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

March 7, 2013 · 12:50 pm

Checking the Weather

While we’re thankful here in Kram’s Korner that we didn’t just get 10 inches of snow, fact is, it’s not baseball weather yet.  Mother Nature’s not ready.  In fact, she’s not provided Clearwater, Florida with a ton of nice weather, either.  That’s where our guys are battling for jobs to see who breaks camp with the AAA IronPigs.  Here’s a roster update on which way the wind is blowing right now–what I’m hearing and what to watch for:

 

Catcher:

Young Tommy Joseph is impressing all around.  He’s hitting the ball, calling good games for the MLB pitchers, and throwing guys out.  Right now, I have him as a lock to break camp with the IronPigs.  Get ready to chant: TOE!  JOE!  TOE!  JOE!

As for the other, who knows?  Valle could go back to Reading or back up Tommy, or he could be on the DL as he battles a broken finger.  Or he could get traded.  He’s with the Mexican WBC team right now, so we’ll see what happens when he gets back, as well as who gets sent to minor league camp first.  It is assumed that Humberto Quintero–older and more experienced–will back up Kratz in Philadelphia.  Remember that Lerud had MLB time last year as well.  Also recall, the IronPigs started with three catchers last year.  Cameron Rupp should be “the guy” in Reading, as he’s been getting some time in MLB camp too, of late.   Finally, there was a rumor that the Phillies were scanning the market for another veteran back-up type.  Don’t be surprised to see a last minute addition to this derby.

 

Infield:

It looks like it’s coming down to three guys for two back-up spots in Philly:  Frandsen, Galvis, and Betancourt.  Yuni has a 3/24 out clause, so the Phillies will have to make a decision by then if they want to keep him.  Given that kind of clause, I really doubt he’ll accept an assignment to Lehigh Valley; he’ll have a whole week to hook on with another MLB team who needs a shortstop (St Louis?).  But, if they keep him, they could option Galvis to the IronPigs to play every day.  This is what I’m hoping for, but I’m not holding my breath.  Charlie Manuel has already counted up all the at-bats he can give Galvis, and he’s got him at 3B now, too, to boot (poor choice of words..).  You can count on Michael Martinez and Pete Orr for the IronPigs at this juncture.

Josh Fields has been getting time at 1B with the big club thus far.  I think this is because Michael Young is the starter at 3B, Kevin Frandsen (or, Galvis) is the backup, and they want a long look at young Cody Asche.  While I still kind of expect to see Fields at 3B with the ‘Pigs, Ache has–like Joseph–been impressing on both sides of the ball.  I didn’t think they’d start him at LHV, but it is possible.  I wonder if another Cody–Overbeck–could be the odd guy out.  Or, perhaps, Fields gets the DH.  Let’s see what the minor league camp looks like when they start playing games.

 

Outfield:

Dom Brown has a strangle-hold on one corner spot, and Delmon Young will definitely start the season on the DL.  In fact, they’re saying Young could be ready mid-April or so.  I wonder, if the weather’s warm enough, if he’ll get a rehab assignment in Allentown during the Bison series April 19-22?

But I digress.  Mayberry and Nix should hold down the other corner outfield spot, leaving Darrin Ruf to battle Rule 5 guy Ender Inciarte for the last spot.  Young Ender has impressed me as I’ve watched him in the MLB spring training games.  He’s been patient at the plate, stolen a couple bases, and played an energetic CF as Ben Revere’s backup.  If they want to keep him, he has to stay on the 25-man.  Plus, Ruf’s not done well at the plate or in LF.  Right now, I think Ruf comes to Allentown as they delay the decision on Inciarte.  They can offer him back at any time, and it gives them a chance to see if Tyson Gillies (currently playing for Canada in the WBC) can arrive in Allentown healthy and ready to play.

 

Pitchers:

I haven’t heard much in the wind about the spots.  Predictions kind of remain the same.  The only note is young lefty Adam Morgan.  I had him slotted to start the season in Reading, and come up mid-season with Asche and perhaps Joseph.  Like the two former, he’s been impressing and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him break with the ‘Pigs.  I’m not predicting it; it just wouldn’t blow me away.

