Category Archives: DiPro’s Dish

See below for a (yet to be confirmed) article from The Times Leader the Dispatch stating the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees will play their 2012 home games in the Lehigh Valley.

SWB will be gone in 2012, but were unforgettable in ’11

Posted: September 18
Updated: Today at 12:50 AM

Tommy Romanelli Special for The Dispatch 

They will be back next season, of course, but their 2011 season has come to an end. Unfortunately for us, they will be going to Lehigh Valley for at least the 2012 season.

The Yankees and Lackawanna County have decided to do some much-needed renovations on PNC field. This is going to be a refreshing change to the sorry looking stadium and a great idea on their part.

With the Yankees temporarily away, a burning question should come to mind to you. Have you missed out?

This past season the SWB Yankees have definitely underachieved. They missed the playoffs this season for the first time under the Yankees name and they did it with, what I think, is the best team they’ve put together since they’ve come to the Scranton area.

They came into the season with a ton of promise. An all-prospect starting rotation, their top hitting prospect in Jesus Montero starting at catcher, and some veteran players to help along the way. How could they not finish on top again?

It seemed to me, even though the team was so good, they just never gelled together. They never had that chemistry it takes to win. Even after the games in the clubhouse, whether they won or lost, it was for the most part quiet. I definitely think that was a huge reason why they didn’t live up to the potential that was there.

I don’t put the entire blame on them for the lack of chemistry on the team, though. The New York Yankees had so many injuries to fill that the SWB roster was almost changing daily. It’s hard to establish chemistry when there’s a new guy sitting next you every other day.

Just because the team didn’t win as much as it could have doesn’t mean it still wasn’t worth going out for the games. The team had its share of highlights this season.

Jorge Vazquez set a new SWB franchise record for homeruns in the regular season with 32.

Jesus Montero was the starting catcher all season up until September 1st. He is expected to be a Major League superstar. He’s now getting a lot of playing time at the MLB level and he is doing very well.

SWB has also seen a handful of Major League players rehabbing from injuries including Phil Coke, Magglio Ordonez, Delmon Young, Freddy Garcia, Raphael Soriano, and of course Alex Rodriguez.

There were plenty of reasons to come out and watch the SWB Yankees and there will be in the future too.

They should have most of their pitching prospects returning next season. Brandon Laird will be back refining his game, but he could be called up sometime next year. The most interesting part of next year, though, will be top pitching prospects Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances in their first full Triple-A season.

Hopefully you haven’t missed out on this season but even if you have, the SWB Yankees will be back in a year or two and, with a new stadium and great prospects, they’ll be better than ever.

Tommy Romanelli is a Wyoming Area grad and a sophomore at LCCC. He writes for pinstripesplus.com. His thoughts on the SWB Yankees appeared in The Dispatch through the 2011 season.

For winning their 5th consecutive NL East Championship!

Six IronPigs got the big call after Friday night’s game, including new Philadelphia Phillies Coach Ryne Sandberg. (Wrigley just shook a little). It will be interesting to follow along with what options are presented to Coach Sandberg and which he will ultimately choose.

Texas born, 25-year-old Joe Savery and 23-year-old California native Justin De Fratus both first timers in a MLB uniform and they wind up spraying champagne in the Philadelphia locker room. How cool is that?

What a baseball story for Joe Savery – from Clearwater (where he hit .307) before returning to Reading then on to the Lehigh Valley mainly as a pitcher (4-0 1.80 ERA) and finally on to the big show all in 2011. (please click here for required reading)

Imagine for a moment you are 23 years old. Now dream you are celebrating as a player in the Phils locker room with existing and perhaps future Hall of Famers (and you’re only 23).  What an experience it must have been for this young man. @ToddZolecki with another great article, this time about Justin De Fratus and it’s right here.

