All posts by gregg

Comments from Gorm Heimueller, Minor League Pitching Coordinator

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Some interesting comments from Gorm Heimueller, The Phillies Minor League Pitching Coordinator during a recent conversation he had with Greg Giombarrese, the Lakewood BlueCLaws Media Relations Manager.  Check out the entire conversation at http://blog.blueclaws.com/. 

On Trevor May’s latest outing: “He has looked alot more under control, except maybe the first inning on Monday. Not that many times can you throw 35 pitches in an inning, not give up a run and nobody hits a fair ball. The most encouraging thing, with the long inning, he regrouped and gave us five more solid innings…A lot of those games he wasn’t taken out because of getting hit, but they were pitch counts. The other day, he threw 35 in the first but ended up with just 94.” Continue reading Comments from Gorm Heimueller, Minor League Pitching Coordinator →

Matt Rizzotti Promoted to Lehigh Valley

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Update: Rizzotti is in the Lehigh Valley lineup for this evenings game, playing first base and hitting cleanup.

Matt Rizzotti probably the most talked about player on this site currently, was promoted from AA Reading to AAA Lehigh Valley today, making it his third level of play this year. Rizzotti was originally the Phillies 6th round selection in the 2007 draft out of Manhatten College.  He played primarily first base, while seeing significant time as the RPhils DH as well. Rizzotti is currently the Eastern League leader in batting average (.362) and comes in with the very impressive line of .362/.451/.638 during his time with Reading this year. On the year, Rizzotti is hitting a combined .361 with 17 HR and 71 RBI in 107 games between Clearwater and Reading.

The Floral Park, Ny native, a lefty, should see regular playing time for Lehigh Valley during the seasons last month.

Cosart Shut Down For the Year

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The Phillies announced last evening that Jared Cosart will be shut down for the rest of the season after suffering from continued elbow soreness.  He last pitched on June 26, and visited with Dr. James Andrews, a week or two ago.  The good news from the visit with Dr. Andrews, is that the elbow does not require surgery. Cosart, 20, was 7-3 with a 3.79 ERA in his 14 starts this year.  Opponents hit just .224 against him, and he was striking out well over a hitter per each inning pitched.  The Phils hope to have him ready for the Florida Instructional League in the Fall.

Around the System–Middle Infield

Around the System

A last in season look at the Middle Infield in the Minor League system

Lehigh Valley

Ozzie Chavez, 27, Reading: .218/.316/.287 in 188 AB’s. 1 HR and 18RBI; 3/7 SB. 12% bb rate, 15% k rate. LEHIGH VALLEY: .232/.263/.366 in 112 AB’s; 4 HR and 9 RBI; 1 SB; 4% bb rate, 18% k rate. Total: .223/297/.317 in 300 AB’s. 5 HR 27 RBI; 4/8 SB. Has played 84 games at 2B with 6 errors (.982), 3.99 R/F. and has played 9 games at SS without an error. Chavez is simply adequate.

Melvin Dorta, 28, .293/.330/.374 in 270 AB’s. 3 HR 24 RBI; 5/9 SB. 6% bb rate, 8% k rate..310 vs. LH, .297 vs. RH; .323 with RISP. Has played 48 games at 2B, committing 5 errors (.975), 4.10 R/F. 16 games at SS, with 2 errors (.959), 2.94 R/F; 6 games at 1B and 6 games in the OF. Dorta has been used everywhere and swings a decent bat, making contact. Average in the field, nothing exceptional.

Brian Bocock, 25, .212/.269/.290 in 293 AB’s. 4 HR 27 RBI; 6 SB, 5 CS; 7% bb rate, 22% k rate..281 vs. LH, .192 vs. RH, .203 with RISP; .309 in July.  87 games at SS, committing 7 errors (.981), 4.26 R/F. Has been simply outstanding in the field. His bat is somewhat improved but there was only one way to go. Continue reading Around the System–Middle Infield →

Howard to DL, Mayberry Called Up

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The ever evolving Phillies injury situation took another turn for the worse today with Ryan Howard being placed on the 15 day DL with his sprained ankle.  To take his place on the Phillies roster, the Phils called up OF John Mayberry, 26,  from AAA Lehigh Valley.  Mayberry, a right-handed bat,  has been up and down this year for Lehigh Valley. In his 383 AB’s, he is hitting .258/.321/.410 with 12 HR 54 RBI and 13 SB.  He has hit lefties at a .319 clip, while hitting only .240 vs. rhp. He has a 7% bb rate, while striking out at a 21% rate. With the lefty heavy Phils lineup, Mayberry may see a start or two in the OF, while first base looks to be a platoon between Ross Gload and Cody Ransom until Howard returns.

