The “Around the System” series is back as we start with corner infielders.  Once or twice a week we will take a look at the players manning certain positions and rotate those positions throughout the year.

Lehigh Valley

Maikel Franco, 22, Signed as a free agent in 2009; .350/.372/.540 in 137 AB’s; 4HR 23RBI; 4%BB/16%K rates; .372 vs. LHP; .340 vs. RHP; .317 with RISP; .415 in last 10 games.  29 games at 3B with 2 errors (.975); 2.66 R/F.  Cant get much better than this.

Chris McGuinness, 27, Signed as a free agent in 2015; .250/.355/.313 in 80 AB’s; 0HR 7RBI; 14%BB/12%K rates; .273 vs. LHP; .241 vs. RHP; .143 with RISP; .226 in last 10 games. 18 games at 1B with 1 error (.993); 8.44 R/F;  Surprisingly little power thus far but with a high contact rate, things should improve.

Russ Canzler, 29, Re-Signed as a free agent in 2015; .307/.383/.416 in 101 AB’s; 1HR 6RBI; 11%BB/22%K rates; .276 vs. LHP, .319 vs. RHP; .208 with RISP; 15 games at 1B with 2 errors (.984); 3 games at 3B without an error; 2 games in the OF without an error; Canzler continues to be a multi dimensional, AAAA, player who can hit

Reading

Brock Stassi, 25, Phils 33rd round pick in 2011; .319/.390/.473 in 91 AB’s; 3HR 25RBI; 12%BB/12%K rates; .261 vs. LHP; .323 vs. RHP; .378 with RISP. 24 games at 1B without an error; 7.38 R/F.  Stassi has been one of, if not the best clutch hitter in the organization through the first month of the season. Continue reading Around the System–Corner INF →

Lehigh Valley have finally begun playing a bit better, having gone 4-4 over their last 8 games, but still sit in last place of the Northern Division of the International League, at a woeful 10-24 already 10 games behind division leading Pawtucket.  The ‘Pigs embark on a 7 game road trip starting Thursday evening in Rochester, continuing against the RedWings over the weekend, before visiting Syracuse early next week.

‘News and Notes: Cody Asche had 5 plate appearances in his first game back at AAA and Columbus couldn’t get him out.  He went 2-2, with 3 walks and a run scored and an uneventful night in LF.

–OF Brian Bogusevic was named International League Batter of the Week on Monday.  While playing a very good CF, Bogusevic has hit safely in 26 of his last 28 games, hitting .357 with 2HR 11RBI, 20RS and 4SB during that time frame.

–Lehigh Valley is 7-8 is games Chase D’Arnaud starts and 3-16 when he doesn’t start.

—Phillippe Aumont earned his first “quality start”  since 2010 with a six inning, 0ER performance last Friday.  He followed that up with an eye opening seven inning, 0ER, 0BB outing yesterday. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →