Category Archives: Lehigh Valley IronPigs

And the sign said Long-haired freaky people need not apply
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why
He said You look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you’ll do
So I took off my hat, I said Imagine that. Huh! Me workin’ for you!
– by The Five Man Electrical Band

For those who don’t recall the song or aren’t quite old enough.. a nice video from YouTube below:

Songs aside, the IronPigs announced a new sign addition to Coca Cola Park for this upcoming season. (Is it April yet?)

From the IronPig’s press release:

A gigantic state-of-the-art LED ribbon board encompassing the entire width of Coca-Cola Park’s iconic scoreboard will be added prior to Opening Day, the club announced today. The LED board, measuring 76-feet wide by 4-feet tall, will run parallel to the line score at the bottom of the scoreboard, feature vivid displays to enhance the fan experience and provide the first true motion advertising opportunity for the club’s marketing partners

My favorite description of what minor league baseball has become is
“A Baseball Themed Pinball Machine.”

This new sign does remind me of a pinball machine. It also reminds me a lot of those signs down in Citizen Bank Park that are constantly streaming advertisements, blinking lights and occasionally the score. Maybe there could be stats up there too? One of my favorites is the sign that accompanies the pitch speed in Philly is the pitch selection. “Curveball 84mph” “Slider 89mph” or even a more detailed scorer’s decision for those who enjoy keeping score. The possibilities are many.

Our friends over at the Hog Blog don’t seem to share our enthusiasm for the new sign:

For those Coca-Cola Park fans who felt they didn’t get enough information for the five existing electronic scoreboards, the IronPigs are adding a new element to the nine-story structure that towers behind the left field lawn seating area.

I can understand that feeling of nostalgia. The ushers and concessions workers calling out each announcement is a site rarely seen anymore. Many baseball traditions are lost to memories. The technology added these days hasn’t changed the game but it has changed the entire experience.

What do I think of the sign?

I like baseball. I like pinball. As long as it doesn’t block my view… I’m happy.

As far as the sign actually singing… I doubt it. For me, I’m hoping we get to hear more of the angel voiced Joanna singing Happy Birthday, no offense Tim C.

One thing for sure is that the IronPigs are re-investing into Coca Cola Park consistantly. I see that as a sign (couldn’t resist) that they do appreciate the support we give them.

Last week Jeff Larish signed with the Orioles now Dane Sardinha moved into their organization.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/02/minor-moves-dane-sardinha.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Tip of the hat to Dean and Cheryl for passing this on to us.

The remaining 2011 Pigs still on the loose include:

Josh Barfield

Eddie Bonine

Tagg Bozied

Les Walrond

While we’ve seen this in our comment section for a few days, in case you missed it…

The International League Rosters will expand to 25 players for the 2012 season.

First noted by Kram and the original source being the Buffalo Bison’s Website:

The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues today announced that the active roster limit for teams in the Triple-A and Double-A classifications will be raised to 25 players for the 2012 season.

This will certainly benefit the IronPigs over the long haul as we look back to players like Tagg Bozied riding the Disabled List due to not enough roster spots available.

The real question is, “How will it be used?”

I’ve found it true in life, the more space you have… the more you tend to accumulate. While this may allow another player at the AAA level, I think they may still use the “Valendia Clause” to keep a player around rather than release him.

These are my guesses. I began by looking at the exisiting rosters, players retained and those signed via free agency. While spring training performance and injuries will impact the Opening Day roster the below is my not-so-expertise filled best guess.

To start, I will eliminate those I feel will be with the Phillies to start the season. While we may see them (I didn’t include anyone who is all but guaranteed a roster spot) it’s more likely they are on the Phillies Opening Day roster.

Dontrelle Willis – As nice a guy as he is, if he doesn’t make the big team I don’t see him sticking around. I feel he’s going to make it. (Maybe a visit to the Pigs now and then to work out kinks in his new reliever/specialist role)

Vance Worley – The Worley Bird has earned his spot in my eyes. Unless he steps on his glove, he’s going to be with the Phillies this season.

Michael Stutes – Same for Stutes. Keep that confidence up and he’s on the big team.

Kyle Kendrick – This is one of those questionable ones. The Phillies like him in long relief. I think he’s on the roster.

John Mayberry – Mayberry came up strong and gained a lot of confidence last season. He’s on the roster if not starting in left field.

Ty Wiggington – Utility guy. That’s all I have for him.

Michael Martinez – I don’t see him starting, but maybe a platoon situation… the Phillies want his speed.

Those who won’t make the cut to AAA. Not by their own doing, just placed behind veteran players or not enough experience yet. Keep in mind true development comes at A and AA ball. We may see some of them in a Pig uniform this season pending transactions and/or injuries.

Catchers:
Tim Kennelly
Tuffy Gosewisch
Sebastian Valle

Infielders:
Harold Garcia
Cesar Hernandez
Matt Rizzotti

Outfielders:
Mike Spidale
Tyson Gillies

Pitchers:
Jake Diekman

So now my call for the 2012 IronPig Roster.

Catcher
Erik Kratz – We know him, we love him. Kratz is the #1 catcher

Steve Lerud – I picked Lerud over Gosewisch. Call it a gamble but I think the Phillies want Tuffy in Reading.

1st Base
Cody Overbeck – Overbeck did well last season and I feel the Phillies see him as the future. The spot is his to lose.

2nd Base
Hector Luna – We’ll miss Josh Barfield but Luna has a decent bat.

Shortstop
Freddy Galvis – His spot to lose.

3rd Base
Kevin Frandsen – Back for another season. He may find himself in and out of the roster with Orr around. (Orr not around if the Phillies call up Pete)

Outfield
Rich Thompson – Center field at Coca Cola Park belongs to Rich Thompson.

Domonic Brown – Although having a rough transistion to Left field last season I see him spending a lot of time out there again this year.

Scott Podsednik – Podsednik will be playing somewhere, if not for the Pigs, then the Phillies. My guess, he starts with the Pigs.

Lou Montanez – Montanez did well with AAA Iowa (Cubs) last season. Expect to see him in the mix.

Infielder
Pete Orr – If Orr isn’t on the Pigs, he’s on the Phillies.

Pitching will be a jumble again this year, but not as much a surprise as it was in the past.

Starters
# 1 – Ryan Feierabend
# 2 – Nate Bump
# 3 – Dave Bush
# 4 – Pat Misch
# 5 – This is up in the air. Maybe a late free agent signing or one of the relievers in a new role. Savery would be my call if no one is signed.

Relievers
Phillippe Aumont
Justin DeFratus
Michael Schwimer
Joe Savery
David Herndon
David Purcey
Raul Valdes

Possibles
J.C. Ramirez
Chance Chapman
Brian Sanches

With the roster above it leaves us with only one spare infielder. Jeff Larish has not yet signed with a team yet but announced on Facebook today that his decision to sign will be soon. I think keeping him around is a good idea.

Granted, not all of my picks will make it. It is possible some get turf toe or other injuries in Spring Training, some may come in out of shape and get cut or even be pulled up and down with injuries to Phillies.. i.e. Ryan Howard being out.

Again, these are my guesses. What are yours?

Announced yesterday by the International League:

The International League announced today that former pitcher Dave Eiland, former manager Bill Evers, and current club executive Mike Tamburro will be inducted into the circuit’s Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2012.

For the complete story, click here.

Not much going on this week.. enjoy the photos Scott posted on Facebook this week.

Will this photo make Dee-licious jealous?

Also, for your enjoyment.. a nice article about Japanese mascots.

http://baseballreflections.com/2010/06/16/the-mascots-of-japanese-baseball/

Tip of the hat to Bacon & Biscuits where I read this first.

Last season we got to know Delwyn Young very well out beyond the right field wall at The Coke. An avid Twitter user @dweezy_24, Young would often interact with fans asking about local landmarks or places to eat. On one occasion we suggested he stop at Wawa for a late night snack. His reponse was, “What’s a Wawa?”

At the next game we called to him, pointed to the 100 foot Wawa sign in the outfield and he still didn’t appear to understand. DiPro offered to get him a Wawa sub if they won the Governor’s cup but hey… that’s history.

Good luck in the Sox organization! Hopefully you’ll be playing in the South Side but if you do happen to be with Tommy V down in Charlotte, take it easy on our Pigs.

OinK!

Looking at the last few promotions pushed out by the IronPig family it appears there will not be an IronPig’s Valentine dinner at Coca Cola Park this year.

Instead of their annual Valentine’s dinner they will be holding a “Florida Fever Party!”

Details from the IronPigs:

Win a trip for two to Phillies Spring Training during the first-ever Florida Fever Party on Friday, February 10 at Coca-Cola Park! Tickets are just $25 and include two complimentary drinks, live entertainment and automatic entry into the drawing for all of the giveaways that evening.

Order your tickets today for the Florida Fever Party by clicking here or by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447). The Florida Fever Party will take place on Coca-Cola Park’s Club Level and include live entertainment by special guest MC Magic Mike. Wear your favorite tropical attire, enjoy $2 drink specials or even build your own “Cheeseburger in Paradise”!

The Spring Training trip for two from March 24 to March 27 includes two round trip tickets complimentary of Allegiant Air from Lehigh Valley International Airport to St. Petersburg, Florida. The winner will spend three nights (March 24-26) at the La Quinta Inn Clearwater Central, located less than a mile from the Phillies Spring Training complex, Brighthouse Network Field. The winners will receive two games tickets to see the Phillies play on March 25th against the Baltimore Orioles and two game tickets to catch the Phillies on March 26th against the Boston Red Sox. Meals and transportation (while in Florida) are not included.

In addition to the grand prize of a trip for two, other prizes at the Florida Fever Party include two tickets to a Phillies regular season game at Citizens Bank Park, an eight-person pool party at a Reading Phillies game and more!

The $25 admission to the party includes automatic entrance into the drawing for all of the giveaways that evening, two complimentary beverages per person (beer, wine or soda) and live entertainment.

Escape the cold and join us on Friday, February 10, for the first Florida Fever Party at Coca-Cola Park.

Please note that specific rules and guidelines apply to the winner of the prizes. For more information, please call (610) 841-PIGS (7447). Must be 21 or older to attend.

For those who are happily in love, or looking to embarass a friend at work… fear not! They are still offering “Pork-O-Grams”

Looking for something special and unique for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day season? The IronPigs have just what you’re looking for with the return of the “Pork-O-Grams”.
For the third consecutive year the IronPigs renowned Pork Racers – Hambone, Diggity and Chris P. Bacon – will be hitting the streets delivering Valentines Day Packages throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Each Pork-O-Gram package contains two IronPigs ticket vouchers (redeemable for Field Level tickets to any Monday thru Thursday 2012 IronPigs home game based on availability), $10 IronPigs gift card, two pig noses and either an IronPigs cap and customized IronPigs t-shirt or one dozen roses. These two fantastic packages are just $100.00 each

Pork-O-Gram A includes:
IronPigs Hat
Two Ticket Vouchers (2012 M-Th. Field Level)
$10 IronPigs Gift Card
Customized Primary Logo T-Shirt (Red, Pink, or Navy)
Two Pig Noses

Pork-O-Gram B includes:
One Dozen Roses
Two Ticket Vouchers (2012 M-Th. Field Level)
$10 IronPigs Gift Card
Two Pig Noses

Each recipient will also have the opportunity to get their picture taken with their favorite Pork-Racer on the day of delivery. The photos will be available for downloading through ironpigsbaseball.com.

Quantities are limited and time slots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. The deadline to order is Monday, February 6. Orders will be delivered on either Monday, February 13 or Tuesday, February 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To purchase your Pork-O-Gram today contact Joe DeNitzio at (610)-841-1261 or jdenitzio@ironpigsbaseball.com.

Please note Pork-O-Gram deliveries will be made within a 25-mile radius of Coca-Cola Park.

Enjoy!