 

So that’s what I’m hearing in the wind.  I’ve also heard that some exciting announcements are forthcoming from the IronPigs about new additions to Coca Cola Park.  Mr. Landes wasn’t kidding on Pig Day when he said he had other secrets.  Please stay tuned, and we’ll keep you informed right here at the Horn and Bell.

@Kram209 (Twitter)

PS: Go SteelHawks!

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March 5, 2013 · 1:20 pm

222 Game Officially Announced; Season Tickets Clarified

Several folks have asked me in the past week or two if there will be a “Route 222 Challenge” or “222 Showcase” game this year with Reading.  Indeed there will be; it is on the magnet schedule from last year and everything–but it was made official today by the IronPigs.

 

It will be hosted by the IronPigs this year, at 6:35PM on Tuesday April 2.  Tickets are available now for $6.00.  All seating for the game is General Admission, with only the lower bowl open.  I do believe suite holders have access to their suites as well, but club level amenities are limited.  If it is consistent with the past, all ticket proceeds will benefit either IronPigs Charities or another charity.  Concessions will be open, but may be somewhat limited compared with a regular season game (some of the carts and sands may not be running, but main concessions will.)  In the past, full season ticket holders received tickets complimentary.  Indeed mine have been loaded into my account already.  I believe I will need to have the tickets printed when I pick up my ticket cards, as they are listed as “in will call” instead of “card created” on my account.

A bunch of us from the NoiseNation made the trip to Reading last year for the game.  The weather was nice and the attendance was good.  In the past, turn out at Coca Cola Park for this game has been lacking.  Granted, the weather has been poor, but I’d really like to see us, as a fan base, support this game better.  It is an excellent opportunity to preview our team, as well as get a sneak peak at some of the talented prospects who will be in Reading this season.  Rosters have not been set, yet, of course.  But, I expect that many of the players we see on Tuesday April 2 in Reading Phillies uniforms will turn up in IronPigs–or even Philadelphia–uniforms before the end of the 2013 baseball season.  

Why to they play this game?  Well, it’s a nice dress rehearsal for the staff and crew of the stadium.  It’s also a nice chance for the players to adapt to playing under the lights–and in the cold–compared with the mid-day sun of Florida spring training games.  Plus, it raises a little money for charity along the way.  All in all, I love it and I’m glad they do it.  I love getting  a look at the Reading players, but I wouldn’t mind another Phillies exhibition again one of these years.  Perhaps they’ll consider it for the 10th anniversary?

 

A more official season ticket announcement was made this morning as well, clear confusion about the pick up schedule.  As I said previously, Full, 36-game, and 18-game packages will be available Monday March 11.  9-game packs will be available Thursday March 14.  This clearing up the confusion stemming from an email dated February 22, which stated that season ticket packages would be available March 5, and a tweet from yesterday which stated that the 9-game plans would be available March 12.  I know, I know.  It’s probably just me.  I’m like a kid at Christmas.  I know many folks who won’t bother picking them up until opening night.

 

Soon, I’ll see you at the park,

@KRAM209

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March 4, 2013 · 4:47 pm

Update: 5+5 Option, and Season Ticket Pickup

Email just received by the NoiseNation media desk reveals that the General Admission 5+5 ticket is available.  I still do not see them as an available option on the web site, so if  you’re interested perhaps you should call.  They also mention the availability of limited single-game tickets in the club level.  Again, not popping up on the web app–perhaps better luck by calling.  Also, I noticed that you can buy accessible seating in the Bacon Strip online, where in the past you could only purchase accessible seats by phone or in person.  I hope they have additional, though, hate to think they’ll have only outfield for those requiring accessible seating.