‘Pigs Weekend Report

7. Lehigh Valley

Friday–Durham completed their sweep of Lehigh Valley with a 9-2 victory over the ‘Pigs Friday evening at Coca Cola Park. The Bulls built the lead early and were ahead by a score of 5-0 after five innings off of starter Drew Carpenter (7-7). Carpenter lasted six innings, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits. Just about every time Lehigh Valley put a runner on base, the threat was ended with a double play ball, as Durham turned five on the evening. Both Melvin Dorta and John Mayberry had 2 hits apiece for Lehigh Valley. Continue reading ‘Pigs Weekend Report →

Around the System, Corner Infield

Around the System

One last post trade deadline trip around the system, prior to post season reviews. Look for Middle Infield sometime late next week.

Lehigh Valley

Andy Tracy, 36, 301 AB’s; .282/.392/.502; 14 HR 53 RBI; .310 vs. LH, .274 vs. RH, .282 with RISP, .257 in July; 15% bb rate, 23% k rate. 67 games at 1B, 5 errors (.991); 8.33 R/F. Tracy has struggled with shoulder problems most of the season and it has shown in his recent power numbers.  Still consistent however.

Neil Sellers, 28, 330 AB’s; .258/.326/.355; 3HR 31 RBI; .299 vs. LH, .255 vs. RH, .241 with RISP, .253 in July, 9% bb rate, 18% k rate. 32 games at 1B with 1 error (.996); 8.72 R/F. 48 games at 3B with 2 errors (.983), 2.38 R/F. The disappointment with Sellers has been his power numbers which have dropped precipitously since his AA days.  His fielding, which was questioned in years past, has been serviceable. Continue reading Around the System, Corner Infield →

Jiwan James Q and A

James, Jiwan

Through the continued help of Greg Giombarrese, the Media Relations Director of the Lakewood BlueClaws, Outfielder Jiwan James has agreed to answer your questions.  James, 21, was the Phils 22nd round pick in the 2007 draft.  Prior to the 2009 season, James converted from pitcher to the outfield and has shown a great deal of promise.  In his 429 AB’s this year, James is hitting .284/.331/.382 with 3 HR and 53 RBI, to go along with 27 stolen bases.  A native of Williston, Florida, he has impressed with his arm, notching 8 assists from his center field position this year.  The signing of James was considered to be a major coup back in 2007 when he was hours away from attending University of FLorida before signing with the Phils.  Prior to this season, James was ranked the 11th best prospect in the Phillies system by Baseball America.  Feel free to leave your questions below for Jiwan James and expect to see a post at the end of next week with your answers.

Lehigh Valley Weekly Report

7. Lehigh Valley

 The first three up, then the last four down for Lehigh Valley whose troubles continue at 44-62, in 5th place of the Norther Division of the International League, 16.5 games behind division leading Scranton with 36 games left to play.

‘Pigs league leaders thru 7/28: Hitting: John Mayberry is 5th in runs(58); Chris Duffy is 8th in triples (4) and is 6th in strikeouts (96); Andy Tracy is 2nd in walks (55), 2nd in OBP (.397), and 4th in SLG (.508). Pitching: Nate Bump is 6th in ERA (3.33); Drew Carpenter is 7th in ERA (3.39); Brian Mazone is 7th in starts (20) and 6th in hR allowed (16); Scott Mathieson is 2nd in saves (20); Joe Savery is 8th in walks (41). Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →

Domonic Brown to the Majors

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It was under different circumstances than most expected, but the name most believe is currently the #1 prospect in baseball, Domonic Brown, received the much-anticipated call to the majors this afternoon as Shane Victorino was placed on the DL with an oblique strain.

Brown, 23, was hitting .346/.390/.561 in 107 AB’s with AAA Lehigh Valley.  He had 5 HR and 21 RBI to go along with 5 SB in 6 attempts. Overall on the year, Brown has hit .327/.391/.589 with 20HR and 68 RBI in 343 AB’s.  Additionally, he has stolen 17 bases in 24 attempts. His walk rate is 10%, while striking out at a 19% clip.  Continue reading Domonic Brown to the Majors →