Phillies Minor League Roundup - August 6, 2014 (Nola and Biddle Edition)

Reading 9, Harrisburg 2

Aaron Nola - 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, BB, 4 K, 7 GB, 2 FB
Matt Hoffman - 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 K, HR
Seth Rosin - 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, K
Nefi Ogando - 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R
Albert Cartwright - 1 for 3, R, RBI, BB, SB, 2 CS
Carlos Alonso - 0 for 3, BB, 2 K
Kelly Dugan - 2 for 4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, K
Jake Fox - 2 for 4, 2 R, HR, 4 RBI, K
Aaron Altherr - 1 for 4, R, 2B, RBI
Sebastian Valle - 1 for 4, RBI
Zach Collier - 1 for 4, R, 2 K
Aaron Nola - 1 for 2, R, K

7,200+ came out to see Aaron Nola's debut in Reading last night. That number of fans isn't that all uncommon for a Fightin' Phils game, but shows the fans excitement for the Phillies 2014 1st rounder. Nola's fastball sat regularly in the 92-93 mph range and was said to have topped out at 95. He displayed his curveball as well, striking out a few batters. RAJ was in attendance and liked what he saw and you know, who wouldn't? All reports indicated Nola was polished enough to possibly end this season in the big leagues. There is a VERY good chance Nola breaks into the Phillies rotation at the beginning of the 2015 season. Nola will be on a strict innings and pitch count limit from here on out (remember he threw 100+ for LSU already). Though, we should get a few more starts from Nola before he is completely shut down.

In other news, the Fightin's won the game and the bullpen held on with a solid effort of their own. Ogando was reported to be hitting the high 90's with his fastball and and a low 90's slider. If he develops any sort of control of those pitches, watch out world. Kelly Dugan hits a double and raises his season slash to .288/.385/.414 through 198 at bats. Kelly should be getting a much due promotion soon. Ambassador Jake Fox hits his 32nd home run of the season (16th with Reading). Collier's HR streak comes to an end after 4 games and that Nola kid also collected a bunt single.

Clearwater 4, Daytona 0

Jesse Biddle - 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 5 K, 5 GB, 3 FB
Lino Martinez - 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, BB, K
Ulises Joaquin - 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, BB, K
Roman Quinn - 0 for 4, K
JP Crawford - 1 for 3, R, BB, K
Brandon Short - 2 for 4, HR, K
Brian Pointer - 0 for 2, R, 2 BB
Harold Martinez - 0 for 3, 2 K
Art Charles - 1 for 3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 K
Gabriel Lino - 0 for 2, BB
Herlis Rodriguez - 0 for 2, BB

Nola was announced to be starting at Reading over a week ago (and long speculated before that). By yesterday afternoon, it was rumored and then confirmed that Jesse Biddle would be coming back from his leave of absence to pitch for the Threshers. 1,721 fans were lucky enough to see Biddle throw a 5 inning no-hitter in which he was able to strike out 5 and only walk 1.  Biddle was allowed to go on the temporarily in-active list following a bout with depression that likely stemmed from his unusual concussion (which was a result of getting hit in the head with rather large hail). He spoke after the game and relayed his feelings about his depression issues and how he is feeling better. It sounded like he very much needed a break from the game to put everything in perspective. Having a clear head and good bill of health is more important than a dumb game. I'm glad he is feeling better.

JP Crawford has 5 walks and only 4 strikeouts in his last 10 games. Art Charles hits his 13th homer and drives in his 39th and 40th runs of the season. If he only hit and didn't strike out 35% of the time, we could probably get excited. Brian Pointer has an OBP of .366 in his last 10 games (is .320 on the season). Roman Quinn's 20-game on-base streak comes to an end finally.

Hudson Valley 6, Williamsport 2

Feliberto Sanchez - 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, BB, 2 K, 7 GB, 4 FB, WP
Chris Oliver - 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB
Mark Meadors - 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, K
Cord Sandberg - 2 for 5, 2 K
Jiandido Tromp - 2 for 4, R, 2 2B, 2 K
Aaron Brown - 0 for 4, 2 K
Rhys Hoskins - 1 for 3, R, RBI, BB (fielding error)
Wilson Garcia - 1 for 3, 2B, RBI, BB
Derek Campbell - 1 for 4, K
Jan Hernandez - 1 for 4, 2 K (throwing error)
Deivi Grullon - 1 for 4 (throwing error)
Emmanuel Marrero - 0 for 4, 4 K

Feliberto Sanchez hasn't had much success this season and is on the hook for his 6th loss in only 10 appearances this season. He is 2-5 in games he has started. Chris Oliver has moved to the pen and the results aren't all that much different. The 2014 draftee is struggling with his control and has accumulated 16 walks in 11 innings with the Crosscutters. That is a Perci Garner-like-rate. Cord Sandberg with his first multi-hit game since 7/22 and is OPSing .617 for the season after a VERY strong start. Tromp with two more XBH and is just begging to be called up. I'm not advocating Larry Greene be demoted, but I'm advocating Tromp being called up. Whatever you can do to make that happen Phillies.

GCL Phillies 2, GCL Yankees2 1

BJ Rosenberg - 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, K
Denton Keys - 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, BB, 5 K, 9 GB, 3 FB, WP (pickoff error)
Seranthony Dominguez - 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R
Kyle Bogese - 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, K
Venn Biter - 0 for 4, 2 K (outfield assist, home)
Tim Zier - 0 for 3, R, BB, K
Grenny Cumana - 0 for 3
Damek Tomscha - 1 for 3, 2B, RBI, K
Jose Pujols - 2 for 3, HR
Trey Williams - 0 for 3
Gustavo Martinez - 1 for 3
Olvy Marte - 0 for 3

Apparently, the Phillies still like BJ Rosenberg. Denton Keys with back to back appearances of 6 innings in which he has given up 1 run or less. He is striking out guys (10) and limiting his walks (2). Keep this up Denton! Jose Pujols blasts his 4th HR of the year. He is only 2 away from tying last year's number and is showing a lot of improvement at the plate after tough 2013 season. Cumana plays again and is held hitless.