A 3-4 week for the Iron Pigs who now stand at 22-31, mired in 5th place of the Northern Division of the Internatuional League, 9.5 games behind division leading Scranton.
League Leaders–Hitting: Pablo Ozuna is 10th in doubles (15); ANdy Tracy is 5th in homers (9) and 8th in RBI’s (32); Rich Thompson is 8th in stolen bases (12); John Mayberry is 8th in slg %(.538); and Mike Cervenak is 6th in BA (.326) . Pitching: Kyle Kendrick and Carlos Carrasco are tied for the league lead in starts (11); Carrasco is 9th in innings (61.1), while Kendrick is 10th (60). Carrasco is 2nd in the league in strikeouts (63).
Week In Review–6/1/09–The ‘Pigs quick 4 game homestand came to an end with a 6-3 loss to Rochester Monday evening. Kyle Kendrick got the start, and pitched very well, despite dealing with the adversity of not getting the call from the Phillies. Kendrick went 7 innings, giving up just 2 runs on 5 hits. He didnt walk a batter and struck out 3. Rochester jumped to an early 1-0 lead, to which the ‘Pigs quickly responded when a Sac Fly by Paul Hoover scored Miguel Cairo in the 2nd. Rochester tacked on a run in the 3rd, and the implosion came in the top of the 9th when two Jeremy Slayden errors combined with four hits allowed by Gary Majewski opened the door to a four run ninth for the Red Wings. Lehigh Valley made it more respectable with a 2 run homer by David Newhan (4) in the bottom of the ninth. . Pablo Ozuna, David Newhan and Jason Ellison all had 2 hits for the ‘Pigs, while Miguel Cairo who has been red hot added three hits.
6/2/09–A long day of traveling ended with Lehigh Valley opening a series in Indianapolis on Tuesday, with Gustavo Chacin making his Lehigh Valley starting debut and lasting four innings, giving up a run on four hits, in the 4-1 ‘Pigs victory. Indianapolis took an early 1-0 lead, but Lehigh Valley answered with a David Newhan Rbi single in the 4th and an Andy Tracy (9) solo shot in the sixth to take a 2-1 lead. The ‘Pigs scored two more in the ninthon RBi doubles by Miguel Cairo and Jeremy Slayden for the 4-1 margin of victory. Jake Woods(3-0) got the win in relief, going two scoreless innings. Tracy, Cairo, Newhan and JJ Furmaniak all had two hits for Lehigh Valley.
6/3/09–Rainout
6/4/09–A doubleheader because of the rainout on Wednesday, with Carlos Carrasco (1-6), starting and earning the win in the front end of the doubleheader, in the 4-2 ‘Pigs win. Carrasco pitched well, going 6.1 innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. He walked 2 and struck out 5. Lehigh Valley took a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning, on a Jason Ellison RBI single. Three more runs were added in the sixth on a Jason Donald RBI double, Andy Tracy RBI single, and David Newhan sac fly. Jason Ellison had a big game, going 3-4 with a run and an RBI, while Tyler Walker picked up his second save of the year. Both Pablo Ozuna and Paul Hoover also added two hits. In Game Two, five shutout innings by starter Rodrigo Lopez were wasted as the ‘Pigs were shutout by Indianapolis 1-0, with Steve Register (0-2) taking the walk off loss. Nothing to report from Game Two, other than a poor offensive effort, , leaving Rich Thompson on 3rd in the 8th inning and going 0-6 with RISP.
‘Pig Prospects–Jason Donald– Pretty much a lost week for DOnald who missed all but one game with a hamstring injury that he appears to be recovered from. DOnald went 1-4 in his return from the hammy injury.
Lou Marson– 5 for 24 (.208) this week for Marson with 2 doubles and an RBI, hitting out of the #2 hole, in Jason Donalds’ absence. CLearly, Marson’s struggles are continuing. He is at .211 on the year for the ‘Pigs with a homer and 4 RBI’s. Batting line: .202/.299/.298, and .154 with RISP. While not asking for top tier offensive production, much more is expected from Marson offensively. Defensively, Marsons’ caught stealing rate is improving.., now at 23%.
