Righty reliever Michael Schwimer has been one of the biggest contributors out of the bullpen for the Triple A Lehigh Valley IronPigs this season. Named an International League all-star this week, Schwimer has posted a 4-0 record and a 2.01 ERA while striking out 56 batters in 44 2/3 innings this season.
The Virginia native was drafted in the 14th round in 2008 by the Phillies. Since then, he's moved up the developmental ranks swiftly.
After making his professional debut with the short season Williamsport Crosscutters and posting a 1.96 ERA in 22 relief outings in 2008, Schwimer skipped Class A Lakewood and began the 2009 season with High A Level Clearwater. As a member of the Threshers' bullpen, Schwimer continued to look sharp, producing a 2-1 record, 20 saves and a 2.85 ERA in 48 games while striking out 82 batters in 60 innings. Schwimer moved up to Double A Reading late in the season and struggled, posting a 7.71 ERA in 5 relief outings.
The following season, in 2010, the 6-foot-8-inch 240 pound Schwimer produced solid numbers with the R-Phils and was named an Eastern League all-star. In 32 games
with Reading that season, Schwimer sported a 5-3 record, 3.60 ERA, 11 saves and struck out 58 batters in 40 innings. In July, he was promoted to the IronPigs, where he dominated the rest of the way, with a 1.85 ERA in 16 appearances.
With the amount of injuries and call ups the Phillies have dealt with this year, it's surprising to some that Schwimer hasn't made the next logical move upward to the big league Phillies roster. Many expect that it's just a matter of time until the University of Virginia product is pitching in the Major Leagues.
Last weekend I spoke with Michael about the possibility of being an all-star again, how prepared he is for the big leagues, his coaching staff and plenty more. Check out the media player below to hear the full interview.
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The Virginia native was drafted in the 14th round in 2008 by the Phillies. Since then, he's moved up the developmental ranks swiftly.
After making his professional debut with the short season Williamsport Crosscutters and posting a 1.96 ERA in 22 relief outings in 2008, Schwimer skipped Class A Lakewood and began the 2009 season with High A Level Clearwater. As a member of the Threshers' bullpen, Schwimer continued to look sharp, producing a 2-1 record, 20 saves and a 2.85 ERA in 48 games while striking out 82 batters in 60 innings. Schwimer moved up to Double A Reading late in the season and struggled, posting a 7.71 ERA in 5 relief outings.
The following season, in 2010, the 6-foot-8-inch 240 pound Schwimer produced solid numbers with the R-Phils and was named an Eastern League all-star. In 32 games
with Reading that season, Schwimer sported a 5-3 record, 3.60 ERA, 11 saves and struck out 58 batters in 40 innings. In July, he was promoted to the IronPigs, where he dominated the rest of the way, with a 1.85 ERA in 16 appearances.
With the amount of injuries and call ups the Phillies have dealt with this year, it's surprising to some that Schwimer hasn't made the next logical move upward to the big league Phillies roster. Many expect that it's just a matter of time until the University of Virginia product is pitching in the Major Leagues.
Last weekend I spoke with Michael about the possibility of being an all-star again, how prepared he is for the big leagues, his coaching staff and plenty more. Check out the media player below to hear the full interview.
__________________________________________
You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE.
You can also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE.
Comments
Mr. Schwimer seems like a very decent and highly intelligent person on top of being a great prospect for us. I am wondering if there is any new focus on him to try to improve his performance against opposite-handed batters.
Reply back if there are players with Reading or Lakewood that you'd like to hear from, as I'll be seeing both of those clubs in the coming couple of weeks.