With their 3-2 win on Friday, Lehigh Valley is now 2-3 on their seven game home stand which concludes on Sunday after two more games against Charlotte.  Over the last six weeks, the ‘Pigs are 32-18 and are 47-35 overall, good for 3rd place in the Northern Division of the International League, 3 games behind division leading Scranton. In the wild card race, Lehigh Valley sits just 0.5 games behind Rochester for the wild card spot.  AFter finishing their series against CHarlotte, Lehigh Valley heads to Scranton for a quick two game series before returning home for two games against Rochester.

News and Notes: Jake Thompson has made six consecutive quality starts.

–C Andy Knapp, OF Cam Perkins and P Edward Mujica were all named to the IL ALL Star game upcoming July 13th in Charlotte.

–Over the last 10 games, the ‘Pigs bullpen has allowed just 2 ER in 26.2IP.  Edward Mujica, leading the bullpen corps has converted 11 straight save opportunities.

—Cedric Hunter remains very hot for Lehigh Valley hitting .348 over his last 26 games with 14RBI in those contests.

—Anthony Vasquez is tied for 4th in MILB in wins with 9 between Reading and Lehigh Valley.

–Since June 8th, P Frank Herrmann has made 8 appearances and allowed a lone run in 10IP.

—Cam Perkins has been slumping badly going 2 for his last 26.

—Darin Ruf continues performing at the AAA level hitting for both average and power, with a .326 average in his last 34 games, to go along with a .581 slg %.

–In his last 18 games, RP Luis Garcia is 6-0 with a 1.23ERA (22IP/3ER)

—Emmanuel Burriss has played well since being sent down from Philadelphia hitting in 13 of his 15 starts (.297)

–Taking the loss Monday, Ben Lively lost for the first time in his last 23 starts, spanning almost a year.

–In his last 7 starts, David Buchanan is 1-3 with a 5.95ERA.

‘Pigs prospects: JP Crawford has hit in 15 of his last 19 games, hitting .329 over that span to raise his average to .243 since joining the ‘Pigs.  On the year, Crawford is at .254/.362/.338 between Reading and Lehigh Valley with 3HR 24RBI and 10SB.  He has played 74 games at SS with 9 errrors this year (.975).

Nick WIlliams has been playing well when not benched, having hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games (.306, HR, 8RBI, 8R).  Since JP Crawford arrived on May 20th, WIlliams has hit .319 with 5HR and 21RBI. Over his 275AB, Williams is at .287/.329/.469 with 8HR 39RBI to go along with 5SB.  WIlliams is hitting .272 vs LHP and .295 vs RHP.

Next report: Jake Thompson, Ben Lively, Andy Knapp

‘Pigs Probables: Sun: Russell; Mon: Buchanan; Tue: Vasquez; Wed: Thompson

‘Pigs league leaders, Hitting:Nick Williams is 6th in runs (44), 8th in strikeouts (77) and 8th in SLG (.469); ; Tyler Featherston is 8th in runs (41) and  6th in triples (4); Brock Stassi is 7th in walks (36) and 6th in OBP (.374). Pitching: Luis Garcia is 6th in wins (6); Jake Thompson is 7th in ERA (2.76), 2nd in IP (97.2) and tied for the league lead in starts (16); Edward Mujica is 3rd in games (33) and leads the league in saves(21); Zach Eflin leads the league in WHIP (0.88)

Transactions: Comings: P Phil Klein (claimed off waivers), P Elvis Arajuo (from Phillies); Goings: P Edubray Ramos (promoted to Philadelphia)

Lehigh Valley

David Buchanan, 27, Phils 7th round pick in 2010; 14 games (13 starts); 4-4 with a 4.54ERA; 83.1IP 88H 19BB 38K; 10HR allowed; .275 opp avg; 1.28 WHIP; 1.08 GO/AO; 2.1BB/4.2K per 9; .240 vs LHH, .296 vs RHH; .288 opp avg in June.  Buchanan has given the ‘Pigs nothing more than innings this year.  Mostly unimpressive, his run with the organization is likely coming to an end this off season.

