Monthly Archives: May 2015

Lehigh Valley Weekly Report

Other Stuff

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 →

Box Score Recap – 5/13/2015

Box Score Recap

Lehigh Valley lost to Columbus, 3-2 in 12 innings.  Phillippe Aumont pitched a gem for 7.0 innings, allowing 5 hits, walking none, and striking out seven.  He left with a 1-0 lead that Tyler Knigge couldn’t protect, blowing his second save of the season in the top of the ninth.  Maikel Franco went 2-4 with a walk and a game-tying RBI in the tenth.  Dom Brown went 1-5 with an RBI.  Cosy Asche went 1-5.  Logan Moore threw out 1 of 2 base stealers. Continue reading Box Score Recap – 5/13/2015 →

Box Score Recap – 5/12/2015

Box Score Recap

Lehigh Valley walks off against Columbus, 6-5, on Maikel Franco’s line drive, 2-run single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth.  David Buchanan pitched into the seventh – 6.2 IP, 10 H, 5 r, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K.  Seth Rosin pitched perfect for 1.1 innings.  Cesar Jimenez got the win after escaping his bases loaded situation in the ninth.  Cody Asche played LF, went 2-2 with 3 walks, and committed no errors.  Maikel Franco went 2-4 with a SF and 3 RBI. Dom Brown went 2-4 with a triple and 2 RBI. Continue reading Box Score Recap – 5/12/2015 →

Ailing Threshers Drop Series Opener to Charlotte; May 12, 2015

Game Reports, , , , , , , ,

The Threshers lost to division-leading Charlotte in the first game of a double header, 8-2.  As I type this, water from a heavy, between games downpour is ponding in foul territory in front of the left field stands.  The start of second game is in doubt.

This is probably not a bad outcome for the Threshers.  Although they outhit the Stone Crabs 11-10, they still looked to be suffering the after affects of a virus that attacked the coaches and players at the end of their recently completed road trip.  Some media outlets had reported that the team had contracted food poisoning, but those stories were incorrect.

Continue reading Ailing Threshers Drop Series Opener to Charlotte; May 12, 2015 →

Tommy Joseph to the DL with a Concussion

Other Stuff

After missing significant time during the last two seasons with injuries, one being a serious concussion, Lehigh Valley catcher Tommy Joseph has landed back on the DL with another concussion.  Joseph, who was acquired in 2012 in the Hunter Pence deal was hitting just .123 in 73 AB’s with Lehigh Valley this season after accruing just 78 AB’s last season with Reading.  I would think there is significant concern about his career at this stage.  Catcher Logan Moore has been called up from Reading to take Joseph’s place on the ‘Pigs roster.

Asche Optioned to AAA

Phillies Chatter

After Monday night’s game, Cody Asche was informed that he was being optioned to Lehigh Valley to learn how to play left field.  No word on a corresponding move to fill the roster spot.   Friday would be the earliest that we should expect Maikel Franco to be promoted.

Todd Zolecki broke the story here.

Box Score Recap – 5/11/2015

Box Score Recap

Lehigh Valley lost to Columbus, 6-2.  Joely Rodriguez allowed 2 runs in 7.0 quality innings.  IronPig pitchers issued no walks during the game.  Jason Berken came on in relief in a tie game and gave up the go-ahead runs.  Maikel Franco went 2-4 with his 4th home run.  Dom Brown went 1-4 with a double, but was picked off second.  The ‘Pigs managed only two other hits.  Miny Mart is a member of the Clippers.  At .165, it appears he can’t hit at AAA either. Continue reading Box Score Recap – 5/11/2015 →

Open Discussion: Week of May 11th

Weekly Discussion

Here’s an open discussion thread so the minor league posts don’t get cluttered with Phillies’ talk and other topics.

Jonathan Papelbon made 2 appearances and finished 2 games this week, converting his one save opportunity.  After 32 games, Papelbon has made 12 appearances, 11 games finished (6 saves, 5 non-saves).

Some other random stuff to light the fire –

  • Chase Utley .116/.194/.221/.415 (lowest BA of any Phillies position player, 3 SP have higher BA – Hamels, Buchanan, and Billingsley)
  • Hamels .273/.273/.273/.545
  • Buchanan .167/.167/.333/.500
  • Billingsley .333/.333/.333/1.667
  • Billingsley has more HR (1) than Blanco, Hernandez, Herrera, Revere, Ruiz, Rupp, and Sizemore.
  • Phillies .228/.282/.332/.614 (still the worst in NL)
  • Although they have played more games than 9 NL teams. their 91 runs is the lowest in the league.  Their 241 hits is tied for lowest with the division-leading Mets.  They lead the league with 10 triples, but trail the league with 17 HRs.
  • Their team ERA had been middle-of-the-road, but has now dropped to the bottom 4 in the NL.  They have allowed the most hits (295) and the most walks (122).  Opponents are hitting .272, only the Rockies’ .291 is higher.
  • And, finally (it’s early but what the heck) the Phillies’.344 winning percentage is tied for the worst in baseball with the surging Milwaukee Brewers.  They are one of five teams with a winning percentage below .400.

Box Score Recap – 5/10/2015

Box Score Recap

Lehigh Valley lost to Gwinnett, 9-1.  Seve Gonzalez pitched well for 5.0 innings.  Unfortunately he was in for 5.1 and came apart at the seams in the sixth.  Maikel Franco went 1 for 4 in the 3-hole.  Dom Brown went 1-4 out of the clean up position.  Recently activated John Hester had 2 doubles in 3 at bats. Continue reading Box Score Recap – 5/10/2015 →

Sunday notes, May 10th

Other Stuff

Happy Mother’s Day. Call your mother and tell her you love her, if you can and if you do.

My random musings on our prospects and the draft are below the fold

Continue reading Sunday notes, May 10th →