Category Archives: Lehigh Valley IronPigs

May 17, 2013 · 12:10 pm

I was sad because the Pigs were losing until I remembered a city that had no team.

I can’t imagine what it’s like for dedicated fans to see their team leave. To watch the field fall into disrepair.

Not long ago we in the Lehigh Valley were excited to receive a Triple A Minor league baseball team. These days we have the excitement of adding the Phantoms hockey team to the list of LV sports. This morning I sat staring at the results of the past few games against Norfolk. It’s been rough. (Norfolk is currently leading the IL South division. They are stomping everybody not just us.) Excuses aside, The Pigs are losing. Some are talking about it and some aren’t. You can feel how you want about it and honestly, I’m not smiling but I’m not sad.

I’m not sad one bit.

I do feel some empathy for those in Ottawa and Glenn Falls, NY. Ottawa lost their team when they decided to move here to the Lehigh Valley. Glenn Falls will lose the Phantoms as soon as the Allentown Arena is completed. Granted, fan and community support may have been lacking but you know there are fans out there who were season ticket holders. Fans who showed up at every game and spent all they could to support the teams.

Does it hit me in the gut every time the Pigs lose? Yeah, it does.

Am I sad? Not one bit. I’m thankful to have these teams here and know there is no guarantee that they will always be here.

With that said… Let’s get back to baseball.

The Pigs are nearing the basement of the International League. Currently in 4th place in the North division a 16-24 record leaves them just .5 game ahead of Rochester and 1 game ahead of Syracuse. Only Gwinnett, Charlotte and Toledo have slightly worse records. Just 3.5 games from the bottom of the IL league. Not great at all.

Looking at their opponents recently Norfolk has the best record in the IL at 29-12, Durham is 25-16, while Louisville is 20-21 and Indianapolis is 29-13. The Pigs are taking on the chin this month but their opponents are certainly no push overs. I’d look for the Pigs to level out their record soon with Rochester 16-25 and Gwinnett 16-26 coming up.

Walks have hurt. Errors have hurt. For some hitters even Nell Carter couldn’t give them a break.

What do the IronPigs need to do?

They need to start doing the basics correctly every time. It’s not as easy as you think. Throw strikes. Field the ball. Hit the ball where they ain’t.

I’m behind this team. You should be too.

Hey, it’s only May!

OinK!

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Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Phantoms Hockey

May 15, 2013 · 11:23 am

Phillies Sign Veteran Pitcher to Minor League Deal

From Twitter:

@ToddZolecki
Phillies announce they have agreed to terms with RHP Carlos Zambrano on a minor-league contract.

Well, most of our guesses were correct so far. Savery called up before Cloyd got called for a start, now the Phillies signed veteran Carlos Zambrano to a minor league deal. He will definitely need significant work out time in the minors before he gets the call to Citizen’s Bank Park but it might be to the benefit of the IronPigs and that team out in Reading.

My guess is he heads to Florida to work out, has a couple of A ball workouts before being assigned to Lehigh Valley.

What do you all think of this signing?

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May 8, 2013 · 2:57 pm

The Newest Member of the Ironpigs

With Joe Savery joining the Phillies this week and Tyler Cloyd set to replace Roy Halladay in the Phillies starting rotation on Friday, the Ironpigs needed some pitching help. On Tuesday the Phillies signed 27 year old left-handed pitcher Bobby Bramhall and assigned him to AAA.

Bramhall actually pitched at Coca-Cola Park earlier this year when he was a member of the Syracuse Chiefs. On April 13th he entered a game in the 7th inning and threw a perfect inning, retiring Cesar Hernandez, Cody Asche and Darin Ruf on groundballs. It was a game the Ironpigs won 6-0 behind the pitching of Adam Morgan.

Bramhall was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2007 out of Rice University where he was a teammate of Joe Savery, the guy he is replacing on the Ironpigs roster. Like Savery, Bramhall is considered a good hitting pitcher, playing several games in the outfield and at DH while in college. He has occasionally been used as a starting pitcher but he has been most effective facing left handed hitters coming out of the bullpen.

After missing the entire 2011 season due to Tommy John surgery, he pitched primarily for AA Jacksonville in the Southern League where he was 1-2 3.23 in 28 games. In 61 innings pitched he allowed 50 hits, walked just 18 and struck out 61 batters. It shouldn’t take too long until he sees his first action with the Ironpigs.

Here’s a good story from the Rice Owls official website:

http://www.riceowls.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/040407aaa.html

Superb!

