The uniform worn by Eric Bruntlett on Sunday, during his three-hit game, is on the way to Cooperstown. Bruntlett also was wearing the uniform when he set up his game-ending, unassisted triple play, with two defensive miscues. It joins his Elmer Fudd hat from the 2008 postseason, in the rapidly growing Gnome Wing of the Hall.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) outfielder Michael Taylor was placed on the DL, retroactive to 8/22, with a strained right oblique. The FeHogs are out of the playoff race, so the loss of Taylor only hurts them from an attendance standpoint. But the untimely injury may keep Taylor from being promoted to the parent club, during September's roster expansion.
The IronPigs activated LHP Brian Mazone from the DL, and he made the start on Monday night. The FeHogs stashed Mazone on the DL with turf toe, until Saturday's doubleheader necessitated a spot start. Mazone hasn't been great this season, but this is preferable to starting reliever Jake Woods, in another "bullpen game."
The IronPigs fell to the pitiful Pawtucket Red Sox on Monday, 3-2, on a run in the bottom of the ninth. Mazone pitched five scoreless innings, surrendering only three singles (two walks/eight whiffs). Former Phillies' superstar Paul Byrd started for the Red Sox, allowing only one run, over seven innings.
Carlos Leon had two sacrifices for the IronPigs, batting in the eighth spot, ahead of .100-hitting Tuffy Gosewisch. There are so many problems with that preceding sentence.
Joe Bisenius continued to pitch himself off the 40-Man roster, allowing a run, on a homer and two walks (two whiffs), in one and one-third innings. Bisenius' ERA in AAA decreased to a mere 20.25.
The Reading Phillies (AA) promoted IF Freddy Galvis from the Clearwater Threshers (A). With Carlos Leon in AAA, and Brad Harman on the DL, the R-Phils needed a second middle infielder. They would have been better off adjusting the roster "Gradoville style", and activating batting instructor Kevin Jordan, a former Phillie, as a second baseman. Galvis is a superb infielder, but does not hit.
The Reading Phillies lost to the New Britain Rock Cats (again) on Monday, 6-3. I am so sick of the Stone Felines. The R-Phils outhit New Britain, 14-8, but had thirteen singles, and were only 2 for 10 w/RISP, leaving ten on base. Reading also made a pair of errors.
Starter Yohan Flande did not fare well, permitting four runs, in four innings (seven hits, four walks/three whiffs). Flande was fortunate that reliever Alex Concepcion stranded both baserunners he inherited.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) fell to the Dunedin Blue Jays, 4-2. Threshers' starter Tyler Cloyd was victimized by a two-out grand slam, in the third inning. Cloyd pitched six innings, without permitting any additional runs (six hits, two walks/three whiffs). Michael Schwimer pitched a scoreless frame. Tyson Brummett also pitched a scoreless inning, reducing his ERA in A ball to only 33.75. It was unclear at press time whether Clay Condrey and/or J.C. Romero were in attendance at the final Feeding Frenzy.
The Lakewood BlueClaws were swept in a doubleheader Monday night, by the Lake County Captains. But the BlueClaws drew over 6,047 fans, giving them over 4 million in their history. It them a mere 608 games to eclipse reach the milestone. Lakewood leads the league in attendance this season.
Showing posts with label Yohan Flande. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yohan Flande. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Bunts and Balks (8/13)
The Colorado Rockies recalled Adam Eaton from AAA. The Rockies have a three-game series against the Florida Marlins this weekend, so Eaton's considerable pitching deficiencies may continue to haunt the Phillies.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) had a 8-7 lead, after seven innings, but fell to the Louisville Bats, 12-8. Joe Bisenius' return to AAA did not go well. He allowed four runs, on six hits, in one and one-third innings of "relief." Perfomances like that could get Bisenius booted off the 40-Man Roster, in a timely manner.
Joe Savery made his third start in AAA, and managed to pitch four scoreless innings, escaping numerous jams. But he couldn't escape jams in the fifth and sixth innings, and his 2.45 ERA was horribly scarred. Savery finished with a 3.78 ERA, after his five and two-thirds innings of work. Savery gave up six hits and three walks (five whiffs), leading to six runs (four earned).
The Reading Phillies (AA) also suffered from bullpen issues, losing to the Trenton Thunder, 5-1. Yohan Flande took a no-hitter into the fifth inning for the R-Phils. Flande pitched six innings, allowing two runs, on only four hits (two walks/five whiffs). Chance Chapman and Mike Zagurski combined to surrender three runs in the seventh inning, and the R-Phils were held to only five hits.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) started their game against the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 6:30pm, so they could host a concert by rising country band Love and Theft! The Threshers remained undefeated, in Thursday night home games preceding Love and Theft concerts, with a 6-2 win. Tyler Cloyd pitched seven scoreless innings (three hits, two walks/six whiffs) for his third win, lowering his ERA to 4.02 ERA.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) had a 8-7 lead, after seven innings, but fell to the Louisville Bats, 12-8. Joe Bisenius' return to AAA did not go well. He allowed four runs, on six hits, in one and one-third innings of "relief." Perfomances like that could get Bisenius booted off the 40-Man Roster, in a timely manner.
Joe Savery made his third start in AAA, and managed to pitch four scoreless innings, escaping numerous jams. But he couldn't escape jams in the fifth and sixth innings, and his 2.45 ERA was horribly scarred. Savery finished with a 3.78 ERA, after his five and two-thirds innings of work. Savery gave up six hits and three walks (five whiffs), leading to six runs (four earned).
The Reading Phillies (AA) also suffered from bullpen issues, losing to the Trenton Thunder, 5-1. Yohan Flande took a no-hitter into the fifth inning for the R-Phils. Flande pitched six innings, allowing two runs, on only four hits (two walks/five whiffs). Chance Chapman and Mike Zagurski combined to surrender three runs in the seventh inning, and the R-Phils were held to only five hits.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) started their game against the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 6:30pm, so they could host a concert by rising country band Love and Theft! The Threshers remained undefeated, in Thursday night home games preceding Love and Theft concerts, with a 6-2 win. Tyler Cloyd pitched seven scoreless innings (three hits, two walks/six whiffs) for his third win, lowering his ERA to 4.02 ERA.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Minor(s) Updates
Recently-promoted Joe Savery won his second start for Lehigh Valley (AAA), improving to 2-0, with a 2.45 ERA, at that level. Don't get overly excited by those gaudy stats. A Small Sample Size Alert is necessary when looking at any numbers, here, as the rest of the stats indicate that Savery hasn't been very effective. Savery has allowed ten hits and nine walks (five whiffs), in his eleven AAA innings. He has had more than his fair share of BABIP, and LOB%, luck.
Savery could be competing for a spot in the rotation next year- with Lehigh Valley. He needs to significantly improve his command, if he wants to escape AAA.
Gustavo Chacin improved to 6-2, with a 3.26 ERA, in his last three starts for Lehigh Valley. Chacin also has a 4.22 FIP. He has no future with the Phillies' organization. I wonder if any organization would trade something (a low-A prospect?) for Chacin? Either way, Chacin likely won't be back in 2010.
Michael Taylor has 83 ABs at AAA, posting a .727 OPS, including 3 HRs. Not a bad start. He could be brought up to the parent Phillies in September, with a postseason spot possible, if things go well.
At Reading (AA), OF Jeremy Slayden announced his retirement, with OF Steve Susdorf promoted from Clearwater (A), to take Slayden's roster spot. The 27-year-old Slayden played at AAA this season, struggling to post a .229/.295/.398 line. Not enough for the left-handed hitting outfielder to be a viable prospect.
The 23-year-old Susdorf excelled with Clearwater, slugging his way to a .373/.423/.513 line. The left-handed hitting Susdorf needs to work on his defensive game, but could find himself in AAA for 2010.
Tyson Brummett has been placed on the Reading DL, with right elbow inflammation. B.J. Rosenberg was promoted from Lakewood (low-A). Brummett has not been very effective this season, pitching in both AA and AAA. The results could have been caused by injury, or this could just be a convenient way to get Brummett off the roster for awhile. Either way, Brummett is more minor league filler, than prospect.
