LHP Joe Savery optioned by Philadelphia to LHV.
RHP Brian Sanches outrighted by Philadelphia to LHV.
INF Hector Luna had contract purchased by Philadelphia.
LHP Raul Valdes had contract purchased by Philadelphia.
LHP Jake Diekman recalled by Philadelphia.
(click to enlarge)
Filed under DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
I arrived at the Park early this evening to take in some batting practice in addition to a photo op with my niece’s softball team. It was about the time during pre-game
FeRROUS entertains the Lehigh Township AA softball team.
warm-ups when the players are long tossing and I carefully tread my way behind them down the left field line keeping a watchful eye for any strays.
Phillippe Aumont was leaning along the wall in left by the PPL Picnic Patio. Standing next to him straining my neck looking up I asked how he was feeling. He said “Not good”. I asked if it was his back. He said “Yes”. I mentioned that the fans sure miss the 97 mile per hour fast ball we all hoped he was back soon. He said “Me too”. One could just tell Phillippe was not happy to be sidelined for any reason. At 6’7″ and 255 pounds I surely didn’t want to make the big man angry and wished him a speedy recovery and headed back toward the dugout.
It’s always a pleasure speaking with and listening to the media on hand. From Jeff Schuler to Micheal Lore to Doug Heater and Matt Provence the conversation is always insightful (and entertaining). As you may know the IronPigs (with Domonic Brown hurt) are playing with 22 players out of 25 and certainly need help in the ‘pen quickly. While it is not my desire to publish the rumor mill here, I
Ryne Sandberg
will say that if what was being tossed around comes true – we will all be surely pleased. Some moves are coming they have to be – but who and from where just may surprise all of us.
I caught a few moments with Domonic Brown in the dugout just after warm-ups. After introducing myself and Domonic acknowledging that yes he’s heard the bells, I of course asked him how he was feeling. Domonic said he was feeling fine and it’s just a small strain just above the bend on the back of his leg. He said he’ll take a few days just as a precautionary measure.
For me, Domonic has been a different player than last year when the boo birds were in full flight. He didn’t look happy
Bill Butler expertly lines the field.
then. In fact, it appeared he didn’t want much of anything to do with baseball at one point. It was sad to see the young man with so much potential riding the pine. The subject was discussed often with many fans and friends around the Park. The consenus among most was of course the mental aspect and some were downright (surprisingly) bitter about the whole thing.
Which brings us to 2012 and despite a few mis-cues in the outfield, I’ve noticed something different with Domonic this year. He is hustling on and off the field, smiling in
Domonic Brown
the dug-out, laughing with his team mates, signing autographs for the kids and overall looks like he’s enjoying baseball again. As we talked a little more Domonic brought up that very fact when I mentioned “It seems like something has changed from last year”. He said “You know nothing’s really changed much, I’m just having fun – trying to show the fans another side of me they didn’t get to see before.” I mentioned that he was hitting better than some Philly starters and with a perfect response he said “I’m not even thinking about that – I’m just having fun – working on my game.” You can’t doubt the influence of Ryne Sandberg on the maturation of Domonic Brown.
Following warm-ups D. Brown remained near the dugout while his team mates were dressing in the club house and appeared to be contemplating his next at bat or who to pie during post – not sure. Regardless, he’s having fun! Domonic then made his way to the kids (and a few adults) and signed autographs for nearly every one of them. He then delivered the flowers to the lady’s night recipients. The young man is making progress – progress on his way to successful Big League career – watch and see.
Harry Kalas sculptor Lawrence J. Nowlan and son.
As I was awaiting the softball team’s arrival on the field, a gentleman approached me noticing my camera. As we exchanged cards, he casually mentioned he was Lawrence J. Nowlan the sculptor of the very Harry Kalas statue that appears at Citizen’s Bank Park and as tonight’s give-away. What a great idea it was for him to throw out the first pitch and his young son thoroughly enjoyed his time on the field. Later, I was fortunate to locate Mr. Nowlan (with a little help) and spend a few moments watching the game with him. What a pleasure it was speaking with what may be one of the greatest sculptors of our time and a genuinely nice guy on top of it. He and his family thoroughly enjoyed their evening and had nothing but the highest regard for the IronPigs organization, Coca-Cola Park and the fans.
