The ‘Pigs have won 2 of three on this 7 game home and continue at home with one more against Toledo tonight, followed by a weekend series at home against Syracuse.  Since their low water mark of 22-42 in mid June, the ‘Pigs have gone 22-12 including wins in 15 of their last 22 games.  With six weeks left in the season, Lehigh Valley sits at 44-54, in 4th place of the Northern Division of the International League, 8 games behind division leading Rochester.  Next week starts on the road for two in Scranton.

News and Notes: Fan Favorite Erik Kratz returned to Lehigh Valley with a 3-4, 2RS, 2 double effort in his first game back in an IronPig uniform.

–Over his last two starts, Pitcher Anthony Vasquez has allowed just one earned run on 9 hits, spanning 14 innings.

–RP Adam Loewen has been perfect over his last six outings, retiring all 18 batters he has faced. Since returning from AA just over a month ago, Loewen has help the opposition scoreless in 17 of 18 outings, earned 8 saves, and struck out an astounding 35 in 21.1 innings of work.   Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →

Lakewood

Joey DeNato, 23, Phils 19th round pick in 2014; 30 games; 2-2 with a 1.59ERA; 5SV; 45.1IP 29H 11BB 44K; 1HR allowed; .188 opp avg; 0.88 WHIP; 0.63 GO/AO; 2.2BB/8.7K per 9; .234 vs LH, .168 vs RH, .167 opp avg last 30 days; .250 with RISP.  A pitching line that has everything you would want.  DeNato has been consistently dominating.

Jason Zgardowski, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2014; 21 games between Williamsport and Lakewood; 2-1 with a 3.53ERA; 2SV; 35.2IP 24H 16BB 32K; 2HR allowed; 4.0BB/8.1K per 9; .192 opp avg; 1.12 WHIP; 1.19 GO/AO; For Lakewood: 15G; 3.90ERA; .194 opp avg; 1.12 WHIP; .213 vs LH; .176 vs RH.  After being picked up as an un-drafted free agent, Zgardowski clearly has talent, throws hard and has been gaining command of his pitches.

Scott Harris, 22, Phils 27th round pick in 2014; 19 games, 1-2 with a 4.46ERA; 34.1IP 33H 13BB 24K; 3HR allowed; .246 opp avg; 1.34 WHIP; 1.08 GO/AO; 3.4BB/6.3K per 9; .200 vs LH; .263 vs RH, .237 opp avg last 30 days; .350 with RISP.  Harris has been generally productive but gets beat up with runners in scoring position.

Matt Hockenberry, 23, Phils 9th round pick in 2014; 24 games, 4-3 with a 2.34ERA; 8SV; 34.2IP 21H 13BB 36K; 0HR allowed; .178 opp avg; 0.98 WHIP; 1.83 GO/AO; 3.3BB/9.3K per 9; .196 vs LH, .161 vs RH, .190 opp avg last 30 days; .250 with RISP.  Hockenberry has been outstanding minus a few outings just before he went on the DL.  The comments would echo those for DeNato…Hockenberry has done everything you would want him to do, including failing to yield a homer in his 24 outings.

Manny Martinez, 23, Signed as a free agent in 2011; 18 games, 2-1 with a 3.57ERA; 1SV; 22.2IP 19H 14BB 18K; 2HR allowed; .235 opp avg; 1.46 WHIP; 0.92 GO/AO; 5.6BB/7.1K per 9; .208 vs LH, .246 vs RH, .324 opp avg last 30 days.  The walks have really hurt Martinez who has struggled over the last month.

Jairo Munoz, 23, Signed as a free agent in 2015; 5 games between GCL, CW and Lakewood; 0.00 ERA: 6IP 2H 0R 2BB 6K.  Too few games for comment.

Calvin Rayburn, 23, Phils 16th round pick in 2014; 18 games, 2-1 with a 2.51ERA; 1SV; 28.2IP 14H 12BB 17K; 0HR allowed; .152 opp avg; 0.91 WHIP; 1.56 GO/AO; 3.8BB/5.3K per 9; .150 vs LH; .154 vs RH, .106 opp avg last 30 days; Practically unhittable, the large majority of Rayburn’s baserunners have come from the free pass.  That said, he has pitched very, very well after spending some time on the DL.

Note: For Williamsport and GCL Phils, infrequent comments simply because their season is so young.

Williamsport

Sutter McLoughlin, 21, Phils 22nd round pick in 2015; 7 games with GCL Phils, 2-0 with an 0.00ERA; 4SV; 9.1IP 2H 0ER 12K; McLoughlin was promoted to Williamsport based on his start with GCL Phils

Jacob Waguespack, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2015; 4 games with GCL Phils, 0-0 with a 7.94ERA; 5.2IP 9H 1BB 7K. Continue reading Around the System–Relief Pitching–LK, WP and GCL →

Lehigh Valley

Juan Gutierrez, 32, Signed as a free agent in 2015; 13G, 3-1 with a 2.04ERA; 2SV; 17.2IP 24H 6BB 15K; .316 opp avg; 1.70 WHIP; 0.73 GO/AO; 3.1BB/7.3K per 9; .379 vs LH, .255 vs RH; His line indicates that he has been extremely lucky that his ERA isn’t above 5.

Dalier Hinojosa, 29, Picked up off of waivers in 2015; Has not yet pitched in the Phils organization; For Pawtucket: 19G; 3-1 with a 3.21ERA; .248 opp avg; 1.33WHIP; 3.6BB/8.4K per 9.  Interesting pickup who has some major league time for the Red Sox.

Cesar Jiminez, 30, Re-signed as a free agent in 2015; 33G, 2-3 with a 3.14ERA; 4SV;48.2IP 48H 15BB 34K; .258 opp avg; 1.29 WHIP; 1.12 GO/AO; 2.9BB/6.3K per 9; .235 vs LH, .271 vs RH, .242 over last 30 days.  Jiminez has dominated AAA the last two year and has been far less dominating this year.  He has been steady, but less than outstanding.

Tyler Knigge, 26, Phils 12th round pick in 2010; 27G, 0-0 with a 4.87ERA between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 40.2IIP 48H 15BB 30K; .312 opp avg; 1.55 WHIP; 1.02 GO/AO; 3.3BB/6.6K per 9; 19G for Lehigh Valley; 5.14ERA; .343 opp avg; 1.75 WHIP.  A disappointing year for Knigge who has not been able to get hitters out at the AAA level.

Adam Loewen, 31, Signed as a free agent in 2014; 32G between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 2-3 with a 2.44ERA; 6SV; 48IP 37H 30BB 57K; .219 opp avg; 1.40 WHIP; 0.95 GO/AO; 5.4BB/10.7K per 9; Since June 1: 18G 0-1 with a 2.05ERA; 26.1IP 8BB 38K; Loewen’s command was brutal at the beginning of the year in Lehigh Valley.  He was sent to Reading and found it and has been overpowering since.  I would like to see how he would handle the majors as a situational lefty.

Dustin McGowan, 33, Signed as a free agent in 2015; 13G (1 start); 2-1 with a 5.19ERA; 5/6SV; 17.1IP 19H 7BB 10K; .275 opp avg; 1.50 WHIP; 0.83 GO/AO; 3.6BB/5.2K per 9; .344 vs LH; .216 vs RH. McGowan was awful for the Phils this year and mediocre at best in the minors.

Nefi Ogando, 26, Acquired from Boston in 2013; 30G, 3-3 with a 2.28ERA; 3/8SV; 43.1IP 29H 23BB 42K; .190 opp avg; 1.20 WHIP; 0.98 GO/AO; 4.8BB/8.8K per 9; 6G and 8.2 scoreless innings thus far for Lehigh Valley.  Ogando has taken a step forward this year, and with him on the 40 man roster, I would be surprised if he didn’t see a cup of coffee in Philly come September.

Seth Rosin, 26, Returned via Rule 5 draft in 2014,32G, 3-1 with a 4.02ERA: 3SV; 47IP 57H 15BB 30K; .292 opp avg; 1.51 WHIP; 1.18 GO/AO; 2.9BB/5.8K per 9; .341 vs LH, .252 vs RH, .400 opp avg last month; Rosin continues mired in mediocrity.