Rosenberg was outstanding at Lakewood: .89 ERA, 11.68 K/9, 6.5 K/BB, 1.33 FIP. Rosenberg will be 24 in September, so AA is a bit more of an age-appropriate level. A strong finish to 2009 with Reading, and Rosenberg could be in AAA for 2010.
(Was surprised to see Rosenberg promoted to AA, before Clearwater's Michael Schwimer, but Schwimer could be up with R-Phils, before long.)
Reading ace Kyle Drabek had a poor start at Binghamton on Saturday night, allowing four runs in five innings (six hits, four walks/four whiffs).
Drabek was making only his third road start, despite making twelve appearances for the R-Phils. He continues to struggle against left-handed batters, who are hitting .333 against the 21-year-old southpaw. Drabek threw thirty-two innings in 2008, after coming off TJ surgery, and has thrown one-hundred forty (at two levels), this season. That is a rather large jump, especially for a young pitcher coming off surgery. It might be time to start limiting Drabek's innings/pitches.
Reading northpaw Vance Worley has posted a 7.89 ERA, in his last ten starts. Worley has surrendered seventy-six hits, and eighteen walks (thirty whiffs), in his last fifty-one innings. The twenty-one year old threw sixty-nine innings in 2008, and is up to one-hundred and twenty-six innings, this season. Another large innings jump, and Worley's innings might also need to be limited, as the season progresses.
Yohan Flande, Reading's 23-year-old southpaw, has pitched well recently. But his innings (53 in 2008, 124 in 2009) are also getting a bit high...
Clearwater (A) has seen their roster depleted by callups. Not sure if the Threshers have any worthwhile position prospects at this point, with DomOnic Brown, Steve Susdorf, and Tim Kennelly all having been promoted to AA.
But there are still a number of pitching prospects to watch, including Michael Schwimer, Joe Bisenius, Darren Byrd, Tyler Cloyd, Drew Naylor, and Jon Velazquez.
Savery could be competing for a spot in the rotation next year- with Lehigh Valley. He needs to significantly improve his command, if he wants to escape AAA.
Gustavo Chacin improved to 6-2, with a 3.26 ERA, in his last three starts for Lehigh Valley. Chacin also has a 4.22 FIP. He has no future with the Phillies' organization. I wonder if any organization would trade something (a low-A prospect?) for Chacin? Either way, Chacin likely won't be back in 2010.
Michael Taylor has 83 ABs at AAA, posting a .727 OPS, including 3 HRs. Not a bad start. He could be brought up to the parent Phillies in September, with a postseason spot possible, if things go well.
At Reading (AA), OF Jeremy Slayden announced his retirement, with OF Steve Susdorf promoted from Clearwater (A), to take Slayden's roster spot. The 27-year-old Slayden played at AAA this season, struggling to post a .229/.295/.398 line. Not enough for the left-handed hitting outfielder to be a viable prospect.
The 23-year-old Susdorf excelled with Clearwater, slugging his way to a .373/.423/.513 line. The left-handed hitting Susdorf needs to work on his defensive game, but could find himself in AAA for 2010.
Tyson Brummett has been placed on the Reading DL, with right elbow inflammation. B.J. Rosenberg was promoted from Lakewood (low-A). Brummett has not been very effective this season, pitching in both AA and AAA. The results could have been caused by injury, or this could just be a convenient way to get Brummett off the roster for awhile. Either way, Brummett is more minor league filler, than prospect.
Rosenberg was outstanding at Lakewood: .89 ERA, 11.68 K/9, 6.5 K/BB, 1.33 FIP. Rosenberg will be 24 in September, so AA is a bit more of an age-appropriate level. A strong finish to 2009 with Reading, and Rosenberg could be in AAA for 2010.
(Was surprised to see Rosenberg promoted to AA, before Clearwater's Michael Schwimer, but Schwimer could be up with R-Phils, before long.)
Reading ace Kyle Drabek had a poor start at Binghamton on Saturday night, allowing four runs in five innings (six hits, four walks/four whiffs).
Drabek was making only his third road start, despite making twelve appearances for the R-Phils. He continues to struggle against left-handed batters, who are hitting .333 against the 21-year-old southpaw. Drabek threw thirty-two innings in 2008, after coming off TJ surgery, and has thrown one-hundred forty (at two levels), this season. That is a rather large jump, especially for a young pitcher coming off surgery. It might be time to start limiting Drabek's innings/pitches.
Reading northpaw Vance Worley has posted a 7.89 ERA, in his last ten starts. Worley has surrendered seventy-six hits, and eighteen walks (thirty whiffs), in his last fifty-one innings. The twenty-one year old threw sixty-nine innings in 2008, and is up to one-hundred and twenty-six innings, this season. Another large innings jump, and Worley's innings might also need to be limited, as the season progresses.
Yohan Flande, Reading's 23-year-old southpaw, has pitched well recently. But his innings (53 in 2008, 124 in 2009) are also getting a bit high...
Clearwater (A) has seen their roster depleted by callups. Not sure if the Threshers have any worthwhile position prospects at this point, with DomOnic Brown, Steve Susdorf, and Tim Kennelly all having been promoted to AA.
But there are still a number of pitching prospects to watch, including Michael Schwimer, Joe Bisenius, Darren Byrd, Tyler Cloyd, Drew Naylor, and Jon Velazquez.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/31)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) couldn't complete a comeback on Friday night, falling to the Columbus Clippers, 9-6. The FeHogs trailed 5-2, closed to 5-4, trailed 7-4, closed to 7-5, but the bullpen couldn't stop the Clips' offense. LV starter Pedro Martinez pitched like he is interested in competing with Chad Durbin, for a spot in the Phillies' bullpen. Martinez gave up a home run to the first batter he faced, followed with four scoreless innings, and then fell apart in the fifth. Martinez survived five innings, permitting three hits, five runs (four earned), and three walks/four whiffs. Martinez threw eighty-four pitches. The veteran northpaw has, probably, qualified for two additional starts in AAA.
Steven Register allowed two runs, on three hits, in the eighth inning. Pat Overholt surrendered two runs, on two hits and two walks, in the ninth inning.
IronPigs LF Michael Taylor was 2 for 4, with a homer, and three RBIs.
The Reading Phillies (AA) scored an incredible come-from-behind victory, defeating the Erie SeaWolves, 6-4, in ten innings. The R-Phils trailed 4-0, after five innings, but pulled to within 4-3, in the sixth inning. Quintin Berry hit a game-tying home run in the top of the ninth, and Brian Stavisky hit a tenth-inning homer.
Yohan Flande's start for the R-Phils did not go well, as he allowed four runs (three earned), in six and two-thirds innings (six hits, three walks/six whiffs). Chance Chapman relieved Flande in the sixth, stranding the bases loaded. Chapman pitched two and one-third scoreless innings (one walk/three whiffs), for his sixth victory, in seven decisions. Tyson Brummett pitched a scoreless bottom of the tenth, picking up the save, in his return to AA.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) fell to the Fort Myers Miracle, 6-1.
Threshers' starter Jon Velazquez struggled, surrendering three runs, on five hits and four walks (three strikeouts), in five and two-thirds innings. He left two runners on base in the sixth, but they were stranded by reliever Santo Hernandez. Unfortunately, Hernandez and Christopher Kissock would combine to permit three more runs.
The Threshers were held to six hits, going 1 for 11 w/RISP, and leaving nine on base. Steve Susdorf went 1 for 4; his batting average is down to .394.
Steven Register allowed two runs, on three hits, in the eighth inning. Pat Overholt surrendered two runs, on two hits and two walks, in the ninth inning.
IronPigs LF Michael Taylor was 2 for 4, with a homer, and three RBIs.
The Reading Phillies (AA) scored an incredible come-from-behind victory, defeating the Erie SeaWolves, 6-4, in ten innings. The R-Phils trailed 4-0, after five innings, but pulled to within 4-3, in the sixth inning. Quintin Berry hit a game-tying home run in the top of the ninth, and Brian Stavisky hit a tenth-inning homer.
