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Dave Lundquist, image- Jay Floyd Last week I chatted with the pitching coach for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs Dave Lundquist. Topics of discussion included his team's All-Star catcher Andrew Knapp , reliever Edubray Ramos , righty David Buchanan and plenty more. Read ahead for that interview. -Feedback I've gotten on Andrew Knapp has included his skills at leading a pitching staff and being a good leader. Have you seen growth from him in this aspect of his game? One thing here, with some older pitchers, you gotta learn each pitcher a little bit and he's doing good. He gets to evaluate the pitches from inning to inning and prioritize certain things and stay within the game plan, so a lot of that is getting better. Doing a good job there and he's getting to learn some veteran pitchers that have been around and see some different sequences, so it's good for him. -News about Mark Appel 's season ending elbow surgery is disappointing for t...

This week I chatted with Triple-A Lehigh Valley manager Dave Brundage along with outfielder Cameron Perkins . Brundage spoke on several topics including his All-Star closer, veteran Edward Mujica and a pair of starting pitchers. Perkins, also an International League All-Star, spoke about his efforts that earned him such a nod and more. Read ahead for those interview excerpts. Dave Brundage, image- Jay Floyd Brundage: -Speaking about Mujica's contributions to the IronPigs' club... He's a big reason why we're closing ball games out and shutting the door and it's nice to have a veteran in that situation and when he's in there, he throws strikes and, you know, he's not overpowering, but he certainly knows how to pitch. -I then asked Brundage if he thought anyone else on his team was deserving of an All-Star nod... I mean, you know, Nick Williams did-- I mean, for a young guy, I personally, you know, nothing against Mujica, I like voting for y...

Jesse Biddle, image- Jay Floyd One of the Phillies top pitching prospects will make his Triple-A debut on Wednesday, as it was announced on Tuesday night that left-hander Jesse Biddle has been promoted to Lehigh Valley. This season with the Double-A Reading Fightins, the 23-year-old sported a 7-2 record with a 4.34 ERA and a .288 batting average against in 15 starts. Biddle was selected 27th overall by the Phillies in the 2010 MLB first year player draft. He'll make his IronPigs debut when the team hosts Pawtucket (Red Sox) at 7:05 PM on hump day Right-hander David Buchanan threw three innings for Lehigh Valley Tuesday night and will be called upon to start for the Phillies on Saturday. The 26-year-old posted a 0-5 record along with an 8.76 ERA in five starts with the big league club earlier this year. He missed time recently with a severe ankle sprain, but has tallied a 2.96 ERA in five starts for the IronPigs.

In his first action facing hitters since he was sidelined with a severe right ankle sprain in an outing for the Triple-A IronPigs in mid-May, right-hander David Buchanan looked good on the mound in an exhibition with the Phillies' extended spring training team on Thursday. According to Jim Peyton of PhuturePhillies.com, who was present for the outing, the 26-year-old hurler faced 14 batters, retiring 13 of them and looked good moving around on defense. Buchanan, who tallied a 0-5 record with an 8.76 ERA in five starts with the big league team and went 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in three starts for Lehigh Valley this year, posted images (featured to the left) of his ankle in various stages of the injury this week on Instagram. Seeing action in that same game was righty hurler Shane Watson, who is nearing a return to full-season club action following his second shoulder surgery last year. Watson, who stands six-foot-four and is up to 240 pounds, threw five scoreless innings, notch...

The PhoulBallz Podcast is back with episode 71. On the latest edition of the show, Tug and Jay are joined by Phillies rookie hurler Mario Hollands , who discusses his first season in the big leagues, his days in the minors, Jonathan Papelbon as a leader and plenty more. The guys also discuss the rookie campaigns of David Buchanan and Kenny Giles as well as Cole Hamels ' remarkable year. Use the media player below to stream the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

On the 63rd edition of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast Tug and Jay are joined by former Phillies prospect and current Reds farmhand Moose Mattair . The guys also chat about the progress of Nefi Ogando , Maikel Franco and David Buchanan as well as Domonic Brown 's regression. Also, injury updates on Zach Green , Kelly Dugan and more. Use the media player below to stream the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

David Buchanan with Reading in 2013, Image- Jay Floyd Righty pitcher David Buchanan , building on his excellent spring season with the Phillies, put forth a great effort to open the Triple-A schedule with Lehigh Valley on Thursday night, leading his team to victory. Taking the mound as the IronPigs' opening day starter against Boston affiliate Pawtucket, the 24-year-old tossed six scoreless innings while allowing two hits, two walks and notching five strike outs. Buchanan has displayed considerable improvement over the past year and received positive feedback from the likes of Roy Halladay , Cliff Lee , A.J. Burnett and Kyle Kendrick while pitching with the big league team in spring training. Coaches and veterans alike were pleased with his pace, the way he attacks the strike zone and his manner of challenging opposing batters. The uplifting words had a lasting impact on the Georgia native and he's experienced a boost in confidence because of it. "It's s...

-Both the Triple-A Lehigh Valley and Double-A Reading coaching staffs openly addressed an organization-wide focus on small ball prior to both clubs opening their seasons. The directive, handed down by new Phils skipper Ryne Sandberg , will have the entire Phillies system playing a more aggressive style of baseball. Dusty Wathan, Image- Jay Floyd "I think we're going to utilize a National League style of baseball dating back to the 70's a little bit. You'll see some triples, some hit-and-run and some bunting. I think it's kind of an organizational philosophy since Ryne has taken over. You're going to see it implemented not only at the big league level, but at the minor league level. It's something we really stress, is base running, being aggressive, taking extra bases, sacrifice bunting, hitting and running. So, you're going to see a very aggressive game and it's going to be a lot of fun to watch," Reading manager Dusty Wathan said ...

On the 41st edition of the PhoulBallz Podcast Tug and Jay are joined by top Phillies Double-A pitching prospect Jesse Biddle who shares some thoughts on his 2013 season, his health concerns, growing up as a fan of the Phillies and loads more.  The guys also talk about Cesar Hernandez 's solid production, David Buchanan and Tyler Knigge 's service in the community and they try to predict the MLB most valuable player awards. Use the media player below to stream the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

Dave Brundage, Image- Jay Floyd Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs manager Dave Brundage returned the Phillies' organization this season after a 26-year absence.  Previously, Brundage managed the Braves' Triple-A affiliate for the last six seasons.  Prior to his time in the Atlanta system, the 48-year-old spent 19 season in the Mariners organization as a player, coach and manager.  The Georgia resident was originally drafted as a fourth round pick in 1986 and played at three levels with the Phillies, reaching as high as Double-A Reading before he was traded to Seattle. The IronPigs hung close in the International League wild card standings through the latter portion of the season, but a loss to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday officially eliminated them from the postseason hunt. This weekend, I spoke with Brundage about several of his players, including Adam Morgan , Tyson Gillies as well as Cameron Rupp and he also chatted about September call-ups among other ...

Jay and Tug are back with the latest edition of the PhoulBallz Podcast.  This week the guys are joined by call-in guest David Buchanan to talk about his promotion to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs.  Topics this week include J.P. Crawford and Wilmer Oberto 's exciting output in the Gulf Coast League, Darin Ruf 's progress in the big leagues, Chase Utley 's contract extension and the Phils' struggles of late. Use the media player below to stream the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

Dave Lundquist and Jesse Biddle, Image- Jay Floyd Over the weekend, I spoke with Double-A Reading Fightin Phillies pitching coach Dave Lundquist. A former big leaguer with the White Sox and Padres, "Lundy" has been coaching in the Phils system since 2008. The 40-year-old spoke openly about nearly his entire pitching staff including top prospect Jesse Biddle , David Buchanan , Mike Nesseth , Seth Rosin , Austin Wright as well as Brody Colvin . Read ahead for that full interview... - Jesse Biddle came out in Trenton over the weekend and had somewhat of a bounce back effort, following a pair of poor outings. He says it's not a good result unless he wins, but overall it's gotta be a positive step for him, right? Absolutely. If you look at his last two outings, two-thirds of an inning and then an inning and a third, to come out (on Friday) night and really to have the command, much, much better than he's had. The confidence level was much highe...

It's another weekly rundown of the Phillies' minor leagues.  Take a look at details on some recent noteworthy performers... Triple A Lehigh Valley IronPigs- David Buchanan, image- Jay Floyd Right-hander David Buchanan got the call up on Sunday, and notched a win, throwing seven innings and allowing just two runs while striking out four and walking one.  Buchanan, the Phillies' 7th round draft pick in 2010 out of Georgia State University, posted a 6-11 record along with a 4.82 ERA in 22 starts with Double-A Reading this year.  According to Reading coach Dave Lundquist, the initial plan was to have the 24-year-old make one start with the 'Pigs, then return to Reading for his next start, but things can always change. Tyler Henson , promoted from Reading when Cody Asche got the call to the big leagues, launched four home runs in his first four games with the IronPigs, after recording just four round trippers in 80 Double-A games this season.  Henson has a...

We're back with our (usually) weekly developmental rundown.  As you expect, here's a rundown of who is hot and who is not throughout the Phillies' four full season minor league teams. Triple-A Lehigh Valley... Who's hot- Utility man Michael Martinez has been scorching hot this past week, when over a seven-game stretch, the 30-year-old Dominican went 13-for-23 (.565 avg) with two homers and five RBI.  The success follows a month in which he batted .204 in 15 games with the IronPigs and a hitless stint with the big league team in the month of May. First baseman Cody Overbeck also had a very good seven-game stretch, as he went 11-for-26 (.423 avg) with five doubles, two home runs and nine RBI.  The 27-year-old, who was a 9th round draft pick in 2008, is batting .247 overall with 11 homers and 31 RBI in 52 games this season with the 'Pigs. Closer Jake Diekman threw four scoreless outings and notched two saves while striking out eight batters and walki...

We’re just under a month until pitchers and catcher are due to report to Clearwater for spring training. That means it’s time to kick off our annual countdown of the top 25 prospects in the Phillies organization. Gradually, in the coming weeks, leading to the kickoff of the 2013 regular season, I will be unveiling player reviews for each of the top developmental talent that you, as Phillies fans, should be familiar with. Taken into consideration when reviewing these young talents will be age, minor league performance relative to levels played, value to the organization as well as future potential. These rankings will not include players over 25-years-old or individuals that have spents lengthy and multiple stretches in the big leagues. Thus, players such as Austin Hyatt , Darin Ruf , Justin De Fratus , Phillippe Aumont and Jake Diekman will not appear on this year’s list. Some very talented youngsters did not make the cut simply because other individuals ranked higher...