IronPigs standouts could be Phillies soon

Depending on moves the Phillies could make before the July 31 trade deadline, a few players waiting in the wings at triple-A Lehigh Valley could be called on to fill spots on the big-league roster.

IronPigs third baseman Cody Asche and second baseman Cesar Hernandez - both 23-year-olds and triple-A all-stars this season - are swinging hot enough bats to make a case for a trip to Philadelphia. But Lehigh Valley manager Dave Brundage isn't convinced the prospects should be leaving Allentown any time soon.

"That's why we have triple A, so they can get better every day," Brundage said. "So they can hone their skills and address some of the weaknesses that we need to work on and improve on some of the strengths that they already have."

Both Chase Utley and Michael Young are rumored to be trade bait, making Hernandez and Asche, along with Freddy Galvis, likely replacements if needed.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro said he has few reservations about giving a shot to prospects close to major-league-ready like those two, but always has to determine who can provide the biggest impact at the right time.

"That's the toughest part," Amaro said. "How do they react? Some guys take to it a little faster and some a little longer."

Hernandez, who made his major-league debut May 29 and hit .250 in nine games for the Phillies, entered the weekend batting .310 and ranked third in the International League with 26 stolen bases.

Lehigh Valley hitting coach Sal Rende said he'd like to see Hernandez become more patient at the plate and produce longer at-bats.

Asche is in just his second full season of professional baseball, but he has made a near seamless transition to triple A after only 68 plate appearances in double A.

"He's just a confident individual," Rende said. ". . . It doesn't matter who you are or what you're throwing, he thinks he can hit, and that's a talent."

Like his manager, however, Asche isn't looking too far ahead.

"I don't really get into that speculation game," he said. "I just try to stay focused on playing every day here for the Pigs, and if it's my time it's my time."