Recap: The BlueClaws started the season on an 8-game road trip to Asheville and Hagerstown, splitting both 4-game series. They opened the home schedule by winning two of the first three in a series with Greensboro. The highlight of the first two weeks of the season was Sunday’s performance by Nick Hernandez, who shut out Greensboro through eight innings, allowing three hits and no walks while striking out nine.
Monthly Archives: April 2010
Weekly Notes Column, April 18th/19th
Welcome to this week’s edition of the weekly notes column. As I mentioned last week, I’m going to use this as my space to kind of tie a bow on the week that was, and more specifically, share my thoughts on what I’ve noticed and what I’m thinking about with regard to the Phillies minor league system. Its also going to give me a chance to talk about a few things I’m working on for the site, and lots of other stuff. So check below for this week’s column.
Lehigh Valley Weekend Report
A quick recap with some notes at the end:
Friday–Lehigh Valley ended their 4 game set with Pawtucket early, as their game was suspended after two innings with no score. Not much to report other then the rehab appearance by JC Romero, in which he pitched a scoreless first inning, striking out two. This game will be picked up in the bottom of the 2nd on June 29. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekend Report
Quick Note
A transaction of some note today in Lehigh Valley. Left handed reliever Jake Woods was released and reliever Oscar Villareal was activated from the disabled list after spending the last year recovering from Tommy John surgery. Villareal, a 29 year old righty, has spent parts of six seasons in the majors, amassing a career mark of 24-15 with a 3.86 ERA. Villareal has made over 50 appearances in three major league seasons (03, 06, 07) and if recovered could be a help in a month or two in the Phillies bullpen. Look for the Lehigh Valley full weekend report this evening.
Reading Weekly Report
After a busy first week (and a fraction), the RPhils stand a 5-4 in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, 1.5 games behind division leader Trenton. The RPhils had a 4-game winning streak over the first weekend of the season, but have lost far more than they’ve won outside the streak. They are winless on the road, at 0-2. Reading is 4th in the league in BA at .247, with their .659 OPS being 8th in the league, so they really have not been hitting. Their 36 runs scored is, however, tied for 6th in the league, basically dead-center.
The pitching has been a little below league average, with a team ERA of 3.87, but, looking at the peripheral stats, they’re not even that good. Their problem has been walks, as they lead the league with 36 so far while being last in the league with strikeouts, whiffing only 43. They’ve also given up 9 HRs, tied for the most in the league. Honestly, given the talent on this team, the pitching should improve.
Lehigh Valley Weekly Report
Another slow start for Lehigh Valley, this time at 3-5, tied for 4th place and 2.5 games behind division leading Syracuse. Still a little early to be looking at league leaders. Look for the feature to begin next week. See below for notes on propects, transactions, and probable starters.
Monday–The ‘Pigs opened a short two game series in Pawtucket Monday evening and Andrew Carpenter (0-1) was hit hard in his first start of the year, lasting just 3.1 innings and giving up 5 runs on 6 hits in the 6-5 Lehigh Valley loss. He walked 3 and didnt strike out a batter. Carpenter threw 75 pitches, just 41 for strikes. An RBI triple by John Mayberry gave the ‘Pigs the early lead, but that was quickly answered by Pawtucket who didnt look back. An RBI double by Chris Duffy cut the lead to 6-2, and then a three run ninth made the game close. John Mayberry led the ‘Pigs at the plate with a 3-4 effort, including a triple and 2 RBI’s. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report
Roster Shuffling
With Wilson Valdez being called up to Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley was short an infielder, and called up 28 year old Melvin Dorta from Reading. Dorta has started slowly hitting just .176 thus far on the year, but is a career .269 hitter at the AAA level, spanning three seasons. Filling Dorta’s role in Reading will be Keoni DeRenne. Also, activated from the disabled list in Reading is Brian Stavisky, who takes over the roster spot of Quintin Berry as Berry recovers from his infection.
Box Score Roundup; 4/14
Before we get to the box scores, two quick notes on “prospects” on the big league team. I got a good look at Antonio Bastardo tonight, and really he’s the same guy he’s always been. He struggled with his command and lost the strike zone a number of times, but also flashed solid fastball velo, hitting 93 a few times and sitting 91-92. He didn’t control it particularly well, but when its around the zone its tough to hit because of the velocity. He didn’t throw many changeups, instead going with his slider. It was inconsistent, but when he snapped off a good one, it was an unhittable pitch. He still lacks consistency with it. David Herndon, on the other hand, looked excellent, and this was probably his best appearance I’ve seen from him. His fastball had excellent life, sitting 90-93, and he kept it out of the middle of the plate. He really didn’t need his secondary offerings, as his fastball was sinking and moving and he disposed of the three Nats hitters he faced with great ease. That’s 4 scoreless appearances for him. Because Kendrick has options, he will surely go to AAA when Blanton returns. Bastardo might make way for Romero, again because he has options. The decision on what to do when Lidge comes back will be tougher, but I have to think the Phillies would want to work out a deal with Los Angeles for Herndon’s rights, allowing them to keep him on the 40 man but take him off the 25 man and option him down. He certainly won’t clear waivers at this point, and the Angels would almost definitely take him back. Now, onto the box scores…
Rollins to DL, Valdez Called Up
As expected, Jimmy Rollins was placed on the 15 day DL today with what is being described as a calf strain. It was estimated that Rollins would miss anywhere from 2-4 weeks with the injury. Wilson Valdez was called up from Lehigh Valley to take Rollins spot on the active roster. Valdez did have to be moved onto the 40 man roster, and the Phils now stand at the full compliment of 40. The 32 year old Valdez has spent parts of 4 seasons in the majors and is a career .222 hitter in the majors in 369 plate appearances. Valdez, a career .299 hitter in AAA, saw some time with the Mets last season when Jose Reyes went down with his myriad of injuries. He plays primarily SS, but can play 2B as well. Valdez started off the season very hot for Lehigh Valley hitting .455 in his 22 at bats. Look for additional Minor League transactions today here if they become available.
Box Score Roundup; April 13th
It wasn’t a banner evening down on the farm tonight, as you’ll see with the box scores. But one thing I wanted to address, before it becomes a topic for discussion. Don’t worry about any slow starters in the first week, two weeks or three weeks. Some guys start slow, some guys start fast. It’s not really worth being overly concerned about anyone until at least May. Tyson Gillies was drawing rave reviews from scouts like 3 weeks ago, he didn’t forget how to play the game in 3 weeks. Things will turn around. Now, onto the lines
Phuture Phillies 