Bunts and Balks (8/22)

The Phillies placed IF/OF Greg Dobbs on the 15-Day DL, with a strained calf. IF/OF Miguel Cairo was recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA). Antonio Bastardo was moved from the 15-Day DL, to the 60-Day DL, opening a spot on the 40-Man roster for Cairo.
Dobbs was the fourth outfielder in June (1.008 OPS in 40 PA) and July (.739 OPS in 51 PA), but has been relegated to the fifth outfielder role, since the acquisition of Ben Francisco. Dobbs has only had 15 PA in August, and has struggled in the limited role, posting a .564 OPS. (Dobbs has posted an OPS of .891 in his starts, but his mediocre defensive abilities, and the capable, durable players ahead of him, keep him from becoming a regular.)
Miguel Cairo? Yikes. He posted a .235 OPS with the Phillies (-38 OPS+!) in 17 PA, before being, mercifully, DFA'd in mid-May. He performed adequately at AAA (.725 OPS/.330 wOBA), and might be a better option than Eric Bruntlett, to cover days off for Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. There was a good chance Cairo would have been recalled in September, when rosters increase. Bako, Bruntlett, and Cairo taking up three active roster spots, before the September expansion, is somewhat frightening.
Bastardo's move to the 60-Day DL was merely procedural, as he has already been disabled for more than sixty days. Bastardo is making a minor league rehab appearance on Monday, so he may be seen with the parent club in September.

Brett Myers will make his second minor league rehab appearance on Sunday night (5:05pm) for Lakewood (A-). Hopefully, Myers won't play catch with his 4-year-old before the game. The parent club needs him back.

IF Carlos Leon was promoted to Lehigh Valley (AAA), to take the spot vacated by Miguel Cairo.
The 29-year-old Leon posted a .295 wOBA in Reading (AA), and appears to be more minor league filler, than prospect, at this point.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs scored three runs in the top of the eleventh inning, winning a duel with the Pawtucket Red Sox on Saturday, 3-0.
Starter Gustavo Chacin was brilliant, throwing eight scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks (two whiffs). Before you get too excited, however, take a look at the high putridity level of Pawtucket's lineup. Chacin could help an MLB team, as a back-of-the-rotation starter. But his 4.44 FIP in AAA this season probably won't put him in the mix for the Phillies' 2010 rotation.

The Reading Phillies (AA) placed INF Brad Harman on the DL, with a left groin strain. The organization is getting a bit low on middle infielders...

The Reading Phillies lost to the New Britain Rock Cats on Saturday, 3-2. It was the eighth loss for the R-Phils, in nine games, against the Stone Felines. Starter Mike Stutes had the only R-Phil win against New Britain, but wasn't able to duplicate that effort on Saturday. Stutes permitted three runs, in six and one-third innings (eight hits, two walks/four whiffs). Catcher Kevin Nelson was 4 for 4 on the night, including a solo homer in the ninth inning. Nelson has shown some actual offensive prowess, since his recent demotion from AAA. He might need to swap places again, with current AAA backstop Tuffy Gosewisch.

The Reading Phillies activated RHP Tyson Brummett from the DL, and assigned him to Clearwater (A). Brummett has pitched poorly at two levels (AA and AAA) in 2009.

The Clearwater Threshers (A) were thrashed by the Dunedin Blue Jays on Saturday, 17-2. The score was 1-0, Dunedin, after five innings. Then, things took a turn for the worse for the Threshers. A nine-run Dunedin sixth put the game away, and the Blue Jays tacked on another five in the ninth.
Clearwater starter Jon Velazquez deserved better, as reliever Carlos Monasterios permitted three inherited runners to score. Velazquez' final line: 5 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 9 K(!)
Tyson Brummett made his first appearance for the Threshers, called in to pitch the final inning of a 12-2 game. Brummett faced six batters, surrendering three hits and two walks. (He did record a strikeout.) Two of the runners Brummett was responsible for scored after he left the game. Brummett's one out/five run appearance gave him an ERA of 135.00.
Brummett has now pitched poorly at three levels in 2009. Maybe he'd have better results in Lakewood?

Bunts and Balks (8/16)

The removal of Jamie Moyer from the rotation continues to be a hot topic around the internets. The Phillies removed the worst of their starters, in the hopes that the replacement would produce better results. There are more crucial issues right now. Will Brad Lidge get his act together? Will Matt Stairs start to get hits again? What really happened to Brett Myers on Friday night?

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) were held to only five hits, in Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Buffalo Bisons. Kyle Kendrick allowed three runs (one earned) in four innings (six hits, zero walks/one whiff). After spending the last couple of weeks buried in the parent club's bullpen, the game-rusty Kendrick was removed after throwing fifty-nine pitches. Tuffy Gosewisch had his first hit, since his promotion from AA, improving his average to .125.

The Reading Phillies (AA) won a remarkable pitcher's duel, walking off with a 1-0 win over the Binghampton Mets. Choosing to listen to the R-Phils internet broadcast, over the IronPigs internet broadcast, was the correct move today. DomOnic Brown sparked the rally in the ninth, blasting a double, and scoring the winning run on an error. Mike Stutes threw seven scoreless frames for the R-Phils, retiring thirteen consecutive Mets, and nineteen of twenty.
Stutes only surrendered two hits and one walk, while striking out nine. Sergio Escalona followed with two scoreless innings (one walk/one whiff), picked up his first win, and lowered his ERA to 1.82. Quintin Berry had two hits, and three stolen bases. Berry now has a league-leading forty-five thefts.
The R-Phils are locked in a tight battle with Erie and Bowie, for second place in the Southern Division, and a playoff berth.

The Clearwater Threshers (A) scored six runs, on eleven hits, but were outscored by the Tampa Yankees, 9-6. Matt Rizzotti was 4 for 5, with a homer, a pair of doubles, and three RBI. Rizzotti has hit .316 over his last ten games, improving his slash line to .257/.342/.468. Threshers' starter Darren Byrd survived only four and two-thirds innings, permitting four runs (eleven hits, three walks/two whiffs).

Bunts and Balks (8/11)

The Phillies removed Jamie Moyer from the fifth starter's role, and moved him to the bullpen. Pedro Martinez will join the rotation, starting Wednesday night, against the Cubs.
With future HOFer Pedro Martinez having, satisfactorily, completed his minor league rehab, the Phillies removed their rotation's weakest starter. Moyer pitched 123.1 innings, posting a 5.47 ERA/5.40 FIP. Moyer will, likely, be used as a long reliever/in low leverage situations. With two doubleheaders scheduled in September, Moyer could be considered (along with Drew Carpenter, Kyle Kendrick, and Rodrigo Lopez) for spot starting assignments, later in the season.

Kyle Kendrick was optioned to Lehigh Valley (AAA), t,o open a spot for Martinez on the active roster. Kendrick will, likely, return to the IronPigs rotation. Joe Savery, recently promoted from AA, would seem the most likely option to be demoted to Reading (AA). But, it is possible that Lehigh Valley could, instead, jettison Brian Mazone or Gustavo Chacin, both minor league journeyman who may be unlikely to return to the organization in 2010.

Chad Durbin was activated from the DL. Rodrigo Lopez was optioned to Lehigh Valley. Durbin has a month to make a case for a postseason roster spot. However, if the rest of the bullpen options are healthy for the playoffs, it may not matter how well Durbin pitches in August/September.
Lopez was able to be optioned to AAA, despite having more than five years of MLB experience, because it was written into his contract when he agreed to terms with the Phillies.

J.C. Romero had another rehab setback, and is scheduled for an MRI. It is starting to look like a lost season for Romero.

Brett Myers pitched in his second simulated game, and may make an appearance in an un-simulated game shortly. Expect him to be ready for a relief role with the Phillies, in September.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost to the Louisville Bats on Tuesday, 2-1. Michael Taylor had two outfield assists, at second base, and at home plate. Alex Concepcion pitched two scoreless innings of relief.

The Reading Phillies (AA) came from behind to defeat the Trenton Thunder, 6-5.
The R-Phils trailed 3-1, after six innings, but pulled ahead 6-3, in the top of the ninth. Despite some shaky fielding (the R-Phils made four errors), leading to two unearned runs in the bottom of the ninth, the R-Phils held on for the win. Reading starter Mike Stutes pitched well, allowing three runs (only one earned), in six innings (seven hits, two walks/six strikeouts). B.J. Rosenberg got the final out, for his first AA save. Behind the plate for the final out was Tim Gradoville. A week ago, who would have predicted a low-A reliever, and a low-A coach, would be the battery in a AA game?

The Philadelphia Inquirer continues to spell DomOnic Brown's name incorrectly. Very disappointing.

The Clearwater Threshers (A) were bombed by the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Tuesday, 9-3. It was a very successing mission for the Flying Tigers. The Threshers took a 3-0 lead, in the top of the first inning, but never scored again. Threshers starter Darren Byrd pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs (only two earned), on eleven hits (zero walks/seven whiffs). The box score seems to indicate that Byrd had some BABIP issues...

Bunts and Balks (8/4)

Brett Myers will pitch in a simulated game on Thursday, in Clearwater. Myers could really help the Phils' bullpen. As Myers is attempting to return as a reliever, will the simulated game be only an inning, or two? I think the simulated game should consist of Myers pitching to Threshers' slugger Steve Susdorf (.393 AVG., .980 OPS) every at bat. That would be a good test for Myers. Afterwards, they can grab a beer, and talk civil engineering.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) defeated the Rochester Red Wings, yet again, 7-4. Andrew Carpenter surrendered four runs (two earned), in six innings (six hits, one walk/six whiffs, one home run allowed). Carpenter improved to 9-2, with a 2.72 ERA. Michael Taylor was 0 for 5, dropping his AAA average to .243.

The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the Trenton Thunder, 10-0, in a game that wasn't as close as the score would seem to indicate. In the sixth inning, the R-Phils got a walk. In the seventh inning, they got an infield single. That was the extent of their offense for the night. They had two baserunners, and made three errors. Starter Mike Stutes permitted three runs, in five innings (five hits, four walks/three whiffs, one home run allowed). That was much better than reliever Tyson Brummett, who allowed seven runs (five earned) in one inning.
The R-Phils tried to use a strategic double switch to spark a comeback from a ten-run deficit, putting Tim Gradoville into the lineup behind the plate, batting fifth, in the spot vacated by third baseman Neil Sellers. Carlos Leon entered the game at third base, batting in the eighth spot, vacated by catcher Tim Kennelly. An intriguing manuever, but it did not result in any hits, or baserunners, or anything like that.
The R-Phils host the Trenton Thunder again on Wednesday, with Pedro Martinez scheduled to make a rehab start. They don't guarantee that they will score any runs, but the first 2000 fans get a R-Phils Bread box, and a loaf of bread. It will be quite the Tribute to Sliced Bread. So, there's that.

Tim Gradoville is back! Gradoville has been activated as a player/coach for the R-Phils, and will split time behind the plate with Tim Kennelly. Catcher Carlos Guevara needed to be placed on the DL, and with starting catcher Tuffy Gosewisch already DL'd, the R-Phils activated a low-A coach. Gradoville is now the fifth-string catcher in the Phillies' organization.
Gradoville is best remembered for the time that he played a bad guy on a Court TV show, and wore a uniform with the character's name on it, during a real (AAA?) game. At least I'm pretty sure that actually happened...

The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Dunedin Blue Jays, 6-1. Threshers starter Drew Naylor was pitching very well, until the Blue Jays scored four runs in the eighth. Naylor pitched seven and two-thirds innings, permitting six runs (four earned), on nine hits (zero walks/seven whiffs, one three-run homer allowed). The Threshers had four hits, and made two errors. (A better ratio than the R-Phils, but still not good.) Steve Susdorf was 0 for 3, dropping his average to a season-low .385.

Bunts and Balks (7/24)

According to Andy Martino of the Philadelphia Inquirer, "baseball sources" are indicating that the Blue Jays want J.A. Happ, Kyle Drabek, and Dominic Brown, in exchange for Roy Halladay.
This contradicts with the "hockey sources", who indicated that the Blue Jays wanted Claude Giroux, Mike Richards, and Marc-Andre Bourdon.
Happ is expendable, but Drabek AND Brown? That's a pretty hefty price. But the Phils would be getting a year, and a few months, of one of the best pitchers in MLB. If the Phils would control Halladay for a few seasons, giving up Drabek and Brown would be a lot easier.
Hopefully, the Jays' price will come down a bit.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost to the Gwinnett Braves on Friday, 7-5. The FeHogs fell behind 3-0, but pulled to within 3-2, before start Carlos Carrasco surrendered a three-run homer with two outs in the sixth. Carrasco probably didn't help his dwindling trade value, by allowing six runs, in six innings (four hits, four walks/five strikeouts, one home run allowed). Michael Taylor went 1 for 3, with a walk and a stolen base, in the losing effort.

The Reading Phillies (AA) crushed the Bowie Baysox, 7-1. Starter Mike Stutes had another strong performance, allowing only one run, over seven and one-third innings (six hits, two walks/eight strikeouts, one home runs allowed). In July, Stutes has a 1.80 ERA, in five starts (thirty innings). In his last ten starts, Stutes has a 2.81 ERA, in fifty-seven and two-thirds innings. (Stutes hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of those ten starts.) Perhaps Stutes should be as highly regarded as rotation-mates Joe Savery and Vance Worley?
Neil Sellers was a single short of a cycle, as his 3 for 5 night raised his average to .325. Kevin Mahar increased his average to .323, with a 3 for 5 effort of his own.

The Clearwater Threshers (A) shut out the Charlotte Stone Crabs, 2-0.
Darren Byrd (five innings, four hits, one walk/five whiffs), Carlos Monasterios (two innings, one hit), Scott Mathieson (one inning, one hit, one walk/three strikeouts), and Michael Schwimer (one inning, one strikeout) combined for the shutout. Steve Susdorf was 0 for 3, dropping his average to .394. Dominic Brown was 1 for 3, and his average fell to .300. Brown reached base twice, and was picked off once, and caught stealing second the other time.

Bunts and Balks (7/19)

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) beat the Rochester Red Wings on Sunday, 3-2. Incredible game! Awesome start by Drew (a.k.a. Andrew) Carpenter: one run allowed in seven innings (three hits, two walks/eight whiffs, one solo HR). Walkoff ninth-inning double by David Newhan. Technical difficulties on the internet broadcast made hearing FeHogs reliever Stephen Register's blowing of the save impossible.
The FeHogs completed a four-game series sweep of the Red Wings, moved to the .500 mark (47-47!), and remained in a franchise-high Third Place!

The Reading Phillies (AA) FINALLY beat the New Britain Rock Cats, 9-1.
The R-Phils had lost all six of the previous encounters with the Stone Felines this season. Starter Mike Stutes pitched five and one-third innings, and permitted five hits and five walks, striking out three. Stutes' ERA was saved by reliever Alex Concepcion, who stranded the two baserunners he inherited in the sixth inning. Concepcion threw three and two-thirds innings, surrendering only a solo home run. Concepcion received his second save, despite the fact that the R-Phils won by eight runs. (However, the tying run was on deck when Concepcion entered the game, and he did finish the game. Therefore, I am going to go ahead and approve the awarding of a save here.)
The R-Phils offense was paced by Neil Sellers (4 for 4, .317 avg.), Tim Kennelly (2 for 5, HR, 3 RBI), and Jeremy Slayden (HR, 2 RBI, .369 avg.).

The Clearwater Threshers (A) shut out the Sarasota Reds, 4-0.
Darren Byrd, an 18th round draft choice in 2005, threw six scoreless innings (four hits, one walk/three whiffs) for the win. Scott Mathieson retired all three batters he faced in the ninth inning, two on strikeouts. Dominic Brown went 2 for 2, with a pair of RBI. Steve Susdorf was 0 for 4, reducing his average to a measly .396.

Despite the impending additions of Roy Halladay and Pedro Martinez to the parent club's pitching staff, the Phillies still need to be on the lookout for additionals upgrade options.
The Colorado Rockies have a northpaw in AAA, whom the Phillies should consider acquiring. He has posted a 2.30 ERA (3.36 FIP), with a 3.25 K/BB in 43 innings (7 starts). He would cost the Phillies only the major-league minimum, in additional salary costs. Ruben Amaro is, likely, already in the process of acquiring SkySox hurler Adam Eaton.

Bunts and Balks (7/8)

Raul Ibanez will continue his rehab on Thursday, with another appearance for Lehigh Valley (AAA). It doesn't appear that Ibanez will return to the P-Phils before the All-Star break. It does appear that Ibanez will be taking part in the MLB All-Star game.

Raul Ibanez' rehabilitation appearances at Coca-Cola Park, the Home of the IronPigs, are sponsored by Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. This blog would like to sponsor Jack Taschner's post-DFA appearances at Coca-Cola Park. And Paul Bako's actual DFA'ing.

Jayson Werth is getting closer to gunning down a baserunner at first base on a grounder/liner to right field. Remember when Glenn Wilson used to try this maneuver, usually on pitchers/slow-footed catchers? Werth might need the pitcher to start covering first on these attempts, as Ryan Howard is having trouble getting to first base in time. Never seen a 9-1 putout at first base before...

Shane Victorino continues to battle in the Final Vote. Reliever Chan Ho Park showed his support for Victorino by wearing a Vote Victorino sandwich board. Victorino has supported Victorino by being a human highlight film this week. I think he will make the All-Star team. (But I'm not sure that Jayson Werth wouldn't be a better choice...)

Paul Bako got another start on Wednesday. Is Gabor now the personal catcher for Rodrigo Lopez? Has Manager Charlie Manuel given up on Chris Coste behind the plate? Does Chris Coste have any trade value whatsoever? The Phils should dump Bako and Coste, call up Lou Marson as the backup catcher, and Sergio Escalona (or Gary Majewski) as another bullpen arm.
Paul Bako attempting to bunt was even more nightmarish than Paul Bako attempting to bat. (Still less nightmarish than Eric Bruntlett attempting to bat...)

Rodrigo Lopez left his Wednesday night start, after five innings, with right shoulder inflammation. Not good. The Phils need him to stay in the rotation until the trade for Roy Halladay is completed, in two weeks.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) ravaged the Pawtucket Red Sox, 12-0, on Wednesday night. The FeHogs had a 12-3 hit advantage, with catcher Lou Marson contributing three hits (double, two singles). Starter Andrew Carpenter took advantage of a woeful Pawtucket lineup (4 batters with BAs of .209, or lower, none higher than .262) to throw seven scoreless innings (two hits, one walk, nine strikeouts). Carpenter is now 8-2, with a 2.45 ERA, and Marson's average is up to .292. Those numbers should help their respective trade values...
The FeHogs will host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees on Thursday and Friday, as unplayable conditions at S/W-B 's PNC Field forced the games to be moved to Coca-Cola Park.

The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the 1st Place Akron Aeros, 4-0. The R-Phils were held to three hits, all singles, and a pair of walks. Mike Stutes took the loss, surrendering four runs (only one was earned), on five hits (three walks/four strikeouts).

The Clearwater Threshers (A) were rained out. The Threshers will play two against the Brevard County Manatees on Thursday. Steve Susdorf does not fear the Sea Cow.

Bunts and Balks (Taschner Independence Weekend Edition)

Jack Taschner was finally removed from the Phillies' roster, as he was DFA'd on Friday. Taschner was jettisoned to open a roster spot for starter Rodrigo Lopez. Taschner departs with a 5.20 ERA, 5.61 WHIP, and a .85 K/BB. It was likely Taschner's 835K guaranteed contract that kept him at the MLB level, as Manager Charlie Manuel had almost no confidence in the southpaw. Taschner was acquired in exchange for catcher Ronny Paulino, who had been acquired for catcher Jason Jaramillo. Either of those two backstops would have, likely, contributed more to the organization.
Taschner thanked the Phillies for doing him a solid, and designating him for assignment, rather than simply optioning him to Lehigh Valley (AAA). But the Phillies may be hopeful of at least getting off the hook for a portion of his salary, if another team picks him up for the MLB minimum. (It doesn't seem likely that another team will pick him up within ten days, and pay him his full MLB salary. It wouldn't be surprising if no team picks him up, and he joins the IronPigs.)

Paul Bako started behind the plate Saturday, for the third time in four games. This is rather puzzling. Is the slumping Carlos Ruiz injured? Chris Coste, also? Are they showcasing Bako for a trade, hoping that the increased time at the MLB level will help them acquire a mediocre A-ball reliever, rather than a terrible A-ball reliever, for the offensively-challenged receiver? Bako has done about as well as expected at the plate, with a .214 BA/.278 wOBA.

Scott Eyre returns to the Phillies on Sunday. Sergio Escalona was optioned to the IronPigs (again) to open a roster spot. Eyre's presence should push reliever Tyler Walker into Jack Taschner's ultra-low leverage role.
At least Escalona is making MLB money, and accumulating MLB service time, during his abbreviated appearances on the Phils' roster.

Raul Ibanez has returned to Philadelphia, as his minor league rehab has been postponed. The Phils hope Ibanez will be able to return to his rehab assignment this week. It's a bit disconcerting that he was sent to Reading for rehab, and then returned to Philly without any game action.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs lost their third game in a row on Saturday, blowing a 2-1 ninth-inning lead, in a 3-2 twelve-inning loss. On Friday, the FeHogs lost both games of their First Ever Day-Night Doubleheader. Starter Brian Mazone, on a low pitch count, pitched two innings in Friday's 12:35pm loss, 4-0, to the Syracuse SkyChiefs. In the second game, a 7-1 loss, Andrew Carpenter permitted seven runs (five earned), on ten hits (three walks/six strikeouts), in five and two-thirds innings.
In Saturday night's come-from-ahead loss, Gary Majewski blew a two-inning save opportunity, wasting Gustavo Chacin's strong start (seven and one-third innings, seven hits, one run, one walk/five strikeouts).
The FeHogs fell to four games under .500, after their historic ascent to the .500 mark, for the first time ever, ended last week.

The Reading Phillies (AA) won in eleven innings on Friday, 4-3 over the Altoona Curve. The R-Phils only needed nine inning on Saturday, defeating the Connecticut Defenders, 7-5. On Friday, Mike Stutes permitted three runs (seven hits, zero walks/five strikeouts) over six innings, and the bullpen (rehabbing Scott Eyre, Mike Zagurski, Alex Concepcion, and Jason Mackintosh) followed with five scoreless frames. In Saturday's win, Joe Savery was touched for five runs over seven innings (ten hits, two walks/four strikeouts), but still recorded his eleventh win.

The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Dunedin Blue Jays, 10-5 on Friday, and 8-1 on Saturday. Friday night's starter, Julian Sampson, was bombed for seven earned runs, in only three and two-thirds innings (seven hits, four walks/four strikeouts). Saturday's starter, Tyler Cloyd surrendered five runs (two earned) over five and two-thirds innings (eight hits, three walks/one strikeout). Cloyd obtained two outs on the ground, and fourteen through the air, not a very CBP-viable ratio.

Bunts and Balks (6/28)

Charlie Manuel announced that Jimmy Rollins will be back at shortstop, and in the leadoff spot, on Tuesday. Eric Bruntlett went 1 for 4 on Sunday, and the "1" was a bunt hit that should have been a "0." Bruntlett did well to break up a potential double play on the basepaths, but a potential twin killing turned into yet another Bruntlett fielding fail. Even the Bad (0 for 19) Rollins would be an improvement over The Gnome.

Chan Ho Park returned to the mound, and threw two scoreless innings. Given the current state of the bullpen, it's a good thing Park's knee injury didn't necessitate a DL stint.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) were no-hit for the first six innings, in their Sunday night matchup with the Norfolk Tides. The FeHogs exploded for a six-run eighth, in a 6-1 win. The Swine hurlers managed to give up twelve hits, and only a single run. Rodrigo Lopez got the victory, permitting just the sole marker, in seven innings. Lehigh Valley only had four hits, but took advantage of six walks.

With the win, the IronPigs moved to the .500 mark for the first time IN THE HISTORY OF THE FRANCHISE! Not really an impressive franchise streak of sub .500 play, but winning 15 of 18 games is mighty impressive.

The Reading Phillies (AA) beat the Trenton Thunder, 8-3. Michael Taylor went 3 for 5, with a three-run homer, improving his average to .342. Tuffy Gosewisch went 3 for 4. Mike Stutes pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs (five hits, one walk/three strikeouts).

Joe Savery, rained out of his start in Friday's suspended game, will take the mound in Monday's series finale. The Thunder thought they would escape the series, with Savery being limited to one inning. They were sorely mistaken.

The Clearwater Threshers improved remained unbeaten in the second half of their season, with a fourth consecutive extra-inning victory over the Jupiter Hammerheads. Steve Susdorf went 2 for 5, dropping his average to only .485. Santo Hernandez pitch three scoreless relief innings, for the win. Right-hander Michael Galen Cisco got the start, but left the game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter.