Sorry for the lame post, but I’m way down south, near Palm Beach in Florida. This won’t be the one that wins the Pulitzer or a Webby, but I’ll pack some brief news and notes in and around the Pharm system.
Pedro Watch
If you haven’t caught Comcast Sportsnet’s Pedro watch, I’ll bring you up to speed. Through three minor league appearances with Clearwater, Lehigh Valley, and Reading — in that order — Martinez has pitched OK. At times, he’s baffled the youth; at others, he looks like an old man.
In his recent outing with Reading this Wednesday, Martinez struck out 11. Good so far. However, he also let up four runs in six innings. And this is against AA players. Martinez is pitching well enough, but he’s not great. For the Phillies to consider a six-man rotation, like they are, I’d expect some jaw-dropping numbers. Either way, he’ll be up with the big club, in some fashion, soon.
How They’re Fairing
Last week, I detailed the Phillies going up and down throughout the system. Figured we check out the studs in the new duds..or, rather, how the players are playing with their new teams.
Outfielders Dominic Brown and Michael Taylor are treading water in Reading and Lehigh Valley, respectively. Taylor’s struggling, hitting .243 through 21 games with three home runs and 11 runs batted in. Brown, in only five games, at least has continued his offensive production: .294 1 HR, 3 RBI.
In his first start, pitcher Joe Savery threw a solid six innings, giving up four hits and one run. Though he walked five batters, he held on for his first AAA win. With Reading — his third team of the year — reliever Scott Mathieson continues to excel. Mathieson’s worked five perfect innings (he has yet to allow an earned run on any team this season).
Sergio Escalona is a man who’s been around this year, as well. The reliever went up and down to the Phillies five times, in addition to pitching with Lehigh Valley and Reading. Since returning as the R-Phils’ closer, Escalona has continued his lights out performance. With the R-Phillies: 0-0, 1.52 ERA, 12 saves in 20 games.
Good for them
New stadiums draw the crowds even for losing ball clubs like the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. So only a few years into the minors game, the IronPigs have been rewarded the distinction to host next year’s AAA All-Star game. Maybe Allentown can someday have the grandeur of a Portland, Oregon — host of this year’s bash between the International and Pacific Coast League. Get your tickets now.
Bill Veeck Award
I haven’t singled out a great minor league promotion in a while, but this offer by the Reading Phillies is too good to neglect. In late August the Phillies host the best sequel ever: Gluttony Night II. For $15, fans can enjoy an all-you-can-eat spectacle in Reading. Although it doesn’t include beer, there’s now cheeseburgers on top of hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, fountain drinks, and other goodies. I’m seriously considering driving up for the August 26 game against the Erie Seawolves.
—Sam Fran Scavuzzo
***follow me on twitter @samfrans ***
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