March 2010
Double-A Squad Drops Contest 5-4 Saturday
Cody Overbeck ripped three hits, Freddy Galvis added an RBI single, but the Phillies Double-A squad dropped its third game of the spring season on Saturday with a 5-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays Double-A team at Carpenter Complex in Clearwater.
On the mound for the Phils was righty J.C. Ramirez, who started and allowed three runs on five hitsoverfour innings of work. Ramirez, a member of the Philadelphia Phillies 40-man roster, threw 65 pitches and walked two, while fanning one over his four frames. Acquired in the Cliff Lee trade with the Seattle Mariners this offseason, Ramirez, 21, went 8-10 with a 5.12 ERA in 28 games with the High-Desert Mavericks (High-A) last season.
Offensively, the Phillies were lead by 3B Cody Overbeck, who went 3-4 with an RBI single. Selected by the Phillies in the ninth round of the 200 amateur entry draft, Overbeck, 23, appeared in 96 games with Clearwater (A) last season, hitting .230 with 12 homers and 51 RBIs.
The Phils, who out-hit the Jays 10-9, were also led by Steve Susdorf, who finished the afternoon’s contest 2-4 with a runs scored. Susdorf went through three levels in 2009, beginning the season with Lakewood (.333-2-15), continuing with Clearwater (.371-3-22), and finishing up with Reading, where he hit .221 with two homers and seven RBIs.
Spring Phillers…Tyson Gillies, acquired in the Cliff Lee trade, went 1-3 with a triple and a run scored…Freddy Galvis, 20, went 1-3 with an RBI…Domonic Brown, the system’s number one prospect went 0-3 with a walk…On the hill, Mike Cisco allowed a run and one hit, while fanning three over three innings…Sergio Escalona, recently demoted from Major League camp, allowed a run in his first inning this spring for the Double-A team.
Spring Training Wrap # 13 —
Welcome back to “Philling You In”. 
Well, Minor League games are underway, and each day check out http://www.readingphillies.com — the brand new website for the R-Phils, to stay up-to-date with former and future R-Phils.
Let’s check in on Major League camp from today as the Phillies hosted the Tigers in Clearwater.
Features –
Domonic Brown (2009) – Brown, the number one prospect in the Philadelphia organization as rated by Baseball America, was impressive at the dish today. Starting in right field and batting sixth, Brown had his best day at the plate, as the youngster went 3-3 with two homers and four RBIs. Brown, a Georgia native, launched his first homer of the spring in the second inning — a solo shot off Tigers starter Justin Verlander, which gave Philadelphia a 1-0 lead. Two innings later, the 22-year-old hit a two-run shot off Tigers reliever Phil Coke, which gave the Phillies a 5-1 lead at that point. Brown has impressed all spring with his bat (.417 BA), his glove, and his arm in right field — he’s the real deal.
Cole Hamels (2005) – Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP, started for the Phillies today and continues with his solid spring. The 27-year-old lefty allowed just one unearned run, on two hits, over five shutout innings en-route to his first win of the spring season. Hamels is now 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA this spring, and looks to bounce back from a down season in 2009.
Spring Training Wrap # 12 —
Welcome back to “Philling You In” — today we check in on the first day of Minor League
games.
For a more in-depth look at stats from the Double-A spring training games, check www.readingphillies.com for a complete recap each day.
Highlights –
Scott Mathieson (’07 & ’09) – A surprise cut by the Phillies last week, Mathieson tossed two shutout innings for the Triple-A squad today, continuing his solid 2010 spring. Over his two frames, Mathieson did not allow a run, or hit, and needed just 21 pitches to get his six outs.
Joe Savery (2009) – Savery started for the Triple-A squad and was solid over three shutout frames, but the team lost to the Triple-A Jays by a score of 6-1. A product of Rice University, Savery threw 50 pitches and allowed 2 hits, 3 walks, and 1 strikeout.
Michael Schwimer (2009) – Schwimer tossed two shutout innings for the Double-A squad today in the team’s 5-4 victory over the Double-A Blue Jays. He fanned three batters, while allowing four hits over his two innings of work in game one of the club’s Minor League spring schedule.
Neil Sellers (2008-2009) – Sellers, who spent the past two seasons in Reading, went 1-4 with a double and RBI, as he tries to earn a spot in Lehigh Valley for 2010. A native of Robards, Kentucky, Sellers batted an impressive .317 last season for the R-Phils, and hit 17 homers, and drove in 86 runs.
Spring Training Wrap #11 —
Happy Sunday everyone! Let’s take a loo
k back at some former R-Phils from earlier today — ENJOY!
Features –
Kyle Kendrick (2007) – Kendrick, who spent the majority of 2009 in Lehigh Valley (AAA), has been lights out this spring for the Phils — and today was no different. Starting for the Phils against the Orioles today, Kendrick, 25, tossed four shutout innings, allowing just two hits, and no walks, en-route to another step forward in the fifth rotation battle. A native of Houston, Texas, Kendrick has now tossed nine shutout innings this spring, allowing just four hits, and no walks — pretty impressive for someone who has battled control problems over the past two seasons.
Brett Myers (’01, ’07, & Rehab in ’09) – Myers, who signed with the Houston Astros this offseason, started for the ‘Stros today against the Braves, and tossed four solid inning en-route to his second win of the spring. The 29-year-old Myers allowed just two runs on six hits, three walks, while fanning six, to improve to 2-0 with a 6.00 ERA. Thr former Phil will start for the ‘Stros this season, and will fall into a solid rotation, alongside Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez.
Randy Ruiz (’05 & ’07) – Ruiz, 32, went 1-3 with a HR (2) and 2 RBIs as the starting DH for the Jays earlier today. Ruiz enjoyed a solid season for the Jays in ’09, hitting an impressive .313 with 10 homers and 17 RBIs in just 33 games played. Fans of the Reading Phillies will never forget the season he put up in 2005, when he hit a Reading record .349.
Others of Note –
Michael Bourn (2005-2006) – Bourn went 1-3 with 2 RBIs for the ‘Stros. He won his first Gold Glove last year
Drew Carpenter (2008) – Carpenter, who is battling for the 5th spot in the Phillies rotation, tossed three solid innings today for Philadelphia, but was saddled with the loss. A tough luck loser today, Carpenter allowed just one run on three hits, while fanning five batters in the Phillies 4-3 loss to the Orioles.
Sergio Escalona (2008-2009) – Escalona, battling for a spot in the Phillies bullpen, struggled against the Orioles, allowing three runs on four hits, earning his second blown save of the spring season.
Spring Training Wrap #10 – First Cuts
Welcome back to day #10 of my daily coverage
of Spring Training. It was nice relaxing today in front of the tv and watching the Phillies beat the Twins by a score of 5-4. Let’s take a look around and check in on some former R-Phils from today — ENJOY!
Monday marks the start of Minor League spring training games and today the Phillies assigned 14 players to Minor League camp — 8 of the 14 have spent time in Reading at some point over the past couple of seasons (Tuffy Gosewisch, John Suomi, Kevin Nelson, Joe Savery, Scott Mathieson, Yohan Flande, and Freddy Galvis).
Let’s take an in-depth look at a few of those who were cut today:
Quintin Berry (2009) – Berry, a member of the Phillies 40-man roster, found himself among today’s cuts. A native of San Diego, California, Berry, 25, had just one at-bat this spring for the Phils, and finished 1-1 with 3 runs scored, one RBI, and two walks. With a crowded outfield in Philadelphia this season (Werth, Victorino, and Ibanez), Berry will begin the season in the minors — where, will depend on his next couple of weeks in Minor League camp.
Joe Savery (2009) – Savery, a product of Rice University, was among eight pitchers reassigned today. The 24-year-old Houston, Texas native appeared in two games for Philadelphia this spring (3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 K, 3 BB). Savery will most likely start the year at Lehigh Valley, where he could work on his control.
John Suomi (2008) – Suomi “the money”, was among three catchers cut today. Suomi, a native of Toronto, Ontario, appeared in just two games this spring with the Phils and went 1-2 at the dish. Much like the crowded Phillies outfield, Suomi finds himself in another crowded position at both the Major and Minor League levels — catcher.
Spring Training Wrap # 9 —
Rain, Rain GO AWAY — Rain canceled 8 games today, 
including the Philadelphia Phillies two split squad games. The Phillies will be back in action tomorrow hosting the Twins in Clearwater at 1:05 p.m.
So, instead of talking baseball today, I thought it would be fun to give you my thoughts on something that will take place in Reading this season.
Last week we announced our promotional schedule for the upcoming season, and as part of that, we put together our Top 10 promotions for the season — check out the schedule here.
Fans of the popular show Saved By The Bell will want to come out to FirstEnergy Stadium on Wednesday, June 23 to see Dennis Haskins aka Mr. Belding, in what will sure be a night fans will remember forever. Mr. Belding will as he will not only sign autographs, courtesy of Berks Technical Institute, and he will also sing Karaoke, during a pre-game Karaoke party, presented by Rock Hits Y102. I wonder what songs he will sing? Any thoughts? Maybe Schools Out from Alice Cooper? Maybe something by Zack Attack?
Anyways, I know I am certainly looking forward to meeting and talking to 
Mr. Belding when he is here. Growing up, ‘Saved by the Bell’ was my favorite show on television — I never missed an episode. In fact, I even have the shows on DVD, which proved to be helpful to our Video Director Andy Kauffman, who will use some clips for our video board on the 23rd — you won’t want to miss that!
For most, the opportunity to see or meet Mr. Belding is like reliving your childhood. Zack, Slater, Screech, Kelly, Jessie, Lisa, were in my living room every Saturday morning when I was a kid — and now, Mr. Belding will be in my backyard — how cool is that?
It’s funny how you get to a point in life when you come to realize you will always still be a kid at heart — and maybe it’s not so much that seeing Mr. Belding will remind me of his role on my favorite show — but the fact that seeing him will bring back so many memories of all the hours I spent watching ‘Saved by the Bell’ all those years!
Spring Training Wrap # 8 —
The Philadelphia Phillies had a 
good day today as they hosted the Detroit Tigers in spring action. Five Philadelphia pitchers combined on a shutout — three of which have spent time in Reading over their careers — ENJOY!
Features –
Freddy Galvis (2009) – Galvis, 20, started today at SS for the Phillies and went 1-3 with an RBI — his first of the spring season. A native of Venezuela, Galvis appeared in 16 games with the R-Phils last season and hit .197 with a homer and 5 RBIs. Ranked as the number 13 prospect in the Phillies system by Baseball America, Galvis is known for his remarkable defense and will most likely find a way to make it to the Majors due to his range and arm strength.
Joe Savery (2009) – Savery, who went 12-4 with a 4.41 ERA with the R-Phils before a promotion to Lehigh Valley in 2009, tossed two scoreless innings for Phillies in their 4-0 victory over Detroit earlier today. Savery, a product of Rice University, is in camp with Philadelphia as a non-roster invitee and was solid today in relief — earning a hold for his work (2 IP, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 SO).
Others of Note –
Domonic Brown (2009) – went 0-1 in his only at-bat — currently hitting .389 this spring
Pat Burrell (1999 & Rehab in 2004) – homered for the 1st time this spring today – 2-2, HR(1)
Jason Donald (2008) – started at SS and went 1-3 with an RBI for the Tribe earlier today
Yohan Flande (2009) – tossed a scoreless inning for Philadelphia today (1IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 K)
Lou Marson (2008) – started for the Indians behind the dish and went 0-2 with R and SB
Scott Mathieson (‘06, Rehab in ’07 & ’09) – walked 1, fanned 2 over scoreless IP for Phils.
Carlos Silva (2001 & Rehab in 2002) – tossed 3 shutout innings for Cubs today
Spring Training Wrap #7 —
It’s day # 7 of my daily blogs, keeping you up-to-date with all R-Phils news from spring training — ENJOY!
Features –
Kyle Drabek (2009) – Drabek, who was ranked as the number two prospect in the Philadelphia organization by Baseball America before being dealt in the Roy Halladay trade, started for the Toronto Blue Jays today and was sharp. The former R-Phils phenom tossed two shutout innings, allowed one run and one walk against his former ‘mates. Drabek will most likely begin the year in the Minors, but is not too far away from getting a shot at the Major League level.
Greg Golson (2007-’08) – Golson, who was acquired by the Yankees this offseason, is making a case to start the season in the Bronx. A native of Austin, Texas, Golson, 24, went 1-2 with a 2 run-homer (1) in replace of Yankees starting CF Curtis Granderson. While Golson finds himself in a crowded Yankees outfield, a good showing this spring will help his case in 2010.
Cole Hamels (2005) – Hamels started today for the Phils in their game against the Jays and was solid over 3.2 IP. The 2008 World Series MVP retired the first 9 batters he faced, before allowing a solo homer to the Jays’ Jose Bautista in the fourth. In all, Hamels allowed just one run on one hit and two walks and fanned three batters.
Others of Note –
Pat Burrell (1999 & rehab in 2004) – Burrell continued his spring struggles as he went 0-3 and he’s batting just .077 so far this spring.
Michael Taylor (2009) – Taylor started for the A’s and went 0-3 with a K – he’s hitting .154
***NEW***
Keep an eye on –
J.C. Ramirez – Ramirez, 21, was ranked as the 18th prospect in the Seattle system by Baseball America, before coming over to the Phillies this offseason as part of the Cliff Lee trade. Ramirez, who is now on the Philadelphia 40-man roster, tossed three impressive innings today for the Phils, earning his first save of the spring. A native of Nicaragua, Ramirez, could very well end up in Baseballtown at some point in 2010. Today against the Jays, the young righty fanned three and allowed just two hits over three shutout frames.
