Last week Jeff Larish signed with the Orioles now Dane Sardinha moved into their organization.
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
Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Noise Nation-Dan
The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks are happy to announce that after a successful open tryout, four players have now signed contracts to join the Steelhawks camp roster. Headlining this group of signees is local Lehigh University alum John Kennedy III, DB. Also signed were QB Dennis Havrilla, C Chris Knechel, and FB/DE Gerard Bryant.
Kennedy was a defensive back and return specialist for Mountain Hawks. Throughout his career, he played in 45 games, and recorded 135 tackles. He led the team in all purpose yards in 2007 (1,087 yds), 2009 (794 yds), and was second on the team in 2008 (775 yds). Kennedy holds the record at Lehigh for the longest kick return, 92 yds (2009). He was selected to the All-Patriot League 1st team as a defensive back (2009 & 2010), and to the 2nd team as a return specialist (2007 and 2009).
Havrilla is an experienced IFL quarterback, playing for the Bricktown Brawlers and Arizona Adrenaline in 2011. While playing in five games with the Adrenaline, he threw for 461 yards and five touchdowns.
Knechel is an offensive lineman that also has previous experience in the IFL, playing for the Reading Express.
Bryant was a defensive leader while playing at St. Lawrence University. He led the team in tackles in 2008 (97 tackles), 2009 (92 tackles), was 2nd on the team in 2007 (47.5 tackles), and had another 39 tackles in 2006. In his career, Bryant tallied 56 tackles for a loss.
These last four additions to the Steelhawk camp roster help to finalize a solid roster entering the 2012 season. The Steelhawks have a camp roster of 40 young men, but will be narrowing the roster to 25 for the season.
Filed under Steel Hawks
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.
Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Noise Nation-Dan
The Steelhawks have done it again!
The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks are proud to have landed veteran QB Dixie Wooten to their 2012 training camp roster. The Steelhawks acquired Wooten’s rights from the IFL’s Nebraska Danger.
Wooten, a 6’3 quarterback had another stellar year with the Danger last season. He passed for 1,937 yards and 36 tds, accumulating a 95.7 qb rating. Wooten is a perennial IFL MVP candidate and a great veteran leader who brings a lot of experience to the squad. He was selected as the IFL’s Man of the Year in 2010, an award that recognizes players not only for their success on the field, but also for their contributions off the field and in their communities. The teams new Gunslinger played his collegiate ball at the University of Texas-El Paso. The Steelhawks are excited to have a player with his abilities and character in the Lehigh Valley.
“We are extremely excited to sign Dixie and bring him here to the Lehigh Valley area,” stated Head Coach Chris Thompson. “He not only will be a great role model for our community but is also a seasoned vet when it comes to the IFL style of football. This is another reason that our fans, performance partners, season ticket holders, and LV noise nation have something to be excited about for this upcoming 2012 season.”
Filed under Noise Nation-Dan, Steel Hawks
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?
Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Noise Nation-Dan
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.
Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Noise Nation-Dan
2012 Steelhawks Training camp roster is at 40. 12 Steelhawks return from last years team and Camp Starts Monday, February 6th!! Official Practice facility will be Iron Lakes Sports on Shankweiler Road in Allentown. Stay tuned for more information…
Filed under Steel Hawks, Steelhawks Head Coach
Chances are you’ve had a Reuben or a Rachel sandwich but today a new sandwich delight is revealed!
The “Dan-Wich”, a creation of the Black Forrest Deli in Bethlehem has made its debut today!
Cheese, Bacon, Tomato... 3 layers of gooey goodness!
Triple decker Grilled Cheese Sammich with gooey cheese and crispy bacon – maybe some tomatoes, I love onions on my grilled cheese too! Yum…
The Black Forrest Deli suggests this to be paired with their homemade soups made fresh every day. Chicken noodle, split pea or their classic Famous Borsch!
If you want more of the Russian experience they also hold a reservation only Russian feast on Thursday evenings!
My suggestion is to try out that Dan-wich! Can’t make it out? They deliver!
Black Forrest Deli
745 W Union blvd & 7th ave
Bethlehem, PA
610-865-3036
Follow the Black Forrest Deli on Facebook and Twitter!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/79394292806/#!/BFDBethlehem?sk=info
@BlackForrestDeli
OinK!
Filed under Noise Nation-Dan
From the Steelhawks:
The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks have added another big name to start off 2012. In a deal with the Reading Express, the Steelhawks acquired 2nd team All-IFL OL Chris Nunn. The Steelhawks gave up “Future Considerations” in return.
Nunn, a 6’9 365lb offensive lineman is a seasoned veteran of arena football. He has over 5 years experience, the last four of which were spent at Reading. Nunn was named to the All-IFL 2nd team in 2011, and is a great addition to what should be a stalwart Steelhawk offensive line.
Coach Thompson has had the opportunity to coach Nunn in the past and is happy about the recent transaction. “I am extremely excited to welcome another familiar face and arena veteran to the Steelhawks Nation. We are trying to build a great program here in the Lehigh Valley area and you can’t find a better guy to help be a part of that process. He is a proven winner and playmaker and our fans will enjoy watching him and getting to know him as well. This is another great day for the Steelhawks.”
Filed under Noise Nation-Dan, Steel Hawks
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/
Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Noise Nation-Dan
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