Domonic Brown from Florida, 24 and 31-year-old PA native Erik Kratz pop corks in the locker room of the NL East Champions. What a feeling it must have been for these two. After reading this article and there may be those that disagree but the club house last night might just have been the perfect place for Domonic to be.

Georgia Punch, 28-year-old Brandon Moss “Hogg” certainly deserved to make it back to the show after his year in the Lehigh Valley and his one-man-show in the IL Playoffs. What a better way to celebrate than to grab a division winning stogie and just cruise around CBP.

Finally, what a sight – Ryne Sandberg back in a Philadelphia uniform for the first time in 30 years. Cubs fans are cringing…

In case you missed it, here are a few grabs of our boys enjoying the night. Hopefully, they will all get a well deserved ring!

Coach Sandberg

Holy Kratz

Moss Hogg

Ryno and Moss

Phear The Phro

Moss D-O-Double Gizzle

Schwim - Dom Brown - Moss - Pete Orr (back row)

Justin De Fratus - Moss - Orr

Oh when I look back now
That summer seemed to last forever
And if I had the choice
Ya – I’d always wanna be there
Those were the best days of my life…

Oddly enough, as I drove home tonight despite the last game of the season I found myself sporting a large grin. It was almost inexplicable at first until I thought about why I was smiling.

Some time back in February I recall  Mom saying “Why not get season tickets with us and stop this silly boycott?” Luckily I listened. I was fortunate to spend most of the season with Mom before she passed away on August 30. But that’s not what this post is about. I know Mom is looking down and watching me enjoy the many experiences I’ve had at Coca-Cola Park and thank you Mom for helping to begin a new chapter. For me, CCP became an oasis of sorts – a place where you could forget about the daily grind – a place of solace.

The first highlight of the year occurred on the club level listening to “The Voice of the IronPigs” Matt Provence and John Schaeffer broadcast live. It was almost eerie listening to their voices in person as opposed to their emanations from the truck’s stereo speaker. While I didn’t get on the air that night, I was fortunate to get a few opportunities throughout the year and even call some play-by-play. Thank you Matt, John and Mikey the V for the great times. It will forever hold a special place in my memory.

After spending some time at CCP and one evening upon arriving home I decided to Google IronPigs. During that search I stumbled across the Noise Nation fan club. I studied Dan’s picture until I was sure I would recognize him in person. After stalking searching for Dan, I finally mustered up the nerve to approach him behind the bullpen and grabbed my first bell.  I discovered among other things that the Noise Nation had been around since day one and if I wanted to become a true “hardcore” IronPig’s fan it was going to be with them. Fortunately, the Nation ended up being  my new IronPig’s family and the year would certainly not have been the same without them!

July 15th was my first experience with the IronPig’s charities (a great organization-thank you Sarah Marten) at the State of the Pigs Luncheon. I discovered at that time AAA baseball is much different from the majors. The players were accessible and many embraced the fans and went out of their way to befriend us. Michael “Phear the Phro” Schwimer was one the Nation’s strongest supporters. Moss Hogg, Dweezy, Holy Kratz and Richie T (insert hand gesture here) have been a pleasure to meet and if we don’t see them next year I know we all wish them the best of luck in their careers.

I made it my mission to meet as many park dwellers as possible. From Kristy at the Biergarten to “Fred” and Adam at the FMO Painting bar, the IronPigs employees have been exemplary and Mr. Landes should be proud of the organization he helped to create. Special shout-outs to  Tim and Lindsey (it wouldn’t have been the same without them), Mike S (good luck my brother), Mark and Brian among the many others have certainly helped to make the summer memorable. Jan, I have looked forward to see what the next selection at the Pig Stop was and probably gained 10 lbs. – great stuff Jan! Certainly it would not have been one of the best fields in baseball if not for Bill Butler – thank you Bill!

There were certainly many unforgettable moments of the past summer too numerous to list here. From the “flingo” snapping incident to the Epic trip to Rhode Island to wearing a Phearful Phro to Shelley Duncan and Jeff Salazar (L,R,L,R) it was frankly one of the most memorable of summers.

