For the third straight year, July 29 is a great day for the Phillies. In 2009, the Phils acquired Cliff Lee on that date. Last year, Roy Oswalt came to Philly. Tonight, the Phils landed much coveted outfielder Hunter Pence from Houston and our old buddy Ed Wade.
Pence will provide an immediate boost to the Phils. He's a proven commodity, likely to bat fifth in the lineup. He's a fast, hard working player; Pence is a very good outfielder and he has some pop in his bat.
The Phils also didn't have to part with any Major League talent. Domonic Brown and Vance Worley will remain in the organization.
The 4-for-1 deal sends two of Philadelphia's top prospects, Class A first baseman Jonathan Singleton and Class A pitcher Jared Cosart to Houston. Double-A pitcher Josh Zeid will also go to the Astros, with a fourth player to be named later.
This is a great pick-up for the Phils. He's not the sexy, 30 home run bat many would like to see, but Pence is a very good player. Sure, the Phils may have payed a steep price for him, but you never know with prospects. Pence is still relatively young and can make an immediate impact, and hopefully help the club win a World Series.
Meanwhile, the Phils took Game One against the Pirates easily tonight, 10-3. Roy Halladay was absolutely dominant, allowing no runs on just one hit through seven innings with no walks and five strikeouts. Doc was cruising and would have pitched deeper, but he had a 10-0 lead at the time.
Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins homered, with Utley coming up a double shy of the cycle and driving in four runs.
Cliff Lee and Pence will take on Pittsburgh tomorrow night, looking to start a new series win streak at one.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Phils drop first series since June 17-19
The Phillies' consecutive series win streak is over, as they dropped two of three to the Giants. Tim Lincecum finally took the mound last night, and if he was still feeling any ill effects, you couldn't tell.
Lincecum lasted six innings, allowing no runs on three hits, four walks and six strikeouts while picking up his ninth win in a 4-1 victory.
Carlos Beltran's debut with San Fran was uneventful; he was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
The Phillies will open a series with the Pirates tonight, with Roy Halladay on the mound. Pittsburgh always plays the Phils tough, but the Bucs are playing great ball this year, making them that much more dangerous.
There are plenty of updates and rumors swirling about. The Phillies are continuing to get healthy, and reinforcements could be coming soon. Placido Polanco went 0-for-2 with a walk in six innings of a rehab start. He reported no pain and is expected to play a full nine innings tonight. If all goes well, he could return this weekend.
After throwing four innings for Triple-A on Wednesday, Roy Oswalt is expected to make his second rehab start on Monday. He could rejoin the rotation by the end of next week. If Oswalt is healthy, that rotation will be more potent than we'd even anticipated entering the season. Vance Worley joining the "Big Four" is a lethal combination for any opponent.
The Phils may also be added reinforcements from their Triple-A squad, the Houston Astros. Well, at least it seems that way. The team does acquire a Astro seemingly every year.
Talks about Hunter Pence have intensified, and it's rumored that the Phillies have until today to close the deal before Houston looks elsewhere. It's being widely reported that the Phils may not have to give up Domonic Brown and/or Worley as once thought. The big names being mentioned are high class A first baseman Jonathan Singleton and high class A righthander Jarred Cosart.
While they are big prospects, they're just that, prospects. Pence is a proven commodity that could help this team in the post-season when they face a team with a rotation like San Francisco's. Giving up Worley in the deal would be a mistake, but keeping all your Major League talent and adding Pence seems like a no-brainer. Get it done Ruben!
Lincecum lasted six innings, allowing no runs on three hits, four walks and six strikeouts while picking up his ninth win in a 4-1 victory.
Carlos Beltran's debut with San Fran was uneventful; he was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
The Phillies will open a series with the Pirates tonight, with Roy Halladay on the mound. Pittsburgh always plays the Phils tough, but the Bucs are playing great ball this year, making them that much more dangerous.
There are plenty of updates and rumors swirling about. The Phillies are continuing to get healthy, and reinforcements could be coming soon. Placido Polanco went 0-for-2 with a walk in six innings of a rehab start. He reported no pain and is expected to play a full nine innings tonight. If all goes well, he could return this weekend.
After throwing four innings for Triple-A on Wednesday, Roy Oswalt is expected to make his second rehab start on Monday. He could rejoin the rotation by the end of next week. If Oswalt is healthy, that rotation will be more potent than we'd even anticipated entering the season. Vance Worley joining the "Big Four" is a lethal combination for any opponent.
The Phils may also be added reinforcements from their Triple-A squad, the Houston Astros. Well, at least it seems that way. The team does acquire a Astro seemingly every year.
Talks about Hunter Pence have intensified, and it's rumored that the Phillies have until today to close the deal before Houston looks elsewhere. It's being widely reported that the Phils may not have to give up Domonic Brown and/or Worley as once thought. The big names being mentioned are high class A first baseman Jonathan Singleton and high class A righthander Jarred Cosart.
While they are big prospects, they're just that, prospects. Pence is a proven commodity that could help this team in the post-season when they face a team with a rotation like San Francisco's. Giving up Worley in the deal would be a mistake, but keeping all your Major League talent and adding Pence seems like a no-brainer. Get it done Ruben!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Phils hope to keep streak alive
The Phillies need a victory in tonight's rubber-match with the Giants to keep their series winning streak alive and extend it to ten. An all-star will stand in their way with either Tim Lincecum or Ryan Vogelsong on the mound. San Francisco is also expected to have Carlos Beltran in the lineup, making his Giants debut.
Game One of this series was one of the more exciting games I've had the privilege of attending in recent memory.
Vance Worley continued his dominant stretch on the mound, tossing 114 pitches for his first career complete game. He improved to 7-1 while allowing two runs on three hits, one walk and five strikeouts; throwing himself into the NL Rookie of the Year award race. His remarkable streak of starts lasting five innings or more, while allowing one run or less ended at six, when former fan favorite Aaron Rowand hit a pinch-hit homer in the eighth.
The offense delivered plenty of support for Worley, putting seven runs on the board on the strength of four home runs. Chase Utley's certainly drew the most buzz, as he sped around the bases for his third career inside the park home run. He's tied for the lead in that category among active players with Jimmy Rollins and Bobby Abreu among others. Raul Ibanez helped erase the Phils' early 1-0 deficit with a three-run homer in the first, on the first pitch he saw from Barry Zito.
John Mayberry Jr. and Ryan Howard each added solo shots for the Phils.
The bats weren't quite as loud against Matt Cain last night; while Cole Hamels was once again the tough luck loser. Hamels allowed two runs (although Domonic Brown's blunder aided San Fran in scoring their second run) on six hits, one walk and six strikeouts in 7.2 innings.
Cain was better, allowing one run (unearned) on four hits, one walk and one strikeout.
Brad Lidge came in to pick up the final out of the eighth inning, and he did so by striking out Cody Ross. Antonio Bastardo fanned two in a one-two-three top of the ninth.
Brian Wilson picked up his league leading 32nd save in a perfect bottom of the ninth.
Kyle Kendrick (5-4 3.45) looks to fend off the Giants' bats tonight, and hopes to gain some run support.
Game One of this series was one of the more exciting games I've had the privilege of attending in recent memory.
Vance Worley continued his dominant stretch on the mound, tossing 114 pitches for his first career complete game. He improved to 7-1 while allowing two runs on three hits, one walk and five strikeouts; throwing himself into the NL Rookie of the Year award race. His remarkable streak of starts lasting five innings or more, while allowing one run or less ended at six, when former fan favorite Aaron Rowand hit a pinch-hit homer in the eighth.
The offense delivered plenty of support for Worley, putting seven runs on the board on the strength of four home runs. Chase Utley's certainly drew the most buzz, as he sped around the bases for his third career inside the park home run. He's tied for the lead in that category among active players with Jimmy Rollins and Bobby Abreu among others. Raul Ibanez helped erase the Phils' early 1-0 deficit with a three-run homer in the first, on the first pitch he saw from Barry Zito.
