Tag Archives: Phillies

January 21, 2014 · 7:40 pm

Snowblind: Phillies Ink Abreu to Minor League Deal

“Snowblind, can’t live without you
So fine I just can’t get away
Won’t you throw me a lifeline
I’m going down for the third time
I’m snowblind, and I can’t get away” 

–Styx

———-

As I pulled out of the garage to head out to work this morning, I pressed the button on my dashboard to link my phone and my car via Bluetooth.  Then I activated my audio system.  Before I had the chance to press more buttons, my iPhone picked a random song from among 1,200.  You guessed it:  Snowblind.  Perfect for a day so blizzard-y that they had to postpone the Reading Phillies Banquet.

———–

News dropped this evening that Bobby Abreu–yes, THAT Bobby Abreu–had signed a minor league deal with the Phillies.  It wasn’t a complete surprise to me.  It had been rumored that the Phils were in search of a left-handed bat for the bench.  I had been reading Tweets every morning from Jay Floyd (Phoulballz.com) detailing the exploits of Phillies prospects and related players currently playing in the Dominican, Venezuelan, and Mexican Winter Leagues.  He had been Tweeting Bobby Abreu stats and the cat has been raking.  For a while, he was hitting in the .400 to .500 range–now .322 over 180 AB.  He’s getting on base at a .416 clip, with a .877 OPS.

Our old friend Reuben has taken his fare share of abuse over the past few hours for this signing, but it does make sense.  The Phillies bench likely consists of five guys, right?

  1. Back-Up Catcher: (Nieves)
  2. Back-Up Infielder (who can play SS): (Galvis or Cedeno)
  3. Right-Handed Bat: (Mayberry or maybe Ruf)
  4. Left-Handed Bat: (open)
  5. Man 25: Frandsen

So you see, there’s a spot.  Abreu can likely supply the pop off the bench the Phillies want from a lefty–at minimum wage.  He won’t get much time in the field, but might be able to back up Byrd or Brown if necessary.  It seems like a win-win.  Reminds me of the Thome deal from two years ago.  If Abreu flames out, someone from the IronPigs should be ready to fill in or get a shot.

Is there a chance Abreu plays for the IronPigs?  Not likely.  At first I thought perhaps there was a scenario where that might happen, but as I look at the rosters now, I doubt it.  In the mix for OF at LHV:  Gillies, Castro, Sappelt, Gwynn Jr., Thomas, Ruf, Hernandez.  That’s seven dudes for 4-5 spots.  And I’m not even counting Hewitt or Collier, who will have to earn spots in Reading with the arrival of young bucks Altherr, Perkins and Dugan.

As with a lot of these Phillies signings, I say, “The more, the merrier.”  More veterans for Philadelphia means more talent for the IronPigs.

——–

The Phillies also signed swing-man RHP Chad Gaudin who pitched in 30 games with 12 starts last year for San Francisco.  He sported a 3.06 ERA.  It’s a minor league deal, but I fully expect he’ll be with the big team as the long-man to start–filling in first in the case of injury given the starting rotation of Hamels-Lee-Kendrick-Hernandez-Pettibone.  Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez is the wild card in this scenario.  He could start in the minors, or injured, or push Pettibone back to the IronPigs to start the season.  Gaudin’s had some trouble with the law which may have impacted his value on the free-agent market.  From an IronPigs perspective, this should provide the opportunity for another quality arm in the IronPigs bull-pen.

See you in the snow,

@Kram209

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March 22, 2013 · 10:15 pm

IronPigs Roster Coming Into Focus

The Phillies made a couple of roster moves today that brought us one step closer to the IronPigs opening day roster.  But before we get into that, lets review some of the baseball happenings of the day:

  1. Jesse Biddle battled R A Dickey in the AAA game.  Delmon Young (yeah, him; first action) and Cody Overbeck homered.  
  2. Jiwan James, projected to be back at Reading, had his knee scoped yesterday.  That’ll put him on the  shelf for a while and open a spot in Reading for another OF for opening day. (Susdorf? DMitch? Castro? Valle???)
  3. Sebastian Valle started in the AA game.  In LEFT FIELD.  Another clue that he’ll start in Reading.  Left field in Allentown is occupied (wait for it).
  4. Adam Morgan pitched well for the Big Phils.  The young lefty looked a bit pumped–perhaps over-throwing at times.  However, his off-speed stuff looked great.  He got several strikeouts and left with the lead.

So let’s get to the moves:

  1. Outfielders Darrin Ruf and Jermaine Mitchell re-assigned to minor league camp.  
  2. Rodrigo Lopez was released.

What this means for the IronPigs’ roster:

  1. Pencil in Ruf and JMitch for two opening-day OF spots:  Left and, presumably, Right (Gillies in CF).
  2. One less arm in the Starters’ pool.  I’ve got Cloyd or Cochran starting against Reading, with Pettibone as the opening day guy.  Followed by Martin, Cook, and the other of Cloyd or Cochran in some order.  Then, pick one from Morgan, Bass, Miner, JRod…

But questions remain.  There are many, but these are mine on this fine Friday evening:

  1. Could Morgan start with the IronPigs?
  2. Could Asche?
  3. What happens to Josh Fields?
  4. Who could open on the DL?  Rosenberg?
  5. Is there a trade still to be made?  Will it involve Cloyd or Valle?  Will it be for Inciarte so that he can go to AA?
  6. Will there be any surprise additions?
  7. Like many, I’m assuming Galvis to Philly.  But, we’ll find out soon with Betancourt’s early opt-out this weekend.

Yours in baseball,

@Kram209

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March 21, 2013 · 12:55 pm

Why Do You Go To The Park?

The IronPigs come up in conversation a lot when you’re around me.  The conversation often goes something like this one I had last Friday:

Me:  “I really like going to the IronPigs games.”

Guy: “Oh, yeah, me too; I have season tickets.”

Me:  “Cool!  I do too.  What section are you in?”

Guy: “118; I have a 9-game plan.  What plan do you have?”

Me: “72 games”

Guy: “Wow.  That’s a lot of games.  How many do you actually go to?”

Me: “It’s more and more all the time.  With 80 games last year I probably got to 60 of them.”

Guy: “That’s a lot!  How can you go to so many?”

Me: “Well, I find it relaxing…”

____________________________________

On Friday, February 13, 2004 I got a headache.  How can I remember that?  Well, because that same headache lasted until May 15 of that year.  It never went away.  I saw a slew of doctors and had a slew of tests.  No relief.  What happened on May 15, that made it go away?  Well, it was the first day of my vacation…

…

…

For the past four weeks or so I’ve had the headache back.  It’s not as bad or as constant as that first one was.  Advil seems to help it.  Also, whiskey.  That’s how I got through that SteelHawks game the other day.  I don’t have any vacations planned, and if I’m indeed stressed out to the point of constant headaches, then I probably need to chill.  “Chillax,” as my son tells me.  It reminded me of the above conversation and just why I go to so many baseball games every year.  I decided to break it down further:

Graph

OK, so let me explain, starting  with the smallest reasons:

6% Being Outside:  It’s cool to hang out outdoors, you know?  I’m in an office all day and inside all winter and I just want to get out.  It’s not so cool in April (Sorry, it’s very cool.  Perhaps too much so.  Bring the sun, man!) or when it’s crazy hot sometimes, but it’s still a reason that I enjoy the park.  I’ll still enjoy the new arena, but it won’t have quite the same appeal.

9% AAA Talent Level:  Would I be so inclined to have season tickets if we traded teams with Lakewood?  A little less.  Like 9%.  A lot of the other things would still be cool, but the overall quality of the game play is better, and I enjoy watching the talent one step from The Show.  I could tell a difference with hockey, too, from ECHL Reading vs. AHL Wilkes-Barre last year.  Also, when friends visit from Reading, they always say, “Wow, we can tell these guys are better.”