Despite the frustrating loss, spending the evening with family and friends both new and old is what LHV baseball is all
Kevin Frandsen makes lawn art.
about. From the usher who gave me a bp ball to give to my nephew, to almost putting a launch-a-ball in the big bucket, it doesn’t get much better than IronPigs baseball! Oh and I also discovered a new color – Provence blue!
Click here for the game story and below to hear The Voice.
Pig Out!
“Dishing Daily”
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Rich ‘Richie T’ Thompson created an ESPN top-10 virtually by himself today after replacing an injured Domonic Brown (who according to reports is
day-today). After a previous 0 hits in 11 tries, Thompson went 2 for 2 with 3 RBIs but the stats don’t tell the whole story***.
Charlotte would begin the scoring in the 4th when Josh Phegley (DH) singled a full-count pitch to right scoring Conor Jackson (3B) who also singled and the ‘Dangerous’ Dan Johnson who was hit with a pitch.
The Knights would get two more in the 5th after a Jose Castro single (2B), Greg Golson would triple and then score on a “soggy dog slobbered tennis ball” throw by Andres Blanco and would lead the IronPigs 4-0 into the seventh.
The kids are always 
cheering no matter what the score and in the bottom of the 7th, LHV would hear them loud and clear. After just 18 at bats for the IronPigs in the first six innings, Andres Blanco (SS) would lead off with a deep shot off the Rothrock sign for a double. Kevin Frandsen then ripped the first pitch past Conor Jackson to put men at first and third bringing up Pig ‘O the Day, Richie T who just did everything right today.
***Proving that he deserves more playing time (and perhaps a promotion at some point) Rich legged out a perfect drag bunt that scored Blanco for the ‘Pigs first run and brought Cody Overbeck to the plate. Then when Overbeck slapped a grounder to second baseman Jose Castro, Thompson in a brilliant base running move, deliberately put himself in a run-down to break up the double-play and keep the inning alive. Hector Luna would then come on to sac fly in the second run for 
LHV. I can bet ya some Philly Pretzels there are many up in the “big show” who do not have the skills Rich Thompson does. {wink}
The Pigs would score again in the 8th when after a Mitchell lead off walk and with two outs, Andres Blanco would single to right. Kevin Frandsen would then do his best ‘Richie T’ impersonation and single another drag-bunt down the third-base line. ***Up comes the man himself who would promptly take the second pitch from Knight’s reliever Brian Bruney and slam it down the line scoring Mitchell and Blanco and tying the game with a pair of 4’s.
Lehigh Valley got 6 innings out of Dave Bush who gave up 6 hits, 4 earned runs with a walk and 3 strikeouts before yielding to B.J. Rosenberg. B.J. tossed two shut-out innings surrendering 3 hits with a walk and 2 strikeouts. Phillipe Aumont came on in the 9th and struck
out the first batter, walked the next, struck out the next batter and proceeded to walk the bases loaded. I noticed Aumont staring in the dugout between pitches as if he was looking for someone to rescue him. Hopefully his back is not still injured and he just had one of the “Aum-outings”. Jake Diekman replaced Aumont and faced the bases loaded, two outs and Charlotte’s leading hitter, Josh Phegley (.373) at the plate. Phegley popped the second pitch to center fielder Derrick Mitchell to end the threat in the 9th and ultimately earn Diekman his first AAA win.
In the last chance before all the buses left, Hector Luna drew a walk followed by a wild pitch by Brian Bruney and advanced to second. Mike Fontenot would use yet another bunt to advance Luna to third and Tuffy Gosewisch with two outs in the bottom of the 9th would single to score Luna. “Pigs FLY!”
A tale of two games
Last night LHV won the game on two, 2 run home-runs. Today they won without anything more than one double, some timely hitting, Richie T, and a bunch of bunts. Whichever method you may prefer both resulted in entertaining games. Hopefully, the ‘Pigs will continue their winning ways tomorrow when Austin Hyatt (2-2, 3.12) gets the nod for the ‘Pigs and Charlie Shirek (3-2, 4.40) for the Knights.
It’s Harry the K bronze statue give-away night – lines begin at 3:30 pm!
Oink On!
Dishing…
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
According to a tweet from FOX Sports writer Jon Morosi, Erik Kratz has been called up to the Phillies!
Holy Kratz!
Way to go Kratzie!! Good luck bud!!
Surely more transactions to follow!
In other news Boston has optioned Lars Anderson back to Pawtucket.