Spring Training Wrap # 6 —
Welcome back to “Philling You In” —
The Philadelphia Phillies play tonight at 7:05 p.m. against the Atlanta Braves and the game will be televised on MLB Network — so while this blog will be completed by then — follow me on twitter for all the latest news from tonight’s game — http://twitter.com/Tommy_the_V
Features –
Fabio Castro (2007-’08) — Castro tossed a shutout inning for the Boston Red Sox earlier today in their game against the Florida Marlins. The 25-year-old has appeared in 30 games in the Majors and has compiled an 0-1 mark with a 3.30 ERA.
Matt Maloney (2007) – Maloney struggled for the Reds as they took on the D’Backs earlier today. Maloney, who was traded by the Phillies for Kyle Lohse in 2007, allowed four runs on four hits over just 0.2 IP today out of the pen. A product of the University of Mississippi, Maloney made his Major League debut last season for the Reds.
Brett Myers (2001, 2007, & Rehab in 2009) – Myers who spent his entire career in the Philadelphia organization, signed a free-agent contract with Houston this offseason and looks to rebound from a 2009 season which saw the righty appear in just 18 games. Earlier today, Myers, 29, started for the ‘Stros against the N.Y. Mets and allowed two runs on four hits over three IP to earn his first win of the spring season. If Myers is healthy in 2010, he should help solidify a pitching staff for the Houston Astros, which includes one of the best pitchers in the game — Roy Oswalt.
Michael Taylor (2009) – Taylor, the 2009 Eastern League Rookie of the Year, started for the A’s earlier today and went 1-3 with an RBI. Dealt in the Roy Halladay deal — twice, Taylor is battling for a spot in the crowded Oakland outfield in 2010. While a start to the 2010 season in the Majors is certainly not out of the question, Taylor may end up April in Triple-A. A fan favorite, who is going to be a great Major Leaguer someday, keep in mind that Taylor is still just 24-years-old.
Others of Note –
Marlon Byrd (2001 & Rehab in 2003) – Byrd started in CF and went 1-3 for his new squad — the Chicago Cubs.
Greg Golson (2007-’08) – Golson, who is looking to catch on with the Yankees, walked and was caught stealing earlier today against the Pirates.
Jason Jaramillo (2006) – Jaramillo went 1-3 as the starting catcher for the Pirates today.
Jason Michaels (2000) – Michaels started today and went 1-3 with 2 RBIs for the ‘Stros.
Spring Training Wrap #5 —
Welcome back to “Philling You In” — complete coverage of the R-Phils all spring training long.
Let’s check in on today’s action — ENJOY!
Features –
Domonic Brown (2009) – Brown, who has been on fire this spring, cooled off a bit today, going 0-2 and left 2 runners on base. He didn’t start the game, but played RF for the Phils today.
Kyle Kendrick (2007) – Kendrick continues to impress at camp and today was no exception. The 25-year-old started for the Phils and tossed three shutout innings — allowing just one hit, no walks, and fanned one batter. Kendrick has now tossed six shutout frames this spring and looks to be in serious contention for that 5th spot in the Philadelphia rotation.
Scott Mathieson (2006-’07 & 2009) – Mathieson allowed one run on two hits over one inning of work against the Yanks today. The 26-year-old righty fanned two batters and will look to make an impact this season — perhaps winning a shot in the Philadelphia bullpen at some point in 2010.
Jimmy Rollins (1999) – Rollins, the 2007 NL MVP award
winner, went 2-4 with his second homer of the season earlier today — a
first inning blast off N.Y. Yankees starter Javier Vasquez. In 1999,
J-Roll enjoyed a solid campaign in Baseballtown — hitting .273 with 11
homers and 56 RBIs for the R-Phils. A year later, Rollins was in the
Majors and has been every since.
Others of Note –
Michael Bourn (2005-2006) – Bourn, a Gold Glove winner last season, went 1-3 today with the ‘Stros. He started in CF and batted leadoff.
Gustavo Chacin (2009) – Chacin, who is trying to catch on with the Astros this spring, allowed one run on three hits over one inning against his former team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
Gio Gonzalez (2006) – Gonzalez allowed two runs on three hits over 2 innings for the A’s earlier today against the Chicago Cubs.
Zack Segovia (2006-2008) – Segovia, who is in camp with the Yankees this spring, tossed 1.1 IP and allowed one run on three hits. The former R-Phil earned a hold for the defending World Champs today against his former ‘mates.
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