Yohan Flande's start for the R-Phils did not go well, as he allowed four runs (three earned), in six and two-thirds innings (six hits, three walks/six whiffs). Chance Chapman relieved Flande in the sixth, stranding the bases loaded. Chapman pitched two and one-third scoreless innings (one walk/three whiffs), for his sixth victory, in seven decisions. Tyson Brummett pitched a scoreless bottom of the tenth, picking up the save, in his return to AA.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) fell to the Fort Myers Miracle, 6-1.
Threshers' starter Jon Velazquez struggled, surrendering three runs, on five hits and four walks (three strikeouts), in five and two-thirds innings. He left two runners on base in the sixth, but they were stranded by reliever Santo Hernandez. Unfortunately, Hernandez and Christopher Kissock would combine to permit three more runs.
The Threshers were held to six hits, going 1 for 11 w/RISP, and leaving nine on base. Steve Susdorf went 1 for 4; his batting average is down to .394.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/26)
Pedro Martinez made his first non-simulated rehab start on Sunday, for the Clearwater Threshers (A). On Wet N' Wacky Sunday, wet weather shortened Martinez' outing to only one and one-third innings. Martinez threw his fastball in the 87-92 MPH range, with his signature changeup in good form. He had one strikeout, and got his other three outs via fly balls. He threw in the bullpen after play was suspended, to continue to get his pitch count up.
Martinez is expected to make his next start for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) on Friday.
RHP Tyson Brummett was promoted from Reading (AA) to Lehigh Valley. Brummett posted a 5.09 ERA in 15 starts. He was bumped to the R-Phils' bullpen, when LHP Yohan Flande was promoted from Clearwater. Brummett, in his last 10 appearances, has pitched 18 innings. He has allowed 15 runs (7.50 ERA), 26 hits, and 9 walks (6 whiffs).
So, why did Brummett get the promotion to the IronPigs? The LV rotation has been gutted by the parent club's recent roster moves. The current rotation consists of Carlos Carrasco, Gustavo Chacin, Brian Mazone, ?, and ??. Andrew Carpenter will take one of those slots, but he pitched for Philadelphia on Thursday and Friday, and is not immediately available to make a start. Reliever Jake Woods was forced into a spot start on Saturday, throwing 50 pitches, in three innings.
The Reading starting rotation currently has no viable promotion options. Vance Worley and Joe Savery have struggled as of late, and may be battling arm fatigue. Yohan Flande and Kyle Drabek both need more time at the AA level. Mike Stutes has pitched brilliantly recently, but, like the other four starters, his development is best-served by remaining at Reading.
Brummett's arm is still sufficiently stretched out to eat some innings, and he isn't really viewed as a prospect, at this point. Brummett will start for the IronPigs on Monday, facing Gwinnett's Tim Hudson, the rehabbing MLBer, who is expected to pitch four innings.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs lost to the Gwinnett Braves on Sunday, 5-1. LV starter Brian Mazone had only allowed one run, through four innings, when the Braves got to him for four more in the fifth inning. Mazone fell to 0-3, with a 5.03 ERA. The FeHogs offense was punchless, with only six hits, all singles.
The Reading Phillies (AA) defeated the Bowie Baysox, 2-0. Yohan Flande had his best start for the R-Phils, throwing six and one-third scoreless innings (four hits, one walk/seven whiffs). Reliever Sergio Escalona stranded the two runners he inherited from Flande, and reliever Mike Zagurski followed by stranding the three runners he inherited from Escalona. The R-Phils had only five hits, but doubles by Quintin Berry and Neil Sellers lead to runs.
Kyle Drabek will start for the R-Phils on Monday, against the Portland Sea Dogs, in what could be his last start as a member of the Phillies' organization. As the parent club has a late start time, in Arizona, this is a good opportunity to tune in to the R-Phils' internet broadcast.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) will play a doubleheader against the St. Lucie Mets on Monday, as they complete Sunday's suspended game. Travis Cloyd and Michael Galen Cisco are expected to start for the Threshers.
Martinez is expected to make his next start for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) on Friday.
RHP Tyson Brummett was promoted from Reading (AA) to Lehigh Valley. Brummett posted a 5.09 ERA in 15 starts. He was bumped to the R-Phils' bullpen, when LHP Yohan Flande was promoted from Clearwater. Brummett, in his last 10 appearances, has pitched 18 innings. He has allowed 15 runs (7.50 ERA), 26 hits, and 9 walks (6 whiffs).
So, why did Brummett get the promotion to the IronPigs? The LV rotation has been gutted by the parent club's recent roster moves. The current rotation consists of Carlos Carrasco, Gustavo Chacin, Brian Mazone, ?, and ??. Andrew Carpenter will take one of those slots, but he pitched for Philadelphia on Thursday and Friday, and is not immediately available to make a start. Reliever Jake Woods was forced into a spot start on Saturday, throwing 50 pitches, in three innings.
The Reading starting rotation currently has no viable promotion options. Vance Worley and Joe Savery have struggled as of late, and may be battling arm fatigue. Yohan Flande and Kyle Drabek both need more time at the AA level. Mike Stutes has pitched brilliantly recently, but, like the other four starters, his development is best-served by remaining at Reading.
Brummett's arm is still sufficiently stretched out to eat some innings, and he isn't really viewed as a prospect, at this point. Brummett will start for the IronPigs on Monday, facing Gwinnett's Tim Hudson, the rehabbing MLBer, who is expected to pitch four innings.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs lost to the Gwinnett Braves on Sunday, 5-1. LV starter Brian Mazone had only allowed one run, through four innings, when the Braves got to him for four more in the fifth inning. Mazone fell to 0-3, with a 5.03 ERA. The FeHogs offense was punchless, with only six hits, all singles.
The Reading Phillies (AA) defeated the Bowie Baysox, 2-0. Yohan Flande had his best start for the R-Phils, throwing six and one-third scoreless innings (four hits, one walk/seven whiffs). Reliever Sergio Escalona stranded the two runners he inherited from Flande, and reliever Mike Zagurski followed by stranding the three runners he inherited from Escalona. The R-Phils had only five hits, but doubles by Quintin Berry and Neil Sellers lead to runs.
Kyle Drabek will start for the R-Phils on Monday, against the Portland Sea Dogs, in what could be his last start as a member of the Phillies' organization. As the parent club has a late start time, in Arizona, this is a good opportunity to tune in to the R-Phils' internet broadcast.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) will play a doubleheader against the St. Lucie Mets on Monday, as they complete Sunday's suspended game. Travis Cloyd and Michael Galen Cisco are expected to start for the Threshers.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/16)
Pedro Martinez will begin his minor league rehab on Monday, when he reports to the Clearwater Threshers (A). There isn't a set plan for his rehab journey, but he should be with the Phillies by August, barring setbacks.
Rodrigo Lopez is expected to make his next start, on Monday. Lopez is a few starts away from being replaced by Martinez. If Lopez pitches well, he could stay in the rotation (at Jamie Moyer's expense?), or be moved to the Phils' bullpen (much more likely).
Clay Condrey is ready to return to the Phillies. Condrey will, probably, be activated by the end of the week. The Phillies could option John Mayberry back to AAA, to free up a spot for Condrey, and return to an eight-man bullpen. Or they could designate reliever Tyler Walker for assignment. Given the Phils' wish to rest Raul Ibanez more frequently, and their need for as right-handed bench bat, Walker's DFAing seems more likely. Walker has a 1.64 ERA with the Phils, but his 4.79 FIP is more indicative of his performance.
On 80's Night in Lehigh Valley, the IronPigs (AAA) defeated the Rochester Red Wings, 5-4. Kyle Kendrick pitched eight strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits (zero walks/four whiffs). Kendrick remained undefeated, when wearing a tuxedo jersey, and improved his overall record to 6-5 (3.42 ERA). LF Michael Taylor, in his AAA debut, batted third, and went 0 for 3 (walk, run scored).
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the New Britain Rock Cats, 5-2. The Rock Cats, not to be confused with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, had 14 hits. The R-Phils were fortunate that the Felines of Stone had 15 LOB. R-Phils' starter Yohan Flande continued to struggle at the AA level, losing for the second time, in two decisions. Flande surrendered five runs, in five innings (nine hits, zero walks/three strikeouts), and raised his ERA to 7.58. DH Jeremy Slayden went 2 for 4, with a solo homer, improving his average to .368.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were defeated by the Brevard County Manatees, 4-3.
Without Dominic Brown, the Threshers don't match up well with the Sea Cows. Steve Susdorf went 1 for 3, dropping his average to .410. Threshers' starter Tyler Cloyd, who took Yohan Flande's spot in the Clearwater rotation, fell to 0-3, with a 5.48 ERA. Cloyd permitted three earned runs (one unearned), in six and two-thirds innings (seven hits, three walks/two whiffs).
Rodrigo Lopez is expected to make his next start, on Monday. Lopez is a few starts away from being replaced by Martinez. If Lopez pitches well, he could stay in the rotation (at Jamie Moyer's expense?), or be moved to the Phils' bullpen (much more likely).
Clay Condrey is ready to return to the Phillies. Condrey will, probably, be activated by the end of the week. The Phillies could option John Mayberry back to AAA, to free up a spot for Condrey, and return to an eight-man bullpen. Or they could designate reliever Tyler Walker for assignment. Given the Phils' wish to rest Raul Ibanez more frequently, and their need for as right-handed bench bat, Walker's DFAing seems more likely. Walker has a 1.64 ERA with the Phils, but his 4.79 FIP is more indicative of his performance.
On 80's Night in Lehigh Valley, the IronPigs (AAA) defeated the Rochester Red Wings, 5-4. Kyle Kendrick pitched eight strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits (zero walks/four whiffs). Kendrick remained undefeated, when wearing a tuxedo jersey, and improved his overall record to 6-5 (3.42 ERA). LF Michael Taylor, in his AAA debut, batted third, and went 0 for 3 (walk, run scored).
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the New Britain Rock Cats, 5-2. The Rock Cats, not to be confused with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, had 14 hits. The R-Phils were fortunate that the Felines of Stone had 15 LOB. R-Phils' starter Yohan Flande continued to struggle at the AA level, losing for the second time, in two decisions. Flande surrendered five runs, in five innings (nine hits, zero walks/three strikeouts), and raised his ERA to 7.58. DH Jeremy Slayden went 2 for 4, with a solo homer, improving his average to .368.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were defeated by the Brevard County Manatees, 4-3.
Without Dominic Brown, the Threshers don't match up well with the Sea Cows. Steve Susdorf went 1 for 3, dropping his average to .410. Threshers' starter Tyler Cloyd, who took Yohan Flande's spot in the Clearwater rotation, fell to 0-3, with a 5.48 ERA. Cloyd permitted three earned runs (one unearned), in six and two-thirds innings (seven hits, three walks/two whiffs).
Monday, July 13, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/12)
Kyle Drabek (representing the US) and Yohan Flande (representing the non-US portions of the World) each pitched a scoreless inning in Sunday's Futures Game. It was worth waiting through a four-hour rain delay to watch the top prospects play an exciting seven-inning game.
Drabek retired the side in order in the top of the second, on only eleven pitches. Drabek looked awesome, with low 90's velocity, and tremendous command.
Flande followed in the bottom of the frame, allowing a pair of singles, but no runs. Flande also looked good, striking out two, and mixing a low 90s fastball, with a mid-80s change. Hopefully, Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi liked what he saw from Flande, and Phillies GM Ruben Amaro considers Drabek untouchable.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) completed the first half of their season on Sunday, with a 5-3 loss to the Rochester Red Wings.
The FeHogs were tied, 3-3, in the bottom of the eighth, but usually-reliable reliever Cedrick Bowers gave up two runs (on three hits, one walk), while only procuring two outs. Starter Carlos Carrasco pitched adequately, permitting three runs in six and two-thirds innings (six hits, one walk/six strikeouts, two home runs allowed). Bowers stranded the two runners he inherited from Carrasco in the seventh.
The FeHogs have a 43-47 record, and are nine games out of first place.
The Reading Phillies (AA) were destroyed by the Harrisburg Senators, 10-3.
The Senators scored five times in the second inning, and four more in the sixth. R-Phils starter Vance Worley destroyed his season stat line, permitting nine runs (on eleven hits!) in only five and one-third innings. (Worley's ERA is now 4.33.) The R-Phils were out-hit seventeen to three.
During the R-Phils' internet broadcasts, the uniforms of the the two teams, as well as the ballpark, are often described in great detail.
Usually, this is done in the first inning, in a few quick, fluid, and meticulous sentences. Very helpful for AA neophytes, such as this replacement-level blogger, who are not always familiar with the uniforms and ballparks at that level. Terrific job, R-Phils!
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were dominated by the Daytona Cubs, 12-2.
The Threshers fell behind 10-1, after four innings. (I turned off the internet broadcast at that point. If the Threshers had their own broadcast, and didn't force us to listen to the opposition's announcers, I might have made it longer.)
Threshers' starter Drew Naylor survived only two innings, giving up five runs (four earned), on five hits and five walks (zero strikeouts). After posting sub-3.00 ERAs in each of the past two months, Naylor has an ERA of 6.00 in July (three starts).
Steve Susdorf supplied most of the Threshers' offense, with three of their five hits, including his second homer. Susdorf's BA had dropped below .400, as a result of a 1 for 8 slump, but he is back at .403, after his 3 for 4 on Sunday.
The Threshers play the Cubs again on Monday night. The Threshers' site lists Chris Carpenter as the scheduled starter for Daytona. Carpenter threw six strong innings on Sunday, but the Threshers may have more success on Monday, especially considering that he will be pitching on zero-days' rest. Tune in to the Daytona Cubs' broadcast-game time is 7:05pm.
Drabek retired the side in order in the top of the second, on only eleven pitches. Drabek looked awesome, with low 90's velocity, and tremendous command.
Flande followed in the bottom of the frame, allowing a pair of singles, but no runs. Flande also looked good, striking out two, and mixing a low 90s fastball, with a mid-80s change. Hopefully, Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi liked what he saw from Flande, and Phillies GM Ruben Amaro considers Drabek untouchable.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) completed the first half of their season on Sunday, with a 5-3 loss to the Rochester Red Wings.
The FeHogs were tied, 3-3, in the bottom of the eighth, but usually-reliable reliever Cedrick Bowers gave up two runs (on three hits, one walk), while only procuring two outs. Starter Carlos Carrasco pitched adequately, permitting three runs in six and two-thirds innings (six hits, one walk/six strikeouts, two home runs allowed). Bowers stranded the two runners he inherited from Carrasco in the seventh.
The FeHogs have a 43-47 record, and are nine games out of first place.
The Reading Phillies (AA) were destroyed by the Harrisburg Senators, 10-3.
The Senators scored five times in the second inning, and four more in the sixth. R-Phils starter Vance Worley destroyed his season stat line, permitting nine runs (on eleven hits!) in only five and one-third innings. (Worley's ERA is now 4.33.) The R-Phils were out-hit seventeen to three.
During the R-Phils' internet broadcasts, the uniforms of the the two teams, as well as the ballpark, are often described in great detail.
Usually, this is done in the first inning, in a few quick, fluid, and meticulous sentences. Very helpful for AA neophytes, such as this replacement-level blogger, who are not always familiar with the uniforms and ballparks at that level. Terrific job, R-Phils!
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were dominated by the Daytona Cubs, 12-2.
The Threshers fell behind 10-1, after four innings. (I turned off the internet broadcast at that point. If the Threshers had their own broadcast, and didn't force us to listen to the opposition's announcers, I might have made it longer.)
Threshers' starter Drew Naylor survived only two innings, giving up five runs (four earned), on five hits and five walks (zero strikeouts). After posting sub-3.00 ERAs in each of the past two months, Naylor has an ERA of 6.00 in July (three starts).
Steve Susdorf supplied most of the Threshers' offense, with three of their five hits, including his second homer. Susdorf's BA had dropped below .400, as a result of a 1 for 8 slump, but he is back at .403, after his 3 for 4 on Sunday.
The Threshers play the Cubs again on Monday night. The Threshers' site lists Chris Carpenter as the scheduled starter for Daytona. Carpenter threw six strong innings on Sunday, but the Threshers may have more success on Monday, especially considering that he will be pitching on zero-days' rest. Tune in to the Daytona Cubs' broadcast-game time is 7:05pm.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/10)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) suffered a massive bullpen implosion on Friday, in a 5-4 home loss to the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees. When you read the words "bullpen implosion", the names "Jack" and "Taschner" immediately popped into your membrane, didn't they? Taschner relieved starter Kyle Kendrick in the seventh inning, with two runners on, and the FeHogs ahead by a run. Unsurprisingly, Taschner allowed an inherited runner to score. Gary Majewski relieved Taschner, and allowed the other inherited runner to score. Kendrick's final line showed three runs permitted, in six and a third innings, but his ERA deserved much better. (Taschner's ERA for LV, of course, is still 0.00.)
The IronPigs came back to tie the game at three, heading into the bottom of the eighth, but Majewski retired zero of the four batters he faced in that inning, and the Yankees took a 5-3 lead. (Note: S-WB batted in the bottom of each inning, as the game was scheduled as a home game for the Yankees, but was moved to Lehigh Valley, due to field issues in S-WB.)
Lou Marson had three singles for LV, raising his batting average to .303.
The Reading Phillies (AA) scored a run in the sixth, four in the seventh, and five in the eighth, in a 10-2 win over the Harrisburg Senators. The game was tied at one, after six innings. Yohan Flande only lasted two innings, permitting a run, on three hits. (Don't worry, the abridged start was planned, as Flande will be appearing in Sunday's Futures Game. The trade value is still strong in this one.)
Alex Concepcion followed Flande with four scoreless innings, evening his record at 2-2. Michael Taylor went 3 for 5 (.340), Kevin Mahar went 2 for 2 (3 RBI, .313), and Neil Sellers went 2 for 4 (.317), in the R-Phils' fifteen-hit effort.
Reliever Pat Overholt was returned from Lehigh Valley, after spending four exciting days in AAA. Reliever Francisco Butto was also returned from the FeHogs, after little more than a month at the next level.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) had their game against the Brevard County Manatees rained out. Thank Hamels! The Threshers want no part of those Sea Cows right now. The Manatees should probably be promoted, en masse, to AA. The Threshers will take their chances against the sub-.500 Daytona Cubs, on Saturday night.
The IronPigs came back to tie the game at three, heading into the bottom of the eighth, but Majewski retired zero of the four batters he faced in that inning, and the Yankees took a 5-3 lead. (Note: S-WB batted in the bottom of each inning, as the game was scheduled as a home game for the Yankees, but was moved to Lehigh Valley, due to field issues in S-WB.)
Lou Marson had three singles for LV, raising his batting average to .303.
The Reading Phillies (AA) scored a run in the sixth, four in the seventh, and five in the eighth, in a 10-2 win over the Harrisburg Senators. The game was tied at one, after six innings. Yohan Flande only lasted two innings, permitting a run, on three hits. (Don't worry, the abridged start was planned, as Flande will be appearing in Sunday's Futures Game. The trade value is still strong in this one.)
Alex Concepcion followed Flande with four scoreless innings, evening his record at 2-2. Michael Taylor went 3 for 5 (.340), Kevin Mahar went 2 for 2 (3 RBI, .313), and Neil Sellers went 2 for 4 (.317), in the R-Phils' fifteen-hit effort.
Reliever Pat Overholt was returned from Lehigh Valley, after spending four exciting days in AAA. Reliever Francisco Butto was also returned from the FeHogs, after little more than a month at the next level.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) had their game against the Brevard County Manatees rained out. Thank Hamels! The Threshers want no part of those Sea Cows right now. The Manatees should probably be promoted, en masse, to AA. The Threshers will take their chances against the sub-.500 Daytona Cubs, on Saturday night.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/6)
Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez were voted as All-Star starters, and Ryan Howard was selected as a reserve. Utley, Ibanez, and Howard were all very deserving, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Howard in the Home Run Derby. Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, Ryan Madson, and Brad Lidge would have been worthy based on their successes in 2008, but not so much for their numbers in 2009. It is probably for the best that they will get the extra days off, particularly the pitchers.
Shane Victorino was chosen to be part of the Final Vote, for the last NL roster spot. Statistically, Victorino might be the fourth best, out of the five candidates. Considering the market sizes of the five players' home cities, Victorino and LA's Matt Kemp could be the top two in the voting. If some NL outfielders (Ibanez? Carlos Beltran?) cannot play, a spot might open for Victorino, regardless of the results of the voting. (I'll abstain, rather than voting against Victorino, but my vote would go to SF's Pablo Sandoval, over ARI's Mark Reynolds.)
Raul Ibanez is scheduled to rehab in Reading (AA), starting on Monday. Hopefully, he'll actually play in games this time. If he can get a few games in, he could get some MLB action prior to the All-Star game.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) held on in the ninth, for a 2-0 victory over the Syracuse SkyChiefs. Kyle Kendrick pitched brilliantly, with eight scoreless (six hits, one walk/three strikeouts) innings. He was removed after throwing ninety-three pitches.
Cedrick Bowers, with ten and two-thirds consecutive scoreless relief innings entering the game, made things very interesting in the ninth. He permitted a double and a pair of walks, to load the bases with two outs. Fortunately, Syracuse ran out of viable batters, and had to bat .125-hitting catcher Jhonatan Solano (with pitcher Logan Kensing on deck), with the game on the line. Solano drove the ball 380 ft. ... where it was tracked down by FeHogs CF Jason Ellison. A bit too close for comfort...
In related news, the name "SkyChiefs" always reminds me of this song, for some reason.
The Reading Phillies (AA) were tied with the Connecticut Defenders, 3-3 after six innings, but went on to lose, 12-5. Clearwater Threshers (A) ace Yohan Flande continued to struggle with the R-Phils. Flande surrendered ten hits and six runs (five earned), in six innings. Connecticut stole six bases against Flande, including two steals of home (as parts of double steals). Flande might need to work on holding runners a bit. Jeremy Slayden had a homer, and Neil Sellers went three-for-three, in the losing effort.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) took a 8-0 lead after three innings, and held on to beat the Lakeland Flying Tigers , 10-6. Starter Michael Galen Cisco held Lakeland to a solo homer, pitching five strong innings (five hits, one walk/four strikeouts) for his fifth win (in six decisions). Steve Susdorf went three-for-five, with his first homer. Susdorf is now batting .434, OBPing .483, and slugging .547, for an OPS of 1.030.
The motto of the Lakeland Flying Tigers is "Every Game is a Mission." Lakeland has succeeded in only three of their ten second-half missions.
Shane Victorino was chosen to be part of the Final Vote, for the last NL roster spot. Statistically, Victorino might be the fourth best, out of the five candidates. Considering the market sizes of the five players' home cities, Victorino and LA's Matt Kemp could be the top two in the voting. If some NL outfielders (Ibanez? Carlos Beltran?) cannot play, a spot might open for Victorino, regardless of the results of the voting. (I'll abstain, rather than voting against Victorino, but my vote would go to SF's Pablo Sandoval, over ARI's Mark Reynolds.)
Raul Ibanez is scheduled to rehab in Reading (AA), starting on Monday. Hopefully, he'll actually play in games this time. If he can get a few games in, he could get some MLB action prior to the All-Star game.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) held on in the ninth, for a 2-0 victory over the Syracuse SkyChiefs. Kyle Kendrick pitched brilliantly, with eight scoreless (six hits, one walk/three strikeouts) innings. He was removed after throwing ninety-three pitches.
Cedrick Bowers, with ten and two-thirds consecutive scoreless relief innings entering the game, made things very interesting in the ninth. He permitted a double and a pair of walks, to load the bases with two outs. Fortunately, Syracuse ran out of viable batters, and had to bat .125-hitting catcher Jhonatan Solano (with pitcher Logan Kensing on deck), with the game on the line. Solano drove the ball 380 ft. ... where it was tracked down by FeHogs CF Jason Ellison. A bit too close for comfort...
In related news, the name "SkyChiefs" always reminds me of this song, for some reason.
The Reading Phillies (AA) were tied with the Connecticut Defenders, 3-3 after six innings, but went on to lose, 12-5. Clearwater Threshers (A) ace Yohan Flande continued to struggle with the R-Phils. Flande surrendered ten hits and six runs (five earned), in six innings. Connecticut stole six bases against Flande, including two steals of home (as parts of double steals). Flande might need to work on holding runners a bit. Jeremy Slayden had a homer, and Neil Sellers went three-for-three, in the losing effort.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) took a 8-0 lead after three innings, and held on to beat the Lakeland Flying Tigers , 10-6. Starter Michael Galen Cisco held Lakeland to a solo homer, pitching five strong innings (five hits, one walk/four strikeouts) for his fifth win (in six decisions). Steve Susdorf went three-for-five, with his first homer. Susdorf is now batting .434, OBPing .483, and slugging .547, for an OPS of 1.030.
The motto of the Lakeland Flying Tigers is "Every Game is a Mission." Lakeland has succeeded in only three of their ten second-half missions.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/30)
Jimmy Rollins returned to the lineup on Tuesday, and increased his hitless streak to 24 AB, with an 0 for 5 effort. The Braves fans mocked him, chanting .208 (his batting average). Still better than Gnome Bruntlett...
Paul Bako played in the field, and was allowed to bat (!), in Tuesday night's loss to Atlanta. These events should only be permitted to occur under emergency circumstances, or in blowouts. This may have been our last chance to see Bako on the field, however, if he is removed from the roster on Friday.
The Phillies acquired Brian Mazone, a soft-tossing journeyman, to bolster the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) staff. With a day-night doubleheader looming on Friday, and the probable promotion of a member of their starting rotation to the parent club, the Phils just wanted another arm for AAA. They may not want to promote any of their AA starters, at this point, though Joe Savery could be an option late in the season. (Kyle Drabek, coming off TJ surgery, should probably stay at AA for the season, and keep his innings down.)
J.A. Happ has been named as the starter for Thursday night, so the Friday night starter (against the Mets) will, likely, be a pitcher currently in AAA. This move keeps Happ on his regular day, and gives him the start in the final game before the All-Star break. It also enables the Phillies to wait another game, before opening up a roster spot, with the optioning of (Sergio Escalona? Jack Taschner?) or the DFA'ing of Paul Bako.
The starter for Friday still has not been announced. It could be Andrew Carpenter, Carlos Carrasco, Rodrigo Lopez, or Roy Halladay. Carrasco and Carpenter have options remaining, while the veteran Lopez would have to pass waivers to return to the LV. Halladay is a bit of a darkhorse here, as he would be on three days' rest, and is currently in the Blue Jays' organization. My money is on Carrasco making the start (or Arizona RHP Doug Davis, who would be on full rest).
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) fell to two games under .500, with a 3-1 loss to the Norfolk Tides. The Tides scored two eighth-inning runs to break the tie. Kyle Kendrick pitched a bullpen-saving complete game (106 pitches, 70 strikes), allowing only two earned runs (six hits, two walks/one strikeout) in the nine-inning effort. The FeHogs were held to only five hits.
The Reading Phillies (AA) trailed the Altoona Curve, 5-4, in the bottom of the ninth. They tied it in the ninth, and won on a 12th inning walkoff HR by Kevin Mahar. In Yohan Flande's long-awaited R-Phils debut, the lefty allowed five runs in the second inning. In the other five innings he pitched, he held the Curve scoreless. Flande permitted only four hits, with three walks/four strikeouts.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were rained out on Tuesday night. They will play a doubleheader on Wednesday, against the Palm Beach Cardinals.
Paul Bako played in the field, and was allowed to bat (!), in Tuesday night's loss to Atlanta. These events should only be permitted to occur under emergency circumstances, or in blowouts. This may have been our last chance to see Bako on the field, however, if he is removed from the roster on Friday.
The Phillies acquired Brian Mazone, a soft-tossing journeyman, to bolster the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) staff. With a day-night doubleheader looming on Friday, and the probable promotion of a member of their starting rotation to the parent club, the Phils just wanted another arm for AAA. They may not want to promote any of their AA starters, at this point, though Joe Savery could be an option late in the season. (Kyle Drabek, coming off TJ surgery, should probably stay at AA for the season, and keep his innings down.)
J.A. Happ has been named as the starter for Thursday night, so the Friday night starter (against the Mets) will, likely, be a pitcher currently in AAA. This move keeps Happ on his regular day, and gives him the start in the final game before the All-Star break. It also enables the Phillies to wait another game, before opening up a roster spot, with the optioning of (Sergio Escalona? Jack Taschner?) or the DFA'ing of Paul Bako.
The starter for Friday still has not been announced. It could be Andrew Carpenter, Carlos Carrasco, Rodrigo Lopez, or Roy Halladay. Carrasco and Carpenter have options remaining, while the veteran Lopez would have to pass waivers to return to the LV. Halladay is a bit of a darkhorse here, as he would be on three days' rest, and is currently in the Blue Jays' organization. My money is on Carrasco making the start (or Arizona RHP Doug Davis, who would be on full rest).
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) fell to two games under .500, with a 3-1 loss to the Norfolk Tides. The Tides scored two eighth-inning runs to break the tie. Kyle Kendrick pitched a bullpen-saving complete game (106 pitches, 70 strikes), allowing only two earned runs (six hits, two walks/one strikeout) in the nine-inning effort. The FeHogs were held to only five hits.
The Reading Phillies (AA) trailed the Altoona Curve, 5-4, in the bottom of the ninth. They tied it in the ninth, and won on a 12th inning walkoff HR by Kevin Mahar. In Yohan Flande's long-awaited R-Phils debut, the lefty allowed five runs in the second inning. In the other five innings he pitched, he held the Curve scoreless. Flande permitted only four hits, with three walks/four strikeouts.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were rained out on Tuesday night. They will play a doubleheader on Wednesday, against the Palm Beach Cardinals.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/29)
Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez have sizeable leads at their respective positions in All-Star voting. It looks like Utley and Ibanez will start, and that they will be the only Phils' starters.
Raul Ibanez is eligible to return from the DL on Friday, but is not expected to be ready at that point. Hopefully, he'll be ready by next week?
Antonio Bastardo was placed on the DL, with Sergio Escalona optioned (again) back to the P-Phils to take his roster spot. This move probably could have been made in time for Escalona to be available for the Jays' series.
No one has been officially announced to take Bastardo's rotation spot. Most of the speculation seems to lean towards Carlos Carrasco.
Scott Eyre starts his rehab on Wednesday, and hopes to return this weekend. Jack Taschner, Tyler Walker, Paul Bako, and Sergio Escalona (again) may be in danger of receiving a trip to scenic Lehigh Valley. Bako gets my vote, a move which would return the bullpen to a "Plus Eight."
Tyler Walker has been outstanding out of the pen, with seven scoreless innings. Walker has also permitted six of nine inherited runners to score, violently scarring the ERAs of others. Don't get too excited.
Former Phillies P Paul Fletcher was shown hitting Craig Biggio with a pitch in a clip on MLB Tonight. I have no recollection of Paul Fletcher. Not acceptable. Edward Paul Fletcher pitched 13.1 innings in relief, during the 1995 season, with a 5.40 ERA/1.8 WHIP. His baseball reference page is available for only $5!
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost 6-1, to the Norfolk Tides, on Monday night.
At least the FeHogs have now spent one day of their history at .500. Gustavo Chacin permitted six runs in five innings, but only one run was earned.
The Reading Phillies (AA) blasted the Trenton Thunder, 10-1. The victory was not a surprise, as ace Joe Savery was on the mound. Savery improved his record to 10-1, with six shutout innings (two hits, four walks/two strikeouts). Michael Taylor went 4 for 5, improving his average to .351. Kevin Mahar went 4 for 4, improving to .308.
Yohan Flande was promoted to Reading from the Clearwater Threshers (A). Flande was outstanding with the Threshers, with a 7-1 record, 2.52 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a 2.79 K/BB ratio (82 IP). The R-Phils website does not list the transaction (the Threshers' does), and lists the Tuesday starting pitcher as "TBA." Flande was scheduled to start Tuesday night, so he is the likely "TBA."
Tyson Brummett's spot in the rotation appears to have been skipped, as his fifth day would have been Monday. (Brummett pitched an inning in relief, facing five batters, on Monday night.) Barring a promotion to AAA (Savery?), Brummett seems likely to spend some time in the bullpen with Flande, Kyle Drabek, Vance Worley, Mike Stutes, and Joe Savery comprising the five-man rotation. (Unless Reading goes to a six-man rotation, which would be a good way to keep innings counts down? In that case Brummett might rejoin the rotation this weekend, perhaps on Saturday, giving Savery an extra day?)
The Clearwater Threshers remained undefeated in their second half, winning their fifth consecutive game, 9-8. After four consecutive extra-inning wins over the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Threshers did not require extra time to beat the Palm Beach Cardinals. Clearwater was outhit 15-9, but used two four-run innings to win a see-saw battle. Newly-promoted 22 year-old righty Travis Cloyd, who took Flande's roster spot, struggled in his debut. Cloyd surrendered four runs in five and two-thirds innings, on nine hits and one walk/two strikeouts.
Raul Ibanez is eligible to return from the DL on Friday, but is not expected to be ready at that point. Hopefully, he'll be ready by next week?
Antonio Bastardo was placed on the DL, with Sergio Escalona optioned (again) back to the P-Phils to take his roster spot. This move probably could have been made in time for Escalona to be available for the Jays' series.
No one has been officially announced to take Bastardo's rotation spot. Most of the speculation seems to lean towards Carlos Carrasco.
Scott Eyre starts his rehab on Wednesday, and hopes to return this weekend. Jack Taschner, Tyler Walker, Paul Bako, and Sergio Escalona (again) may be in danger of receiving a trip to scenic Lehigh Valley. Bako gets my vote, a move which would return the bullpen to a "Plus Eight."
Tyler Walker has been outstanding out of the pen, with seven scoreless innings. Walker has also permitted six of nine inherited runners to score, violently scarring the ERAs of others. Don't get too excited.
Former Phillies P Paul Fletcher was shown hitting Craig Biggio with a pitch in a clip on MLB Tonight. I have no recollection of Paul Fletcher. Not acceptable. Edward Paul Fletcher pitched 13.1 innings in relief, during the 1995 season, with a 5.40 ERA/1.8 WHIP. His baseball reference page is available for only $5!
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost 6-1, to the Norfolk Tides, on Monday night.
At least the FeHogs have now spent one day of their history at .500. Gustavo Chacin permitted six runs in five innings, but only one run was earned.
The Reading Phillies (AA) blasted the Trenton Thunder, 10-1. The victory was not a surprise, as ace Joe Savery was on the mound. Savery improved his record to 10-1, with six shutout innings (two hits, four walks/two strikeouts). Michael Taylor went 4 for 5, improving his average to .351. Kevin Mahar went 4 for 4, improving to .308.
Yohan Flande was promoted to Reading from the Clearwater Threshers (A). Flande was outstanding with the Threshers, with a 7-1 record, 2.52 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a 2.79 K/BB ratio (82 IP). The R-Phils website does not list the transaction (the Threshers' does), and lists the Tuesday starting pitcher as "TBA." Flande was scheduled to start Tuesday night, so he is the likely "TBA."
Tyson Brummett's spot in the rotation appears to have been skipped, as his fifth day would have been Monday. (Brummett pitched an inning in relief, facing five batters, on Monday night.) Barring a promotion to AAA (Savery?), Brummett seems likely to spend some time in the bullpen with Flande, Kyle Drabek, Vance Worley, Mike Stutes, and Joe Savery comprising the five-man rotation. (Unless Reading goes to a six-man rotation, which would be a good way to keep innings counts down? In that case Brummett might rejoin the rotation this weekend, perhaps on Saturday, giving Savery an extra day?)
The Clearwater Threshers remained undefeated in their second half, winning their fifth consecutive game, 9-8. After four consecutive extra-inning wins over the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Threshers did not require extra time to beat the Palm Beach Cardinals. Clearwater was outhit 15-9, but used two four-run innings to win a see-saw battle. Newly-promoted 22 year-old righty Travis Cloyd, who took Flande's roster spot, struggled in his debut. Cloyd surrendered four runs in five and two-thirds innings, on nine hits and one walk/two strikeouts.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/14)
The Phillies optioned reliever Sergio Escalona back to the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs(AAA). Tyler Walker was placed on the Phillies' 40-Man Roster, and recalled from the IronPigs.
Escalona was ineffective on Saturday, but might have been demoted on Sunday, even with a strong performance. The Phillies' bullpen needed reinforcements. Escalona's option, combined with the fact that he wouldn't be available on Sunday, made him a good choice for demotion.
He could return to the roster, if one of the Phillies' current bullpenners needs to go on the DL, even it is within the next ten days. (Without an "emergency" situation, Escalona can't be recalled for a minimum of ten days. I prefer the NHL method, where you can send players up and down, on a daily basis. I'm guessing the MLBPA would not be in favor of that payroll-reducing maneuver.)
Walker has been outstanding in AAA, pairing a 1.40 ERA with a 0.57 WHIP. However, he was pitching on a minor-league contract, and does not have any options remaining. The Phillies resisted promoting him sooner because they would have to try to pass him through waivers, if they wanted to send him back to AAA. (Putting him in one of the open slots in the Phils' 40-Man Roster was not an issue.) By recalling him now, it seems that the Phils figure they can carve out a roster spot for Walker, for an extended period. (Brad Lidge and Scott Eyre are on the DL, Jack Taschner is hanging by a thread, and third-string catcher Paul Bako could be easily replaced, increasing the bullpen to a "Plus Eight.")
The Phils could also open up a (short-term) roster spot, by sending Antonio Bastardo back to AAA. Bastardo seems overmatched at the MLB level, and needs to work on his repertoire. The Phillies would need a starter on Friday, but could add an extra relief arm, in the interim. (Lefty Mike Zagurski, pitching in AA, is on the 40-Man Roster, has options remaining, and might be a fit. Righty Gary Majewski, pitching in AAA, would not be a good fit for a short-term promotion, as he would need to pass through waivers to be sent back to Lehigh Valley.)
Andrew Carpenter and Carlos Carrasco could be considered for recall from AAA, to make the Friday start. (Also worthy of consideration would be the impact of good (or bad) starts on the two starters' respective trade values.) After Saturday night's debacle, it does seem that the Phils need to try a non-Bastardo rotation option. But the fact that they didn't demote him for an available arm today, may signal that they expect to give the rookie another start at the MLB level.
The IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 6-3. Mike Cervenak, a better Phillies' roster option than Gabor Paul Bako II, had a pair of hits (including a home run), and knocked in three runs. Starter Gustavo Chacin picked up the win, with six innings of two-run ball. He allowed five hits and zero walks, striking out six. In the absence of recently-promoted Tyler Walker, Cedric Bowers worked the ninth, for his first save. Gary Majewski may also see some future save opportunities for Lehigh Valley.
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost the completion of their suspended game from Saturday, 2-1. The game was suspended after nine innings on Saturday, with the R-Phils and the Harrisburg Senators tied at one. The R-Phils lost Sunday, prior to their regularly-scheduled game, on an 11th inning run.
The Reading Phillies won their regularly-scheduled game, 6-5. The R-Phils trailed 5-3 in the eighth, but came back to tie the game at 5. CF Quintin Berry, coming to the plate to the somber tones of "For the Love of Money", by the BulletBoys, had a crucial double in the inning. Jeremy Slayden went 4 for 4. Brad Harman, who had 1 hit in his last 35 ABs, had the walk-off hit in the ninth. Top prospect Kyle Drabek starter for the R-Phils, and lasted six innings. Drabek allowed four runs, on eight hits and four walks. Not a good outing by Drabek, but the offense bailed him out for an exciting victory. (I turned on the broadcast with the score 5-3, Harrisburg, and caught the best parts of the game. The Reading crowd sounded quite raucous. Am I the only one that imagines the between-innings music being played by the Mascot Band? Never mind.)
The Reading Phillies play their annual "Morning Game" on Monday. Game time is 9:35 AM. Listen live, via the internets!
The Clearwater Threshers (A) won a pitcher's duel against the Jupiter Hammerheads, 2-0. Yohan Flande pitched a complete-game shutout, improving to 6-1, with a 2.45 ERA. Flande allowed six hits and a walk, striking out six. Flande might be ready to join the R-Phils. The game was played in only 1:56, as each team had just six hits, and a walk.
