Rosenberg tabbed for team USA

B.J. Rosenberg has been named to play for Team USA in the upcoming baseball World Cup in Europe. "Rosie", out of University of Louisville, has been fantstic this year, with a 7-3 record, 22 saves and a 1.23 ERA in 58.2 innings with Lakewood and Reading.

Maloney recalled; Carrasco to make debut

Matt Maloney was recalled by the Cincinnati Reds and pitched against the Dodgers Saturday night. Matt did not pitch badly, but suffered the loss, allowing 5 runs on 8 hits over 6 innings. He has been plagued by the long ball, giving up 2 more home runs Saturday, for a total of 8 in 23 major league innings this year. I have to admit, the timing of the call-up was curious to me, with Louisville on the verge of the IL playoffs, and Maloney being a mainstay in the Bats' rotation.

The Cleveland Indians have announced that both Carlos Carrasco and Lou Marson will be called up to the big team Tuesday, with Carrasco being slated to make his debut Tuesday night in Detroit against then Tigers.

I will not try to catch up on the all the weekend action that I missed being out of town, but I will mention that Anthony Gose stole #74 in Lakewood's 8-3 loss to Lake County on Sunday.

have a good weekend

I will be away from the computer for the weekend attending my family reunion. Enjoy the games if the weather allows!!

AFL rosters announced

The rosters have been announced for the Arizona Fall League, with several HomeSiders getting the nod. The Phillies players will represent the Scottsdale Scorpions this year. Pitchers Mike Cisco, Scott Mathieson, Mike Schwimer, and Mike Zagurski were named to participate, and outfielders Domonic Brown and Steve Susdorf, catcher Tuffy Gosewisch, and BlueClaw's shortstop Troy Hanzawa were also selected. BlueClaws pitching coach Bob Milacki will be on the Scottsdale staff!

Chase d'Arnuad, Travis' brother, will also suit up for the Scorpions.

73 and counting

Some of Thursday's highlights before Friday's games start-

Travis d'Arnaud and Travis Mattair had 3 hits each for the BlueClaws as Lakewood completed the sweep in Hagerstown, defeating the Suns, 7-2. Lakewood got great pitching again, this time from Trevor May (5 IP, 1 run, 3 hits, 6 walks-a little high, and the victory to go to 3-1, 2.94 on the year), Freddy Ballestas (2 IP, 1 hit, 1 walk) and Jordan Ellis (2 IP, 1 run on 2 walks, 5 Ks), and Anthony Gose stole #73!!

Javis Diaz had 2 hits, a walk, and stole his 30th base, and Gus Milner had 2 hits, including a home run, but the Manatees topped Darren Byrd and the Threshers, 7-2 as Clearwater made 5 errors. Ouch! Jesus Villegas has taken over as the everyday shortstop with Freddy Galvis being promoted.

In Reading, the R-Phils rallied from an early 6-2 deficit to tie the game at 6-6 in the bottom of the 9th, only to fall in the 13th, 9-6 to Erie. This reduces the Phillies lead to 1.5 games in the wild card playoff race. Neil Sellers had 4 hits, including his 15th home run, and Mike Spidale had 3 hits and a stolen base. Mike Stutes had a tough outing, giving up 6 runs in the first 3 innings, before settling down. Excellent relief from Alex Concepcion (2.1 perfect innings), Pat Overholt (.2 IP, 2 hits), Mike Zagurski (2 IP, 1 hit, 1 walk, 3 Ks) kept reading in the game. Sergio Escalona tossed 2 scoreless innings, before allowing 3 runs (2 earned) in the 13th.

In Louisville, Carlos Carrasco won again for Columbus, throwing 7 strong innings for the Clippers, giving up just 1 earned run on 4 hits and 1 walk. Carlos threw 98 pitches, 71 for strikes in Columbus' 7-2 win. Not to be outdone, Kyle Kendrick threw 7.2 great innings for Lehigh Valley as the IronPigs won in Rochester, 11-2. Kyle gave up 7 hits, but NO walks, to improve to 8-7, 3.38 for the season. In Las Vegas, Kevin Howard (.304) had a single, a walk, and scored the game's lone run as the 51s topped the Reno Aces, 1-0. Chris Roberson (.264) was 1 for 3 for Reno.

Ryno does it again;72 and counting for Gose

After Ryan Madson blew a save for Cole Hamels, who flashed some of his old brilliance against the Pirates Wednesday, Ryan Howard came through for the Phillies, blasting a game winning 3-run homer in the 10th inning. "Ryno" now has 35 dingers and 107 RBI on the year. As for Hamels, he threw 8 shut out innings, allowing just 7 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7 along the way, and was only 2 outs from the victory when Madson gave up the game tying home run to pinch hitter Brandon Moss. Cole remains at 7-8 on the year.

In Boston, Gavin Floyd gave it another good effort for the White Sox, going 6 strong frames against the Red Sox, allowing 2 runs on just 5 hits and 2 walks, and receiving no decision in Boston's 3-2 win. Floyd remains at 10-8 (3.95) for Chicago on the year.

In Reading, Mike Cisco recorded his first win with the R-Phils in a 6-4 Reading win over Erie. The victory moves Reading 2.5 games ahead of the Sea Wolves in the battle for the final playoff spot in the Eastern League's South division. Freddy Galvis had 3 hits, including a home run, driving in 2, and is hitting .417 (5 for 12) in 3 games since his promotion. Mike Spidale (.293) also had 3 hits, and Quintin Berry stole his 48th base of the year.

Cisco went 5.1 innings, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits, NO walks, before yielding to Chance Chapman. "Chappy" got 2 outs facing only 1 hitter, and Brett Myers came on for the next 2 innings, fanning 5 of the 7 hitters he faced. B.J. Rosenberg, who actually gave up a few runs earlier this week, recorded save #3 for Reading, striking out 3 in 1 inning.

In Hagerstown, the Lakewood BlueClaws got a fantastic pitching performance from Justin De Fratus en route to a 3-1 win over the Suns. Justin pitched 7 innings, allowing only 1 run on 5 hits, NO walks, and 10 Ks! Jacob Diekman threw a scoreless 8th, and picked up the victory, his 2nd, when Lakewood rallied for 2 in the 9th to win it. Anthony Gose and Harold Garcia got RBI hits in the winning rally. Gose had 2 hits and 2 more stolen bases (that's 72 steals), and Travis d'Arnaud and D'Arby Myers got 2 hits each.

OK, time for me to get on my soapbox again. D'Arby Myers has just been great this year. Early in the season, when Zack Collier was here, Myers did not get in many games. But D'Arby stayed positive, worked hard, took extra batting practice, and when he got a chance to play has been excellent. He has hit consistently, played stellar outfield (playing the corners when he was used to playing center), and run the bases well. The maturity he has shown over the course of what has to have been a tough year for him has been excellent. Way to go, D'Arby!!

I believe if the team is to have success in the upcoming playoffs, D'Arby Myers has GOT to play.

Galvis promoted

It seems I overlooked that shortstop Freddy Galvis has been promoted to Reading. Freddy is playing his 3rd game for the R-Phils tonight!!

Freddy Ballestas, Vladimir De Los Santos, Santo Hernandez, Jesus Sanchez and Harold Garcia with Lena and I on Sunday afternoon. Thanks for posing, boys!!

Phillies pitcher Brett Myers shows Lakewood's Trevor May the grip for his curve ball Sunday afternoon in Lakewood. Myers was in town for a rehab assignment Sunday, but a rainout forced the appearance back to Monday. Phillies minor league pitching guru Gorman Hiemmuller looks on

some observations, including #70

Here are some of the highlights from the last few days while I have been busy and away from the computer....

Monday in Toronto, Randy Ruiz had 3 hits, including his 4th home run for the Blue Jays, in Toronto's 12-7 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Rays. Randy is up to .348 for the Jays!!

Also Monday, in New York, Ryan Howard had the 21st multi-home run game of his great career, belting his 33rd and 34th homers of the year, driving in 5 runs in the Phillies 6-2 win over the Mets. Ryan now has 104 RBI, breaking to 100 mark each year he has played the whole season for the Phillies. The 05 rookie of the year, and 06 MVP has 211 home runs and 603 RBI in about 4 and a half seasons!

