As far as I can tell, only three fanblogs are devoted to International League baseball: WDBB and two that follow the IronPigs, Bacon & Biscuits and The Horn and Bell.
Back when the Bulls were visiting Lehigh Valley we answered a couple of questions for Matt Creedon of Bacon & Biscuits. For the IronPigs visit to Durham, Matt agreed to answer a couple of ours.
WDBB: The Durham Bulls of August have 12 new players on their roster (some up from Montgomery, some down from Tampa Bay, and a couple that were traded for on the open market. Have the IronPigs had a similar turnover in personnel?
B & B: The IronPigs have had a lot of roster changes this season - many of them involving key players - and we just had some more Tuesday night. Shortstop Brian Bocock, who was in his 2nd season with the Pigs, was sent to Pittsburgh while two players from our Double-A team (Reading) were brought up to see significant playing time. Both of the players are on the 40 man roster so they will take away time from our usual starters. Most fans aren't happy about it, but that's minor league baseball. What are ya gunna do?
WDBB: Who should we be watching among the starters, pitchers, and position players?
B & B: Here's what you need to know about the current IronPigs: All of our starting pitchers are pretty consistent across the board. Five or six innings, three runs, maybe 6 or 7 hits. Definitely a bend but don't break rotation. Bullpen is up there with the best in the minor leagues (and maybe better than some major league teams).
Back when the Bulls were visiting Lehigh Valley we answered a couple of questions for Matt Creedon of Bacon & Biscuits. For the IronPigs visit to Durham, Matt agreed to answer a couple of ours.
WDBB: The Durham Bulls of August have 12 new players on their roster (some up from Montgomery, some down from Tampa Bay, and a couple that were traded for on the open market. Have the IronPigs had a similar turnover in personnel?
B & B: The IronPigs have had a lot of roster changes this season - many of them involving key players - and we just had some more Tuesday night. Shortstop Brian Bocock, who was in his 2nd season with the Pigs, was sent to Pittsburgh while two players from our Double-A team (Reading) were brought up to see significant playing time. Both of the players are on the 40 man roster so they will take away time from our usual starters. Most fans aren't happy about it, but that's minor league baseball. What are ya gunna do?
WDBB: Who should we be watching among the starters, pitchers, and position players?
B & B: Here's what you need to know about the current IronPigs: All of our starting pitchers are pretty consistent across the board. Five or six innings, three runs, maybe 6 or 7 hits. Definitely a bend but don't break rotation. Bullpen is up there with the best in the minor leagues (and maybe better than some major league teams).
Right now the offense is having a terrible time with runners in scoring position. Since June 16, the Pigs are hitting .216 with RISP. No one seems capable of coming up with the big hit. If we got just a few clutch hits, we'd probably have the division wrapped up (unofficially of course).
As far as players to watch, I suppose you'd start with top Phillies prospect (or at least rookie at this point) Domonic Brown. When the Phils acquired Pence they sent Brown down and moved him to left field in order to take over for Raul Ibanez next season. He recently set the IronPigs hit streak record at 21 games. Keep an eye on catcher Erik Kratz, outfielder Brandon Moss, outfielder Rich Thompson, and outfielder Delwyn Young as well.
Michael Schwimer is our best arm out of the 'pen followed by Drew Carpenter, Mike Zagurski, and Justin De Fratus. Everyone out there has been great this season though.
WDBB: Do you think either of us can beat Columbus in the playoffs?
B & B: I think the IronPigs can beat Columbus. We took three of four from them two weeks ago and they were pretty dominant wins. In early May we split the four game set in Ohio. I can't speak for Durham, but I will say that I believe the Clippers are very beatable. Let's just get there first.
WDBB: Thanks, Matt!
WDBB: Do you think either of us can beat Columbus in the playoffs?
B & B: I think the IronPigs can beat Columbus. We took three of four from them two weeks ago and they were pretty dominant wins. In early May we split the four game set in Ohio. I can't speak for Durham, but I will say that I believe the Clippers are very beatable. Let's just get there first.
WDBB: Thanks, Matt!
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Great post! I love interacting with other team's bloggers. Will add a link to you on my own. OinK!
ReplyDeleteThanks, NN
ReplyDelete