Minor League Report: April

Also featured on Phillies Nation.

Despite the team's recent struggles, the Philadelphia Phillies are off to a decent start. Several current Phillies are homegrown, so it is important to keep an eye on some potential future Phillies. Here are the latest updates from the minor leagues:

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: AAA (7-10, 3rd in International League North)

The IronPigs find themselves three games under .500 despite having a 3.60 team ERA and .274 team batting average, which are better than the league average.

John Mayberry Jr. and Chris Duffy have been the two best hitters for IronPigs. Both have 13 runs batted in. Mayberry is batting .288 with two home runs, but he still continues to strike out at a high pace. Cody Ransom has provided most of the power for the 'Pigs, crushing a team-leading four home runs.

Nate Bump has been the most consistent starter, posting a 1.35 ERA in 20 innings. He has been pitching to contact; he has allowed a lot of hits, and has a low total of strikeouts.

Scott Matheison has done well in 8.2 innings. Opponents are batting just .179 off the right-hander who is returning from Tommy John surgery. On the other hand, Drew Carpenter (7.15 ERA) has been rocked.

Reading Phillies: AA (8-9, 5th in Eastern League)

The Reading Phillies are a game below .500, despite having several of the Phillies' top prospects. Domonic Brown has yet to disappoint though. Brown is batting .325 with a .936 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Phillipe Aumont had his troubles during spring training, but he threw six no-hit innings on Sunday. Overall, Aumont is 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA.

Yohan Flande is 0-2, but that is mainly due to a lack of run support. Flande's ERA is 0.96 in 18.2 innings. He has allowed a lot of hits, but he has not walked many batters.

Lakewood Blue Claws: A (9-9, 4th place in Northern South Atlantic League)

The Blue Claws were the 2009 South Atlantic League champions, so they will have some expectations for 2010.

Darin Ruf has opened some eyes this April. The first baseman is batting .328 with a .921 OPS. 2008's first round draft pick, Anthony Hewitt, has two home runs and a .282 average.

Nicholas Hernandez is 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA in four starts. Jarred Cosart is 3-1 with a 3.26 ERA and has 0.88 walks and hits per innings pitched.

Clearwater Threshers: A+ (11-6, 1st place in Florida State League North)

Record-wise, the Threshers have been the best team of all the Phillies affiliates. Cody Overbeck leads the team in home runs (3) and RBI (11). The third baseman also has a .333 average and .965 OPS.

Anthony Gose has struck out a lot, resulting in a .247 average, but he has six stolen bases to lead the team.

Austin Hyatt is 3-1 with a 1.99 ERA and 0.75 WHIP. Also, he has struck out 27 batters in 22.2 innings. Other pitchers to watch are J.C Ramirez and Trevor May, who have both pitched well so far.

Minor Moves

The Phillies made some minor transactions today:

• Paul Hoover was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. To make room for Hoover on the 40-man roster, catcher Joel Naughton was designated for assignment.

The 33-year-old catcher batted .253 with one home run with the IronPigs. The move adds another catcher to the September roster. He played in the majors last season with the Marlins. He batted .200 (8-for-40), and is a career .230 hitter. It's also notable that he does not have a Major League home run.

Naughton batted .240 with 7 HR and 34 RBI in Single-A Clearwater this season.

• The Phillies activated Antonio Bastardo from the 60-day disabled list. He was optioned to Double-A Reading. To make room for Bastardo, Steven Register was designated for assignment.

Bastardo was 2-3 with a 6.75 ERA in five starts with the Phillies. Register went 1-3 with a 3.20 ERA with the IronPigs. He pitched one game with the big club this season.

• Clay Condrey (left oblique strain) is scheduled to make a rehab assignment on Saturday.

Condrey, who has been on the DL since July 23, is 6-2 with a 3.41 ERA this season.

• Even though the postseason roster deadline is up, the Phillies may still have interest in Nomar Garciaparra, who cleared waivers a while ago.

The Phillies are in need of a right handed bat off the bench, and Nomar would provide that. He is currently with teh Oakland A's.

• Brett Myers will be activated tomorrow prior to the game against the Houston Astros.

Myers, who recovered from hip surgery, will likely start pitching in the 6th and 7th innings. Myers was 4-3 with a 4.66 ERA in 10 starts this year. In four rehab appearances, he pitched eight innings allowing one run. He struck out 14.

If this video doesn't get you pumped for the postseason, then I don't know what does. Bon Jovi, baseball, and oh yeah the reigning World Champs are featured several times.

Also, my mad photography skills were featured on the blog Who Does He Play For?

Pedro Pitches; Brown Promoted

Pedro Martinez made his second rehab appearance; only this time with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Martinez struggled in the IronPigs 9-6 loss to the Columbus Clippers.

“I got better, and it showed that I got better as it got going,” said Martinez.
“Without a doubt, I’m going to have to pitch a little more to get to the
consistent level I’m used to being.”

In five innings, Martinez allowed five runs, four earned, on three hits and three walks. He struck out four and allowed a home run to Michael Brantley.

Former Phillies farmhand, Carlos Carrasco earned the victory against his former club. He allowed four earned runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings. He walked one and struck out six. Michael Taylor homered off him.

QUOTE SOURCE: IronPigs Official Website

In other Phillies organizational moves, Dominic Brown has been promoted to Double-A Reading.

With the Gulf Coast League and Clearwater Threshers, Brown batted .310 with a .394 OBP, and .532 SLG. He hit 11 home runs and had 44 runs batted in. He stole 15 bases and his on-base plus slugging percentage was .926. Many scouts believe that Brown is a better prospect than Michael Taylor.

IronPigs News

Joe Savery was promoted from Double-A Reading to Triple-A Lehigh Valley today.

With Reading, the 23 year old was 12-4 with a 4.41 earned run average in 112.1 innings. He allowed 1.46 walks and hits per innings pitched.

In other IronPig news, Pedro Martinez will rehab in AAA tonight.

The IronPigs seven game home winning streak was snap yesterday-- by their former teammates. Lou Marson and Jason Donald went a combined 2-for-6 with 2 walks and run against their old team. Carlos Carrasco pitches against the IronPigs tonight.

Kendrick Scratched

Kyle Kendrick was a late scratch from his start with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The move is a little suspicious, but it could mean one of a few things.

1. He is legitimately hurt. However, my IronPigs insider, IRONPIGPEN, told me that Kendrick is not hurt.
2. He is getting called up. However, that might not make sense because the Phillies have nobody to send down, unless somebody is being placed on the disabled list. Even though, they would probably recall Sergio Escalona if that were the case.
3. There is a trade in the works.

Call of the Day: In 2007, Kyle Kendrick made some nice plays against the Pirates.

"Nice play by Kendrick. That will not get the run home. That is
out number two."

Pharm Phriday: Kyle Kendrick Punk'd Again

Remember when Brett Myers pulled an awesome prank on Kyle Kendrick which led Kendrick to believing he was traded to Japan? Awesome times, right? Remember when Kendrick was called up for one game this season and blew the game? Not so awesome times. Either way, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs brought out their best attire which may have fooled the man they call "KK"

By now, we all know that Cole Hamels married Heidi Strobel, a former "Survivor" contestant. Well, maybe he started a trend. Kendrick proposed to his girlfriend, Stephanie LaGrossa, another "Survivor" contestant.

A few days later, after the news was out, the IronPigs sported a tuxedo jersey. KK, being as gullible as what-ever is gullible these days, thought it was in his honor.

"It was kind of weird just getting engaged and then having to wear those things
the first time back," Kendrick said. "I had no idea what was going on until I
got here."

Silly Kendrick, the tuxedo's are for the team's second annual Ball Park Wedding Night! Before the game, a happy couple exchanged their wedding vowels.

Although the IronPigs looked dandy, these tuxedo jersey's are a one time deal. They will be auctioned for charity.

Oh yeah, besides the fancy looks, there was a game. Michael Taylor went 0-3 in his IronPigs debut and Kendrick pitched eight innings, allowing just two runs in the IronPigs' win.

SOURCE: Big League Stew

Taylor Promoted, Knapp DL'd

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Top prospect Michael Taylor has been promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The 23 year old batted .333 with 15 home runs and 65 runs batted in with Double-A Reading. In addition, he had an on-base plus slugging percentage of .977.

In other minor league transactions, Jason Knapp has been placed on the seven-day disabled list with shoulder fatigue. Knapp is 2-7 with a 4.01 ERA. He is eligible to come off the disabled this weekend, but will likely miss another week.

