Reports are circulating that Lehigh Valley OF Rich Thompson has been traded to Tampa Bay for 26 year old OF Kyle Hudson. With an injury to Desmond Jennings, it appears that Thompson (perhaps my favorite IronPig of all time because of the way he plays the game), may get his long awaited, and much deserved second chance at the big leagues.  He had one AB for the Royals back in 2004. Thompson, 34, has been very hot recently, and is now hitting .307 on the year for Lehigh Valley (.412 over the last 10 games).  He has stolen 7 bases in 9 attempts and is one of the perennial leaders in the IL in stolen bases.

If reports are true the Phillies receive Kyle Hudson, 26,a speedy OF, who was originally a 4th round pick of the Orioles in 2008. Hudson was playing for AAA Durham this year and was hitting .291/.378/318 in 110 AB’s with 0HR 8 RBI and 7 SB. Hudson has played predominately LF, but can play CF as well.

–Its time to start paying significant attention to Tyler Cloyd. In his 8 starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley, Cloyd is 7-0 with a 1.24 ERA.  Opponents are hitting just .194 against him.  His stats are actually significantly better for Lehigh Valley then for Reading, although still excellent during his time in Reading.  Most impressively, during his time with the ‘Pigs, hitters are just .067 against him with RISP.

–Another week on the hot list for Scott Elarton…could his time be coming with a lousy start by Kendrick today?

–The concern about Brody Colvin should be reaching is apex.  Very troubling start. Hit around and terrible command.

–“Continued success” for Darin Ruf , Cody Asche and Cesar Hernandez this week. 

—Tyson Gillies has fallen below the .250 mark on the year with his struggles this week.

Hot Starters:Colin Klevan (W, 7ip 4H 0ER 4BB 7K); Jesse Biddle (W, 6.2IP 4H 0ER 4BB 8K); Scott Elarton (W, 6IP 1H 0ER 3BB 3K); Julio Rodriguez (W, 6IP 1H 0ER 5BB 3K); Trevor May (6.1IP 0H 1ER 4BB 5K); Tyler Cloyd (2W, 11IP 6H 1ER 2BB 10K); Jon Pettibone (15.2IP 11H 3ER 2BB 10K, W). Continue reading Hot or Not →

After splitting their doubleheader last night, Lehigh Valley is 21-16 and in 3rd place of the Northern Division of the International League, three games behind division leading Pawtucket.  Lehigh Valley returns home tonight and begin an 8 game homestand against Indianapolis.

Probables: Tonight: Cloyd; Wednesday: Elarton; Thursday: Bush. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →

Alot to talk about in the OF.  Next up, catchers, late in the week.

Lehigh Valley

Domonic Brown, 24, Phils 20th round pick in 2006; .247/.290/.355 in 93 AB’s; 6%bb/21%k rates; 0HR 13 RBI; 3/6 SB; .318 vs. LH, .225 vs. RH, .450 with RISP; 24 games in the OF with 5 errors (.878). Consistent disappointment from Brown for the past year and a half with production far from expected, difficulties in the field, and a myriad of injuries hampering his development.Reverse splits are noteworthy and although on 20 AB’s, his avg. with RISP is a huge positive. Continue reading Around the System–Outfield →

–After a rainout yesterday, Lehigh Valley plays a doubleheader today in Louisville that starts at 5:05. This is followed by a 11 hour bus ride back to Allentown and a 7:05 game on Tuesday at Coca Cola Park.  Domonic Brown has had one AB since May 2nd as he continues to battle his sore hamstring.

—Kelly Dugan was activated by Lakewood after spending time on the DL with a nasty sprained ankle.

—Julio Rodriguez has now thrown 17 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run after 6 more yesterday in the Reading victory. JC Ramirez earned his 2nd save as he continues to see time in critical spots out of the Reading bullpen.  He has pitched well other than a bumpy outing last Tuesday.

–Since Jiwan James pronounced on Twitter Friday evening that he found the problem in his swing, he has had two multi hit games.

—Maikel Franco went 2-4 with a homer and 3 RBI’s in the Lakewood victory Sunday.

–Our old friend Jason Donald was optioned to Columbus by the Indians yesterday.

I have a soft spot in my heart (and my head) for guys who put up really solid offensive numbers in AA. Travis Chapman, Eric Valent, Jeff Stone, Matt Rizzotti, Steve Susdorf, and, this year, at least so far …. Darin Ruf.

Continue reading A few comments on Darin Ruf →

–Domonic Brown was out of the Lehigh Valley lineup yet again, continuing to recover from his hamstring issues.

—David Buchanan, who started the season very strong for Reading has been struggling lately and had a nasty line last night: 5.1IP 10H 7ER 3BB 0K.

—Darin Ruf has another multi hit game last night and is approaching 50 hits on the young season. His average stands at (.387).

—Cody Asche had three more hits last night for Clearwater, raising his average to .364.

—Stephen Malcolm made his debut at SS for Lakewood last night and went 1-4, with a run scored and stolen base.

Gotta go gear up for Mothers Day.