Category Archives: Transactions

‘Pigs Weekend Update

The weekend summary for Lehigh Valley along with some notes and a transaction.

Friday–The Lehigh Valley streak of not having won a series all season remains intact after their 8-4 loss to Toledo on Friday evening.  The four game series was split.  Toledo scored two in the first inning off of starter Brian Mazone, however the ‘Pigs bounced back with a run in the 2nd on a Willy Taveras RBI single.  Toledo scored single runs in the 3d and 4th, making it 4-1.  Again, the ‘Pigs stayed in the game with a Dane Sardinha Sac Fly in the 4th and an RBI double by Cody Ransom is the 5th that made the game 4-3.  Mazone left after six, with no decision (6IP 9H 4R 3ER 0BB 5K). An RBi single by Ransom tied the game, but Lehigh Valley relief pitchers had a rough night with Ryan Vogelsong (2-4) taking the loss after giving up a run in the 8th.  Toledo added three in the ninth off of Oscar Villarreal. Big nights offensively for Willy Taveras (2-4,r,rbi, sb), Cody Ransom (3-5, 2b, 2rbi), Dane Sardina (2-3,r,rbi), Brian Bocock (3 hits) and Neil Sellers (2 hits). Continue reading ‘Pigs Weekend Update

Phillies sign Miguel Nunez, have “mild interest” in Chia-Jung Lee

Thanks for all those pointing this out in the comments.  Paul Hagen from the Philadelphia Daily News has the scoop on the Phillies’ latest international signing: Miguel Nunez, a 6’6″ right-hander from the Dominican Republic, who signed recently for a $220K bonus.

Analysis?  Well, that’s a projectable frame.  Seriously though, we don’t know much yet, so I’ve sent an email to Ben Badler from Baseball America, who’s their international guy.  What we do know is that this follows in the organization’s habit of inking medium-range international signees: both Lino Martinez ($325K) and community #6 prospect Domingo Santana ($300K) were signed via this route in the past year.

Hagen also reports the Phillies’ “mild interest” in Taiwanese outfielder Chia-Jung Lee, a 21-year old from Leader University who would receive in the neighborhood of a $100K bonus.

Slayden retires, Susdorf promoted

In a somewhat surprising move, 27 year old OF Jeremy Slayden has announced his retirement according to readingphillies.com.  Slayden has had a tough year after being demoted from AAA Lehigh Valley back down to Reading after struggling both at the plate and in the field for the IronPigs.  His production has picked up at the plate in Reading, and was hitting .281 with 9 HR and 30 RBI for the RPHILS, while seeing limited action in the field.  While having a fair amount of success through his minor league career at the plate, SLayden was a defensive liability because of a weak arm and a lack of speed.  After a solid season last year at AA Reading, SLayden was left exposed in the Rule 5 draft, however, was not taken.

Taking Slayden’s place on the Reading roster is 23 year old Fresno State product Steve Susdorf.  Susdorf started the year at (A) Lakewood, and hit .333 in 78 at bats before getting called up to Clearwater.  In CLearwater, Susdorf hit .373 with 3 HR and 22 RBI, with a .423 OBP.  He hit a huge .467 with RISP.  With Domonic Brown/Quintin Berry/Susdorf in the Reading outfield, it becomes an area of alot of interest.

Tyson Brummett was placed on the Reading DL with elbow inflammation, making room on the roster for Brian Rosenberg.

40 man roster decisions this winter

With Scott Mathieson back and throwing well, it got me to thinking about the 40 man roster this winter and who could be vulnerable to the Rule 5 draft. For those of you unfamiliar with the rules regarding the roster, check the site FAQ here, where I’ve outlined the rules regarding the 40 man and how options work. Losing 4 prospects in the Lee deal will remove one pending decision (Donald), but we still have others yet to be answered. Check below for more…

Continue reading 40 man roster decisions this winter

Roster Changes

Because of the addition of Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco, the Phils have optioned P Steven Register and OF John Mayberry back to (AAA) Lehigh Valley.

Phillies have trade done for Cliff Lee

This deal, according to Andy Martino is agreed to pending physicals, which seem like a formality.

The deal, as reported here by Ken Rosenthal, is Cliff Lee and OF Ben Francisco for Jason Knapp, Jason Donald, Carlos Carrasco and Lou Marson.

For Indians fans who find my site via google, here are some links for you to find info on the prospects you’re getting.

Carlos Carrasco
Jason Knapp
Jason Donald
Lou Marson

You can also find weekly updates on these guys by checking the Lehigh Valley (AAA) reports here. Check below the fold for my take on this deal

Continue reading Phillies have trade done for Cliff Lee

Roster Merry Go Round

The Phillies bullpen is suddenly paper thin as Clay Condrey joined both JC ROmero and Chad Durbin on the DL.  Sent back down to Lehigh Valley was Drew Carpenter, who had consecutive rough outings and pitched back to back nights, thus giving the Phils the necessity for another bullpen arm.  Kyle Kendrick and STeven Register were recalled from AAA Lehigh Valley.

Kendrick, 24, is 6-6 with a 3.58 ERA in 20 stars, has been very consistent for Lehigh Valley. It is his second trip up to Philly this year and likely will pitch in long relief.  He last threw for the ‘Pigs Wednesday, and today would be his normal day to throw on the side, so he more than likely would be available to throw an inning or two if necessary.  Register, 26, was acquired out of the COlorado organization and had been used by the ‘Pigs during the late innings closing, at times.  I would suspect he will be a mid-inning, mop up type guy for the Phils.  Register is 1-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 20 appearances for Lehigh Valley with 5 saves.  The opponent is hitting .255 against him and he has a WHIP of 1.36. He pitched in 10 games with the Rockies last year with a 9.00 ERA.

Double Trouble

Two Phils relievers went down today to injury, JC Romero with a left forearm strain and Chad Durbin with an arm strain as well, both were placed on the 15 day disabled list. 

Called up were from Lehigh Valley were Tyler Walker, who may not have even arrived in Charlotte to play for Lehigh Valley prior to his recall back to the big club and Andrew Carpenter.  Carpenter , 24, should take the role of long reliever as he is obviously stretched out and has pitched very well in Lehigh Valley, going 8-2 with a 2.75 ERA in his 17 starts at AAA.  Interesting to speculate about who may come up to Lehigh Valley to fill Carpenter’s rotation spot as it appears he will miss several trips through the rotation with his recall.

Taylor Called Up to Lehigh Valley, Donald Update, Daily Discussion

It was confirmed through the IronPigs that Michael Taylor was called up.  He is starting in left field and hitting third.  Phillies Assistant GM Benny Looper mentioned that Jason Donald has a slight setback and is currently running at about 75%.  The ‘Pigs are hoping to have Donald back in the lineup next week.

Kyle Kendrick (6-5) picked up  his 9th quality start in his last 10 starts, going 8 very strong innings against Rochester in the Lehigh Valley 5-4 win tonight.  Kendrick gave up just 5 hits, didnt walk a batter and struck out 5.  He threw 87 pitches, 63 for strikes.  In his Lehigh Valley debut with his parents in the stands, Michael Taylor was 0-3 with a walk and a run scored.  He hit a ball very hard, lining out to third base and was very impressive running the bases, scoring from first easily on a double.