Ben Lively, 24, Acquired from Reds in 2014; 15 starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 10-0 with a 2.12ERA; 93.1IP 55H 26BB 75K; 6HR allowed; 2.5BB/7.2K per 9; .168 opp avg; 0.87 WHIP; 0.88 GO/AO; For LV: 6 starts, 3-0 with a 2.45ERA; .144 opp avg; 0.77 WHIP; 2.5BB/5.8K per 9.  Lively has dominant all year whether pitching for Reading or Lehigh Valley.

James Russell, 30, SIgned as a free agent in 2016; 15 games (8 starts); 2-3 with a 5.01ERA; 41.1IP 47H 13BB 28K; 6HR allowed; 2.8BB/6.1K per 9; .114 vs LHH, .328 vs RHH, .350 opp avg in June; Russell had been throwing well until a very ugly June turned his season around.  He appears clearly better suited for a situational lefty role than starting. Wouldnt be surprised to see Russell back in the bullpen if Morgan moves down to Lehigh Valley on Monday.

Jake Thompson, 22, Acquired from Rangers in 2015; 15 starts; 6-5 with a 2.88ERA; 90.2IP 79H 27BB 63K; 9HR allowed; .238 opp avg; 1.17WHIP; 0.99 GO/AO; 2.6BB/6.2K per 9; 3-0 with a 0.76ERA in 5 June starts; .198 vs RHH, .259 vs LHH, .211 opp avg in June; After somewhat of a slow start, Thompson has been outstanding since the beginning of May and is on course to be one of the primary members of the 2017 rotation.

Anthony Vasquez, 29, Re-signed as a free agent in 2016; 15 starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 8-3 with a 3.46ERA; 96.1IP 99H 27BB 69K; 6HR allowed; 2.5BB/6.4K per 9; .275 opp avg; 1.31 WHIP; 1.06 GO/AO; Vasquez knows how to pitch and he has been effective this year.

Reading

Tom Eshelman, 22, Acquired from Houston in 2015; 12 starts between CLearwater and Reading; 4-2 with a 3.22ERA; 64.1IP 65H 12BB 69K; 7HR allowed; 1.7BB/9.7K per 9; .259 opp avg; 1.20WHIP; 1.20 GO/AO; Eshelman has progressed very nicely this season with 11 of his 12 starts coming for CLearwater before his recent promotion to Reading.  His pinpoint control is certainly the first step towards success.

Mark Leiter, 25, Phils 22nd round pick in 2013; 10 games (6 starts) for Reading; 3-0 with a 3.50ERA; 36IP 25H 12BB 28K; .198 opp avg; 1.03WHIP; 0.95 GO/AO; 5HR allowed; 2.7BB/7.0K per 9; .228 vs LHH, .174 vs RHH, .193 opp avg in June; Leiter has thrown well after missing the first month plus of the season injured. Continue reading Around the System–Starting Pitching →

Lehigh Valley has started their seven game road swing with two wins in Norfolk and have won seven of their last nine games and now sit 10 games above .500 at 41-31, just passed the half way point of the season.  They are currently in 3rd place of the Northern Division of the International League, 3 games back of division leading Rochester.  In the wild card race, the ‘Pigs are one game behind Scranton, who are currently leading the wild card race.  The road trip continues with two more In Norfolk before a weekend series in Durham.

News and Notes: Lehigh Valley has not committed multiple errors in any of their last 33 games, clearly a recipe for success.

–Over the last two weeks, the LV bullpen is 5-1 with a 1.29ERA with 4 saves.  During that time period, they have allowed just 7ER in 49IP.

–INF Emmanuel Burriss has hit safely in 8 of the 9 games he has started

–OF Cedric Hunter remains very hot, having hit .348 over the last three weeks, raising his average to .312.

—Edward Mujica remains consistent for Lehigh Valley with a 2.54ERA and 16 saves in his last 26 games.  With the troubles the Phils are having, seeing him in Philly soon would not surprise me. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →

Lehigh Valley

Andy Knapp, 24, Phils 2nd round pick in 2013; .267/.335/.431 in 202AB; 7HR 29RBI; 1SB; 9%BB/22%K; .247 vs LHP; .279 vs RHP; .328 in June; 52 games caught with 6 errors (.984); 9 passed balls; 9/30 CS (30%); Knapp has been heating up with the bat and his arm as of late, having a very good June.  The caught stealing rate is now respectable.  His receiving, while improving, remains a concern.

Logan Moore, 25, Phils 9th round pick in 2011; .262/.336/.402 in 107AB between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 3HR 12RBI; 10%BB/24%K; Hitting .316 in June; 34 games caught with 2 errors (.992); 0 passed balls; 13/27 (48%); Moore has seen fairly limited playing time but has produced when playing.  His defense remains major league back up worthy.

Reading

Jorge Alfaro, 23, Acquired from Texas in 2015; .303/.315/.489 in 188AB; 7HR 37RBI; 2%BB/22%K; .250 vs LHP; .318 vs RHP; .238 in June; 43 games caught with 2 errors (.995); 2 passed balls; 17/41 CS (41%); After starting the year scalding hot with the bat, Alfaro has cooled off but still a very impressive body of work with the bat and glove this year thus far.

Joel Fisher, 23, Phils 23rd round pick in 2014; Hitting .235 with 2 HR and 7RBI in 35AB between Lakewood and Reading; 12 games caught with 1 errors (.988); 0 passed balls; 8/16 CS (50%); Fisher has done exactly what has been asked, especially defensively in his limited playing time.

Clearwater

Gabriel Lino, 23, Acquired from Baltimore in 2012; .199/.264/.279 in 136AB; 2HR 6RBI; 7%BB/22%K; .257 vs LHP; .178 vs RHP; .077 in June; 40 games caught with 7 errors (.981); 5 passed balls; 21/54 CS (39%).  Simply a pretty brutal year thus far from Lino whose stock has slipped considerably.

Chace Numata, 23, Phils 14th round pick in 2010; .265/.348/.353 in 102AB; 1HR 5RBI; 11%BB/16%K rates; .227 vs LHP; .275 vs RHP; .333 in June; 30 games caught with 2 errors (.993); 9 passed balls; 9/27 CS (33%); The passed balls are troublesome, however that said, Numata has done a good job.

Lakewood

Deivi Gruillon; 20, Signed as a free agent in 2012; .244/.338/.359 in 131AB; 2HR 18RBI; 12%BB/24%K; .220 vs LHP; .256 vs RHP; .280 in June; 35 games caught with 5 errors (.984); 10 passed balls; 9/30 CS(30%); Gruillon’s defense was supposed to be his strong suit and has been less than adequate this year; After missing a nice chunk of time injured, Gruillon is beginning to come around.

Austin Bossart, 22, Phils 14th round pick in 2015; .263/.336/.343 in 99AB; 1HR 9RBI; 8%BB/12%K; .286 vs LHP; .254 vs RHP; 29 games caught with 3 errors (.990); 1 passed ball; 15/52 CS (29%); Bossart has played much more than expected because of Gruillon’s injury and has played more than compentently.

Williamsport

Gregori Rivero, 20, Signed as a free agent in 2012

Rodolfo Duran, 18, Signed as a free agent in 2014

Lehigh Valley

Emmanuel Burriss, 31, SIgned as a free agent in 2016; Hitting .286 in 21 AAA at bats since being sent down earlier this month from Philadelphia; Has played 5 games at 2B with 1 error; 1 game at 3B and SS without an error.  Burriss is a fringe major leaguer at best but will be a solid addition to the AAA lineup.

JP Crawford, 21,  Phils 1st round pick in 2013; .239/.364/.332 in 226AB between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 3HR 19RBI; 8SB; 16%BB/14%K; For Lehigh Valley: .200/.311/.244 in 90AB; 0HR 6RBI; 3SB; 13%BB/16%K rates; .156 vs LHP; .224 vs RHP; .204 in June; 60 games at SS with 7 errors (.974); Crawford has struggled with the stick since his promotion to AAA, however seems to be coming out of the funk with his current five game hitting streak this week. The walk rate continues outstanding and he has done a very good job in the field.

