Here are a couple of stories from the Winter Tour last night in Lakewood.

Mike McGarry of the Press of Atlantic City talked to Mickey Morandini and Jesse Biddle.

Morandini thought of becoming a coach or manager right after his retirement, but he had three young sons.

“When I retired, I told my wife I wanted to manage one day, but I had a 7-year-old, 4-year-old and 1-year-old,” he said. “I didn’t have time to go back on the road.”

Now, his boys are 17, 14 and 11, leaving him time to pursue a second baseball career.

(snip)

Biddle said Morandini is easy to get to know.

“He’s a really, really good baseball guy,” Biddle said. “He played the game the right way, so he can coach the game the right way.”

Biddle might have to sneak a favor from Morandini during the season. Biddle’s father, David, probably wouldn’t mind an autograph from his favorite player.

“I don’t know what the ethics are on that,” Biddle said with a laugh, “but my dad would be thrilled.”

Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Daily News talked to Charlie Manuel and Ruben Amaro about some of the spots open in the Phillies bullpen.

“If I was coming to spring training and I was a candidate for our bullpen,” Manuel said last night at the Phillies Winter Caravan, “I’d be hyped-up about making the team.”

Manuel offered the stories of Michael Stutes and Antonio Bastardo, key relievers from last season, who “came out of nowhere” and “were like icing on the cake.” He also mentioned how important it is for those two to continue progressing this season to prove that their reliability in 2011 was more than beginner’s luck.

(snip)

“Right now, we’re focusing on that low-hanging fruit, guys who haven’t signed yet, some guys who have some experience,” Amaro said. “We’re likely, probably not going to do a major-league deal, but it’s possible under the right circumstance. We do have some space on the roster. As far as our payroll’s concerned, we’re up against it, very close to being maxed out right now. We’ll see how it goes when we get closer to spring.”

Here is a Philly.com video talking to Manuel and Amaro. Look for some additional media later on and we’ll link it up here.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was one of the guests at the Phillies Winter Tour stop in Lakewood last night. We had a chance to talk with Manuel, who last year became the Phillies all time winningest manager and will enter his 8th season at the helm this year.

“I look back and it’s going by too quick- it has all gone by too fast. Time just seems like it flies by especially when you get a little age on you. I’ve been in the game all my life, and I’ve been very fortunate with the talent I was able to work with and very fortunate to get back to the big leagues as a manager.”

“We had a great season last year that ended in a tough way. It was special and then all of a sudden it seemed like we were out. Our goal every year ever since we won was to get back to the World Series and win it. I was talking to Halladay and a few of our players and we still feel like we’re ready to go [in Spring Training] and get started.”

“I’ve been around Jimmy [Thome] for about the first 15 years of his career. When I look at him-for him to hit 600 home runs- I’d sit around and talk to [Cleveland Indians General Manager] John Hart and [Assistant General Manager] Danny O’Dowd about what he’s going to do and I’d say that he was going to hit close to 500 home runs. Everything about his career has been great and as good of a player he is, he might be a better person. Thome is a guy who can walk through our clubhouse and have a positive impact.”

Earlier tonight, Adam Giardino sat down with 2011 BlueClaws LHP Jesse Biddle, the South Atlantic League All-Star left-handed pitcher, for an interview at the Phillies Winter Tour event in Lakewood.

“I think going into my second full season I have a better understanding of what I need to do and where I need to be at. I had a tough first month in Lakewood this season and my first goal is to not have that happen. Whatever level I’m at, I want to be able to come out of the gate ready to go and not go through that first slump.”

“I need to improve upon every pitch, which, everyone can improve on something. I think the thing I wanted to improve upon was using my body more—getting a little bit more out of my legs and my core.”

“I want to tell you that I’m going to be in Redding and that I’m going to be successful there [by the end of the 2012 season]. Growing up as a fan of the Phillies, that’s where you know the guys are going to make that next jump and that’s where you can find out how good you really are.”

“Mentally, I think the biggest jump you make is going from your first season to your second season. Before your first season you have no idea what’s going on. By the time you come out of your first season you feel like a seasoned veteran.”

This is always one of the books I am most eager-to-open each year - the Baseball America Prospect Handbook, which you can order online through Baseball America. They release their top ten prospects each year and in the fall we did a Q&A with Matt Forman, who handed the Phillies list. Today, however, we go from 1-10, all the way up to 30.

