Phillies Minor League Roundup - May 1, 2014

Lehigh Valley 7, Gwinnett 5

Sean O'Sullivan - 5.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, K, 10 GB, 3 FB, WP
Cesar Jimenez - 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, K
Justin De Fratus - 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 K
Luis Garcia - 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R
Clete Thomas - 2 for 4, 2 R, 2B, BB, K, SB
Maikel Franco - 3 for 5, 3 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, K
Reid Brignac - 3 for 5, R, 2 2B, RBI, 2 K
Koyie Hill - 2 for 4, 2B, 2 RBI
Tyson Gillies - 0 for 3, HBP

Sean O'Sullivan does enough not to ruin the Iron Pigs offensive output in this one. Maikel Franco with a monster game while hitting his 2nd homer on the season. Despite the overall .196 batting average, he has been hitting a bit better as of late (.286 in his last 10). There are signs of him either making adjustments or warming up. Either way, its a positive! De Fratus continues his bizarre season striking out the side in this one while still giving up a run. Luis Garcia continues to make his case of being brought back up to the big club. I for one think this should have happened a long time ago. Another thing I'll bring up is how well Clete Thomas has been playing. He is certainly not a prospect, but I think he could help the Phillies as well. Left handed hitter who can play the entire OF who can also steal bases. Something to consider. I also noticed that one of the Braves opposing relievers is Ryan Buchter, a brother of someone I graduated with some high school. That is pretty cool.

Reading, Portland (ppd due to rain)

Clearwater, Daytona (ppd due to rain)

Lakewood 3, Lexington 1 (Game 1 of doubleheader, 7 innings)

Drew Anderson - 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, BB, 7 K, 5 GB, 2 FB
JP Crawford - 1 for 2, R, 2B, BB
Carlos Tocci - 0 for 2
Dylan Cozens - 1 for 2, RBI
Willians Astudillo - 0 for 3
Mitch Walding - 0 for 3, K
Andrew Pullin - 0 for 3, K
Samuel Hiciano - 0 for 3, K
Wilmer Oberto - 1 for 3, R
Deivi Grullon - 1 for 2, HR, 2 RBI, K (throwing error)

Drew Anderson shuts down the Lexington offense. All the Blue Claw offense came from the bats of Crawford, Cozens and Grullon. Grullon smashes a 2 run homer in the 3rd for his 1st in full season ball. Encouraging signs from an 18 year old catcher more known for his defensive prowess. It was an aggressive call up even with the glut of catcher injuries so far (Tommy Joseph, Cameron Rupp and Andrew Knapp). JP Crawford is probably not long for Lakewood as he continues to produce beyond his age and experience. Look for a call up to Clearwater by mid-summer.

Lakewood 10, Lexington 5 (Game 2 of doubleheader, 7 innings, makeup of 4/30 ppd)

Ranfi Casimiro - 5 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, BB, 4 K, HR, 8 GB, 0 FB
JP Crawford - 2 for 5, R, 2B, 3 RBI, SB
Carlos Tocci - 0 for 3, BB, 2 K
Dylan Cozens - 0 for 4, RBI, K (outfield assist, home)
Willians Astudillo - 2 for 3, R, 2B, RBI, BB
Mitch Walding - 1 for 4, R, 2 K
Andrew Pulliln - 1 for 2, 2 R, 2 BB, K (throwing error)
Jan Hernandez - 1 for 2, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, K
Jose Mayorga - 2 for 4, 2 R, 3B, RBI, 2 K

A pretty bad outing again from Casimiro who has now given up 26 runs (20 earned) in 20 innings this season to go along with 10 walks and only 11 strikeouts. The Lakewood placement was probably a bit too aggressive considering he wasn't all that good in the GCL last season. JP Crawford, just being JP Crawford. Gets his 7th stolen base on the season. Jan Hernandez with his first full season HR. I have high hopes for the Puerto Rican native, but I full expect him to be sent back to Williamsport or GCL when their season starts or when they deem Zach Green ready to return. Lakewood pretty much controlled the game from the 2nd and held a 10-3 advantage after the 5th.