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With a global pandemic going on, society is on lockdown with many local governments issuing orders to stay at home and for employers to allow their staff to work from home. This week I reached out to some familiar names to see how they prepared to be hunkered down at home for extended periods of time.  Included in the group that I surveyed are baseball players, a professional wrestling champion, a recording artist as well as the radio voice of a local team. I asked, "What did you 'panic shop' for or what did you stock up on with all of this going on?"  Read ahead for the responses I got. Dom Pipkin, image- Jay Floyd Pitching prospect Dominic Pipkin : We did a little shopping, but it wasn't like hoarders grocery edition or anything.  We got a normal amount of snacks and stuff to eat and we already had toilet paper, so we didn't buy that. Pitching prospect Jonathan Hennigan , who hunts and fishes:  Man, no.  I got plenty of deer meat, fish and hog ...

Mickey Moniak, image- Jay Floyd HELP SUPPORT CONTENT LIKE THIS AND KEEP IT COMING ALL SEASON LONG BY BECOMING A PATRON!  Get early access to my posts and EXCLUSIVE interviews- https://www.patreon.com/phoulballz Mickey Moniak continues to be aware that the expectations of him are high, even three years after the Phillies made him the first overall selection in the MLB amateur draft.  Now, in the Double-A Eastern League, he's starting to show some considerable progress and may be proving some haters wrong. Following a difficult April that saw the lefty batting outfielder post a .195 average with two home runs and 11 RBI in 19 games, Moniak has come on strong, tallying a .295 batting average with two homers and 27 RBI through his next 55 games. Part of the recent success may be attributed to the spot where Moniak starts his hands in the batters box. "You go back to Lakewood and the GCL year and in high school, I kept my hands low.  You know, it worked in GCL...

Damek Tomscha, image- Jay Floyd It's been a very productive season for Phillies prospect Damek Tomscha (pronounced like DAME-eck TOM-shay), who has posted a .304 batting average with 11 homers and 52 RBI in 106 combined at two levels with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers and the Double-A Reading Fightins. Tomscha, who was the Phillies' 17th round draft selection in 2014 out of Auburn, has split time on defense, playing third base, first base and taking on left field this year in order to stick in the daily lineup. This weekend I spoke with Damek, a 26-year-old righty batter, about his successful campaign this year, how is compares to last year when he struggles in Clearwater, the depth of the Phils' developmental ranks, a surprising rivalry in minor leagues and plenty more. Read ahead for that full interview. -You've had a solid season overall. Putting up good numbers at two levels and making it to Double-A for the last quarter or third of the sea...

Vince Velasquez, image- Jay Floyd TRENTON, NJ- Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez was pleased with his efforts, despite allowing three runs, two earned, in a loss for Reading against division rival Trenton on Thursday night. The talented hurler cited jitters as a reason for coughing up a pair of runs early on a home run to Thunder clean up hitter Billy Fleming in the opening frame of the contest. On the disabled list since May 31 with an elbow strain, Velasquez surrendered three hits, while striking out four and walking one in his three frames of work. He threw 52 pitches, 33 of them for strikes. While mixing up his four-pitch arsenal, he felt pleased with his command.  "I was a lot more consistent today," Velasquez said. "Some of them got away from me, but for the most part everything was in the (strike) zone. I was pounding the zone the whole time. Normally, on a regular basis, I'm missing more than that." Through 10 starts with the Ph...

Kingery, image- Jay Floyd Another day, another home run for Phillies second base prospect Scott Kingery . A deep drive to left field off of Yankees number six prospect Justus Sheffield on Monday night on the road in Trenton would be the 23-year-old's minor league leading 14th homer of the season. The big fly marked Kingery's fifth round tripper in his last four games with the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils. With all the fireworks on display, the Phillies' second round draft choice from 2015 still doesn't feel that he's a power hitter. "I've been talking with (hitting coach John) Mizerock and I believe this as I go up, some of those home runs, they're going to start being doubles," Kingery stated following Monday's series opener.  "I think I'm a gap to gap guy.  I'll have my fair share of home runs.  I'll run into a few.  But it's been a line drive swing and I've tried to keep that approach and rig...

An exciting season for the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils came to an end on Saturday night as the regular season Eastern League Eastern division champions lost their opening round playoff series against the Trenton Thunder.The Fightins, loaded with promising Phillies prospects like catcher Jorge Alfaro , outfielder Dylan Cozens and starting pitcher Ricardo Pinto , dropped the division series three games to one in a best-of-five series with a 3-2 loss at Reading’s FirstEnergy Stadium in front of 4,912 fans. Right-hander Tyler Viza allowed three runs (one earned) over six innings to take the loss. Trenton third baseman Dante Bichette Jr. launched a solo home run while Miguel Andujar notched two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs to help pace the visitors’ offense. Reading, which lead the EL in many offensive categories including batting average, OPS, runs scored and home runs, went 4-for-29 with runners in scoring position in their three losses in the serie...