"The Pen" debuts tonight! MLB Network, 8:00pm, an hour of behind-the-scenes Phils' bullpen action!
The P-Phils, and their top three affiliates, were all victorious on Sunday. What are the chances of that? (I calculate the probability to be about 7.21%, but feel free to do your own calculations.)
Escalona was ineffective on Saturday, but might have been demoted on Sunday, even with a strong performance. The Phillies' bullpen needed reinforcements. Escalona's option, combined with the fact that he wouldn't be available on Sunday, made him a good choice for demotion.
He could return to the roster, if one of the Phillies' current bullpenners needs to go on the DL, even it is within the next ten days. (Without an "emergency" situation, Escalona can't be recalled for a minimum of ten days. I prefer the NHL method, where you can send players up and down, on a daily basis. I'm guessing the MLBPA would not be in favor of that payroll-reducing maneuver.)
Walker has been outstanding in AAA, pairing a 1.40 ERA with a 0.57 WHIP. However, he was pitching on a minor-league contract, and does not have any options remaining. The Phillies resisted promoting him sooner because they would have to try to pass him through waivers, if they wanted to send him back to AAA. (Putting him in one of the open slots in the Phils' 40-Man Roster was not an issue.) By recalling him now, it seems that the Phils figure they can carve out a roster spot for Walker, for an extended period. (Brad Lidge and Scott Eyre are on the DL, Jack Taschner is hanging by a thread, and third-string catcher Paul Bako could be easily replaced, increasing the bullpen to a "Plus Eight.")
The Phils could also open up a (short-term) roster spot, by sending Antonio Bastardo back to AAA. Bastardo seems overmatched at the MLB level, and needs to work on his repertoire. The Phillies would need a starter on Friday, but could add an extra relief arm, in the interim. (Lefty Mike Zagurski, pitching in AA, is on the 40-Man Roster, has options remaining, and might be a fit. Righty Gary Majewski, pitching in AAA, would not be a good fit for a short-term promotion, as he would need to pass through waivers to be sent back to Lehigh Valley.)
Andrew Carpenter and Carlos Carrasco could be considered for recall from AAA, to make the Friday start. (Also worthy of consideration would be the impact of good (or bad) starts on the two starters' respective trade values.) After Saturday night's debacle, it does seem that the Phils need to try a non-Bastardo rotation option. But the fact that they didn't demote him for an available arm today, may signal that they expect to give the rookie another start at the MLB level.
The IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 6-3. Mike Cervenak, a better Phillies' roster option than Gabor Paul Bako II, had a pair of hits (including a home run), and knocked in three runs. Starter Gustavo Chacin picked up the win, with six innings of two-run ball. He allowed five hits and zero walks, striking out six. In the absence of recently-promoted Tyler Walker, Cedric Bowers worked the ninth, for his first save. Gary Majewski may also see some future save opportunities for Lehigh Valley.
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost the completion of their suspended game from Saturday, 2-1. The game was suspended after nine innings on Saturday, with the R-Phils and the Harrisburg Senators tied at one. The R-Phils lost Sunday, prior to their regularly-scheduled game, on an 11th inning run.
The Reading Phillies won their regularly-scheduled game, 6-5. The R-Phils trailed 5-3 in the eighth, but came back to tie the game at 5. CF Quintin Berry, coming to the plate to the somber tones of "For the Love of Money", by the BulletBoys, had a crucial double in the inning. Jeremy Slayden went 4 for 4. Brad Harman, who had 1 hit in his last 35 ABs, had the walk-off hit in the ninth. Top prospect Kyle Drabek starter for the R-Phils, and lasted six innings. Drabek allowed four runs, on eight hits and four walks. Not a good outing by Drabek, but the offense bailed him out for an exciting victory. (I turned on the broadcast with the score 5-3, Harrisburg, and caught the best parts of the game. The Reading crowd sounded quite raucous. Am I the only one that imagines the between-innings music being played by the Mascot Band? Never mind.)
The Reading Phillies play their annual "Morning Game" on Monday. Game time is 9:35 AM. Listen live, via the internets!
The Clearwater Threshers (A) won a pitcher's duel against the Jupiter Hammerheads, 2-0. Yohan Flande pitched a complete-game shutout, improving to 6-1, with a 2.45 ERA. Flande allowed six hits and a walk, striking out six. Flande might be ready to join the R-Phils. The game was played in only 1:56, as each team had just six hits, and a walk.
"The Pen" debuts tonight! MLB Network, 8:00pm, an hour of behind-the-scenes Phils' bullpen action!
The P-Phils, and their top three affiliates, were all victorious on Sunday. What are the chances of that? (I calculate the probability to be about 7.21%, but feel free to do your own calculations.)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/9)
With the 75th pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, the Phillies selected switch-hitting centerfielder Kelly Dugan. The Phillies lost their first round selection when they signed Raul Ibanez as a free agent. Dugan has signed a letter of commitment with Pepperdine University, but the Phils are hoping that they can sign the 18 yr. old from Sherman Oaks, California. Dugan's father appeared on the 70's television show, The Rockford Files, so the Phillies' draft pick, obviously, comes from a strong pedigree.
The Phillies chose outfielder Kyrell Hudson with the 106th pick, and will, probably, watch him play football for Oregon State.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost to the Louisville Bats on Tuesday, 7-4. As Pablo Ozuna was still out of the lineup, the loss was not a surprise. Miguel Cairo had three hits, including a homer, and increased his average at AAA to .355. (Cairo was hitting .118 for the parent, before he was mercifully (and finally!) designated for assignment.) Carlos Carrasco recorded his seventh loss, surrendering six earned runs (nine hits/two walks) in five innings. Looks like BABIP is still his nemesis. Who would have guessed that Antonio Bastardo would have more victories in MLB (2), than Carrasco at AAA (1)?
The Reading Phillies (AA) defeated the Trenton Thunder, 5-3. Top prospect Kyle Drabek got the start, and had some issues, but recorded his second win (in his second start) at the AA level. Drabek pitched five innings, and surrendered two runs. But he gave up seven hits, and command problems lead to five walks. He was fortunate to receive a lot of help from his defense. Southpaw reliever Mike Zagurski gave up a home run, but remains a better reliever than Jack Taschner.
The Clearwater Phillies (A) beat the Palm Beach Cardinals, 3-1. Starter Yohan Flande, a 23 yr. old lefty from the Dominican Republic, held the Cardinals to one run, in seven innings (five hits/one walk, six strikeouts). A few more starts like that, and he could be joining Drabek in the Reading rotation.
Outfielder/top prospect Dominic Brown was placed on the DL with a hand injury, and will miss at least a month.
The Phillies chose outfielder Kyrell Hudson with the 106th pick, and will, probably, watch him play football for Oregon State.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost to the Louisville Bats on Tuesday, 7-4. As Pablo Ozuna was still out of the lineup, the loss was not a surprise. Miguel Cairo had three hits, including a homer, and increased his average at AAA to .355. (Cairo was hitting .118 for the parent, before he was mercifully (and finally!) designated for assignment.) Carlos Carrasco recorded his seventh loss, surrendering six earned runs (nine hits/two walks) in five innings. Looks like BABIP is still his nemesis. Who would have guessed that Antonio Bastardo would have more victories in MLB (2), than Carrasco at AAA (1)?
The Reading Phillies (AA) defeated the Trenton Thunder, 5-3. Top prospect Kyle Drabek got the start, and had some issues, but recorded his second win (in his second start) at the AA level. Drabek pitched five innings, and surrendered two runs. But he gave up seven hits, and command problems lead to five walks. He was fortunate to receive a lot of help from his defense. Southpaw reliever Mike Zagurski gave up a home run, but remains a better reliever than Jack Taschner.
The Clearwater Phillies (A) beat the Palm Beach Cardinals, 3-1. Starter Yohan Flande, a 23 yr. old lefty from the Dominican Republic, held the Cardinals to one run, in seven innings (five hits/one walk, six strikeouts). A few more starts like that, and he could be joining Drabek in the Reading rotation.
Outfielder/top prospect Dominic Brown was placed on the DL with a hand injury, and will miss at least a month.
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