Ethan Martin with a SUPERB game!
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

The IronPigs won their fourth straight last night by a 4-1 score at Coca Cola Park. The story was the pitching: Ethan Martin was pounding the strike zone early with his fastball running 92-94 on the stadium gun, touching 96 once. He gave up a couple hard hits during those first few innings–some were caught, and some should have been caught. By the third inning he was mixing in the curve and the change more, and was not giving up contact at all.

Mike Stutes, returning to form
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Diekman again Dominant
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

But Ethan threw a lot of pitches, and that meant that the bullpen was going to be called upon to come through once again. Since Coach Burris gave them ‘what for’ the other day about giving up walks, they’ve given no quarter–and no free passes. Last night, Mike Stutes and Jake Diekman came through with two clean innings and a ninth with a double only, respectively. Stutes’ last three outings have been dominant and he’s been pitching more than one inning each time. Diekman has regained control and is re-emerging as a lefty option for the Phillies bullpen when needed. It’s really good to see both of these guys return to form, as we’ve seen them pitch this well in the past.

—

Castro game winner!
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Look! He does it again!
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

In case you missed it, the IronPigs won in dramatic fashion–twice–thanks to a Leandro Castro walk-off–twice–Saturday and Sunday. Starting pitchers in those games were Tom Cochran on Saturday, and Adam Morgan on Sunday. While not dominant, both pitched well and kept the team in the game with an opportunity to win late. And both times the bullpen held Indianapolis scoreless to give the ‘Pigs’ bats a chance. Cochran had been 0-3 at Reading since having been activated from extended Spring Training, and came to the IronPigs in exchange for struggling reliever Justin Friend. Morgan was coming off his weakest outing of the year, and wasn’t always sharp, but did enough to help the team get the win. This capped off the Indy series with a three-out-of-four win. That is significant, as Indy had the best record in the International League when the series began.

Young Adam Morgan continues to develop
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Not to be outdone, the SteelHawks also managed a dramatic win Sunday evening. They were down by 10 late in the fourth quarter, got a fortunate call on a potential fumble, and managed a last minute touchdown. The defense was able to prevent a winning field goal by Columbus and the offense added another TD at the buzzer. It was nice to feel the satisfaction of a dramatic win as opposed to the dramatic losses we’ve suffered at times this season. There are two more home games this season. I’d encourage you to get out to one if you have the chance. My youngest was at the game for the first time this past weekend, and really had a good time. “It’s better than hockey,” he says.

So where’s the Chicken Dinner? It all started Saturday morning as I took time off to help produce over 400 chicken dinners for a fundraiser. Since then, I can’t stop saying, “winner, winner, chicken dinner.” Thanks Las Vegas.

—

Odds and Ends and Roster Notes

As I mentioned above, Tom Cochran was added from Reading in exchange for Justin Friend, to finally fill Jon Pettibone’s vacant starter’s spot. The move left Reading down TWO starters with Brody Colvin’s balky hamstring. Reading added a free agent starter, lefty Greg Smith, who had been in the International League with Scranton and Pawtucket in 2011.

Zach Miner’s done well in all roles, lately
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

As we detailed yesterday, we’ll likely lose another starter to the Phillies by Friday to take Halladay’s spot. My guess is Tyler Cloyd, in which case we’ll know by Wednesday as that would be his scheduled start. I would presume that Zach Miner would return to the starting role or at least continue his half-and-half with Cesar Jimenez. Miner has extensive experience as a starter, and has pitched well lately. If it were up to me, I’d go ahead and get him stretched out for starting again. I know it’s thought to be a shorter path to the Phillies as a reliever, but you never know the way things have been going up there, and with the resurgence of De Fratus and Stutes with the ‘Pigs, starter could be valuable as well. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Savery stay up (he was called to make the immediate fill-in for Halladay’s spot on the roster) as a lefty reliever, and have Horst return. Horst hasn’t done well, and does have two options, I believe. We’ll see if my prediction about Brian Bass’ phone ringing comes true, soon, too.

Joe Savery deserves to stay with the Phillies
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Andres Blanco remains on the DL in Florida. In passing, Matt Provence said on the radio the other day that it is not likely he’ll play this year. At the Horn and Bell, we’re searching for more information and confirmation as of this writing. Matt Tolbert was removed from the IronPigs DL roster and added to Clearwater. He played one game 4/24, then was added to the Threshers’ 7-day DL. His status is unknown at this time as well.

Welcome to the IronPigs, Humberto Quintero!
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Finally, Humberto Quintero somewhat surprisingly passed through waivers (I thought the Yankees would grab him) and just as surprisingly (I thought he’d opt for free-agency) accepted his assignment to AAA. Once he reported to the IronPigs this past weekend, Tyson Gillies was moved to Reading to make room. I think we’ll see Tyson back here if he can stay healthy and gain some confidence in his new swing. I thought his approach at the plate was good; just some bad luck and not always getting the ball squared up. It was fortunate to get another catcher, though, as Tommy Joseph is currently nursing a mild concussion. I imagine they could even put him on the 7-day DL if they needed the space (Bass?).

Get Well Soon, Tommy
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Out by a mile! Nice tag Tommy!
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

—

What’s Next?

The ‘Pigs continue their series with Louisville tonight with Tyler Cloyd bobbleheads. Get there early if you must have one. They always go fast, and I think he’ll soon be a Phillie again. Could he get promoted on his own bobblehead day? Golly, that would be something.

BJ Rosenberg is on the mound tonight. I had mentioned before that his pitching looked less “violent” to me this year as compared with last year. I thought I saw some of that return in his last start, but ultimately he didn’t do well. Here’s hoping he returns to form as some of the others have of late. If we didn’t need starters so badly, I’d even propose moving him back to the ‘pen temporarily–but there’s no time for that now. Go get them, BJ!

Wednesday we’ll find out about our rotation; then Thursday is the second of the 2013 Education Days, as Tom Cochran takes the mound. The IronPigs will head out on their first southern road trip following the game, to Durham and Norfolk. You’ll see guys like Richie T and Mike Fontenot with the Bulls, and Kyle Hudson with the Tides, if you’re watching on MiLB.TV.

—

As always, photos are here thanks to the hard work and expertise of Cheryl Pursell. Here are some additional photos from recent games:

Ruf Rakes!
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Pete Orr is heating up!
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Ride the J-Train! J-Mitch goes big fly!
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Cesar, the forgotten. All he does it hit!
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Justin De Fratus brings the heat
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Big Gerrit Cole, soon to be a Pittsburgh Pirate
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Thanks all,

See you at the park,

@Kram209

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

Tagged as IronPigs, Phillies Pitching

May 6, 2013 · 12:29 pm

Who, What, When, Where & Halladay

With Phillies’ pitcher Roy Halladay likely headed to the Disabled List we have to wonder who will replace him as a starter on their roster.

We had a great, even if paraphrased, discussion amongst ourselves last night.

The Pigs and Reading are hurting on starting pitching.

Dipro
I guess you could rule out Diekman and De Fratus as they really haven’t been starters.

That leaves Savery, BJ Rosenberg, Tyler Cloyd, and Ethan Martin on the 40 man.

Kinda think and sorta hope they wouldn’t throw Ethan Martin up there but I was surprised when they took Pettibone and he’s done well.

Savery, Rosenberg, and Cloyd all have pitched between 25-33 innings in the majors so that’s all pretty much even.

I would think Joe at this point doesn’t give the Phils what they need as he only has thrown just over 13 innings to Tyler’s 35 and BJ’s 24.2. But yet they did pop on Pettibone and he only threw 9.1 innings so who’s to say. I think you need a body who can give you 7 innings and I’m not sure Joe’s that guy just now.

That leaves Rosenberg and Cloyd.

Statistically Tyler has a better ERA by a bit and had a good outing his last time. Tyler has given up 8 HR and BJ 4 but Cloyd has a better WHIP – playing the numbers – he wins.

So after the success of Pettibone combined with the panic I think it’s Cloyd time in Philly.

Mauricio Robles (REA) is the only other pitcher on the 40 man – he’s 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in 18 innings – the most he pitched was 2.2 innings in one game. Don’t think he can be a starter.

Kram
Cloyd to Philly would leave us short a starter with reading short two starters. Bass from Camden?

Cheryl
My prediction, short term bullpen (Savery or DeFratus), and then Cloyd.

*****

Since our discussion we learned the Phillies signed LHP Greg Smith and assigned him to Reading.

While there are many, many possibilities I think that the Phillies have shown their card and are hitting the free agent market early. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a trade or even another mention of Roy Oswalt depending on how long Halladay is out. I tend to agree a bit with Kram’s suggestion that the Phils bring back Bass (who they released earlier this spring). I do think Cloyd has the strongest chance of being the call with a slight chance to Reading’s Biddle (and I say that lightly).

My official guess – Phillies sign free agent or trade for starter, use Cloyd until said pitcher is ready to go.

OinK!