The BlueClaws started their road trip on the right foot, pounding the Suns in Hagerstown Tuesday, 8-0. Jesus Sanchez won his 10th game, throwing 7 strong innings, allowing just 5 hits and 1 walk, with Ryan Bergh and Santo Hernandez chipping in a scoreless frame each. Anthony Gose and Troy Hanzawa had 3 hits each for the BlueClaws with Gose stealing base #70, incresing his team record. Travis d'Arnuad added 3 RBI, upping his team leading total to 66, and Jim Murphy (who hit 2 home runs Monday) and Vladimir De Los Santos (3 RBI) had 2 hits each as the 'Claws broke out a 14-hit attack!

Lakewood has also added left handed hitting outfielder Brian Gump, who had a hit and 2 walks in his debut. Gump was at the GCL, after being drafted in the 26th round out of UC-Santa Barbara in June of this year.

The Reading Phillies came up with 5 in the bottom of the 8th inning Tuesday, to snatch an 8-5 win over Erie and take a 1.5 game lead in the race for the final playoff spot. Quintin Berry had a big, 2-RBI single in the rally and Mike Spidale also dove in a run as the R-Phils came from behind 5-3 to post the victory. Spidale and Domonic Brown had 2 hits each in the game for Reading, and Scott Mathieson was the beneficiary of the rally, posting his 2nd win.

In Indianapolis, the Indians rallied for 3 in the bottom of the 9th to beat the Columbus Clippers, 8-7. Jesus Merchan had 3 hits for the Clippers. In salt Lake City, Kevin Howard had an RBI-double and scored twice as the Las Vegas 51s beat the Bees, 11-6. Howard is hitting .304 with 54 RBI this season.

Happ wins again

Jay Happ continues his bid to be NL rookie of the year with another gem against the Mets. Happ went 7, allowing only a single run on 8 hits and 2 walks, defeating New York 4-1 to improve to 10-2, with a 2.59 ERA. Jay has been the most steady influence in the rotation since joining it early in the season, and has now went at least 6 innings in 12 straight starts for Philadelphia.

In Toronto, Randy Ruiz had 2 more hits in the Blue Jays 7-3 loss to the Angels. Randy is hitting .316 in his first 10 games with Toronto.

Harker wins first start for Suns; 68 & counting

Brett Harker made his first AA start Saturday night for the Jacksonville Suns in Mobile, and led his team to a 10-4 win. Brett went a solid 6 innings, allowing just 2 earned runs on 6 hits and a walk, striking out 5. He has really taken to starting games again, and looks to help the Suns in their quest for the Southern League playoffs!

In Fresno, Andy Baldwin threw 1.2 innings of scoreless relief, recording a "hold" as the Rainiers shut out the Grizzlies, 2-0. Baldwin has made 26 appearances for the Rainiers, including 21 starts (1 shut out), logging 142 innings, with a 6-10 record and a 4.56 ERA in the hitter friendly PCL.

In New Britain, the Rock Cats made it 2 in a row over the R-Phils, defeating Mike Stutes and reading, 3-2. Stutes (8-7) lasted 6.1 innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits on 2 walks. Mike Zagurski struggled, facing 3 hitters, walking 1, hitting 1 and retiring 1, before being bailed out by Scott Mathieson ,who retired 4 straight hitters. Catcher Kevin Nelson was 4 for 4, including his 6th home run.

In Clearwater, Derrick Mitchell continued his hot hitting, belting a double and his 11th home run, but it could not help the Threshers overcome Dunedin, who roughed up our pitchers en route to a 17-2 victory. Jon Velasquez, Carlos Monasterios, Esmelvin Jimenez, and Tyson Brummett all gave up at least 4 runs each in a game to forget.


In Lakewood, the BlueClaws made it 3 wins in 4 games on the home stand, with a come from behind 4-3 win over Lake County. RBIs by Travis d'Arnuad, Jim Murphy and Vladimir De Los Santos keyed a 3-run rally in the bottom of the 8th, as the BlueClaws won a game in which they managed only 4 hits. Anthony Gose had a hit and a walk and stole 2 more bases, increasing his league leading and team record total to 68. Matthew Way (2.88 ERA) started and worked through 6 innings, yielding 3 runs on 9 hits and only 1 walk, while striking out 8. Jordan Ellis picked up the win, his 4th, by tossing 2 clean frames, and Ryan Bergh recorded his 13th save, giving us all some heart palpitations with 2 walks, a hit batsman, and a single. He was unscored upon thanks to d'Arnaud throwing out Delvi Cid trying to steal, and a game ending double play grounder to Harold Garcia. Garcia also stole his 36th base, making he and Gose the only teammates in minor league ball to combine for over 100 steals!!

Phillies pitcher Brett Myers will start today for the 'Claws, before giving way to scheduled starter Hietor Correa.

Claws late night walk-off

After an hour and 15 minute rain delay before the start of the game, the Lakewood BlueClaws rallied to defeat Hagerstown, 3-2 Friday night. Winning once again on the strength of their pitching, no BlueClaw player had more than 1 hit. It was a strong effort for Trevor May, after a shaky start. Trevor surrendered his only run right off the bat, as the first 4 Hagerstown hitters reached base. But with a run in and the bases loaded with no one out, May slammed the door, keeping Lakewood in the game. In all, Trevor went 5 innings, allowing just the 1 run on 5 hits, striking out 6, receiving no decision. Freddy Ballestas got the next 4 outs, before giving way to Jacob Diekman. Diekman also got 4 outs, and was charged with the first earned run in his second half, before Santo Hernandez came on to close the door on the Suns. Santo improved to 5-2, 1.93 on the season. Korby Mintkin has a single, 2 walks, and drove in a run to lead the Lakewood offense.

once around the minors

The Clearwater Threshers rallied for 3 in the bottom of the 9th inning to defeat Dunedin, 5-4 Friday night. Gus Milner had the game winner, a 2-out RBI single to cap the rally. Mike Durant and Derrick Mitchell had 2 hits each for the Threshers, with Mitchell knocking in 2 runs. It has been a difficult campaign for Mitchell, but he is hot now, hitting .343 in the last 10 games, with hits in 9 of them. Darren Byrd had another good outing, throwing 5 shut out innings, and giving up just 4 hits and 3 walks. Walter Tejeda gave up 1 run in his inning, and Chris Kissock was touched up for 3 runs in his 2 innings of work. Dan Brauer threw a 1-2-3 9th and was beneficiary of the rally, improving to 2-1 on the year.

In Delmarva, Jason Knapp started for the Captains against the Shorebirds. Jason went 4 innings, giving up only 1 hit and 3 walks, and was charged with 1 earned run in the Captain's 7-6 win. The Captains will be in Lakewood for the next 3 nights, and the way it is set up right now, Jason will miss pitching against his former mates both in this series and in the set in Lake County next weekend.


Greg Golson had 2 hits and stole his 17th base of the year for Oklahoma City in the RedHawks' 4-1 loss to Colorado Springs on Friday night. Golson is hitting .268 for Oklahoma City and could be called up with the rosters expanding come September 1.

In Las Vegas, Kevin Howard was 3 for 4 with an RBI (#53) as the 51s topped Round Rock, 5-4. Kevin is hitting .318 in 74 games since joining Las Vegas.

In Buffalo, Zack Segovia came on and struck out the only batter he faced for Syracuse as the Chiefs won the back end of their doubleheader against the Bisons, 2-1. It was the 5th save for Zack since joining Syracuse, and in 20 games, he has posted a stellar 1.86 ERA. He is another candidate for a late season call up, so look for him in DC in September.

Kyle Kendrick has resumed his good AAA season with a nice performance Friday in Allentown. Kyle went 6 innings against the Yanks, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits and 2 walks to even his record at 7-7 with a good 3.45 ERA as the IronPigs pounded the Yankees, 9-1.

Carlos Carrasco lost his first start since being moved to Columbus, but did not pitch badly. Carlos was out dueled by Toledo's right-hander Nate Bump. Carrasco went 6.2 innings, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on just 5 hits and 1 walk, but on this night, Bump was just better. The Clippers managed just 1 UNearned run in 7.2 innings against Toledo's ace, who is now 7-1 for the Detroit affiliate. Carrasco is now 10-10 on the year, and 4-1 since the trade.

The Reading Phillies dropped a 6-3 decision in New Britain on Friday. Mike Cisco started for Reading. Mike has struggled since his promotion to AA, after posting a 7-3 mark with Clearwater, and fell to 0-3 with the R-Phils. He allowed 6 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in just 5 innings before yielding to Chance Chapman. Chance threw 2 clean frames and Pat Overholt pitched a scoreless 9th. Domonic Brown (.320 since promotion) had 2 hits and 2 RBI, and Quintin Berry had a walk and stole 2 more bases, raising his league leading total to 47.

Floyd, Hamels both fall Friday

In Chicago, Gavin Floyd pitched another good game against Baltimore, only to be let down by both his offense and his bullpen. Gavin pitched into the 8th inning when he ran into some trouble in a 1-1 tie. After giving up the go-ahead run, and leaving with runners on base, both of the Sox' relievers let inherited runners score. In the end, Floyd was charged with 4 runs, on 7 hits and 2 walks (1 intentional) and absorbed the loss in a 5-1 Orioles win. He is now 10-8, with a 3.98 ERA on the season as the Sox battle with the Tigers for the AL Central crown.

In New York, Cole Hamels struggled through an hour and 16 minute rain delay to the start of the game, and then seem to battle himself. Never looking entirely comfortable, Cole lasted just 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 10 hits, NO walks, striking out 6 against a Mets line up that has been decimated by injuries this year. The Phillies were just 3 for 9 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on base in the New York's 4-2 win. Ryan Howard did have 2 more hits, and drove in run #99 on the year.

In Toronto, the Blue Jays edged the Angels, 5-4. Randy Ruiz had a hit and 2 walks, and STOLE A BASE!! Go, Homie, Go! In Houston, Michael Bourn had a hit and a walk in the Astros' 1-0 win over Arizona.

Harker promoted

The Florida Marlins have promoted Brett Harker, and he will start for the Jacksonville Suns in Mobile on Saturday night!!

Ryno time again-no Knapp in Lakewood

Something just goes off inside Ryan Howard every year around this time. He just seems to lock in, regardless of what his stats have been all season long, when the calendar turns to August, and the stretch run is upon us, Ryan gets hot with the weather!! Ryno belted another 3-run home run, #32, Wednesday night, driving in 4 runs helping the Phillies to a 12-3 mashing of the Diamondbacks. Ryno is 15 for his last 41 (.366) since August 8, and has homered 6 times in the last 10 games. His 98 RBI is 3rd in MLB, trailing only Prince Fielder (108) and Albert Pujols (105).

Today's MLB action includes Gavin Floyd (10-7) for the White Sox, and Cole Hamels (7-7) for the Phillies.

My calculation was incorrect, Jason Knapp will start tonight in Delmarva for the Lake County Captains, and miss the 3-game series against Lakewood which starts tomorrow. This at least makes it easier to root for him than if he were pitching against the 'Claws!

In case you have been wondering about Chris Roberson, he has been sitting as a result of the Diamondbacks sending Chris Young down to Reno to work some of the kinks out of his game. "Robey" has played 115 games for Reno, posting a .267 mark, with 24 doubles, 8 triples, 7 home runs, 54 RBI and 27 stolen bases.

In another note, Michael Taylor suffered an oblique strain when the team was in Buffalo, and has been sitting out. Latest reports have him trying to return this weekend. In the meantime, Lehigh Valley and Scranton split a doubleheader Thursday in Allentown, with the Yankees winning the opener, 4-3 and Pigs grabbing the nightcap, 9-4 behind Drew Carpenter (10-4, 3.20).


Thursday in Nashville, Adrian Cardenas had 2 more hits in Sacramento's 6-1 win over the Sounds. "A.C." is now hitting .252 for the River Cats after a terrible start!!

In Portland, Kyle Drabek threw 7 shut out innings at the Sea Dogs, allowing only 3 hits and 1 walk to improve to 8-2 for Reading (12-3 overall). Alex Concepcion completed the shut out with 2 clean frames, as the R-Phils won, 6-0. Quintin Berry and Domonic Brown had 2 hits each for Reading, who moves to 67-56, 2.5 in front of Erie in the race for the final playoff spot. The R-Phils head to New Britain next for 4 games, with Mike Cisco (0-2) getting the ball Friday.

In Clearwater, the Threshers swept a doubleheader from Dunedin, 1-0 in the completion of a game suspended on August 7, and 4-2 behind Drew Naylor in the regular game. It was Naylor's 8th win of the season, and Derrick Mitchell homered in each game (he now has 10). Arlon Quiroz had 3 hits in the nightcap, driving in 2 runs, and Gus Milner and Jesus Villegas chipped in with 2 hits apiece.

In Lakewood, the BlueClaws were shut out, 2-0 by Hagerstown, in an outstanding pitching performance by the Suns' Marcos Frias. Frias, an SAL all-star, threw 6 shut out frames, allowing just 2 hits and a walk, striking out 7 to improve to 8-4 on the year. Justin De Fratus, battled through 6 innings, allowing only 1 run to absorb the hard luck loss. Justin was in trouble all night, but found his way out of almost all of it on a night where he gave up 8 hits. No walks, and 8 strike outs helped him avoid further damage. T.J. Warren and Jeremy Hamilton had 2 hits each for Lakewood. Trevor May (2-1, 3.14) will get the assignment tonight in the finale of the 3-game series.

Bourn sparks Astros over Fish, HomeSiders hot

The Houston Astros took a 6-3 decision over the Florida Marlins Wednesday, in no small part due to the play of Michael Bourn. Bourn (.291) had 3 hits, including his major league leading 11th triple, scored twice, drove in another and stole 2 more bases, raising his National League leading total to 46.

In Philadelphia, Ryan Howard smashed his 31st home run, a 3-run shot in the 5th inning off Arizona's Dan Haren, helping Cliff Lee to his 4th straight win since his trade over from Cleveland. Howard now has 94 RBI, placing him 3rd in the NL.

Who is hot, you ask? Lets start with Adrian Cardenas. Adrian got off to a slow start at AAA-Sacramento, but has found his stroke lately. He had 3 more hits in Sacramento's 11-1 win in Nashville Wednesday, his 3rd 3-hit game in the last 4, and 4th in the last 6, going 13 for 24 over the week. (that's .542). I can't help myself: Yo, Adrian!!

Not to be outdone, Lou Marson is also smoking hot. Lou had a double and a home run in 3 at bats for Columbus Wednesday, but the Clippers lost to Toledo, 7-6. Lou is hitting .360 since the trade, .405 over the last 10, and is 6 for his last 10!! LOUUUUUU!

Reading scored 18 runs on 20 hits in Portland Wednesday night, and HomeSiders were all over it!! Quintin Berry (.285) had 3 hits and a walk, and scored 3 runs, Mike Spidale (.281) had 2 hits and 2 walks, scored 3 and drove in 2, and Tim Kennelly and Brad Harman added 2 hits and 2 RBI each. Yohan Flande got the win, his 3rd for Reading and 10th overall, going 6 innings and giving up just 1 run on 3 hits and 2 walks, and Mike Zagurski, Sergio Escalona and B.J. Rosenberg all threw clean innings.

Matt Rizzotti had 3 for 3 Wednesday, is 8 for his last 11 (.727) and 14 for his last 34 (.412) the last 9 games. Joel Naughton had 3 more hits, driving in a pair of runs, and is 8 for 16 the last 4 nights (.500). The Threshers did drop a 10-7 decision at Lakeland, despite the 17-hit outburst. Freddy Galvis, Fidel Hernandez and Gus Milner added 2 hits each, Fidel and Gus both going deep!

That is a total of 37 hits between Reading and Clearwater Wednesday night!!

In Lakewood, Jesus Sanchez won his team leading 9th game of the year, as the BlueClaws beat Hagerstown, 3-2 Wednesday. Travis d'Arnaud (2 doubles, HBP, walk, RBI, run) was on base in every at bat, and Jim Murphy (RBI triple, run scored) and Jeremy Hamilton (RBI double) drove in the runs for the 'Claws. Eryk McConnell came into trouble in the 6th when Sanchez tired, retiring 2 hitters and stranding 2 runners, before throwing 2 more clean frames. It was as good as I have seen Eryk throw. Santo Hernandez picked up the save by striking out the side in the 9th. Did someone say "lights out!"?

Homie homers again!!

In Toronto, Randy Ruiz hit his 3rd home run for the Blue Jays, a majestic blast into right center field off Josh Beckett, in the Blue Jays' 10-9 loss to the Red Sox. Randy is hitting .320 in 6 games with Toronto.

