Before we get to the box scores, two quick notes on “prospects” on the big league team. I got a good look at Antonio Bastardo tonight, and really he’s the same guy he’s always been. He struggled with his command and lost the strike zone a number of times, but also flashed solid fastball velo, hitting 93 a few times and sitting 91-92. He didn’t control it particularly well, but when its around the zone its tough to hit because of the velocity. He didn’t throw many changeups, instead going with his slider. It was inconsistent, but when he snapped off a good one, it was an unhittable pitch. He still lacks consistency with it. David Herndon, on the other hand, looked excellent, and this was probably his best appearance I’ve seen from him. His fastball had excellent life, sitting 90-93, and he kept it out of the middle of the plate. He really didn’t need his secondary offerings, as his fastball was sinking and moving and he disposed of the three Nats hitters he faced with great ease. That’s 4 scoreless appearances for him. Because Kendrick has options, he will surely go to AAA when Blanton returns. Bastardo might make way for Romero, again because he has options. The decision on what to do when Lidge comes back will be tougher, but I have to think the Phillies would want to work out a deal with Los Angeles for Herndon’s rights, allowing them to keep him on the 40 man but take him off the 25 man and option him down. He certainly won’t clear waivers at this point, and the Angels would almost definitely take him back. Now, onto the box scores…
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Rollins to DL, Valdez Called Up
As expected, Jimmy Rollins was placed on the 15 day DL today with what is being described as a calf strain. It was estimated that Rollins would miss anywhere from 2-4 weeks with the injury. Wilson Valdez was called up from Lehigh Valley to take Rollins spot on the active roster. Valdez did have to be moved onto the 40 man roster, and the Phils now stand at the full compliment of 40. The 32 year old Valdez has spent parts of 4 seasons in the majors and is a career .222 hitter in the majors in 369 plate appearances. Valdez, a career .299 hitter in AAA, saw some time with the Mets last season when Jose Reyes went down with his myriad of injuries. He plays primarily SS, but can play 2B as well. Valdez started off the season very hot for Lehigh Valley hitting .455 in his 22 at bats. Look for additional Minor League transactions today here if they become available.
Box Score Roundup; April 13th
It wasn’t a banner evening down on the farm tonight, as you’ll see with the box scores. But one thing I wanted to address, before it becomes a topic for discussion. Don’t worry about any slow starters in the first week, two weeks or three weeks. Some guys start slow, some guys start fast. It’s not really worth being overly concerned about anyone until at least May. Tyson Gillies was drawing rave reviews from scouts like 3 weeks ago, he didn’t forget how to play the game in 3 weeks. Things will turn around. Now, onto the lines
Quintin Berry to the DL
The recent questions about the lack of playing time for Quintin Berry have been answered as the Reading OF has been placed on the DL with an infection. No immediate information as to who will replace him on the Reading roster, but I would suspect it will be either Brian Stavisky, who is currently on the DL or Steve Susdorf, who is currently down in CLearwater.
Box Score Roundup; April 12th
Welcome to the box score roundup. My goal is to publish just a bare bones recap of the night’s action every night and then have that serve as the springboard for discussion during the following day. As always, I ask that you keep the discussion on the site prospect relevant, but I’ll basically just create one of these per day, you can use it to talk about the previous night’s action, and then if side conversations break off relating to prospects, so be it. Gregg is going to put up new posts during the day if something newsworthy breaks, as he did today with the BJ Rosenberg to the DL post. I’ll write posts during the week if something major happens and I want to give my spin on it, and as I mentioned last night in my weekly notes column, I’m hoping to have a long piece once a week. We should have affiliate reports for the 4 full season affiliates throughout the year, hopefully Jeff pops in from Clearwater every once in a while, and lots of other stuff. But for now, let’s get to the box scores, check below…
Rosenberg to DL
As speculated, something wasn’t right with Reading reliever BJ ROsenberg, and it was specifically his right lat. Rosenberg has been hit hard in both outings this season, and his last three if the exhibition against the “Pigs is included. He was placed on the DL today with a right lat strain according to Reading Phillies Media Relations Director Tommy Viola. Schwimer and Stutes should be seeing most if not all save situations for the time being I would think.
First Week Observations
At the end of an abbreviated Week One of the Minor League season, some general thoughts to get some discussion moving:
–In Lehigh Valley, Scott Mathieson is the name to talk about with 4 shutout innings over two appearances. Chris Duffy, has added spark to the top of the ‘Pigs order and is hitting .368 with 7 RBI’s through 4 games. John Mayberry is looking to get himself going at .167. A special note for those of you who look to argue about the 25th man on the Phils roster. Wilson Valdez has started the year at .474 and has played well at SS thus far.
—Quintin Berry, still on the Phils 40 man roster. not only was dropped down to AA Reading from AAA at the end of camp, but now is seeing limited time for the RPhils. Berry has played in just one of their first four games going 0-3. Domonic Brown is hitting .200 out of the gate while Freddy Galvis has turned some heads in the early going with both his bat (.294) and glove. Some concern with the start of BJ Rosenberg who has been hit very hard in both of his outings thus far. Continue reading First Week Observations
Schwimer Earns 1st AA Save, Lidge Rocked
A couple of quick points this Saturday evening. Michael Schwimer earned his first save at the AA level pitching a 1-2-3 ninth against Portland in the 4-1 Reading victory. Mike Cisco got the start and pitched well, giving up 1 run over his 6 innings of work. After struggling in consecutive appearances, BJ Rosenberg has received consecutive nights off with Escalona getting the save last night and Schwimer following up this evening.
Down in Clearwater, JC Romero made his second rehab appearance and pitched a scoreless inning giving up a hit, and struck out two. Brad Lidge followed Romero and was hit around, giving up 4 runs on 3 hits, and also walked a batter before being removed in the second inning.
Threshers Win Big in Season Opener
Fidel Hernadez got off to a strong start with 4 RBIs in the game, while Brian Gump and Troy Hanzawa each had 2 RBIs. Matt Rizzotti picked up the Threshers’ first HR of the year going 3-4 on the night, and Austin Hyatt held the Jays hitless going into the 7th until giving up a 2-run HR.
If you haven’t already signed up for the Threshers Nation Twitter feed go do it now to get live updates as the games happen all season. CLICK HERE for tonight’s boxscore.
Appologies first thing for my lack of Clearwater coverage the past year. I’ll try to participate as I can….
Opening Night Wrapup
Gregg covered the happenings at Lehigh Valley, so I’ll just add the notes from Lakewood, Clearwater and Reading. Feel free to use this post to discuss anything/everything, and also if you have LHV specifics, you can put them in gregg’s post.
Lakewood won 10-7.
The good;
Jonathan Villar; 2/5 with 2 runs and a SB
Jiwan James; 2/5 with a 2B and 2 RBI
The bad;
Nick Hernandez allows 6 runs, 2 earned, and 2 HR in 6 IP.
Domingo Santana goes 0/5 with 3 K
Check below for more…
Phuture Phillies 