Darin Ruf |

First, please forgive me for getting a little personal but on Saturday night my daughter graduated High-School and I gotta tell ya it was a proud moment for this father! Consequently, I didn’t make it to the Velodrome but look forward to next week’s report from T-Town.

Following the festivities at Stabler Arena as usual I made my way to a Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ game at Coca-Cola Park. Honestly though, I didn’t actually see much from the field of play but I was at the Park – promise ya that.

What I did see (on TV) and hear from the ~~voice in my head~~ radio was that the IronPigs offense is simply on FIRE and the pitching is not too shabby either – and – the IronPigs reached .500 since the first time way back in April just two weeks into the season.

Cody Overbeck and Darin Ruf each went 3 for 5 – Cody had 3 RBI’s and Ruf 2. ~~Mini Mart~~ ‘Super Mart’ as The Voice so named him (Michael Martinez) went 3-for-4 and hit his 2nd dinger in 4 games! In my best “Madden Voice” – here’s a guy trying to make is way back to the bigs – boom! In all, the IronPigs tallied 14 hits including 5 doubles and are now hitting a collective .265 – good enough for 4th in the International League.

The IronPhillies are lucky at this point to have such problems!

We are witnessing the talent mature at this point in the season after what seemed a sometimes painful start. Recently I asked Josh Fields and Steven Lerud about the team “jelling” and playing some quality ball and they almost seemed offended I was even asking. Since then I understand why – they knew – this is a good team that can (and will) play some great, entertaining ball – it’s fun!

There is certainly some fine young talent here from the aforementioned Darin Ruf to Cody Asche and the list goes on. Combine that with the already existing talent from the likes of Josh ‘Okie’ Fields, Cody Overbeck, Pete Orr, along with Jermaine Mitchell and I would venture to say this is the most talented IronPigs team – ever. The Pigs have been producing runs at will and have won 7 of their last 9 since the 4 game losing streak in Rochester. Did I mention the IronPhillies are lucky to have such problems?

Both teams have been painful to watch at times – no doubt. However, lately they both have been on a surge, mostly thanks to the talent brewed in the Lehigh Valley ala ‘Downtown’ Domonic Brown, Freddy Galvis, César Hernández, Erik Kratz, etc, etc.

In fact, I count 15 out of the 25 man roster that have worn an IronPigs uniform in the last 2 years (not counting Utley and Howard’s rehab appearances). Is that good or bad? Only time will tell.

Speaking of ‘Kratzie,’ let’s hope he’s ok after hearing his knee pop while running to 1st, but Charlie Manuel was quoted as saying, “It’s not good, It doesn’t look good.” A shame for Kratzie really who was on an offensive (and defensive) tear. Hopefully, Erik will make his way back in short order! If by some chance he doesn’t, here’s a guy who has dreamt of wearing Philly pinstripes since a young boy and actually did it. How many people can say they fulfilled their childhood, life-long dream? Not many! Godspeed Kratzie!!

Bottom line is, say what you will Philly fans (and reporters) but barring anything outrageous (and anything is possible) – watch the future World Series Champions emerge. Mark it down! (so I’m an optimist)

Certainly looking forward to the report from Kram209 who was scouting The Reading Fightins this Saturday night where they split a pair with the Harrisburg Senators in a makeup doubleheader. Jesse Biddle completed the first game receiving the loss (1-0) by giving up a solo homer in the top of the 7th. Big Z – Carlos Zambrano tossed the 2nd game and came away with a win! How they lookin’ Kram?

Recently turned 32, 3x all-star, 3x Silver Slugger (yes he can hit), no hit pitcher, 100+ game winner, and 12 year Major Leaguer, Zambrano is certainly an interesting story. From the Gatorade beat down to scuffles with teammates and even missing the ~~bus~~ plane, Carlos has some great pitching and hitting history. This guy after threatening retirement many times just can’t stop playing baseball. Regardless of his anger issues this man is a true competitor and even if he never throws a pitch in the ‘bigs’ again there are a lot of young pitchers who can learn from ‘Z’. Jesse Biddle you listening? Compete like Carlos (without the anger issues) and win a Cy Young! Mark it Down! (optimism remember)

Back at Coca-Cola Park, the Red Robin Tiki Terrace was open after the game for the 2nd Saturday in a row with live music. If you haven’t taken the opportunity I urge you to do so. Not only are most (if not all) of the IronPigs’ ‘family’ out there, so are many of the players. Everyone is relaxed (especially after a win) and it’s a great chance to get some words with them – it’s fun!

I may say this often and perhaps a bit too much but GM Kurt Landes and the staff he has surrounded himself with are second to none – period. It’s certainly part of what keeps me coming back to every single game and what makes the IronPigs the number 1 draw in all of Minor League Baseball. Also, and I probably mentioned this before too but the new folks who have only joined us this year are simply wonderful. Every one of them I have met has been the utmost professional and has brought a new and fresh perspective to Coca-Cola Park and they deserve a well earned – Thank You!

As mentioned if you spend some time after the game at the Tiki Terrace you may be lucky enough to catch up with a player or 2 and I gotta say that I take advantage of it whenever I can – it’s fun!

Jermaine Mitchell (J-Mitch) was the first I ran into this past Saturday night. Here’s a guy who’s in his 8th year playing for his 6th different team. I figure he’s seen some stuff ya know? I’ve been curious to quiz a veteran player about this year’s coaching staff and J. Mitch was the perfect candidate.

I mentioned to J-Mitch about players perhaps receiving different viewpoints depending on if they are with the Phillies or the IronPigs and which particular coach they were getting advice from. Mitchell could not have given a better answer. He said and I paraphrase, “Listen, it doesn’t matter which coach tells you what. It is up to the player to make it happen.” True enough and I appreciate Mitchell’s honesty. Let’s be honest, I appreciate the opportunity to get a chance to talk with these guys now and again – it’s fun!

Oh right the game…

Important Note: Phillippe Aumont after some recent struggles went 1 and 2/3 innings and surrendered no hits, no runs, not a single walk and struck out 4! Keep it going Phillippe!

Please let The Voice of the IronPigs Radio Network Matt Provence tell you the rest cuz who better?