Meet the 2013 IronPigs: Roster Announced

Here are the 25 players who will break camp with the AAA Phillies:  Your 2013 IronPigs.

As long-time readers know, I’m always positive about the new roster when it comes out.  I’m always excited to see the players and cheer for their success and I’m always sure that they’re going to do well.  I’m often wrong.  Just ask frequent guest Lefty33.  This year is different, though.  This year’s IronPigs roster is packed with prospects–by far the most we’ve ever had.  There are more on the way from Reading, too!  It’s very possible that we’re seeing the core of the “Future Phillies.”  Make no mistake, there could be bumps in the road:  injuries, trades, growing pains.  There are no guarantees.  It should be fun to watch, though.  And as always, I’m excited for this season.  Perhaps more than ever.  Further analysis below, and after.   And now, meet the 2013 IronPigs:

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STARTING PITCHERS

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Jonathan Pettibone

Age:  23 in July

MLB Experience:  None

Last Year:  19 Starts in Reading; 7 Starts with IronPigs

Stock:  Steady Rise

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Analysis:  Jon was 4-1, 2.55ERA for the IronPigs late last summer as did his best to push the ‘Pigs towards a possible playoff berth.  He’s a right-hander with a sinking fastball.  If things go as planned this year, he should not only provide the ‘Pigs with a solid start every five days, but should make his debut with the Phillies at some point as well.

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Tyler Cloyd

Age:  26 in May

MLB Experience:  Made his debut with the Phillies last year going 2-2, 4.91 over 6 starts

Last Year:  Reading, IronPigs, and PHILLIES

Stock: Still Rising.

 

Analysis:  A smart and accurate pitcher, Tyler should be in the mix to make starts for the Phillies this season should they have the need.  He uses pitching strategy and control as he doesn’t have an overpowering fastball.   The righty will need to keep up the good work, though, as his fellow starters with the IronPigs will be pushing for the same opportunity.

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Ethan Martin

Age:  24 in June

MLB Experience:  None

Last Year: AA Chattanooga and Reading

Stock:  Rising Steadily

Analysis:  Ethan was a first-round pick of the Dodgers who came to the Phillies’ organization last year as part of the Shane Victorino trade.  He really hit his stride with Reading, going 5-0 over 7 starts helping the Fightins make the Eastern League playoffs.  He needs to continue the pitch control that worked so well for him last year in Reading.  He may take Michael Schwimer’s role as “best hair on the IronPigs.”

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Adam Morgan

Age:  23

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Clearwater and Reading

Stock: Skyrocketing

Analysis: After skipping Lakewood to head directly to Clearwater last season, the lefty was then promoted for the stretch run in Reading where he went 4-1.  Somewhat of a surprise addition, but he’s earned it and I look forward to seeing him pitch.  He may even make is MLB debut this year—but at the least he puts pressure on the other young pitchers to produce as well

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Brian (BJ) Rosenberg

Age: 28 in September

MLB Experience: Got his first taste of the majors with 22 appearances with the Phillies last season.  He started one game.

Last Year: IronPigs and PHILLIES

Stock: Still Rising

Analysis:  Rosenberg suffered through some arm difficulty early in camp, but is now being stretched out to take a spot in the IronPigs rotation.  He’s a hard thrower who served the IronPigs well last season as both a reliever and a starter.

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RELIEVERS

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Jake Diekman

Age:  26

MLB Experience: Appeared in 32 games for the Phillies last season

Last Year: 1.69ERA with the IronPigs, 3.95 for the PHILLIES

Stock: Still rising as the lefty side-armer perfects his delivery and strategy.

Analysis: Jake returns to the IronPigs but perhaps not for long.  He will be called upon to help in the bullpen in Philadelphia should other lefties (Bastardo, Horst) falter.

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Justin De Fratus

Age: 25

MLB Experience: 5 games with Philadelphia in 2011, 13 in 2012

Last Year:  Justin battled back from injury last year to post 2.49 in 17 games for the IronPigs and 3.38 in Philadelphia.

Stock: Still Rising

Analysis: Last year was supposed to be a special year for De Fratus, but injuries got in the way.  This year the RH reliever looks to fully bounce back, and should find himself back in Philadelphia at any time.  His slider has been rated as among the best in the Phillies’ system.

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Justin Friend

Age: 27 in June

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Reading and IronPigs

Stock: Still Rising

Analysis: Justin dominated as the closer for Reading last season, making the AA All-Star team and serving as their closer.  He represented himself well and has nothing left to prove in AA.  He’s not considered  a prospect by the so-called experts, but he continues to move up the system.  He came to the Phillies organization as a Rule 5 pick in the Minor League phase.

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Cesar Jimenez

Age: 28

MLB Experience: Parts of three different seasons with Seattle

Last Year: Seattle

Stock: Volatile

Analysis: The lefty reliever was claimed on waivers by the Phillies, and will provide veteran depth in the ‘pen to go along with other upper-system leftys like Diekman, Cochran, Valdes, Horst, Savery and Bastardo.

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Joe Savery

Age: 28

MLB Experience:  Several games over the past two seasons with the Phillies       

Last Year:  IronPigs and PHILLIES

Stock: Stable

Analysis: The former first-round pick LHP has flourished since moving from the rotation to the ‘pen (with a detour to 1B).  He adds another left arm available for relief.

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Michael Stutes

Age:  27 in September

MLB Experience:  with the Phillies in 2011 and 2012

Last Year: Recovering from injury, he joined the Phillies late in the season

Stock: Rebounding

Analysis: It might be a short stay in Allentown for Stutes.  He’ll be among the first called back to the Phillies when they have a need.

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Zach Miner

Age: 31

MLB Experience: Parts of four seasons with Detroit: 2006-2009

Last Year: three levels in the Detroit Minor League system

Stock: volatile

Analysis:  The former starter from Detroit was originally drafted by the Braves.  He continues to make his way back to the majors following Tommy John surgery in 2010, now as a reliever.  He’s pitched well in Spring Training and could emerge as a long option for the Phillies if the need arises.

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CATCHERS

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Tommy Joseph

Age:  22 in July

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: AA with Richmond and Reading

Stock:  Soaring

Analysis:  The young catcher came over as the main piece in the Hunter Pence deal with San Francisco.  He’s had a great spring a looks to be the eventual replacement for Ruiz in Philadelphia.  By most accounts, he’s passed Valle on the prospect list for catchers in the Phillies’ system.

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Steven Lerud

Age:  28

MLB Experience: 3 games last season with Philadelphia

Last Year: Mostly with Reading, he was called directly to Philadelphia when injuries hit the Phillies

Stock: Slow climb.

Analysis: Steven has played in the International League before, with Norfolk for a short time in 2010.  He came up through the Pirates system and will serve as the third catcher (at AAA behind Kratz and Quintero) for the first 25 games while Ruiz serves his suspension.

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INFIELD

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Cody Overbeck

Age: 27 in June

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: IronPigs

Stock: Stable

Analysis: The IronPigs 1B returns.  Spring reports have Cody’s power returning somewhat to the levels reached in Reading two years ago.

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Josh Fields

Age: 30

MLB Experience: Parts of five seasons with the White Sox and the Royals

Last Year: AAA for the Dodgers after returning from Japan

Stock: Stable

Analysis: The veteran 3B has played at Coca Cola Park before, in 2008 and 2009 with Charlotte.  He can play 1B, DH, and some corner outfield as well.  He should add some power to the IronPigs lineup having hit 13 HRs last year.

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Cesar Hernandez

Age: 23 in May

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Reading and IronPigs

Stock: Continues to Rise

Analysis: The 2B prospect continues his development at AAA in 2013 having shown well in 2012.  He does not hit for power, but uses his speed to generate a high number of doubles and triples.

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Cody Asche

Age: 23 in June

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Clearwater and Reading

Stock: Soaring

Analysis: Just as with good friend LHP Adam Morgan, Cody earned a promotion to AAA somewhat surprisingly in only his second full season of Minor League baseball.  The 3B prospect will be a lot of fun to watch this season!

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Michael Martinez

Age: 31 in September

MLB Experience: Parts of the past two seasons with the Phillies

Last Year: IronPigs and PHILLIES

Stock: Stable

Analysis: Martinez was a ‘Rule 5’ pick from the Washington organization.  The utility player can play infield or outfield as needed, and should start as the IronPigs opening day Shortstop.

 

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Pete Orr

Age: 34 in June

MLB Experience: Parts of 7 seasons with Atlanta, Washington, and Philadelphia

Last Year: PHILLIES and IronPigs

Stock: Stable

Analysis: We welcome back Pete Orr who can provide veteran leadership for the youngsters in the infield, and provide depth for several infield positions for the Phillies.  He’s a smart player who has retained his speed over the years and will hit the occasional HR.

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OUTFIELD

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Darin Ruf

Age: 27 in July

MLB Experience: Last Fall with the Phillies

Last Year: Reading and PHILLIES

Stock: Still Rising

Analysis: Slugger Ruf looks to refine his skills in Left Field and return to the MLB team to help with his right-handed power bat.  Enjoy him while you can, as he’ll likely be back in Philadelphia soon.  He’s a converted 1B who will continue to see time there periodically.  His RH power is an alternative to John Mayberry Jr. for the Phillies.

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Tyson Gillies

Age: 24

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Reading

Stock: Rising cautiously

Analysis: The enigmatic CF who came over from Seattle in the Cliff Lee deal arrives at Coca Cola Park.  He’s been plagued by injuries and mishaps over his MiLB career thus far, but his athletic talent cannot be denied.  He should be fun to watch in CF as well as on the base paths provided he can stay healthy.  Tyson is legally deaf and uses hearing aids off the field.

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Jermaine Mitchell

Age: 28

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: AAA Sacramento (Oakland)

Stock: Poised to Rise?

Analysis: Jermaine comes to the IL after parts of the last three seasons in the PCL as part of the Oakland organization.  He battled injury last season, which saw his numbers drop. He has speed and some power, and can play all three outfield positions.  He had a nice showing in the MLB Spring Training camp for the Phillies this year.

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Steve Susdorf

Age: 27 last Thursday

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Reading and IronPigs

Stock: Steady

Analysis: The 2008 19^th round pick of the Phillies continues to contribute in the outfield.  He saw his power numbers dip a bit last year.  He hit .339 in Reading in 2011.

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Leandro Castro

Age: 24 in June

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Reading

Stock: Steady Rise

Analysis: The right-batting corner outfield prospect may be able to play some CF as well.  His power numbers will need to increase if he’s to continue to progress as a corner outfielder.  He can steal bases and hit for average.  He gets the promotion to the IronPigs after spending all  of last year in Reading, and the previous year in Clearwater.

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Reviewing the Roster by the Numbers:

9

Players who will be 25 or younger for the majority of the season

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10

Players who have been listed by the baseball experts, as “prospects.”

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10

Players who have already played for the Phillies

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13

Players with MLB experience

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Indeed it should be a special season.  Please check back at the Horn and Bell Blog of lvnoisenation.com for news and notes as the season progresses.  As we’ve learned, the roster is fluid organism, which may change at any time.  We’ll keep you posted!

See you at the park,

@Kram209