Reading Phillies: New Man Of The House
Mark Parent was hired as the R-Phils new manager, replacing Steve Roadcap. The Phillies Double-A club finished the regular season 69-72. Parent just led the Class-A club to the South Atlantic League championship and his taking the reigns could be a huge boost. Parent's methods have proven successful not just in the Phillies organization, but also the Mariners (where he was named California League MOY in 2000), and with two Indpendent League clubs. With several championships under his belt, Parent's doing something right. Or he's gotten pretty lucky. Whatever it is, this will be his first time managing at the Double-A level.
On the side: With the Phillies leaving Tyson Gillies and Philipe Aumont unprotected the Cliff Lee trade became basically fruitless. Why is that 'on the side'? Because it didn't register as a shock. The shock was that it happened at all. And that's old news.
New Hampshire Fisher Cats: Pals Travel?
It's certainly no surprise that former MLB catcher Sal Fasano became a manager. There was always talk among baseball writers and fans that he would do an exceptional job in that capacity.
Fasano replaces the well-liked Luis Rivera after spending 2010 managing Class-A Lansing. He has a place in Philadelphia sports fans hearts for his blue-collar attitude and, of course, the mustache. Sal's Pals was formed as a tribute to Fasano when he played for the Phillies in 2006. You just might see them make an appearance or two at Fisher Cats games. It wouldn't be surprising.
There is something about a young manager. 39 years old and only a few years removed from the big leagues, he brings a unique perspective to young players in development.
The Blue Jays made two smart roster moves before the Rule 5 Draft. They added outfielder Darin Mastroianni and catcher Brian Jeroloman to their 40-man roster. Both showed tremendous promise in 2010. Jeroloman, 25, finished the regular season hitting .265 with 38 runs batted in. He's got a good shot at seeing some Major League time in a back-up role in 2011.
Altoona Curve: Looking Brand New
Pitcher Michael Dubee was left off the Pittsburgh Pireates 40-man, after finishing 2010 with a 2.24 ERA for Altoona. The 25-year-old righty was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 18th round in 2007, was then traded to the White Sox, then Pittsburgh. Is there a team philosophy that could help Dubee reach his full potential? He's not had the opportunity to develop with one club over time and it would do him good. The Pirates evidently didn't feel the need to hang onto him despite his impressive 34 innings of relief for Altoona. He'd be a smart Rule 5 pickup for a team looking for an inexpensive bullpen arm.
On The Side: In a nice nod to the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Curve's new logo features the Keystone icon. The new team colors are part of the tribute: they are Railroad Red, Boiler Bronze, Charcoal Gray, and Soot Black.
New look, new uniforms...next on the docket - a new manager?