A 4-3 week for Lehigh Valley and they enter the final weekend before the All Star break. They remain in first place of the Northern Division of the International League, 50-36 on the year, 3.5 games ahead of second place Pawtucket. With the all star break comes a break for the “Lehigh Valley Report”. Look for the next report July 20-21.
‘Pigs Leaders, Hitting: Brandon Moss is 8th in homers (14), 8th in OPS (.881)and 5th in Slg % (.518); Jeff Larish is tied for 8th in strikeouts (79); Delwyn Young is tied for 8th in strikeouts (79); Rich Thompson is 2nd in stolen bases (28)
Pitching: Ryan Feireabend is tied for 9th in wins (7), 3rd in homers allowed (17)and has the 6th worst ERA (5.59); Nate Bump has the 3rd worst ERA (6.22) and worst WHIP (1.62); Mike Zagurski is 7th in saves (10); Brian Bass is 5th in IP (98.1); Michael Schwimer is tied for the league lead with 7 holds.
THis week we take a look at Catcher, Outfield and Starting Pitching–Rich Thompson has hit in 7 of his last 10 games (.286) and is hitting .288 over his last 20 games. Continues to struggle against left handed pitching hovering at around .215.
Brandon Moss has hit safely in 10 of his last 13 games (.333) and is hitting .325 over his last 22 games with an OPS over 1.100. Moss is tied for 3rd in the IL with 10 outfield assists. Moss has become the ‘Pigs most consistent run producer.
Delwyn Young is hitting .318 over his last 7 games, including a game winning three run homer on Tuesday against Scranton. Young is still hitting under .200 with RISP and the ‘Pigs need more consistent production from him coming down the stretch.
Erik Kratz is hitting .300 over the last 31 games, has thrown out over 30% of perspective base stealers this year, and ‘Pigs pitchers are 36-21 with a 3.25 ERA when throwing to him. Possibly the team MVP at this stage.
Dane Sardinha continues to be bad at best going 1-24 (.042) in his last 8 games with Lehigh Valley and has thrown out just 21% of would be base stealers.
Brian Bass has gone at least 6 innings in each start since May 8th, and after really struggling at the beginning of the year, is now the ‘Pigs most consistent starter. In his last 11 starts, bass is 3-4 with a 3.15ERA.
Nate Bump had been awful prior to going on the DL several weeks ago, but came back with a very good start last Saturday against Rochester throwing five shutout innings. Still suffering from a pre injury ERA of well above six on the season.
Ryan Feireabend has won back to back starts and had possibly his best start of the year last Sunday against Rochester, throwing 7 innings, and allowing just 1 run on five hits. Over his last 12 starts, he is 7-3 with a 4.57 ERA. The opposition is hitting .339 against him with RISP, to go along with 8 homers.
Tim Redding has bordered on brutal his last two starts, starts in which he is 0-2 with a 8.00 ERA and an opposition OBP of .442. Prior to that he had two “quality starts” for Lehigh Valley. His ERA since joining the ‘Pigs is 5.57.
Ryan Edell was moved over to the bullpen in the short term as we approach the all star break with Vance Worley coming down to make a spot start. In his last two appearances, Edell has given up just 1 earned run in 8.2IP.
Notes: The ‘Pigs had back to back shutouts on 7/1 and 7/2, the second time in team history that occurred.
–Lehigh Valley is hitting just .185 in July after getting no hit against Rochester on Wednesday.
–The bullpen is now a combined 24-7 with a 2.62 ERA thru 86 games. They are striking out an average of 10.8 hitters/9.
–SS Brian Bocock has hit safely in 9 of his last 10 games (.364)
–RP Jason Grilli has allowed just 1 hit in 33 opposition at bats with RISP.
–In his last 27 games, RP Michael Schwimer is 4-0 with a 1.38 ERA, 6 saves, and is averaging 11.8K/9.
–Since Lehigh Valley’s last off day on June 15th, the roster has turned over 33% (8 of 24 players). The ‘Pigs are 9-11 during that time period.
Transactions: Starter Vance Worley was optioned back to Lehigh Valley after an outstanding start for the Phillies on Sunday. Worley will start Saturday against Rochester before rejoining the Phils to start against the Mets next weekend.
Outfielder John Mayberry was called up to Philadelphia to take Worley’s roster spot and to help fill in for the injured Shane Victorino.
Starting Pitcher Nate Bump was activated off of the DL last Saturday.
Probables: Thursday: Bump; Friday: Feireabend; Saturday: Worley; Sunday: Brummett.
Phuture Phillies 
Brandon Moss used to be a part of a group of five stellar Red Sox prospects. These were Hanley Ramirez, Jon Lester, Jonathon Papelbon, Moss and Anibal Sanchez. Could there still be some upside there?
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After trade to Pirates things unraveled for him for some reason. But who knows. He use to light up the International League back in ’06 and ’07. Him and Victorino, Red Barons, were neck and neck in production in ’06..
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Would love to see Brandon Moss start putting things together for the Phillies, but the odds are usually against that kind of thing occurring. For every Jose Bautista who finally ‘clicks’ in his late 20’s, there’s many others who just don’t ever pan out. Maybe Brandon Moss could be one of the few that does, but there just doesn’t seem to be any real improvements that he’s made to latch on to. You are more likely to see John Mayberry Jr. realize his potential than Brandon Moss, and Mayberry is pretty unlikely to match his potential either.
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It’s nice to see the Pigs put a decent 1st half together. I remember their first year when they had long, long losing streaks and yet the paid admission at the ballpark was exceptional. I’m glad the fans get to see a winner. I know! I know! Winning isn’t the goal of the minor leagues but I still like seeing winning scores and when I attend a game, I like to see them win.
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The team could sure use some extra OF . Raul in the outfield in a 14 run game isn’t good for him or the team. .319 with men in scoring position means Moss is gathering none. (I amuse myself).
Whenever they decide to correct the roster maybe Moss will be a second half guy.
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Comedy Central for you.
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Last night’s Phillies game brought home the message that the only reliable bullpen arms right now are Stutes and Bastardo. It would make sense to bring in Schwimer right about now in place of any of the other relievers. If De Fratus can pitch well a few more times, I would be in favor of giving him a shot also. You have to have more than 2 or even 3 (when Madson returns) reliable bullpen arms.
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