John Mayberry Jr. and Ryan Howard each added solo shots for the Phils.
The bats weren't quite as loud against Matt Cain last night; while Cole Hamels was once again the tough luck loser. Hamels allowed two runs (although Domonic Brown's blunder aided San Fran in scoring their second run) on six hits, one walk and six strikeouts in 7.2 innings.
Cain was better, allowing one run (unearned) on four hits, one walk and one strikeout.
Brad Lidge came in to pick up the final out of the eighth inning, and he did so by striking out Cody Ross. Antonio Bastardo fanned two in a one-two-three top of the ninth.
Brian Wilson picked up his league leading 32nd save in a perfect bottom of the ninth.
Kyle Kendrick (5-4 3.45) looks to fend off the Giants' bats tonight, and hopes to gain some run support.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Phils win 9th Straight Series, Trade Rumors
The Phillies have been on fire, securing their ninth straight series victory with a 5-3 win over the Padres yesterday. They'll try for the four-game sweep with Cliff Lee on the mound this afternoon.
Unfortunately for the Phils, the Braves have been hot and right on their heels for a good month or so. Yes, 3.5 games isn't exactly right on their heels, but you got the sense that if the Phils started to struggle a bit, the Braves were in position to pounce. The Phils are starting to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the NL East of late, moving six games ahead of the second place Braves after Atlanta dropped last night's game to the Reds on Sunday Night Baseball. The Fightins' are 13-5 in July with some tough opponents (San Francisco, Pittsburgh) ahead to close out the month.
Roy Halladay made his first start after leaving the mound in Chicago due to heat exhaustion, and he bounced back strong. Doc wasn't dominant at the start, but he only grew stronger as the game wore on. Halladay picked up his 12th win of the year by tossing eight innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits, one walk and eight strikeouts. He retired the last ten batters he faced before being removed for Antonio Bastardo who picked up his eighth save a day after a very shaky performance. Doc joined Cole Hamels and Jair Jurrjens with 12 victories to lead the National League.
No news on the trade front yet. Carlos Beltran reportedly has informed the Mets that he would only like to be traded within the National League, and only to a first place team. Atlanta falling back in the NL East race recently may hurt their chances of acquiring Beltran.
It was rumored that Vance Worley would be centered around any deal the Phils put in place for Hunter Pence of Houston. One word: Don't Do It!
Pence would look great with the Phils, I'd much prefer him to Beltran, but the Phils can't keep trading away their young pitching. Their starting rotation is tremendous, but the only good, young pitchers are Hamels and Worley. They've already traded J.A. Happ, who is having a bad year for the Astros but was tremendous with the Phils, for an old pitcher who is struggling to stay healthy. While you always have to give to receive, Houston doesn't have that much need for Major League ready talent anyway. They're in no position to be considered a legitimate contender in the next few years. Ruben Amaro Jr. and Ed Wade have made several swaps in the past. Wade is familiar with the Phillies' farm system, and if Amaro pushed hard enough, he may be able to pry Pence away from the Stros' without the big league roster taking a hit. Worley is just too valuable.
Unfortunately for the Phils, the Braves have been hot and right on their heels for a good month or so. Yes, 3.5 games isn't exactly right on their heels, but you got the sense that if the Phils started to struggle a bit, the Braves were in position to pounce. The Phils are starting to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the NL East of late, moving six games ahead of the second place Braves after Atlanta dropped last night's game to the Reds on Sunday Night Baseball. The Fightins' are 13-5 in July with some tough opponents (San Francisco, Pittsburgh) ahead to close out the month.
Roy Halladay made his first start after leaving the mound in Chicago due to heat exhaustion, and he bounced back strong. Doc wasn't dominant at the start, but he only grew stronger as the game wore on. Halladay picked up his 12th win of the year by tossing eight innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits, one walk and eight strikeouts. He retired the last ten batters he faced before being removed for Antonio Bastardo who picked up his eighth save a day after a very shaky performance. Doc joined Cole Hamels and Jair Jurrjens with 12 victories to lead the National League.
No news on the trade front yet. Carlos Beltran reportedly has informed the Mets that he would only like to be traded within the National League, and only to a first place team. Atlanta falling back in the NL East race recently may hurt their chances of acquiring Beltran.
It was rumored that Vance Worley would be centered around any deal the Phils put in place for Hunter Pence of Houston. One word: Don't Do It!
Pence would look great with the Phils, I'd much prefer him to Beltran, but the Phils can't keep trading away their young pitching. Their starting rotation is tremendous, but the only good, young pitchers are Hamels and Worley. They've already traded J.A. Happ, who is having a bad year for the Astros but was tremendous with the Phils, for an old pitcher who is struggling to stay healthy. While you always have to give to receive, Houston doesn't have that much need for Major League ready talent anyway. They're in no position to be considered a legitimate contender in the next few years. Ruben Amaro Jr. and Ed Wade have made several swaps in the past. Wade is familiar with the Phillies' farm system, and if Amaro pushed hard enough, he may be able to pry Pence away from the Stros' without the big league roster taking a hit. Worley is just too valuable.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Worley dominates, Rollins slugs Phils to series win
Vance Worley is quickly making a name for himself in the big leagues. Yet another dominant performance in the sweltering heat yesterday afternoon in Chicago led the way to a Phillies 9-1 victory, as they won their eighth consecutive series. Worley improved to 6-1 with a 2.02 ERA by tossing eight innings, allowing one run on four hits, two walks and seven strikeouts.
Worley has now made six consecutive starts going five or more innings and allowing one earned run or less in each start. The last Phillies starter to do that: Steve Carlton in 1972. Worley and Carlton are the only Phillies pitchers since since 1920 to accomplish such a feat. Since June 18, when Worley was recalled from the minors, no pitcher has a lower ERA.
Worley could cause a problem, albeit a good problem, for the Phillies' brass if and when Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton are set to return to the rotation. The team can't send this guy down, and he shouldn't be pitching out of the bullpen. In the meantime, hopefully Worley keeps pitching well and we can all enjoy the show.
The offense did a lot to back Worley and get him a lead from the start. Jimmy Rollins homered twice, once from each side of the plate for the second time in his career. Chase Utley drove in two runs, and chipping in an RBI were: Michael Martinez, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino and Brian Schneider.
The Phils scored two in the first, three in the second and one in each the third and fourth, chasing Ryan Dempster early. He lasted just three innings, allowing six run on seven hits, three walks and five strikeouts.
The bats put together a rather unlikely two-out rally in the second. After Domonic Brown and Schneider struck out, Worley was the only man standing between Dempster and a quick one-two-three inning. Worley responded by ripping his first career double into the right-center field gap. Rollins followed with a double down the right-field line. Martinez drove him in with an RBI single, stole second, and scored on Utley's double.
Martinez is lucky his ground-ball found its' way into center-field, otherwise he would have made a terrible mistake. Worley had just scored from second base on the scorching hot afternoon, and had just gotten back into the dugout. He hadn't even had a chance to sit down, when Martinez swung at the first pitch and hit it into center. Had Martinez hit a weak grounder to second, Worley would have had to take the mound immediately after running the bases. A veteran player like Utley would have taken a pitch if not more to give his pitcher time to rest. Someone must have pointed this out to Martinez, because next time it could come back to bite the Phillies' starter.
With a Braves loss, the Phils moved 4.5 games up in the NL East. The Phils are off today before opening a four-game set with San Diego, while the Braves will wrap up their series in Colorado at 3:10. Tommy Hanson is on the mound for Atlanta, while the Rockies will send Jhoulys Chacin to the hill.
Worley has now made six consecutive starts going five or more innings and allowing one earned run or less in each start. The last Phillies starter to do that: Steve Carlton in 1972. Worley and Carlton are the only Phillies pitchers since since 1920 to accomplish such a feat. Since June 18, when Worley was recalled from the minors, no pitcher has a lower ERA.
