put him on the shelf for a while and open a spot in Reading for another OF for opening day. (Susdorf? DMitch? Castro? Valle???)
- Sebastian Valle started in the AA game. In LEFT FIELD. Another clue that he’ll start in Reading. Left field in Allentown is occupied (wait for it).
- Adam Morgan pitched well for the Big Phils. The young lefty looked a bit pumped–perhaps over-throwing at times. However, his off-speed stuff looked great. He got several strikeouts and left with the lead.
So let’s get to the moves:
- Outfielders Darrin Ruf and Jermaine Mitchell re-assigned to minor league camp.
- Rodrigo Lopez was released.
What this means for the IronPigs’ roster:
- Pencil in Ruf and JMitch for two opening-day OF spots: Left and, presumably, Right (Gillies in CF).
- One less arm in the Starters’ pool. I’ve got Cloyd or Cochran starting against Reading, with Pettibone as the opening day guy. Followed by Martin, Cook, and the other of Cloyd or Cochran in some order. Then, pick one from Morgan, Bass, Miner, JRod…
But questions remain. There are many, but these are mine on this fine Friday evening:
- Could Morgan start with the IronPigs?
- Could Asche?
- What happens to Josh Fields?
- Who could open on the DL? Rosenberg?
- Is there a trade still to be made? Will it involve Cloyd or Valle? Will it be for Inciarte so that he can go to AA?
- Will there be any surprise additions?
- Like many, I’m assuming Galvis to Philly. But, we’ll find out soon with Betancourt’s early opt-out this weekend.
Yours in baseball,
@Kram209
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
During the most recent SECTV Pot Belly Stove show, Provence had a Lynchburg flashback, and referred to Cody Asche as “Mike,” who played with the Hillcats from 1996-98.
Mike had his best years in Advanced-A, hitting .302/.357./.456 with 305 hits and 137 RBIs, but struck out 186 times.
Your assumption about Galvis is probably correct as Betancourt was let go today. Now, where does this leave Pete Orr?
In a battle with Inciarte for the last roster spot…. Likely Util player for IronPigs…
I absolutely love that Philly sportswriter Todd Zolecki is saying now that Aaron Cook has been released, the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs starting rotation appears to be set with righthanders Tyler Cloyd (25), Jonathan Pettibone (22), Ethan Martin (23) and B.J. Rosenberg (27) plus left-hander Adam Morgan (23).
Not a big Aaron Cook fan, or just looking forward to Morgan?
I think Cook could have helped the ‘Pigs win some games, but probably not $100,000.00 worth (that was his bonus for accepting assignment to AAA) and not at the expense of getting to watch the young Morgan. Cochran looks to be the secondary lefty in the ‘pen with Diek. Horst and Valdes with Bastardo as leftys in Philly.
Now reading that Phils have left the door ajar for Cook to return. I guess he wants to explore his options for an MLB job, and the Phils didn’t really want to pay him. We’ll see!
Isn’t Brian Bass still in the picture? He led the 2011 Ironpigs in starts and innings pitched. I’d even prefer him in the starting rotation over Cook but I think the Phillies would take Cook back again just so they have an experienced major league pitcher at hand in AAA.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Phillies still sign a veteran pitcher. There are a few looking for work.
Also heard Yuniesky Betancourt signed with Milwaukee. He started at SS for the Brewers in 2011.
Bass also released, I heard. I had heard a couple days ago that he was battling injury as well.