Category Archives: Noise Nation-Dan

I was browsing Ebay today and on a whim searched for “Lehigh Valley IronPigs.”

What I saw had me laughing for a while so thought I would share.

The first thing that caught my eye was the “seller” who was listing their season tickets out for just about every game.

For the July 27th game against Norfolk the price listed is $310 for 6 tickets. That’s roughly $51 a ticket. I didn’t realize the Tide were such a draw. The listing is for 6 seats in section 107 that are pretty close to the field but $51? Really?

The same seller went on to list more games at various prices.

$140 for these seats for a game against Buffalo.

$280 for the Syracuse game.

$180 for another Syracuse game.

I guess the seller doesn’t think Bryce Harper will be playing for Syracuse this season.. the only reason I would think ticket prices could reach the demand these prices are calling for.

Laughable, but opportunistic at least.

Another posting shows a used ticket stub from a meaningless game in August 2008 for the low low cost of $12 (and $2 shipping). I think I’ve thrown away 4 years of gold! The ticket is missing the top portion and even has clear folds and dog eared corners. $12?

Yet another person is still trying to sell a “Jimmy Buffett” styled IronPig’s jersey that was part of a charity jersey auction a couple years ago. There are a few listings for this and I have to say I’ve seen it before. I question the authenticity of the jerseys as they are only asking $57 for them as I’ve seen them on Ebay since the Pigs came to town.

Side Note: IronPig’s Charities will occasionally post an auction for the authentic charity jerseys. The listing will state as such. I encourage you to participate in those auctions.

Not news. Not even that interesting. Just a good laugh to waste away the time until real baseball news comes around.

OinK!

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.