It’s good to see a new opponent at Coca Cola Park, even if they are somewhat familiar if you watched any of the Away series when the ‘Pigs were in Virginia. Welcome to Camp Day 2025!
Photo: Cheryl Pursell
Let’s Clean Some Things Up
- Rochester Series: IronPigs dropped the weekend series with the Red Wings 1-2. They need to hit better and pitch better in relief. In the final game on Sunday, after it had become clear that the Red Wings couldn’t hit a breaking pitch, but could very well drive a 94mph meatball, well, Rangel served up a 94mph meatball. But it didn’t matter because the visitors had a tough lefty on the mound and we ran out a Sunday lineup of right-handers who couldn’t do any damage.
- David Robertson: He’s signed, and he’s here via option from the Phillies. He’s set to pitch four times over the next 15 days. It’s not that I don’t like him or don’t want to take a chance, but I worry that if the Phillies aren’t aggressive enough making other moves you end up asking too much of D-Rob. I just hope there’s not an opportunity cost here that will preclude them from doing something else, or trying as hard as they should be trying to improve the team at the deadline. That all said, it does take two to tango, so if talks have been difficult this was one way to add a player of need without giving up any prospect capital.
- Andrew Painter: I’ve had a Painter piece in the works for a while but haven’t been able to finish it. With July winding down, the calls have come from the Philly faithful that it’s time to call up Painter. Here’s the thing: He’s not ready. He’s not bored or ‘not trying hard’ or ‘not challenged enough’ whatever excuse because “you wanna see.” No, he doesn’t have it all together yet and he’s coming off a major injury. It needs time. The only excuse I’m willing to listen to is that the coaches aren’t always calling a game to generate success and numbers, but rather to achieve certain execution and development goals. But still, if he’s unable to meet that challenge or the goals, then he needs to keep working. It’s in there. You can see the talent and he’s a good dude. He’ll get there.
- Mick Abel: At this point, any talk of calling up Andrew Painter should be taken as disrespect to Mick Abel. As we covered on Sunday morning, he’s ready to go back whenever they need him. Evidently, they’ll give Taijuan Walker another turn in the rotation in New York later this week. But we’ll see after that. I’m starting to come around to the possibility of having him work some in relief later in the season, so that he might help in that role in the playoffs if he’s needed. Something to watch–as well as the trade deadline, of course.
- Justin Crawford (above): He is ready. As ready as he’s going to be. The center field play can still be an adventure at times. His helmet will always fly off running the bases. It’s just a matter of when the Phillies are ready for him and the corresponding move that will need to be made to get him up there. Word is, they would like to drop him into a lineup that is already clicking. The Phillies are not that at the moment.
Transactions
Transactions that come through early Tuesday morning will be included here. Otherwise check in on tomorrow’s column.
Most recent move was Weston Wilson to the Phillies as Alec Bohm went on the IL. Crismatt will need to be activated to pitch today.
Norfolk Tides
The Tides are the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. They are 8-11 in the second half, and 38-54 overall. They just lost 2 of 3 at home to visiting Syracuse.
Prospects:
#1: C Samuel Basallo – He’s only 20 years old and he was a problem when the IronPigs visited Norfolk earlier in the season. He was a problem last season at AA when I saw him in Reading. His success even has Orioles-watchers thinking about dealing young star Adley Rutschman to make room. BUT, there might be holes in his swing and he might not be able to stick at catcher. Keep your eye on that this week. He’ll pop up at 1B and DH when he’s not behind the dish.
#3: RHP Chayce McDermott – Came over from the Astros system via trade. Turns 27 soon. Out of Ball State.
#5: OF Dylan Beavers – #33 overall pick out of Cal in 2022. .889 OPS this season.
#17: RHP Cameron Weston – Former 8th round pick out of Michigan. Pittsburgh native. 4.55 ERA on the season, roughed up a bit vs IronPigs on 5/30 by Buddy Kennedy and Christian Arroyo. Scheduled to pitch Wednesday night.
#24: OF Jud Fabian – Currently injured. Hitting .221
At The Park This Week:
Tuesday: 12:05 Start. “Camp Day” Game on MLB Network
Wednesday: Tail Waggin’ Day: bring your pup. Women’s Empowerment Day. Suicide Prevention Day. Tacos and Tallboys Day.
Thursday: Festers Night. Festers Cap Giveaway (adults). Twisted Thursday Happy Hour.
Friday: Christmas in July. Snow Globe Giveaway (adults). Fireworks
Saturday: Pickleball Night. Youth Jersey Giveaway (kids). Fireworks
Sunday: Golf Day. Golf Ball Giveaway (adults). FCA Baseball Team Recognition. Post-game Kids run bases.
Weather
The week looks to start out great (bring your sunscreen Tuesday) and then get hotter as the weekend approaches. Storms could pop up on the weekend.
Pitching
Norfolk opens with RHP Ward, RHP Weston and LHP Povich
IronPigs open with Crismatt (off the Dev List), Mosser, and then Painter on Thursday. Abel or
Rangel could go Friday, or we could see a Nola rehab.
Game Day!
Camp Day! I think they could probably do one or two more day games during the summer. But, MLB puts so many rules in place it becomes difficult. And, 1PM in July can be hot. Still, I wouldn’t mind a “Business Person Special” in June and in September.
Game Time: 12:05PM
Gates: 10:45AM Main; 10:30AM Club
Promotion: None. Bring your sunscreen and eat a good breakfast before you come over. Wear your sunglasses and a hat.
Weather: My hourly forecast just has a little picture of Kurt at game time. 75 and sunny.
Up Next
Standard 6-game home set after today. IronPigs will be in Worcester next week (and Reading in Hartford if anyone is up for a roadie).
See you at the park,
@Kram207
Featured Image by Cheryl Pursell. It has been cropped to fit the space.
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