Maikel Franco named #4 Prospect in the International League

Today Baseball America named Maikel Franco the #4 prospect in the International League.  He comes in behind Gregory Polanco, Mookie Betts, and Francisco Lindor.  For those that thought Franco would build on a breakout 2013 and rocket to the majors 2014 will be viewed as a disappointment.  Instead AAA proved to be a steep learning … Read more

Jason Zgardowski Pitching in Instructional Leagues

As those that read this blog are aware of the Phillies signed a couple of undrafted free agents this summer.  One of those was Jason Zgardowski a 6’5″ RHP, who just turned 21 about 3 weeks ago.  This weekend he posted the following video of him pitching against the Baltimore Orioles in the Florida Instructional … Read more

The Past Week 10-10-2014

The Past Week: The Phillies hired a new head of Amatuer Scouting J.P. Crawford was named the #2 Prospect in the Florida State League Affiliate Recaps wrapped up with Lehigh Valley Ranking Retrospective (Slow Growth and Consensus Rankings) Minor League Org Rankings (C, 1B, 2B) – Jay Polinsky (The Good Phight) 2014 Phillies Report Cards (Mario … Read more

Ranking Retrospective: The Slow Growth

I have had a lot of people tell me that the farm system isn’t improving, that it has been static or declining.  They complain about the influx of talent into the system and how the scouts just aren’t good enough.  But baseball is not a sport that rewards instant gratification in development.  For those that … Read more

Thoughts on Phillies Hiring Johnny Almaraz

So as you have been told by most sources, the Phillies have hired Braves Director of Latin American Operations Johnny Almaraz to fill Marti Wolever’s vacancy as the Director of Amatuer Scouting.  Without being in a front office, and knowing what kind of influence he is and what kind of players he prefers, it is hard … Read more

2014 Lehigh Valley IronPigs Recap: Interview with KRAM

Before we jump into talking about players why don’t you introduce yourself and where people can find your writing?

I write a column called “Kram’s Korner” for the Horn and Bell Blog of the Lehigh Valley Noise Nation.  “Kram” is an old joke–backwards for my real name–which just kind of stuck.  And, it helps keep my baseball life separate from my real life.  The 209 in my twitter handle refers to my section at Coca Cola Park in Allentown.  I’ve been a full-season ticket holder there since the 2009 season.   Web: www.noisenation.wordpress.com  Twitter: @Kram209

It was not a great year for the Ironpigs statistically or in the standings, but we all know that doesn’t tell the whole story in the minor leagues.   Can you quickly sum up the season for everyone out there?

2014 was the “season of change” for the IronPigs.  The AAA roster was subject to 166 roster transactions over our 144 game schedule.  The turnover was most pronounced at home, with our proximity to Philadelphia and Reading.  I believe this was responsible for our league-worst home record.  The away record, however, was among the league-best, as the roster galvanized a bit on the road trips. While there were plenty of home losses, we saw many players play, and the team continued to play hard throughout the season.  I did feel we had a chance to win every night.  There were seasons in the past where that wasn’t the case.  

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J.P. Crawford Named #2 Prospect in Florida State League

J.P. Crawford has placed second on another Baseball America League Top 20, this time finishing #2 behind Pirates RHP Tyler Glasnow.  Crawford was promoted to the Threshers in July and went on to hit .275/.352/.407 with 8 HRs, 10 SBs, and 28 walks to 37 strikeouts.  It was a very impressive run for the 19 … Read more

2014 Lehigh Valley IronPigs Recap

Team: Lehigh Valley Ironpigs
Record: 66-78
Standings: 6th in the North Division

Top Hitter Stat Lines:

Maikel Franco – 133 G – 16 HR – 3 SB – .257/.299/.428
Tyler Henson – 123 G – 9 HR – 19 SB – .272/.331/.415
Russ Canzler – 112 G – 13 HR – 3 SB – .276/.347/.474

Top Pitcher Stat Lines:

Greg Smith – 157.1 IP – 4.40 ERA – 37 BB – 92 K
Luis Garcia – 46.2 IP – 0.96 ERA – 16 BB – 52 K
David Buchanan – 57.0 IP – 3.95 ERA – 21 BB – 46 K
Cesar Jimenez – 49.2 IP – 1.45 ERA – 15 BB – 46 K

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