A good week for the ‘Pigs who went 4-2 and now stand at 17-13, 2.0 games behind division leading Pawtucket in the Northern Division of the International League.  Lehigh Valley opened a four game series in Indianapolis and then move on to Louisville.

‘Pigs leaders:Hitting:Domonic Brown 5th in triples(2) Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →

The first of the “Around the System” reports for the 2012 season.  I am looking to make this a regular feature once again but it may be a bit slower than in years past because of time constraints.  Look for a report on Middle Infielders sometime next weekend, if not earlier.

Lehigh Valley

Cody Overbeck, 25, 9th round pick in 2008, .282/.324/.408 in 103 AB’s; 2HR 15 RBI; 6%bb/16%K rate; .355 vs. LH, .250 vs. RH, .292 with RISP. 28 games at 1B without an  error. Overbeck  has deservedly started receiving some attention as the most consistent hitter in the Lehigh Valley lineup and a guy that has been a regular run producer throughout his minor league career. Another month or two of this type of production should lead to promotion to Philly talk. Continue reading Around the System–Corner Infielders →

A few observations: Sources say that hitters havent seen much of Trevor May’s curveball this year (which is a plus pitch), because the Phillies brass want him to focus on developing his slider.  Whatever he has been throwing, it has been with success as he had 5 wins in April.

—Cody Asche, the Clearwater 3B is a guy worth keeping an eye on.  A 4th round pick out of University of Nebraska, Asche struggled in WIlliampsort last year, but is putting it together in the early going for the Threshers.

–With promotions to Philadelphia and recent struggles in the Lehigh Valley rotation, the time is right to consider the promotion of Tyler CLoyd into the Lehigh Valley rotation.  Since mid season last year, he has been extremely consistent in AA and is a regular on our “Hot” list.

–Jesse Biddle makes the “hot” list but that was based on his effort late last week.  Most notable is the fact that he lasted just 0.1 of an inning last evening, leading to speculation of an injury. Continue reading Hot or Not →

Another rough week for the ‘Pigs who started a huge home stand last Monday at Coca Cola Park, and are 2-4 since the last update, including three consecutive losses to Scranton.  The home stand continues this evening with Charlotte (White Sox affiliate) coming into Allentown for a three game series. Lehigh Valley now stands at 13-11 and are tied for third in the Northern Division, 2.5 games behind division leading Pawtucket. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →

Another week in the books.  A few observations.

It may be time to really take notice of Tyler Cloyd. He has been very consistent over the last two years and knows how to pitch. 

Maikel Franco is starting to turn some heads as a legit 3B prospect. The question remains whether the youngster can hit for power.

Kyrell Hudson needs to start hitting…how does the adage go, “you can’t steal first base”.

Possibly the worst line I have ever seen from Lino Martinez.

Phillipe Aumont’s control issues are noteworthy and should be watched.

Hot Hitters: Erik Kratz (.462, HR, 4 RBI); Maikel Franco (.455, 2HR); Gustavo GOnzalez (.400)Brian Pointer (.364, 3 RBI, sb)Tuffy Gosewisch (.364); James Murphy (.357; 3 RBI); Scott Podsednik (.333, 4R, 3RBI, SB); Steve Susdorf (.333); Cody Overbeck (.318) ; Darin Ruf (.313, HR, 4 RBI). Continue reading Hot or Not →

After a dismal 1-5 week, Lehigh Valley now stands at 11-7 and in 2nd place of the Northern Division of the International League, 2.5 games behind division leading Pawtucket.  The ‘Pigs, who are in the midst of a three game losing streak began a long 14 game home stand last evening against Buffalo.

‘Pigs Leaders: Hitting: Rich Thompson is 9th in SB (3); Scott Podsednik is 10th in SB (3);

Pitching:Scott Elarton is 2nd in ERA (0.56); Phillipe Aumont is tied for the league lead in saves (4); Pat Misch is 2nd in HR allowed (5).

Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →

Edition Two of “Hot or Not” with plenty to talk about. At the dish, Reading had a huge night last evening, influencing numbers and sending Cesar Hernandez and Darin Ruf climbing up the charts.  Leandro Castro has also been consistently ,making things happen. Anthony Hewitt’s “promotion” is not going well early on and the struggles of Jeremy Barnes continue.

Nice to see Brody COlvin breaking through on the hot pitcher list, which included two nice starts by Trevor May.  Jesse Biddle had a rough outing this week, but too early for real concern.  The Lehigh Valley bullpen plays prominently in the Hot Reliever section with two real nice outings by Kenny Giles getting him some “pub”. Continue reading Hot or Not →

An outstanding week for the IronPigs as they have won six consecutive games and now stand at 10-2, in first place of the Northern Division of the International League, 3 games ahead of second place Pawtucket.

‘Pigs Leaders: Remarkably, Lehigh Valley does not have anyone in the top 10 in any hitting category. Pitching: Tom Cochran is 3rd in wins (2); Austin Hyatt is 4th in wins (2), 10th in walks (8); and 7th in IP (16.1); Scott Elarton is 4th in ERA (0.82); Dave Bush is 5th in ERA (0.90); Phillipe Aumont is 6th in games (5) and is tied for the league lead in saves (4); Jake Diekman is 6th in saves (2)and Pat Misch is 6th in HR allowed (3). Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →

The first edition of Hot or Not which includes todays afternoon games. Most notable talking points are the hot starts by Jiwan James and Sebastian Valle in Reading, Cameron Rupp in CLearwater and Gauntlett Eldemire in Lakewood. Tyler Cloyd was an excellent opening day story in Allentown, while David Buchanan had a dominant first start in Reading.  None of the baby aces on either list.

Hot Hitters: Darin Ruf, (.450, 3RBI); Jiwan James (.400, 2HR 5RBI, SB), Sebastain Valle (.389); Brian Pointer (.364, 3HR 8 RBI, 2SB); Cameron Rupp (.357, HR 6RBI); Gauntlett Eldemire (.351, 3RBI, 5SB)Pete Lavin (.333, HR).

Not Hot Hitters:Kevin Frandsen (.000); Carlos Alonso (.000); Lou Montanez (.100);  Logan Moore (.111);Tim Kennelly (.143) Jeremy Barnes (.176); Domonic Brown (.178)  

Hot Pitchers: Tyler CLoyd (6IP 0H 0ER 0BB 8K); Scott Elarton (5IP 2H 0ER 3BB 4K); Dave Bush (5IP 2H 0ER 2BB 2K); David Buchanan (7IP 2H 0ER 1BB 9K); Lisalberto Bonilla (4IP 3H 0ER 2BB 5K); Tyler Knigge (3.1IP 2H 0ER 1BB 3K); Ryan Duke (3IP 2H 0ER 1BB 4K 2SV); Mike Cisco (3IP 0ER); Jacob Diekman 2IP 2H oER 3K, SV); Hector Neris (6.1IP 4H 0ER 4BB 4K);

Not Hot Pitchers: Raul Valdes (2.2IP 7H 5ER);  Colton Murray (2.1H 3H 5ER 6BB 0K); Mike Nesseth ((3.2IP 7H 6ER 2BB 3K); Bryan Morgado (3IP 5H 4ER 3BB 2K);Juan Sosa (3IP 4H 4ER 0BB 1K); Frank Gailey (2.1IP 4H 3ER 2BB 5K) 

While more limited with time this season, I hope to continue with very regular reports from the AAA level focusing mostly on individual prospect performance rather than a lot of talk on how the team is doing.  Look for reports sometime mid week (Tues thru Thur) each week.  Additionally, as time allows the “Hot or Not” segments and Organizational positional updates should continue throughout the year. Now, onward. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →