Reports are circulating that Lehigh Valley OF Rich Thompson has been traded to Tampa Bay for 26 year old OF Kyle Hudson. With an injury to Desmond Jennings, it appears that Thompson (perhaps my favorite IronPig of all time because of the way he plays the game), may get his long awaited, and much deserved second chance at the big leagues.  He had one AB for the Royals back in 2004. Thompson, 34, has been very hot recently, and is now hitting .307 on the year for Lehigh Valley (.412 over the last 10 games).  He has stolen 7 bases in 9 attempts and is one of the perennial leaders in the IL in stolen bases.

If reports are true the Phillies receive Kyle Hudson, 26,a speedy OF, who was originally a 4th round pick of the Orioles in 2008. Hudson was playing for AAA Durham this year and was hitting .291/.378/318 in 110 AB’s with 0HR 8 RBI and 7 SB. Hudson has played predominately LF, but can play CF as well.

–Its time to start paying significant attention to Tyler Cloyd. In his 8 starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley, Cloyd is 7-0 with a 1.24 ERA.  Opponents are hitting just .194 against him.  His stats are actually significantly better for Lehigh Valley then for Reading, although still excellent during his time in Reading.  Most impressively, during his time with the ‘Pigs, hitters are just .067 against him with RISP.

–Another week on the hot list for Scott Elarton…could his time be coming with a lousy start by Kendrick today?

–The concern about Brody Colvin should be reaching is apex.  Very troubling start. Hit around and terrible command.

–“Continued success” for Darin Ruf , Cody Asche and Cesar Hernandez this week. 

—Tyson Gillies has fallen below the .250 mark on the year with his struggles this week.

Hot Starters:Colin Klevan (W, 7ip 4H 0ER 4BB 7K); Jesse Biddle (W, 6.2IP 4H 0ER 4BB 8K); Scott Elarton (W, 6IP 1H 0ER 3BB 3K); Julio Rodriguez (W, 6IP 1H 0ER 5BB 3K); Trevor May (6.1IP 0H 1ER 4BB 5K); Tyler Cloyd (2W, 11IP 6H 1ER 2BB 10K); Jon Pettibone (15.2IP 11H 3ER 2BB 10K, W). Continue reading Hot or Not →