What I will remember the most from the Summer of 2011 is the old friends I re-connected with and the new friends I’ve met. Certainly a huge thanks to Dan Kehl for allowing me to be a part of the Nation. Of course this post would not be complete without mentioning Jimmy T as well as Ron, Dean, Dr. Mark, Jay, Ed, Steve and his wife, Jill, Deb, Sara, Diamond Jim and the rest of the Noise Nation supporters.

So thanks to all of you – all of you who have been so kind and who have made this season about more than the game of baseball. Thanks for making it more about fun, friendship and camaraderie.

Spent my evenin’s down at the Park
And that’s when I met  you yeah
It was the Summer of 2011…

DiPro Out (for now)

OinK On!

DiPro’s Dish

Call-ups

LHV

As previously mentioned, Pete Orr has received the September call-up – don’t think he will be back with the Phils now on their expanded 28 man roster.

In 75 games with LHV Orr has racked up a .267 average, 5 HR and 26 RBI’s while playing 5 different positions.

Good luck Pete!
We’ll miss ya in the playoffs!

PAW

The Pawtucket Red Sox have also completed a number of call-ups including ‘Pig killer Ryan Lavarnway (as Dan had mentioned) and Nate ‘oops he did it again’ Spears who have combined for 100 RBIs in 2011.

Kyle Weiland     (P)  8-10  3.58
Felix Doubront   (P)  2-5   4.22
Nate Spears      (Util) .248  8 HR  45 RBI
Ryan Lavarnway   (C/DH  .295 18 HR  55 RBI

Mr. Landes

IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes was kind enough give a moment of his time to the Nation. He noted the IronPigs are certainly as excited as we are that post-season Baseball is coming to CCP and looks forward to great attendance.

The Nation wanted to confirm when we Bring the Noise we don’t effect the enjoyment of the game for anyone else in attendance. So bring your pots and something to beat them with. We also hope to have a non-powered megaphone a bugle and perhaps a hand-held siren.

The only items to avoid are of course the currently banned air-horns and vuvuzelas.

Mr. Landes was appreciative of our inquiry and we will respect his wishes when WE BRING THE NOISE!

Go Pigs!

OinK On!

DiPro’s Dish

Back in the early 80’s both during Legion ball (SPYA) and High School (PHS) there was an umpire we hoped would be calling our games. I realize that is not quite the norm but this was no ordinary umpire.

I recall him blasting out the count with nary the need for a PA announcer.

He would draw the score in the dirt with his shoe between innings lest anyone not see the scoreboard.

Every ball, strike or out call was a show in itself and there was no one who knew the rules better.

He was animated, boisterous, and entertaining.

He was definitely the Most Interesting Umpire in Baseball.

When he was behind the plate the strikes called themselves.
When he rung you up – you thanked him.
(Feel free to add more “Most Interesting Umpire in Baseball” quips below)

Those who listen to the IronPigs radio broadcasts are well aware of clubhouse worker “Uncle Marty”.

I  just discovered that Uncle Marty is non other than Marty Ondrovic, the local umpire and referee legend mentioned above!

If you played sports in the Lehigh Valley back in the day you certainly knew Uncle Marty – back then we just called him Sir.

Go Pigs!

OinK On!

DiPro’s Dish

In 1980, a very famous sports announcer once said “Do you believe in Miracles?”

In 2011 for the first time in Lehigh Valley history, Coca-Cola Park will see post season baseball with at least a one game playoff  Tuesday at 7:05 against Gwinnett.

Miraculous? Perhaps not, but the feeling seems nearly the same.

While the Kratz suspension is certainly a huge blow while the Pigs are in the midst of a playoff race, there are additional issues that need to be addressed.

The following  are excerpts from a post on Jeff Schuler’s Morning Call Hog Blog:

“It’s very unfortunate with the circumstances and where we’re at in the standings to lose a player of that caliber,” IronPigs  manager Ryne Sandberg said.

“It’s extremely unfortunate,” Kratz said. “I’ve never seen anything like it, and compounded on top of it is we only have five games left in a pennant race.”

Kratz was suspended for leaving his position and exchanging words with Francisco while Francisco was on first base after being hit. Francisco was having a verbal exchange with the IronPigs bench when Kratz walked about 30 feet up the first base line and told Francisco to “knock it off.”

“It was a ball that grazed his elbow guard, and I didn’t even see [Francisco] was jawing with our dugout until he was up at first base. If I thought there was some sort of tension I would have walked with him down the line,” Kratz said.

Gill was suspended four games by Mobley. Francisco was not punished.

“You want my Cliff Notes version of it?” Kratz said. “We were playing baseball, and somebody on the other team took exception to what happened and decided to mouth off — this isn’t only my version, this is what happened — and he decided to run his mouth, and beings that it’s my position to stand up for my team, I told him to knock it off. He decided not to, and I told hm to knock if off again, and the umpire told me to stop, so I did.

“Everything got calmed down, warnings were issued to both teams, and they came out and hit the first guy, so they got thrown out but I got pretty much the same suspension as the guy who threw at our guy.”

“In the minor leagues there’s no real appeal process,” Kratz added. “He’s the judge, jury and executioner. He [Mobley] made the decision to say what I did warranted the suspension, and we asked who we could appeal to, and he said, ‘Me.’. And it’s kind of hard to convince somebody they were wrong.”

The suspension caught Sandberg completely off-guard.

“My side of the incident wasn’t asked, so there’s no looking back,” said Sandberg, who was overheard pleading his case to the league office following Monday’s games. “Other than their pitcher and manager getting ejected after the warning, I thought everything was taken care of at that point, from what I know about professional baseball.”

Kratz said the fact that Mobley didn’t talk to either Sandberg or himself makes the decision that much harder to swallow.

“He said because he spoke to one of the field managers and the umpires, and watching the video, he had the facts that he felt that he needed,” Kratz said. “That’s even the harder part of it. The umpires didn’t throw me out, did not say I was to blame. He spoke to the other manager, and he looked at the video, and he deemed that I should have been thrown out of the game in that situation. It’s just extremely, extremely frustrating that one person can have facts put out there in front of him and not even bring people’s character into the discussion, and still make the decision that he made. Without ever talking to our manager.

Video review shows Juan Francisco strolling toward first base while removing his protective gear – he then turned toward the LHV dugout and appeared to say something. Initially Eric was tossing a ball back to the Bat’s dugout and wasn’t even looking toward Francisco. Not until Juan started jawing at the Pigs dugout did Kratz then leave the catching area and proceed toward first base while obviously yelling at Francisco. Kratz never made it closer than 45 feet from Francisco as he stood on first. Mere moments later every other player also left their positions. Yet Kratz was the only IronPigs player suspended. Strangely, Aumont remained unpunished for actually hitting Francisco. Was he the ultimate one who “instigated” the issue? Or was Francisco the culprit for barking at the Pigs dugout?

In the following incident during the 9th inning after the plunking of Delwyn Young by Gil (who was suspended 4 games), Bat’s catcher James Skelton immediately walked in front of the plate and in front of DY and ended up at about the same spot on the field Kratz did. Is that not leaving his position as well? Again, nearly all on field players left their positions.

Regardless, Mr. Mobley has given his final answer on the matter – case closed.

Recently, Victorino had his 3 game suspension reduced by a game following his appeal. Apparently Kratz did not get that luxury.

I believe that Mr. Mobley’s decision to suspend the .284 hitting,  starting catcher for the last 3 crucial games by notifying him 1/2 hour before the most important double-header of the season and without speaking to the offender or his coach was his judgement call and followed the rules as they are written and nothing more.

But I must wonder why does the possibility of impropriety even exist with no real appeal process?

Doesn’t the Minor League level of our National Pastime deserve a better process or at least one that mirrors the Major League’s?

But wait…

According to the FAQ at MiLB.com:

Q. Are Minor Leagues rules the same as those that govern Major League Baseball?

A. Minor League Baseball clubs play by the same rules as listed in the Official Baseball Rules published by Major League Baseball.

I wonder if Kratz chose to appeal would he have been allowed to play until his appeal was heard just like in MLB?

Did somebody miss something here?

I will attempt to get “the rest of the story” and will report back accordingly.

OinK On!

DiPro’s Dish

The International League 2012 schedule should be released soon, however the IronPigs have revealed theirs with Monday’s “fridge magnet” giveaway sponsored once again by Sacred Heart Hospital.

 

 Reading’s own Rich Thompson was awarded the pleasure of viewing what the fans are retrieving from their refrigerators for the 2012 season. Richie T is the current IronPig’s all-time leader of games played with 433 and stolen bases with 110.

Interestingly, the IronPig’s 2012 kickoff begins with an away series at S/WB on April 5^th and 6^th.  Coca-Cola Park has been rumored to be a replacement for Moosic’s PNC Field during its planned renovations. So, will the IronPigs opening day in fact be an away game?

The Pigs official home opener is scheduled for Wed April 11, 2012 against the Syracuse Chiefs.  There is a season-long 9 game home stand at the end of June through the 4^th of July. Lehigh Valley will conclude the season in Allentown against Buffalo on Mon September, 3.

Get your tickets now!

OINK ON!

DiPro’s Dish

Not only did The Voice of the Iron Pigs Matt Provence miss the bus on the way home from Louisville, but the IronPigs may have just done the same on their road to the International League Playoffs by dropping two to the Syracuse Chiefs tonight at Coca-Cola Park.

As a result the Pigs are now 2 off the lead in the IL North and in a tie with Gwinnett for the lone Wild Card Spot with 6 games left to play. The task is clear – win and be in.

The IronPigs returned home through Hurricane Irene with an acceptable 10 game road trip finishing .500.  Before tonight’s debacle, the Pigs had won 7 of their last 12 contests but remained just 34-36 since June 16 when they led the IL North by 5 games.

Tonight the IronPigs went 0-8 with RISP and left 12 men on base on top of 4 errors (really 5).  Combine all that with 18 strikeouts in 14 innings and the results are clear.

Domonic Brown certainly had a bad night going 0-6 with 4 SO and some abnormal, run resulting field play. It was the first time this fan has heard rousing boos and cat calls directed toward any Pig’s player this year.  D. Brown was eventually yanked from game two and Tagg Bozied (IF) replaced him in left. Bottom line is, Domonic has contributed in the past and he will contribute again – unfortunately the young man had a bad night at an inopportune time.

The beautifully sunset evening  can certainly not be blamed solely on Brown however.  The team was a combined 8 for 50 for a (well below the Mendoza line) average of .160. Two doubles were the hitting highlight reel of the night.

So are the Pigs done?

Are our playoff packs going to be next year’s season ticket credit fodder?

That remains to be seen -“the bus has not left the rest stop“, yet…

I would like to leave you with a few last thoughts for this post…

This game isn’t always about winning or making the playoffs. Sometimes it’s a night of camaraderie with old friends you haven’t seen for awhile. Sometimes it’s about meeting new fans you haven’t met before. Sometimes it’s about yelling into the field microphone “CUUTT on and missed the bus”. Sometimes it’s the fact the “big club” has the best record in Baseball and they owe a huge part of that to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (especially Ryno), the management, employees and most of all the FANS!

Tomorrow the Pigs will face RIGHT handed pitcher David Phelps S/WB with an ERA of 3.53.  We’ll see what transpires…

OINK ON!

DiPro’s Dish