The (early) Dish
Filed under DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Power prevailed propelling the ‘Pigs to victory and what a great night it was for baseball. Many were happy to enjoy some pleasant weather (for a change) to go along with some ‘Pig Power’! Both Erik Kratz and Andres Blanco each ripped two-run homers in the 2nd that would lift LHV to victory and end their 3 game losing streak .
IronPigs employees are always on top of it! I asked a gentleman at Fan Services a question and he knew the exact answer and delivered it promptly and professionally. It’s small touches like that we sometimes take for granted and we are lucky to be close enough to visit Coca-Cola Park often. I spoke with a couple tonight who travels from Pike County and mentioned they wouldn’t travel anywhere else for a game!
The ‘Pigs will have another shot at a “brunch” game today (10:35 am) and will hopefully fair better then last Wednesday’s trampling by the Bisons 12-1. Righty Dave Bush (2-2, 3.05) takes the hill for Lehigh Valley and the Knights send up lefty Eric Stults (1-0, 1.13).
“Pork Rinds”
– Of the ‘Pigs 87 Runs, 52 have been scored in the first half of the game and 35 in the latter half.
– 6 of the 14 (total) HR have been hit by LHV catchers.
– LHV has scored first in 17 of 25 games and are 9-8 when scoring first and are 5-3 when their opponent scores first.
– Since his 5 run, 1 inning outing at Pawtucket on April 10th, Raul Valdes has given up 8 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, and 17 K for a 0.00 ERA during that span.
– Mike Fontenot is riding a 5 AB hit streak and leads the team in AVG, OBP, SLG, and OPS.
Off to the pix and The Voice – we’ll see you at the Park!
Dan* "Sonny Crockett" Johnson (1B) begins the second with a solo shot to right.
(*yes I know it was Don Johnson)
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
"Holy Kratz!" Erik Kratz answers Johnson with the game winner as he hits a two-run shot to left that scores Fontenot who previously singled.
Rynos like Power!
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Andres Blanco touches 'em all with another two-run dinger to right following a Kevin Frandsen single.
Mike Fontenot (IS "FontenYES") and now has a 5 at bat hitting streak. That's right he's got a hit in his last 5 at bats (including 3-3 tonight) and is now hitting a blistering .407 in 8 games since joining LHV.
FeRROUS puts the whammy on the Knights who would not score again in this game!
Strong outing for Scott Elarton.
6 IP, 3H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1K
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Perfect night for Baseball at Coca-Cola Park!
Raul Valdes slays the Knights.
2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4K
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Jake Diekman saves the ninth after striking out 3 (with 1 HBP).
Click below to hear “The Voice” Matt Provence with the wrap-up.
Go Pigs!
The Dish
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
(click any pic to enlarge)
Lehigh Valley IronPigs Yankees
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
So you’re probably asking yourself… “Has DiPro lost his mind? How is losing good news?”
Believe it or not most of my mind is still intact, but the fact is – it can’t get much worse…
There was a bit of bad news tonight when reliever Phillippe Aumont left with was reported by Jeff Schuler at mcall.com as “middle back tightness”. Let’s hope he’s ok and returns soon.
Only two teams (Louisville and Norfolk) rank below Lehigh Valley in batting average in all of AAA Baseball. By the way, the Toledo Mud Hens are in first place in the IL West, followed by the Clippers of Columbus.Interestingly, the IronPigs have the least walks and also the least K's.
First, it’s only April for starters. Second, there is no reason to believe that things won’t warm up once the weather does. Third, it’s only April. There is no reason for panic – Manager Sandberg has been keeping the line-up fresh, staying aggressive and preserving the bull-pen. Finally, did I mention it’s only April?
Oldhead rocked the Park and luckily they will be returning!
Friday, May 18 (Performance Time- 5:45-6:30 PM)
Saturday, June 16 (Performance Time- 5:15-6:00 PM)
Friday, July 20 (Performance Time- 5:45-6:30 PM)
Friday, August 10 (Performance Time- 5:45-6:30 PM)
Check 'em out at oldhead.us
(DiPro)
Another fine entertainment choice by the IronPigs - these guys rock - hard!
(DiPro)
Even FeRROUS was rockin'!
(DiPro)
Domonic Brown is ready!
Brown is 3rd in team BA (.266) and 2nd in RBI's (11) and Hits (21).
(DiPro)
Tough night for starter Pat Misch who was credited with the loss.
3 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 1 K.
