Philliedelphia

Reviewing the Exhibition Game, Previewing the Minor League Season

Brody Colvin threw well. Picture by Richard Wilkins Jr.

I'm going to make an admission- it was so damn cold on Tuesday night that I left in the 7th inning and went home. I try to make it a habit to see the Lehigh Valley-Reading scrimmage every year. It's nice to get a look at some of the prospects closest to the big leagues, before the season even starts. I was not alone in attending amongst Phillies bloggers though, apparently. Crashburn Alley and Phuture Phillies were both there too.

No I'm gonna go all Flyers style here, and give out "stars" for what I saw in the game, and what I expect to see this year.

READING-

• Brody Colvin (pictured above)- This was not the same guy as last year, so far as I can tell. His change-up looked really good at times, and certainly was fooling some guys, which makes me believe his fastball probably looked good too (the two compliment each other). I was sitting by the Reading dugout and didn't have the benefit of an accurate radar gun (the stadium one sucks), but he did seem to get stronger as the innings went. The story I was told on him from last year (and 2011) was that his motion to the plate was inconsistent and sapped some of his power out of his arm. His motion looked very smooth in this game. He went four innings of one run ball against a fairly potent looking AAA team, so there's not much bad to say here. 

Sebastian had a good night for Reading. Picture by Richard Wilkins Jr.

• Sebastian Valle's night was pretty good too. He had a 2 RBI double in the right-center field gap, and threw a runner out at second base trying to steal (I think it was Cesar Hernandez). It's pretty clear that the Phillies are demoting his star a bit in favor of Tommy Joseph, but nothing I saw in this game convinced me this guy can't play. 
• Anthony Hewitt- Yes, he struck out. Yes, I know there's not a lot of hope. He also did mash a nice double against Ethan Martin, and flashed the tools that made him a first round pick. He had the double, had two hits, made a nice throw, and stole a bag in one night. I have little to no expectations of what will happen with him in AA, but on this night he did enough to still get noticed, which is something.
• Collier and Duran both really didn't get enough of a sample size for me, but both can move.
• Austin Wright- the lefty was impressive to me. He's not a guy with gas (at least not in 35 degree, ridiculously windy conditions), but he's a smooth delivery-lefty, and had a nice breaking ball. 

My expectations are mixed for Reading. For the first time, Lehigh Valley is really the home of the prospects, and Reading has a lot of guys who are "they can make it if..." types. We didn't get to see Biddle, Buchanan, or Rosin, but the two starters we saw on this night both were impressive enough for me to want to see more. I think this team has enough pitching to win more than they lose, but it's more about the individual performances of a lot of these guys, at least to me. I'm really intrigued by the Valle/Rupp situation behind the plate. 

Joseph has a gun of an arm. Photo by Richard Wilkins Jr.

LEHIGH VALLEY-

• Tommy Joseph (pictured above)- At the plate, he did nothing to set the world on fire for this night, though his spring was very encouraging. Behind the plate, he flashed a very plus arm, easily throwing out Duran (I'm pretty sure it was him at least) in the first inning. I'm excited to see what he does this year.
• Cesar Hernandez- There isn't a lot to discuss with him on this night, but that I have high hopes for him. Call him Galvis, minus a little glove, but plus some bat, while in the minors. I like his potential, and have been a fan for several years. With the exception of April of 2011, I don't know when he hasn't hit decently in the minors.

Ethan Martin. Photo by Richard Wilkins Jr.

• Ethan Martin looked really good, on the whole. His fastball appeared to have good velocity and movement, and he sailed through three innings with 5 K's. The only negative I could say is that he hit a guy and walked a guy, so his command isn't rock-solid, but he never encountered any trouble from that. I'm excited about this Lehigh Valley rotation, him especially.
• Adam Morgan- He really struggle on this night. It was really cold though, and being that I don't think he's ever started a year up north, this is new to him. He had great velocity too, but a lack of command.

Cody Asche. Photo by Richard Wilkins Jr.

• Cody Asche- He had a nice single that I saw, and seemed fine down at third, for the limited sample size we had. I'm happy the Phillies challenged him a bit in AAA, as if he's going to be the next third baseman, he's gotta show he can handle it this year.
• Tyson Gillies- This guy's really under the gun this year, as the Phillies are definitely trying out other speedy outfielders who could block his path. He hit .300 last year though, and he had a nice hit early on in this one too. I still see potential here, but this is an absolute must year for him.

Darin Ruf. Photo by Richard Wilkins Jr.