Andrew Carpenter–An excellent outing last Sunday despite the Phils decision to call up Bastardo, as Carpenter went 7.1 innings against Rochester, giving up just a run on 3 hits. Carpenter is now 3-0 with a 3.29 ERA in his 9 appearances this year, with a WHIP that is now down to just 1.22. The opposition is hitting .241 against him and he is allowing just a .211 average with RISP. Dave Huppert, the ‘Pigs manager, is very impressed with his grit. Since he was sent back down, Carpenter has thrown in 3 games and in 20.1 innings has allowed just 2 earned runs.
Carlos Carrasco–A 2 start week for Carrasco, who looked good in his first outing against Rochester, giving up 2 early runs and then settling down to go 7 innings, giving up just those 2 runs on 6 hits. He struck out 6, at one point 5 in a row. His second outing was almost as impressive as his first with Carrasco picking up his first win of the year, giving up just 2 runs on 3 hits over 6.1 innings against Indianapolis. On the week: 13.1 IP 9H 4ER 4BB 11K. On the year 1-6, with a 5.14 ERA, 17BB 64K in 61.1 IP, 1.35 WHIP, .280 opponent average.
Kyle Kendrick- Pitched very well in his outing against Rochester, giving up 2 runs in 7 strong innings. He didnt walk a batter for the second straight appearance. On the year, Kendrick is now at 4-4 with a 4.34 ERA in his 11 starts, a WHIP of 1.38, and opponents average of .265, just .197 with RISP. Kendrick’s future in the Phillies system certainly appears questionable in light of recent callups, however, he has been going out and doing a professional job.
John Mayberry–retuned from the Phuils to play two games, going 2-6. Mayberry is at .280 with 8 homers and 25 RBI’s.
Notes: Mike Cervenak is heading to Florida to continue the rehab(Extended Spring Training) on his wrist which he broke two and a half weeks ago after being hit by a Tommy Hanson fastball. Cervenak hopes to return to the lineup when the ‘Pigs return from their road trip next Thursday.
Both Jason Donald and Rich Thompson were out of the lineup once again Monday and Tuesday with their respective injuries. Donald returned to the lineup in Game One Thursday evening, while THompson started Game Two.
Gustavo Chacin left the team after Tuesdays game to be with his wife who is giving birth.
Miguel Cairo has hit in 13 of his first 14 games for the ‘Pigs.
OF Jason Ellison has a 8 game hitting streak.
Lefty Set Up Man Cedric Bowers has not allowed an earned run in the last 9.2 innings he has pitched and opponents are 0-26 on him during the same timeframe.
Transactions: Lehigh Valley called up LHP Gustavo Chacin, 28, to take Antonio Bastardo’s spot in the Lehigh Valley rotation. Chacin is originally out of the Blue Jays organization, and received Rookie of the Year consideration for the Blue Jays, when he went 13-9 with a 3.72 ERA in 203.0 IP during the 2004 season. After missing significant time the last two years due to arm injuries, Chacin threw 8.2 innings in Reading this year with a 1-0 record and 3.24 ERA prior to the promotion.
RF John Mayberry was optioned back to Lehigh Valley after Monday nights Phillies game in San Diego. Mayberry went 2-9 with a homer and 3 RBI’s in his time with the big club.
32 year old Philly native Mike Koplove exercised an option in his contract granting him free agency on June 1. Koplove pitched extremely well for the ‘Pigs and will be a huge loss to their bullpen. In 21 appearances, he was 1-3 with a 1.14 ERA. He threw 23.2 innings, giving up just 15 hits, walked 11 and struck out 30. The opposition hit just .179 against him and his WHIP was 1.09. He was among the league leaders in saves with 6. Without speaking for Koplove, it seems pretty clear that the Phillies valued other relievers far more, as he was not their first choice for a callup on more than one occasion and the Phillies failed to put him on their 40 man roster.
Taking Koplove’s roster spot is 29 year old righthander Francisco Butto, who has been working the late innings for Reading. Butto is 1-1 with a 2.13 ERA in 10 appearances (12.2 innings)this season, with 9 walks and 15 strikeouts. The opposition is hitting .269 against him and his WHIP is a high 1.81. Butto was in the Mexican League for both 2006 and 2007, working out of the bullpen. He last was major league affiliated with the Yankees in 2006 pitching for AA Trenton and AAA Columbus.
With JC Romero’s activation on the Phillies roster, LHP Sergio Escalona was once again returned to Lehigh Valley. Infielder Jorge Velandia was placed on the DL with a recurring “shin contusion” to make room on the roster.
Phuture Phillies 
I attended a Reading game Saturday and LV on Sunday. I was very impressed with Carpenter. As posted previously, Carpenter really kept Rochester off balance by mixing his pitches and hitting his spots well. He had to come in to the game with 2 on in the 1st inning when Romero reached his pitch count and showed the poise to get out of it (though it was a hard hit liner to left).
I wouldn’t get a locker ready for Savery in Philly yet. He looked bad on Saturday. His command was awful and he was serving up gopher balls like sundaes at Carvel. His fastball is too straight (no movement) and he has no feel for the off-speed stuff. I saw him pitch twice for the Threshers last year and he threw one so-so game and one excellent game. I don’t see him being a quality major league hurler. Can’t wait to see the real Phils at Citi Field next Thursday.
LikeLike
does anyone else notice that Carlos in his last several starts (i watched last night’s closely via gamecast) that he does very well in the first 5+ innings and then tires out and gives up a run or two that hurts his line. Should the manager be pulling him prior to seeing that? Maybe I’m being too cautious but I’d rather build up his confidence. Glad to see him finally get a win. Now if he can just get his ERA under 5.
LikeLike
Since we have a lot of other starters emerging in our system, maybe it’s time to start thinking (and “start” is the key word) about Carrasco being a back of the bullpen type guy. His general flakeyness might actually help him out in that role.
As for Donald and Marson, what’s the deal with these guys? April was a free pass – they were snubbed for the big club, and they needed some time to shake it off, but for both of them to be playing like this is really unacceptable.
LikeLike
Here’s a post I found on Philly.com:
Sanders20
My dad was a pro scout for the Pirates for 10yrs (1989-1999). Anyway I still get some time to talk to a real pro scout. The scout I talked to told me a couple of things I feel I can pass along.
1. I asked him about Michael Taylor. He told me this guy is a 5 tool player. He has watched him over 15 times, and told me he is MLB ready. He also said that Taylor doesn’t want to be traded, that he wants to play with Howard.
2. He told me the Phils view Drabek as untouchable. He also said some within the phils management view him as a David Price player this year. Price started last year at single A, and made it to the majors. He said most people within the Phils thinking say that Drabek will be in the majors this year of course if he keeps pitching well.
3. He said don’t give up on Carrasco. He said he should be more like 4-6 then 0-6. He has pitched well in his last couple of starts. The scout did say that Carrasco is available for the right price.
4. Dominic brown will be in Reading soon. He said sometime around or before July 4.
5. I asked him for his top 5 Phils minor league players. 1. Drabek, 2. Taylor, 3. Brown, 4. Worley, 5. Marson. He also said he really like Anthony Gose (last year 2nd rd pick)
This is coming from a real pro scout. So take it for what it is worth. I don’t have a lot of inside people but having a dad who was a scout does give you some inside info.
LikeLike
Her’s a post I found on Philly.com:
Sanders20
My dad was a pro scout for the Pirates for 10yrs (1989-1999). Anyway I still get some time to talk to a real pro scout. The scout I talked to told me a couple of things I feel I can pass along.
1. I asked him about Michael Taylor. He told me this guy is a 5 tool player. He has watched him over 15 times, and told me he is MLB ready. He also said that Taylor doesn’t want to be traded, that he wants to play with Howard.
2. He told me the Phils view Drabek as untouchable. He also said some within the phils management view him as a David Price player this year. Price started last year at single A, and made it to the majors. He said most people within the Phils thinking say that Drabek will be in the majors this year of course if he keeps pitching well.
3. He said don’t give up on Carrasco. He said he should be more like 4-6 then 0-6. He has pitched well in his last couple of starts. The scout did say that Carrasco is available for the right price.
4. Dominic brown will be in Reading soon. He said sometime around or before July 4.
5. I asked him for his top 5 Phils minor league players. 1. Drabek, 2. Taylor, 3. Brown, 4. Worley, 5. Marson. He also said he really like Anthony Gose (last year 2nd rd pick)
This is coming from a real pro scout. So take it for what it is worth. I don’t have a lot of inside people but having a dad who was a scout does give you some inside info.
LikeLike
Mike, I hear you about building confidence but I think its more important to stretch starters out. Carrasco needs to go deeper into games. Build up stamina or learn to pitch tired. Guys like Moyer pitch better when they’re getting tired. It drives hitters nuts when they can get a hot dog and beer during the time the pitch is in the air. Carrasco isn’t that type of pitcher but a curveball or a changeup can be more effective at slower speeds. When he throws the fastball it will look much faster than it really is.
nyphilsmaniac, sounds like you’re on the minors to majors Phils tour. You should try to throw in a Lakewood game so you get a look at Brown. If you can wait two weeks, Williamsport will be starting up.
LikeLike
Thanks for the report Gregg. Very exciting to see such good pitching happen on a consistent basis at LHV. Another double for Donald, only 45 to go…
mike, I would definitely leave Carrasco in past 5 innings. First, as a starter he needs the endurance to be able to pitch deep into games, so he should practice building it up. Second, in general prospects should work on the things they’re not good at. So if he’s not good at getting through a line-up the third time they see him, he needs to work on that. There’s no way to get better at that without doing it.
LikeLike
I sorry but I have to ask, Cardenas is ripping the ball at midland in the texas league, Is that a hitters league? I like him but he can’t be this good, can he?
LikeLike
I was at the Tommy Hanson game and I didn’t realize Cervenak broke his wrist on that hbp. Also I think Tommy Hanson is the real deal for the Braves. I’m not looking forward to the Phils facing him.
I think you’re right about Kendrick. He was clearly passed over for much less experienced guys more than once and it’s clear he’s trade bait. I am very disappointed with Marson, I hope he can pull it together. Maybe the Phils really are better sticking with Ruiz… never thought I’d say that.
LikeLike
The Texas league has 12 guys batting .320 or better so it would appear to be a bit of a hitter’s league.
Issue I still have with Cardenas is that he shows little power. Also saw that he was back at 2b so I guess the SS experiment was scratched.
Also has a huge difference in home/road splits although with a limited sample size. Not sure if Midland is a small park?.
LikeLike
Penumbra Moon, I missed your post before, somehow. Thanks for the cross-post. Many things to discuss from that, but there’s something of a let down when you actually know what the Phils will do…what’s the point in discussing it anymore? Kidding…
Things there that surprised me were Worley being the #4 prospect and Taylor saying he wants to play with Howard. I think that’s great but I wonder where that comes from…
LikeLike
A Rangers minor leaguer has a blog that is pretty darn funny. He interviews Greg Golson today: http://rangersprospect.mlblogs.com/
LikeLike
The best news is that good performances have raised the trade value of Kendrick, Carpenter and Carrasco. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Phils shopping Carrasco, Donald, and one of the other two pitchers for a proven pitcher with more years on his contract. Ruben please don’t trade Taylor. I expect he’ll be at AAA and Dom Brown at AA in early July. What a great problem the Phils have in terms of what to do with Taylor and Brown while they’re already in first and all three starting outfielders are playing well. And yes, its safe to say that Ruiz is no danger of losing his job while he hits 300 and throws out runners and just does a terrific job behind the plate. Is he an all star this year? Charley picks the reserves….
LikeLike
Does Carrasco work inside ala Happ and Bastardo? Perhaps hitters are too comfortable that 3rd time around. I know Bastardo hitting Wilson created a strong feeling of discomfort for other hitters on the Padres.
LikeLike
Good to see Carpenter and Carrasco respond well to being passed over. A case could have been made for both to have been selected over AB.
If Carpenter has a future in the ML’s it’s probably in relief, but they need guys like that too.