Reading

Ethan Martin, 26, Acquired from Dodgers in 2012; 10G; 1-0 with a 5.71ERA; 17.1IP 21H 7BB 6K; .304 opp avg; 1.62 WHIP; 0.79 GO/AO; 3.6BB/3.1K per 9; .222 vs LHP; .350 vs RHP.  Martin’s fall continues as he has gone from top prospect to afterthought after injuries and ineffectiveness have relegated him the AA mop up man.  His strikeout rate is the lowest in the organization and he is now eminently hittable.

Tom Windle, 23, Acquired from Dodgers in 2015; 19G (14 starts); 3-5 with a 5.03ERA: 78.2IP 83H 43BB 50K; .286 opp avg; 1.60 WHIP; 1.26 GO/AO; 4.9BB/5.7K per 9; .239 vs LH, .308 vs RH, Opp avg: .174 in July. 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in 5 relief appearances.  Many projected Windle as a reliever in the big leagues and that occurred sooner than we thought because of significant problems in the Reading rotation this year. A lack of command combined with the fact that he was getting hit landed him in the ‘pen, where he has had some early success. Continue reading Around the System–Relief Pitching, LV, REA and CW →

Lakewood

Ranfi Casimiro, 23, Signed as a free agent in 2011; 15 starts, 5-5 with a 3.52ERA; 87IP 86H 20BB 53K; .256 opp avg; 1.22 WHIP; 0.84 GO/AO; 2.1BB/5.5K per 9; .264 vs LH; .250 vs RH, .275 last 30 days; .208 with RISP.  Casimiro has pitched well this year and with 40 starts at the Low A level is ready to be moved to Clearwater.

Einiery Garcia, 20, Signed as a free agent in 2011; 14 starts, 6-7 with a 3.29ERA; 82IP 89H 24BB 45K; .283 opp avg; 1.38 WHIP; 1.34 GO/AO; 2.6BB/4.9K per 9; .235 vs LH, .301 vs RH, .297 opp avg last 30 days; .256 with RISP.  Garcia’s season has to be considered a successful one thus far with consistent positive results.  I would expect his innings to be monitored pretty closely in the short term as his workload is substantially beyond anything he has done in years passed.

Austin Davis, 22, Phils 12th round pick in 2014; 25 games, 3 starts; 2-2 with a 2.41ERA; 52.1IP 36H 29BB 41K; .194 opp avg; 1.24 WHIP; 0.90 GO/AO; 5.0BB/7.1K per 9; .207 vs LHP; .188 vs RHP; .190 last 30 days; 2-0 with a 1.93ERA in 3 starts.  Davis just joined the rotation and has pitched very well.  His control issues from earlier in the season seem to be resolving.

Shane Watson, 21, Phils Compensation round pick in 2012; 4 starts between GCL and Lakewood; 0-1 with a 5.40ERA; .383 opp avg; 2.49 WHIP; 8.5BB/10,8K per 9.  Watson has had minimal work since coming off both the suspended list and the injured list.  He has been extremely unimpressive.

Tyler Viza, 20, Phils 32nd round pick in 2013; 15 starts, 4-5 with a 4.23ERA; 87.1IP 85H 26BB 62K; 9HR allowed; 2.7BB/6.4K per 9; .254 opp avg; 1.27 WHIP; 1.23 GO/AO; .273 vs LHP; .239 vs RHP; .320 opp avg last month; .313 with RISP.  Overall decent progress from Viza who has struggled a bit recently.

Williamsport

Mitch Guellar, 21, Phils Comp A round pick in 2012; 4 starts, 3-1 with a 3.27ERA; 22IP 17H 6BB 13K; .215 opp avg; 1.05 WHIP; 0.86 GO/AO; 2.5BB/5.3K per 9; .152 vs. LHP; .261 vs RHP.  Guellar has pitched well early on, as he should at this stage.  The goal should be for him to get a few Lakewood starts in before the end of the season.

