Injury Update: Hamels, Ruf, Martin and More

Ruf, from Spring Training. Photo: (c) Cheryl Pursell

Here are some tidbits from beat reports earlier today:

Cole Hamels:  Should make one more rehab start in Clearwater tomorrow (Thursday), and then should be ready to join the Phillies next week in Los Angeles.

Darin Ruf:  Starting baseball activities; could be ready for rehab assignment soon.

Ethan Martin: Throwing bullpens; could be ready for rehab assignment soon.  The assumption is still that he’ll be coming back as a reliever.

Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez:  Throwing, but not off the mound as of yet.  Still early in the process.

Cameron Rupp and Andres Blanco:  They won’t rush oblique strains.  Figure on three to four weeks.

…

Brad Lincoln:  Is being stretched out–but more to work on things rather than to become a starter.

Adam Loewen:  The pitcher-turned-outfielder was signed by the Phillies and assigned to extended spring training.  He played 115 games for New Hampshire last season .269/.358/.439, 15 HR.

 

@Kram209

Hackers & Homers Charity Golf Tournament!

The Bullpen Report: Taking Stock of the Phillies’ Relievers

Seth Rosin – Cheryl Pursell

Kram, along with the brokerage firm of Drinkem, Many, Beers, is prepared to offer the following market recommendations for relievers at the upper end of the Phillies’ system for the investment term of the 2014 baseball season.  Build your portfolio carefully.  As always, past performance is no guarantee of future success, and initial offering price (ie contract salary) is irrelevant at this point.

…

Jonathan Papelbon: HOLD (weak)   He needs to learn that he can’t blow a 91mph fastball by hitters like he could when he threw 95-96.  But, he’s been there.  The moment won’t be too big for him–as long as his teammates don’t kill him first.

Antonio Bastardo: SELL (weak)     Confidence is waning in his ability to limit walks and get RH batters out.  The firm recommends taking profits now to prevent further loss.  A HOLD rating could be justified.

Jake Diekman: BUY (strong)     There is some concern in the market that his arm may fall off, if over-use continues.  He can’t get sloppy against RH batters (leaving the off-speed stuff up, too many FB in a row).  However, we predict excellent future performance.

Mario Hollands: BUY (weak)     His stock continues to rise despite questions about his ability to sustain success.  He has the confidence of the coaches and the manager.  Even if he spends time with the IronPigs, he should be back up with the Phillies when needed.

Mike Adams: SELL (strong)     Market watchers weren’t impressed with the way he gacked up the game in Allentown the other day.  It takes some careful pitching to have bullpen success with an 88mph fastball.  We’re not hopeful.  Sell now.  Sell it all.

Jeff Manship: HOLD (strong)     It’s hard to know exactly what role they want him to fill at this point.  He may end up starting games for the IronPigs at some point.  He could end up with another team fund if he doesn’t pass through waivers.  The recommendation is to hold at this juncture.

BJ Rosenberg: HOLD (strong)   His stuff can be filthy and nasty, but not when used three nights in a row.  Does play up as a reliever at this point.  Sit tight for now.

…

Phillippe Aumont: BUY (weak)     He’s working on some things.  Will he get it?  Can he sustain it?  Unknown.  Price is at an all-time low–buy now.  But watch carefully and don’t get in over your head.  Volatile.

Shawn Camp: BUY (weak)     He’s been all but forgotten in the Philadelphia market, it seems.  However, the veteran does know how to relieve with the 88mph burner.  A good addition to the portfolio in small quantities, at this juncture.

Justin De Fratus: BUY (strong)     Pay no attention to the demotion to Lehigh Valley.  He’ll be back, and he’ll be key for the success of the Phillies.  Buy now.  Excellent value.  Blue-chip quality.

Luis Garcia: BUY (strong)     The Phillies have shown confidence already.  He could be a key piece at any time.  Buy, buy, buy.

Jeremy Horst: BUY (weak)     Has looked strong and consistent lately.  He could be a candidate to return to the Majors if needed.  Needs to stay healthy.  Watch closely.  Another volatile offering.

Cesar Jimenez: BUY (weak)    A lefty who has the ability to go multiple innings.  Worth adding if needed.  Has performed well lately.  Worthwhile addition in small quantities, for diversification.

