World Futures Beat the US

After a long rain delay, Kyle Drabek and Yohan Flande were able to get into some action during the 2009 Futures Game.

Drabek pitched a 1-2-3 second inning against the World Futures. He struck out one batter. His fastball clocked as high as 96 mph and his curveball was impressive. He threw 10 pitches, 7 for strikes.

Flande got two easy outs on a strikeout and ground-out to start the second inning. Then, he allowed two straight singles, but escaped the jam by striking out Danny Espinosa.

The World Futures rallied in the final inning to win, 7-5. Rene Tosoni, a product of the Twins, was named MVP after a go-ahead double.

The US trailed 3-0. Pedro Alvarez's infield single made it 3-2. In the fifth inning, the US rallied with two outs. Jason Castro's three run home run put the US ahead, 5-3. However, Trevor Reckling could not hold the lead in the seventh and final inning.

The World team has now won 6 of 11 Futures Games.

Call of the Day: Saturday wasn't the only time Ryan Howard tied the game in the 9th.

"This is well hit to left field! This ball is off the fence!
Two runs are going to score! This game is tied, as Ryan Howard slides into
second base! So the Phillies have comeback, as Turnbow blows only his
second save all year. It is tied at 5."

Organizational Moves

Antonio Bastardo has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain. Left-handed relief pitcher Sergio Escalona is recalled.

Starting pitcher Yohan Flande was promoted from Single-A Clearwater to Double-A Reading yesterday. He will make his first start with the Reading Phillies tonight.

In Clearwater, Flande was 7-1 with a 2.52 earned run average.

The move could indicate a promotion for two other players in the farm system. The Phillies need a starter, so a player will be called up from Triple-A or Double-A. There could also be a Double-A to Triple-A promotion.

However, after Flande was promoted, the Phillies acquired Brian Mazone from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mazone, a former Phillies farm hand, is 0-1 with an 8.44 ERA in Triple-A this season.

The move could fill a hole in Lehigh Valley’s rotation after somebody is promoted to the majors. It can also prevent a Double-A player from being promoted to Triple-A.

In addition, J.A Happ will start on Thursday against the Atlanta Braves. A pitcher that has yet to be announced will pitch on Friday against the New York Mets. Originally, the call-up was slated for Thursday.

Drabek & Flande To Represent Phillies

Seen on Phillies Nation.

Kyle Drabek and Yohan Flande will represent the Phillies in the Futures Game in St. Louis during the All Star Break.

Drabek, the Phillies first round pick in 2006, will represent team USA. In Class A Clearwater, Drabek struck out 74 batters in 61.2 innings. He was 4-1 with a 2.48 ERA before being promoted to Double-A. In four starts with Reading, Drabek is 3-0 with a 2.08 ERA. Drabek has rebounded nicely from 2007 Tommy John surgery.

Flande will represent the World team. Flande was never considered a high prospect, however he has been impressive this season with Clearwater. He is 6-1 with a 2.45 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.