Category Archives: Noise Nation-Dan

Last week, then IronPig and current R-Phil Tyler Cloyd took the IL Pitcher of the Week honor.

This morning the International League announced this week’s pitcher and batter of the week and both have a connection to the IronPigs.

Former IronPig DeWayne Wise of the Empire State Yankees was named IL Batter of the Week.

Dewayne Wise’s 2012 season got a late start as he was away from the team to be with his wife while she gave birth. He was activated from the Temporarily Inactive List last Monday, and in his first game of the season at Syracuse he went 3-4 with a double and a home run. Then after a suspended game on Tuesday, the Yankees traveled to Buffalo where Wise helped the team win two out of three from the Bisons. He hit a three-run home run on Wednesday, doubled and scored twice on Thursday, and concluded the series with a four-hit performance on Friday afternoon that included two more doubles. Another home run Saturday capped off a week in which Wise led the International League with a .458 batting average and was 2nd with three homers, seven runs scored, and a 1.042 slugging percentage.

Ross Ohlendorf of the Pawtucket Red Sox was named IL Pitcher of the Week.

Right-handed pitcher Ross Ohlendorf made his first start of the season on Tuesday, trying to salvage a split for his Pawtucket Red Sox in the last of a four-game series with North-leading Lehigh Valley. Ohlendorf blanked the IronPigs for six innings as Pawtucket cruised to an 8-0 victory. He faced just
one batter over the minimum and threw 42 of 62 pitches for strikes in an efficient outing, his first after missing most of the 2011 season with a right shoulder injury. Ohlendorf surrendered only two hits and one walk in 6.0 innings. His WHIP of 0.50 was the best among all IL starters during the week.

So we have a former Pig win the Batting award and the Pitcher honored because he was able to hand the IronPigs 1 of their 2 losses so far this season.

Nice!

With the best record in the International League at 10-2, the Pigs are making an impact!

Before you jump to conclusions and the drive by eggings begin… keep reading.

Is it time for IronPig’s catcher Erik Kratz to go up to the Phillies?

Kratz has been receiving minimal playing time so far this season. He has played in only 5 of the 12 games this season with only 17 plate appearances. In those appearances he’s hitting .250.

With the expansion of the International League roster size this season, Manager Ryne Sandberg made the choice to carry three catchers on the roster this year adding Tuffy Gosewisch and John Suomi to the rotation.

Gosewisch in 6 games is hitting .211 with 5 RBI including that Grand Slam last week.

Suomi, has 4 games under his belt in 2012 and is hitting .250 also with a home run to his credit.

It’s a clear 3-way platoon for the Pig’s backstop and soon someone will be relegated to pinch hitting, late game replacement and double header start duties.

*****

Now to look at the Phillies.

Brian Schneider has appeared in 2 games with 6 at bats and no hits. At 35 years old, he’s getting closer and closer to that age when you start applying to be the manager of the Crosscutters. Forgive me Northampton fans.

Really.

He had a great career but the Phillies are heavy on catchers and I’m not fond of catcher platooning to begin with. The relationship between a catcher and pitcher can be a great benefit to a team yet also a terrible obstacle to overcome.

Gosewisch and Suomi can carry the load at Lehigh Valley. I believe it’s time that the perennial IL All Star catcher Erik Kratz is listed next to Carlos Ruiz on the Philadelphia roster.

Granted, Suomi was added to the Disabled List today with an Injured Valendia (See glossary link at the top of this page), releasing Schneider and pushing Kratz up makes the most sense to me.

Those are my thoughts… what are yours?

The wind in Buffalo seemed to be affecting everyone involved in the IronPig at Bisons game tonight. You could see the results of it on the MiLB video feed, hear it on Matt Provence’s IronPig Radio broadcast, see right handed batters call time with gusts blowing infield dirt at them like a sand blaster and sent two of Hector Luna’s throws to first wide right like a Scott Norwood field goal.

In years past this would have been a hinderance to the Pigs but this season everything seems to work out for our beloved swine swingers.

The Pigs jumped out to a 4-0 start in the top half of the first inning thanks to a Podsednik single, a walk, a Luna single, a throwing error and a Mitchell double. Bison pitcher Jeurys Familia issued the IronPigs 6 walks in his 4 innings of work struggling with control on this windy night throwing only 52 strikes out of 92 pitches.

The Pigs added 2 more runs in each the 5th and 6th innings bringing the score to 8 to 1 with the Bison getting one back in the bottom of the 5th on an Omar Quintanilla double right after one of Luna’s wind assisted throwing errors allowed Bison Rob Johnson to advance to 2nd base.

Austin Hyatt had a great night! Despite one unearned run, Hyatt was pulled after 5.2 innings of work with a pitch count that reached 90. It’s still early in the season and I see Hyatt going deeper into games soon.

David Purcey came on in relief going scoreless innings with 2 strikeouts and no walks. Following Purcey was Brian Sanches who gave up a pair of hits but got a “Cut on and Missed Strike 3” to end the 8th inning. Sanches stayed in for the 9th and retired the first two batters in quick order before allowing a base hits to Jordany Valdespin and Bobby Scales. The floodgates cracked a little bit and another hit by Lucas May allowed Valdespin to score making it 8 to 2. Fear not though Pigfans, Zach Lutz grounded out to first baseman Cody Overbeck to end the game.

Final Score: IronPigs 8 – Bison 2

In the end, Austin Hyatt came away with the win improving his record to 2-0 on the season.

Multi-hit games by Frandsen and Mitchell with 2 hits apiece. Mitchell also led the offense with 4 RBI on the night.

The IronPigs are now riding a 6 game winning streak and a 10-2 record!

*****

With Buffalo we also got to see a local player in Zach Lutz. Lutz, a native of Reading attended Governor Mifflin High School and Alvernia University where he was drafted in the 5th round of the MLB Draft in 2007 by the Mets.

Another Alvernia alumni who succeeded in the Major Leagues is Wade Miller who spent nine years between the Astros, Red Sox and Cubs. Miller was inducted in the R-Phil’s Hall of Fame last summer.

*****

Pig’s will stay in Buffalo to continue this series with a 6:05 PM start. Don’t forget to set your reminders to listen to the Pre-game show at 5:35PM on 1230AM or 1320AM then tune into live video footage of the game via MiLB Video. They charge for video but it’s not too bad if you purchase an entire season pass.

OinK!

Red Sox fans cringed when Jacoby Ellsbury went down with an injury and now us IronPig fans may cringe that the Sox are looking at Scott Podsednik as a replacement.

Per MLB Trade Rumors:

Scott Podsednik could be an option for the Red Sox following Ellsbury’s injury, says Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The Phillies would let Podsednik out of his minor league deal for a big league job, and Rosenthal says they could also trade for a Marlon Byrd or Coco Crisp type later in the season.

I’m sure Scott would love a chance to play full time on the Red Sox but we would certainly miss him here.

The Pigs are stocked with a number of good outfielders this season and perhaps a move like this would see fan favorite Rich Thompson in the lineup more often.

We will see…

OinK!

Announced today is the 5th annual IronPig’s Charities Hackers & Homers golf tournament!

Be a Hacker, Be a Homer or be Both!

The 5th Annual IronPigs Charities Hackers & Homers Golf Tournament will take place at Southmoore Golf Club in Bath on Wednesday May 23rd. Hackers & Homers features a scramble format and a shotgun start that begins at 8:00 AM. Entry fees include green fees, cart usage, lunch, a tournament gift and entry into the putting contest.

IronPig’s Charities has been able to distribute more than $437,000 to local Lehigh Valley non-profits!

I’ve been to this event the past three years and it is a great time for a great cause.

For more information on registration or sponsorship opportunities contact,

Sarah Marten
Director, Community Relations
Lehigh Valley IronPigs
1050 IronPigs Way
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 841-1213
smarten@ironpigsbaseball.com

GERARD ASCANI — Age 29 — 5’9”, 160 lbs. — Resides in Metairie, LA — 2nd yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2004) S. Atlantic Lg. (2005-06) Southern Lg. (2008-10)
New York-Penn Lg. (2004) Carolina Lg. (2006-07) Venezuelan Lg. (2010)
Appalachian Lg. (2005) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2008) International Lg. (2011)

SEAN BARBER — Age 26 — 5’9”, 190 lbs. — Resides in Lakeland, FL — 1st yr. in Triple-A
Appalachian Lg. (2006-07) Florida State Lg. (2008-09) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2009-10)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2007) Southern Lg. (2009-11) Venezuelan Lg. (2011)

CRAIG BARRON — Age 31 — 5’10”, 215 lbs. — Resides in Fayetteville, GA — 3rd yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2005) S. Atlantic Lg. (2006) Southern Lg. (2008-09)
New York-Penn Lg. (2005) Carolina Lg. (2007) Venezuelan Lg. (2009)
Florida Inst. Lg. (2005) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2007-08) International Lg. (2010-11)

TOBY BASNER — Age 27 — 5’10”, 172 lbs. — Resides in Snellville, GA — 3rd full yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2004) Dominican Lg. (2006) Puerto Rican Lg. (2008)
Appalachian Lg. (2005) Carolina Lg. (2006-07) Pacific Coast Lg. (2009)
Florida Inst. Lg. (2005) Venezuelan Lg. (2007) Arizona Fall Lg. (2009-10)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2006) Southern Lg. (2007-09) International Lg. (2010-11)

SETH BUCKMINSTER — Age 30 — 6’4”, 210 lbs. — Resides in Fort Worth, TX — 1st yr. in Triple-A
Arizona Lg. (2006) Florida Inst. Lg. (2008) Texas Lg. (2010-11)
Appalachian Lg. (2007-08) California Lg. (2009) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2010)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2008)

KELVIN BULTRON — Age 33 — 5’10”, 210 lbs. — Resides in Canovanas, Puerto Rico — 2nd yr. in Triple-A
Appalachian Lg. (2006) Florida State Lg. (2008-09) Texas Lg. (2009-10)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2007) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2009) International Lg. (2011)

JON BYRNE — Age 28 — 5’10”, 143 lbs. — Resides in Thornlie, Austrailia — 2nd yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2005) California Lg. (2007) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2009)
Northwest Lg. (2006) Eastern Lg. (2008-10) International Lg. (2011)
Midwest Lg. (2006)

VIC CARAPAZZA — Age 32 — 6’0”, 170 lbs. — Resides in Palm Harbor, FL — 4th full yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2003-04) Florida State Lg. (2006) Pacific Coast Lg. (2008-09)
Florida Inst. Lg. (2003-05) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2006) Arizona Fall Lg. (2008-09)
New York-Penn Lg. (2004) Eastern Lg. (2006-08) International Lg. (2010-11)
Midwest Lg. (2005) Dominican Lg. (2007) Major Lg. Baseball (2010-11)

TRAVIS CARLSON — Age 27 — 6’6”, 215 lbs. — Resides in Lakeland, FL — 1st yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2006) Florida State Lg. (2008-09) Southern Lg. (2010-11)
New York-Penn Lg. (2006) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2009) Venezuelan Lg. (2011)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2007)

JOHN CONRAD — Age 35 — 6’0”, 195 lbs. — Resides in Wallingford, CT — 3rd yr. in Triple-A
Arizona Lg. (2004) California Lg. (2006-07) International Lg. (2010-11)
Appalachian Lg. (2004) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2007) Arizona Fall Lg. (2010)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2005) Eastern Lg. (2007-09)

CHRIS CONROY — Age 37 — 6’4”, 230 lbs. — Resides in North Adams, MA — 6th full yr. in Triple-A
New York-Penn Lg. (2000-01) Eastern Lg. (2004-06) International Lg. (2007-11)
Florida Inst. Lg. (2001-02) Pacific Coast Lg. (2006) Venezuelan Lg. (2008)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2002) Arizona Fall Lg. (2007,09-10) Major Lg. Baseball (2010-11)
Carolina Lg. (2003)

MIKE ESTABROOK — Age 35 — 6’0”, 185 lbs. — Resides in Lambertville, NJ — 8th yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (1999-2000) Florida State Lg. (2002) International Lg. (2005-11)
Appalachian Lg. (2000) Southern Lg. (2003-04) Arizona Fall Lg. (2006)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2001) Venezuelan Lg. (2004) Major Lg. Baseball (2006-11)

MANNY GONZALEZ — Age 32 — 6’0”, 210 lbs. — Resides in Valencia, Venezuela — 5th yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2002-03) Florida State Lg. (2005) Arizona Fall Lg. (2008-09)
New York-Penn Lg. (2003-04) Texas Lg. (2006) International Lg. (2008-11)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2004) Southern Lg. (2007) Major Lg. Baseball (2010-11)

JEFF GOSNEY — Age 28 — 5’11”, 185 lbs. — Resides in Lakeland, FL — 2nd yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2006) Florida Inst. Lg. (2007) Venezuelan Lg. (2010)
Appalachian Lg. (2006) Florida State Lg. (2008) International Lg. (2011)
Midwest Lg. (2007) Texas Lg. (2008-10)

ADAM HAMARI — Age 28 — 6’0”, 185 lbs. — Resides in Marquette, MI — 2nd yr. in Triple-A
New York-Penn Lg. (2006) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2007,09) Eastern Lg. (2009-10)
Midwest Lg. (2007) Florida State Lg. (2008) International Lg. (2011)
California Lg. (2007) Southern Lg. (2008) Arizona Fall Lg. (2011)

ANTHONY JOHNSON — Age 30 — 5’9”, 160 lbs. — Resides in McComb, MS — 1st yr. in Triple-A
Pioneer Lg. (2006) Carolina Lg. (2008) Southern Lg. (2010-11)
Appalachian Lg. (2007) Florida State Lg. (2009) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2010)
S. Atlantic. Lg. (2007)

WILL LITTLE — Age 28 — 5’11”, 170 lbs. — Resides in Fall Branch, TN — 1st yr. in Triple-A
Appalachian Lg. (2007) Carolina Lg. (2008-09) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2009-10)
Florida Inst. Lg. (2007) Southern Lg. (2009-11) Dominican Lg. (2011)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2008)

MARK LOLLO — Age 30 — 5’11”, 205 lbs. — Resides in New Lexington, OH — 4th yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2002-03) Carolina Lg. (2005) International Lg. (2009-11)
New York-Penn Lg. (2003) Florida State Lg. (2006) Arizona Fall Lg. (2010-11)
Florida Inst. Lg. (2004-05) Texas Lg. (2006) Major Lg. Baseball (2011)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2004) Eastern Lg. (2007-08)

BEN MAY — Age 30 — 6’0”, 200 lbs. — Resides in Racine, WI — 1st yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2007) Midwest Lg. (2008-09) Eastern Lg. (2010-11)
New York-Penn Lg. (2007) Florida State Lg. (2008-10) Puerto Rican Lg. (2010)

BRAD MYERS — Age 32 — 5’10”, 190 lbs. — Resides in Holland, OH — 2nd yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2004) Midwest Lg. (2006-07) Texas Lg. (2008-10)
Florida Inst. Lg. (2004) Florida State Lg. (2007) International Lg. (2011)
New York-Penn Lg. (2005) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2008)

ALAN PORTER — Age 34 — 5’10”, 200 lbs. — Resides in Warminster, PA — 5th yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2002-03) Carolina Lg. (2005) Arizona Fall Lg. (2008-09)
New York-Penn Lg. (2003) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2005) International Lg. (2008-11)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2004) Eastern Lg. (2006-07) Major Lg. Baseball (2010-11)
Florida Inst. Lg. (2004)

DAVID RACKLEY — Age 30 — 5’10”, 175 lbs. — Resides in Matthews, NC — 5th full yr. in Triple-A
Arizona Lg. (2001) California Lg. (2004) Arizona Fall Lg. (2008-09)
Florida Inst. Lg. (2001-02) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2004-05) Venezuelan Lg. (2010)
Northwest Lg. (2002-03) Texas Lg. (2005-07) Major Lg. Baseball (2010-11)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2003) International Lg. (2007-11)

JON SAPHIRE — Age 30 — 6’3”, 215 lbs. — Resides in Centerville, OH — 1st yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2005) Midwest Lg. (2007) Eastern Lg. (2009-11)
New York-Penn Lg. (2006) Carolina Lg. (2007-08) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2009-10)

DAVID SOUCY — Age 29 — 6’3”, 195 lbs. — Resides in Bluffton, SC — 1st full yr. in Triple-A
Appalachian Lg. (2006) Carolina Lg. (2008) Eastern Lg. (2009-11)
Florida Inst. Lg. (2006) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2008) International Lg. (2011)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2007)

CHRIS WARD — Age 31 — 5’11”, 172 lbs. — Resides in Ashland, KY — 3rd yr. in Triple-A
Gulf Coast Lg. (2004) S. Atlantic Lg. (2006-07) Venezuelan Lg. (2009)
Appalachian Lg. (2005) Carolina Lg. (2007) International Lg. (2010-11)
Florida Inst. Lg. (2005) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2007) Arizona Fall Lg. (2010-11)
New York-Penn Lg. (2005-06) Southern Lg. (2007-09)

CHAD WHITSON — Age 30 — 6’1”, 185 lbs. — Resides in Dublin, OH — 2nd full yr. in Triple-A
Appalachian Lg. (2005) Arizona Inst. Lg. (2008) International Lg. (2010-11)
S. Atlantic Lg. (2006) Eastern Lg. (2008-10) Arizona Fall Lg. (2011)
California Lg. (2007)

Like we didn’t see this one coming..

RHP Dave Bush activated from MLB suspension (reduced from 5 G to 4 G).

OF Scott Podsednik activated from Temporarily Inactive List.

RHP Tyler Cloyd assigned to Reading (AA).

While it will improve the IronPigs with Podsednik returning, it’s a shame the International League Pitcher of the Week gets demoted.

I have a feeling he’ll be back mid-season.

OinK!