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May 4, 2013 · 5:27 pm

Talking Food with the IronPigs: NoiseNation TV

We had the opportunity to do a little media work the other day. DiPro and I had just spent the noon hours down in Reading for their Education Day on Thursday, then back to Allentown to cover the IronPigs. You can see that I got a little sun. Perhaps I’m going to need some make-up work if this is going to continue. Or, I could just ask Cheryl to put some soft-focus on me. Leaving me off altogether is another option, if I’d only shut up and let the players talk. Crimony. Pay no attention to the goofy guy in the NoiseNation polo, and here’s some stuff from Josh Fields and Tyson Gillies–remember, food is something our bodies need anyway:

Asking Josh about FireHouse Subs, and what makes a great sandwich:

We heard via Twitter that Tyson Gillies had been grilling on the off day, and I wanted to ask him about it:

Credits: I’ve got to thank Matt Sutor from the IronPigs Media Department for his help arranging our access and facilitating the interviews. Thanks of course, to Josh and Tyson for taking the time before the game to speak with us. Thanks to Cheryl for the camera work and for doing her best to get the good lighting and for keeping my ugly mug off of there. Thanks to DiPro for showing me the ropes.

—

A couple things about our day in Reading:

The team didn’t look so good. It was their second straight day game and they were winging the ball around the field like the IronPigs of earlier this year. DiPro said, “We went to Reading, and an IronPigs game broke out.” Remember, we have a lot of the prospects here, so Reading is a little thin this year.
Zach Collier and Anthony Hewitt had the day off.
I still like Derrick Mitchell
Sebastian Valle was DH, and while he didn’t have any hits, he did seem to be more patient at the plate. He looked like he had a plan, at least.
The ostriches are cool. We obeyed the sign and didn’t try to feed them or any other mischief.
The Portland pitcher (AA Boston prospect Anthony Ranaudo) was good. We’ll see him with Pawtucket and Boston soon enough.
The new gear in the store is nicer than I thought. I didn’t buy a new hat, but almost.

—

Finally, here’s some bonus footage with Josh Fields, as DiPro and I kibitz with Josh about Black Forest Deli, Cactus Blue, and Pennsylvania BYOB:

We hope to do some more stuff like this–maybe even bigger and better! Stay tuned!

See you at the park,

@Kram209

Welcome Back Cloyd-er!

Tyler Cloyd pitched a gem tonight against one of the hottest AAA teams in the land. Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

The Tyler Cloyd we’ve come to know and love as a dominant pitcher for the IronPigs returned tonight, much to the chagrin of the AAA-leading Indians. He scattered four hits over eight quick innings with zero walks. His ten strikeouts tied his career high. Only a Matt Hague solo home-run to the lawn spoiled the potential shut-out. Justin De Fratus worked an efficient ninth to close things down on a dominant win at Coca Cola park this evening in front of 9,411.

Castro, Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

IronPigs scoring came courtesy of an all-around team effort, aggressive base running, and outstanding performances by the Dictator and the J-Train. Leandro Castro and Jermaine Mitchell caused all kind of havoc for the first-place Indians. Castro went 2/3 with a 2B, 2 RBI and a run scored, while JMitch went 2/4 plus reached on an error and a BB. He had a 3B (almost tried for an inside-the-park), and RBI, and scored twice. That’s the kind of set-up you need out of that lead-off spot!

The J-Trane on Track! Safe at Second!
(c) Cheryl Pursell

…and safe at home too!
(c) Cheryl Pursell

And speaking of lead-off hitters, word from Twitter as of this writing, had Tyson Gillies headed to New Hampshire to join the AA Reading Fightin Phils to make room for catcher Humberto Quintero who accepted his assignment to AAA and will report to the IronPigs tomorrow. We wish Tyson well as he continues to work on his new batting stance and swing. In fact, we saw him working with roving hitting instructor and Iron Pig Emeritus Andy Tracy yesterday during batting practice. In addition to the extra work, Tyson still found time to talk with us on camera about grilling with his roommates and finding sushi on the road trips. Look for video and audio from that interview in upcoming posts.

Jordy Mercer, who broke our back with a three-run double last night, was called up to the Pirates today and similarly helped defeat the Washington Nationals. Good for him! In other Pirate news, top pitching prospect and former #1 overall draft pick Gerrit Cole will start against the ‘Pigs tomorrow night at Coca Cola Park. He’s similarly young and talented as our roster, and it should be fun to watch. Rehab-ing Major League-er Charlie Morton was throwing hard tonight for the Indians, but didn’t have the control necessary to keep the ‘Pigs in check, despite not giving up a hit. He threw 49 pitches over three innings giving up a run and two BB with one K. On Sunday, the ‘Pigs should see another rehabbing MLBer, Francisco Liriano (again). That will be interesting as well because the ‘Pigs saw him in Indy on the recent road trip. I will be curious to see how our young hitters adjust, seeing him a second time (and, as somewhat of a Pirates fan myself, Liriano’s ability to adjust, as well.)