11-20: 11 - Roman Quinn, SS (2nd round pick in 2011); 12 - Lisalberto Bonilla, RHP (2011 BlueClaw); 13 - Carlos Tocci, OF (16 year old signed with Phillies on August 23rd, his birthday); 14 - Cesar Hernandez, 2B (Played last year with Clearwater after skipping Lakewood); 15 - Aaron Altherr, OF (split last year between Lakewood and Williamsport and could be back with the BlueClaws); 16 - Ervis Manzanillo, LHP (2011 BlueClaw); 17 - Julio Rodriguez, RHP (2010 BlueClaw heads to Reading this year); 18 - Kyrell Hudson (3rd round pick in 2009 could open with Lakewood this year); 19 - Harold Garcia, 2B (2009 BlueClaw missed most of last year with torn ACL but could open this year with Lehigh Valley); 20 - Larry Greene, OF (Phillies supplemental first-round pick in 2011).

21-30: 21 - Perci Garner, RHP (2nd round pick in 2010 likely joins Lakewood this year); 22 - Austin Hyatt, RHP (2009 BlueClaw heads to Lehigh Valley this year); 23 - Mitchell Walding, SS (Phillies 5th round pick in 2011); 24 - Leandro Castro, OF (2009-10 BlueClaw); 25 - Joe Savery, LHP (made Phillies debut in September, never played here); 26 - Austin Wright, LHP (2011 8th round pick went 1-2, 2.67 in seven BlueClaws starts); 27 - Zach Collier, OF (played here in 2009 and 11); 28 - JC Ramirez, RHP (acquired in Cliff Lee trade from Seattle); 29 - Adam Morgan, LHP (3rd round pick in 2011 from Alabama went 3-3, 2.01 with Williamsport); 30 - Michael Schwimer, RHP (made Phillies debut in September).

(Yes, my desk is a little messy. Yes, that’s my Atlantic-10 Tournament pamphlet - Go Fordham! Yes, that’s my Big Brown bobblehead doll).

We will be interviewing all of the guests tomorrow night at the Winter Tour (details of the event here - I’m posting this early afternoon on Tuesday and you have to reserve your spot by Wednesday at 9 am).

Those interviews will be posted here and on Facebook, Twitter, etc and we’ll have a few stories, some pictures, etc. It should be a great night.

We’d like, of course, some of the questions for the guests to come from you. Submit them here in the comments section, send us an email (radio at blueclaws.com), or on Twitter. Just leave your first name and hometown if you don’t mind.

Guests: Charlie Manuel (Phillies manager), Ruben Amaro (Phillies GM), Jesse Biddle (2011 BlueClaws pitcher and top prospect), Mickey Morandini (former Phillies 2B and new BlueClaws manager), Steve Noworyta (Phillies assistant director of minor league operations).

Thanks and we hope to get a number of great questions!

If you missed BlueClaws GM Geoff Brown on this morning with Kevin Williams on WOBM-AM 1160/1310 (the radio home of the BlueClaws!), you can listen to the interview by clicking here (save link as and then you can listen on your computer or drag it into iTunes and listen on your iPod).

They talk about the upcoming season but primarily about the Phillies Winter Tour event coming to Lakewood on Wednesday (details here).

Or click below to listen:

Update: Correct audio file - I had linked the promo podcast from the previous post.

The BlueClaws released the first round of 2012 promotions earlier today. Click here for the full story and click here to download a pdf version of the schedule from BlueClaws.com.

We wanted to sit down and get a behind-the-scenes look at the process and the promo schedule so  we recorded this ClawCast with BlueClaws Director of Promotions Hal Hansen.

Click here to download the file (save link as and then you can listen on your computer or drag it into iTunes and listen on your iPod).

Some of our favorites?
June 5th’s Carl Spackler Bucket Hats
July 28th’s BruceClaws Night
July 29th’s ET 30th Anniversary Celebration

Jesse Biddle checks in at #9 on this list from MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo.

9. Jesse Biddle, Phillies: Getting to pitch in your own backyard can be a blessing and a curse. Sure, you’re close to home, but the pressure of playing for your hometown team can be detrimental. Biddle, the Philly-area kid who was taken by his team in the first round in 2010, handled it with aplomb. Strong and durable, Biddle shook off a rough first month to pitch extremely well in full-season ball for the remainder of the year, finishing among the leaders in ERA and strikeouts. As with many young pitchers, there’s still work to be done with his command, but he has the chance to have three above-average to plus pitches when all is said and done. He’ll pitch all of the upcoming season at age 20 while making the move up to the Florida State League.

Biddle will be a guest at the Winter Tour stop in Lakewood on Wednesday of next week (January 25th). Details here.

Spring training is just a few weeks away, and players, like 2011 BlueClaws pitcher Tyler Knigge, are gearing up for another season. We had a chance to talk with Knigge yesterday about his offseason and getting ready for 2012.

How did you wind down from the season? My brother and I drove back across the country and we went sightseeing, went to the NFL opener at Lambeau Field, went to Mount Rushmore. We took six or seven days to drive across the country and get the mind off the season and prepare for the next season. After I got home, I settled for two or three weeks and get right into the offseason program.

Where did you get the Packers tickets? I got them off NFL Ticket Exchange – we were in the end zone when Rodgers threw the first TD pass of the season. We are hardcore Packers fans. That was a first for me, and we had a chance driving back to get there. I knew I had to stop.

(We didn’t know he was a huge Packers fan or we wouldn’t have called the day after this)

What’s your day-to-day routine this offseason? I ended up getting a job with Goodwill Working Solutions – I’m a participant adviser. People that are on benefits through the government, if they meet the qualifications, they get referred to us and we help people find jobs. I started my baseball work in October 12^th and work out Monday, Wednesday, Friday with a personal trainer at 5:30 am and work out until I have to go to work at 8. Work 8-5 M-F and after work I do my baseball specific stuff – throwing, stretching, long tossing. I recently started the bullpens, and then after I’ll go back tot eh gym and then go running.

When did you start throwing? I started throwing December 1^st, after Christmas its become every day, and I threw my 3^rd bullpen yesterday.

Is this offseason, your second since being drafted, a lot different than your first? Absolutely. Last year, I went to instructional league and I did the workout program, but didn’t have a job last offseason. I did some hunting and fishing like we like to do in Idaho. This year, its become more baseball – I feel I have something to prove and I want to show everyone what I can do and that requires a lot more work in the offseason.

How much do the Phillies shape your program? They give us an offseason workout book. My trainer and I sat down and put up a goal setting program and we do our workouts. Every month or so we try to hit a specific goal and it comes out of the book the Phillies put together.

When are you heading down to Florida? I fly out from Spokane on February 13^th. The reason, when I reported last year, I flew out March 3^rd, it was snowing and I landed out in 75 degree weather. I want to get there early to prepare myself the correct way. In spring training, it takes a week to get the arm loose. This year I’m going in fully prepared.

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Read the rest of this entry »

Good luck to Steve Schrenk, who BlueClaws fans know was the pitching coach here in 2005-06, and 2010-11. Schrenk is now managing the Canberra Calvary in the Australian Baseball League.

After missing the playoffs in his first year (the 2010-11 season), they are in the mix to the end this year. With five games left, the Calvary are 18-22, in a three-way tie for third place, one game out of second, and one game ahead of sixth place. The top four teams will qualify for the post-season.

Perth, at 30-10, have an 11 game lead and have already clinched first place. They’re led by former BlueClaw and Australian native Tim Kennelly, who is 3rd in the league hitting .369 and tops in the league with 36 RBIs.

Canberra, who has won six of their last 10 games, will have Mike McGuire, the 2010 Lakewood closer who made a few appearances for the BlueClaws in 2011, pitch one of the last five games. McGuire is 4-4 and 4th in the league with a 2.92 ERA.

Melbourne has Brad Harman, an infielder on the 2006 BlueClaws team that Schrenk was a coach for. He’s batting .283 with a league leading 11 home runs.

Here is a pretty good rundown from the Canberra site. Go Calvary!

Today is Friday the 13th, and we’d like to wish everyone a Happy Friday the 13th. This day has always been good to the BlueClaws, as the team is 7-2 all-time on Friday the 13th.

The BlueClaws will actually play two Friday the 13th games this year, one in April against Hagerstown and anothyer in July against Hickory, both at FirstEnergy Park.

Here’s the BlueClaws history on Friday the 13th:

• 2001: April, W 1-0 vs Hickory (11)…Two future big leaguers, Yoel Hernandez, six, and Eude Brito, three, helped pitch the shutout.
• 2003: June, L 7-5 vs Delmarva…Led 5-1 but gave up six runs in the eighth inning.
• 2004: August, W 7-3 and 11-0 vs Greensboro…Michael Buorn went 4-8 over the double-header and Randy Ruiz hit a home run in game two.
• 2005: May, W 10-4 at Delmarva…Jason Jaramillo went 4-4.
• 2007: April, W 9-5 at Hickory…’Claws pound out 14 hits including two from Quintin Berry, Adrian Cardenas, Tuffy Gosewisch, and three from Jay Miller.
• 2008: June, W 4-0 at DEL…six shutout innings from Chance Chapman.
• 2010: August, W 10-0 vs DEL…Trevor May threw seven shutout innings, Leandro Castro drove in three and Stephen Batts hit a home run.
• 2011: May, L 4-3 vs HAG…8,217 fans were here to see the Bryce Harper and Jesse Biddle struck him out in the first inning. However, Hagerstown scored four in the second before holding on for a 4-3 win.

April 13th, July 13th, both at 7:05. See you then.

Boo.

If you missed this on the main site, I thought I’d re-post here for those of you that read this blog through your Google RSS feeds (if you don’t but want to, you can sign up below).

We announced last week that new BlueClaws manager and former Phillies second baseman Mickey Morandini will be joining us on January 25th.

Then yesterday, we announced that 2011 BlueClaws LHP and top Phillies prospect Jesse Biddle will also be joining us.

Charlie Manuel and Ruben Amaro were in the original release. All the details can be found here. Hope to see you there.

The event is at Woodlake Country Club, $40/head. It’s a really fun night.

Former BlueClaws are ranked 1-2 in three different organizations among the recent Baseball America prospect lists released over the last few weeks.

We talked about the Phillies top ten prospects list awhile back with former BlueClaws in the one-through-four slots (Trevor May, Jesse Biddle, Sebastian Valle, and Jonathan Pettibone). May and Pettibone were in the BlueClaws 2010 championship rotation with Valle their catcher. Biddle, of course, was here this year. You can read more about those guys at the link.

The other two organizations where the BlueClaws go 1-2 are recent Phillies trading partners Houston and Toronto.

Houston (click here)
1. 1B Jonathan Singleton: Sent to Houston in the Hunter Pence trade in July, Singleton hit .290-14-77 with the BlueClaws in 2010, including a mammoth home run in his first at bat with the team, May 13th in Greenville. After the trade, Singleton was sent to Hi-A Lancaster (he was with Clearwater) and hit .333 with 4 HRs in 129 at bats. Baseball America says he is the best first base prospect in the minors.

2. RHP Jarred Cosart: Also in the Hunter Pence trade in July, Cosart went 7-3, 3.79 with Lakewood in 2010, pitching in the first half before an injury cost him the second half of the season. Cosart, unlike Singleton, was bumped straight up to Double-A Corpus Christi after the trade. He went 1-2, 4.79 in seven starts (though he did allow one earned run or less in five of those seven starts) and will likely go back there to open the 2012 campaign.

Toronto (click here)
1. C Travis d’Arnaud: He was traded to the Jays in the Roy Halladay in December of 2009. This year, he anchored the championship Eastern League Jays affiliate in New Hampshire, hitting .311-21-78 and was the league MVP. He hit 13 home runs and drove in 71 runs with the championship BlueClaws in 2009 under Dusty Wathan. d’Arnaud, who saw his brother Chase make his big league debut this year with Pittsburgh, is expected to go to Triple-A Las Vegas and could make his big league debut later in the season.

2. CF Anthony Gose: Gose has led his league in steals each of the last three years (including a franchise record 76 with the BlueClaws in 2009). This year, he was d’Arnaud’s teammate on the championship New Hampshire club. Gose stole 70 bases this year and hit 16 home runs, after hitting nine in his first three pro seasons. He’ll join d’Arnaud in Las Vegas this summer. He was actually sent to Houston in the Roy Oswalt deal in 2010 but was immediately flipped to Toronto for Brett Wallace. Toronto reportedly wanted him in the Halladay deal but the Phillies held onto him.

And that’s how you 1-2 in 3 organizations.

A few former BlueClaws (OF Michael Taylor and IF Adrian Cardenas) could appear on the Athletics top-ten list, which will be released on January 25th, though that list will not include the prospects the A’s have received this offseason in trading away Gio Gonzalez (Nationals), Andrew Bailey (Red Sox) and Trevor Cahill (Diamondbacks).

Today is Juan Richardson’s birthday.

Who’s that, you ask?

Richardson, who turns 33 today, was the third baseman on the first-ever BlueClaws team. That 2001 team was managed by Greg Legg, current BlueClaws hitting coach.

Richardson had played in this league (South Atlantic League) in 2000 but with Piedmont (now Kannapolis) before the Phillies moved their affiliation from down in North Carolina to up here at the Jersey Shore.

That first season, Richardson hit 22 home runs, the BlueClaws single-season and franchise records, and drove in 83 runs. The 22 home runs stood alone until this year, when Jim Murphy hit 22 of his own to tie the single-season mark and, combined with the 14 he hit in 2009, Murphy passed Richardson’s all-time home run total.

Richardson played five years of Double-A ball, two with Reading, two in the Cardinals system and one (2008) in the Royals system. He has spent the last three years in independent leagues, this year with Wichita in the American Association where he hit .360 with 12 home runs in 98 games.

Richardson will always hold a place in BlueClaws history, and his 22 home runs are still the most ever hit by a BlueClaw in a single season (now tied with Murphy).

Happy Birthday to Juan Richardson.