(DiPro)
Following a Cody Overbeck fly out, Hector Luna is safe at 3rd after ripping a ball off the AmericanBank sign in left center.
(DiPro)
Erik Kratz who had 6 hits in his last 3 games - "cuuuut on and missed" for the 2nd out on a nasty slider away.
(DiPro)
Mike Fontenot grounds this one back to the pitcher stranding Luna at third and ending the second inning threat.
(DiPro)
In the second, The Yankees Steve Pearce slams one off the top of his foot...
(DiPro)
...and that's gotta hurt! Pearce would later leave the game.
(DiPro)
FeRROUS tossing Channel 69 Koozies.
(DiPro)
Derrick Mitchell smacks this one over the left center wall for his second HR of the year in the third inning.
(DiPro)
Jayson Nix brother of Philly outfielder Laynce Nix began the game 0 for his last 12 and finished up 2 for 4 with 2 RBI's including this double that...
(DiPro)
...scored Russo & Cervelli.
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Kratz had a chance to get Cervelli but he just beat the tag. The Yankees would go on to score 6 in the third as they bat around.
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
B.J. Rosenberg replaces Misch in the fourth.
2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
LHV would score 3 in the sixth including Erik Kratz who ran around the plate as the ball gets past catcher Cervelli.
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Kratzie dives back - SAFE.
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Brian Sanches comes on in relief the 6th.
2 IP, 1H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Phillipe Aumont would come on in the 8th and walk the first two batters. He would then...
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
...leave the game with tightness in his back surrendering the hill to Jeremy Horst.
0 IP, 0 Hits, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
(DiPro)
Horst would finish up the 8th. Unfortunately, the two walks by Aumont scored. That was the end of the scoring for the Yankees total of 8 vs. the Pigs 4 run effort.
1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Andres Blanco strikes out to end the game and has made the last out in the last two games.
(DiPro)
Click the play button below to hear Matt Provence tell you the rest.
The Dish
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
IronPigs
Just before the game the bats took off on this plane whose vapor trail is light by the setting sun. The bats that didn't make the flight only manged 3 hits. Enough is ENOUGH! I have had it with these .... snakes on this .... plane!
Sunny Day - Sweeping the clouds away. Coca-Cola Park is bathed in sunlight.
Field artist Bill Butler readies the chalk.
Despite coming into the game with 0-2 with an 8.83 ERA, Yankees prospect starting pitcher Dellin Betances surrendered only 1 hit and the single run the 'Pigs would garner this evening.
The wind blew...
Right fielder Derrick Mitchell.
Center fielder Rich Thompson.
Starting pitcher Austin Hyatt only surrendered 4 hits but allowed 3 runs to cross the plate to give the Yankees the 3-1 victory. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Austin Hyatt reverse angle slow-mo instant replay.
Scott Podsednik scores the lone LHV run off a Kevin Frandsen double who would have the only hit with runners in scoring position.
Reliever Raul Valdes was the highlight of the night going 3 1/3 and only surrendering 1 hit, no runs and 3 K without a walk. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
On this chilly, windy evening those who left in the 3rd inning really didn't miss much after that.
Ferrous entertains the crowd.
The 'Pigs would load the bases in the 4th but leave all the ducks stranded on their way to a 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position and leaving a total of 8 stranded on the pond. (Shouldn't this be 'Pigs on the Pond?)
The fireworks bathe the Park in fiery delight - to bad the bats left on that plane and missed them.
Baby you're a firework...
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh" - where are the bats?
The End
The Dish
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Every IronPig to take a swing got a hit! Domonic Brown went 2 for 5, 2 RBI and brought his hitting streak to 6 games. Cody Overbeck 3 for 5 and Erik Kratz 1 for 5 with 2 RBIs including a two-run monster shot to deep center in the 7th.
IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes honors Ryne Sandberg with the presentation of his bronze statue promotional give-away. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Larry Bowa tosses out the first pitch. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Starting pitcher Dave Bush gets the win going 6 innings while surrendering 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB and 4 K including a solo job by former IronPig Dewayne Wise. (DiPro)
Domonic Brown makes a "star-worthy play" in the first to rob Francisco Cervelli. (DiPro) (click to enlarge)
Former IronPig Dewayne Wise goes over Dewall and SWB scores the first run of the game. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Hector Luna is clearly safe at first on a blown call by first-base umpire Jeff Gosney. Gosney had a tough night having a later missed call reversed after consulting with the crew. (DiPro)
Lindsey looks on as a young fan pies Ben after he was unable to finish is "hot dog sundae" in the allotted time. (DiPro)
Derrick Mitchell reaches first when Yankess SS Ramiro Pena watches as the ball goes under his glove. (DiPro)
Tuffy Gosewisch follows Mithchell to first after the ball just brushes his jersey. (DiPro)
Andres Blanco was 1 for 16 before singling to left and scoring Mitchell for the first LHV run in the top of the 3rd. (DiPro)
Mike Fontenot doubles to right scoring Gosewisch.
Domonic Brown smashes his bat and the ball to left for a back-to-back, two RBI double to score Blanco and Fontenot. Brown would get thrown out stealing third and the 'Pigs would garner a 4 run third inning. Domonic is currently riding a 6 game hitting streak and certainly atoned for his 2 errors in the previous game. (DiPro)
Top 4 - Following a double by Mitchell, a single by Gosewisch, Andres Blanco lays down a perfect bunt that stays just fair to load the bases with nobody out. But LHV would leave 'em all stranded after Mitchell is forced out at home and Fontenot grounds into a 6-4-3 double-play. (DiPro)
The pitch... (DiPro)
...Holy Kratz "Forget About It"! it's launched over the 400' mark for a 2 run homer to score Overbeck (who doubled) for the insurance the 'Pigs needed. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Lefty David Purcey comes on in the 7th and in 1 and a 3rd gives up 3 hits and is credited with 2 earned runs. One run is scored when Kevin Russo doubles to left... (DiPro)
Phillippe Aumont in the 8th, 'Wheels and Deals" and the other run that was credited to Purcey is plated on a single by Doug Bernier. Luckily, it didn't matter due to Kratzie's two run blast in the 7th. (DiPro)
Jake Diekman on to close in the 9th and does so earning the save but not without some excitement. After a single by Wise and a double by Steve Pearce, Diekman strikes out former IronPig Jack Cust then Brandon Laird and finally gets Kevin Russo on a grounder to Overbeck. Game over! (DiPro)
Pigs Fly on their way to the team's best start ever! (DiPro)
Friday fireworks tonight as LHV engages the Yankess (as the home team) for game 2 of the 4 game series. Austin Hyatt (2-1, 2.53) takes the hill for the ‘Pigs and Dellin Betances (0-2, 8.83) for the Yanks. More hitting with RISP tonight!
Go Pigs!
The Dish Lehigh Valley IronPigs Domonic Brown
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Larry Bowa spent a few moments with the media before the game.
Former Philly and Cub Larry Bowa was on hand this evening to honor Ryne Sandberg and sign some autographs.
Larry reminisced about his playing days and joked that originally in the Dejesus trade, Sandberg was the “throw in”. As we know it didn’t quite turn out that way.
Career info AFTER the trade
Ryne Sandberg
2,385 hits in Cub uniform and 282 homers – 1,061 RBI’s – 344 stolen bases – 9 time Gold Glove winner – 10 time All Star – 1 MVP Award
Larry Bowa
Played 3+ years for Cubbies, part of 1984 NL East division title team, #1 for shortstops in fielding percentage in 1983.
Ivan DeJesus
Bats .249 in 3 seasons with Phillies. Traded 3 more times before his career quietly ends in 1988.
Larry spoke of his often emotional play.
“I wasn’t afraid to show my emotions,” Bowa said. “I played hard and had fun. That’s basically the way I was raised. I didn’t have great ability. I had to work hard.” “Getting 2,000 hits is probably the thing I’m most proud of. People said I couldn’t hit at this level. If you work hard you can achieve anything.”
Being well-traveled I was curious to know what Larry thought of Coca-Cola Park and the fans in LHV. Bowa was at the Park previously to watch his nephew Nick Johnson who was with the Columbus Clippers then.
“It’s beautiful,” he said. “I was here last year. I sat right behind home plate. I wish we had these facilities when I played.”
“I think Philly is doing a great job with their minor league system. “Nobody wants to stay in the minor leagues, but if I had to stay, I’d want to play here.”
Larry mentioned that even players who know they most likely aren’t going to reach the Major League level would continue to play just to call The Coke their home.
Bowa said he would return to Major League coaching if the right offer came along and he stated that working for the MLB network is a lot of work/research.
Maybe, just maybe Larry will someday return to Coca-Cola Park, this time as a Manager. We can only hope….
The Dish
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
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