Ibanez Rehabs With IronPigs

Raul Ibanez rehabbed with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. He played seven innings in his second rehab assignment. Ibanez went 1-for-2 with a walk, strikeout, and run scored.

His groin was tested by making plays in left field and sliding into second base. Ibanez said he felt fine.

As of now, the plan is that Ibanez will take tomorrow off and play on Thursday. Then, he will talk with the Phillies determining how many more rehab assignments he will need upon returning.

The IronPigs lost, 6-2. Carlos Carrasco was roughed up in in four innings for six earned runs.

Call of the Day: In honor of Shane Victorino's campaign to get into the 2009 All Star team via the Final Vote, today's call comes from a Victorino triple.

"Victorino flying around second. He'll go into third with a sliding triple."

Victorino was in first place for a few hours late last night. However, Pablo Sandoval regained the lead, putting Victorino back to second in the voting.

VIDEO COURTESY: The Fightins

Renewed Rivalry

For full gamdeday, visit Phillies Nation.

The New York Mets (39-39) will face the Philadelphia Phillies (39-37) at Citizens Bank Park

Livan Hernandez (5-3, 4.04 ERA) will start against Rodrigo Lopez (5-4, 3.91 ERA in AAA).

Tonight, the rivalry is renewed in a big series for both teams. The Phillies look to turn around their struggles and stay in first place in the National League East. The Mets are only one game out, and they could find themselves in first if the Phillies continue to struggle at home.

Rogrigo Lopez will start against the Mets. With the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Lopez has been inconsistent in his last ten starts. He has only given up one earned run his the last 14 innings he has pitched, however it has been a pattern that after he has success, he struggles in his next start. On the plus side, he has not walked many batters or given up many home runs. In his Major League career, Lopez is 65-65 with a 4.80 ERA.

Hernandez is 10-8 with a 3.36 in 24 career starts against the Phillies. At Citizens Bank Park, Hernandez is 2-2 with a 5.45 ERA. Chase Utley is 8-for-24 in his career against Hernandez. Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard each have homered off Hernandez twice in their careers.

Pharm Phriday: All Star Edition

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have three players headed to the All Star Game. Andrew Carpenter, Mike Cervenak and Andy Tracy were selected to represent the International League All Stars.

Carpenter is 7-1 with a 2.75 earned run average in 14 games. Carpenter earned his first Major League win when he was called up earlier this season to start against the Washington Nationals.

Cervenak is batting .311 with 10 home runs and 66 runs batted in. Cervenak, 33, was selected to be an All Star last season, but did not play due to his promotion to the Major Leagues. Tracy is tied for second in the International League in home runs with 14.

IRONPIGPEN gives the complete I.L Roster.

The Reading Phillies have four players selected for the Eastern League: Joe Savery, Neil Sellers, Michael Taylor, and Vance Worley.

Savery and Taylor were selected by the fans. Savery leads the Eastern League with 10 wins. He also has a 3.08 ERA Taylor leads the league with a .348 batting average. Taylor is second in the league with a 1.009 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Sellers is batting .300 with 8 home runs and 44 RBI.

Worley is 5-4 with a 3.63 ERA. As always, Phoul Ballz gives a great interview with his most recent being with Worley.

Both All Star games will be held on July 15.

Pharm Phriday: 6/12

In this edition of Pharm Phriday, IRONPIGPEN brought in some of his insight on the IronPigs.

Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA): 24-35, 5th in INT North

Pablo Ozuna was suspended 50 games for using perfomance enhancing drugs.

Carlos Carrasco: 1-7/ 5.56 ERA/ 1.42 WHIP/ 67 SO/ 66.1 IP

IRONPIGPEN: I think a book was published and distributed throughtout International League on Carrasco and everyone has now read it. I think Carrasco is a strikeout, hard-thrower type, but doesn’t know how to “pitch” – use off speed, locate stuff and have a “trick pitch.” And I think when things start to go bad he loses concentration and starts to unravel quick. The veteran hitters in AAA are killing him. This is like 11 or 12 starts now so…

Andrew Carpenter: 5-0/ 2.75 ERA/ 68.2 IP/ 1.15 WHIP/ 45 SO

IRONPIGPEN: He really has done well since coming back after Washington game; I don’t think he’s flashy SO guy like Carrasco but I think he’s learning to get guys out.

Reading Phillies (AA): 35-23, 2nd in EAS South

Joe Savery: 7-1/ 3.78 ERA/ 1.38 WHIP/ 47 SO/ 66.2 IP

Kyle Drabek: 2-0/ 1.50 ERA/ 12 IP/ 7 SO/ 1.50 WHIP

Clearwater Threshers (A+): 28-28, 2nd in FSL North

The Threshers had to cancel all Phillies related giveaways due to Major League Baseball's policy. No minor league affilaite can sell or give away merchandise more than 60 miles away from its parent team after Spring Training.

Tim Kennelly: .311 AVG/ 3 HR/ 32 RBI/ .859 OPS

Lakewood Blue Claws (A): 34-24, 1st in SAL North

Jim Murphy: .315 AVG/ 6 HR/ .934 OPS/ 28 RBI

Pharm Phriday: 5/29

Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA): 19-27, 5th in INT North

Miguel Cairo, who was just designated for assignment has joined the IronPigs and is batting .357 with 1 HR and 5 RBI.

Jason Donald has been struggling, batting just .234,but has missed the last couple games due to a hamstring injury.

Antonio Bastardo pitched 7 scoreless innings in his last outing. In 13 innings, he is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. IRONPIGPEN predicts that he will be the next prospect to be called up. With Brett Myers injured, that prediction doesn't seem far off.

Reading Phillies (AA): 25-20, 3rd in EAS South

Michael Taylor continues to dominate. His .322 AVG, 8 HR, 33 RBI, and .960 OPS leads the team by far.

Neil Sellers is also having a decent year at third base. He is batting .313 with 5 HR, 19 RBI and a .863 OPS.

Vance Worely has been stellar in the 57.1 innings he has pitched. His ERA is just 2.83. Even more impression his WHIP: 0.91.

Clearwater Threshers (A+): 22-20, 2nd in FSL North

Dominic Brown: .338 AVG/ 6 HR/ 33 RBI/ .989 OPS

Yohan Flande: 5-1/ 3.38 ERA/ 40 SO/ 1.33 WHIP

Kyle Drabek: 3-1/ 2.91 ERA/ 52.2 IP/ 11.5 K per 9 / 1.18 WHIP

Lakewood Blue Claws (A): 27-19, 1st in SAL North

Travis D'Arnaud is batting just .185, but leads the team in RBI with 25. Phoul Ballz has an interview on the catching prospect.

Tyler Cloyd: 5-2/ 3.08 ERA/ 1.07 WHIP/ 8.86 SO/BB

Call of the Day: In July of 1993 Mickey Morandini hit a grand slam off San Francisco's Dave Righetti in the eighth inning of an 8-3 win.

"Righetti stretches... 1-2 pitch... swing and a well-hit ball to deep
right... this ball is a grand slam, a grand slam home run Mickey Morandini and
the Phillies have broken this game wide open!"

Mayberry's Impact

In need of an extra right handed bat for for interleague play, John Mayberry Jr. was called up from Triple-A.

Mayberry's eight home runs and 25 runs batted in led the Lehigh Valley IronPigs coming into Sunday. Called up to the majors, Mayberry impacted the Philadelphia Phillies lineup right away by showing his power to the nation.

His first major league home run, a three run shot, gave the Phillies a 4-1 lead on Saturday. He also doubled.

In his second game, he was 0-for-5 with a strikeout.

Charlie Manuel said Mayberry will stick around for awhile, but the Phillies do not need a designated hitter until June 23 when they play the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. After their series in Tampa, they head to Toronto to take on the Blue Jays.

Mayberry won't recieve much playing time with a starting outfield that consists of Jasyon Werth, Shane Victorino and the red hot Raul Ibanez.

Despite their need for a right handed bat off the bench, the Phillies would benefit if Mayberry is sent back down to Triple-A. Being able to play on a daily basis, he'll get extra at-bats so he won't be rusty if he gets playing time in the majors at the end of June.

He does not have enough experience, and strikes out too much to serve as a temporary pinch hitter. Just 25 years old, his future is an everyday player, not a utility man.

While Mayberry is a much needed right handed power bat, the Phillies should look elsewhere for the sake of benefiting the team in the future.

For IRONPIGPEN's point of view on this subject, please visit his blog: IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

Pharm Phriday: 5/15

This edition of Pharm Phriday is a bit more laid back. It was featured on Phillies Nation earlier in the week, but I updated the stats.


