Lehigh Valley beat Louisville, 12-1. Jason Berken struck out 6 over 5.0 innings. Cesar Jimenez, Hector Neris, and Nick Hill pitched 4 innings of 1-walk relief. Maikel Franco went 3-5 with a HR and 2 RBI. Brian Bogusevic and Jordan Danks added HRs. Dom Brown went 1-6. Continue reading Box Score Recap – 5/5/2015
Threshers Lose Close One, 2-1; May 5, 2015
Colin Kleven battled for five innings. His 28-pitch first inning set the tone for his night. He only threw 14 strikes in the inning, walked an uncharacteristic 2 batters, and reached a 3-ball count on another batter. Although the Manatees loaded the bases, Kleven was able to keep them off the board. Continue reading Threshers Lose Close One, 2-1; May 5, 2015
Box Score Recap – 5/4/2015
Lehigh Valley lost to Louisville, 5-3. Joely Rodriguez allowed a dozen base runners in his 6.0 innings. He was provided a first inning run and gave it back in the bottom of the inning. He’s now 0-3, 7.14. Maikel Franco went 1-4. Tommy Joseph went 1-4 with a double and a run scored. He also threw out 1 of 2 base stealers. Dom Brown went 2-3 with 2 RBI, a walk, and his 5th stolen base. Atlanta bound? Continue reading Box Score Recap – 5/4/2015
J.P. Crawford Update; May 4, 2015
Finally, something official on J.P. Crawford.
It looks like Phillies’ prospect J. P. Crawford could come off the DL for the Threshers’ Wednesday afternoon game this week. The Phillies follow a protocol that requires a position player to play back-to-back nine inning games before being activated from a rehab assignment. Crawford played his first nine inning game Saturday, but Sunday was an off day in XST.
Joe Jordan was in Clearwater last week, watching Crawford at the Complex. He is quoted in Jake Kaplan’s story (link to article).
Open Discussion: Week of May 4th
Here’s an open discussion thread so the minor league posts don’t get cluttered with Phillies’ talk and other topics.
Jonathan Papelbon made 3 appearances and finished 3 games this week, converting his only save opportunity. After 26 games, Papelbon has made 10 appearances, 9 games finished (5 saves, 4 non-saves).
Some other random stuff to light the fire –
- Chase Utley .108/.181/.217/.398 (lowest BA of any Phillie with a hit, 3 SP have higher BA – Hamels, Buchanan, and Harang)
- Phillies .221/.276/.324/.600 (worst in NL, still)
- The batting averages of the Phillies starting eight from Sunday’s game after completion – .239, .108, .186, .193, .191, .271, .200, .167
- Sorta makes Seve Gonzalez’ victory even more improbable.
- Hard to believe that Dom Brown couldn’t crack that line up.
- Does Utley have any options remaining?
Box Score Recap – 5/3/2015
Lehigh Valley lost to Indianapolis, 6-2. Maikel Franco went hitless, but reached on a fielder’s choice in the top of the first inning. He moved to third on Dom Brown’s only hit of the day, a single. As part of a double steal, Franco stole home. Paul Clemens promptly gave the run back. His wild pitch helped insure the run would score. A couple innings later, he allowed two inning opening walks to scored. He lasted 4.1 innings, and threw 85 pitches (48 strikes/37 balls). Tommy Joseph suffered through another oh-fer and is how at .140 roughly 100 points below Rene Garcia. Continue reading Box Score Recap – 5/3/2015
Box Score Recap – 5/2/2015
Lehigh Valley managed a come from ahead loss against Indianapolis, 6-5. Adam Morgan only given up 3 runs on 10 hits in his 6.0 innings. He left with a 5-3 lead. He was still the pitcher of record going into the bottom of the ninth. Hector Neris blew the save and the game. The batter he walked in the inning ultimately became the winning run. Maikel Franco went 2 for 4, and stole his first base of the season. Continue reading Box Score Recap – 5/2/2015
Threshers Thrash Blue Jays; May 2, 2015
Clearwater pounded their way to an 8-2 win over the Dunedin Blue Jays Saturday night. The Threshers collected 14 hits, 5 for extra bases, in support of Brandon Leibrandt’s one-hit, nine strike out effort over six innings.
Continue reading Threshers Thrash Blue Jays; May 2, 2015
Movin on Up?
We are approaching a month into the minor league season, so I figured I would throw a quick list out there on those who have put the early season stats up to be considered promotion worthy. That said, it is generally too early to promote based on performance. Look for that to occur after another 3-4 weeks. Some names too get the discussion going:
Carlos Tocci, OF, Lakewood-In his third season in Lakewood, he would be one of those most likely to move up quickly this year and he has played like he deserves to.
Rhys Hoskins, 1B, Lakewood- 23 year old college draftee has begun hitting like he doesn’t belong…which is a good thing!
Matt Hockenberry, RP,Lakewood–At 24, and having finished his college career, Hockenberry is doing what he should at this level. I expect him in Clearwater come June.
Maikel Franco, 3B, Lehigh Valley–Only a matter of time, most likely late May to the Phils.
Jesse Biddle, P, Reading–Biddle has been largely effective and bouncing back well from his disastrous 2014. I would expect a June call to Lehigh Valley if he stays consistent.
Aaron Nola, P, Reading–Nola could very well end up in Philly come September if he continues pitching in the manner he has.
Brandon Leibrandt, P, Clearwater–Has been outstanding for Clearwater early on, showing both command and the “know how” you want in a young pitcher.
Note: This short list is far from all encompassing as there are several who have been outstanding that have not been included (i.e. Eflin as prime example). It is my belief that there are many who the Phils will simply want to spend most of the current year at their level for a variety of reasons.
Box Score Recap – 5/1/2015
Lehigh Valley was shut out by Indianapolis, 4-0. Phillippe Aumont lasted 3.0 innings and gave up 3 runs in the first inning. The damage could have been less or even avoided but for a wild pitch with runners on first and second and nobody out. He allowed 6 hits and walked two on 76 pitches. The offense only managed 6 hits. Maikel Franco played first and went 1 for 4. Dom Brown and Tommy Joseph went hitless. Continue reading Box Score Recap – 5/1/2015
