Iron Pigs Off To A Better Start In 2009
Lehigh Valley Competitive in International League
Last year at this time, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs were off to one of the most terrible starts in minor league baseball history
The Iron Pigs were in their inaugural season in Allentown, Pa, at their brand new stadium, Coca-Cola Park, after having moved from Ottawa, Canada, the previous season.
The people of the Lehigh Valley supported the team well, but suffered from the start with a 3-24 record in the month of April.
The top minor league team of the nearby Philadelphia Phillies went on to win some games, but finished with a 55-38 record and 33 games behind the International League North Division winner Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.
Iron Pigs Have Decent Start in 2009
This season, the Iron Pigs are giving their fans something to cheer about.
The parent club Phillies won the World Series in 2008 and some minor league call-ups got experience in the September pennant race.
Lehigh Valley went 10-9 in April and currently own a 10-13 record in the IL North Division.
They are 9 ½ games behind Scranton/Wilkes Barre, who is once again off to a good start at 20-4, but Lehigh Valley is staying competitive with the other teams and could play for a wild-card playoff spot.
Iron Pigs Have Prospects
The difference between last year’s team and this year’s is better ballplayers.
The Iron Pigs have some major league prospects on the team this year with catcher Lou Marzen and pitcher Carlos Carrasco.
Marzen played for the U.S. Olympic Team in the 2008 games in Bejing, China, and won a bronze medal.
He was called up to the Phillies earlier this year when starting catcher Carlos Ruiz went down with an injured knee.
Marzon was recently sent back down to Lehigh Valley, but could be back in the big leagues before the season ends
Carrasco was a candidate to make the Phillies team in spring training, but management thought he needed more minor league seasoning.
Iron Pigs Have Major League Experience
This year’s pitching ace for the Iron Pigs is Kyle Kendrick, who pitched the last two seasons with the Phillies and earned a World Series ring.
Kendrick was struggling with his command late last year, and again in spring training.
Since he never pitched a full season in triple-A, the Phillies thought it would be best if he got himself together in the minor leagues.
Kendrick is doing his part with a 2-1 record and a 2.77 earned run average.
The Phillies also got outfielder John Mayberry in a trade during the off-season and made an impression in spring training before being sent down.
Lehigh Valley fans should have a better time going to the park this season.
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