We welcome back Tom Cochran, as well, who will start for the ‘Pigs tomorrow night. Some say Life is a Highway, but I think he can beat Gerrit Cole. Then again, I might be some kind of lunatic. Lunantic Fringe, that is:

or, the original (with Red Rider):

Stay tuned for video interviews, and NoiseCast episode 5, and I’ll see you at the park!

@Kram209

Moss Feeling at Home in Oakland

Decal shared this video with me earlier and described it as Oakland’s version of the Noise Nation. A group of noisy and dedicated fans staying for the 19 inning game where former IronPig Brandon Moss hit a walk off HR to win! I think I hear a drum and some bells in there. Moss must have had fond memories of Coca Cola Park…

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May 2, 2013 · 1:50 am

The Indianapolis Indians and 240 Pounds of Cole

The Lehigh Valley Ironpigs had a taste of the Indianapolis Indians last week and came away with 3 losses and just 1 win. The month of April came to an end with Indianapolis as the only team in the International League to reach the 20 win mark. Their 20-7 record tops the Durham Bulls, leaders of the South Division with an 18-8 record and the North leading Buffalo Bisons at 17-7.

But if you think the Ironpigs saw the best that the Indianapolis Indians have to offer, you have another thing coming because on Friday night the Indians will be dishing out 240 pounds of Cole at Coca-Cola Park. In the June, 2011 Major League player draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates had the first pick and selected 6’4″ 240 pound right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole from UCLA. Cole almost went unsigned but just 15 minutes before the August 15, 2011 signing deadline, an $8 million bonus was enough to get him to put his name on a Pirates contract.

While at UCLA, Cole combined with current Cleveland prospect Trevor Bauer to form the best 1-2 pitching combination in college baseball. In 2010 Cole was 11-4 at UCLA while Bauer was 12-3 leading UCLA to a 51-17 record, best in school history. After Cole was selected number 1 in the 2011 draft, Trevor Bauer was selected two picks later. Bauer has already pitched in the majors, starting 4 games with Arizona in 2012. He was then involved in a big off-season trade that brought him to Cleveland where he just made his 2nd start of 2013, beating the Phillies Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Gerrit Cole is still waiting to make his big league debut.

Because of the late signing in 2011, Gerrit Cole didn’t make his minor league debut until the 2011 Arizona Fall League and then he began 2012 at Class A Bradenton where he went 5-1 2.55 before being promoted to AA Altoona in the Eastern League. He went 3-6 2.90 in AA and finished the 2012 season with 1 start in Indianapolis. He has made 5 starts with Indianapolis in 2012 and is currently 2-1 with a 2.31 ERA, but he has walked 15 in 23.1 innings which is a bit surprising because last year he walked just 45 in 132 innings. The scouting reports say he has a fastball that can reach 98 mph which goes well with a good hard slider. His curveball and changeup aren’t quite in the same category as his power pitches but they are improving. Besides being the number 1 prospect in the Pirates organization, he is also rated the 9th best prospect in all of baseball according to mlb.com and 7th best by Baseball America. If he continues to pitch well it won’t be long until he makes his first start with the Pirates, but, on Friday night he’ll be matched up against Tyler Cloyd in the Lehigh Valley. He’ll become the first pitcher who was selected first in the MLB Draft to start a game at Coca-Cola Park since Kris Benson pitched for the Ironpigs in 2008 and Bryan Bullington started a game for the Buffalo Bisons on August 11, 2008, coincidentally against Benson. Cole, Benson and Bullington were all drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Game 1 of the 4 game series on Thursday with the Indianapolis Indians is Dance Team Night and the game begins at 7:05. Fireworks will follow the 7:05 game on Friday night while the 6:35 game on Saturday is Hispanic Heritage Night in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The first 3,000 adults 21 and older will receive a free Ironpigs Margarita glass courtesy of Metro PCS. The series finale on Sunday is at 1:35 and the first 3,000 adults 18 and older will receive an Ironpigs baseball cap courtesy of the National MS Society. It looks like it’s going to be a nice spring weekend so come out and cheer for the Ironpigs.

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Filed under Coca Cola Park, From the Desk of Decal, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

May 1, 2013 · 2:38 pm

IronPigs and Reading Swap Pitchers

Per @mldrago on Twitter:

“Justin Friend, struggling with Lehigh Valley, will return to Reading roster Thursday”

“Tom Cochran will join Lehigh Valley Thursday and start for the Iron Pigs Saturday, according to Reading manager Dusty Wathan”

Maybe they’ll wave to each other as they pass on Rt 222.

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