Season Ticket Holder pickup for full, 36-, and 18- game plans is now slated for Monday, March 11.  9-Game plans will be available on Tuesday, March 12.  This is despite previous email notification that season tickets would be available 3/5, as well as the very same email which says “this weekend.”  Oh, well.  It’s like Xmas to me, so I’m having trouble with the waiting…

🙂

@Kram209

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March 3, 2013 · 10:31 pm

New General Admission Option for IronPigs: 5+5

Recent manipulation of the IronPigs ticket purchase screens has revealed a new General Admission option.  It only pops up when I use my Season Ticket Holder code.  It is a new option for General Admission tickets.

 

But lets step back for a moment:  Recall that the “capacity” of Coca Cola Park was increased by 100 last season to help accommodate the Tiki Terrace (which is probably more than 100 seats, but..).  This season, new seats were installed in the Hot Corner and the Bacon Strip.  As I’ve said, I think this is overall a great idea to maximize space and sell more (expensive) tickets.  Coke Capacity remains at 10,100 as Kurt Landes explains that the tickets will come from the General Admission allotment.  This, plus the huge guitar and other signage which blocks view (we love you Wawa!) and what’s a GA fan to do?

 

Well, here’s a perk:  A new general admission option is to buy a ticket for $10 (rather than the usual $7) and receive $5 in loaded “ballpark credit” value.  So your ticket is really $5!  That’s a pretty good deal!  It’s hard to go to a game without spending at least $5.  I spend that before I get upstairs!  Like most ballpark loaded credit, you won’t be able to use it at the privately owned stands, and certainly not for parking the next night.  But, I wonder if you could save them and use them all at once?  Usually you can use them in the store, too, so that could be useful.

 

What do you think?  Sounds good to me.  Add your comments below.  I didn’t get this option when I went to the generic buy tickets page, so you might want to ask about it if you’re interested.  Perhaps it’s one of those things that can’t be announced yet….

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February 24, 2013 · 8:26 pm

Hockey Town

As much as I’m not a Philly sports fan, I’ve got to hand it to them:  They support hockey.  For a number of years they supported two teams, the NHL Flyers as well as the AHL Phantoms.  If the Spectrum were still standing, I think they’d still be supporting both teams.

 

Even the upper deck was full...

Even the upper deck was full…

 

It was evident Friday night as we made our way to the city to watch the Phantoms play a 1-off game with the “Baby” Pens of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.  I expected a half to three-quarters filled Wells Fargo Center, but it turned out to be the third largest regular-season indoor crowd in AHL history.  There were many groups, and many families.  Price is the thing, you know?  I think it was a good deal as far as ticket prices compared with the NHL club.  I suppose lots of folks might have purchased tickets before the NHL lockout was settled.  The parking and concessions were full price, though.

 

Making our way in...

Making our way in…

 

I purchased my tickets as part of the “pre-sale” held for Lehigh Valley Phantoms season ticket holders.  I think I bought them last October or November.  I bought among the most expensive seats available: Club Box.  My ticket was $33.00 face value, and the kids were $25.  Not bad for hockey.  Many less expensive seats were available as well.  Tickets in the same box are selling for $140.00 on StubHub for tomorrow’s Flyers’ game.  Even upper deck (“Mezzanine” ) seats for tomorrow’s game are $40.00 in the same region of the arena.

 

We left around 4PM for the 7PM start, leaving plenty of time for traffic, parking, arena exploration and eating.  Traffic was no problem despite some volume slowing on the Schuylkill (a Native American word which roughly translates as “obsolete highway.”)  I made a parking lot turn error which landed me in New Jersey, but other than that we made it by 5:35 or so without incident.  Parking was $15.00.  Folks were lined up for the gate opening at 6PM  but we were allowed in early via the VIP entrance (club level perk).  On entrance, we were handed a picture/score card for the night’s game, and escorted via elevator to the club level of the arena.

 

A drink at the Cadillac Grille bar. I gave up beer for Lent. Does wine count as beer?

A drink at the Cadillac Grille bar. I gave up beer for Lent. Does wine count as beer?