Reading

KC Serna, 26, Re-signed as a free agent in 2016; .293/.393/.386 in 140AB; 1HR 16RBI; 5SB; 14%BB/13%K; .259 vs LHP; .314 vs RHP; .194 in June; 14 games at SS with 2 errors (.965); 4 games at 2B without an error; 15 games at 3B with 2 errors (.933); 11games in the OF without an error; Struggling of late, Serna has played everywhere and done so competently.

Jesmuel Valentin, 22, Acquired from Dodgers in 2014; .284/.347.422 in 218AB; 4HR 31RBI; 4/5SB; 10%BB/15%K; .286 vs LHP; .284 vs RHP; .309 in June; 53 games at 2B with 6 errors (.976); 4 games at SS with 2 errors.  Valentin has been swinging a hot bat recently and has hit pretty consistently throughout the year.  Solid in the field at 2b.

Clearwater

Malquin Canelo, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2011; .228/.287/.316 in 215AB; 2HR 23RBI; 5/9SB; 8%BB/17%K; .204 vs LHP; .235 vs RHP; .227 in June; 62 games at SS with 15 errors (.943); After a 2015 which placed him on the prospect radar, Canelo has really struggled this year both with the bat and the glove.

Scott Kingery, 22, Phils 2nd round pick in 2015; .263/.338/.407 in 243AB; 3HR 16RBI; 16SB; 8%BB/15%K; ; .359 vs LHP; .229 from RHP; .255 in June; 58 games at 2B with 8 errors (.968); A good year for Kingery thus far but still needs to progress before promotion.

DL: Drew Stankiewicz

Lakewood

Grenny Cumana, 20, Signed as a free agent in 2013; .269/.322/.361 in 108AB; 1HR 10RBI; 8SB; 5%BB/5KK; .276 vs LHP; .266 vs RHP; .355 in June;26 games at SS with 7 errors (.919); 4 games at 2B with 1 error; Cumana has done a good job when he has been in the lineup.  The glovework could use some improvement this year.

Emmanuel Marrero, 23, Phils 7th round pick in 2014; .252/.298/.312 in 234AB; 1HR 18RBI; 5/11SB; 6%BB/19%K; .250 vs LHP; .253 vs RHP; .193 in June; 42 games at SS with 5 errors (.968); 12 games at 3B with 2 errors (.920); 5 games at 2B without an error.  The Phils were probably hoping for production a couple of ticks higher for Marrero who may begin losing playing time to Cumana.

Josh Tobias, 23, Phils 10th round pick in 2015; .286/.363/.423 in 239AB; 5HR 37RBI; 5/8SB; 9%BB/15%K; .339 vs LHP; .266 vs LHP; .259 in June; 58 games at 2B with 11 errors (.956); Tobias remains playing well enough for promotion but is blocked by Kingery.  I would expect both to move up a level over the next 4-6 weeks.

Lehigh Valley wrapped up a three game series against Durham on Sunday with a 10-3   loss, however won two of three over the weekend against the Bulls.  After an off day on Monday, Lehigh Valley continues their home stand with 3 against Gwinnett, followed by four against Buffalo including a doubleheader next Saturday.  At 34-29, the ‘Pigs are in 3rd place of the Northern Division of the International League, 2.5  games behind division leading Rochester.

News and Notes:  With a 8-0 lead in the 4th inning on Saturday evening, both JP Crawford and Nick WIlliams decided to lay down bunts, (clearly against the unwritten rules of baseball) which nearly led to a bench clearing brawl and 1B Brock Stassi getting drilled by the Durham pitcher.

–The 16-1 win on Saturday night was the largest run total in a game for the ‘Pigs at Coca Cola Park.

–SP Ben Lively leads all of minor league baseball with 10 wins.

