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Tonight’s game has been rained out. It will be made up as part of a double header July 10th at PNC Field in Scranton. This is a Saturday so prime road trip date!

I was a little late on posting this. One of those rainy day, I hit the couch for a nap after work and spent the next 4 hours asleep. Will be nice to enjoy a new episode of my favorite show, “Chuck” tonight on NBC.

Just read a note that Phillies 1st Baseman Ryan Howard has just signed a 5 year extension worth $125 million. Possibly a reason Cliff Lee was sent packing with this deal in the making. Let’s see if anything comes around for Free Agent (at the end of this season) Jayson Werth who is playing the role quite well these days, hitting .333 as of today.

Former Ironpigs, Rodrigo Lopez pitched 6 innings and gave up 6 runs on ten hits against the Phillies yesterday. The Diamondback ended up taking the game 8 to 6.

Another former Ironpig, Kris Benson also went 6 innings on Friday against the Phillies, earning his first win of 2010. Benson allowed 8 hits and 3 runs.

It’s a statement to the quality of pitching the Ironpigs have had the past couple years that 2/5th of Diamondback’s starting rotation were on a Pig roster within the past two years.

Lou Marson continues to struggle for the Cleveland Indians batting .088 mustering only 3 hits this year in 34 at bats. He has to see Carlos Santana looming in the distance and unless he can go to the plate with a bat soon… he might not even be sent back to AAA.

Anyways, that’s all I got for tonight. Enjoy this evening with your family.

From the Ironpig’s website:
“’Pigapalooza’, along with Triple-A All-Star Week, is a celebration of baseball, a celebration of family-oriented entertainment and a celebration for our entire region,” squealed IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. “The Lehigh Valley’s unwavering and continued support of Minor League Baseball has us yearning to get the All-Star festivities underway.”
Tickets are just $10, and beginning on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m., they can be purchased in-person at Coca-Cola Park, by calling (610) 841-PIGS or online at ironpigsbaseball.com. “Pigapalooza” will take place from 12 noon to 9 p.m. and conclude with an All-Star Fireworks Extravaganza at 9 p.m.
The first 10,000 fans through the gates on Saturday, July 10 will receive a commemorative “Pigapalooza” Pennant. In addition to the pennant, the first 4,000 children 12 and under will take home a collector’s edition “Pigapalooza” baseball and the initial 4,000 fans 13 and older will receive a reusable tote bag that can be filled with goodies from the various interactive displays that will be set-up at Coca-Cola Park.
The ultimate baseball carnival, “Pigapalooza” is highlighted by more than 15 inflatable games for children of all ages located throughout Coca-Cola Park including the ultra-popular Baseball Gravity Challenge, Rockwall Climb, Obstacle Courses and Monkey Motion. All inflatable games are free with the price of admission.
There will also be numerous interactive displays from community-based organizations situated throughout the ballpark that are either baseball or locally-themed. A full list of displays will be released in the weeks leading up to “Pigapalooza”.
Throughout the day numerous former Philadelphia Phillies, current Phillies broadcasters and others will be signing autographs, including Greg “The Bull” Luzinski, Darren Daulton, Ricky Bottalico, Larry Anderson and Gary Matthews.
The autograph, book signing and Question and Answer schedule appears below:

■ 12:15 p.m.: Question and Answer session with current Phillies broadcaster Chris Wheeler.
■ 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.: Visit From the Booth: Four Decades With The Phillies by Chris Wheeler (Book Signing).
■ 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.: Former Phillies and current team broadcasters, Larry Anderson and Gary Matthews (Autographs).
■ 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.: Former Phillies Greg Luzinski and Marty Bystrom (Autographs).
■ 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.: Former Phillies Darren Daulton and Ricky Bottalico (Autographs).
■ 4 p.m.: Question and Answer session with MLB.com beat writer, Todd Zolecki.
■ 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Philadelphia Phillies by Todd Zolecki (Book Signing).
■ 5 p.m.: Question and Answer session with Baseball Historian, Rich Westcott.
■ 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.: Rich Westscott (Book Signing).

