Category Archives: Kram’s Korner – From the Club Level

April 2, 2013 · 3:29 pm

Media Day Volume 2: NoiseNationTV

Special thanks to Cheryl for the camera work. She did a pretty good job keeping me off screen, which is important for the safety of all involved. Also, I swear I don’t sound like that, but that’s what everyone says. Darn. Maybe I’ll take up smoking…

Worry not, though. I’ve got a good day job so this is all just for fun:

First, we spoke with Ethan Martin about the title “Best Hair on the Team,” which was vacated when Michael Schwimer was traded:

He also shared that he’ll be pitching three innings in tonight’s exhibition with Reading. He didn’t say he’d be the starter…

Next, a few words with Jon Pettibone, who will start on Friday:

I had that seen BJ Rosenberg had had some arm difficulty early in spring training, but was happy to read that he would be “stretched out” to become a starter with the IronPigs. I asked him about it:

A few words about wind, with Jake Diekman:

I was a little nervous about speaking with Pete Orr. Not that I’ve heard anything bad about him, but as one of the last to come down from Philly, I didn’t know if he’d be too thrilled with starting the year at AAA. The truth is, he couldn’t have been nicer. Cheryl even got him talking about the WBC brawl with Mexico:

And a few questions from me about his role on the team, leadership, and…housing?!?

The Josh Fields Story. It’s been told before here on these pages. And Dan tells it much better. I think Decal wrote about it too. It’s the thing of Coca Cola Park legend at this point. Heck, I should have let Josh tell it:

and some stuff about wine. Don’t ever get me talking about wine, crimony:

A few words with JMitch. I had read about the injury, and there had been some speculation that the injury at the end of 2011 had impacted his performance last season. He’s a former top-10 prospect from the A’s system. He sounds like he’s ready to go. I think we’re going to like this guy:

A few words about minor league history, and bullpen roles, with Zach Miner:

Asking GM Kurt Landes the tough questions…and I broke my promise not to talk about urinals…

It might not be the best, but I gotta say it was a blast. Special thanks to Matt Provence and his staff for including us in Media Day 2013!

Let’s Go Pigs!

@Kram209

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April 2, 2013 · 3:08 pm

Top Ten Reasons to Come Out to the 222 Showcase Tonight!

10. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit charity, and tickets are still available!

9. It’s not really that cold out.

8. You can sit wherever you please (in the lower bowl).

7. Tickets are cheaper compared with regular games.

6. Really, the cold won’t be that bad.

5. You get to see the Reading players, who are the future IronPigs

4. You won’t mind the cold; I’m telling you

3. The ‘Pigs lineup tonight is STACKED.

2. It won’t be as crowded as it will be on Thursday.

1. If you keep saying it (“it’s not cold. it’s not cold. it’s not cold.”) it will be true.

See you…..soon!

@Kram209

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April 1, 2013 · 10:38 pm

Media Day Volume 1

Editor Dan, Photographer Cheryl and I made our way to Coca Cola Park today following an always-good lunch at the Black Forest Deli. We’ve got video interviews and more goodies to come. But here’s a couple nuggets to hold you over:

We didn’t get to talk to every player, but here are some of the general feelings I got from the locker room as a whole:

The guys are happy to be here and happy to get the season started. Clearwater weather wasn’t great, so they’re not concerned about the early-April cold.
The players feel good about the team this year, the teammates, the groups within the team, and the locker room.
The veteran players know this is a young AAA team and know their roles will be dictated by getting the youngsters time at their home positions. And they’re fine with it. I didn’t get the sense that anyone was pouting.
Everybody’s healthy; the players whom I’d heard things about minor injuries all said and seemed just fine.

Here are some more specific notes:

Ethan Martin will pitch three innings tomorrow, but he didn’t say–perhaps he doesn’t know–if he’ll start.
Jon Pettibone will pitch Friday.
Justin De Fratus was able to find a Mass to go to yesterday, and Tyson Gillies was able to find Sushi.
I didn’t get to talk to the new skipper, but he seems all business and was right in there during practice getting the team ready
Director of Media Matt Provence was great, and around to help the whole time. And he would have done so even if we hadn’t bribed him with chicken.

And now, a couple of notes about the park:

I did try the urinal game. Meh.
The yogurt bar is going to be HUGE.
The brat platz is in with the biergarten. I should have known that. It makes total sense.
I’m not sure I understand the point of the social media center. Are people going to be allowed to enter it? Only with invitation?
The front row of the bacon strip extends all the way in front of the bar. That whole front row described as “stools” is numbered metal chairs. Just pointing it out.
The hot corner chairs were covered, so I didn’t get to try them out.

Now some photos I took of stuff around the park. They’re not Cheryl photos, but hopefully they’ll hold you over until the good stuff comes through….

The Back Row is GA, but still gets chairs…

Biergarten and Dietz and Watson Platz Grill

Hot Corner Covered. Screen in front is for BP.

Numbered Metal Chairs in the front row of the ‘strip

Front of strip extends all the way in front of the bar

Social Media Entrance is near the Lunch Pail

Full View of the ‘Strip

Tiki Ready to Go!

HUGE! I tell you, HUGE!

(also, maybe, messy, that self serve yougurt bar. we’ll see.)

See you at the park,

(tomorrow!)

@Kram209

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March 30, 2013 · 8:47 pm

NoiseCast – Episode 1 – Hawks & Hogs & Things

We are pleased to release our first NoiseCast episode of the 2013 with more to follow. Also, there just may be a few more (new) exciting things coming from The Horn & Bell in 2013 – Stay tuned!

Click below – give a listen – post a comment!

Right click to download.

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March 30, 2013 · 2:43 pm

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:

STARTING PITCHERS

Jonathan Pettibone

Age: 23 in July

MLB Experience: None

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

Stock: Steady Rise

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.

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.

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.”

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

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.

RELIEVERS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CATCHERS

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.

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.

INFIELD

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

OUTFIELD

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

……

Reviewing the Roster by the Numbers:

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

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

Players who have already played for the Phillies

Players with MLB experience

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

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March 30, 2013 · 10:15 am

IronPigs Introduce New Concessions

Yesterday, the IronPigs released information about the 2013 concessions. There are some exciting new additions, and some changes. Here in KramsKorner we’re always excited by food–perhaps too much so. Early this season we expect to post a Comprehensive Guide to Concessions at Coca Cola Park. But until then, read about what’s new:

Sooeey’te Spot Frozen Yogurt

This frozen yogurt stand will open later in April near home plate, where the souvenir stand used to be. It will feature six flavors nightly, with a variety of toppings. You will be able to make your own, mix and match, and then pay by the ounce.

Boar-ito Stand

Located out near the Bud Light Trough, the re-done Mexican stand will feature make-your-own burritos of pork (of course), beef, chicken, or all vegetarian. Customize your toppings! You’ll also be able to get the Nacho Porker here, and the Walking Taco. Adult beverages at this stand will include LandShark Lager and Lime-a-Ritas.

Bratz Platz Grill

Thought to be located in the ATT Plaza, but location has not been specified. The grill will feature Boss Dogs, Bratwurst, and Jalapeno Bratwurst served with a selection of toppings including sauerkraut, cole slaw, onions, and peppers. The rolls will be pretzel!

Trough Grill

The trough grill will be the only location for the new Bacon-wrapped hot dogs.

Fresh Fruit Smoothies

Fresh fruit smoothies in flavor such as Strawberry Patch, Honest Energy, and Hula Hula will be available near section 107.

Here are some other notes I gathered from the IronPigs press release:

Food and Beverage service will be available in both the Hot Corner AND the Bacon Strip
Bypass Lane will continue in its current form for field level (pick up) and club level (delivery)
Soft drinks (Coca Cola offerings, of course) and Adult offerings (featuring Budweiser products) remain mostly unchanged
32oz beers will continue to be available at the Trough, Tiki Terrace, portables, and Club Bar
Philly Pretzel (yay!), Aww Shucks Corn (yay!), Gyro Company (yay!), and Nuts For You (yay!) all return.
Pig Stop in the club level returns, now under control of the new executive chef, Jerry Rogers

Now, let’s meet the concession team:

Jerry Rogers, Executive Chef

Alex Rivera, Director of Concessions

Brock Hartranft, Manager of Concessions

See you at the park,

@Kram209

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March 22, 2013 · 10:15 pm

IronPigs Roster Coming Into Focus

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

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March 21, 2013 · 12:55 pm

Why Do You Go To The Park?

The IronPigs come up in conversation a lot when you’re around me. The conversation often goes something like this one I had last Friday:

Me: “I really like going to the IronPigs games.”

Guy: “Oh, yeah, me too; I have season tickets.”

Me: “Cool! I do too. What section are you in?”

Guy: “118; I have a 9-game plan. What plan do you have?”

Me: “72 games”

Guy: “Wow. That’s a lot of games. How many do you actually go to?”

Me: “It’s more and more all the time. With 80 games last year I probably got to 60 of them.”

Guy: “That’s a lot! How can you go to so many?”

Me: “Well, I find it relaxing…”

____________________________________

On Friday, February 13, 2004 I got a headache. How can I remember that? Well, because that same headache lasted until May 15 of that year. It never went away. I saw a slew of doctors and had a slew of tests. No relief. What happened on May 15, that made it go away? Well, it was the first day of my vacation…

…

For the past four weeks or so I’ve had the headache back. It’s not as bad or as constant as that first one was. Advil seems to help it. Also, whiskey. That’s how I got through that SteelHawks game the other day. I don’t have any vacations planned, and if I’m indeed stressed out to the point of constant headaches, then I probably need to chill. “Chillax,” as my son tells me. It reminded me of the above conversation and just why I go to so many baseball games every year. I decided to break it down further:

OK, so let me explain, starting with the smallest reasons:

6% Being Outside: It’s cool to hang out outdoors, you know? I’m in an office all day and inside all winter and I just want to get out. It’s not so cool in April (Sorry, it’s very cool. Perhaps too much so. Bring the sun, man!) or when it’s crazy hot sometimes, but it’s still a reason that I enjoy the park. I’ll still enjoy the new arena, but it won’t have quite the same appeal.

9% AAA Talent Level: Would I be so inclined to have season tickets if we traded teams with Lakewood? A little less. Like 9%. A lot of the other things would still be cool, but the overall quality of the game play is better, and I enjoy watching the talent one step from The Show. I could tell a difference with hockey, too, from ECHL Reading vs. AHL Wilkes-Barre last year. Also, when friends visit from Reading, they always say, “Wow, we can tell these guys are better.”

13% Phillies Connection: How would you feel if we got the AAA Brewers instead? Right. A little less. I’m not the biggest Phillies fan, either, but it is cool to have the home club just down the road in Philadelphia where we can go see our old friends like Domonic Brown continue on their careers–rather than watching via television. And, it’s cool for some of the local folk who love the Phillies to have that connection; it adds to the atmosphere even for someone like me who doesn’t live and die with the Phillies.

16% Beer: Don’t judge. It helps me relax. I did OK at the SteelHawks without it, but I would have been more relaxed with a nice cup of beer in my hand.

19% The People: Not just the friends, but also the ushers and parking guys and the nice lady at the concession and all that. It does keep me coming back, and it is more important than beer. By a little.

37% The Park: The beat writer from the Scranton newspaper wrote an article yesterday about the return of Minor League baseball to Northeastern Pennsylvania. In it he threw in the line, “PNC is arguably the nicest Minor League park in the country.”

Really? Really? It’s basically a copy of Coca Cola Park, with a smaller club level and no Tiki Bar and certainly no “Hot Corner” or seats on top of walls and less people and fewer suites and no dug-out suites and….

Well, you get the point. They have a nicer view and free parking. I bought tickets and I’ll go see for myself. But our park is a gem. I love going there. There’s a reason we’re the first to host both the AAA All-Star Game and the AAA National Championship. It’s not just the fan support (although that’s a part of it) or the organization (also a part), it’s the facility itself. We shouldn’t take it for granted.

___________________________

Now, if we can just get some nicer weather and some ball games, maybe I can get rid of this damn headache.

See you at the park,

@Kram209

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March 17, 2013 · 12:24 am

Greetings From Clearwater

Frequent NoiseNation photographer extraordinaire Cheryl Pursell recently returned from a trip to Clearwater, Florida. She filed a report (and some photos) from Spring Training:

Cheryl reports that Galvis and Frandsen should make the Phillies as reserve infielders at the expense of Yunesky Betancourt, who has an opt-out on March 24: “I don’t see Betancourt making the Phillies, unless of course they do what they did last year, give the job to the guy who will walk (Pierre instead of Podsednik).”

Cheryl confirms what we’ve all seen of Domonic Brown: He’s been playing very well. She has him in Right Field to start the season, with Nix or Mayberry in Left, and Ruf on the IronPigs. She feels the IronPigs should have good pitching, both starters and relievers despite the fact that the Phillies’ starters didn’t always impress during her stay.

Cheryl also met up with one of our old friends, Rich Thompson. Here’s what she said: “I had Rich Thompson sign my jersey. I told him everyone from [NoiseNation] was asking about him & wanted to know how he was doing—he said to say “great” & that he doesn’t tweet much because he doesn’t have access to a computer, nor does he own a smart phone. I told him, I too have a “dumb” phone. He laughed & sends his regards.”

Thanks again to Cheryl for the report and the photos!

Let’s Go Pigs!

@Kram209

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March 11, 2013 · 3:16 pm

Too Much Swag: Season Tickets 2013

I stopped by the park on my way to the office this morning to pick up my season ticket packages. There was no line, and I walked right up. This probably reinforces my supposition that I’m the only one champing at the bit to pick up my tickets.

No matter, though. The ticket staff was happy to see me and found my tickets quickly. Then it came time to load me up with swag. As in the past, the IronPigs have some gifts for the season ticket holders on pick-up. I’m not sure which level of season tickets you need to receive the gifts, but I don’t think it’s a secret either. In fact, if you don’t qualify, this could be the impetus to increase your ticket level for next year. Or, there could be different swag for different levels. At any rate, there was so much swag this year they couldn’t even fit it through the little window at the ticket counter. They had to walk it out to me.

The swag was contained in a nice bag labeled “Ticket Plan Holder:”

Hats:

They’re not fancy, but they are kind of nice. They are cotton/canvas and have a Velcro closure. They are made in China and have four stitch rows on the brim. They are blue and white, with the Sunday logo, and have “Season Ticket Holder” stitched on the side.

Glasses:

No, not that kind of glasses. They were labeled “pint glasses” on the dispense slip, but they’re more of a small highball glass–a bit smaller than a standard pint beer glass, with a heavy base. They’re etched with “Iron Pigs Lehigh Valley Est 2008.” Perfect for a rum and Coke:

IronClipper Rewards Booklet:

These are small coupon books that are usually given out to the plan holders and group leaders. They contain coupons from the major game and stadium sponsors–of various levels of usefulness. New this year are coupons for concessions. Nice. But also noted are some limits on some of the coupons for which month they can be used. Read your coupons carefully and take advantage of them if you can.

Details with the tickets:

Once again, the ticket holders are invited to an “Appreciation Night” on Tuesday, July 16 for the showing of the All Star Game. We’ve talked about this before, and it’s a nice time–even better last year when we were able to throw the ball on the field. Also noted with the tickets is that in-seat service via the bypass lane app will be available again this year in the Club Level.

Unless I’m missing it, there is no information about batting practice viewing for this year. We never get those dates right away anyway, so could be they are yet to come. Or, could be they’ve discontinued it. We shall see, and I’ll post here when I find out as some folks didn’t receive them last year.

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Finally, here’s another view: If frequent comment contributor Lefty33 is still around, I’d expect he’d probably agree with this–and I can’t say I totally disagree either:

While I feel appreciated when I receive this swag, there is another thing they could do: a discount. How about $1.00: $1.00 per seat times 72 games times 4 seats equals $288.00. You can buy a lot of hats and drinking glasses for $288. Or, maybe a discount on advertising for those of us who own businesses? Nope, they don’t do that either.

What do other organizations do? Over the weekend I was perusing the web site for Autozone Park, home of the AAA Memphis Redbirds, affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. I was drawn to it as it was referred to as the “Taj Mahal” of minor league baseball. It’s not. But, I noticed that Club Level tickets are $20.00 in advance, or $23.00 on game day. This is much more than the $15 the IronPigs charge. BUT, purchase a full season plan in the Autozone Club Level and pay only $950/seat. That’s $13.19/game–less than the $14 I pay having locked in my seat price with a multi-year extension.

So I ask you, should the IronPigs do that? Raise single-game and same-day ticket prices while providing a healthy discount for season ticket holders? I’m not sure, myself. I think we should watch and find out how much difficulty they have selling those $20 Hot Corner tickets this year for our answer. Probably, the poor press they’d receive for raising ticket prices to Memphis-level would out-weigh any benefit from the season ticket holders. And, to think of it this way, since we support this team so well here in the Lehigh Valley, it’s like a subscription: We purchase so many tickets that it allows the everyday price to remain low. Just my thoughts. What are yours?

@Kram209

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Filed under Coca Cola Park, Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

Tagged as IronPigs, season tickets, ticket holder gifts