Another Ruiz, Carlos had a big game for the Phillies. Carlos was 3 for 3, including his 6th home run, and added a walk in a perfect night at the plate as the Phillies beat Arizona, 5-1.

In Louisville, Matt Maloney pitched a good game for the Bats in their 10-2 win over Indianapolis. Matt went 6 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits, NO walks, striking out 7 to improve to 9-8, 2.96 for the season for Louisville. With the Reds just about out of the wild card race, I look for them to recall Matt when the rosters expand September 1st.

In Toledo, Jesus Merchan had 2 hits, scored a run and drove in another, but the Clippers lost to the Mud Hens, 8-7. In Scranton, Joe Savery suffered his first AAA loss, as the Yankees got 6 runs on 10 hits off Joe in 6 innings of work. Joe Bisenius came in the game for the 7th inning and was lit up to the tune of 4 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks, while only managing to get 1 out. "Bis" has made 3 appearances since returning to Lehigh Valley, and is clearly rusty. Scranton won the game 10-5 over the IronPigs. In Nashville, Adrian Cardenas had 3 hits and a walk, and scored a run for Sacramento, in the River Cat's wild 11-9 win over the Sounds. Adrian, who will be 22 in October, could also be a candidate for a September call-up with the Athletics looking to the future.

In Las Vegas, Kevin Howard homered for the 2nd straight day (his 12th), one of his 2 hits on the day, but the 51s lost to Round Rock, 5-4.

In Portland, Quintin Berry (.282) had 3 hits and scored a run, but the Sea Dogs knocked Vance Worley around for a 9-4 win over Reading. Worley allowed 6 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks in 5 innings, and fell to 7-10, 5.16 for the year. Chance Chapman went 2 clean innings, and Scott Mathieson threw the 8th, allowing 3 UNearned runs when Daniel Nava took him deep. Reading (65-56) is 1 game ahead of Erie, and 2 in front of Bowie in the race for the final playoff spot in the division.

In Clearwater, Tyler Cloyd recorded his 4th win for the Threshers (and 11th overall) as Clearwater defeated Lakeland, 4-1. Cloyd went 6 innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits and 2 walks, picking up 5 Ks. Carlos Monastreios gave up just 1 hit in 2 innings, notching his 7th "hold" and Mike Schwimer posted his 18th save with a scoreless 9th. Cody Overbeck had the only multi hit game for the Threshers and Javis Diaz stole his 28th base.

the Columbus Claws

The Cleveland Indians have obtained R.J Swindel off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays this week. R.J. spent most of the season in the Milwaukee system, playing at Nashville and getting a cup of coffee with the Brewers. I am not sure how he ended up with the Rays, but he did pitch for the Columbus Clippers yesterday. There are now FIVE former BlueClaws with the Clippers!! Speaking of the Clippers, Lou Marson (.302) had 2 more hits for them in their loss at Toledo Monday. Jesus Merchan was 1 for 4, and is hitting just .179 in 8 games since coming off the DL.

Monday night in Memphis, the Sacramento River Cats hit 5 solo home runs to beat the Red Birds 5-3 in 10 innings, including the game tying shot in the 9th inning by Adrian Cardenas. Adrian has been slowly adjusting to AAA ball, after tearing up the Texas League, and has his average up to .211 with Sacramento. He just has too much ability to continue to struggle. He will hit, and with the Athletics out of the race in the AL west, a September call-up would not be out of the question.

In Las Vegas, Kevin Howard had 2 hits, including his 11th home run of the year, in the 51s' 4-3 loss to the Isotopes. Kevin is up to .297, with 50 RBI on the year.

In Lakeland, Jesus Villegas and Arlon Quiroz had 2 hits each, Mike Durant hit his 11th home run, and Jon Velasquez picked up his 2nd win for the Threshers in Clearwater's 5-1 victory. After winning 9 games for the BlueClaws in the first half, Velasquez has pitched very well for Clearwater, with limited results. He has posted a 2-5 mark, but with an excellent 2.91 ERA in 10 starts for the Threshers. Walter Tejeda recorded 4 outs for the Threshers and Mike Schwimer notched his 17th save, striking out both hitters he faced.

The BlueClaws dropped the finale of their road trip in Charleston, 4-1 to the River Dogs. Hietor Correa was the hard luck loser, throwing 6 innings and allowing only 2 earned runs on 6 hits and 2 walks, but it is hard to win when your team only gets 5 hits. Jeremy Hamilton had 3 of the 5 hits, 2 of them doubles. Jacob Diekman kept the streak going, pitching 2 more clean innings, running his total to 15 straight without allowing an earned run. Lakewood was 3-3 on the road trip and takes today off before opening a 3-game set against Hagerstown Wednesday night.

Sunday's highlights

Before Monday's games get going, here are some of Sunday's notes of interest-

Carlos Carrasco won his 4th straight game since being traded, as Columbus beat Indianapolis, 4-2. Carlos went 7.2 innings, allowing just 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 6 and improved to 10-9, 4.83 for the year. He is 4-0, 3.45 since the trade.

Jason Knapp made his 2nd start for the Lake County Captains, stretching out to 3.2 innings this time, giving up just 2 earned runs on 4 hits, NO walks, and struck out 5. Jason's next start should come this weekend, here in Lakewood against his old teammates. It looks like, if there are no rain outs, Jason will go Saturday night in the opener of the 3-game set! If he pitches here, he will become the 2nd BlueClaw to be traded and then come back and pitch here against the Claws. Mike Dubee had a similar experience in 2007.

Brett Harker has had some success transitioning to the rotation for the Jupiter Hammerheads, but Sunday was not a good day for him. Brett only made it through 4 innings against St Lucie, giving up 6 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks to the Mets. Harker's season numbers are good, even with the loss yesterday, he is 4-3, with a good 3.42 ERA.

Mike Stutes has been named Eastern League pitcher of the week. Mike gave up just 1 earned run in 2 starts, throwing 13 innings, and striking out 15. On Sunday, Stutes threw 7 shut out innings against Binghamton, allowing only 2 hits and 1 walk, with 9 Ks! Reading won the game, 1-0, with Sergio Escalona picking up the win with 2 scoreless frames. Quintin Berry had 2 hits and a walk, and stole 3 bags to up his total to 45. Looks like "Q" will his 50 steals for the 3rd straight year.

Of course, Mike Taylor has been named International League player of the week, thanks in part to his cycle, by hitting .350 for the week!! Face it, the man can flat out hit. Mike hit .361 in 67 games at Lakewood and .329 in 65 games in Clearwater in 2008. This year he hit .333 in 86 games at Reading, and is now hitting .282 for Lehigh Valley. Anybody want to bet he hits over .300 for the Pigs before he is finished?

Matt Rizzotti had 4 hits on Sunday, a single, 2 doubles, his 11th home run, knocked in 3 runs and scored 3 times. "Rizz" is hitting .257, with 52 RBI for the Threshers. Joel Naughton also had 3 hits, but Clearwater lost to those damn Yankees, 9-6.

The BlueClaws came from behind to beat Charleston 6-4 Sunday behind Matthew Way. Way benefited from a good offense, and got some relief help from Freddy Ballestas (2 perfect innings, 3 Ks) and Santo Hernandez, who has returned from Clearwater. The return of Hernandez is good news for the Lakewood pen, he has been extremely effective in this league and the playoffs are right around the corner.

Finally, Ryan Howard belted 2 home runs, driving in 4 runs in support of Jay Happ, to help the Phillies take 2 of 3 from Atlanta. "Ryno" now has 30 dingers and 91 RBI, but lets take a minute to talk about Happ. Jay has been fantastic this season for the Phillies. At 9-2, 2.66 on the year, he has been the most consistent starter since joining the rotation. He has now gone 11 consecutive starts where he has given Philadelphia at least 6 innings. That is a franchise record for rookies. Do I dare say "rookie of the year?" He most definitely has to be in the conversation.

5 Crosscutters are all-stars

The NY-Penn League All Star rosters have been announced and 5 Willimasport players are among the National League squad. Catcher Sebastian Valle, first baseman Francisco Murrillo, shortstop Jeremy Barnes, outfielder Leandro Castro, and pitcher Austin Hyatt were honored.

The Crosscutters are 33-23 and battling for the final playoff spot in the league.

