Recap: Abbreviated weekly recap this week in lieu of a first-hand report from last night’s game and a lengthier season-ending writeup whenever the playoffs end. Lakewood went 5-2 on the week and won the SAL North second-half title. They’ll start the playoffs on Wednesday at Hickory with Trevor May on the mound. Good starts this week from May and Pettibone, another really good start from Julio Rodriguez. A quick glance through the box scores for the week doesn’t show anyone jumping off the page with a great performance, although Leandro Castro went on a bit of an RBI binge at the end of the week and looks like he’ll end up leading the team in that category. The most interesting things to look for in today’s regular season finale are whether Jiwan James can get the two hits he needs to tie Quintin Berry’s Lakewood single-season record and whether the ‘Claws can tie their single-season record for wins. Continue reading Lakewood Weekly Report (8/30-9/5)
Monthly Archives: September 2010
Huppert Not Coming Back to Lehigh Valley
Multiple media outlets are reporting that Dave Huppert, the manager of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs has been told he will not be back to manage Lehigh Valley in 2011 after three sub par seasons. Although minor league managers are not judged solely on their won-loss record, a cumulative record of over 60 games below .500 in his three years at the helm was difficult to look past. Huppert will be managing Lehigh Valley in their final game of the season against Scranton on Monday and then will begin his search for work in another organization.
Three More to Philly
Lehigh Valley closer Scott Mathieson, along with starters Nate Robertson and Vance Worley have all been called up to Philadelphia and are expected in Philadelphia on Sunday according to Jeff Schuler of the Morning Call.
Both Robertson (who had been scheduled to start Sunday in Lehigh Valley) and Worley (who was removed after one inning yesterday in his start yesterday vs. Buffalo) remain in the mix to start on Monday. The Phils will need to make a move to free up space on the 40 man roster for Robertson, presumably moving Jamie Moyer from the 15 to the 60 day DL.
Mathieson who has been working extensively with Hall of Fame Closer Bruce Sutter over the last 10 days on a split finger fastball leaves Lehigh Valley having set the club record for saves in a season with 26.
Quick Notes–September 4th
–In a column written by Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Phillies Director of Minor League Development Chuck Lamar stated that Anthony Hewitt will spend next season back in Lakewood, repeating Low A after his performance this year for the BlueClaws which was disappointing at best. With an average that has hovered around .200 and a strikeout rate at 35%, there is really no other logical choice.
–The Minor League season appears to be over for Michael Schwimer who has been on the DL for the past 10 days or so with a lower back strain that had Lehigh Valley been in contention, he would most likely be pitching through. His placement onto the DL was a precautionary measure. A very successful season for Schwimer who has placed himself firmly onto the radar for a bullpen spot with the Phillies next season.
–Still uncertainty in Lehigh Valley as to who will be starting for the Phillies on Monday. After being removed having pitched just one inning last night, it was widely assumed that Vance Worley would be the man. During interviews after the game, Worley stated “he did not know anything….all I know is that I pitched an inning and got a handshake” Lehigh Valley still lists Andrew Carpenter and Nate Robertson as the starters for their final two games, while Worley is now listed as the probable for Monday on the Phillies website.
Huppert not yet asked to Philly
Sometimes it is the lack of a move that tells a story. During their last two post season appearances, Lehigh Valley Manager Dave Huppert was asked to join the Phillies following the minor league season for the final month of the major league regular season and for the post season run to help out with coaching responsibilities. According to sources, Huppert has not gotten that call this season as of yet, a call he generally would receive by this juncture of the season. With Lehigh Valley 28 games below .500 and generally exhibiting a stunning lack of fundamentals at many times throughout the season, speculation is that his player’s performance may have caught up with Huppert after three sub par years. Currently at 2-10 in extra inning games and 14-34 in one run games, Lehigh Valley has exhibited the talent to remain close in games (they have played the most one run games in the league), however their late inning inability has left many a viewer/fan scratching their head.
Dobbs Called Up, Lakewood Rotation
The Phillies called up 3B/OF Greg Dobbs from AAA Lehigh Valley today, giving them another left-handed bat on the bench as the team returns home from Colorado. Dobbs was hitting .289 since returning to Lehigh Valley in late August from Philadelphia and has looked much more comfortable at the plate as of late. Still no word on additional call ups, somewhat of a surprise with the extended use of the Phillies bullpen last night.
The playoff rotation has been set by Lakewood: Gm One Trevor May; Gm Two: Brody Colvin; Gm Three(if necessary) Jon Pettibone. The games are next Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (if necessary) with the games Friday and Saturday being played in Lakewood.
Lehigh Valley Weekly Report
An abbreviated Lehigh Valley report this week with the seasons final week upon us. Look for a more in-depth report next Tuesday or Wednesday covering the final 4 games of the season and a review of how the AAA prospects performed this year. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report
September 2nd Discussion
Singleton, Valle Named to All Star Team
The awards continue to roll in at the lower levels of the Minors for the Phils with two members of the Lakewood BlueClaws being named to the South Atlantic League All Star Team. First Baseman Jonathan Singleton was named the league’s most outstanding prospect, the first member of Lakewood to ever win that award. The 18 year old from California is hitting .296 with 14 HR and 73 RBI.
Catcher Sebastian Valle, 20, was named the league’s all-star catcher. He is hitting .256 with 16 HR and 74 RBI’s. Lakewood opens their quest for the South Atlantic League championship next Wednesday, September 8.
Phuture Phillies 