The Phillies Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, are 14-19, 5th place in International North League.

Standout Star

Mike Cervenak: .328 AVG/ 3 HR/ 22 RBI/ .832 OPS

Jason Donald and Carlos Carrasco are two minor leaguers that everybody has their eye on. Donald has been up and down so far this season, but is tearing up lefties. He is hitting .421 against them. Overall he is batting .254 with one home run and 13 runs batted in. His on-base plus slugging percentage is .679. He has played the majority of the time at shortstop, but has played a few games at third base.

Carrasco was off to a terrific start, but has struggled in his last four starts. In his first three starts he lacked run support from the IronPigs so he had no wins to show for it. In 35.1 innings, he has 37 strikeouts, but is 0-4 with a 6.62 earned run average and allowed 1.75 walks per innings pitched.

Kyle Kendrick is 2-2 with a 3.75 ERA in seven starts. He has allowed a lot of hits (39 in 36 innings), but has been able to escape jams.

The Double-A Reading Phillies are 18-13, and in 3rd place in the Northern Eastern League.

Standout Stars

Michael Taylor: .310 AVG/ 6 HR/ 23 RBI/ 5 SB/ 9.65 OPS

Vance Worley: 3-0/ 2.11 ERA/ 0.86 WHIP/ 34 SO/ 38.1 IP

Class A Advanced team, the Clearwater Threshers, are 18-15. They are in 2nd place in the Florida State League North.

Standout Star-

Dominic Brown: .317 AVG/ 6 HR/ 26 RBI/ .974 OPS

Dominic Brown has been the standout star by far, but Kyle Drabek is a player to watch. So far he has rebounded nicely from Tommy John surgery. He is 3-0 with a 2.21 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. He has struck out an amazing 51 batters in 40.2 innings.

The Class A Lakewood Blue Claws are 18-14. They are in 2nd place in the Northern South Atlantic League.

Jason Knapp is the player to watch for the Blue Claws. Overall he is 2-3 with a 3.82 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, but was practically lights out in his first four starts. He was rocked in two of his outings, but his 53 strike outs in 37.2 innings is unbelievable.

Pharm Phriday: 5/1

In this edition of Pharm Phriday, Jay from the blog Phoul Ballz helped out with a report about the 2009 Lakewood Blue Claws. IRONPIGPEN joins us again.

Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA): 9-11, 4th in INT North League.

John Mayberry Jr.: .269 AVG/ .956 OPS/ 5 HR/ 14 RBI/ 20 SO/ 18 G/ SB

Kyle Kendrick: 2-1/ 26 IP/ 2.77 ERA/ 15 SO/ 1.42 WHIP

IRONPIGPEN: As far as pitching is concerned, Kendrick has stopped his downwardslide and is quietly regaining his effectiveness. His performance Thursday evening (6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER) was his best effort of the season so far. If his improvement trend continues, it should only be another month or sobefore the conversation turns to when the Phillies might consider another shot for Kendrick in The Show.

Andrew Carpenter: 1-0/ 23.1 IP/ 3.86 ERA/ 14 SO/ 1.33 WHIP

Carlos Carrasco: 21.2 IP/ 0-2/ 4.57 ERA/ 23 SO/ 1.15 WHIP

Jason Donald: .244 AVG/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ .669 OPS/ SB

IRONPIGPEN: Meanwhile, the IronPigs bullpen has produced outstanding results since theopening series debacle versus the AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Mike Koplove (11.2 IP, 0.77 ERA) and Gary Majewski (12 IP, 1.50 ERA) continueto plead their case for a place in the pen at Citizens Bank Park. The mostreliable of all, however, has perhaps been Tyler Walker, the former San Francisco Giant who was signed as a free agent after the season started.

Walker, in five appearances, has been unscored upon and has allowed just one hit in ten innings pitched. The veteran Major Leaguer also sports a standoutratio of zero walks to nine strikeouts.

Reading Phillies (AA): 12-6, 2nd in EAS South

Michael Taylor: . 338 AVG/ .958 OPS/ 3 HR/ 14 RBI/ 5 SB

IRONPIGPEN:

Highly touted outfield prospect Taylor, has apparently put his pedal to the metal in recent weeks. One thing to watch for, should this kind of production continue, would be whether or not Taylor is moved up to AAA at some point in the second half of the season.