Braves beat Lidge, Phillies

The Atlanta Braves scored 2 in the bottom of the 9th inning off of Brad Lidge to beat the Phillies, 4-3 Saturday afternoon in Atlanta. Lidge blew his 8th save of the year and saw his ERA balloon to 7.27 on the season, this time costing Cole Hamels the win. Cool Cole went 6 innings, and left with a 3-2 advantage. Ryan Howard drove in his 87th run of the season, and Carlos Ruiz had 2 hits for the Phillies.

A few years ago, the Phillies traded Gavin Floyd and Gio Gonzalez for Freddy Garcia. While Garcia won just 1 game for Philadelphia, Floyd and Gonzalez have had better luck. Yesterday, in Oakland, they faced each other, and Gavin (10-7) came out on top, throwing 7 innings, and giving up just 1 run on 8 hits, striking out 8 and walking 2 in the Sox' 8-1 win over the Athletics. Gio did not fare so well, allowing 6 runs (5 earned) on 6 hits in 5 innings, to fall to 4-3 for Oakland on the season.

Last night in St. Pete, Randy Ruiz had 2 more hits for the Blue Jays, but the Rays topped Toronto, 5-2.

Binghamton, Reading split in Baseballtown

The Reading Phillies won a thrilling game in game 1 of their doubleheader Saturday, coming from behind with 3 runs in their final at bat (7th inning) to steal a 4-3 win from the Binghamton Mets. Tim Kennelly had the game winning hit, a pinch hit, 2-out, 2-run single off the Mets' Jose De La Torre as Reading won despite getting only 5 hits.

Mike Cisco started the game for Reading, going 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks, before turning it over the Scott Mathieson, who threw a scoreless frame and was the beneficiary of the run. Mathieson has now thrown 22 innings for 3 teams (GCL, Clearwater and Reading) giving up just 2 earned runs, walking 9 and striking out 21 to post a 0.82 ERA in this, his comeback season from surgery.

The Mets won game 2, 4-0 as the Phillies got just 3 hits. B.J. Rosenberg threw another scoreless inning, extending his streak to 33 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run.

Mike Stutes (8-6) will go Sunday afternoon for the R-Phils.

Drew Carpenter was hit hard by Buffalo Saturday night, allowing 7 earned runs on 11 hits in 6 innings of work in the Bisons' 7-5 win over the IronPigs. Carpenter is 9-4, 3.20 for the year. Kyle Kendrick (6-6) will start for the Pigs Sunday, making his first start since July 22.

In Oklahoma City, Greg Golson had a single and a walk, scored a run and stole his 15 base as the RedHawks beat Salt Lake, 4-3.

Other starters for Sunday's action include Jason Knapp for Lake County, Brett Harker for Jupiter, and Carlos Carrasco for Columbus.

Yanks edge Threshers

5 Tampa pitchers held the Threshers to 7 hits, in the Yankees 2-1 10-inning win in Clearwater Saturday night. Drew Naylor was strong for 6 innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits and 2 walks, leaving the game in a 1-1 tie. Walter Tejeda came on and threw a clean 7th and 8th, recording the first out in the 9th before yielding to Carlos Monasterios. "Monte" (4-6, 3.42) gave up the game winner, a 10th inning, lead off home run by DH Brandon Laird in the top of the 10th. Carlos' up and down season continues as he makes the adjustment to coming out of the pen.

Freddy Galvis (.253) had the only 2-hit game for the Threshers, and is hitting .378 (14 for 37) in the last 9 games. Javis Diaz (.264) had a single and a walk for Clearwater, scoring the only run, and stole his 27th base of the year.

Dogs top Claws again

The Charleston River Dogs made it 2 in a row over Lakewood with a 3-2, come from behind win Saturday night in South Carolina. Lakewood's starting pitching continues to be very strong, this time it was Trevor May who gave the Claws a chance to win with 5 solid innings. May gave up only 1 run on 2 hits and 3 walks, striking out 6, leaving the game with a 2-1 advantage. Jacob Diekman's resurgence continued with another scoreless frame before Ryan Bergh gave up the game winning runs in the 7th. Diekman has now pitched 13 innings in his last 9 appearances, allowing NO earned runs.

The struggling offense had just 8 hits, 3 by Moose Mattair (2 singles and a double, run scored), and 2 more by Harold Garcia, who has come off the DL hot and notched the only RBI.

Lakewood is now 2-2 in their rain shortened road trip, and Matthew Way (1-1, 0.64) will get the assignment on Sunday.

66 & counting

After being rained out for 2 nights in a row, the BlueClaws resumed play in Charleston, South Carolina, falling to the River Dogs, 2-1. Lakewood managed just 5 hits, 2 by Harold Garcia, and wasted a good effort from Justin De Fratus, who surrendered only 1 run on 5 hits and 2 walks over 7 fine innings of work. Jordan Ellis was the hard luck loser, giving up a run in the bottom of the 9th. Anthony Gose stole 2 more bags, increasing his team record to 66. Gose also picked up an assist, nailing a runner at second base.

Mets top R-Phils

Kyle Drabek was 5-0, 2.70 in his first 7 starts for Reading, but maybe the Eastern League hitters have learned something. In his last 6 outings, Kyle is just 2-2, with a 4.91. Friday he threw 100 pitches and did not get out of the 5th inning, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks, striking out 7 and receiving no decision. Pat Overholt was roughed up to the tune of 5 runs (4 earned) on 4 hits and a walk, recording only 1 out and was the losing pitcher in Binghamton's 7-5 win.

Taylor homers again

The IronPigs scored 4 in the top of the 1st on their way to 12-6 win in Buffalo Friday. Michael Taylor had 3 more hits, including his 5th homer for the Pigs, raising his AAA average to .290 and Tuffy Gosewisch, promoted yesterday made his debut (he was 0 for 5). Lehigh Valley improved to 58-61 on the year.

In Syracuse, Zack Segovia picked up his 3rd save for the Chiefs in their 4-3 win over Rochester. After a couple of outings this week where he allowed runs, Zack has bounced back with clean innings, 1 Thursday and 1 Friday, and has a 2.12 ERA since joining the AAA affiliate of the Nationals.

On Thursday in Columbus, Jason Donald had 2 singles and a double and scored 3 runs in the Clipper's 7-6 win over Indianapolis. Lou Marson added an RBI double and scored a run to contribute to the cause.

Friday night in Memphis, Adrian Cardenas was 3 for 4, including a double, and scored 2 runs for Sacramento in the River Cats' 7-4 loss to the Red Birds. In Las Vegas, Kevin Howard belted a bases loaded double, driving in 3 runs in the 51s 4-run rally, but Albuquerque scored 6 in the 10th to take a 12-6 decision. Kevin now has 49 RBI for the 51s.

on the move

There has been a lot of movement the last few days, so if you cannot find your favorite guy, maybe this will help.

Kyle Kendrick, wasting away in the Phillies bullpen, has been returned to Lehigh Valley. Kyle was with the big team for about 3 weeks, and not getting much work at all.

Alex Concepcion, returned to Reading from LV, making room for Joe Bisenius, who was activated from the DL.

Francisco Butto has been released.

Pat Overholt, who was pitching well for Lehigh, was returned to Reading.

Tuffy Gosewisch, activated this week from the DL, was promoted to the IronPigs.

Ryno homers gives Phils 4th win in a row

Ryan Howard homered for the second consecutive game, this time in the 9th inning of a 2-2 game to give the Phillies a 3-2 win over the Braves. Ryan now has 28 homes and 86 RBI for the year as the Phillies are getting hot at the right time in their quest to defend the World Series championship.

In Wrigley Field, the Cubs bounced back from the sweep at the hands of the Phillies by pounding the Pirates, 17-2! Jason Jaramillo, not playing much since Ryan Doumit has returned, had a double and an RBI for Pittsburgh. "JJ" is hitting .251, with 3 home runs and 20 RBI in his rookie year so far. In St Pete, Randy Ruiz had a single and scored a run in Toronto's 5-2 win over the Rays, and is 4 for 13 (.308) in 3 games with the Jays. In Milwaukee, Michael Bourn had 2 hits and scored a run in a losing effort, as the Brewers scored 8 in the 1st on their way to an 11-2 victory. Bourn is hitting .291, with a National League leading 44 stolen bases.

Taylor cycles!!- Homie homers again

Michael Taylor had 5 hits Wednesday night, and recorded the first cycle in IronPigs history as the Pigs topped the Louisville Bats, 10-9 in 10 innings. Mike showed a flair for the dramatic, saving his home run for the bottom of the 9th inning to tie the game. The 4 RBI performance raised his AAA average up to .286, and the Phillies have to be smiling again, having NOT traded him at the deadline!! Mike's combined numbers for the season are .322, with 19 homers and 80 RBI between Reading and Lehigh Valley.

The Pigs roughed up Matt Maloney for 6 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks in just 5 innings, bumping Matt's ERA over 3 for the first time in a while.

Meanwhile, in the Bronx, Randy Ruiz hit another home run, that's 2 in 2 games with the Blue Jays!! After hitting the right field foul pole Tuesday night, Randy sent one deep into the left center field bullpen in his first at bat Wednesday afternoon off of A. J. Burnett and is now 3 for 10, including the 2 dingers, in his 2 games so far.

Knapp makes Captain's debut

Jason Knapp returned from the DL Tuesday, pitching 2 innings for the Lake County Captains in their 8-4 loss to Augusta. Jason, who was part of the Cliff Lee trade, went just 2 innings, allowing 2 runs, only 1 earned, on 1 hit and 2 walks, striking out 2 as he shook off some of the rust from being inactive for about a month.

R-Phils rally tops Trenton

I was in Trenton last night to see the Reading Phillies, down 3-0 after 5, rally for an exciting 6-5 win over the Thunder. Lots of contributions from HomeSiders. Tim Kennelly got the go-ahead hit, a 2-out, 2-run double in the top of the 8th, and Quintin Berry (double, run scored, stolen base #41), Mike Spidale (single, walk, stolen base, 2 runs scored, RBI), Domonic Brown (single, walk, stolen base, run scored) and Steve Susdorf (single, runs scored RBI) all contributed to rallies.

Mike Stutes went the first 6 innings, receiving no decision, Mike Zagurski threw a scoreless 7th and was the beneficiary of the winning runs, Sergio Escalona came on and threw 1.2 frames, 2 errors hurting his cause, and B.J. Rosenberg got the final out to record the save!!

Claws rally for 2nd straight win

The BlueClaws scored 3 in the 7th and 3 more in the 8th, to come from behind and defeat the Savannah Sand Gnats, 8-4 Tuesday. Troy Hanzawa (.276, 2 singles, walk, 2 runs), D'Arby Myers (.266, double, triple, walk, run, RBI) and Jesus Villegas (.381, single, double, run, 3 RBI) all had 2 hits for Lakewood as the BlueClaws improved to 23-21 in the second half and 65-47 overall.

Ruiz homers in Bronx!!

Yes, Randy Ruiz WAS promoted to the Blue Jays, yes they were in the Bronx (which is where he, and I, are from), and yes he did hit a home run in his Toronto debut!! Randy had a large contingent of family and friends in attendance and did not disappoint them.

The HomeSide wishes Randy all the success in the world and we are thrilled to see the 31-year minor league veteran get a chance to play on the big stage!! Go, Randy, go!!!

Carrasco wins 3rd straight

Someone in the Cleveland front office has got to be smiling! Carlos Carrasco won his 3rd straight start for the Columbus Clippers, throwing 8 strong innings in the Clipper's 4-2 win in Indianapolis Tuesday night. Carlos allowed just 1 run on 4 hits, NO walks, striking out 10 in a 100 pitch effort (71 for strikes) to improve to 9-9 on the year. Lou Marson had 3 hits, scoring a run and driving one in, raising his season average to .299.

road sweet road

After a 3-6 home stand, the Lakewood BlueClaws took the opener of their 8-game road trip Monday in Savannah, 4-0 behind dominant pitching from Matthew Way. Way, making his 2nd start for Lakewood, threw 7 shut out frames, allowing just 3 hits, NO walks, striking out 11. Jordan Ellis notched his first save, finishing the game off with 2 scoreless innings.

Travis d'Arnaud and Troy Hanzawa had 2 hits and an RBI apiece for the BlueClaws, who won for just the 4th time in the last 12 games. Heitor Correa (7-5) will look to make it 2 in a row tonight.

In Clearwater, Drew Naylor pitched a complete game 4-hitter as the Threshers beat Tampa, 7-2. Drew won his 7th game of the year, walking just 1 and striking out 3. Freddy Galvis had 3 hits and scored twice, Fidel Hernandez had 2 hits, including a triple and Matt Rizzotti had a double, a walk, scored a run and drove in 2. The Threshers head for Lakeland to battle the Flying Tigers tonight.

Making the adjustment to AAA, Michael Taylor had 2 more hits for the IronPigs Monday, in a 4-3 loss to the Louisville Bats. Drew Carpenter suffered just his 3rd loss of the season, giving up 4 runs on 9 hits and a walk and is now 9-3, 2.86 on the year. In Indianapolis, Lou Marson had a double and drove in the only run for the Clippers in their 2-1 defeat to the Indians. On Tuesday, Carlos Carrasco will make his 3rd start for Columbus since the big trade. He has won his first 2 assignments and is now 8-9 for the year.

With the White Sox claiming Alex Rios off the waiver wire on Monday, this opens a spot on Toronto roster, and Randy Ruiz was not in Las Vegas' line-up Monday. I will be watching the transaction wire to see if Randy gets the call up today!

not a good day on the HomeSide

With Clearwater, Reading and Lehigh Valley all absorbing losses on Sunday, HomeSide highlights are at a premium today.

We start in Binghamton, where at least there was something to get excited about. How about 3 hits, including 2 home runs from Dominic Brown in the R-Phils 5-3 loss to the Mets. Dom is hitting .333 in 10 game since his promotion, and has hit 14 home runs overall this year.

Mike Cisco was the starter and was roughed up for 4 runs (3 earned) on 9 hits and a walk in just 4.1 innings.

The Threshers lost by the same 5-3 score to Tampa, despite 2 hits each from Fidel Hernandez and Mike Durant. Edgar Garcia lasted 5 innings, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk. After Clearwater tied the game at 3 in the bottom of the 7th, Carlos Monasterios gave the 2 runs back to the Yankees and was saddled with the loss. "Monte" has been pitching well since his move to the pen, but did not have what he needed Sunday afternoon.

As far as the IronPigs are concerned, Mike Taylor was 1 for 3, and Pat Overholt gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and 3 walks over 2 innings. But there are more of our boys on the Columbus Clippers than there are on the Pigs. After spending most of the season on the DL and being let go by the Diamondbacks, Jesus Merchan was signed by the Indians and assigned to Columbus, where he is 1 for 7 with an RBI since joining the Clippers. Lou Marson (.292) had 3 hits and scored a run for Columbus.

The Reading Phillies have 3 games in Trenton Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday if anyone wants to go root for our boys, and in another note, the Louisville Bats are in Allentown Monday-Thursday, which should give us an opportunity to see Matt Maloney pitch.

Ryno's 4 hits not enough

The Florida Marlins beat the Phillies and Cole Hamels 6-4 Saturday, despite 4 hits and a walk from Ryan Howard. Ryan (.265) had 2 singles, 2 doubles and a walk, but the Marlins pulled to within 5 games of the defending champs. Hamels lasted just 5.1 innings, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits (including 2 home runs) and 4 walks to fall to 7-7 on the season. Cole looks a little tired, which would be understandable considering he pitched more innings than he ever had last season, and may benefit from both the schedule, which has 3 off days for the Phillies in the next 3 weeks, and the addition of Pedro Martinez to the roster, which may give everyone extra rest down the stretch. Kyle Kendrick threw a scoreless 9th inning for Philadelphia.

In Allentown, Joe Savery won his 2nd game for the IronPigs, and his 14th of this season, defeating Scranton, 4-3. Savery went 5 innings, giving up 2 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks, striking out 5. Alex Concepcion picked up another "hold", recording the next 5 outs, and Michael Taylor picked up 2 hits, and is now hitting .241 for Lehigh Valley since his promotion.

Randy Ruiz drove in his 106th run of the year for Las Vegas, but the 51s lost to Omaha, 8-4. In Sacramento, Adrian Cardenas had 2 hits and an RBI for the River Cats as part of their 11-4 win over Oklahoma City. Greg Golson had 2 hits and 2 RBI for the RedHawks.

In Binghamton, Kyle Drabek suffered his 2nd loss for Reading in the Mets' 6-2 win over the R-Phils. Drabek gave up 4 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks to fall to 7-2 for Reading and 11-3 overall. Chance Chapman had another good outing, throwing 2 scoreless innings, but Sergio Escalona did not have his good stuff, being roughed up to the tune of 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk in just .1 inning. Catcher Tim Kennelly had the only 2-hit game on the Reading ledger.