13% Phillies Connection:  How would you feel if we got the AAA Brewers instead?  Right.  A little less.  I’m not the biggest Phillies fan, either, but it is cool to have the home club just down the road in Philadelphia where we can go see our old friends like Domonic Brown continue on their careers–rather than watching via television.  And, it’s cool for some of the local folk who love the Phillies to have that connection; it adds to the atmosphere even for someone like me who doesn’t live and die with the Phillies.

16% Beer:  Don’t judge.  It helps me relax.  I did OK at the SteelHawks without it, but I would have been more relaxed with a nice cup of beer in my hand.

19% The People:  Not just the friends, but also the ushers and parking guys and the nice lady at the concession and all that.  It does keep me coming back, and it is more important than beer.  By a little.

37% The Park:  The beat writer from the Scranton newspaper wrote an article yesterday about the return of Minor League baseball to Northeastern Pennsylvania.  In it he threw in the line, “PNC is arguably the nicest Minor League park in the country.”

Really?  Really?  It’s basically a copy of Coca Cola Park, with a smaller club level and no Tiki Bar and certainly no “Hot Corner” or seats on top of walls and less people and fewer suites and no dug-out suites and….

Well, you get the point.  They have a nicer view and free parking.  I bought tickets and I’ll go see for myself.  But our park is a gem.  I love going there.  There’s a reason we’re the first to host both the AAA All-Star Game and the AAA National Championship.  It’s not just the fan support (although that’s a part of it) or the organization (also a part), it’s the facility itself.  We shouldn’t take it for granted.

___________________________

Now, if we can just get some nicer weather and some ball games, maybe I  can get rid of this damn headache.

See you at the park,

@Kram209

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March 17, 2013 · 12:24 am

Greetings From Clearwater

Frequent NoiseNation photographer extraordinaire Cheryl Pursell recently returned from a trip to Clearwater, Florida.  She filed a report (and some photos) from Spring Training:

Cheryl reports that Galvis and Frandsen should make the Phillies as reserve infielders at the expense of Yunesky Betancourt, who has an opt-out on March 24:  “I don’t see Betancourt making the Phillies, unless of course they do what they did last year, give the job to the guy who will walk (Pierre instead of Podsednik).”

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Cheryl confirms what we’ve all seen of Domonic Brown:  He’s been playing very well.  She has him in Right Field to start the season, with Nix or Mayberry in Left, and Ruf on the IronPigs.  She feels the IronPigs should have good pitching, both starters and relievers despite the fact that the Phillies’ starters didn’t always impress during her stay.

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Cheryl also met up with one of our old friends, Rich Thompson.  Here’s what she said:  “I had Rich Thompson sign my jersey.  I told him everyone from [NoiseNation] was asking about him & wanted to know how he was doing—he said to say “great” & that he doesn’t tweet much because he doesn’t have access to a computer, nor does he own a smart phone.  I told him, I too have a “dumb” phone.  He laughed & sends his regards.”

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Thanks again to Cheryl for the report and the photos!

Let’s Go Pigs!

@Kram209

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March 7, 2013 · 12:50 pm

Checking the Weather

While we’re thankful here in Kram’s Korner that we didn’t just get 10 inches of snow, fact is, it’s not baseball weather yet.  Mother Nature’s not ready.  In fact, she’s not provided Clearwater, Florida with a ton of nice weather, either.  That’s where our guys are battling for jobs to see who breaks camp with the AAA IronPigs.  Here’s a roster update on which way the wind is blowing right now–what I’m hearing and what to watch for:

 

Catcher:

Young Tommy Joseph is impressing all around.  He’s hitting the ball, calling good games for the MLB pitchers, and throwing guys out.  Right now, I have him as a lock to break camp with the IronPigs.  Get ready to chant: TOE!  JOE!  TOE!  JOE!

As for the other, who knows?  Valle could go back to Reading or back up Tommy, or he could be on the DL as he battles a broken finger.  Or he could get traded.  He’s with the Mexican WBC team right now, so we’ll see what happens when he gets back, as well as who gets sent to minor league camp first.  It is assumed that Humberto Quintero–older and more experienced–will back up Kratz in Philadelphia.  Remember that Lerud had MLB time last year as well.  Also recall, the IronPigs started with three catchers last year.  Cameron Rupp should be “the guy” in Reading, as he’s been getting some time in MLB camp too, of late.   Finally, there was a rumor that the Phillies were scanning the market for another veteran back-up type.  Don’t be surprised to see a last minute addition to this derby.

 

Infield:

It looks like it’s coming down to three guys for two back-up spots in Philly:  Frandsen, Galvis, and Betancourt.  Yuni has a 3/24 out clause, so the Phillies will have to make a decision by then if they want to keep him.  Given that kind of clause, I really doubt he’ll accept an assignment to Lehigh Valley; he’ll have a whole week to hook on with another MLB team who needs a shortstop (St Louis?).  But, if they keep him, they could option Galvis to the IronPigs to play every day.  This is what I’m hoping for, but I’m not holding my breath.  Charlie Manuel has already counted up all the at-bats he can give Galvis, and he’s got him at 3B now, too, to boot (poor choice of words..).  You can count on Michael Martinez and Pete Orr for the IronPigs at this juncture.

Josh Fields has been getting time at 1B with the big club thus far.  I think this is because Michael Young is the starter at 3B, Kevin Frandsen (or, Galvis) is the backup, and they want a long look at young Cody Asche.  While I still kind of expect to see Fields at 3B with the ‘Pigs, Ache has–like Joseph–been impressing on both sides of the ball.  I didn’t think they’d start him at LHV, but it is possible.  I wonder if another Cody–Overbeck–could be the odd guy out.  Or, perhaps, Fields gets the DH.  Let’s see what the minor league camp looks like when they start playing games.

 

Outfield:

Dom Brown has a strangle-hold on one corner spot, and Delmon Young will definitely start the season on the DL.  In fact, they’re saying Young could be ready mid-April or so.  I wonder, if the weather’s warm enough, if he’ll get a rehab assignment in Allentown during the Bison series April 19-22?

But I digress.  Mayberry and Nix should hold down the other corner outfield spot, leaving Darrin Ruf to battle Rule 5 guy Ender Inciarte for the last spot.  Young Ender has impressed me as I’ve watched him in the MLB spring training games.  He’s been patient at the plate, stolen a couple bases, and played an energetic CF as Ben Revere’s backup.  If they want to keep him, he has to stay on the 25-man.  Plus, Ruf’s not done well at the plate or in LF.  Right now, I think Ruf comes to Allentown as they delay the decision on Inciarte.  They can offer him back at any time, and it gives them a chance to see if Tyson Gillies (currently playing for Canada in the WBC) can arrive in Allentown healthy and ready to play.

 

Pitchers:

I haven’t heard much in the wind about the spots.  Predictions kind of remain the same.  The only note is young lefty Adam Morgan.  I had him slotted to start the season in Reading, and come up mid-season with Asche and perhaps Joseph.  Like the two former, he’s been impressing and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him break with the ‘Pigs.  I’m not predicting it; it just wouldn’t blow me away.

 

So that’s what I’m hearing in the wind.  I’ve also heard that some exciting announcements are forthcoming from the IronPigs about new additions to Coca Cola Park.  Mr. Landes wasn’t kidding on Pig Day when he said he had other secrets.  Please stay tuned, and we’ll keep you informed right here at the Horn and Bell.

@Kram209 (Twitter)

PS: Go SteelHawks!

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March 5, 2013 · 1:20 pm

222 Game Officially Announced; Season Tickets Clarified

Several folks have asked me in the past week or two if there will be a “Route 222 Challenge” or “222 Showcase” game this year with Reading.  Indeed there will be; it is on the magnet schedule from last year and everything–but it was made official today by the IronPigs.

 

It will be hosted by the IronPigs this year, at 6:35PM on Tuesday April 2.  Tickets are available now for $6.00.  All seating for the game is General Admission, with only the lower bowl open.  I do believe suite holders have access to their suites as well, but club level amenities are limited.  If it is consistent with the past, all ticket proceeds will benefit either IronPigs Charities or another charity.  Concessions will be open, but may be somewhat limited compared with a regular season game (some of the carts and sands may not be running, but main concessions will.)  In the past, full season ticket holders received tickets complimentary.  Indeed mine have been loaded into my account already.  I believe I will need to have the tickets printed when I pick up my ticket cards, as they are listed as “in will call” instead of “card created” on my account.

A bunch of us from the NoiseNation made the trip to Reading last year for the game.  The weather was nice and the attendance was good.  In the past, turn out at Coca Cola Park for this game has been lacking.  Granted, the weather has been poor, but I’d really like to see us, as a fan base, support this game better.  It is an excellent opportunity to preview our team, as well as get a sneak peak at some of the talented prospects who will be in Reading this season.  Rosters have not been set, yet, of course.  But, I expect that many of the players we see on Tuesday April 2 in Reading Phillies uniforms will turn up in IronPigs–or even Philadelphia–uniforms before the end of the 2013 baseball season.  

Why to they play this game?  Well, it’s a nice dress rehearsal for the staff and crew of the stadium.  It’s also a nice chance for the players to adapt to playing under the lights–and in the cold–compared with the mid-day sun of Florida spring training games.  Plus, it raises a little money for charity along the way.  All in all, I love it and I’m glad they do it.  I love getting  a look at the Reading players, but I wouldn’t mind another Phillies exhibition again one of these years.  Perhaps they’ll consider it for the 10th anniversary?

 

A more official season ticket announcement was made this morning as well, clear confusion about the pick up schedule.  As I said previously, Full, 36-game, and 18-game packages will be available Monday March 11.  9-game packs will be available Thursday March 14.  This clearing up the confusion stemming from an email dated February 22, which stated that season ticket packages would be available March 5, and a tweet from yesterday which stated that the 9-game plans would be available March 12.  I know, I know.  It’s probably just me.  I’m like a kid at Christmas.  I know many folks who won’t bother picking them up until opening night.

 

Soon, I’ll see you at the park,

@KRAM209

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February 17, 2013 · 3:20 pm

Pitchers: Starting Rotation

Part 4 of my “Predicting the IronPigs Roster” series of futility.  Today we look at the candidates for the Starting Rotation:

The Candidates:

“Young Bucks”

Tyler Cloyd

Jonathan Pettibone

Ethan Martin

Adam Morgan

“Old Friends”

Austin Hyatt

Tom Cochran

Brian Bass

Rodrigo Lopez

BJ Rosenberg

“New Friends”

Aaron Cook

Zach Miner

Discussion:

So I’ve got 10 guys for 5 spots.  I don’t want to try to do a “scouting report” on each, but as I make my “bold prediction” below, I’m going to make some assumptions based on what I know of these guys through having seen them or from reading about them.  In Philly, we’ve got Halladay, Hamels, Lee, Lannan, and Kendrick.  There are only a couple of spots available in the pen, so we may not see a long-man/6th starter on staff as we did with Kendrick the past couple years.  If the Phils need a starter, he’ll likely come from the ‘Pigs.  Who it is might depend on the time of year (earlier=vet, later=young guy), who’s pitching well at the moment, and whose “turn” it is in the rotation.  For this reason, I’ll expect one or two of the above to start in the ‘Pigs’ pen and slide into the rotation when/if a starter needs to go up.  If the Phils want a “long-guy/#6” then one of the above could earn that spot.  Speculation across the interwebs is that Cook or Pettibone could be that guy.  Cloyd has been mentioned as a possible trade piece. Early season, before the pitchers are completely stretched out, and entering the cold northern April, starters may “pair” to cover 9 innings rather than a traditional starter/reliever relationship.

Bold Prediction:

Young guys get the priority:  1. Cloyd (if not traded) 2. Pettibone 3. Martin.  Martin has nothing left to prove at AA, and as long as his control doesn’t leave him, he’ll be with us.  Morgan will start in Reading; we’ll see him pretty quickly I’d think.  Lopez and Cook get my #4 and #5 spots as the veteran guys who need to stay stretched out in order to step in early should the Phillies need them.  That gives me a rotation of all RHPs.  No matter; I’ll keep Cochran in the pen and Morgan’s on the way at some point during the season.  Then, Miner’s a reclamation project and may need to find work in the pen first or may wash out.  I always liked Bass, but if everyone’s healthy he may find himself in a numbers game a la Bump and Feirabend last spring.

Kram’s Keys (what to watch for in spring training):

1. Health:  It’s always first.  Monitor the health of the Phillies’ five starters, as well as the players above

2. Starting/Relieving:  Watch for some of the above guys who might get work out of the pen versus starting.  In particular here, Cochran and Rosenberg.  Don’t read too much, early, though; guys need to get work and innings need to be pitched.  Plus, nobody’s stretched out yet.

3. Camp:  Watch for guys to get sent from MLB camp to minor league camp.  That could be a sign that the player is on the way to LHV rather than having a shot at an MLB job.

 

Side note:  The Phillies signed LHP Corey Young who was released by the Texas organization.  He pitched at AA last year.  He’s a reliever with a delivery similar to Diekman, except without the speed.  If he’s not ready for AAA, and  Texas didn’t have room for him at A+ or AA, then that would be why he was released.  He’ll likely be in Clearwater or Reading and shouldn’t impact the IronPigs’ roster at all.

 

@Kram209

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February 15, 2013 · 4:41 pm

Corner Infield and Catcher

As I continue my wild speculation about the IronPigs roster candidates, changes continue in Spring Training in Clearwater.  No matter.  I’ll speculate anyway and update in the comments.  You do the same, won’t you?

Corner Infield

Candidates:

Cody Overbeck, Josh Fields, Cody Asche

Backups:

Pete Orr, Michael Martinez, Darrin Ruf, John Suomi

Prediction/Discussion:  It really looks like Overbeck back at 1B and Fields at 3B with backups to come from the other positions.  Pete Orr and Michael Martinez can both play 3B.  If Darrin Ruf and/or John Suomi are on the ‘Pigs they can back up 1B.  All signs point to Asche starting in Reading, with a “before the break” call to Allentown.  He’s in MLB camp, though, so you never know.  With the big club, Mayberry backs up 1B, while Frandsen backs up 3B (for Ryan Howard and Michael Young, respectively).

I was a bit disappointed with Overbeck’s production at the plate last year; I was really hoping for more power.   I like him, though, and here’s hoping for a return of the power stroke for him in 2013.  True, his 14 HR were one more than our new 3B, but consider that Cody hit 24 in each of his previous two seasons.

Josh Fields hit .322 with 13 HR for the Isotopes in the PCL over 133 games last year.  In 2010 he hit .365 with 11 HR in 50 games with the SkySox, again PCL.  He played in Japan somewhere through there, too.  I’m always nervous about these PCL guys.  He has played in the IL before:  2006 .305, 2007 .283, 2008 .246, 2009 .265.  All with Charlotte.  All with decent power numbers (all things considered).  He seems like a good guy, and hopefully a break from the adventures that we’ve had with 3B over the years.  It seems like that position is our “Spinal Tap Drummer.”  With Asche sure to follow, we should expect good production from 3B all season.

Kram’s Keys:

As far as health, make sure M. Young stays healthy playing 3B every day (he hit DH a ton last season).  Watch for the number of at-bats Cody Asche gets with the big club, and when/if he’s shipped of to MiLB camp, to see if he has a chance to push for AAA.

Catcher

Candidates:

“The Prospects”

Sebastian Valle, Tommy Joseph, Cameron Rupp

“The Old Guys”

John Suomi, Erik “Holy” Kratz, Humberto Quintero

“Oh, Yeah, Him”

Steve Lerud

Discussion:  It’s been said by the Phillies’  brass that Valle, Joseph, Rupp and Lerud are the four guys for AA and AAA, and it’s up to them to play their way into position. I don’t think Rupp is a candidate to skip Reading, and despite his MiLB contract, all expect Quintero to open as Kratz’ backup in Philly whilst Chooch serves his 25-game penance.  What happens after that is up in the air.  Depends how they play and who’s healthy I guess.  It does appear that Erik Kratz has an option left, but I would expect they’d want either Valle or ToJo (or both) to get the majority of at-bats in Allentown.  A trade could happen, which I’d guess would send Valle on his way.  An injury to EK or HQ would likely send Lerud back to the Phillies (he was up there for a bit last year).

Bold Prediction:

Kratz and Quintero to Philly; Valle and Lerud to Allentown; ToJo and Rupp to Reading.  Suomi finds a spot in Allentown as a backup 1B/3rd catcher, or pulls his Velandia, or stays in Clearwater for a time to help with extended Spring Training.  Tommy Joseph to the IronPigs on the Asche schedule.

Kram’s Keys:

As with all, injuries are first.  Second, watch Valle and Joseph to see who gets more time with the big club–and who gets sent down to MiLB camp first–as a clue for who has the inside track for LHV.  Suomi’s not in MLB camp, but watch for his arrival in MiLB camp and monitor his work-group assignment.

Have at it,

@Kram209

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February 12, 2013 · 3:04 pm

Outfield

Predicting the IronPigs roster is difficult enough, but the Phillies keep inviting guys to Clearwater.  It’s an exercise in futility, I know.  But, I like it anyway.  Let’s narrow our focus a bit and make some bold predictions.  Today:  Outfield

The pool:

“The Jeffersons (We’re A-Movin’ On Up)”

Tyson Gillies

Leandro Castro

Jiwan James

“Old Friends”

Domonic Brown

Derrick Mitchell

Steve Susdorf

“Eastward Bound”

Joe Mather

Jermaine Mitchell

“We Hardly (read: Never) Knew Ye”

Darrin Ruf

Discussion:

From the nine candidates above, I’ll put five with the IronPigs.  The Phillies probably need five as well, and they’ll start with Revere, D.Young, Mayberry, and Nix.  That leaves one spot.  It’s sink or swim time for Domonic Brown.  I listed him above because he does have an option year left.  I think the scenario where he starts the year with the IronPigs is extremely unlikely.  It’s probably even more likely that he’d be traded than that.  So let’s put him with Philly.

Delmon Young may need to start the year on the DL.  If he does, it opens another spot in the Phillies outfield or on the bench.  I’d think Ruf has the inside track on that unless one of the “Eastward Bound” has a great spring.  Joe Mather spent last year with the Cubs where he hit a blistering .209.  In 2011 he spent time with Gwinnett (note Brundage connection) and Colorado Springs where he predictably did better in the PCL vs. the IL.  He bats right-handed.  Jermaine Mitchell comes from the A’s, where I believe he had some injury trouble last year.  In 2011 is PCL numbers were very good, though.  He’s a Lefty and primarily a center fielder.

I don’t think Jiwan James is ready for AAA.  The converted pitcher is a good enough outfielder, but I’m not sure he did enough at the plate in Reading to be considered for AAA to start the season.  Similarly, with Castro, while he may have earned the promotion, I’ll start him with Reading based on the roster squeeze.  Derrick Mitchell and Susdorf could also get squeezed to Reading in certain scenarios.

Bold Predictions:

Out of nine, two to Philly:  Brown and Ruf (with D.Young to the D.L.).  Two to Reading: James, Castro

Five to LHV: Gillies, Mather, J. Mitchell, Susdorf, D.Mitchell

Kram’s Keys: (What to watch for during Spring Training to see if I’m on track with my predictions):

1. Health.  It’s always first, but here we need to know if Delmon is recovered from offseason surgery and if he’s managed to avoid the food truck.  We also need to know if Tyson Gillies can make it through S/T unscathed.

2. Fielding.  We pretty much know their spots in the outfield, but it will be interesting to see if guys get time in unexpected positions.  Also, if Delmon’s on the field, watch to see how he does fielding the ball (he was a DH for much of last season).  This goes for Darrin Ruf as well, to see if the Phillies think he can contribute as an adequate Left Fielder defensively.

@Kram209

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February 10, 2013 · 12:25 pm

Middle Infield

Predicting the IronPigs roster is difficult enough, but the Phillies keep inviting guys to Clearwater.  It’s an excercise in futility, I know.  But, I like it anyway.  Let’s narrow our focus a bit and make some bold predictions.  Today:  Middle Infield

Yesterday, Decal posted some interesting info about contracts and opt-outs which he got from Todd Zolecki from Philadelphia.  I urge those interested to go back and read that information in the comments section of the “odds and ends” post.  Usually, I don’t get worried about opt-outs and the like until after the season starts.  Guys are playing well and I want them to stick around, so I get worried they’ll opt-out.  Sometimes I refer to it as a “Dewayne Wise.”   Recently, though, it seems a few NRI (non-roster invite) guys have come into Spring Training with immediate opt-outs if they don’t make the team out of  camp.  The interesting one this year, from Decal’s comment/re-post, is Yuni Betancourt.  As the Phillies make a decision about what to do with Yuni, the ripples will be felt all the way down the system for the initial rosters.

Here’s our pool:

“Old Friends”

Pete Orr

Andres Blanco

Michael Martinez

“Prospects”

Cesar Hernandez

Freddy Galvis

“Vets”

Yuni Betancourt

Matt Tolbert

Not included, are the big boys:  Rollins and Utley.  If they’re healthy, they’ll have their traditional spots in Philadelphia, of course.  Kevin Frandsen isn’t included in my pool, either.  He’s on the 40-man and if something happens where he or the Phillies are unhappy, I see him going elsewhere.  Otherwise, he can back up every infield position and hit doubles.  He won’t be on the ‘Pigs.

So if I’ve got to make a prediction on February 10, here it is:

Of the above seven players, I see one in Philadelphia and four with the IronPigs.

Jimmy and Chase are healthy.  Charlie likes vets, so Yuni gets a job to start the season in Philadelphia.

Joe Jordan’s comments lead me to believe that I’m not the only one who wants to see Freddy start at AAA and play every day to begin the season (it’ll change fast, and he’ll be up sooner rather than later).  Pete Orr can play third, so they keep him around.  Blanco will be the AAA shortstop once Galvis receives the inevitable call-up, and Tolbert is a vet with experience who can help fill 2B should Utley go down for an extended period.  That leaves Hernandez and Martinez.  Cesar gets pushed back to Reading to start the season.  It’s temporary and I know he has nothing to prove at that level, but he gets caught in the opening-day numbers game.  Martinez does too–doesn’t handle it as well and gets cut just before opening day.

So that’s my take on it at this moment.  What say you, Pig Nation?  I know I had to make a lot of assumptions in my prediction, and we all know how that works out.  So leave your own in the comments below.  Thanks for dropping by,

@Kram209

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