• Darin Ruf- He had a really pretty single (should have been a double), just inside the chalk at third, to plate one in the first. He also had no incidents in the outfield, despite the windy night. I really, really hope we're watching him by June in Philly, but we'll see.
• Justin Friend- I was impressed by this guy. He really was fooling the Reading hitters in his work time. He'll be interesting to watch against AAA competition.

My expectations of the IronPigs are really high. Their rotation is full of guys with futures, their line-up has a lot of talent, and there's some solid depth here. This team should be one of the best ones in the International League, if the Phillies don't start shuttling guys up to the bigs.

It's worth noting tonight that Lakewood also opens up their season, and their line-up for tonight is out, from their Facebook:

Lakewood BlueClaws

40 minutes ago 

The BlueClaws Opening Day Lineup - Roman Quinn ss, Angelo Mora 2b, Brian Pointer lf, Art Charles 1b, Willie Carmona dh, Mitch Walding 3b, Carlos Tocci cf, Yan Olmo rf, Chace Numata c / Jordan Guth RHP. Do you LIKE this lineup?

I'm super excited about Quinn and Tocci, and pretty excited about Walding too. These guys are far, far away from the big leagues, but the talent is definitely there.

So, here's a few predictions for the year-

• Jon Pettibone will be the most consistent pitcher in a staff full of solid AAA arms, but that's no knock on the other guys there. I'm expecting big years from Martin and Morgan too. I'm not sure what we get from Cloyd, because command is such a big part of his game, or from Rosenberg, who's doing this to work on refining his pitches. I'll predict another big AAA year from Cloyd, and a solid enough year from Rosenberg.
• The only thing stopping Lehigh Valley from a playoff run is the possibility of the Phillies selling at the deadline and calling the kids up. I'm expecting big, big things from this line-up, especially Joseph and Ruf, who are the most solid bets to be on the 2014 Phillies. Asche could play his way into that discussion too.
• Reading will put up a winning season, but miss the post-season. Jesse Biddle will be really good, after a slow April, while the light-bulb finally goes on for Brody Colvin. Seth Rosin will also pitch his way onto the radar this year.
• Anthony Hewitt hits 25 homers in AA ball, re-kindling his MLB hopes.
• It's gonna be a solid year for Edgar Duran.
• Clearwater is an also-ran in the first half, but wins their division in the second half, as guys come up. Kelly Dugan comes back from injury and puts up some very good numbers.
• Lakewood won't impress as much in the first half as you will hope, as Tocci adjusts and Quinn learns to switch-hit. Watch them come July though.
• Larry Greene will be back in Williamsport, and the power will finally come out.
• Shane Watson dominates in Lakewood.

With that.... play ball.

AFL West Team Features Two Phillies Prospects, AFL East Triumphs in 9-4 Win

Tonight marked the seventh annual Arizona Fall League Rising Stars Game in the twenty year history of the AFL. Throughout the years, this event has featured a plethora of sluggers, Hall of Fame pitchers, and even a few current Phillies, Ryan Howard and Roy Halladay. 

This year, the Phillies showcased two of their top prospects, third baseman Cody Asche and catcher Tommy Joseph. The Phillies selected Asche in the fourth round of the 2011 Amateur Draft, whereas Joseph was acquired in the Hunter Pence trade this past trade deadline in July. Asche was tonight's starting third baseman for the AFL West, and Joseph covered the plate. 

Throughout the season in the AFL, Asche has one home run and seven RBI with a .271 average. Joseph has been struggling during his time in Arizona, collecting just one RBI in 33 at bats. His average is just .152.

Remember Jarred Cosart and Jonathan Singleton? The two were once highly regarded prospects in the Phillies' organization. Now they're highly regarded prospects in the Astros organization. Both were shipped away for Hunter Pence back in 2011 at the trade deadline. 

Cosart pitched two innings tonight for the AFL East. He allowed two runs to score on one hit, while walking one and striking out two. Singleton reached base twice tonight, once with a single and later with a walk. 

As for the current Phillies, Asche went hitless tonight, striking out once. Joseph went one for two leaving one on base. The AFL East team was lacking some power, as they were run over by the West team in a 9-4 loss. The power came from David Adams in the Yankees' organization, and Brian Goodwin of the Nationals. Each brought home two runs tonight for their team.

And that wraps up the ballgame. It's always great to see the top prospects from their respectful organizations under the National spotlight, unfortunately the Phillies' two prospects weren't on the winning side this evening in Arizona. 

A Solid Season For The Iron Pigs Ends In Disappointment

Close, but no cigar for the 2012 Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Despite their second straight winning season, and having the Pitcher of the Year in the International League, the IronPigs were eliminated over the weekend from playoff contention, then rained out on Sunday, to finish at 75-68. A year after losing in the Governor's Cup Finals, they fell just short of a second playoff trip.

Ryne Sandberg's bunch should be proud though. In a year in which so many of their Opening Day players either left (Dave Bush for Asia, Rich Thompson in a trade), or were sent to the Phillies to fill in injury or poor performance holes, Sandberg got a lot out of this team. The fans responded too, setting an attendance record with 688,821, the top attendance in Minor League Baseball for the third straight year, making them the only team to eclipse 600,000 fans each of the last five years.

Some of the team leaders-

• AVG.- Kevin Frandsen- .302
• HR- Cody Overbeck- 14
• RBI- Overbeck- 71
• OPS-Frandsen- .733
• 2B- Frandsen- 34
• SB- Kyle Hudson- 22
• R- Overbeck- 58
• 3B- Jason Pridie- 3
• H- Frandsen- 118
• Wins- Cloyd- 12
• ERA (Starters)- Cloyd- 2.35
• CG- Cloyd, Jon Pettibone, and Dave Bush- 1
• IP- Cloyd- 142
• K- Tom Cochran- 106
• WHIP- Justin De Fratus- 0.83
• BB- Cochran- 70
• Saves- Phillippe Aumont- 15
• Holds- Dave Purcey- 10
• HR- Pat Misch- 16

The Pigs had a nice season for a team who lost so many players to the big leagues. I'm looking forward to next season at Coca-Cola Park, the sixth in team history.

Darin Ruf Gets Shaving Cream Treatment After Record-Setting Home Run

Earlier tonight, Reading Phillies OF Darin Ruf hit his 37th home run of the season. The home run tied him with Ryan Howard for the single-season record at Reading. The Reading Phils ended up winning the game against the Binghamton Mets, 12-5. 

After the game, Ruf was given the old shaving cream treatment by his teammates. 

Because the video would not show up in this post, here is the link for it.

Video Courtesy of @AnthonyBurkhart

 

Roy Halladay's Rehab Appearance Goes Okay

It's a good sign from Clearwater tonight, folks. Roy Halladay has completed his first rehab assignment for the Phillies. Although he was a bit rusty, the Phillies ace did an alright job tonight.

Tonight the right-hander made the start for the single-A Clearwater Threshers against the Fort Myers Miracle. The game was televised and broadcast on TCN and it was a nice treat for the fans. In three innings of work, Doc tossed 63 pitches, 44 for strikes, while allowing an unearned run on three hits against 13 batters. Halladay also struck out four Miracle batters to finish his night. 

It is unknown whether Halladay will make another rehab start or if he will catch the plane to Los Angeles for a possible scheduled start on Tuesday night. 

Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.

Chase Utley Went 2-5 Tonight in Lehigh Valley; Iron Pigs Crush Red Wings, 10-1

Photo: Philliedelphia/Frank Klose

In what should be his final rehab stint before returning to the Phillies, Chase Utley played a game at second base tonight for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Phillies' Triple-AAA affiliate. 

Utley, who of course walked up to the plate with "Kashmir" blasting arround him, had a great night at the plate. It was an all-around great effort from everyone on the Pigs' roster, who defeated the Rochester Red Wings, 10-1

In his first at-bat, Chase lined-out to left fielder Wilkin Ramirez. However, he hit a ball in the same spot in the second inning for a single. 

To lead off the fourth, Chase hit a solo homer to right field, pushing the Pigs' lead to 8-1. 

In five at-bats tonight, tomorrow's second baseman for the Phillies went 2-5 with a single and a homer, striking out twice. He also looked great out at in the field. 

It's been a long time since we've all heard Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" at Citizens Bank Park, along with the sound of Dan Baker's voice announcing "now batting for the Phillies, number 26, Chase Utleeeey!" 

Minors Recap: 4-12-2011

Posted by Mike Frohwirth

Justin De Fratus, from milb.com

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) had their Tuesday morning game against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington affiliate) postponed, due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on July 14th. The 'Pigs (2-2) play in Rochester on Wednesday, facing the Red Wings (Minnesota affiliate) in a 7:05pm start. Ryan Feierband takes the hill for Lehigh Valley.

It took eleven innings, but the Reading Phillies (AA) defeated the host New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto affiliate), 3-2. Reading improved their record to 4-2. R-Phils' started Josh Zeid pitched well, surrendering two runs in six and two-thirds innings (seven hits, two walks/five strikeouts). Reading reliever Justin De Fratus was even better, pitching three perfect innings (six strikeouts). 1B Matt Rizzotti had three hits for the R-Phils, improving his batting average to .458. Reading (4-2) goes for a three-game sweep Wednesday night at 6:35pm. Box score

The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Daytona Cubs on Tuesday, 5-1. The visiting Threshers, who fell to 4-2 on the season, were held to a single hit. Clearwater starter Jarred Cosart pitched five innings, and surrendered three runs (six hits, one walk/three strikeouts). IHOP fanboy/CF Jiwan James went 0 for 4, with four strikeouts. Top pitching prospect Brody Colvin was placed on the 7-day DL with a back ailment that the organization indicates is "not serious." Clearwater faces Daytona again tonight (7:05pm), as the Threshers attempt to avoid a three-game series sweep. Box score

The Lakewood BlueClaws (A) had their Tuesday night game against the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Florida affiliate) rained out. Lakewood will host a Wednesday doubleheader against Greensboro, starting at 6:35pm.

Phillies Minor League Recap: 4-12-2011

Posted by Mike Frohwirth

Cory Sullivan/Getty Images

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) overcame some dangerous conditions on Monday night, in defeating the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington affiliate) 4-3, in 10 innings. In a game delayed by wind, rain, ninja attack, zombie outbreak, and electrical problems, Lehigh Valley outfielder Cory Sullivan manufactured the winning run on a double, error, and wild pitch. The 'Pigs evened their record, at 2-2. IronPigs starter Brian Bass pitched well, allowing one run, in six strong innings (six hits, one walk/five strikeouts). Sullivan and 3B Ronnie Belliard each had a pair of hits for the host 'Pigs. Weather permitting, Lehigh Valley will host Syracuse again on Tuesday, with Ryan Feierabend on the mound. Scheduled start time: 10:35am Box score

The Reading Phillies (AA) improved to 3-2, with a 13-1 annhilation of the host New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto affiliate) on Monday. Reading's eighteen-hit attack was paced by 1B Cody Overbeck (5 for 5, HR, .500 batting average), DH Matt Rizzotti (3 for 4, HR, .421 batting average), and LF Michael Spidale (3 for 5). Reading broke the game open in the second inning, scoring five runs, including a grand slam by OF Derrick Mitchell. R-Phils starter J.C. Ramirez permitted only one run, over seven innings (four hits, one walk/zero strikeouts). Reading plays in New Hampshire again Tuesday, with Josh Zeid taking the hill in a 6:35pm start. Box score

The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Daytona Cubs on Monday, by a score of 6-5. The loss dropped Clearwater's record to 4-1. Threshers' starter Julio Rodriguez did not have a strong outing, lasting only three and two-thirds innings (two runs, three hits, three walks/four strikeouts). Clearwater 1B Joe Savery went 2 for 3, dropping his batting average to only .778, while RF Leandro Castro and C Sebastian Valle each had a pair of hits. Threshers CF Jiwan James, celebrating his 22nd birthday, went 1 for 4, with a caught stealing. The Threshers play in Daytona again Tuesday, in a 7:05pm start. Box score

The host Lakewood BlueClaws (A) evened their record at 2-2, with a 2-1 win over the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Florida affiliate). Lakewood starter Colby Shreve was overpowering, surrendering only one unearned run, over six innings (four hits, one walk/seven strikeouts). Lakewood hosts Greensboro again Tuesday night (6:35pm), with Ervis Manzanillo on the mound. Box score

Minors Recap: 4-10-2011

Posted by Mike Frohwirth

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) fell to the Syracuse Chiefs (Nationals affiliate) on Sunday, 2-0. On Dog Day at the Park, the host IronPigs disappointed 8,690 humans, and an undisclosed number of canines. The 'Pigs fell to 1-2 on the season, and are back below the .500 mark, where they have spent all but one day of their existence as a franchise. Starter Eddie Bonine pitched well, surrendering only two runs (one unearned) in his six-inning stint (six hits, zero walks/eight strikeouts). Andrew Carpenter also threw two scoreless innings of relief (one hit, zero walks/two strikeouts). The IronPigs' offense was held to only six hits (all singles), with only 3B Ronnie Belliard having a multiple hit game (two hits). Lehigh Valley hosts the Chiefs again on Monday. The IronPigs will be celebrating "Martial Arts Night." Hopefully, they are better at the martial arts, than they are at the art of hitting. Game time is 7:05pm. Box score