In Tampa, the Yankees beat Tyler Cloyd (2-5 since his promotion) and the Threshers, 6-1. Tyler went 6 innings and gave up all 6 runs (4 earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks. Chris Kissock and Dan Brauer threw a scoreless inning each in relief. Clearwater managed just 4 hits in the game, but in fairness the Threshers have lost their top 2 hitters, Dominic Brown and Steve Susdorf, to promotions.

In Lakewood, the BlueClaws got only 2 hits, both by Travis d'Arnaud, in their 7-1 loss to Lake County. Jesus Sanchez (8-6) did not have his best stuff, but it is hard to win when your team cannot score!! Lakewood will have an off day Sunday before traveling to Savannah to start an 8-game road trip Monday.

Susdorf promoted, Slayden retires

The Phillies have announced Steve Susdorf has been promoted to Reading and Jermey Slayden has retired.

Susdorf is worthy of the promotion, but the handling of Jeremy Slayden has been questionable. Slayden came out of Georgia Tech and played his way through the system, improving his numbers at each level until this season, where he struggled to get into games. Wasting away on the Lehigh Valley bench, he was eventually reassigned to Reading, where he tore it up for awhile, before losing time there, also. I understand there is a glut of outfielders in the system, but is this how you reward a player who has done everything you have asked, step by step, over the years? As I said, questionable.

The next question is what is next for Mike Spidale?

That being said, I have to admit, the outfield of Berry, Brown and Susdorf, while exclusively left-handed, is exciting to me as Reading fights its way towards the playoffs!

Rosenberg keeps it going; 64 and counting for Gose

Here is a summary of Friday's noteworthy performances

In Kansas City, Robinson Tejeda pitched 3.2 innings for the Royals in their 9-4 loss to the Athletics. Tejeda threw 51 pitches, 35 for strikes, allowing just 1 run on 2 hits, NO walks, striking out 4.

In Sacramento, Greg Golson had 2 hits and an RBI in Oklahoma City's 12 inning, 4-3 loss to the River Cats. Adrian Cardenas, struggling since his promotion, had a single and 2 walks for Sacramento. O yeah, Randy Ruiz had 3 more RBI, that's 105, as the 51s beat the Royals, 6-3. Hello, Toronto, is anyone paying attention up there!!?

In Binghamton, Reading topped the Mets 7-1 behind Yohan Flande. Yohan went 6 innings, giving up just 1 run on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 8 to improve to 2-2 with Reading (9-3 overall). B.J. Rosenberg made his debut, and it was "same old story" for "Rosie", 2 scoreless, hitless innings, 1 walk, 1 strike out. 30.2 innings without an earned run allowed and still counting!! Scott Mathieson threw the 9th, walking 2, but no runs allowed. Mathieson, out for almost 2 years, has been very impressive in his comeback this season.

Quintin Berry (.280) had a walk, a triple and his 4th homer of the year, driving in 3 runs and scoring 2, and Dominic Brown (.318 since his promotion) added 2 hits, 2 runs scored and an RBI.

Clearwater's game against Dunedin was suspended by rain in the 3rd inning, with the Threshers ahead, 1-0 on a Derrick Mitchell home run.

The BlueClaws dropped an 8-4 decision to Lake County in a game in which their only RBI came when Korby Mintkin was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Lake County errors accounted for the the other scoring. Moose Mattair, Troy Hanzawa and Kyle Lafrenz had 2 hit each and Anthony Gose had a hit and a walk, another outfield assist, and stole #64!!

Lafrenz double give Lakewood a win-63 and counting

Getting contributions from everyone in the line-up, the Lakewood BlueClaws rallied for 3 in the bottom of the 8th inning, thanks to a 2-out, bases loaded double by Kyle Lafrenz to take a 7-5 win from the Lake County Captains.

Anthony Gose sparked the team with 2 hits, a run scored, stolen base #63, and an outfield assist, Jim Murphy had 2 hits (and hit a blistering line drive into right field that could have easily been a third) as Lakewood basically picked each other up all evening long.

Trevor May started for the Claws and struggled through 4.2 inning, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits. It could have been worse for Trevor, who worked his way out of further damage a couple of times. Jordan Ellis finished the 5th, and then threw 3 more innings, allowing 2 runs along the way, as the game went back and forth all evening. Ryan Bergh recorded his 12th save, with a 1-2-3 9th inning, picking up 2 Ks.

Lakewood is 1 short in the bullpen with the promotion of B.J. Rosenberg to Reading Thursday afternoon, but should receive another arm from Williamsport before they start their 8-game road trip Monday in Savannah. My guess (and hope) would be Eric Massingham, who has posted a 0.48 ERA for the Crosscutters, which is just 1 earned run in 18.1 innings, striking out 29 in the process.

Clearwater up, Reading down

Javis Diaz broke out of a 3 for 23 funk with 4 hits, as the Clearwater Threshers scored 3 runs in the 7th inning to take a 4-3 win over Dunedin Thursday. Diaz had a 2-out, 2-RBI single in the big inning to tie it and then scored the winning run on a single by Freddy Galvis. Jon Velasquez started and went 5 for the Threshers, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks, but the bullpen of Santo Hernandez (1 IP), Walter Tejeda (1 IP, WIN) and Mike Schwimer (2 IP, save # 15) shut down the Jays.

In Reading, the Thunder threw up a 7-spot in the 7th, to snatch an 8-4 win for the R-Phils. Vance Worley started and pitched well for 6 innings, before giving up a home run and a single to start the 7th. Mike Zaguski came in, and gave up 2 hits, a walk, and hit a batter, recording just 2 outs, and Chance Chapman did not fare much better, giving up 3 hits in a row before getting the 3rd out. Quintin Berry stole his 40th base, and is on target to get 50 for the 3rd year in a row.

The Reading bullpen will get a shot in the arm with the promotion of B.J. Rosenberg from Lakewood directly to Reading. Rosenberg had 19 saves and 7 victories for Lakewood, posting a 0.89 ERA for the Claws in 50.1 innings (he had pitched 28.2 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run at the time of his promotion).

Carrasco, Maloney win

Carlos Carrasco and Matt Maloney, 2 of the main components of the BlueClaws 2006 Championship team, both won Thursday night. Carrasco won his 2nd start in a row for his new team, throwing 102 pitches over 7.2 innings, giving up 5 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks in Columbus' 9-6 win over Buffalo. Jason Donald homered for Columbus, scoring 4 times, and Lou Marson (also a member of the Championship squad) chipped in with a hit and a walk.

Meanwhile, Maloney also won his 8th game of the year with a 6.2 inning performance as Louisville topped Rochester, 5-2. Matt gave up 2 runs on 5 hits, striking out 9 and lowering his ERA to 2.71.

In Durham, Zack Segovia threw another shut out inning for Syracuse in Durham's 5-3 win over the Chiefs. Segovia has been awesome since his promotion, throwing a total of 14 innings in which he has allowed just 1 earned run on 8 hits and 4 walks, striking out 14. He has a win and a save and an ERA of 0.64. We could see Zack in DC in September!!

In Omaha, the Las Vegas 51s beat the Royals, 2-0 in 11 innings. Randy Ruiz (.323) had 2 hits and a walk, and drove in his 102nd run of the year, the insurance tally in the top of the 11th.

In Iowa City, Chris Roberson (.280) had a double and an RBI, and stole his 21st base of the year for Reno, as the Aces edged out the Cubs, 6-5.

In Portland, Mike Dubee continues to shine for the Altoona Curve, throwing another zero on the board Thursday night in the Sea Dog's 8-1 win. Dubee has a win and a save for Altoona, posting a 1.80 ERA in 18 appearances covering 23.2 innings for the Pittsburgh affiliate.

#59

Here is a shot of Anthony Gose stealing 2nd in Tuesday night's game to tie Chris Roberson's mark.

Floyd, Happ solid again; Gose now stolen base king

Gavin Floyd and J.A Happ both recorded victories Wednesday night. Happ pitched his 2nd complete game shut out of the season, striking out 10 Rockies and allowing just 4 hits and 2 walks in his 127 pitch masterpiece to improve to 8-2 on the year. Floyd picked up his 9th win, giving up just 1 earned run in 8 innings while yielding only 6 hits and a walk in the Sox 6-2 win over the Angels.

Meanwhile, Anthony Gose has set the single season stolen base record in Lakewood, swiping 2 bases Tuesday to eclipse Chris Roberson's 6-year old mark, and then stealing 2 more on Wednesday to now stand at 62 and counting. B.J. Rosenberg threw 2 more scoreless frames Wednesday, and is now up to 28.2 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run. The BlueClaws, while not really playing badly, have fallen into their worst stretch of the year, dropping 5 of 7 to fall to 20-19 in the second half. They have just been unable to get the big hit when needed this week.

In Dunedin, Darren Byrd won his 4th straight start, topping the Blue Jays, 5-1. Now 5-3 on the year, Byrd has allowed just 1 earned run in his last 25 innings. 3 hits from Cody Overbeck lad the offensive attack for the Threshers.

Pedro Martinez made another rehab start in Reading, going 6 innings as the R-Phils beat Trenton, 8-4. Scott Mathieson (2 IP) and Sergio Escalona (1 IP) pitched scoreless relief. Tim Kennelly had 3 hits for Reading and Dominic Brown (double, 1st AA homer) and Quintin Berry added 2 hits each. Reading improves to 61-48 on the year and remains in position to make the playoffs, leading Erie by 1 game.

Andy Baldwin pitched a complete game, 6-hit shut out, blanking Round Rock in Tacoma's 8-0 win to improve to 6-7 on the year.

Randy Ruiz was 0 for 3 Wednesday in Omaha, but has hit 2 more homers this week and is up to .322 with 25 dingers and 101 RBI for Las Vegas.

Claws end losing streak with thrilling comeback

The Lakewood BlueClaws snapped their first 3-game losing streak of the season with 2 runs in the bottom of the 10th inning Saturday night, to take a 5-4 win from the Hickory Crawdads. Travis d'Arnaud had 2 hits and 2 RBI for Lakewood, and Anthony Gose stole his 58th base of the year to pull within 1 of the team record.

Trevor May threw another good game, going the first 7 innings, and giving up just 3 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 9 in an impressive performance. The young man from Washington has allowed just 8 hits in his last 3 starts and is looking more comfortable with each outing. Speaking of comfortable, Jacob Diekman has really turned around his season. "Diek" came in for the 8th inning, recording 2 outs, before yielding to B.J. Rosenberg. BJ recorded 4 outs, 3 on Ks, to extend his streak to 25.2 innings without allowing an earned run. His ERA for the season is 0.95!

Jordan Ellis (2-2) was the winning pitcher, despite giving up the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th. Down by a run, Lakewood rallied with a double by Troy Hanzawa, and an RBI hit for Korby Mintkin, who came in for Harold Garcia when Garcia hurt his hand in an earlier at bat. A walk to Gose pushed Mintkin into scoring position, and Korby scored the winning run when Jim Murphy smacked a 2-out single into left field.

The BlueClaws are now 61-42 on the year, their 19-16 mark in the second half placing them 1.5 games out of first place, just .5 games behind Hickory, who they will face again this evening, with Justin De Fratus (5-3) going to the mound.

Reading wins 4th straight

The Reading Phillies' playoff push continued strong on Saturday in Erie with a 7-6 win over over Sea Wovles. It was the 4th win in a row for the R-Phils, who are now 60-46 on the year and 2 and a half games ahead of Bowie for the second playoff spot in the division.

Kyle Drabek started and, after giving up 4 in the 1st, settled into a 6 inning stint, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits, 3 of them home runs. Mike Zagurski got the win, after blowing the save, recording 5 outs, and Sergio Escalona (1.59) picked up his 12th save.

Red hot Brian Staviski had a double, a home run, and 4 more RBI. Staviski is 10 for 16, with 4 doubles, 4 home runs and 8 RBI during the 4-game stretch!! Quintin Berry had a single, a double, a walk, scored 3 runs and stole another base, #39 for Q. Dominic Brown made his AA debut, going 0 for 3, with 2 walks, playing right field. The combination of Berry and Brown in the outfield should cover A LOT of ground!!

Mike Cisco is scheduled to make his AA-debut this afternoon, and Joe Savery should go for Lehigh Valley.

In Clearwater Saturday, the Threshers rallied for 3 in the bottom of the 8th inning, but came up a run short in their 5-4 loss to Ft. Myers. Tyler Cloyd took the loss, but pitched alright. Cloyd (2-4) went 6.2 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk. Carlos Monasterios allowed a run over 1.1 frames, before Dan Brauer threw a scoreless 9th. No Thresher had more than 1 hit, but Steve Susdorf (.390) parlayed his double into 2 RBI. If they stay on schedule, Edgar Garcia will make his 2nd start of the year this afternoon.

tough luck continues for Maloney

Once again Matt Maloney pitched well enough to win, only to have his team come up short for him on the offense. Maloney (7-8, 2.72) and his Louisville teammates lost, 3-2 to the Charlotte Knights in Kentucky Saturday. Maloney went 7.2, giving up 3 runs on 7 hits (2 homers) and only 1 walk, striking out 5. Matt has lost 3 of his last 4 starts, despite not giving up more than 3 earned runs in any of them.

In Rochester, Michael Taylor drove in 2 runs, as the IronPigs topped the Red Wings, 7-1. In Memphis, Greg Golson has now sat out for a week for Oklahoma City, and while I have been unable to find out why, he has not been put on the DL, so I am assuming a minor injury and will continue to try to find out why. In Las Vegas, Kevin Howard (.299) had 2 hits and scored a run in the 51s' 8-7 win over Salt Lake.

Player movement in not only happening in the Phillies' system, the Oakland Athletics have promoted Adrian Cardenas to AAA-Sacramento. Adrian was hitting .326 for AA-Midland and was promoted earlier this year to Sacramento, where he struggled through 18 games, hitting just .177. We wish Adrian better luck this time!!

today's moves

Shuffle the rosters again, here we go

Joe Savery has been promoted to Lehigh Valley

Dominic Brown and Mike Cisco have been promoted to Reading

Gus Milner has been reassigned to Clearwater

Joe Bisenius, who has been on Reading's DL, will begin rehab with the Threshers.

Ruiz rocks Beavers

Randy Ruiz (.325) had 2 singles, a double, a walk, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI (99) to help Las Vegas to a 14-1 pounding over the Portland Beavers. Randy has been smoking hot all season, and makes me wonder why the Blue Jays would not bring him up to the majors and add his bat to their line-up!! Teammate Kevin Howard added 2 doubles, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

Andy Baldwin had an overdue good outing Friday in Reno, throwing 5.2 shut out innings for Tacoma in their eventual 8-0 loss to the Aces. Andy threw 101 pitches, allowing only 3 hits and 3 walks, striking out 6.



In Erie, Chance Chapman was in the right place at the right time again Friday night, and his 2.1 hitless innings of relief made him the winning pitcher in Reading's 6-4, 10-inning win over the Sea Wolves. Chance is now 6-1 , 2.81 for Reading, and 9-2, 1.95 overall for 2009. Yohan Flande started for Reading, and after allowing 4 runs (3 earned) in the 2nd inning, settled down and slammed the door, allowing his team to get back in it. Brian Staviski and Carlos Leon had 3 hits each for Reading, Staviski hitting his 9th homer. Quintin Berry also homered for the R-Phils, as well as picking up an another outfield assist.

Tyson Brummett pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the 10th to nail down his 2nd save since being moved into that role.

In Clearwater, the Fort Myers Miracle defeated Jon Velasquez and the Threshers, 6-1. Velasquez went 5.2 innings , allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 4 walks and left the game trailing 3-1. Fidel Hernandez had the only 2-hit game for Clearwater.

Carlos tops Pedro

In what had to be the most intriguing game in the short history of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, recently traded former IronPig Carlos Carrasco bested Pedro Martinez in a 9-6 Clippers win on Friday.

Carrasco battled his way through 5.1 innings of work, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits and a walk to his ex-mates, including a 2-run homer by Michael Taylor, to qualify for the win for Columbus. Carlos is now 7-9 on the year, and heads to Columbus now with his new team for their next home stand. Both Jason Donald and Lou Marson were in the line-up again for the Clippers.

Martinez did not pitch badly, throwing 84 pitches and going 5 innings, giving up 4 of his 5 runs in his last inning of work.