Quentin Berry: .245 AVG/ .626 OPS/ 3 RBI/ 9 SB

Antonio Bastardo: 12.1 IP/ 1-0/ 0.73 ERA/ 11 SO/ 0.57 WHIP

IRONPIGPEN: As far as R-Phils pitching goes, the one man who continues to distinguish himself would be middle reliever Matt German. German, graduated from A+ Clearwater this spring, remains unscored upon after no less than eightappearances and 11.2 innings pitched. With just six hits permitted and sixteen batters struck out, German is fast developing into one of the league's more dependable firemen.

Clearwater Threshers (A+): 11-9, 2nd in FSL North

Dominic Brown: .288 AVG/ .893 OPS/ 3 HR/ 14 RBI/ 5 SB

Kyle Draebek: 3-0/ 24.1 IP/ 0.99 WHIP/ 31 SO

Lakewood Blue Claws (A): 12-8, Tied for 2nd in SAL Northern Division

Jason Knapp: 1-2/ 24.1 IP/ 1.85 ERA/ 37 SO/ 0.74 WHIP

Jay: Jason Knapp is a name plenty of Phillies phans became familiar with early last week, when he pitched 7 shut out innings while striking out 14 for Cleveland's low A ball squad, the Lake County Captains. Lakewood pitching coach Bob Milacki told me, "if he stays healthy and keeps improving like he is, Knapp's gonna be a big leaguer in a few years." His fast ball tops off at 97 MPH, and he's developing his already solid command of his curve and change. His strike outs show that he can over power hitters. His record has suffered due to lack of run support in his starts, but his ERA, WHIP, and strike out to walk ratio (37:6) don't lie. Only 18 years old, the 2008 2nd round pick Knapp is expected to spend the full season at Lakewood, but he could very well be a quick riser through the Phillies' system.

Travis D'Arnaud: .230/ 2 HR/ 17 RBI/ .650 OPS

Jay: Travis D'Arnaud is one of the Phillies' top 10 prospects, according to Baseball America. Lakewood's starting catcher has a low batting avg. in the early going, but he has not failed to come through in key situations, as he leads the team in RBI (no other BlueClaw is in double digits in RBI yet). D'Arnaud needs to become more selective with his pitches. 3 walks in 18 games needs improvement. D'Arnaud is a good game caller. He gets credit from his pitching staff as well as coach Bob Milacki for helping the pitchers excel. The 20 year old, D'Arnaud, batted a combined .305 between Williamsport and Lakewood last season, so expect him to have a good time getting that average back where it belongs.

Jesus Villegas: .429 AVG/ 1 HR/ 9 RBI/ 1.020 OPS

Jay: Jesus Villegas Andino leads the team in average and OPS. In his first 11 games, Jesus had 16 hits. His on base percentage (.522) is jaw dropping. The 22 year old Puerto Rican infielder plays both short stop and second base. The 2007 14th round draft pick has been quite a surprise and keeps earning himself more playing time. Not in the opening day lineup, Jesus has hit safely in 9 of his 11 games, and will be one to watch this year, if he stays hot.

Jon Velasquez: 5-0/ 20 IP/ 2.25 ERA/ 0.95 WHIP/ 13 SO

Jay: Jon Velasquez has already earned a promotion from the bullpen to the starting rotation this month. The 23 year old Bronx, NY native was signed as an undrafted amateur free agent in March, after he was spotted by a Phillies scout at an independent league tryout. His 4-0 record (3 wins in relief) leads the South Atlantic League. Coach Bob feels that Velsquez certainly has the talent to play at higher levels.

Pharm Phriday: 4/17

Every other week, Swing and a Long Drive will take a look at the progress of the Phillies minor league teams. We'll also look at the progress of top rated prospects in baseball. There will be stats, win-loss records, and expert opinions from other bloggers.

IRONPIGPEN has been kind enough to provide analysis on the IronPigs and Reading Phillies.

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (AAA): 2-5

Jason Donald: .290 AVG/ .333 OBP/ .484 SLG/ .817 OPS/ 4 2B/ 1 RBI

IRONPIGPEN: Jason Donald has been swinging the bat productively since Opening Night and has given the IronPigs offensive production from the shortstop position unparalleled in team history. On defense, the former University of Arizona star has shown good range as well as an outstanding arm. Heading into Thursday night's game, the IronPigs led the International League in double plays, with Donald, naturally, playing a pivotal role.