Denton Keys, 20, Phils 11th round pick of 2013; 4 starts, 0-1 with a 5.00ERA; 18IP 18H 6BB 13K; .257 opp avg; 1.33 WHIP; 1.93 GO/AO; 3.0BB/6.5K per 9; .241 vs LH; .268 vs. RH.  Not atrocious, but not great

Jose Taveras, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2013; 4 starts, 2-1 with a 1.42ERA; 19IP 11H 8BB 18K; .177 opp avg; 1.00 WHIP; 1.00 GO/AO; 3.8BB/8.5Kper 9; .222 vs LHP; .159 vs LHP; Taveras has been outstanding in the early going.

Alejandro Arteaga, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2010; 5 starts, 3-0 with a 1.24ERA; 29IP 17H 9BB 25K; .168 opp avg; 0.90 WHIP; 2.8BB/7.8K per 9; .200 vs LH; .143 vs RH. Having already made 11 starts above this level, Arteaga was expected to produce well and he has back in Williamsport.  I would expect him to be the first starter to move to Lakewood when its time.

Franklyn Kilome, 20, Signed as a free agent in 2013; 3 starts, 2-0 with an 0.54ERA; 16.2IP 8H 6BB 14K; .140 opp avg; 0.84 GO/AO.  Simply dominant however missed his last two starts injured.  Expected to make his next start.

GCL

Sam McWilliams, 19, Phils 8th round pick in 2014; 3 starts, 0-0 with a 0.56ERA; 16IP 8H 1BB 8K; 0.6BB/4.5K per 9; .148 opp avg; 0.56 WHIP; .200 vs LH, .103 vs RH.  Only 3 starts but has been very good bolstered by a great walk rate.

Felix Paulino, 20, Signed as a free agent in 2013; 4 starts; 2-1 with a 2.25ERA; 20IP 15H 4BB 20K; .211 opp avg; 0.95WHIP; 1.8BB/9.0K per 9; .217 vs LH, .208 vs RH.  Excellent thus far.

Adonis Medina, 18, Signed as a free agent in 2013, 4 games (3 starts); 15IP 10H 5BB 14K; .204 opp avg; 1.00 WHIP; 2.7BB; 8.4K per 9.

Ranger Suarez, 19, Signed as a free agent in 2011; 5 games (3 starts); 21.2IP 13H 3BB 15K; .173 opp avg; 0.74WHIP; 1.2BB/6.2K per 9; .200 vs LH; .167 vs RH; Doing everything you would want a young pitcher to do.

The Phillies have called up 2014 1st round pick Aaron Nola and he is expected to make his major league debut next Tuesday against Tampa at Citizens Bank Park.  Nola’s quick rise through the system has been well documented with him going 10-4 with a 2.39 ERAin 18 combined starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley this year.  His outing last night for Lehigh Valley was perhaps his worst outing of the year (3IP 7H 5ER 2BB 3K), however it should be nothing more than a blip on the radar screen.  Over the last year, Nola has proven that he has big league stuff and big league stuff that is ready now.  With the horrendous condition of the Phils pitching staff and the manner in which Nola’s production has come (great stuff and great pitching IQ), it is time.

With the big club historically putrid, lets look at several moves to make to help move the proverbial ball forward, primarily to help gauge what we may have in the future with several “test” projects that we wouldn’t typically allow for in July.

1.  SP Aaron Nola to Philadelphia–Nola is a guy that will gain nothing more from a half dozen minor league starts.  He is a polished pitcher with less than overpowering stuff that will be a very good major league pitcher, hopefully for the next decade.  With the absolute pounding the bullpen is taking, there is no reason not to add stability into a rotation that has been anything but.

2.  RP Nefi Ogando to Philadelphia–Ogando is on the 40 man and performed well this year at Reading and in his first half dozen AAA appearances.  Put simply, what is the downside?  Send Hector Neris down and move Ogando up.

