Lehigh Valley went 3-3 this week, and are returning home with a record of 5-8, in 5th place in the Northern Division of the International League. Lehigh Valley actually has no one among the league leaders in any hitting category, not an easy feat. I have a bit more to say looking at the pitching categories. Justin Lehr is 10th in ERA (1.59) and 10th in WHIP (0.88); Gary Majewski is tied for 3rd in saves (2); Carlos Carrasco is 2nd in the league in innings (19), is third in strikeouts (20), and is 4th in WHIP (0.79). In a troubling category, Drew Carpenter is tied for 2nd in homers allowed (4).
Week in Review–4/20/09–The ‘Pigs ended their four game series with a shutout loss in Pawtucket, 2-0, leaving there with a split. Lehigh Valley was unable to do much of anything against starter Michael Bowden, their lone threat coming after a Mike Cervenak double. Kyle Kendrick (1-1) started for Lehigh Valley and gave up two early runs in the first inning on a Paul McNulty homer and then settled in. Kendrick left after 4 innings, yielding two runs on five hits. He walked two and struck out three, however ran many deep counts. He threw 88 pitches, 49 for strikes.
4/21/09–Another very strong outing by Carlos Carrasco(0-1) was wasted as Lehigh Valley left 10 runners on base in their 3-1 loss to Syracuse on Tuesday. The lone Pig run came on an RBI double by Mike Cervenak in the 6th inning, which gave LehighValley a 3-1 lead at the time. The Chiefs came back with a three spot in the 7th, which could not be overcome. Carrasco was completely overpowering until the 7th. He left having pitched 7 innings, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits. He walked one and struck out 10, throwing 60 of his 88 pitches for strikes. Cervenak had two hits for the ‘Pigs, who struck out ten times.
4/22/09–LehighValley got back on the winning track on Wednesday afternoon witha 5-2, come from behind victory against Syracuse. After an early home run by Pete Orr, Andrew Carpenter settled down and pitched well, going 5 innings, allowing only 2 hits, and 2 runs on the homer by Orr. He walked four and struck out three. The ‘Pigs took the lead in the 7th on a clutch RBI double by Mike Cervenak and added to the lead with two more in the 8th, the key hit being a double by John Mayberry. Cervenak was the only ‘Pig who had a multi hit game. Jake Woods (1-0), got the win pitching a scoreless 7th, and Gary Majewski nailed down his 2nd save of the year.
4/23/09– OFF
Pig Prospects—Carlos Carrasco— Had another excellent outing against Syracuse on Tuesday, going 7 innings and giving up 3 runs on 3 hits, striking out 10. He walked just one batter in 19 innings pitched this year so far, and has struck out 20. He has been extremely consistent, throwing all of his pitches for strikes. Carrasco is among the league leaders in several categories, and with consistent performances similar to what he has already shown, he will be pushing the Phils to make a decision about his Major League future at some point in July or August. Opposing batters are hitting just .200 against him thus far.
John Mayberry–His struggles have continued as he is looking somewhat lost at the plate. This week he went 3-14 (.214), with 2 doubles and zero RBI’s. He is doing a bit better making contact this week, but has been mired in a funk since the end of Spring Training. Mayberry is hitting .211 on the year with 2 homers and 4 RBI’s, and just .077 with runners is scoring position. He has been dropped in the batting order to take some of the heat off.
Jason Donald– A tough week for Donald as he went 5-26 (.192) for the week, with no extra base hits and just one RBI, unacceptable totals for anyone, let alone someone at the top of the order. 14 strikeouts in 57 at bats this year, are also reason for concern, as his OBP is just .283. Now at .246 BA on the year, Donald is also struggling with RISP (.100). On the bright side, it is very early, and he has excelled in the field, not yet committing an error.
Jeremy Slayden– Still getting his bearing since coming off the disabled list, Slayden was 5-22 (.227) this week, starting each game. He had 2 doubles and a homer this week, hitting 5th in the order. More definitive analysis after a bit more playing time.
Drew Carpenter– Carpenter started twice this week, winning one game withthe other being a no-decision. He has struggled mightily at the start of games with the opposition hitting .379 against him during the first two innings. From the thirs to the sixth inning, their average goes down to .206. This may be cured by a more intense warmpup, but it is something for Rod Nichols to take a look at. On the week, Carpenter went 11 innings, giving up 5 runs on 9 hits, for a 4.09 ERA. After his struggles of last year, his start has given some a ray of hope.
Pig Notes- Pitcher Justin Lehr was named International League pitcher of the week for the week of April 13-19. He is the first pitcher in franchise history to win the award, going 2-0 and allowing 2 runs in 11.1 innings.
—Pitcher Tyler Walker made his Iron Pig debut on Monday, going two scoreless innings, without giving up a hit. He added another impressive performance on Wednesday with two shutout innings.
–Probables for the weekend: Friday: Justin Lehr, Saturday: Kyle Kendrick; Sunday: Carlos Carrasco.
—After a very rough start, the bullpen has really picked up the pace with a 1.33 ERA over the last nine games.
—Andy Tracy has been really struggling at the plate, hitting just .200 thus far, including 13 strikeouts in 40 at bats.
Transactions– #4 starter Rodrigo Lopez was placed on the disabled list on Monday with what was originally described as “slight shoulder discomfort” and is now being called an “elbow strain”. Notably, Lopez has has had Tommy John suregery is the past. The roster spot will be taken by 32 year old Tyler Walker, who pitched for the Giants last year in a set up role. He was 5-8 with a 4.56 ERA in 65 games last year. He joined the club from Extended Spring Training.
–In a transaction of sorts, the ‘Pigs added former Phillie David Newhan, 35, as a”player/coach”. Newhan saw time with Houston last season batting .260 in 64 games. He also played in 60 games with (AAA) Round Rock, hitting .308 with 9 HR and 36 RBI. Newhan is primarily a second baseman, although he can play the outfield when necessary as well.
Phuture Phillies 
it looks like donald is suffering from the ever notorius back to the minors syndrome. ive seen it happen so many times ive lost count. you know when a guy should make a roster but gets sent down.usually takes about a month to snap out of it. i still want him at third NOW.
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Where is Gustavo Chacin? Didn’t the Phils sign him and assign him to Lehigh Valley? Anybody know what his deal is?
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If he’s got this mysterious “back to the minors” syndrome because he thinks he should skip AAA, then how would one assume he possesses the mental makeup needed to succeed in the majors? Donald has never played third base, while Feliz has won gold gloves. Given that projections have them about equal at the plate right now, you’d rush a prospect and push the incumbent off the major league club? Use some common sense!
In other news, Carlos Ruiz is set to make rehab appearances this weekend for Lehigh Valley.
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In other news Hamels just took a line drive off of his pitching shoulder and left the game. It’ll be interesting to see if Kendrick or Carrasco has their turn skipped this weekend.
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There is no reason it wouldnt be Happ, if all Hamels’ needs is one start skipped.
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Chacin is listed on the Clearwater disabled list. More than likely he’s putting in some work in Extended ST.
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I imagine Donald’s issue is just his approach at the plate.
He is currently sporting a 2/14 BB/K ratio, far off his career totals and those of a legitimate player. His BABIP is .325, so it’s not like he’s been getting unlucky.
He just needs to be a little more patient, but he is a good player and I’m sure he’ll get into a groove soon enough.
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Maybe he’s trying to figure out why a team with an entrenched veteran at SS is continuing to play him at SS in Lehigh…it would make me wonder if I were in his shoes.
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no prspects are gonna be called on to replace hamels, he says he’s fine. And hamels lets people know when he’s hurting.
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alan i never said donald should be playing 3rd right now only that he should be on this roster. and if youve never seen a player get sent down who shouldnt be sent down and be dissapointed for a while you must be watching the national robot league. check out the many stars who went through the same thing. i guarantee you within a month donald will be tearing the cover off the ball.
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NEPP. A entrenched veteran at ss. how many people would actually think Rollins should be replace?. He is a asset in the field even when he isn’t hitting, As a veteran he will be there at the end with similiar numbers,
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John,
Why would you want Donald sitting on the bench getting 3-4 at-bats per week rather than playing everyday at AAA?
He’s not going to improve by sitting on the bench in Philly.
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3up3 valid point which i have no problem with my major disagreement is he should be playing 3RD. also i was explaining the psychological ramifacations of being sent down which he will overcome as i stated above. any comments?
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Agreed John the first thing a guys asks himself when he is sent down is “what am i doing wrong” the second things is
“what can i do to impress the brass” ergo he changes what got him a try. Lets not forget these prospect are people.
There is NO reason why JD isnt playing at least some 3rd
Btw baseball bull —-
“it is a 162 game season” so we are giving Hamels a couple weeks in Flordia to get ready NOT
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I agree that he should be playing 3b in AAA since I see him as a stop-gap replacement for Feliz in 2010 until someone more permanent is found.
And while I don’t doubt he was disappointed with not making the 25-man roster, I suspect his early struggles are more related to the jump from AA to AAA than because he is moping or trying to overly impress.
No doubt he knows he will be recalled only if Utley/Rollins/Feliz are injured for an extended period of time in 09.
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I suspect that Mayberry is also suffering from “back to the minors syndrome” i; we did not expect him to make the team but he probably felt that he had earned a shot.
On a lighter note, now that Carpenter is allowing lots of home runs, he will fit right in with the pitching staff on the big club (leading the National League in home runs allowed). I expect to see him there shortly!
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Feliz is having a great year so far, I wouldn’t put his option being picked up out of the realm of possibilities. This again makes one wonder what will Donald’s fate be?
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trade fodder… Which is most likely why he is continuing to play SS. Truth be told, I am OK with this. I would also be OK with him moving to third to eventually replace Feliz, so I guess I don’t really have an opinion on the subject, thus rendering my comment mute.
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I think that it’s kind of short-sighted not to play Donald at third base but, hey, what do I know, I’ve got a desk job and it’s not in baseball.
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Feliz is playing great right now which is being made more possible because he’s probably pain free. While I like Donald, I still his main value will be in a trade to someone who can put him at second where he’ll play in majors. How about Michael Taylor and Dom Brown breaking out on the same night? The Iron Pigs will have Ruiz this wekend and Lou next week. I watched Marson the other day and he really needs more at bats. He didn’t get that many in ST if you recall so he really needs them now.
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Question on the GCL, when does it start and when does XST end? Thanks.
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Carlos Carrasco made the hot sheet.
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Is there a place where you can see the probable starters for the Pigs? I’m looking to see Carrasco pitch but it looks like they only list that days game and not anything beyond
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DKIT: Carrasco is pitching Sunday.
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short season rookie ball start after the draft
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first GCL game looks like June 23
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Dkit:
http://ironpigsbaseball.com/pressbox/gamenotes/
The press notes have the probable starters for upcoming games. Kendrick on Saturday, Carrasco on Sunday, Carpenter on Monday and Rodrigo Lopez on Tuesday. Michael Bowden on Monday for the PawSox for the serious prospect hounds.
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myers is pitching scared the unwillingness to throw his fastball in anger, the bewildered look, the walking around the mound something has to give with this staff, they cant continue to count on late rallies. watch park pitch another beauty tonite, yeah.
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The move from relif changed his approach for the worse. they need to win one of the next two for sure. Park against Volstad
hmmm let me think that over hmmm
Nice restart for Donald and Mayberry. wondering out loud if the warm weather this weekend will help the hitters especially our giant propects
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LHV had an offensive explosion yesterday. It’s nice to see them score 13 runs. Donald and Mayberry were right in the middle of it. Donald was 3 – 5 with 2 Dbls and RBI. Mayberry was 3 – 4 with 2 Dbls and 4 RBIs. He also had a walk. Something to build on.
I’ve seen the “back to the minors” syndrome many times before. I remember Coste a few years ago. He had a tremendous spring and everyone was calling for him to make the team out of ST. They sent him down and he couldn’t hit a lick for nearly a month. Donald and Mayberry knew they wouldn’t break camp with the Phils but when you open the eyes of the big club in ST, you get your hopes up. It’s a letdown no matter what. The thing is to shake it off and destroy AAA. Show the big club they were wrong.
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holy hell I went to bed and thought the phils lost lol
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Thanks Alan
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Looks like Charlie and the front office made the right decision, letting Mayberry cut his teeth at LV, instead of putting him on the bench.
However, Bruntlett (.182), Dobbs (.091) and Cairo (.00), are not generating much excitement when they come out of the dugout to pinch hit.
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Anyone remember ” PALM TREES RON STONE” he did great in the spring once they went North could not buy a hit. Cairo is blameless but Bruntlett thought i Mendoza line looked good
second half. Ozuna is a possibility.
Who is to say about Mayberry that is an alternate universe
once he was sent down. Dobbs may snap out of it
carrasco is my guy on Route 22
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Anyone notice Matt German at Reading? Guy has been automatic and has been good from day 1 when he arrived as a f/a from Northern Illinois. They still ahve him listed at 6’8″, even though he’s no more than 6′.
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I don’t think the move from relief has anything to do with Myers’ struggles. He has always been inconsistent. He was in a great groove last year, then lost confidence and composure and his ability to locate his FB later in the season and became so-so, like now, mostly because he gets emotional and can’t repeat his delivery. Nothing t do with his role whatsoever. Has everything to do with Myers himself. He will work at it and get better though. I think he is making the effort and should find himself. But he is high maintenance by nature.
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nw i remember palm tree well every spring he would blast mammouth hr,s and go north and strike out. i think theres a wall or something in clearwater named after him.
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I don’t buy the back to the minrs theory of poor performanc. It happens sometimes, bt the guys they sent down knew they were going down. They knew the math, you can be absolutely certain of that. It’s just an early season performance trough, happens to a bunch of guys every year, and magnified by the small sample size and desire of teams to get off to a good start. Poeple are overreacting and ascribing bogus reasons for stuff that just a natural part of the season.
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Anonymous
The change in Myers stats clearly show the change in relief he was good up until 60-65 pitchs or so
check it out please
Diamond we know the deal when we date a girl too but it still
hurts when she goes.
Last night saved the team for now the story continues
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John you knew when Bruntlett was tearing it up what was going to happen.
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d. derby i dont know how old you are but i have seen it a million times. you act like theirs something wrong with it, i guanantee you donald did not believe he was going down. look at this team they jerked howard around when they brought him up when thome was hurt howard performed terribly madson was jerked all over the place until they put him in the 8th. i guess richie allen wasnt bothered in little rock. and by the way donald and mayberry are ywo different animals. if mayberry makes the bigs god bless him. look what they did to kendrick last year he was crushed. but the stars recover like donald will.in a month hell be tearing the cover off the ball.
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Diamond Derby, it sounds like you’re not buying the psychological BS. How about the weathers too cold and when the air heats up, they’ll be killing the ball? I’ve seen the same thing occur in regular old normal life. A couple of guys (doesn’t matter if they are men or women) are vying for a big promotion. One guy gets it and on occasion one of the passed over becomes a basket case. He/she can’t function anymore. You’d think that the person would use it as motivation but they suddenly can’t get out of their own way.
I’m not sure if “back to the minors” syndrome is real or not but if you see it happen enough, the perception exists. These kids don’t have 30 years to build a career. They have a few years… tops. If a normal guy’s passed up for promotion at 25 years old, he’s got 30+ more years to make something happen. There aren’t many Ryan Ludwick’s or Chris Coste’s in the league. Oh no, more psychological BS.
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If Donald was surprised then he wasn’t thinking straight. The team had two reserve infielders under contract for 2009. Once Utley showed up ready to play, the only way to play Donald would have been to cut Dobbs or Bruntlett. Dobbs has a track record of success as a pinch hitter, and Bruntlett is there for his versatility.
This isn’t a Marlon Byrd situation where a guy dominated AAA and got sent down again. You don’t win MLB jobs by dominating AA. Nor do you win them by early Spring hits off the other teams’ late inning AAA replacements.
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no donald wasnt thinking straight but no high quality prospect does when it comes to making the show. thats why their who they are they dont take no for an answer. you think its easy to be the best player at a ball,aa ball, the arizona fall league, the olympic team and than be optioned. youve never seen the tears in a kids eyes or the anger. when you have to tell a kid hes going down let me know and then tell me hes not affected or your not. as far as winning jobs by dominating a or aa ball check your mlb rosters. no more on this subject!
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psychological BS Mitch Williams is always stressing that part of the game. Do only Major leaguers get to have emotions?
even Yogi said something like 50% of this game is half mental.
Lets see what happen with Marson. He hitting 70 points higher than Coste ,better on base ,throwing out 50% of the runners , and putting on a show blocking pitchs in the dirt.Yet he will go back unless they ditch Cairo and use Coste off the bench.
How happy is Sweet Lou gonna be. He will say the right things and try to maintain the right attittude but it isnt easy
for SOME
btw I wanna go to the track with Charley subs Buntlett
for Stairs and get the weakest of ground ball rbis lol
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You just can’t use samples of 16 and 33 PAs to judge talent decisions. Ignore 2009, use career rates when evaluating the roster. As far as Marson, he could be the third catcher but Lehigh Valley is a better spot than that, he will get at bats and further develop.
Nowheels, check Bruntlett and Stairs’ lefty/righty splits. Bruntlett is actually quite effective against left handed pitchers. That’s why Manuel made the move last night.
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If it were my life on the line I wouldnt do it(either would you)
He is hitting .167 granted his hits were against lefties. But look
the result minius the luck factor. a minor point
Forget the stats Marson is a catcher . Coste is a statue of a catcher . All i am saying is Coste should be the third catcher and available for other things if he floats your boat. Cairo a good player has no function if you keep Bruntlett who has continued his second half ’08 slump
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