Category: Dailies
Spring Training Wrap #4 —
Let’s go for Day #4 — ENJOY!
!
Features –
Domonic Brown (2009) – Here we go again — Brown went 3-5 today with a double and 2 RBIs, continuing to put together a very solid spring out of the gate. While Brown is just 22-years-old and has not played past the Double-A level — he continues to make a name for himself in Clearwater this spring — proving that sooner, rather than later, there will be a spot for him in the Philadelphia outfield. And, as good as his offense has been (hitting .538 so far this spring), the number one prospect in the Phillies organization threw out another runner at the plate today — showing off the skills that have made him a five-tool player.
Yohan Flande (2009) – Flande took the loss after allowing two runs on six hits in two innings of work for the Phils earlier today. A native of El Seybo in the Dominican Republic, Flande went 4-4 with a 4.58 ERA over 13 starts for the R-Phils last season and was put on the Phillies 40-man roster earlier this offseason.
J.A. Happ (2005) – Happ, who went 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA in his rookie season with the Phils, started today and went 2.1 shutout frames against the Tampa Bay Rays in a rematch of the 2008 World Series. The 27-year-old lefty allowed two hits, two walks, and fanned two batters in his second spring outing of the season. Happ will be back in the Philadelphia rotation in 2010 and looks to build off a solid rookie campaign.
Others of Note –
Pat Burrell (1999 & R-2004) – Pat “the Bat” went 0-2 with a walk in LF for the Rays
Greg Golson (2007-’08) – Trying to win a spot on the Yankees — Golson went 0-2 with a K
Jason Michaels (2000) – Started in CF for ‘Stros and went 1-2 (batting .571 this spring)
Nick Punto (2000) – Punto started at 3B for the Twins and went 1-2
Jimmy Rollins (1999) – J-Roll went 1-3 with his first homer of the spring season
Joe Savery (2009) – Savery struggled earlier today against Tampa Bay — allowing three runs on four hits in just one inning of work.
Spring Training Wrap #3 —
Back for Day #3 — let’s check in on some former R-Phils from today — ENJOY!!
Features – 
Jason Donald (2008) – Donald, who was dealt along with Lou Marson and Carlos Carrasco to Cleveland in the Cliff Lee deal, went 1-2 as the starting SS for the Tribe. Donald, a product of the University of Arizona, committed his first error of the spring season — a throwing error. A 3rd round pick in 2006 by Philadelphia, Donald looks to win a spot on the Indians out of spring training.
B.J. Rosenberg (2009) – Rosenberg, who appeared in 10 games with the R-Phils last season, tossed two scoreless frames for Philadelphia earlier today against the Pirates. A native of Virginia, Rosenberg allowed one hit, while fanning to and walking two in his two solid innings out of the pen. Before posting a 0-1 mark with a 2.67 ERA for Reading, Rosenberg began the year in Lakewood and went a marvelous 7-2 with 19 saves and a remarkable 0.89 ERA.
Mike Zagurski (2007 & 2009) – Zagurski relieved Rosenberg in today’s game and followed up his solid performance with a solid one of his own — two no-hit innings. Zagurski, who is on the Phils 40-man roster, was solid for the R-Phils in ’09, compiling a 3-4 mark with 8 saves and a 3.57 ERA over 45 appearances. The lefty from Nebraska missed the entire 2008 season due to surgery on his right hamstring, and later Tommy John surgery on his left elbow.
Others of Note –
OF – Domonic Brown (2009) – Philadelphia’s #1 prospect continued his hot-hitting, going 2-3 with a walk.
C – Jason Jaramillo (2006) – Jaramillo went 1-2 as the starting catcher for the Pirates in today’s game against his former ‘mates.
C – Kevin Nelson (2008-2009) – Nellie went 1-1 for Phils as backup catcher. Nelson is in camp as a non-roster invitee
C – Carlos Ruiz (2003-2004) – “Chooch” started behind the dish for the Phils and went 1-3 with a run scored.
Spring Training Wrap — #1
Welcome back to “Philling You In” — your one-stop shop for Reading Phillies news and notes.