3.  RP Adam Loewen to Philadelphia–If not now, then in September.  Loewen signed a two year minor league contract last season and had a good year last year and has been borderline incredible over the last 6 weeks in Lehigh Valley, as a dominating lefty out of the bullpen.  This prevents another Jason Grilli/RyanVogelsong/Brandon Moss situation by simply giving him a shot in the majors.

4.  OF Aaron Altherr to Philadelphia–He is having an outstanding year, improving in all aspects of his game.  Likely not a long term answer as a starting OF, but also likely better than the AAAA guys thrown out there day after day.

5.  OF Kelly Dugan to Lehigh Valley–Dugan has proven he can hit AA pitching,  He needs to show he can stay on the field and hit with some power.

6.  RP Joe Denato and Matt Hockenberry from Lakewood to Clearwater-Clearwater can use some help in the bullpen and both of these guys are beyond ready.  Both were established  college pitchers who, when healthy, have dominated the competition at this level.  Challenge them.

7.  RP Tyler Gilbert and Anthony Sequeira from Williamsport to Lakewood–Both 2015 draft picks and both have been lights out in the early going.  With too many pitchers and not enough work, allow Gilbert and Sequeira to backfill for Denato and Hockenberry in the Lakewood ‘pen.

Lehigh Valley has been playing well at long last having won 9 of their last 11 games and are 17-9 over their last 25 games.  Unfortunately, the recent hot streak is not enough to overcome an abysmal start and Lehigh Valley currently sits at 38-50 and in 5th place of the Northern Division of the International League, 9 games behind division leading Rochester.  Lehigh Valley completes a three game series at home against Pawtucket tonight before heading to Pawtucket for three over the weekend.  The International League All Star Game is next week, creating a three day break for the ‘Pigs next Monday thru Wednesday.

News and Notes: Lehigh Valley has double digit hits in 10 of their last 11 games.

–Over the last month, INF Russ Canzler is hitting .312 with 4HR 20RBI, 16RS and 10 doubles. (34-114)

–INF Chase D’Arnaud has a team leading 24 multi hit games,  including four consecutive multi hit games this past week.  Since becoming a regular in mid May, D’Arnaud leads the league in runs scored.

—Jesse Biddle made his AAA debut last night and it was not pretty.  He last just 2.1 innings and gave up 7 runs on 5 hits, walking six and striking out a lone batter.  He threw 73 pitches, just 33 for strikes.  In 15 starts in Reading, Biddle was 7-2 with a 4.23ERA and 1.54 WHIP.  Biddle’s command and confidence remain the two major issues that must be addressed for long term success. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →

A look at starting pitching in the upper parts of the organization.

Lehigh Valley

Aaron Nola, 22, Phils 1st round pick in 2014; 16 starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 10-3 with a 1.97ERA; 100.1IP 83H 14BB 83K; 5HR allowed; .230 opp avg; 0.97 WHIP; 1.2BB/7.5K per 9;  For Lehigh Valley, 4 starts, 3-0 with a 2.28ERA; .264 opp avg; 1.23 WHIP; .231 vs LH, .288 vs RH.  You cant ask for much more out of Nola.  He has impressed consistently all season long.

Severino Gonzalez, 22, Signed as a free agent in 2010; 9 starts for Lehigh Valley, 1-4 with a 4.38ERA; 51.1IP 53H 12BB 27K; 5HR allowed; 2.1BB/4.7K per 9; .268 opp avg; 1.27 WHIP; 0.65 GO/AO; .282 vs LH, .257 vs RH, .250 last 30 days.  Gonzalez has bounced back and forth between Philly and Lehigh Valley and has taken a beating in the big leagues.  Just 22, he needed this full season to develop in AAA and hasn’t been given that opportunity.

Anthony Vasquez, 28, Signed as a free agent in 2015; 17 games (11 starts) between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 5-3 with a 3.95ERA; 70.2IP 63H 26BB 46K; 3.3BB/5.9K per 9; .246 opp avg; 1.26 WHIP; 0.97 GO/AO; For LV: 9 starts, 4-3 with a 4.96ERA; 45.1IP 43H 21BB 31K; .254 opp avg; 1.41 WHIP; 4.2BB/6.2K per 9; .306 vs LH, .241 vs RH, .326 last month.  After pitching very well in Reading and equally well in his first few outings in AAA, Vazquez has struggled of late.

Jason Berken, 31, Signed as a free agent in 2015; 17 games (8 starts); 5-5 with a 3.33ERA; 73.1IP 73H 21BB 48K; 2.6BB/5.9K per 9; .262 opp avg; 1.29 WHIP; 0.95 GO/AO; .262 vs LH, .261 vs RH; .222 last 30 days;  Berken is 4-2 with a 2.27ERA as a starter and has been one of the rare pitchers who have performed consistently well for the ‘Pigs this year.  No reason that Berken shouldnt get a shot with the big club this year based on his performance, the fact that he has major league experience and the further fact that the Phils desperately need someone to eat innings.

David Buchanan, 26, Phils 7th round pick in 2010; 4 starts, 2-0 with a 2.53ERA; 21.1IP 28H 4BB 14K; 1.7BB/5.9K per 9; .311 opp avg; 1.50 WHIP; 1.29 GO/AO; Buchanan just returned with a very good start after missing close to two months with a significant ankle sprain.  With three or four good starts, he will quickly be back in Philly.

Reading

Zach Eflin, 21, Acquired from Padres in 2015; 14 starts, 5-4 with a 2.88ERA; 84.1IP 77H 16BB 42K; .244 opp avg; 1.10 WHIP; 1.11 GO/AO; 1.7BB/4.5K per 9; .308 vs LHP; .189 vs RH; .286 last 30 days; 6 HR allowed; .302 with RISP.  The bottom line from Eflin looks very good. Absent one awful outing, the bottom line would be excellent.

Ben Lively, 23, Acquired from Reds in 2015; 16 starts, 7-6 with a 3.76ERA; 95.2IP 100H 31BB 66K; 8HR allowed; .279 opp avg; 1.37 WHIP; 0.91 GO/AO; 2.9BB/6.2K per 9; .291 vs LH, .269 vs RH, .296 last 30 days; .203 with RISP.  Lively’s performance with RISP accounts for his low ERA which he should be lauded for.  His peripherals otherwise are adequate but nothing spectacular. Continue reading Around the System–Starting Pitching, LV, REA, CW →

No, Hamels, Papelbon, Utley, Howard, Revere and everyone else on the 25 man roster are still here, but the Phillies did acquire the #1 International Signing Slot from Arizona for the 2015-16 signing period.  In return, the Phils gave up their #9 slot, and Lakewood pitchers Chris Oliver and Josh Taylor.

Oliver was the Phils 4th round pick in 2014 and has been disappointing since coming aboard last year.  Oliver, who is soon to be 22, was 4-5 with a 4.04ERA in his 13 starts.  The problematic part of Oliver’s development has been bb/k ratio.  He is averaging 4.2BB/3.5K per 9 this year which leads to trouble on both ends of the spectrum.  The opposition was batting .291 against Oliver (.352 over the last 30 days).

Josh Taylor, 22,  was an undrafted free agent out of Georgia State and is 4-5 with a 4.63ERA in his 13 starts this year. His bb/k ratio is good at 3.2BB/9.2K per 9 and the opposition was hitting .265 off of him.  Over the last 30 days, Taylor is holding the opposition to an average of just .213.

The ‘Pigs are in the midst of an eight game home stand that concludes Friday and they are currently 4-2 on the home stand and 33-48 on the year, still in 5th place of the Northern Division of the International League, 11 games behind division leading Rochester. Lehigh Valley visits Rochester for three games Saturday thru Monday before returning home for three against Pawtucket.

News and Notes: Many thought that OF Brian Bogusevic would exercise his July 1 opt out option, however, he has chosen to remain in the Phillies organization.  While details of discussions were not given, my “educated?” guess is that Bogusevic was given a guarantee of sorts that if his production remained consistent he would come up to Philly come September 1, if not sooner.

—Cord Phelps has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games (.383, and is now above .255 for the first time this year. Notably, he has 14 RBI in his last 11 games after an Asche like 9RBI in his first 58 games. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →