Category Archives: Lehigh Valley IronPigs

January 8, 2012 · 3:00 pm

IronPigs Roster Confidence Rankings

It seems like we’ve got more spots than usual at this time of the year where we can be confident of the IronPigs opening day starters. Am I right? Well, here’s my roster confidence ranking as of January 8, 2012:

Group I: Write It in Pen

Barring an injury to the player himself, or some other kind of unusual happening, we can be most certain to see these players with the IronPigs on April 3 (the 222 game). They won’t be with Philly and they won’t be with Reading and the Phillie have them under contract/control to start the season:

1B Overbeck

SS Galvis

CF Thompson

LF Brown

SP Bush, Misch, Feierebend

RP Aumont

Group II: Pencil Them In

An injury in Philadelphia could impact this group—as could spring training performance. It seems we’ll see them for sure at some point, but their starting point could be in question: (Howard certainly may start the season on the DL, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Polanco, Rollins or Utley were dinged going in to the season as well. That’s a source of my lower than top confidence)

2B Frandsen

3B Luna

Inf Orr

C Kratz

RP Schwimer

RP DeFratus

OF Podsednick

OF Montanez

P Valdes, Sanchez, Purcey

Group III: Top Of The List

These are some top possibilities to make an appearance with the ‘Pigs at some point, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find them starting the year with us:

Inf/OF M. Martinez

OF Bowker (could be in Japan)

1B/DH Rizzotti

C Gosewisch, Lerud

P Elarton, Hyatt, Rosenberg

Group IV: Don’t Forget

Long shots the start the year in Allentown, but don’t forget these names:

P Naylor

2B Garcia

OF Gillies

P Chapman

OF Mitchell

OF Spidale

Group V: Old Friends/Free Agents

Could any of these familiar names be re-signed? Probably not, but as of today, according to Baseball America, these Fellas are still available:

2B Barfield

1B Larish

SP Bass

C Sardinha

OF Young

P Gordon ?

Who did I forget? Wanna move somebody? Please contribute below:

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January 5, 2012 · 10:39 am

What Paul Hoover & Andy Tracy Have in Common

As seen on Twitter from @PHLBaseballNsdr, Paul Hoover has been hired to manage the Tampa Ray’s Gulf Coast League team.

Hoover spent the 2009 and 2010 seasons with the IronPigs playing in 73 and 77 games respectively.

Perez to Brewers

Just noticed on Baseball America’s Minor League Free Agent Tracker that former IronPig Juan Perez has been signed by the Brewers organization.

The outfield fans breath a sigh of relief. (No pun intended)

Richie T Back in 2012 & Winter Banquet

It could be… (Thanks to Kram’s Korner for letting us know!)

Matt Provence has tweeted (@pigsradio) that:

“Unofficial reports indicate that OF Rich Thompson will indeed be returning to IronPigs in ’11! RT is LHV’s all-time leader in G, hits & SB.”

I suppose he meant ’12, but who wouldn’t want to relive the energy and excitement that the 2011 season provided.

That and knowing that he will be attending the IronPig Charities Winter Banquet (Formerly the Phillies Caravan).

The Banquet is a real good time and it’s for charity. I encourage you to attend. I’ll be there. So will Ryne Sandberg. If you want more details check out the IronPig’s website or give them a call.

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December 13, 2011 · 12:17 pm

Dontrelle Willis an IronPig?

I read it first at LehighValleyLive.com so will cite them…. http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/philadelphia_phillies_sign_pit_1.html

The Phillies have reportedly signed Dontrelle Willis to a 1 year deal.

Willis has appeared at Coca Cola Park before… perhaps us Pig Fans will be cheering for him this time!

OinK!

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December 12, 2011 · 12:53 pm

Future IronPig? Francisco Traded to Jays

Per MLB Trade Rumors,

Outfielder Ben Francisco has been traded to the Blue Jays for left hander Frank Gailey.

Gailey was drafted by Toronto in the 23rd round of the 2007 Amateur Draft.

Since 2007, he has pitched mostly in Rookie league/A ball leagues and made his AA debut in 2011 with New Hampshire going 1-4 with a 5.70 ERA in 19 games.

Probably not an IronPig in 2012, but could be someone we see with the R-Phils at some point.

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October 18, 2011 · 12:53 am

Buy 72–Get 8 Free

I was sitting alone at soccer practice last Friday when it came across my Twitter account from @IronPigs: buy a full-season ticket package, and receive the eight “away” games versus the SWB Yankees for free. Immediately, I began to fire off a response: why don’t we ALL get eight games free? But then, tweeting from soccer practice has led to misunderstandings before (see also: free playoff tickets post), so I didn’t…

Well, we do. All season full-season ticket holders will receive the eight bonus games at no extra charge (see ironpigsbaseball.com for front page article with details). In addition, four-packs of Yankees/away tickets will be made available to 18- and 36-game ticket plan holders for only $20 ($5 per seat, per game). Using these extra games as a perk to sell more packages is a great idea. Not leaving the current season-ticket holders out in the cold, is even better.

I do not know the arrangement made between the IronPigs and the Yankees regarding the ticket sales for these games. My advice to the IronPigs when this was announced was: “Don’t get cute.” I fully expected to get an offer to buy my seats first, for $448.00–and I probably would have paid it. (Or at least used my playoff credits towards it. 🙂 ) But I must say, this is much better. A very nice perk for the most-loyal customers. It will fill a lot of seats, but still leave plenty of tickets for individual sales. My advice holds from here, though: they should sell the groups and sell the tickets and have some promos (OK, maybe Yankees gear here, if they want) and do their thing. I don’t think they should treat these games any differently than any other IronPigs games unless their agreement with the Yankees says they have to. Don’t ruin the product.

In a conversation the other day, regarding the IronPigs, I remarked that in four short years the IronPigs have progressed from a successful local entertainment business to a beloved local establishment. Sometimes, a beloved local establishment has to do the right thing. This is a good example of that. It doesn’t mean they can’t make money, but it does mean that they have to make people happy. They have to look for a win-win. That means giving away free water when the heat index is over 100. It means not skimping on promos even though the sponsor may only be able to afford so many. And it means making sure that your best customers are in the house for the eight extra games this year.

Good job by them, on this one.

PIGS FLY! – A Tale of Two Games

A Running Diary of My Evening Following Two Baseball Games (times are approximate):

2:08PM We gather from Twitter that the Noise Nation has had some car trouble. Sounds like they’ll make it to the game. We monitor Twitter for progress reports…

4:41PM We leave for Reading. The sun is out, but we pack some rain gear anyway. You never know.

4:58PM It starts raining as we navigate the perpetual 222 construction zone.

5:21PM We arrive at FirstEnergy Park in Reading under sunny skies. The renovations are great; park entrance is outstanding. We pick up our tickets and our free Harley hats and head into the new plaza area to enjoy the music and find some food choices. Ultimately, we all can find something we like–plus non-beer alcohol at the bar to keep the wife happy. No one is happy with the Penn State score.

6:09PM We’re finding our way to our seats. The usher, whom I recognize from CCP (but he doesn’t recognize us) congratulates us on a fine season for the IronPigs and a nice showing in the playoffs. We accept his congratulations, as we are all decked out in IronPigs jerseys, playoff shirts, etc.

6:10PM We’re sitting in our seats. I check Twitter. Richie Thompson first-pitch double. How about that.

6:11PM I scroll. BaconAndBiscuit: “Frandsen RBI groundout. 1-0 Pigs.”

6:12PM An old-timer, John, in the seat next to me points out that I’m sitting in his seat. I show him my ticket. He shows me that his name is on my seat. He wins. 🙂 We agree to remain in our current seats unless someone makes us move. They never do. I share the Pigs score with him–he’s been at the last two playoff games at CCP it turns out.

6:14PM I get up to get a beverage. “Barfield solo blast!” pops up on Twitter. I share this with the usher on the way out.

6:20PM We visit the Mitchell and Ness Store. Very nicely done. I just manage to keep my money in my pocket. It was close, though.

6:26PM We stop in right field to visit our regular usher from CCP, Nick. He’s surprised to see us despite the fact that we told him that we’d be there. We share the score of the ‘Pigs game– and he tells us to go back to our seats.

6:34PM Jason DiPro arrives at McCoy

From DiPro's Tweet

Pre-Game in Reading

6:37PM We find out from @BaconAndBiscuits that Deelicious has made the trip safely to Pawtucket. We breathe a little easier.

6:55PM We’re in our seats for the player introductions at Reading:

7:19PM Still no score in Reading, as we hear of Rich Thompson’s second run scored. 3-0 IronPigs with Bass still in control. John points out Steve Noworyta (Phillies Minor League Director) sitting four seats to our right. John shares the score with him. He looks pleased.

7:35PM More details about the Noise Nation trip. I realize that whatever I write tonight won’t be as good as what Dan writes when he gets back.

7:45PM B7 at McCoy and the ‘Pigs are six outs away…

8:02PM Ryan Kelly calls for the double play in the bottom of the 8th….. and gets it.

8:11PM I whisper to Matt, “hey, austin hyatt is having a good game, huh? don’t say ANYTHING.”

8:13PM …and the no-hitter is gone, with a cheap bloop to right-center

8:14PM Noworyta is impressed to hear about Bass’ outing. Wants to know how many hits. We tell him–share that he’s coming out for the ninth inning. I point out to John that Aumont and DeFratus have worked the last two nights, and that unless you want/need Fiereibend, Perez, or Chapman in there, you’d better stick with Bass. John agrees. Now, news that an error has the PawSox in rally mode. The gamecast is running behind…

8:15PM News that the shutout is no more. Gamecast still behind. Getting news from Twitter exclusively now. Cheap hit in Reading turns into a 1-0 lead for FisherCats as Spidale makes weak throw to plate.

8:15PM @IronPigs “PIGS FLY PIGS FLY”

8:16PM And we know we have it. More baseball at CCP. We share the results with all around as John begins recruiting his cronies to join him on Thursday.

9:31 Ultimately the RPhils can’t get anything going. The fall 1-0 despite our best efforts to cheer them on, bring the CCP magic to FirstEnergy. We leave disappointed, but not totally bummed, for the Pigs fly once again.

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September 2, 2011 · 2:59 pm

Kratz Suspension (The Final Word)

IL President, Randy Mobley was kind enough to conduct a telephone interview regarding the Erik Kratz suspension and the following is the account of that conversation.

I asked Mr. Mobley if the appeal process was in fact his and his alone and if it differs than that of the Major League’s.

He informed me that the appeal process is different than that of the Major League’s and that Erik was allowed to fully offer his side of the incident. Mr. Mobley had all sides of the story and made his professional decision with all the facts in hand.

Next question involved the many other players who left their positions and the seemingly lack of fines or discipline for them.

Although I did not find this reported elsewhere, there were a number of other players and many Louisville Bats who left their positions and were also fined although none were egregious enough to warrant a suspension.

Next was the report that Bat’s manager Rick Sweet and on field officials were consulted before the decision was handed down yet Mr. Sandberg and Mr. Kratz were not.

Mr. Mobley did address that but requested that his answer remain off the record. I will say his response was unexpected and nothing further will be written.

I then asked about the incident in the 9th inning when again players left their position including Bat’s catcher James Skelton.

Mr. Mobley was certainly aware of that, however it was deemed that it was not aggressive and that move alone did not cause the benches to empty. It was Gil’s plunking that did so and he was suspended for 4 games and received a larger fine than Kratz.

Finally, Mr. Mobley offered a brief summary of the incident and the resulting Kratz suspension:

As Juan Francisco was taking his base following the plunking by Aumont it was noted that he was jawing at the LHV bench (not a suspendable offense), however at no time did he deviate from the first base line and wound up standing on first base. It was deemed that as Kratz aggressively pursued Francisco toward first base that’s what ultimately caused the benches to empty. The video evidence appears to support that.

I would like to thank Mr. Mobley for his time and put this story to bed. He was very cordial, professional and informative – it was a pleasure speaking with him.

Now, with the Pigs in a tie with Gwinnett, the task at hand is (still) obvious – WIN!

Be sure to visit the IronPigs website for tie breaker, playoff, and ticketing information.

Go Pigs!

OinK On!

DiPro’s Dish

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April 5, 2011 · 1:24 pm

Rainouts & The Ironpigs, How to Find Out

Updated Info from the 2013 IronPigs Rain-Out Policy

Click to Enlarge

Rain-Out / Postponement Information

An Ironpigs game may be rained out, but it is extremely rare for the gates not to open. Only a few times in 5 seasons have the gates not opened.

What does this mean for us fans?

1. If a give away is scheduled, they will be distributed when the gates open whether the game is played or not.

2. Those attending group outings will have their Suite food served.

3. If it’s inclement weather and the area is not under a “Do Not Travel” order from the government, the gates will probably open.

It comes down to this… if you are looking forward to a giveaway that you absolutely must have, show up and collect it. Don’t count on 3,000 other fans to not show up and the giveaway to be rescheduled. Buying a ticket does not guarantee a giveaway. If you are thinking about calling someone to see if the game is still on.. Don’t! Calling will get you one answer, “Yes, the gates will be open.” Imagine being the person who has to answer the phone on rainy days?

So we covered the historical position of weather delays and cancellations at Coca Cola Park. Now let’s look at why…

The teams want to play. The staff wants to hold the game. The fans want to see the game. No one wants the game to be postponed. If there’s a chance to play the game they certainly will. think about those folks who have bought a Picnic Area, Dugout Suite, Party Porch or Tiki Terrace and Oasis. They paid a premium for the buffet food and all of those folks would have to exchange their tickets for another ticket to a game later in the season.. without the buffet they paid for.

Really, mother nature can come calling at any time. It’s a bummer when a game is rained out.

Here is what I do before I leave for the game if weather might have an impact on the event.

I check weather.com’s report and look at the radar. Watch the animated radar and you can guesstimate where the rain will be at or near game time. Dress appropriately and show up. No calls or automated messages are currently available. Usually the pregame show on ESPN Radio 1230/1320 AM starts 30 minutes before game time. Tune in for updates on delays. You can also check Social Media at IronPigs Facebook or @IronPigs (twitter)

So grab your umbrella – head out to the park – and hope the rain keeps UP (then it won’t come down).

OinK!

(IronPigs Iron Pigs Lehigh Valley Coca Cola Park Rain out Rain Delay postponed)

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