–Catcher ANdy Knapp is currently riding a 10 game hitting streak, during which he is hitting .366. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →

Lehigh Valley

Cedric Hunter, 28, Signed as a free agent in 2016; .301/.340/.441; 4HR 23RBI; 4SB; 6%BB/14%K rates; .295 vs LHP; .303 vs RHP; .344 in June; 33 games in the OF without an error; 1OF assist.  Hunter has been very hot as of late and has played well since being sent down.

David Lough, 30, Signed as a free agent in 2016; .239/.342/.313 in 67AB with Lehigh Valley; 0HR 4RBI; 1/3SB; 12%BB/11%K; 23 games in the OF without an error; 1 OF assist; Lough just rejoined the team after spending about 6 weeks in Philly.

Cam Perkins, 25, Phils 6th round pick in 2012; .305/.349/.481; 4HR 24RBI; 3/4SB; 7%BB/16%K; .328 vs LHP; .289 vs RHP; .319 last 30 days; 38 games in the OF with 2 errors(.978); 1 OF assist

Nick Williams, 22, Acquired from Texas in 2015; .287/.326/.464; 7HR 31RBI; 5/7SB; 5%BB/22%K; .246 vs LHP; .304 vs RHP; .324 in June; 53 games in the OF with 2 errors (.985); 4 OF assists;  Williams has been looking like the player the Phils believed him to be with a few mental mistakes mixed in.

Reading

Osmel Aguila, 26,Signed as a free agent in 2016; Hitting .083 with 1 RBI in 24 AB between Clearwater and Reading; Has struck out in 32% of plate appearances; 8 games in the OF without an error; Aguila was recently signed out of the Dominican Republic and is expected to quickly rise through the minor league system in a modified “spring training” of sorts before potentially joining the Phils as a 5th outfielder.  He has only played in 9 games but has been extremely unimpressive.

Aaron Brown, 24, Phils 3rd round pick in 2014; .241/.333/.399 in 158AB; 3HR 18RBI; 2/6SB; 9%BB/22%K; .231 vs LHP; .242 vs RHP; .250 in June; 46 games in the OF with 4 errors (.959); 1 OF assist; Brown has ticked up a bit lately but has been pretty consistently mediocre this year.

Dylan Cozens, 22, Phils 2nd round pick in 2012; .294/.368/.613; 19HR 53RBI; 12SB; 11%BB/28%K; .231 vs LHP; .312 vs RHP; .243 with RISP; 58 games in the OF with 2 errors (.985); 4 OF assists; Other than needing to be more consistent against left handed pitching, Cozens year has been simply monster.

Christian Marrero, 29, Signed as a free agent in 2016; .250/.351/.538 in 80AB; 6HR 15RBI; 13%BB/17%K; .200 vs LHP; .262 vs RHP; .278 in June; 17 games in the OF without an error; Marrero has provided some punch in his role as a 4th OF, while also missing some time on the DL.

Roman Quinn, 23, Phils 2nd round pick in 2011; .289/.360/.422 in 204AB; 3HR 16RBI; 25/31SB; 9%BB/24%K; .296 vs LHP; .287 vs RHP; .370 in last 10 GP; 48 games in the OF with 4 errors (.964); 5 OF assists; Quinn was really heating up and may have been on the verge of a callup to Lehigh Valley when the injury bug that has so often plagued him, hit again.  This time a hamstring that has had him down for a week and counting. Continue reading Around the System–Outfield →

Lehigh Valley

Darin Ruf, 29, Phils 20th round pick in 2009; .267/.305/.507 in 75AB; 5HR 16RBI; 5%BB/20%K; .286 vs LHP; .255 vs RHP; .350 last 10 games; 10 games at 1B without an error; 5 games in the OF without an error; After being sent down due to his early season struggled with the bat, Ruf has been hitting fairly consistently since joining the ‘Pigs lineup, providing good punch.

Brock Stassi, 26, Phils 33th round pick in 2011; .252/.373/.378 in 127AB; 2HR 15RBI; 16%BB/15%K; .219 vs LHP; .263 vs RHP; .333 in last 10 games; 33 games at 1B without an error (8.45R/F).  Stassi started the year very slowly with the bat, but even so, his eye at the plate has provided a well above average OBP.  Slick with the glove, Stassi has lost time at 1B since Ruf was sent down.

Taylor Featherston, 26, Signed as a free agent in 2016; .274/.314/.468 in 201 AB; 7HR 15RBI; 3%BB/18%K; .226 vs LHP; .295 vs RHP; .190 last 10 games; .186 with RISP; 24 games at 3B with 6 errors (.887); 16 games at SS with 5 errors; 9 games at 2B with 1 error (.971); Featherston came out of the gate very hot but has cooled significantly with the bat recently and has struggled with RISP.  Also has made several crucial errors as of late.

Reading

Rhys Hoskins, 23, Phils 5th round pick in 2014; .250/.313/.475 in 204AB; 12HR 36RBI; 8%BB/27%K; .256 vs LHP; .248 vs RHP; .205 last 10 games; .271 with RISP; 49 games at 1B with 5 errors (.988); 8.76 R/F.  Hoskins has provided late game heroics through multiple walk off home runs and provided solid consistent power in the middle of the Reading lineup.  Like most power hitters, strikeout rate is high. Continue reading Around the SYstem–Corner Infield →

Lehigh Valley completes the first leg of a two city eight game road trip with their finale against CHarlotte today, having won two of their first three games.  Following todays game, it is onward to Gwinnett for a four game series.  After starting the season 15-17, Lehigh Valley is 14-9 since May 12th and 29-26 on the year.  The ‘Pigs are currently in 4th place of the Northern DIvision of the International League, 1.5 games behind division leading Buffalo.

News and Notes: C Logan Moore had two starts this week, one where he had four hits and the second where he had three hits including his first homer of the year.

–Over his last 17 games, OF Cedric Hunter is hitting .329 with 3HR and 13RBI.  He currently has a six game winning streak.

–Over his last 9 games, 1B Darin Ruf is hitting .371 qith 3HR and 10RBI.

–RP Luis Garcia has been pitching very well as of late, and is unscored upon in 9 of his last 11 games, with 3 wins, a 1.38ERA and 14 K’s in 13IP during that time period.

–RP Edubray Ramos is now unscored upon in all 10 games since he joined Lehigh Valley, spanning 14.2IP.  He earned his first AAA save this week. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →

Lehigh Valley wrapped on their three game series against Louisville today with a 10-6 loss  and now sit at  25-24 and in 5th place of the Northern Division of the International League, 3.5 games behind division leading Scranton.  After losing five of their last six games, Lehigh Valley will face  Norfolk who come into Coca Cola Park for a three game series Monday thru Wednesday before leaving on an 8 game road trip to Charlotte and Gwinnett.

News and Notes: James Russell made another start on Saturday evening vs. Louisville and was effective once again, giving up 2 earned runs in 5 innings of work, extending himself to 55 pitches during his 3rd start of the year.

–OF Cedric Hunter continues to play well after being sent down from Philly hitting .340 over his last 12 games (12-40) and .304 over his last 27 games (31-102).

—Darin Ruf has 5HR in 51AB with Lehigh Valley this season.

–RP Luis Garcia is unscored upon in 7 of his last 8 games, during which his ERA is 0.96.  Perhaps more importantly, he has regained his control having walked just 2 in 9.1IP during that span.

–Over his last 17G, RP Edward Mujica has a 2.84ERA and has saved 11, walking just 1 in 19IP.

–Ben Lively was effective in his AAA debut on Friday, giving up just 2 earned runs on five hits over 7 innings.  He did not figure in the decision.

‘Pigs Prospects: JP Crawford reached base safely in 7 of his first 8 games with Lehigh Valley (6H, 5BB) including his first 7 games. With his AAA debut, Crawford became the youngest ‘Pig of all time at 21 yrs, 130D.    Prior to his callup, Crawford was hitting .265 with 3HR and 13RBI for Reading. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →