The Phils have traded Jim Thome to the Baltimore Orioles for two prospects, RHP Kyle Simon and Catcher Gabrial Lino.  Simon, 21, was the Orioles 4th round draft pick last year out of the University of Arizona.  A 6’5 RHP, Simon was 2-8 with a 3.96 ERA in 14 starts with CLass A Frederick.  In 72.2 innings of work, Simon’s WHIP is an unimpressive 1.47, to go along with an opponents batting average of .293. Simon will likely join Clearwater. Continue reading Phils get prospects from Orioles for Jim Thome →

Some quick hits to get things going this weekend:

–Our old friend Matt Rizzotti was released yesterday by the Twins organization. Things change quickly in the world of minor league baseball.

—Darin Ruf hit his 13th HR last night, leading the Phils Minor League System.

–Reading OF Leandro Castro has been hot for 6 weeks now and is making a push for a callup to Lehigh Valley before years end.  While a free swinger, teams will make room for a free swinger with the tools that he has.

—Austin Hyatt finally had a decent start last night after about a dozen lackluster efforts.

—Anthony Hewitt made his 14th error of the season in the OF last night, a near unbelievable amount heading in July. He is on pace for 25 OF errors.

–CHris Duffy has reached base by either hit or walk in all 31 games he has played for Lakewood and currently has a 14 game hitting streak.

—Ervis Manzanillo has landed on the DL again for Lakewood with an elbow strain.

A look st Starting Pitchers in the top half of the organization.  The lower half (Lakewood, Williamsport, and GCL) will come next week.

Lehigh Valley

Tyler Cloyd, 25, Phils 18th round pick in 2008; 15 starts; 10-1 with a 2.07 ERA between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 95.2IP 72H 18BB 67K; 6 HR allowed; 1.17GO/AO; .207 opp. avg., .248 vs. LH, .165 vs. RH, .205 with RISP;0.94 WHIP;  1.7BB/6.3K per nine; 3-0 with a 1.67 ERA in 4 June starts.  Cloyd has been the most impressive pitcher in the organization this year, going 6 or more innings in 14 of his 15 starts.  He has been consistently excellent some real consideration should be given to a callup before the end of the year. Continue reading Around the System, Starting Pitching, Top Half →

A look back at the time period of June 20-27.  The GCL is not included.  We will start including the GCL next week. Lets get right to it with the stats. My only point this week is….Tyler Knigge to AA and Justin Friend to AAA needs to happen.

Hot Starting Pitchers: Ethan Stewart (W, 6IP 1H 0ER 1BB 2K); Tyler Cloyd (6IP 4H 0ER 2BB 1K); Pat Misch (13IP 12H 3ER 2BB 10K, W); Austin Wright (W, 13IP 3ER); Perci Garner (5IP 2H 1ER 2BB 2K); Josh Warner (7IP 6H 2ER 1BB 6K); Brody Colvin (6IP 8H 2ER 1BB 7K) Continue reading Hot or Not →

Lehigh Valley finished their 8 game road trip with a 7-3 loss in Columbus last evening, losing their final three games of the road trip, finishing 4-4. The ‘Pigs are now 43-33 on the year and in 2nd place of the Northern Division of the International League, 2 games behind division leading Pawtucket. The ‘Pigs open a 12 game homestand tonight with a four game series against Rochester.

Probables: Tuesday: Wright; Wednesday: Cochran; Thursday: Cloyd; Friday: Elarton Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →

A quick note that Reading starter Jonathan Pettibone was named EL Pitcher of the week for his efforts between June 18-24 during which he was 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA and 15 K’s in 14 innings of work.  Pettibone is now 7-5 with a 3.27 ERA in his 14 starts for the RPhils this year.

Per Cody Asche on Twitter at about 7:43am – “Off to Baltimore the to Bowie.. Excited for the new experiences and challenges ahead”.  Reading plays in Bowie tonight.  Just sayin’.

A look at the OF through the system.  Just names at the lower two levels.  Not enough AB’s for any real analysis.

Lehigh Valley

Domonic Brown, 24, Phils 20th round pick in 2006; .266/.314/.416 in 173 AB’s; 4HR 22 RBI; 4/10 SB; .333 vs. LH, .244 vs RH, .356 with RISP; 7%bb/21% k rates; 45 games in the OF with 6 errors; 3 assists. Hasn’t played since June 14th because of a knee injury. Brown started poorly and was picking it up before his most recent injury.  His stock is really dropping with his inability to stay on the field.  Continue reading Around the System–Outfield →

A look back at the last 7 days from 6/13–6.19.  Hitters require 11AB’s to be eligible.

Some thoughts: Cody Asche just keeps doing his thing…I cant imagine he will be with CLearwater much longer.

–Anthony Hewitt was perhaps the most productive offensive player in the system during the last time period. 

–Cody Overbeck has really leveled off and some thought should certainly be given to getting Darin Ruf some AAA playing time before the end of the year.

–Brody Colvin is back on the not hot list while Jon Pettibone continues with his very solid season.

–When will Justin Friend get a real chance….?

Hot Hitters: Cody Asche (.588, 5R); Chris Duffy (.480); Anthony Hewitt (.438, 3HR 9 RBI); Andreas Blanco (.400, 6R);  Zach Collier (.400); Darin Ruf (.357, 4R 2HR 5 RBI); Kevin Frandsen (.360, 8 RBI); Leandro Castro (.350)Sebastian Valle (.333); Brendan Tripp (.333); Tug Hulett (.333) Continue reading Hot or Not →

Lehigh Valley is now 40-29 and in second place in the Northern Division of the International League, 4 games behind division leading Pawtucket.  The ‘Pigs began an eight game road trip in Toledo last evening with a victory and have won 9 of their last 12 games.

‘Pigs Leaders:Kevin Frandsen is 8th in AB’s (248), 7th in hits (70), 5th in doubles (19). Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →