A bit of breaking news that may spur some conversation. Lehigh Valley OF DeWayne Wise has opted out of his contract, making him a free agent, and creating an opening in the Lehigh Valley outfield. With a team desperate for offense and the possibility of a John Mayberry call up coming for road interleague games, could it be time for Domonic Brown in Lehigh Valley? Brown has been very consistent at the plate during the course of his two partial seasons in Reading, however his defense still needs work. That work can just as easily be accomplished in Lehigh Valley in my opinion. (ok, maybe I am desperate for something or someone of interest to watch at Coca Cola Park).
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Around the System–Middle Infield
Lidge Activated, Figueroa Designated
The Phillies activated Brad Lidge prior to starting their series today against the Braves. To make room on the roster, Nelson Figueroa, 36, was designated for assignment. As opposed to the last time Lidge was activated when Antonio Bastardo got sent down, Bastardo seems to have solidified his roster spot at least for the time being. The next set of decisions, assuming everyone stays healthy (big assumption) will come with the activation of JA Happ and/or Ryan Madson over the next month or two.
‘Pigs Weekend Update
Just an awful weekend for Lehigh Valley who were swept by Columbus. The ‘Pigs continue on the road for a four game series against Toledo.
Friday–Despite 2 homers and 6 RBI’s from Andy Tracy, Lehigh Valley lost again to Columbus, this time 11-7 on Friday evening. ‘Pigs starter Brandon Duckworth (1-1) was hit hard, lasting only three innings having given up 4 runs on five hits. He walked three as well. John Mayberry’s 8th homer of the year in the first inning gave Lehigh Valley the early lead against Carlos Carrasco, but the wheels then fell off, and fell off hard. A two run homer in the 6th by Tracy and a Grand Slam in the 7th made it close, but another implosion by reliever Ehren Wasserman put the game out of reach for the ‘Pigs. In addition to Tracy’s big day, John Mayberry had two hits, Cody Ransom was 3-5, and Brian Bocock added two hits as well. Continue reading ‘Pigs Weekend Update
Clearwater All Stars, Gillies Update
Several members of the Clearwater roster were named to the Florida State League All Star Game today. The game will be played Saturday June 12, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. The names are as follows: Pitchers: Austin Hyatt, Justin DeFratus, Trevor May; 3B: Cody Overbeck. One other notable named to the team from a Phillies fan perspective is Catcher Travis D’Arnaud.
Reading CF Tyson Gillies, who has been on the DL for the last two weeks with a strained hamstring had a setback in his recovery which will delay his return to the Reading lineup.
Lehigh Valley Weekly Report
Another week in the losing column for Lehigh Valley as they went 2-4 and are currently 18-28 on the year, 10 games behind division leading Scranton
League Leaders thru 5/26: Hitting: John Mayberry is 8th in runs (28) and tied for 10th in homers (7), DeWayne Wise is leading the league in triples (5) and is 9th in slugging (.515); Cody Ransom is tied for 3rd in homers (10), 3rd in strikeouts (58) and is 7th in RBI’s (31).
Pitching: Drew Carpenter is tied for 2nd in Wins (5) and tied for 7th in starts (9); Nate Bump is 6th in ERA (2.41), tied for 7th in starts (9); Scott Mathieson is 4th in saves (8); Ryan Vogelsong is 10th in strikeouts (46). Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report
Around the System–Corner Infield
It has been right around a month since our look at the Corners Infielders in the Phillies system, so here it goes again:
Neil Sellers, Age 28, .240/.313/.326 in 129 AB’s. 0HR and 11 RBI. .194 vs. LH, .255 vs. RH; .222 with RISP; 10%BB rate, 16% K rate. .216 in May. Has played 16 games at 1B and committed 1 error (.993) and 13 games at 3B and committed 1 error (.971). After hitting with a good deal of power over the last two years in AA, Sellers seems to have lost his power without a homer yet for a struggling Lehigh Valley offense. Sellers has hit the ball harder then his .244 avg. indicates, but his season thus far has had far less success then what was expected. Defensively, he has performed well.
Cody Ransom, Age 34, .235/.299/.470 in 166 AB’s. 10HR 31RBI, 2SB, .212 vs. LH, .241 vs. RH, .319 with RISP; 8% BB rate, 32% k rate. Has played 34 games at 3B and committed 11 errors (.872); 4 games in RF with two errors (.714) and 3 games at SS without an error. Ransom has provided power and clutch hitting, but his defense has been awful and he strikes out a ton.
Andy Tracy, Age 36, .213/.322/.336 in 122 AB’s. 3HR 11RBI; .280 vs. LH, .196 vs. RH; .200 with RISP. 13% BB rate, 23% K rate. has played 30 games at 1B and committed 2 errors (.992). 8.30 range factor. 2010 has been very disappointing thus far for Tracy, who has missed about two weeks with nagging injuries most specifically his shoulder. When he has played, he has struggled. Continue reading Around the System–Corner Infield
‘Pigs Weekend Update
Another depressing weekend in Lehigh Valley, with the ‘Pigs losing each game. See below for details as well as notes.
Friday–Lehigh Valley concluded their series with Louisville, losing 5-2 to the Bats on Friday evening. Former Phillie prospect Matt Maloney shut down the ‘Pigs throwing six innings and giving up just two runs. Brian Mazone started for Lehigh Valley and had a good outing, throwing 7.1 innings allowing only 2 earned runs on 8 hits, while throwing just 91 pitches. A costly error by Cody Ransom made the first inning difficult for Mazone, who gave up an early three run homer. A Melvin Dorta RBI single and a John Mayberry sac fly led to two runs for Lehigh Valley in the first, but that was all the ‘Pigs could muster the whole evening. Louisville added a run in the 4th and another in the 8th for the final margin of victory. Cody Ransom came to the plate with the tying runs on base in the 9th but hit into a game ending double play. Continue reading ‘Pigs Weekend Update
Valdez Back to Philly
4:00 p.m. Coca Cola Park–Wilson Valdez was just removed from the Lehigh Valley lineup, suggesting Jimmy Rollins will be placed back on the DL, if he hasnt already.
Injury News
Some injury related newsworthy items this Friday evening…
Lakewoood Pitcher Nicholas Hernandez was placed on the DL with left shoulder weakness just a day after he won the award for Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Week. Luke Wertz was activated to take his place on the Lakewood staff.
Wilson Valdez cleared waivers and was assigned to Lehigh Valley. The trip may be very short lived as Jimmy Rollins left the game Friday evening appearing to re-injure his calf.
Relief Pitcher BJ Rosenberg, who started the season in Reading and was placed on the DL very early in the season was activated and assigned to CLearwater. Roster room was made by assigning infielder Keoni DeRenne to extended spring training.
Phuture Phillies 