The Reading Phillies (AA) lost in Portland (Boston affiliate) on Sunday afternoon, falling to the Sea Dogs by a score of 2-0. Reading dropped to 2-2 on the season. R-Phils starting pitcher Chris Kissock threw six innings, and allowed both Portland runs (four hits, two walks/two strikeouts). Reading was held to only five hits, including a pair of singles by C Tuffy Gosewisch. SS Freddy Galvis returned to the lineup, after missing Saturday's game for precautionary reasons (hit by pitch on Friday). The R-Phils travel to New Hampshire (Toronto affiliate) next, and will face the Fisher Cats on Monday at 6:35pm. Box score

The Clearwater Threshers (A) completed a four-game sweep of the Dunedin Blue Jays on Sunday, winning by a score of 5-4. The Threshers are alone in first place, with a 4-0 record. The Threshers trailed 4-0, going into the bottom of the seventh, but rallied for five runs in the inning, the first four of which were charged to the Blue Jays' rehabbing MLB closer, Frank Francisco. RF Leandro Castro and C Kyle Lafrenz each homered in the seventh, and 1B Joe Savery went 2 for 3 (two singles). Savery's average dropped from .833 to .800, despite the two hits. IHOP supporter/CF Jiwan James went hitless, in four plate appearances. Threshers' starter Brody Colvin struggled, and lasted only two innings, allowing three runs (two earned runs, three hits, one walk/zero strikeouts). Clearwater travels to Daytona on Monday, to face the Cubs at 7:05pm. Box score

The Lakewood Blue Claws (A) were swept in Sunday's doubleheader with the visiting Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox affiliate), losing 2-0, and 4-1. Though each game was supposed to be seven innings, the first game took sixteen innings to decide. The opener was scoreless until the 16th inning, when a two-run homer by Intimidators' Michael Blanke provided the winning margin. Lakewood was no-hit for the first six innings, by Kannapolis starter Jacob Petricka, and only had three hits in the game. Blue Claws starter David Buchanan pitched seven scoreless innings (three hits, zero walks/four strikeouts).

The nightcap lasted the required seven innings, as Lakewood managed only four hits, and one unearned run. Jesse Biddle (1st Round pick, 2010) started for Lakewood, pitching four and two-thirds innings (two runs/one earned, two hits, three walks/three strikeouts). Lakewood hosts the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Marlins affiliate) on Monday, at 6:35pm.

Game 1 Box score Game 2

Minors Recap: 4-9-2011

Posted by Mike Frohwirth

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost to the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington affiliate) in Saturday night, 2-1, in 10 innings. The 'Pigs fell to 1-1 on the season. At 1-0, Lehigh Valley had been over the .500 mark for the first time in franchise history. Starter Nate Bump pitched well, allowing only one unearned run, over five innings (six hits, zero walks/three strikeouts). Reliever Michael Stutes was overpowering, striking out four in two innings, but his errant pickoff throw in the 10th inning lead to the Chiefs' winning run. 3B Ronnie Belliard and 1B Jeff Larish each had a pair of hits, while 2B Josh Barfield hit the only home run of the game, his first of the season. The IronPigs face Syracuse again, Sunday at 1:35pm, on Dog Day at the Park! Box score

The Reading Phillies (AA) destroyed the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston affiliate) on Saturday night, 13-5. Reading improved their record to 2-1, paced by a seventeen-hit attack. Reading starter Ryan Edell got the win, permitting three runs in five innings (seven hits, zero walks/four strikeouts). CF Chris Frey lead the R-Phils with four hits, while 1B Matt Rizzotti and DH Cody Overbeck each had three hits. 2B Harold Garcia (1), Frey (2), and Overbeck (2) each homered. SS Freddy Galvis, who left Friday's game after being hit by a pitch, did not play. The R-Phils finish their series in Portland on Sunday, with Chris Kissock taking the hill. Game time is 1:35pm. Box score

The Clearwater Threshers (A) won in Dunedin on Saturday night, defeating the Blue Jays by a score of 4-2. Clearwater remained unbeaten, at 3-0. Clearwater starter Trevor May was effective, throwing six innings of two-run ball (five hits, one walk/ four strikeouts). 1B Joe Savery went 4-4 (two singles, double, homer), improving his batting average to .833. 2B Cesar Hernandez had three hits, while CF Jiwan James had two. James improved his batting average to .333, only .500 less than Savery. The Threshers host Dunedin on Sunday, at 1:00pm. Box score

The Lakewood BlueClaws (A) had their Saturday doubleheader with the Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox affiliate) cancelled, after a ninety minute delay, due to unsafe playing conditions. BlueClaws mascot Buster celebrated his birthday, but no baseball was played. Lakewood will host a doubleheader on Sunday, starting at 1:05pm. Jesse Biddle and David Buchanan are expected to start for the BlueClaws, who will play two seven-inning games.