Down the Stretch...

With just about 3 weeks left in the season, it appears very unlikely that the IronPigs will be making their first International League playoff appearance this year. They stand 9.5 games behind the division leading Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, and 8.5 games behind the Durham Bulls in the Wild Card race with 23 games left to play. Of course, miracles do happen... occasionally.

On the bright side, at 58-62, Lehigh Valley still has a realistic shot at finishing the season with a winning record. Whether they do or not, this team has made great strides forward from last year's abysmal season.

Let's take a look at some more positives. The IronPigs rank second in the IL in attendance, averaging 9091 fans per game in Coca-Cola Park (which holds 10,000). Clearly they have proven that the Lehigh Valley will support minor league baseball. The team has also raised their team batting average, on base percentage and slugging percentage from last year. Even more impressive is that team earned run average has improved from 4.41 in 2008 to 3.89 in 2009. This year's team already has more wins, shutouts and saves than last year.

There have also been some outstanding individual performances this season. Starting pitcher Drew Carpenter is among the league leaders in wins, ERA, innings and strikeouts. First baseman Andy Tracy leads the IL in walks, and is second in RBI and third in homeruns. Both were All Star selections, along with Mike Cervenak. Carpenter picked up the win in the All Star Game.

I will update these statistics at the end of the season, but in summation, this has been a very satisfying season of IronPigs baseball. Aside from what they have done on the field, this organization provides one of the best ballpark experiences in the minor leagues. Let's look forward to even more improvement in 2010, and of course, the IL All Star Game at Coca-Cola Park!

Let's go 'Pigs! To .500 and beyond!