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).

Giant economy report–3 weeks at once.

Reading was 10-10 over the last three weeks (now 7 games under .500 and 9.5 games out of first place), with a lack of offense being the culprit in most of the losses. A lingering hamstring injury to Tyson Gillies and a cool-ish Domonic Brown didn’t help.  Promoting Matt Rizzottti from Clearwater seems to have given a bit of a spark to the offense, although Rizzotti hadn’t many men on base for him with Brown slumping and Quentin Berry having not returned to his usual form after nursing an injury during April.

Continue reading Reading Report 5/10-5/31 →

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.

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.

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 →

Watched from the picnic area today.

Game was pretty dull. Lots of he pitchers for Reading were prospects.

The bad news was Aumont–pitched 4+ innings and produced maybe 1 bad swing all day. Flying Squirrels (yeah, I know) hit rockets all over the yard. Aumont topped at 90 (one time) with his FB and consistently hit 88. His best pitch was a 73 mph curve. He now throws from his ear a bit, which explains the loss of velocity. I have no hope for him a future major leaguer with this delivery and velocity–his FB just doesn’t move that much. He never got a lot out of his lower body when he pitched, but it seems like the Phils have shortened his arm motion and are working on being on-balance and hitting spots with him.  Hope he still has the 95 mph stuff around after they change his delivery.

Continue reading Report from Today’s R-Phils Game →

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.

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.