Carlos Carrasco: 0-0/ 12 IP/ 1.50 ERA/ 0.92 WHIP/ 10 SO

IRONPIGPEN: Carlos Carrasco has been very strong in both of his starts. The Venezuelan has twice given the IronPigs six solid innings and has been very unfortunate to remain winless. Perhaps most importantly, Carrasco has shown good control, as evidenced by zero walks in his twelve innings pitched.

Rich Thompson: .343 AVG/ .361 OBP/ .457 SLG/ .818 OPS/ 5 RBI/ 1 HR

IRONPIGPEN: Perhaps the Lehigh Valley IronPig to be in the best of form right out of spring training would be leadoff batter and centerfielder Rich Thompson, who would not be considered a prospect. An eastern Pennsylvania boy via James Madison University, Thompson went 0 for 5 on Opening Night but has since put things in gear. Thompson has also continued the steady play on defense he demonstrated last season and nailed a runner at home late in the game to help preserve the IronPigs first victory of the season earlier this week. The veteran has also swiped his first two bases of the season and now boasts an impressive 27 for 29 (93.1%) career record for the IronPigs.

John Mayberry Jr.: .222 AVG/ .841 OPS/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI

Mike Cervenak: .286 AVG/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ .500 SLG

Kyle Kendrick: 1-0/ 11 IP/ 1.64 ERA/ 1.36 WHIP/ 5 SO

Reading Phillies (AA): 3-3

Gus Milner: .333 AVG/ .400 OBP/ .500 SLG/ .900 OPS/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 SB

IRONPIGPEN: Six games into the AA Reading Phillies' new Eastern League season, a pleasant surprise would have to be the play of outfielder Gus Milner. Milner, 25 later this April, beat out more experienced players such as Javon Moran and Wilkin Ruan this spring for an R-Phils roster spot. Last year with the A+ Clearwater Threshers, Milner batted .261 (6 HR 53 RBI) in 132 games. Thus far as a rookie at the AA level, the Phillies' 2006 14th round pick from the University of Kansas is off to a fine start. At least for the time being, he has established himself as a regular in the R-Phils outfield.

Michael Taylor: .278 AVG/ 3 RBI/ .714 OPS/ 2 SB

IRONPIGPEN: As for the one player Philadelphia Phillies fans would probably be most concerned with 23 year old outfielder Michael Taylor, the former Philadelphia 2007 5th round pick from Stanford University can be said to be doing just fine.

Joe Savery: 0-1/ 10 IP/ 3.60 ERA/ 1.30 WHIP/ 11 SO

Clearwater Threshers (A+): 5-2

Dominic Brown: .231 AVG/ .641 OPS/ 2 RBI

Kyle Drabek: 2-0/ 12 IP/ 0.75 WHIP/ 16 SO

Lakewood Blue Claws (A) : 4-4

Zachary Collier: .222 AVG/ .767 OPS/ 2 RBI

Jason Knapp: 0-2/ 11.1 IP/ 3.18 ERA/ 1.06 WHIP/ 16 SO

Kendrick Continues his Struggles

Kyle Kendrick, who was recently demoted to the minor leagues, made his first spring start with the Lehigh Vally IronPigs.

Kendrick allowed four runs in the first inning of the IronPigs' 8-3 loss to the Yankees Triple-A team. In 3.1 innings of work, Kendrick allowed 5 earned runs on nine hits and 3 walks. He struck out two.

Kendrick said he'll be back on the major league roster, but for now, he is going to need a little more work in the minors.

Don't Waste Their Time

Over the past few seasons, the Phillies have played exhibition games during the spring against minor league teams, such as the IronPigs. They have also played against Flordia State University in the past.

Does a pro team really need to play non-professional level teams? While it is nice to watch future stars and have younger players create a story to tell the grandchildren, such as striking out a Major League All Star, the professional players don't need to waste their time.

In many cases, the games aren't going to be close, thus making it not as fun for both sides. And if the game is close, or the pro team comes out on the losing end, its an embarrassment that will be talked about.

Last years exhibition game was toward the end of spring training. It was a nice way to open Coca Cola Park, but with the rosters cut down, the Phillies leave their starters play most of the game. Prospects who last the whole camp at the big level don't play for the team they will likely start the season with as Major Leaguers prepare for the start of the season.

The Phillies will not play these teams this season.

For the counterpoint of this argument, please visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

Questions With IRONPIGPEN: Part IV

Every day, we will ask the IRONPIGPEN questions about the IronPigs or other Phillies prospects. You may already be familiar with him from our counter point series. For more on the IRONPIGPEN himself, please visit his blog, IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

What do you think of the name "IronPigs," the colors and the logo?

IRONPIGPEN: Some people actually think it’s a silly name, but I am very proud of the IronPigs’ name because the steel industry has a prominent place in local history. My brother and I have no direct connection to the local steel industry, which was really headquartered in Bethlehem (Allentown’s twin city), but tons of people in the Lehigh Valley do either directly or indirectly. It’s an excellent choice for the team name because it represents the area so well, its cultural heritage. Plus, we don’t know about you, but we think a pig made out of iron sounds tough. We like the sound of how an IronPig matches up against say, a Mud Hen.

As for the colors, my personal favorite was always a darker / royal blue so I really love the team choices. Furnace Blue, Brick Red, and Cool Grey are the official terms. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are the very first professional sports team to use this combination of colors.

I think our logo is outstanding! The IronPig looks pretty fierce in our estimation, wouldn’t you agree? Plus, the pig is made of iron. We tend to think a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankee would rather not run into the IronPig in dimly-lit back alley.

I think the regular hat the IronPigs wear at home is the bomb, the Furnace Blue with our fierce IronPig logo! The IronPigs wear a red hat with the letters “LV” on the road. On Saturdays at home, the IronPigs wear a certain all-red hat with a pig’s nose and eyes. On Sunday’s at Coca-Cola Park, they wear a red hat with a blue bill that has a big “I” with a pig’s tail.

I like our regular home jersey best as well. White with “IRONPIGS” across the front. The IronPigs wear gray on the road with “LEHIGH VALLEY” and also have a separate jersey each for Saturday and Sunday home games, too. That doesn’t include the special shirts they often wear for promotional nights, but that’s another story…

Didn't fans vote on the name?

IRONPIGPEN: Yes. I believe the team originally asked fans to submit names. The team management then chose eight finalists and put them up for a month-long vote of the general population in the Lehigh Valley. The “IronPigs” name received more than 10,000 votes and was thus declared the winner an new name of the fledgling AAA Lehigh Valley team!

Questions With IRONPIGPEN: Part III

Every day, we will ask the IRONPIGPEN questions about the IronPigs or other Phillies prospects. You may already be familiar with him from our counter point series. For more on the IRONPIGPEN himself, please visit his blog, IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

What do you think of Jason Donald being ranked a higher prospect than Carlos Carrasco?

IRONPIGPEN: I think Donald is closer to being ready right now for the Philadelphia Phillies at the Major League level. I think the record clearly shows Donald has been able to master and graduate the minor league levels at a faster rate than Carrasco. Carrasco has been pitching in the Phillies system since he was seventeen. He is 22 this spring and is basically just arriving at AAA after five seasons of professional ball. Donald, who played college ball at the University of Arizona, will reach the AAA level after just three pro seasons. I also think that Donald has enjoyed success in the minors whereas Carrasco has had his share of ups and downs along his way. As you know, Donald did well in the Arizona Fall League and I think he is on a real fast track to the Major Leagues, not that I think Carrasco won’t also get there.

Who do you think is the best prospect in the entire Phillies farm system?

IRONPIGPEN: It depends what you mean by prospect. I think the young player in the Philadelphia farm system most ready to be called up would probably be shortstop Jason Donald. Carlos Carrasco and Lou Marson aren’t too far behind him. If you mean below the IronPigs who is the best future player for the Philadelphia Phillies I would say outfielder Michael Taylor is certainly one to watch. He romped last year for both the A Lakewood BlueClaws (67 G, 10 HR 50 RBI, .361 AVG) and the A+ Clearwater Threshers (65 G, 9 HR 38 RBI, .329 AVG). I thoroughly believe if he brings his 2008 form to spring training he will end up with AA Reading Phillies to start the season. I even saw one optimistic article which has Taylor rocking in Reading and playing for the IronPigs by the end of the year. That would be interesting since both Michael Taylor and John Mayberry are products of Stanford University. We could have the smartest outfield in the International League!