 

The Club/Suite level of the Wells Fargo Center was very nice, and on par with what you would expect from a “Club” level:  private concourse, a couple of places to eat and drink, and plenty of folks around to help you if you have questions or need help.  The level also holds a fine dining restaurant at one end, the Cadillac Grille.  It’s a white table-cloth “chop-house” menu type place.  If you sit near the glass, you can see the ice.  There is a bar in the back where we were allowed to wait until the rest of the level opened.

 

Cadillac Grille

Cadillac Grille

 

As we made our way to our box, it became clear that glass is verboten outside the restaurant.  The gentleman in front of me practically got tackled by security as he as just walking along with a Corona bottle in his hand.  They weren’t too happy to see me with a wine glass, either.  No matter.  We poured it into a cup.  The club box had a private bar as well as in-seat food service.  The food service menu was limited and  slow, but it was nice nonetheless.  It would have been good to be able to get drinks delivered to our seats–not because I’m too lazy to go to the bar, but because it would have been easier for the kiddos to get sodas on the tab without the bar and cash and whatnot.  The club box had pub tables and bar-rails where you could sit and eat or relax before going to your seat.

 

Blurry Pic of the Club Box

Blurry Pic of the Club Box

 

The Hockey:  The AHL players were fast and skilled.  As I noticed last year, they seem a bit reluctant to wind up a slap shot on net, preferring instead to try wrist shots or work the puck for an open look.  Eventually, this usually fails, as a pass gets missed or the defense makes a play.   It turns out, the Baby Pens are among the lowest scoring teams in the league with among the lowest allowed-goals as well.  This played out in our game as the Phantoms took an early 1-0 lead which held all the way into the third period.  The Pens got a couple of goals late to take the win 2-1.

 

Our view of play. Photo courtesy Matt.

Our view of play. Photo courtesy Matt.

 

They smartly played this game to benefit the Phantoms’ travel schedule.  It was a great idea, as the Philly crowd certainly supported the team.  The team was on the way from a game in Norfolk, had a home game (Adirondack) then an away game in Hershey.  They were able to play their home game in Philly, then proceed directly to Hershey without a detour to upstate New York.  Nice plan–and nice to get the Lehigh Valley fans involved.   I think they’d be smart to do this again next season–maybe more than once–in advance of the move.  In fact, I wonder about renting out the Sovereign Center in Reading for a few games to get the local crowd involved.

 

SECTV-2 was there.  They played Ryan Kelly’s TV-2 Lehigh Valley Phantoms’ promo piece on the jumbo-tron at one point.  I was lucky enough to run in to him, too; unfortunately, I have a face for radio.  And, my mouth went Rubio-dry.  Hopefully that thing ends up on the cutting room floor.  Maybe the bathroom floor…

 

What this means for our local Phantoms?  I think it would be smart of the organization to market the team all the way down to the North Philly suburbs.  I think folks in Philly like their hockey enough to travel up for a cheaper, family friendly game periodically.

 

As long as we can find a place for them to park…

 

@Kram209

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February 20, 2013 · 7:04 pm

IronPigs Season Ticket Stuff

Just a short note for the fellow Season Ticket holders out there.  I know the IronPigs communication with Season Ticket holders faltered a bit at times last year, so I’ll help out here:

 

1. Pre-Sale Opportunity:

One of the benefits of being a season ticket holder is access to single-game tickets before the general public.  As I’ve mentioned before, I often take advantage of this in order to have extra seats for when I know I will have guests in town over the summer–as well as to set up mini-group outings that are smaller than the 20 seats needed for a conventional “group.”  The pre-sale starts this Friday morning.  Season ticket holders should watch email for the link and code necessary to purchase tickets.  My experience is that ticket reps do not have any extra “pull,” but can help if you’re having trouble navigating the system.

 

2. Season Ticket Package Pick-Up

Season ticket packages will be available for pick-up starting Tuesday, March 5 at 9AM.  This is usually  when I have my extra tickets printed as well.

 

3. Think you might want season tickets?  Now’s the time, if you’re on the edge.  Give a call to the ticket team before the single-game tickets start eating into the season ticket plan availability.

 

4.  Other non-season ticket odds and ends:

  • They’ve extended the deadline until February 28 if you’d like to become a ball girl.  Alas, I still lack the softball experience necessary.  I wonder if this means they haven’t had enough applicants?  There might be more interest over the summer when folks see them in action.  My advice:  no deadline.  Take rolling applicants for now.
  • There are some new additions to the media and broadcast teams for the IronPigs.  Check out the bios on the IronPigs’ web site when you have a chance.
  • Friday night is the Phantoms/Penguins game at the Wells Fargo in Philly.  I’ll be going; and I’ll report back here.  I hear the Phantoms have some kind of announcement tomorrow morning, too.  Stay tuned.

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February 19, 2013 · 2:30 pm

A Couple Links: Andy Tracy and the Hazards of Foul Balls

Here are a couple of things that came across my desk today.  I’ll give you the links rather than cut and paste the text so that those web sites can get the traffic.  First, an article about Andy Tracy’s transition to Minor League Hitting Coordinator:

http://www.sent-trib.com/other-sports/tracy-will-work-with-young-phillies-hitters-02-14-13

Second, a piece about the hazards of not paying attention.  This goes for me too.  Put the phone down and watch for fouls.  Take cover if need be.  And, if you’re told to be careful about fouls, heed the ushers’ advice.  You’re not going to be allowed to sue.  Not even if your injuries are extremely unfortunate.

http://m.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/railcats-foul-ball-lawsuit-strikes-out/article_256821ec-3a11-50b4-9a1c-bf9603d41e0e.html?mobile_touch=true

@Kram209

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February 17, 2013 · 3:20 pm

Pitchers: Starting Rotation

Part 4 of my “Predicting the IronPigs Roster” series of futility.  Today we look at the candidates for the Starting Rotation:

The Candidates:

“Young Bucks”

Tyler Cloyd

Jonathan Pettibone

Ethan Martin

Adam Morgan

“Old Friends”

Austin Hyatt

Tom Cochran

Brian Bass

Rodrigo Lopez

BJ Rosenberg

“New Friends”

Aaron Cook

Zach Miner

Discussion:

So I’ve got 10 guys for 5 spots.  I don’t want to try to do a “scouting report” on each, but as I make my “bold prediction” below, I’m going to make some assumptions based on what I know of these guys through having seen them or from reading about them.  In Philly, we’ve got Halladay, Hamels, Lee, Lannan, and Kendrick.  There are only a couple of spots available in the pen, so we may not see a long-man/6th starter on staff as we did with Kendrick the past couple years.  If the Phils need a starter, he’ll likely come from the ‘Pigs.  Who it is might depend on the time of year (earlier=vet, later=young guy), who’s pitching well at the moment, and whose “turn” it is in the rotation.  For this reason, I’ll expect one or two of the above to start in the ‘Pigs’ pen and slide into the rotation when/if a starter needs to go up.  If the Phils want a “long-guy/#6” then one of the above could earn that spot.  Speculation across the interwebs is that Cook or Pettibone could be that guy.  Cloyd has been mentioned as a possible trade piece. Early season, before the pitchers are completely stretched out, and entering the cold northern April, starters may “pair” to cover 9 innings rather than a traditional starter/reliever relationship.

Bold Prediction:

Young guys get the priority:  1. Cloyd (if not traded) 2. Pettibone 3. Martin.  Martin has nothing left to prove at AA, and as long as his control doesn’t leave him, he’ll be with us.  Morgan will start in Reading; we’ll see him pretty quickly I’d think.  Lopez and Cook get my #4 and #5 spots as the veteran guys who need to stay stretched out in order to step in early should the Phillies need them.  That gives me a rotation of all RHPs.  No matter; I’ll keep Cochran in the pen and Morgan’s on the way at some point during the season.  Then, Miner’s a reclamation project and may need to find work in the pen first or may wash out.  I always liked Bass, but if everyone’s healthy he may find himself in a numbers game a la Bump and Feirabend last spring.

Kram’s Keys (what to watch for in spring training):

1. Health:  It’s always first.  Monitor the health of the Phillies’ five starters, as well as the players above

2. Starting/Relieving:  Watch for some of the above guys who might get work out of the pen versus starting.  In particular here, Cochran and Rosenberg.  Don’t read too much, early, though; guys need to get work and innings need to be pitched.  Plus, nobody’s stretched out yet.

3. Camp:  Watch for guys to get sent from MLB camp to minor league camp.  That could be a sign that the player is on the way to LHV rather than having a shot at an MLB job.

 

Side note:  The Phillies signed LHP Corey Young who was released by the Texas organization.  He pitched at AA last year.  He’s a reliever with a delivery similar to Diekman, except without the speed.  If he’s not ready for AAA, and  Texas didn’t have room for him at A+ or AA, then that would be why he was released.  He’ll likely be in Clearwater or Reading and shouldn’t impact the IronPigs’ roster at all.

 

@Kram209

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February 15, 2013 · 4:41 pm

Corner Infield and Catcher

As I continue my wild speculation about the IronPigs roster candidates, changes continue in Spring Training in Clearwater.  No matter.  I’ll speculate anyway and update in the comments.  You do the same, won’t you?

Corner Infield

Candidates:

Cody Overbeck, Josh Fields, Cody Asche

Backups:

Pete Orr, Michael Martinez, Darrin Ruf, John Suomi

Prediction/Discussion:  It really looks like Overbeck back at 1B and Fields at 3B with backups to come from the other positions.  Pete Orr and Michael Martinez can both play 3B.  If Darrin Ruf and/or John Suomi are on the ‘Pigs they can back up 1B.  All signs point to Asche starting in Reading, with a “before the break” call to Allentown.  He’s in MLB camp, though, so you never know.  With the big club, Mayberry backs up 1B, while Frandsen backs up 3B (for Ryan Howard and Michael Young, respectively).

I was a bit disappointed with Overbeck’s production at the plate last year; I was really hoping for more power.   I like him, though, and here’s hoping for a return of the power stroke for him in 2013.  True, his 14 HR were one more than our new 3B, but consider that Cody hit 24 in each of his previous two seasons.

Josh Fields hit .322 with 13 HR for the Isotopes in the PCL over 133 games last year.  In 2010 he hit .365 with 11 HR in 50 games with the SkySox, again PCL.  He played in Japan somewhere through there, too.  I’m always nervous about these PCL guys.  He has played in the IL before:  2006 .305, 2007 .283, 2008 .246, 2009 .265.  All with Charlotte.  All with decent power numbers (all things considered).  He seems like a good guy, and hopefully a break from the adventures that we’ve had with 3B over the years.  It seems like that position is our “Spinal Tap Drummer.”  With Asche sure to follow, we should expect good production from 3B all season.

Kram’s Keys:

As far as health, make sure M. Young stays healthy playing 3B every day (he hit DH a ton last season).  Watch for the number of at-bats Cody Asche gets with the big club, and when/if he’s shipped of to MiLB camp, to see if he has a chance to push for AAA.

Catcher

Candidates:

“The Prospects”

Sebastian Valle, Tommy Joseph, Cameron Rupp

“The Old Guys”

John Suomi, Erik “Holy” Kratz, Humberto Quintero

“Oh, Yeah, Him”

Steve Lerud

Discussion:  It’s been said by the Phillies’  brass that Valle, Joseph, Rupp and Lerud are the four guys for AA and AAA, and it’s up to them to play their way into position. I don’t think Rupp is a candidate to skip Reading, and despite his MiLB contract, all expect Quintero to open as Kratz’ backup in Philly whilst Chooch serves his 25-game penance.  What happens after that is up in the air.  Depends how they play and who’s healthy I guess.  It does appear that Erik Kratz has an option left, but I would expect they’d want either Valle or ToJo (or both) to get the majority of at-bats in Allentown.  A trade could happen, which I’d guess would send Valle on his way.  An injury to EK or HQ would likely send Lerud back to the Phillies (he was up there for a bit last year).