A book purchase is required to partake in the book signing activities. No purchase is necessary for the autograph sessions. Fans are limited to one autograph per special guest as time permits.
Fans attending will also have the opportunity to have their picture taken with the 2008 World Series trophy and the 2009 Warren Giles trophy, given annually to the National League Champion.
All trophy photos will be snapped by IronPigs team photographers (Mitman Photography) and be made available for a free download at the MyCapture photo portal on http://www.ironpigsbaseball.com beginning July 11.
Additional family-oriented entertainment scheduled throughout “Pigapalooza” includes free face painting, balloon animals and magician performances. Of course, the IronPigs loveable mascots, FeRROUS and FeFe, along with the ultra-popular Pork Racers will be greeting fans of all ages throughout the event.
Live music is set for the entirety of “Pigapalooza” from a pair of stages located on the Capital BlueCross Lawn and from within the AT&T Plaza. A full list of performers will be made available prior to July 10.
Get ready for All-Star Week with official All-Star merchandise from the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Coca-Cola Park. Official All-Star Game jerseys, batting practice tops and official outerwear are on sale now and will also be available during “Pigapalooza” All-Star FanFest.
For the safety of our fans, no outside food and/or beverage will be permitted inside Coca-Cola Park during “Pigapalooza”. However, all fixed Concession Stands and various portables will be open during this event.
Fans are reminded that there are three entry points for parking and are encouraged to use the Dauphin Street entrance when traveling from downtown Allentown. In addition to the Dauphin Street entrance, entry to Coca-Cola Park can be gained off American Parkway and Union Boulevard. Preferred/Handicapped Parking access is available via American Parkway only.
Please note that Parking is free for “Pigapalooza” All-Star FanFest.

A respectable lineup, if not All Star worthy. I was hoping to meet some of the players. Parking is free though. Only to wonder if there will be free bubbles and red balloons for children.

The Pigs lost a close one today in an overcast day in Scranton. The Noise Nation made the trip up the NE extension to the game today and the rain held out for the entire game! We even saw sunshine for a couple innings.

Scranton trips are always a good time. The stadium is a little older but they take good care of it. The food was ok. Had a great chili dog from the kosher hot dog stand and heard many good things about the fries. As always, the people and staff were wonderful folks with jokes and smiles all over. Unfortunately this was a very very small crowd. The buzzing of the lights actually overwhelmed most of the random chatter with the exception of a few cheers here and there. Posted attendance was 2,974 but to say there was 500 people there it would be pushing it.

Cody Ransom had a great visit to his old home going 3-5 with a HR and 3 RBI.

Dorta and Hoover had multi hit games although Hoover reached first base 3 times on questionable plays. The first was a dropped 3rd strike and the other two were high throws from the other side of the infield. Not sure about the scorekeeping but from our viewpoint it looked like he would have been out with a solid throw on both occasions.

Jason Anderson took the loss and appeared to be struggling. As one fan noted, it looked like he was throwing batting practice. Anderson has never been one to be productive pitching on consecutive days.

Also wanted to note that in the clubhouse store, I picked up an International League Record book for 2010. Think media guide but for the whole league. Spiral bound and full of good info. Must have for a trivia buff.

Another great time! The 16 of us that made the trip actually had all of the right field seats to ourselves. Hoping to get another trip together in July!

With all of the injuries to the Phillies this season, just imagine, imagine how many Ironpigs will have been called up to cover for injuries. Drew Carpenter and Wilson Valdez have already been on the big team this season and last night Shortstop Castro (philling in for injured Jimmy Rollins) left the game with a mild left hamstring strain. He was replaced by Valdez but if this injury bug continues we might see more of our beloved Ironpigs shipped to Philadelphia.

Lidge and Blanton are likely to return soon. What becomes of the roster then? Does the organization release someone or does some of the Phillies pitching staff get crammed back to the Lehigh Valley? I am still convinced Bastardo needs more innings pitched to become all he can be out there. What of Kendrick who has shown as much consistancy as Cole Hamels of late. Maybe Kendrick needs to teach Hamels that sinker ball to keep the ball from flying out of the park?

It would be interesting to see how many Ironpigs assist the Phillies this season and earn a share of Championship glory over the offseason. Did I say Championship? Sure, every fan wants their team to win…

The Ironpigs took back a victory from Scranton today improving their record to 7 wins 9 losses. The 3rd game of the series will be played tomorrow at 1:05 pm.

Good’s

Rich Thompson is on fire! Since returning to the lineup he is hitting .391 including a double that was a questionable scoring decision away from being a triple.

DeWayne Wise hit his team leading third triple today.

Andy Tracy singled in an RBI to help today’s cause. He will be back on track soon. I just have a feeling.

Brian Mazone sent 94 pitches to home plate, 64 for strikes. The first couple innings were a little worrysome but he settled in and cruised into 6 innings of work allowing 2 runs on 6 hits with 5 K’s.

John Mayberry added a Homerun and another RBI hit.

Ehren Wasserman added 2 scoreless innings in relief.

Not so Good’s

The weather forecast for tomorrow is questionable.. hoping the rain stays away long enough for the Noise Nation to enjoy our first road trip of 2010!

I have 4 extra group tickets to the Ironpig’s game in Scranton tomorrow. Game time is 1:05pm and the seats are in the first 5 rows on the right field line. Each cost $11.

I checked the weather forecast and it looks like the rain should thin out around noon so Game on!

Let me know, email me at editor@lvnoisenation.com

First come first serve. Hope you can make it!

Dan

Due to some technical difficulties I missed most of this game on the radio and my computer was acting up so this post will be a little lean. I did get to escape from baseball for the night and enjoy a good meal at Outback followed by Friday night grocery shopping. (With a week of away games, I can’t depend on stadium food for a little while)

There is a rumor about some high school games at CCP this week/weekend and if you have info on them please leave a comment with details.

Hopefully the Pigs will produce tomorrow and Sunday and the rain stays away.

OINK!

Sent to me by a friend and fellow Ironpig’s fan.

From the Race For Hope 5K Run/Walk in Washington, DC Website

Never Stop Believing…
My name is Beth Haydt. Two years ago I was diagnosed with a Oligodendroglioma brain tumor. In these two years I have undergone surgery, have had multiple types of test done to help find a cure for my tumor. I have also been able to try different types of medicine to help me out. It is people like you who allow me and others to be able to do this. Research is being done everyday to help fight brain tumors.

People often ask me how I can deal with this. There is a simple answer to this question. I couldn’t do this without my family and friends. When there are days I want to give up, someone is always there to pick me up. I will never be able to thank everyone enough for their support through all of this.

I found this quote that I believe sums up how I look at things. “You can either run from it or learn from it.” Rafikki-Lion King

Thanks again

Beth

The Race for Hope – DC presented by Cassidy Turley raises funds to support innovative research initiatives and support services for brain tumor patients and their families. This amazing event relies on the dedication and enthusiasm of individuals, families, teams, volunteers, sponsors and donors. Thank you for your support in helping us find a cure for brain tumors!

You can donate to this cause by using the link above or by clicking here.

Thank you Noise Nation! Thank you Ironpig Fans! Thank you Lehigh Valley!

I hear that question often of friendly former Scranton WB Yankee outfielder John Rodriguez. I will attach the videos that made John famous here in the Noise Nation and popular with Ironpig fans.

From research sent in by frequent reader “R.D”, we found that John Rodriguez is dancing in the outfield of Mexican League AAA Rojos del Aguila de Veracruz. Rojos I know is red and I googled Aguila to find eagles… so the Veracruz Red Eagles. Not a bad gig as playing in Mexico must have a lot nicer weather this time of the year than northeast Pennsylvania. The Noise Nation is actually crossing their fingers that the rain holds off on Sunday for the first road trip to a game at PNC Field in Moosic.

Rodriguez’s stats for the Red Eagles so far.
31 Games
114 At bats
20 Runs
26 Hits
9 2B
1 3B
4 HR
15 RBI
14 BB
2 SB
.228 average

Hope to see you back in the International League soon John!!

The Lehigh Valley has made a great effort and has come out in force to support the Ironpigs during the first homestand of the 2010 season.

Attendance to date for AAA Baseball (Top 10)
City – Average per game – Openings – Total Attendance
1. Sacramento – 8,226 – 7 – 57,584
2. Lehigh Valley – 8,010 – 8 – 64,086
3. Louisville – 7,992 – 7 – 55,950
4. Round Rock – 7,702 – 7 – 53,920
5. Salt Lake – 7,280 – 6 – 43,685
6. Columbus – 6,899 – 8 – 55,195
7. Pawtucket – 6,773 – 5 – 33,866
8. Buffalo – 6,675 – 6 – 40,053
9. Durham – 6,659 – 6 – 39,955
10. Fresno – 6,599 – 6 – 39,597

While Lehigh Valley is clearly ahead in overall attendance, a few of the other teams are riding high opening day crowds to temporarily boost their average. Keep in mind that Coca Cola Park only holds 10,000 fans while some can hold over 15,000.