Ricardo Pinto, image- Jay Floyd TRENTON, NJ-- In a game that seemed like a struggle from the moment they fell behind, the Reading Fightin Phils fell behind 0-2 in the best-of-five Double-A Eastern League division playoffs to the Trenton Thunder with a 9-4 defeat at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday. Reading scored first in the contest, taking a 1-0 lead in the opening frame when Roman Quinn , who singled, stole second and moved over to third on a ground out, scored on a sacrifice fly by catcher Jorge Afaro. In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Trenton went ahead 2-1 on a sac fly by Dustin Fowler and an RBI double by Miguel Andujar against Reading starter Ricardo Pinto . Pinto would start the 4th inning, but would not record an out as he left the game after opening the frame surrendering a walk, a single and an RBI double. Jesen Therrien would enter the game at that point, surrendering a sac fly to former Phillies prospect Sebastian Valle that put Trenton up 4-1. Readi...

Tyler Viza, image- Jay Floyd TRENTON- Tyler Viza wasn't pleased with his initial frame as he kicked off the second half of the season for the team with the best record in baseball. Shaking off a two-run home run with just one out in the contest, he would shut down 23 consecutive opposing batters to help the Reading Fightin Phils notch a 4-2 win over the Trenton Thunder. Following a lead-off single to Tyler Wade in the 1st inning and a Dustin Fowler line out, third baseman Miguel Andujar launched a change up that was left up in the strike zone deep out to left field, giving Trenton a two-run lead. For the next 7 2/3 innings, no other member of the Thunder lineup would reach base against Viza. The next 23 Trenton batters were retired in order. The 21-year-old Viza would go eight innings, recording seven strike outs with no walks. He threw 66 of his 93 pitches for strikes. "He was mixing his pitches well," pitching coach Steve Schrenk stated. "I th...

In the finale of Double-A Reading's road series in Trenton on Sunday, Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda made a rehab appearance for the hosting Thunder. The 26-year-old Dominican native, recovering from an elbow issue, looked strong in his initial frame, shutting down rising Phillies prospects J.P. Crawford , Nick William and Andrew Knapp in a quick 10-pitch, 1-2-3 inning. The second time around, though, the 2011 big league All-Star wasn't as lucky. With a run already home in the 3rd inning, Williams, a key return from Texas in last month's Cole Hamels trade, slammed a fastball to deep center field for a three-base hit. Crawford, an Eastern League All-Star, would lace a liner down the left field line for another triple to score Williams. Knapp, the owner of a 13-game hitting streak entering the contest, would get a second shot at Pineda, but he would fly out to end the inning. That ended Pineda's outing, as he was charged with two earned runs in three inn...

Chase Utley, image- Jay Floyd TRENTON, NJ- Playing defense in a game for the first time in six weeks, Phillies second baseman Chase Utley looked solid in the field for Double-A Reading in a rehab appearance on Tuesday night. In the Fightins' 7-1 defeat of the hosting Trenton Thunder, Utley, who has been sidelined since June 22nd with a right ankle injury, went 1-for-4 with a strike out and two runs scored. On the bases, Utley didn't miss a beat, going from first to third on a Brock Stassi RBI single in the 7th. In the field, the six-time National League All-Star had seven balls hit to him and fielded each one cleanly, including three grounders in the opening frame of the contest. "I think when you're playing defense you always want the ball hit to you. Three ground balls in the first inning was a nice challenge," Utley stated. On a night that saw his long-time double play partner Jimmy Rollins return to Philadelphia for the first time since he was...

Prior to Thursday's Double-A Reading Fightins game at Trenton, home of the Yankees' affiliate the Thunder, I noticed a youngster among a group of about a few dozen children from a local school singing the national anthem.  Among the crowd, there was one kid who wasn't quite interested in singing at all.  He caught my attention while he was glancing backward toward the stadium's video board and not participating with his classmates, who were positioned with him on the field.  After a few lines, I picked up my camera to capture video of the boy who seemed considerably impressed with his status in the moment.  Have a look at that fairly cute video clip below.

Reading shortstop Edgar Duran is among the ranks of prospects that is better known for his defense that he is for his efforts at the plate. Featuring great range and a quick throwing release, the 23-year-old Venezuelan often makes pressing plays look easy. After flashing his leather in a contest in Trenton on Saturday night, Duran had the key hit in a 7-1 Fightins victory. In the 8th inning after top Yankees draft pick right-hander Jacob Lindgren loaded the bases while issuing three walks and was removed in favor of lefty Francisco Rondon , the righty hitting Duran slapped a bases clearing double down the left field line. He clearly can do things with the bat as well. See the video player below for footage of Duran's big hit. In 104 games with Double-A Reading this season, the 5-foot-11 155-pounder is batting .224 with four homers and 25 RBI. He also played in 14 games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season. Also captured on video is this clip, seen in the media pla...

The PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast is back! On the 68th edition of the show Clearwater starting pitcher Colin Kleven and Reading outfielder Zach Collier phone in. Kleven discusses his season as the Threshers' most consistent pitcher, playing in front of smaller crowds in the Florida State League, his teammates Roman Quinn and J.P. Crawford plus plenty more. Collier chats about the secret to his recent hot streak in which he's slugged five home runs and driven in nine runs in his past six games as well as his suspension for a positive Adderall test and much more. Tug and Jay also discuss the Double-A debuts of Aaron Nola and Jacob Lindgren , Jiandido Tromp 's offensive production with Williamsport and Jake Fox 's big season. 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 62nd edition of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast, Jay chats with righty pitching prospect Perci Garner , who discusses how confidence is key for him, his pitch repertoire, rehabbing with Jamie Moyer and plenty more. Tug and Jay also discuss J.P. Crawford 's hot stretch, Addison Maruszak 's unique double header, Andrew Knapp 's and Roman Quinn 's progress, David Buchanan 's big league debut, Ruben Amaro Jr.'s low rank among GM's and loads 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 .

Former Phillies hurler David Herndon has returned to action following Tommy John surgery last year.  A Rule 5 pick from the Angels in 2009, Herndon appeared in 97 games with the Phils from 2010-2012.  The 27-year-old was claimed off waivers by Toronto following last season and soon ended up in the Yankees' organization after the Blue Jays showed they weren't committed to him.  Now, 14 games into his season, the owner of a 3.85 career big league ERA, Herndon, has become a contributor out of the Double-A Trenton Thunder bullpen as he works his way back to the big leagues, following his ailment. Herndon tossed two scoreless frames against the Reading Fightin Phils on Friday.  Below, you can see footage of the righty hurler striking out two former top Phillies draft picks, Zach Collier and Kelly Dugan .

On Saturday, Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez took on the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils as he prepares for a possible return to the majors.  In the contest, the 38-year-old three-time MVP faced righty Brody Colvin three times and right-handed reliever Juan Sosa once.  In all four trips to the plate, Reading hurlers issued a walk to A-Rod.  To check out video footage of the foursome of free passes, see the media player below.

Controversial mega-star Alex Rodriguez continued his "rehab" games in the minor leagues while baseball approaches a decision or announcement regarding the slugger's reported connections to the Biogenesis drug case.  Playing with the Double-A Trenton Thunder on Friday, the Yankees' third baseman faced the Phillies' Double-A affiliate, Reading, and top pitching prospect Jesse Biddle . The lefty hurler, who was the Phils' 1st round draft pick in 2010, took on the three-time American League Most Valuable Player and admittedly gave a bit too much thought toward the chance to face one of the game's legendary names. In the first inning, with Reading ahead 1-0, thanks to an Albert Cartwright sacrifice fly, Biddle loaded the bases after a lead-off double by left fielder Ramon Flores and two free passes to Rodriguez and center fielder Slade Heathcott .  The 21-year-old Eastern League All-Star then took a deep breath, knowing that strike outs were ideal...

On Friday night, Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez appeared in a minor league game for the Double-A Trenton Thunder. Facing the Double-A Reading Fightin Phillies and top pitching prospect Jesse Biddle, A-Rod walked, mashed a home run and struck out in three plate appearances. The video player below features the homer and the K. Have a look.

On the 32nd edition of the PhoulBallz Podcast, Double-A Reading starting left-handed pitchers Jesse Biddle and Austin Wright took some time to take part in exclusive interviews.  Additionally, Tug and I talk about 2012 first round draft pick Shane Watson 's DL stint, third base prospect Cody Asche 's Triple-A success, Kelly Dugan earning a promotion to the Double-A level and Jarred Cosart making his big league debut with the Astros along with a bit of WWE chatter.  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 .

Condolences to the entire Trenton Thunder family, as they lost their internationally loved bat dog Chase That Golden Thunder on Tuesday. The handsome golden retriever made his debut with the Double-A Yankees affiliate in 2002, and went on to entertain countless numbers of baseball fans in the years that followed. Chase had been featured on CNN, the YES Network, ESPN and Japanese television. The dog's passing came just four days after he was honored in a retirement ceremony at Trenton's Arm & Hammer Park, which was attended by Chase's son and successor Derby along with other blood relations, including multiple grandchildren of the veteran bat retriever. Chase had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. He was 13 years old. Please see the video player below to view the Thunder's loving tribute video to Chase, which features him in action and visiting the big leagues at Yankee Stadium. Your browser does not support iframes.