Bold Prediction:

Kratz and Quintero to Philly; Valle and Lerud to Allentown; ToJo and Rupp to Reading.  Suomi finds a spot in Allentown as a backup 1B/3rd catcher, or pulls his Velandia, or stays in Clearwater for a time to help with extended Spring Training.  Tommy Joseph to the IronPigs on the Asche schedule.

Kram’s Keys:

As with all, injuries are first.  Second, watch Valle and Joseph to see who gets more time with the big club–and who gets sent down to MiLB camp first–as a clue for who has the inside track for LHV.  Suomi’s not in MLB camp, but watch for his arrival in MiLB camp and monitor his work-group assignment.

Have at it,

@Kram209

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February 12, 2013 · 3:04 pm

Outfield

Predicting the IronPigs roster is difficult enough, but the Phillies keep inviting guys to Clearwater.  It’s an exercise in futility, I know.  But, I like it anyway.  Let’s narrow our focus a bit and make some bold predictions.  Today:  Outfield

The pool:

“The Jeffersons (We’re A-Movin’ On Up)”

Tyson Gillies

Leandro Castro

Jiwan James

“Old Friends”

Domonic Brown

Derrick Mitchell

Steve Susdorf

“Eastward Bound”

Joe Mather

Jermaine Mitchell

“We Hardly (read: Never) Knew Ye”

Darrin Ruf

Discussion:

From the nine candidates above, I’ll put five with the IronPigs.  The Phillies probably need five as well, and they’ll start with Revere, D.Young, Mayberry, and Nix.  That leaves one spot.  It’s sink or swim time for Domonic Brown.  I listed him above because he does have an option year left.  I think the scenario where he starts the year with the IronPigs is extremely unlikely.  It’s probably even more likely that he’d be traded than that.  So let’s put him with Philly.

Delmon Young may need to start the year on the DL.  If he does, it opens another spot in the Phillies outfield or on the bench.  I’d think Ruf has the inside track on that unless one of the “Eastward Bound” has a great spring.  Joe Mather spent last year with the Cubs where he hit a blistering .209.  In 2011 he spent time with Gwinnett (note Brundage connection) and Colorado Springs where he predictably did better in the PCL vs. the IL.  He bats right-handed.  Jermaine Mitchell comes from the A’s, where I believe he had some injury trouble last year.  In 2011 is PCL numbers were very good, though.  He’s a Lefty and primarily a center fielder.

I don’t think Jiwan James is ready for AAA.  The converted pitcher is a good enough outfielder, but I’m not sure he did enough at the plate in Reading to be considered for AAA to start the season.  Similarly, with Castro, while he may have earned the promotion, I’ll start him with Reading based on the roster squeeze.  Derrick Mitchell and Susdorf could also get squeezed to Reading in certain scenarios.

Bold Predictions:

Out of nine, two to Philly:  Brown and Ruf (with D.Young to the D.L.).  Two to Reading: James, Castro

Five to LHV: Gillies, Mather, J. Mitchell, Susdorf, D.Mitchell

Kram’s Keys: (What to watch for during Spring Training to see if I’m on track with my predictions):

1. Health.  It’s always first, but here we need to know if Delmon is recovered from offseason surgery and if he’s managed to avoid the food truck.  We also need to know if Tyson Gillies can make it through S/T unscathed.

2. Fielding.  We pretty much know their spots in the outfield, but it will be interesting to see if guys get time in unexpected positions.  Also, if Delmon’s on the field, watch to see how he does fielding the ball (he was a DH for much of last season).  This goes for Darrin Ruf as well, to see if the Phillies think he can contribute as an adequate Left Fielder defensively.

@Kram209

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