2011 Iron Pigs Notables

2011 was a memorable season for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. It marked several team firsts or records.

1. Highest regular season win total (109)
2. Lowest NASBL individual ERA (Buchholtz 1.77)
   
3. First playoff game victory (4-1 vs. OJW)
   
4. First playoff series victory (4-3 vs. OJW)
   
5. First World Series appearance
   
6. First World Series game victory (9-7 vs. TRY)
7. First World Series victory (4-2 vs. TRY)
   
8. Lowest team ERA in NASBL history (2.79)
   

How did the magic happen? Cynics would say that it happened because GM Burns sold out the future and went "all-in" for this playoff run. The team had been successful, but mid season trades to bolster the offense and bullpen proved to be key in making the playoffs and enjoying success in the playoffs.

The trade ledger sheet shows that LVI gave up Papelbon, Reyes, Jay, Storen, Hafner, 1st round, 2nd round and 4th round in exchange for Hanley Ramirez, Jason Werth, Michael Morse, Brett Anderson, Rafael Soriano, and Billy Wagner.

The price was steep in future value, but in the end, it was worth it. At present, due to injuries and lack of high picks, 2012 looks to be a mediocre season at best , but as Outlaw proved this season, having low expectations can cause your players to overperform. Hopefully the IronPigs will have the same results that Mark's team had in 2011. Stay tuned!