A very good week for Lehigh Valley, as they went 6-1, but remain in 5th place of the Northern Division of the International League, 10.5 games out of first with a record of 30-36, as we approach the seasons half way mark. Batting leaders include Rich Thompson who is 8th in triples (3) and 8th in stolen bases (14); Andy Tracy tied for 5th in homers (10), 5th in walks (32) and 8th in RBI’s (42); along with Mike Cervenak who is 5th in average (.321). On the pitching ledger, Andrew Carpenter is 6th in Wins (6), 5th in innings (74.1) and 6th in homers allowed (10); Kyle Kendrick is 8th in IP (73.0); Carlos Carrasco is 9th in IP (72.2) and 4th in strikeouts (72).
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John Mayberry Recalled
With the groin injury to Raul Ibanez, the Phillies once again have recalled RF John Mayberry from Lehigh Valley. Mayberry, 25, figures to play at least against lefties, and maybe a bit more with Ibanez out of the lineup for at least the next 15 days and probably longer. In his brief stint with the Phils, Mayberry hit .222 with a homer and 3 RBI’s in 9 at bats. He has struggled since being sent back down to Lehigh, hitting just .121 over his last 10 games, with 10 strikeouts in 33 at bats. These next several weeks will be critical weeks for Mayberry, solidifying his status as the teams fourth OF next year, or opening the door for consideration of other candidates.
The trickle down effect on the Phils system could be interesting as well. Is it time to call up Michael Taylor? Or, would the Phillies prefer he continue playing in the winning atmosphere established in Reading this year? Continue reading John Mayberry Recalled
Around the System –Outfield
This completes the first trip around the minor league system. This look at the OF should help lift the cloud of depression left here during the last couple around the system segments. Look for Trip Two of Around the System to start at the end of next week, with our second look at the bullpen.
Lehigh Valley
Jason Ellison–Age 31; .241/.332/.332; 2 HR 13 RBI; 5 SB; 17 Runs; .163 with RISP; 3 outfield assists, no errors
John Mayberry–Age 25; .263/.341/.480; 8 HR 31 RBI; 4 SB; 30 Runs; .281 with RISP; 1 outfield assist; no errors
Mike Spidale–Age 27; .315/.344/.473; 3 HR 17 RBI; 4 SB; 21 runs; 1 error, 3 outfield assists; (combined Reading/LV stats)
Rich Thompson–Age 30; .232/.286/.327; 1 HR, 18 RBI; 14 SB; 24 runs; 1 error; 4 outfield assists. Continue reading Around the System –Outfield
Daily Discussion
–Excellent outing today from Joe Savery in Reading, earning his eighth win of the still young season, while throwing six shutout innings, giving up just one hit.
—Jeremy Slayden has 7 RBI’s in his first 9 at bats, since being sent down from Lehigh Valley to Reading.
–The Magic Number for Lakewood for their first half championship is currently at seven. Trevor May is making his season debut in Game Two of the Blue Claws doubleheader tonight. May was the Phils 4th round pick in the 2008 draft out of Kelso High School in Washington, and received a $375,000 signing bonus last season.
Lehigh Valley Weekend Report
6/12/09–After receiving news that both Lou Marson and Jason Donald were placed on the DL, and the nights scheduled starter, Kyle Kendrick, was called up to the big club, the ‘Pigs showed some resiliency in their 3-2, ten inning win over Charlotte. Charlotte scored two early runs off of spot starter Jake Woods, who went 4 innings, and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits. Lehigh Valley bounced back with a run in the third when David Newhan scored on a passed ball, and added another in the 4th on an RBI double by Paul Hoover to tie the score at two. The game remained tied at two until the 10th, when JJ Furmaniak’s RBI single scored Miguel Cairo. The Lehigh Valley bullpen pitched six scoreless innings in relief of Woods, with Tyler Walker (2-1) picking up the win. Cairo, Hoover, and newly recalled Mike Spidale all had two hits for the ‘Pigs. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekend Report
Roster Note
Relief Pitcher Tyler Walker, who has over four years of major league experience, has been recalled by the Phils for todays game against Boston. Walker has pitched very well in Lehigh Valley, going 2-1, with a 1.40 ERA in his 15 appearances. Opponents are hitting just .125 against him this year, and he has 3 saves. Walker’s control has been excellent walking just 3 and striking out 20, in 19.1 innings pitched. It is my belief, for what it is worth, that Walker is the one that can give the Phillies what they need from Lehigh Valley. He will provide some consistency, has closed in the majors (he had 23 saves in ’05) in the past and can pitch multiple innings if needed. Sergio Escalona was sent back down to Lehigh Valley after pitching multiple innings for the Phils last night.
Injury Update
–Todd Zolecki of MLB.com is reporting that Jason Donald will undergo surgery on Monday to repair a torn meniscus. He is expected to miss 3-4 weeks.
—Lou Marson was placed on the DL on Friday with a right ankle contusion after taking a foul ball off his ankle Thursday night. He should be back after missing the 7 day minor league minimum.
Around the System (Catchers)
A look at the catchers…A couple of legit prospects, but it hasnt been pretty so far this year.
Lehigh Valley
Lou Marson; Age: 23 (on 6/27)–.232/.317/.330; 1HR 8 RBI; 1 SB; .226 with RISP; 22% caught stealing rate; 4 errors (.981) and 1 passed ball.
Paul Hoover: Age: 33–.271/.344/.383; 1 HR 11 RBI; .310 with RISP; 21% caught stealing rate; 2 errors (.989), 4 passed balls. Fielding stats dont include first base stats. Continue reading Around the System (Catchers)
Reading Pitchers
Reading pitching coach Steve Shrenk had some interesting comments yesterday about several pitchers on the RPHILS staff.
On Joe Savery’s last start–“Joe could have went 7 innings…he did a great job, his command was much better, it was the first time he was really aggressive with his fastball, down in the zone with it…He has been working hard, making adjustments. Obviously, you dont want to walk guys and he has had some games when he has done that but last night he went after guys and made pitches….He threw some good change ups and sliders as well, his arm spped was good , and he caused some bad swings…The big thing for Joe is to have fun and be aggressive, enjoy what he is doing, enjoy the game and not put too much pressure on himself.” Continue reading Reading Pitchers
Lehigh Valley Weekly Update
A 2-4 week for the ‘Pigs, coming home from a rough road trip. The ‘Pigs are in 5th Place of the Northern Division of the IL, 11 games behind division leading Scranton. Lehigh Valley batting leaders include Andy Tracy who is 6th in the league in homers (9), and Rich Thompson who is 8th in stolen bases (13). On the pitching end, Andrew Carpenter is 8th in Wins (5), 10th in ERA (2.75), 4th in innings (68.2) and 9th in WHIP (1.15). Kyle Kendrick is 6th in innings (67). Carlos Carrasco is 9th in innings (66.1) and 2nd in strikeouts (67). Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Update
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