If Carrasco tires after 5 innings they should leave him in to either build some arm strentgh of figure out what he has to do to get guys out when he doesn’t have his best stuff. He’s in AAA to learn things like this.
LikeLike
figure id throw this in this section , but ive really become a fan of Ruiz..dude hustles, calls great game, great receiver and has been delivering with the stick…even mixing in a couple SBs lol..not opposed to move marson for the right deal as im comfortable with Carlos for next couple years
LikeLike
Carpenter keeps pitching well 7 more shutout innings tonight, so thats 2 earned runs in his last 27 1/3 innings, he is on a major tear since his one start in the majors. I was originally thinking that he would be more a bull pen arm, but he is really pitching well now, and he pitched great at clearwater the last two years as a starter. he only really struggled at reading last year. Plus another thing about him is he actually pitches alot of innings as well so that bodes well for him being a starter. Not saying a top tier starter but defintely could be a 4 or 5
LikeLike
I think this parlays wonderfully into turning Carpenter into a trading chip. The guy is young and has shown an ability to dominate at AAA, he should help get a guy at the deadline.
LikeLike
I could see Carpenter helping out in long releif now.(why is Tascner still here)
Could be PLEASE promote Mayberry or someberry and get Vic on the dl for 10 days(if you are day to day that means you are one day away from when you were hurt)
Ps Lidge i now an excederin headache.
LikeLike
nw, taschner and bruntlett. as heartbreaking as last night was its going to happen. we arent going 140-22. i know you know that but i hope it helps. i just hate walks thats why i love bastardo hamels happ. no stinking free passes. i think its obvious how much vic means to this team. hes so much more valuable than he gets credit for.
LikeLike
as i mentioned on the other site lets remember the heroes who fought at normandy to keep us free.
LikeLike
If you didnt know Carpenter’s history until he came back, would you trade him? I believe he has turned a page and could be what C Durbin was early last year and with so many left handed starters, a right handed long guy seems very valuable. Seems to me whatever they do with Lidge shakes
up the whole system major and minor. First thing get an outfield to LA on the red eye. (why the hell is Bruntlett playing before Dobbs)
LikeLike
They are just getting Bruntlett at bats. Charley believes that he needs to give his bench guys starts to keep them sharp. That having been said, I don’t think you want to allocate too many outfield starts to Eric Bruntlett. It’s an awful lot of extra outs (for the Phils, that is).
LikeLike
how did that work out. He is NOT an outfielder. period
LikeLike
There is no excuse for this loss. Uncle Charlie has to stop being Uncle Charlie and manage. We all like being the”good guy” but that is not what he gets paid for.
LikeLike
Re: Bruntlett. The team is already playing a man short with Victorino day-to-day. Greg Dobbs has a career .319 OBP against lefties. Stairs is less effective against lefties as well and neither of those two are tremendously good defensive outfielders. Bruntlett is the best fielder of the three at any position and can hold his own against lefties (.334 career OBP). As it was, Bruntlett went 2 for 3 and Manuel had Stairs and Dobbs available as pinch hitters against the righty Troncoso. MUCH more effective matchups for the pair.
The team’s outfield situation is less than optimal, but none of us has access to Victorino’s medical condition like the Phils do. So they’re stuck a man down in the interim. I will say though that this 13 man pitching staff is ridiculous.
LikeLike
Exactly why they should of called someone up. How can u say
Bruntlett is the best fielder he butchered a little league ball
right in front of him(maybe you didn’t see it). If you believe Bruntlett is a better fielder than Dobbs there is no use talking.
This is what I mean by a nonbaseball decision. The team is trying to get something for Taschner or at least get rid of his salary.
They made a mistake with the whole Jaramillo thing ,stuff happens, eat the contract and lets win
btw it is strange that Jason is hitting better in the bigs than at Lehigh and Donald and Marson are having trouble there. We Know the outfielder are having trouble fielding . Could there be backdrop problems for something.
LikeLike
Going out of the box for Lidge is one thing. Doing it for a fringe
player like Bruntlett is another. If Ozuna was here Moyer has a
good game. probably
LikeLike