Brad Lincoln: HOLD (weak)     Currently being stretched out.  For what?  Outlook is cloudy.  Has pitched well recently for the IronPigs.  Still has value at this point, but could also be another volatile offering.

Seth Rosin: BUY (strong)     Once he settles in and gets regular work, he should continue to improve.  Buy now.

Kyle Simon: SELL (weak)     Has under-performed thus far.  Reducing exposure here could be a good strategy.

…

Mike Nesseth: SELL (weak)     Reduce exposure, but could be a nice position to have in small quantities.  Should be back with Lehigh Valley later.  Got hit around pretty good, and didn’t get any favors from his defense.

Ken Giles: BUY (weak)     Giles’ stock may be over-valued in the Philadelphia market at this time.  It continues to rise, so a buy rating remains.  However, expect market correction here at some point.  He needs to continue to improve command of that 100mph heater, and confidence in his secondary offering(s).  The move to AAA or the Majors could incite a sell-off in some markets.

Jay Johnson: BUY (weak)     The lefty is undervalued at this point.  A good investment.  Expect to see him at AAA again this season.  We’ll see where he goes from there, though.

Tyler Knigge: HOLD (weak)     Under-performing at this point.  Outlook is hazy.  Monitor your position and limit exposure here.

Brody Colvin: HOLD (weak)     The stuff looked good at the 222 game, but command continues to be an issue.  Recent word was that he may start some games.  Watch carefully.

…

OTC Stocks:  Stock in the following is available at minimal investment.  Aggressive investors may wish to risk a portion of their portfolio in shares which stand to appreciate:

Austin Wright, Luis Paulino, Justin Friend, Ethan Martin

Friend can still get guys out at the AA and AAA level.  He may trade in another market (read: Independent League) for a while, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s back in affiliated ball quickly.  Martin’s stock isn’t trading at all right now, but may be available later this season.  An aggressive position there may be rewarding.

@Kram209

 

@LVPhantoms Flyers Viewing Party!

This Week In Ironpigs History

4/14/08:   After 11 straight losses the Ironpigs finally break into the win column with a 3-1 win over the Richmond Braves.  Ron Chiavacci is the winning pitcher and Matt Childers gets the save.

4/15/08:  A 4-1 win over Toledo and the Ironpigs win 2 in a row.  Brian Mazone gets the win and Matt Childers gets another save.

4/18/08:  The Ironpigs drop to 2-14 after an 8-3 loss to Toledo.  Valentino Pascucci hits his only home run in his short stay with the Ironpigs.

4/19/08:  Syracuse defeats the Ironpigs 6-5 as future Ironpigs third baseman Hector Luna homers twice for the Chiefs.

4/15/09:  Kyle Kendrick throws 7 strong innings, John Mayberry Jr. homers and Pablo Ozuna drives in 3 runs as the Ironpigs defeat Syracuse 11-4. 

4/16/09:  John Mayberry Jr. hits a 3 run Home Run but Syracuse pushes across a run in the 12th inning off Dave Borkowski to defeat the Ironpigs by a 5-4 score.

4/17/09:  Andy Tracy hits a 2 run HR at Pawtucket as the Ironpigs defeat the PawSox 4-3.  Drew Carpenter gets his first Ironpigs win and Gary Majewski picks up a save.

4/19/09:  Justin Lehr improves to 2-0 and Andy Tracy homers again as the Ironpigs win 6-2 at Pawtucket.

4/15/10:  Home Runs by Cody Ransom, Dewayne Wise and John Mayberry Jr. to go with 7 strong innings by Nate Bump, and the Ironpigs defeat Rochester 4-1.  Losing pitcher was current Phillies pitcher Jeff Manship.

4/17/10:  John Mayberry doubles 3 times as the Ironpigs defeat Syracuse 8-1.  Future Phillies/Ironpigs fan favorite Pete Orr homers for the only Syracuse run.

4/20/10:  Nate Bump improves to 2-0 with 7 scoreless innings in a 2-1 win over Syracuse.

4/16/11:  Eddie Bonine throws 7 strong innings at Syracuse and Jeff Larish hits a home run as the Ironpigs defeat the Chiefs 4-2.

4/17/11:  Ironpigs win their 4th straight road game, scoring 6 runs in the 8th inning, highlighted by a pinch hit 2 run HR by Delwyn Young,as the Ironpigs defeat Syracuse 10-6.

4/18/11:  In the 2nd game of a doubleheader, Brandon Moss hits a 3 run home run in the 6th inning as the Ironpigs defeat Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 5-3.  Jason Grilli earns his first win with the Ironpigs.

4/14/12:  Hector Luna goes 2-4 with a home run and Domonic Brown drives in 2 as the Ironpigs defeat Rochester 5-2.  Scott Elarton throws 6 strong innings while Jeremy Horst picks up the win and Jake Diekman gets a save.

4/19/12:  Ironpigs score 5 runs in the 8th inning at Buffalo as Eric Kratz gets 3 hits & drives home 2.  Michael Schwimer picks up the win in the 8-4 victory over the Bison.

 

Steelhawk’s Hollis Named Player of the Week!

From the Pro Indoor Football League:

NASHVILLE, TN (April 15, 2014) – The Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) announces that Columbus Lions WR Earl Alexander, Columbus Lions DB Damian Daniels, Lehigh Valley Steelhawks KR/DB Dwayne Hollis, and Richmond Raiders KR/DB Torez Jones as the PIFL Week 3 Players of the Week.

Dwayne Hollis – Photo from Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

WR Earl Alexander rookie campaign was more of learning experience; he saw limited action in two games. For the nearby Central High grad the 2014 season has been a different story, he is currently on a three-game roar that has him leading the league in yards per catch (29.1) and tied atop the PIFL in receiving touchdowns with six. Last week in the Lions 71-34 victory over the Fire, Alexander hauled in four catches for 120 yards and three touchdowns averaging over 30 yards a catch. His big-play ability has propelled Columbus to a two-game winning streak as well as earning him the nod as the PIFL Week 3 Offensive Player of the Week.

History was made this past Friday night when Columbus Lions DB Damian “The Nighthawk” Daniels picked off two Chris Mitchell passes with the ladder interception thrusting into the record books as the all-time interceptions leader with 99 overall for his career. The 2014 campaign has been a homecoming of sorts as Daniels spent the last two seasons in Albany. Damian’s return became epic when he sealed the record in the last minute of the 2nd Quarter. Already a four-time defensive MVP, “The Nighthawk” currently leads the PIFL with three interceptions and is well on his way to earning a fifth MVP trophy.

Week 3 of the PIFL had another feat that had never been accomplished in league history; two teams returned missed field goals for touchdowns in the same week. Both the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks and Richmond Raiders ran missed field goals back for touchdowns with each propelling their clubs to come from behind victories. Both Dwayne Hollis of Lehigh Valley and Torez Jones of Richmond returned key missed field goals that led to their clubs victory. For Hollis, his return came midway through the 3rd quarter after the Hawks were facing a 20-8 halftime deficit. Meanwhile at the start of the 4th quarter, Jones and company were down by 17 to the Hammers before capping off a 20 point fourth quarter leading to their 38-35 home victory. Since the feat of returning kicks is so rare, both Hollis and Jones share the honor of taking home the Week 3 Vidswap.com Special Teams Player of the Week.

Weather Impact for #IronPigs This Week

With all the transactions the IronPigs have had to deal with this week they will likely have more off field time to get to know each other.

Last night’s game in Syracuse was postponed due to rain and looking at today’s forecast for Syracuse they can expect anything from rain all day to 1-3 inches of snow. That’s right, our frosty winter friend!

From http://www.weather.com/weather/today/USNY1434:1:US

If today’s double header with the Chiefs is indeed postponed and the snow does show.. we could be looking at a complete crap out of the 4 game set. We in the Lehigh Valley did get hit by some rain for our opening homestand but we did get some great weather over the weekend. I feel for those dedicated Syracuse baseball fans.

The next time the Pigs will face Syracuse is a 2 game set in Syracuse on June 24th & 25th and then back here in the Lehigh Valley on July 2nd and 3rd, then two on July 17th & 18th, immediately back to Syracuse for 2 on July 19th & 20th then back to the Lehigh Valley for 4 games August 23rd-16th.

As the postponements rack up, make ups could be moved around.. could we see another “away” game for the Pigs at Coca Cola Park? Possibly.

These games may even be dropped at the end of the season if the playoffs are not impacted.

We will see…

OinK!