On we roll with the number series of polls. Please vote!
@Kram209
Monthly Archives: February 2014
Five Not So Burning Issues
I don’t have many “burning” issues but have a few “Not so-burning” thoughts.
Congratulations!
1. The Noise Nation would like to congratulate our friend Stephen Gross on his taking over as the Morning Call’s Phillies beat writer!
Check out the Phillies Files here.
Stephen wrote one of the earliest articles about the Noise Nation. Click here to read.
Predictions!
2. That anticipation of finding out who will be on the 2014 IronPig’s Opening day roster. The Phillies dictate this to us and we wonder, we speculate, we make predictions.. some are correct.. some are outright ridiculous but we have fun doing so. Just trying to get a head start on the season even if there is 3 feet of snow still on the field.
A Real Burning Issue
3. Shouldn’t have used so much hot sauce on the corned beef hash this morning.. just shouldn’t have.
The Iron Rail Series!
4. The SWB Railriders have upped the anty in the Iron Rail competition with the IronPigs with a “Friends don’t let friends be IronPig fans” tshirt. I am waiting for the IronPig’s response. I think we all are…
The Weather!
5. That Groundhog out in Punxsutawney predicted an extended winter and the past couple of months have all but proved it true. With all the snow and cold weather could we see a miserable month of baseball in April? Who remembers how cold it was when the Phillies came to town to open Coca Cola Park in 2008? I was there and it was cold. It was cold 2 weeks later for that Opening day as well. It usually is pretty cool through mid-May. Will the weather come through for us or will we see ear flap caps and ski masks out on the diamond?
All in fun, it should be an interesting spring and we’ll do our best to keep you updated and Kram will give his best roster predictions (his are usually a lot more accurate than mine) and it’ll be a good time with good friends regardless.
OinK!
Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Sunday Update: How Our @IronPigs Are Doing in @Phillies Camp
I’ve been following the Twitter Machine, and here’s some of the stuff I’ve learned today–
- AJ Burnett has officially been signed. Ryne Sandberg is happy with the signing. AJ cited proximity to his Maryland home as a prime motivator for signing with Philly. He has a limited no-trade where he can specify 9 teams he’s willing to be traded to. He also has a mutual option with Philly for next season. Roy Halladay has also mentioned to him that he has a house in Philly that is available if AJ would like to move closer…
- Jon Pettibone is unable to throw today with shoulder soreness. It’s been tight for a few days, and they’re just “being cautious.” I never like shoulder soreness. This scares the heck out of me and I’m fearful for Jon’s season. Let’s hope it’s nothing… I don’t want to see him mentioned with Adam Morgan and Shane Watson…
- The news on Cole Hamels changed a bit as time went on. He’s been able to do fielding drills with the pitchers and is just way behind in his throwing program as he begins to build strength. Reportedly, his shoulder is OK. “Not ready for opening day” has now become “Starts on the D.L.” though. It’s a long season, and they don’t want to rush him. I get that…
- In order to make room for AJ Burnett on the 40-man roster (no 25-man until MLB opening day) our old friend Joe Savery was Designated for Assignment (DFA’d). Sources say he has 1 option left, so as long as he passes through waivers (I believe another team can add him to their 40-man) he should be optioned to AAA. I would imagine that he would remain at MLB camp. The danger could be a team who could afford the 40-man spot might like to keep him at AAA as LOOGY (Lefty One-Out GuY) backup for their MLB pen. We’ll see. This must mean that Bastardo, Horst and Diekman are perfectly healthy if they can afford to lose a lefty. Jimenez is in the mix there, too.
- Dave Sappelt–a minor-league free-agent OF and non-roster invitee–is not on the official camp roster. He appeared in 31 games for the Cubs last season and can play CF. I have him starting with the IronPigs. He’s no longer listed with the other non-roster invitees on the Phillies site, either. Speculation on the web is that he may not have passed his physical; however, if that was the case then he likely would have been released and an announcement made a la Chad Gaudin (ex-Giants Pitcher released last week). More likely he’s just been shifted to minor league camp which doesn’t open until March 1. Dave’s Twitter account–as well as the MiLB.com site–both list him as Phillies property at this time.
…
That’s all I’ve got for right now. Please add any new information in the comments–including any errors I’ve made above. Thanks,
@Kram209
This Week in Noise Nation
To continue on with Kram’s end of week review…
We were pretty busy this past week.
Kram led off with commentary on the Ryne Sandberg effect as a manager.
Phillies Fans Not Respecting the Ryne Sandberg Effect
We followed up with a Photo essay on where the 2013 IronPig roster is today.
Where are the 2013 IronPigs Now?
Dan went on to vent about his distaste for the Winter Olympics…
What if Baseball was Scored Like the Olympics…
Some promotions for That Baseball Team out in Reading..
A transaction note..
More promotions for That Baseball Team out in Reading..
Bunning & Bobbleheads – Reading Stepping Up!
A fun video…
Best Pig Video I’ve Seen in a While!
Another transaction note..
Strike One IronPig from the 2014 Roster
The entire Phillies Spring Training Roster..
Phillies’ 2014 Spring Season Roster
Even more promotions for That Baseball Team out in Reading..
A Closer Look at the @ReadingFightins Promo Schedule
Finally, Kram continued his survey on which IronPig wore each uniform number best. Make sure to vote!
Who Wore It Best? @IronPigs Number 9
Who Wore It Best? @IronPigs Number 8
RePost: @IronPigs Who Wore Number 7
Filed under Noise Nation History
Who Wore It Best? @IronPigs Number 9
A Closer Look at the @ReadingFightins Promo Schedule
I was just taking a look at the Reading promo schedule and trying to match it up with the IronPigs home dates. (the full schedule is here ) Here are some things I noticed, by date:
Tuesday April 1, 6:35PM: The 222 game. Just as we suspected/already purchased tickets for. There will be a pre-game autograph session (just the Reading players if it matches last time). Many of the early season Fightins games will be 6:35PM, BTW, so check your schedule if you’re heading down.
Thursday April 3, 7:05PM: Opening Day for Reading features an Utley Bobble Doll and Autographed jersey raffle, and cocktails on the warning track…sounds great! I was tempted, but opening days are often “amateur hour” and I don’t really want to make it more crowded for the season ticket holders. But,….
Friday April 4, 7:05PM: …these early games are tempting if I’m not driving through the woods of Rhode Island trying to get to Pawtucky. A Reading Red Sox throwback cap for adults this night. If you can’t wait for early season baseball and don’t want to drive to Rhode Island, this might be the game for you!
Saturday April 5, 6:05: Fireworks and a beer tasting. If I can’t make it to Friday night, perhaps this one.
Friday Apri 18, 7:05PM: Ryne Sandberg throwback Bobble Doll. I’m really considering this. That bobble doll (they’re dolls. if you’re not comfortable with that then quit collecting them.) looks pretty cool. And Fridays are my days off. If the weather’s nice, I might get in line early for this one. The IronPigs are in Moosic with a visit from the Mountain Man. For you it might be different, but for me Sandberg Bobble >> Mountain Man.
Monday May 5, 6:35PM: Fightins Beer Yard for first 1000 21+. I’ve been meaning to get a beer yard. I wonder if it’s a full yard or just a half? No matter. I’m in. The IronPigs are in Charlotte.
Thursday May 22, 11:35AM: An Education Day in Reading. But, the IronPigs are home! So this might be an opportunity if you desire two games in one day…
Monday June 9, 9:35AM: Every year they have a morning game. I think the players hate this more than just about anything. But, I’ve always wanted to try one. If we could find an afternoon game, it’s an opportunity for THREE games in a day, with the IronPigs home at 7:05PM. Alas, it can’t be done. Checked Philly, Moosic, Lakewood, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Camden….appears nothing within driving distance. I think the IronPigs should do a 1:35PM “Business Person’s Special” on this day next season, and we’ll find a night game elsewhere. That would work!
Thursday June 12, 7:05PM: Jim Bunning Bobble Doll and autograph session. Plus a beer tasting! IronPigs are in Rochester!
Wednesday July 9, 7:05PM: Dom Brown Bobble Doll. IronPigs in Indy.
Sunday July 27, 1:35PM: Cole Hamels Bobble Doll! For the Kiddos! As it should be… IronPigs are in Buffalo.
Friday August 8, 7:05PM: Human cannon ball launch! I understand only one guy gets to do it, but if you paired this with the beer tasting the night before, you might get some volunteers. Just saying. IronPigs are in Toledo.
…
The Fightins tweeted me that they’re not planning a wing fest this season, which is a shame. I’ve been to a couple of those and they’re a good time–they’ve done a nice job with them and the wings were super.
Happy scheduling!
@Kram209
Filed under Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Reading Phillies
RePost: @IronPigs Who Wore Number 7
I’ll repost this poll here–it got out of order when I pressed the wrong button. Then I made it worse by trying to post it from my phone. No matter. DiPro, please one vote per PERSON, not per ISP… thx…
Filed under Uncategorized
Phillies’ 2014 Spring Season Roster
The Phillies released their 2014 Spring Training roster this morning. How many 2014 IronPigs do you see on this list?
Enjoy!
Pitchers
Mike Adams
Height: 6′ 5″ Weight: 190 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: RP
Born: July 29, 1978 (age 35), Corpus Christi, Texas
College: Texas A&M-Kingsville
Draft: 2001 by the Milwaukee Brewers
Salary: $5,000,000Phillippe Aumont
Height: 6′ 7″ Weight: 255 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Position Played: RP
Born: January 7, 1989 (age 25), Gatineau, Quebec
Draft: 2007 1st round (11th pick) by the Seattle Mariners
Salary: $490,000Antonio Bastardo
Height: 5′ 11″ Weight: 193 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Left
Position Played: RP
Born: September 21, 1985 (age 28), Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic
Draft: 2005 by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $1,400,000Jesse Biddle
Height” 6′ 4″ Weight 215 pounds.
Bats and throws: Left
Born: October 22, 1991 (age 22), Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDavid Buchanan
College: Georgia State
Height: 6′ 3″ Weight: 190
Bats: R Throws: R
Born: 05/11/1989, Atlanta, GAShawn Camp
Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 205 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: RP
Born: November 18, 1975 (age 38), Fairfax, Virginia
College: George Mason
Draft: 1997 16th round by the San Diego Padres
Salary: $1,350,000Justin DeFratus
Height: 6′ 4″ Weight: 220 lb.
Bats: Switch-Hitter Throws: Right
Position Played: RP
Born: October 21, 1987 (age 26), Oxnard, California
College: Ventura (CA) CC
Draft: 2007 11th round by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $490,000Luis Garcia
Height: 6′ 2″ Weight: 212 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: RP
Born: January 30, 1987 (age 27), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Salary: $490,000Ken Giles
Height: 6′ 2″, Weight: 190 lb
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Born: September 20, 1990 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, US (Age 23)Miguel Gonzalez
No data availableCole Hamels
Height: 6′ 3″ Weight: 192 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Position Played: SP
Born: December 27, 1983 (age 30), San Diego, California
Draft: 2002 1st round (17th pick) by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $20,500,000Roberto Hernandez
Height: 6′ 4″ Weight: 230 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: SP
Born: August 30, 1980 (age 33), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Draft: 2000 by the Cleveland Indians
Salary: $3,250,000Mario Hollands
Height: 6′ 5″, Weight: 205 lb
Bats: Left, Throws: Left
Born: August 26, 1988 in El Cerrito, California, US (Age 25)Jeremy Horst
Height: 6′ 3″ Weight: 217 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Position Played: RP
Born: October 1, 1985 (age 28), Cheyenne, Wyoming
College: Armstrong Atlantic
Draft: 2007 21st round by the Cincinnati Reds
Salary: $497,000Cesar Jimenez
Height: 5′ 11″ Weight: 220 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Position Played: RP
Born: November 12, 1984 (age 29), Cumana, Venezuela
Draft: 2001 by the Seattle Mariners
Salary: $490,000Kyle Kendrick
Height: 6′ 3″ Weight: 213 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: SP, PR
Born: August 26, 1984 (age 29), Houston, Texas
Draft: 2003 7th round by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $4,500,000Cliff Lee
Height: 6′ 3″ Weight: 190 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Position Played: SP
Born: August 30, 1978 (age 35), Benton, Arkansas
College: Arkansas
Draft: 2000 4th round by the Washington Nationals
Salary: $25,000,000Brad Lincoln
Height: 6′ 4″ Weight: 218 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Position Played: RP, SP
Born: May 25, 1985 (age 28), Lake Jackson, Texas
College: Houston
Draft: 2006 1st round (4th pick) by the Pittsburgh Pirates
Salary: $490,000Jeff Manship
Height: 6′ 2″ Weight: 211 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: SP, RP
Born: January 16, 1985 (age 29), San Antonio, Texas
College: Notre Dame
Draft: 2006 14th round by the Minnesota Twins
Salary: $491,000Ethan Martin
Height: 6′ 2″ Weight: 195 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: SP
Born: June 6, 1989 (age 24), Toccoa, Georgia
Draft: 2008 1st round (15th pick) by the Los Angeles Dodgers
Salary: $490,000Kevin Munson
Height: 6′ 1″, Weight: 215 lb.
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Born: January 3, 1989 in Roanoke, Virginia, US (Age 25)Sean O’Sullivan
Height: 6′ 2″ Weight: 230 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: SP
Born: September 1, 1987 (age 26), San Diego, California
College: Grossmont (CA) JC
Draft: 2005 3rd round by the Los Angeles Angels
Salary: $505,500Jonathan Papelbon
Height: 6′ 4″ Weight: 225 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: RP, CL
Born: November 23, 1980 (age 33), Baton Rouge, Louisiana
College: Mississippi State
Draft: 2003 4th round by the Boston Red Sox
Salary: $13,000,000Jonathan Pettibone
Height: 6′ 6″ Weight: 225 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Position Played: SP
Born: July 19, 1990 (age 23), Placentia, California
Draft: 2008 3rd round by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $490,000BJ Rosenberg
Height: 6′ 3″ Weight: 220 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: RP
Born: September 17, 1985 (age 28), Newport News, Virginia
College: Louisville
Draft: 2008 13th round by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $490,000Joe Savery
Height: 6′ 3″ Weight: 215 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Position Played: RP
Born: November 4, 1985 (age 28), Houston, Texas
College: Rice
Draft: 2007 1st round (19th pick) by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $490,000Mike Stutes
Height: 6′ 1″, Weight: 185 lb
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Born: September 4, 1986 in Metairie, LA (Age 27)
Catchers
Tommy Joseph
Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 220 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: C, 1B
Born: July 16, 1991 (age 22), Phoenix, Arizona
Draft: 2009 2nd round by the San Francisco GiantsLou Marson
Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 200 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: C
Born: June 26, 1986 (age 27), Scottsdale, Arizona
Draft: 2004 4th round by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $1,000,000Wil Nieves
Height: 5′ 11″ Weight: 190 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: C
Born: September 25, 1977 (age 36), San Juan, Puerto Rico
Draft: 1995 47th round by the San Diego Padres
Salary: $800,000Carlos Ruiz
Height: 5′ 10″ Weight: 216 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: C
Born: January 22, 1979 (age 35), David, Panama
Draft: 1998 by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $5,000,000Cameron Rupp
Height: 6′ 1″, Weight: 240 lb
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Born: September 28, 1988 in Plano, TX (Age 25)Sebastian Valle
Height: 6′ 1″, Weight: 205 lb.
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Born: July 24, 1990 in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, MX (Age 23)
Infielders
Cody Asche
Height: 6′ 1″, Weight: 180 lb.
Bats: Left, Throws: Right
Born: June 30, 1990 in St. Charles, MO (Age 23)Andres Blanco
Height: 5′ 10″ Weight: 190 lb.
Bats: Switch-Hitter Throws: Right
Position Played: SS, 2B, 3B, RF
Born: April 11, 1984 (age 29), Urama, Carabobo
Draft: 2000 by the Kansas City RoyalsReid Brignac
Height: 6′ 3″ Weight: 195 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Position Played: SS, 3B, 2B, LF
Born: January 16, 1986 (age 28), Saint Amant, Louisiana
Draft: 2004 2nd round by the Tampa Bay Rays
Salary: $499,000Ronny Cedeno
Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 190 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: SS, 3B, 1B
Born: February 2, 1983 (age 31), Puerto Cabello, Venezuela
Draft: 1999 by the Chicago Cubs
Salary: $1,150,000Maikel Franco
Height: 6′ 1″, Weight: 180 lb.
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Born: August 26, 1992 in Azua, Azua, DO (Age 21)Kevin Frandsen
Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 185 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: 2B, 1B, 3B
Born: May 24, 1982 (age 31), San Jose, California
College: San Jose State
Draft: 2004 12nd round by the San Francisco Giants
Salary: $850,000Freddy Galvis
Height: 5′ 10″ Weight: 170 lb.
Bats: Switch-Hitter Throws: Right
Position Played: 2B, 3B, SS, LF
Born: November 14, 1989 (age 24), Punto Fijo, Venezuela
Salary: $490,000Cesar Hernandez
Height: 5′ 10″ Weight: 175 lb.
Bats: Switch-Hitter Throws: Right
Position Played: 2B, CF
Born: May 23, 1990 (age 23), Valencia, Venezuela
Salary: $490,000Ryan Howard
Height: 6′ 4″ Weight: 255 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Position Played: 1B
Born: November 19, 1979 (age 34), St. Louis, Missouri
College: Missouri State
Draft: 2001 5th round by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $20,000,000Jimmy Rollins
Height: 5′ 8″ Weight: 170 lb.
Bats: Switch-Hitter Throws: Right
Position Played: SS
Born: November 27, 1978 (age 35), Oakland, California
Draft: 1996 2nd round by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $11,000,000Chase Utley
Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 192 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Position Played: 2B
Born: December 17, 1978 (age 35), Pasadena, California
College: UCLA
Draft: 2000 1st round (15th pick) by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $15,285,714
Outfielders
Bobby Abreu
Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 220 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Position Played: LF, RF
Born: March 11, 1974 (age 39), Aragua, Venezuela
Draft: 1990 by the Houston AstrosAaron Altherr
Height: 6′ 5″, Weight: 190 lb
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Born: January 14, 1991 in Buckeye, Arizona, US (Age 23)Domonic Brown
Height: 6′ 5″ Weight: 200 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Position Played: LF, RF
Born: September 3, 1987 (age 26), Lithonia, Georgia
Draft: 2006 20th round by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $500,000Marlon Byrd
Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 245 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: RF, CF, LF
Born: August 30, 1977 (age 36), Boynton Beach, Florida
College: Georgia Perimeter JC
Draft: 1999 10th round by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $700,000Leandro Castro
Height: 5′ 11″, Weight: 175 lb
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Born: June 15, 1989 in La Romana, La Romana, DO (Age 24)Zach Collier
Height: 6′ 2″, Weight: 185 lb
Bats: Left, Throws: Left
Born: September 8, 1990 in Long Beach, California, US (Age 23)Kelly Dugan
Height: 6′ 3″, Weight: 195 lb
Bats: Left, Throws: Right
Born: September 18, 1990 in Encino, California, US (Age 23)Tyson Gillies
Height: 6′ 2″, Weight: 205 lb
Bats: Left, Throws: Right
Born: October 31, 1988 in Vancouver, British Columbia, CA (Age 25)Tony Gwynn Jr.
Height: 5′ 11″ Weight: 193 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Position Played: LF, CF, RF
Born: October 4, 1982 (age 31), Long Beach, California
College: San Diego State
Draft: 2003 2nd round by the Milwaukee BrewersJohn Mayberry Jr.
Height: 6′ 6″, Weight: 225 lb.
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Born: December 21, 1983 in Kansas City, Missouri, US (Age 30)Ben Revere
Height: 5′ 9″ Weight: 170 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Position Played: CF, RF
Born: May 3, 1988 (age 25), Atlanta, Georgia
Draft: 2007 1st round (28th pick) by the Minnesota Twins
Salary: $515,000
Darin Ruf
Height: 6′ 3″ Weight: 220 lb.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position Played: RF, 1B, LF
Born: July 28, 1986 (age 27), Omaha, Nebraska
College: Creighton
Draft: 2009 20th round by the Philadelphia Phillies
Salary: $490,000Clete Thomas
Height: 5′ 11″ Weight: 195 lb.
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Position Played: CF, LF, RF
Born: November 14, 1983 (age 30), Jacksonville, Florida
College: Auburn
Draft: 2005 6th round by the Detroit Tigers
Salary: $505,000
Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Strike One IronPig from the 2014 Roster
The Phillies announced this morning that pitcher Chad Gaudin was released after failing a physical. No details on why the physical was failed but I imagine physical failing can get you fired from the Phillies.
Gaudin has played for 11 different MLB teams, (not including the Phillies), and won a World Series with the Yankees in 2009… against the Phillies.
I had him as being in the IronPig’s starting rotation to start the year so it shakes our snowy world up a bit. The Phillies signing AJ Burnett also potentially pushes another starting pitched down to us in the Lehigh Valley.
Jeff Schuler of the Hog Blog had some interesting thoughts on that subject. Read his story here.
Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Best Pig Video I’ve Seen in a While!
A skydiver drops their camera and it survives the fall only to meet up with a pig.
Due credit within Youtube video link.
Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs
noisenation.mlblogs.com 