With spring training underway it’s time for this blog to take a daily look around all the spring games and time to follow all the former R-Phils who are in camps all around Florida and Arizona this year.
Earlier today the Philadelphia Phillies beat the N.Y. Yankees by a score of 3-2 and there were plenty of former R-Phils in this one — but first how about Roy Halladay? Wow! Halladay looked as good as ever and is certainly going to make noise in Philly this summer.
Let’s check in on some former R-Phils from this one from all the games on the schedule from earlier today — ENJOY!
FEATURES – 
Drew Carpenter (2008) – Carpenter, 24, tossed two shutout innings today against the N.Y.Yannkees in his spring training debut. A product of Long Beach State, Carpenter allowed just one hit and fanned two batters in his quest to earn the fifth spot in the Philadelphia rotation this season.
Kyle Drabek (2009) – Drabek, w
ho was dealt as part of the Roy Halladay trade this offseason, made his Jays debut earlier today — allowing two runs on three hits over two innings of work against the Detroit Tigers. Drabek, who was ranked as the number two prospect in the Philadelphia organization by Baseball America, fanned three batters and made Tigers manager Jim Leyland feel “old”. Leyland managed Drabek’s father Doug while with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Kyle Kendrick (2007) – 
Kendrick who spent the majority of 2009 with Lehigh Valley (AAA), tossed two shutout frames today in relief of starter Roy Halladay — helping himself out a bit as he tries to win the fifth spot in the Philadelphia rotation for 2010. Over nine games for Philadelphia in 2009, Kendrick compiled a 3-1 mark with a 3.42 ERA.
Marlon Byrd (2001 & 2003) – Byrd is coming off his best offensive season in the ‘Bigs in 2009 — hitting .283 with 20 homers and 89 RBIs as a member of the Texas Rangers. Earlier today the former R-Phil, now with the Chicago Cubs, was solid at the dish — finishing 2-2 with a solo homer (1) against the Oakland A’s.
Others of note:
Quintin Berry (2009) – Berry came on as a pinch-runner –scored a run.
Michael Bourn (2005-’06) – Bourn led-ff for HOU and went 1-3 with a run scored
Domonic Brown (2009) – Brown was 0-1 in one at-bat
Pat Burrell (1999 & ’04) – 1-3 with a run scored for TB Rays as DH
Ozzie Chavez (2009) – Chavez went 1-2 with an RBI double.
Freddy Galvis (2009) – 0-1 and played 2B and SS
Jason Michaels (2000) – went 3-3 with HR (1) for HOU
Brett Myers (2001, ’07, & ’09) – made HOU debut — started & allowed 3 R, 2 ER over 2 IP
Jimmy Rollins (1999) – Rollins led-off and went 0-3 with 2.
Carlos Ruiz (2003-2004) – Ruiz started begin the dish and went 0-2.
Michael Taylor (2009) – Taylor went 0-1 in his Oakland debut
Groundhog Day edition…
Welcome back to another edition of “Philling You In”.
First off, Happy Groundhog Day to all on this 2nd day of February.
Ahh yes, you know February, the same month in which men buy flowers and chocolates for their loved ones (check www.readingphillies.com for a fun way to take care of your sweetie this Valentine’s Day) the Super Bowl, and of course, my favorite — the month when players are expected to report for Spring Training.
This year’s schedule:
Feb. 18 – First date injured players, pitchers and catchers may report to Spring Training.
Feb. 23 – First date all players may report to Spring Training.
March 2 – Mandatory Spring Training reporting date for all players.
Now, with spring training on my mind, and the R-Phils season just a little over 2 months away, I think it is about time to start to take a look at some of the players the Philadelphia Phillies have invited to spring training as non-roster players. While some of the players are veterans — and may never play here at FirstEnergy Stadium, some are top prospects in the system — with a good shot at starting 2010 here in Reading.
Let’s take a look at some of the non-roster invitees — ENJOY!
PART 1 of 4 – Catcher (Sardinha), OF (Duffy), & Two Middle Infielders (Chavez & Valdez).
Dane Sardinha – Originally selected by Cincinnati in 2nd round (46th overall) of 2000 
draft
Sardinha, 30, spent the majority of the 2009 season with the Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A Tigers), where he hit just .178 with 3 homers and 16 RBIs in 118 at-bats. A native of Hawaii, Sardinha appeared in 12 games for the Tigers in ’09, and hit .097 (3-31) with 3 RBIs. Over nine Minor League seasons, the Pepperdine University product has compiled a .220 average with 56 homers, and 294 RBIs.
Chris Duffy – Originally selected by Pittsburgh in 8th round (234th overall) of 2001 draft
Duffy, 29, split last season between Milwaukee and Nashville (AAA). In just 32 at-bats for the Brewers, Duffy hit .125 (4-32) with three RBIs.
Once ranked as the number 9 prospect in the Pirates organization (2006), Duffy, a native of Brattleboro, Vermont, put up solid numbers from 2002 to 2005 in the Pirates system. In 2002 with Lynchburg (A), Duffy batted .301 with 10 homers, 52 RBIs, and 22 sbs. He enjoyed solid seasons with Altoona (AA) in 2003 and 2004, and in 2005, after appearing in 78 games with Indianapolis (AAA), Duffy was promoted to Pittsburgh where he excelled with the Bucs. The Arizona State University product hit .341 with a homer and 9 RBIs with Pittsburgh in ’05, before an injury in late August shortened his season. Over nine Minor League seasons, Duffy has compiled a .299 batting average with 31 homers, 221 RBIs and 152 sbs. Over four Major League campaigns, he hit .262-6-52, with 41 steals.
Ozzie Chavez – Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Milwaukee in 1999 
Chavez, 26, spent the 2009 season here in Reading with the R-Phils, appearing in 112 games.Mostly used at SS (96 games), Chavez has played every infield position over his nine year Minor League career.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Chavez, compiled a .259 batting average with 1 homer, 34 RBIs, and 7 sbs. Over his nine Minor League seasons, Ozzie Smith Chavez owns a .250 career batting average with 22 homers, 302 RBIs, and 58 sbs.
Wilson Valdez – Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Montreal in 1997 
Valdez, 31, made his Major League debut with the Chicago White Sox back on Sept. 7, 2004, and has spent parts of four seasons at the Major League level. In 152 big league games, Valdez has posted a .222 average with 1 homer and 27 RBIs. In 2009, Valdez hit .256-0-7 for the New York Mets over 41 games.
Valdez, a native of the Dominican Republic, has compiled a .283 batting average with 21 homers and 300 RBIs over 11 Minor League seasons.
2010 Winter Tour Recap…
Welcome back to a special edition of “Philling You In”.
Today’s edition will serve as a recap of what proved to be a great night for the Reading Phillies franchise, and of course, an outstanding night for Baseballtown charities.
Last night, the 2010 Phillies Winter Tour made its annual stop in Reading, and a great time was had by all in attendance. Jam-packed with awards, highlight videos, great food, auction items, merchandise, and an “A” Team of who’s who in the Phillies organization — the night was an overall success once again.
As part of the successful night, and thanks to the many in attendance, the event raised over $13,000 for Baseballtown charities.
For me, being a part of this event was something I had been excited about for awhile. Standing there with Charlie Manuel, Ruben Amaro, Benny Looper, Ricky Bottalico, Marty Bystrom, and Scott Palmer, was the feeling of a lifetime, and for the 500 plus people in attendance, the night was one they will never forget.
2010 King of Baseballtown Carl Mathias, who was a member of the 1957 Eastern League Champion Reading Indians, spoke to the crowd about his time in Reading. Mathias was very amusing, making the crowd laugh, and giving everyone a good feel for what baseball was like during the era in which he played.
Once it was the Phillies turn to take to the podium, Director of Public Affairs Scott Palmer took the mic for a Q & A session with the distinguished crew. In what proved to be a joyful part of the evening, Palmer’s questions to each of the members were what every fan in attendance really wanted to know.
In speaking with Amaro — Palmer asked him about dealing Cliff Lee, acquiring Roy Halladay, restocking the Phillies farm system, and his busy offseason, which included signing Placido Polanco, Dannys Baez, and the recent (earlier yesteday) Jose Contreras.
Amaro on Dannys Baez “… he give us some versatility, a little more depth and hopefully that will help improve our bullpen overall.”
Amaro on Philadelphia and its fans “…the fans have been extraordinary…once you win here, it becomes a very special place.” “…It makes our lives a lot easier to have the kind of support of our fans….”
In speaking with Manuel, Palmer asked him about his weight-loss, the 2010 squad, the acquisition of Placido Polanco, and his philosophies on the game of baseball.
Manuel on Polanco – “…he handles the bat real well, plays situation baseball, moves the runners…”
Manuel on the team – “…we got the best attitude and best chemistry I have ever been on. Believe me, I have been in baseball 48 years, we have that kind of guys. We play the best we possibly can!
Manuel on Nutrisystem – “I thought to myself I can do that…I got on the program…some of the food was absolutely terrible…a lot of it was really good.”
Advice from Manuel – “Win! “Winning takes care of everything, winning handles everything. You can learn a whole lot by winning.”
To hear more from last night’s event:
Check out http://www.readingphillies.com for my interviews with Marty Bystrom and Benny Looper
and videos with Ruben Amaro, Ricky Bottalico, and Marty Bystrom from last night’s event, which will continue to be released in the coming days…
January 18 – Opening Day in 80 Days!
Welcome back to another edition of “Philling You In”.
With just one week of football left before the Super Bowl, I am getting more and more excited for the thought of baseball coming back.
And, it feels even better now that the snow is gone, the Cowboys are out of the playoffs, and in just 80 days there will be a baseball game here at FirstEnergy Stadium — yep, just 80 days until Opening Day.
What a week for baseball too! Mark McGwire admitted to steroids, Jose Offerman threw another punch, and the New York Mets soap opera took center stage once again.
While those stories, as well as many other ones have been in the news, my focus, at least in this blog, will be more towards the news surrounding current and former R-Phillies.
Let’s take a look at this week’s blog — enjoy
Brett Myers – 2001, 2008, & 2009 (R) – signed one-year contract with Houston Astros
Myers, 29, posted a 4-3 mark with a 4.84 ERA over 18 games with the Phillies last season. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Myers owns a career mark of 73-63 with a 4.40 ERA over eight Major League seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. While he spent most of last season recovering from surgery to repair a torn hip labrum, he did return to make eight relief appearances down the stretch — including two in the postseason.
Myers posted a 13-4 mark with a team-best 130 strikeouts and a 3.87 ERA on the 2001R-Phils Eastern League championship team. He started strong, posting a 20-inning scoreless streak in April and ended strong, winning his last six regular season decisions. Myers later returned to the R-Phils on rehab appearances in both the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
Jorge Padilla – 2002 & 2003 – signed Minor League contract with Toronto B
lue Jays
Padilla, 30, hit .367 with four homers, 21 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases for Triple-A Syracuse in 2009. Those numbers earned Padilla his first-ever call to the Big Leagues, as the Nats promoted Padilla to replace the injured Austin Kearns. A native of Puerto Rico, Padilla appeared in 29 games with Washington, posting a .120 batting average (3-25).
Originally selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the third round of the 1998 draft (74th overall), Padilla posted a .256 average with 7 homers, 65 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, and 71 runs scored in 2002 — his first of two straight seasons with the R-Phils. A year later, Padilla hit .295 with 2 homers and 23 RBIs in just 46 games. Over the course of 12 Minor League seasons, Padilla has posted a .289 career batting average.
Zack Segovia – 2006-2008 – signed a Minor League contract with the New York Yankees
Selected by the Phillies in the second round of the 2002 
draft (58th overall), Segovia was ranked as the number ten prospect in the Phillies organization in 2003. He made his Major League debut with Philadelphia on April 8, 2007, appearing in one game (L, 5 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 2 K). The 27-year-old righty from Dallas, Texas, appeared in eight games with the Washington Nationals in 2009. Over that span, he posted a 1-0 mark with a 7.84 ERA, while finishing two games.
His best years, however, came with the Reading Phillies. In2006, Segovia posted an 11-5 mark with a 3.11 ERA over 17 games (16 games started). He returned in 2007 and went 5-3 with a 4.84 ERA over ten starts for the R-Phils. He last appeared in Baseballtown with the R-Phils in 2008, where he went 0-1 with a 14.40 ERA over just four games.
Brandon Duckworth – 2000 & 2003 (R) – signed a Minor League 
contract with Philadelphia
The 34-year-old Duckworth spent the past three seasons in the Kansas City Royals organization. In 2009, Duckworth made 19 starts (appeared in 20 games) for Omaha (AAA), and posted a 3-6 mark with a 5.31 ERA. He last appeared in the Bigs in 2008, and went 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA in seven starts for the Royals. Over eight Major League seasons, Duckworth has compiled a 23-34 mark with a 5.28 ERA over 511 innings pitched.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Phillies in 1997, Duckworth first appeared in Reading during the 2000 season. A native of Salt Lak City, UT, Duckworth enjoyed a solid campaign with the R-Phils in 2000, posting a 13-7 record with a 3.16 ERA over 27 games. The 6’2 righty fanned an impressive 178 batters over 165 innings pitched that season, helping the R-Phils to an 85-67 finish (1st place).
John Suomi – 2008 – signed a Minor League contract with Philadelphia
Suomi spent the 2009 season in the Kansas City Royals organization, splitting time with NW Arkansas (AA) and Omaha (AAA). In 37 games with NW Arkansas,Suomi hit an impressive .311 with 7 homers and 19 RBIs. Over nine Minor League seasons, the Toronto, Ontario native has posted a .258 batting average with 42 homers and 316 RBIs. Originally selected by the Oakland A’s in the 22nd round of the 2000 draft (660th overall), Suomi has once called Reading home.
In 2008, Suomi split time with both Reading and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, as the team’s catcher. With the R-Phils, Suomi posted a .236 average with 3 homers and 13 RBIs over 32 games played.
Catching Up This Offseason with…
“Catching up this offseason” is a new weekly series by Director of PR/Media Relations Tommy Viola. Each week, follow Viola as he interviews former and current players who have called FirstEnergy Stadium home over the years.
The field is empty, the stadium seats are quiet, and the wind is brutal — but that hasn’t stopped Michael Spidale from frequently visiting FirstEnergy Stadium this offseason.
Spidale, who was originally a 12th round pick of the Chicago White Sox in the 2000 amateur draft, has worked hard for the R-Phils over the past three seasons – and has become a fan favorite in the process. A Chicago native, who now calls Reading home, Spidale has kept himself busy so far during the cold winter months.
I caught up with the amusing Spidale last week and we talked about his time playing in Reading, his love-hate affair with the Chicago Bears, and what he has been up to during the offseason.
The 27-year-old, who has yet to officially sign a contract for 2010, has spent most of his time back in the place he has called home for parts of the past three seasons – FirstEnergy Stadium.
“I am conducting batting lessons in the batting tunnel at the park (FirstEnergy Stadium) to help teach kids the fundamentals,” said Spidale, who has been a solid hitter for both the R-Phils and IronPigs during his time in the Phillies organization. “Kids of all ages are welcome, and the turnout so far has been great.”
While some players are taking time to relax from a grueling regular season, Spidale is giving back to the community and teaching kids the same kind of things he learned when he was their age.
“About a week or two after the season, I decided I wanted to get something going for kids — individual lessons, groups sessions, with instruction by me,” said Spidale. “It’s something I enjoy doing, it’s fun, I like working with kids.”
For more on my conversation with the hard-working Spidale, check out www.ReadingPhillies.com for a special podcast of my entire conversation.
If interested in hitting lessons with Michael Spidale at FirstEnergery Stadium, contact him at 610-670-2234.
Philling You In 