Worley could cause a problem, albeit a good problem, for the Phillies' brass if and when Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton are set to return to the rotation. The team can't send this guy down, and he shouldn't be pitching out of the bullpen. In the meantime, hopefully Worley keeps pitching well and we can all enjoy the show.
The offense did a lot to back Worley and get him a lead from the start. Jimmy Rollins homered twice, once from each side of the plate for the second time in his career. Chase Utley drove in two runs, and chipping in an RBI were: Michael Martinez, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino and Brian Schneider.
The Phils scored two in the first, three in the second and one in each the third and fourth, chasing Ryan Dempster early. He lasted just three innings, allowing six run on seven hits, three walks and five strikeouts.
The bats put together a rather unlikely two-out rally in the second. After Domonic Brown and Schneider struck out, Worley was the only man standing between Dempster and a quick one-two-three inning. Worley responded by ripping his first career double into the right-center field gap. Rollins followed with a double down the right-field line. Martinez drove him in with an RBI single, stole second, and scored on Utley's double.
Martinez is lucky his ground-ball found its' way into center-field, otherwise he would have made a terrible mistake. Worley had just scored from second base on the scorching hot afternoon, and had just gotten back into the dugout. He hadn't even had a chance to sit down, when Martinez swung at the first pitch and hit it into center. Had Martinez hit a weak grounder to second, Worley would have had to take the mound immediately after running the bases. A veteran player like Utley would have taken a pitch if not more to give his pitcher time to rest. Someone must have pointed this out to Martinez, because next time it could come back to bite the Phillies' starter.
With a Braves loss, the Phils moved 4.5 games up in the NL East. The Phils are off today before opening a four-game set with San Diego, while the Braves will wrap up their series in Colorado at 3:10. Tommy Hanson is on the mound for Atlanta, while the Rockies will send Jhoulys Chacin to the hill.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Rollins, Martinez clutch in Phils come back win
The top of the lineup did something last night in Chicago the Phillies have been waiting for it to do for a long time: steal a game.
The duo of Jimmy Rollins and Michael Martinez did just that in a 4-2 victory that splits the series at one game a piece entering this afternoon's finale.
Trailing 2-0 entering the eighth inning, Matt Garza was still on the mound. He'd allowed just three hits over seven innings, and Chicago even let him bat to lead-off the bottom of the seventh. Rollins led-off the inning and his single did two key things. It put the lead-off man aboard, and it removed Garza from the hill.
Sean Marshall entered the game, and promptly surrendered a single to Martinez and the Phils had their first two men on. Chase Utley, who's struggled mightily of late and has been terrible against lefties all year stroked a double into the left-center field gap, plating Rollins and Martinez to tie the score.
An inning later, the Phillies started a two out rally.
Ben Francisco's pinch hit single brought Rollins to the plate. J-Roll ripped a ball down the third base line that likely would have tied the game, had Aramis Ramirez not been guarding the line. Ramirez made a tremendous play to knock the ball down, but Rollins' infield single kept the inning alive.
Martinez followed with a bloop double down the right-field line that rattled around against the wall in the Phillies' bullpen. Reed Johnson bobbled the ball, which allowed Rollins to score behind Francisco, putting the Phillies up for good, 4-2.
Antonio Bastardo dominated once again, striking out the side in a one-two-three bottom of the ninth for his seventh save of the season.
It looked like once again, the Phillies' all-star rotation was struggling post all-star break. Cliff Lee started the game by allowing a double, a home run and a double to put the Phils in an early 2-0 hole. Fortunately, he settled down to pitch six innings, allowing those two runs on eight hits, no walks and six strikeouts.
Today is supposed to be another scorcher in Chicago. Hopefully Vance Worley doesn't suffer the same ill effects Roy Halladay did on Monday.
Fox Sports is reporting the Phillies and the Boston Red Sox are the most aggressive suitors for Carlos Beltran. The report states the Mets may not have to pay as much of Beltran's remaining $6 million salary this season as anticipated, because of the high interest from many teams. A prior report indicated the Mets may be willing to pay most or all of his remaining salary for a top prospect in return. Beltran will be a free agent, and would likely be a rental if acquired. While Beltran would look great in red pinstripes, hopefully they don't decimate the farm system for a rental player not quite of superstar stature any longer.
The duo of Jimmy Rollins and Michael Martinez did just that in a 4-2 victory that splits the series at one game a piece entering this afternoon's finale.
Trailing 2-0 entering the eighth inning, Matt Garza was still on the mound. He'd allowed just three hits over seven innings, and Chicago even let him bat to lead-off the bottom of the seventh. Rollins led-off the inning and his single did two key things. It put the lead-off man aboard, and it removed Garza from the hill.
Sean Marshall entered the game, and promptly surrendered a single to Martinez and the Phils had their first two men on. Chase Utley, who's struggled mightily of late and has been terrible against lefties all year stroked a double into the left-center field gap, plating Rollins and Martinez to tie the score.
An inning later, the Phillies started a two out rally.
Ben Francisco's pinch hit single brought Rollins to the plate. J-Roll ripped a ball down the third base line that likely would have tied the game, had Aramis Ramirez not been guarding the line. Ramirez made a tremendous play to knock the ball down, but Rollins' infield single kept the inning alive.
Martinez followed with a bloop double down the right-field line that rattled around against the wall in the Phillies' bullpen. Reed Johnson bobbled the ball, which allowed Rollins to score behind Francisco, putting the Phillies up for good, 4-2.
Antonio Bastardo dominated once again, striking out the side in a one-two-three bottom of the ninth for his seventh save of the season.
It looked like once again, the Phillies' all-star rotation was struggling post all-star break. Cliff Lee started the game by allowing a double, a home run and a double to put the Phils in an early 2-0 hole. Fortunately, he settled down to pitch six innings, allowing those two runs on eight hits, no walks and six strikeouts.
Today is supposed to be another scorcher in Chicago. Hopefully Vance Worley doesn't suffer the same ill effects Roy Halladay did on Monday.
Fox Sports is reporting the Phillies and the Boston Red Sox are the most aggressive suitors for Carlos Beltran. The report states the Mets may not have to pay as much of Beltran's remaining $6 million salary this season as anticipated, because of the high interest from many teams. A prior report indicated the Mets may be willing to pay most or all of his remaining salary for a top prospect in return. Beltran will be a free agent, and would likely be a rental if acquired. While Beltran would look great in red pinstripes, hopefully they don't decimate the farm system for a rental player not quite of superstar stature any longer.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Doc suffers heat exhaustion, first loss in two months
Roy Halladay is human. Who knew?
Typically, Charlie Manuel has to hogtie Halladay and drag him from the mound to remove him from a game. Last night, Doc removed himself.
After struggling with the heat all night, it finally got the best of him in the fifth, trailing 3-1. Halladay was suffering from heat exhaustion and the Phils had to make an early call to the pen.
Halladay took the loss in the 6-1 defeat, but more importantly he is fine and intends to make his next start. Last night was a struggle for him though.
"He was hot and dizzy," Manuel said. "You could tell in that third inning. He was kind of gasping for air. He was really sweating."
It's disappointing that the offense wasn't able to help out on such a brutally hot and humid night. After all, the Cubs had Rodrigo Lopez on the mound. Lopez's career ERA against the Phils was close to six. He has a career ERA of 4.81, and sported a 5.70 ERA during his tenure with the Phillies in 2009. Basically, he's hittable.
The Phillies managed just one run on five hits against Lopez in 6.2 innings. The lone run coming on Jimmy Rollins' ninth home run of the year.
The Phillies are 2-2 after the all-star break, losing games started by all-stars Cole Hamels and Halladay, and winning games started by Vance Worley and Kyle Kendrick. Another all-star takes the mound tonight. Can Cliff Lee reverse the trend?
He may have extra enforcements backing him up tonight. Shane Victorino is expected to be activated prior to tonight's game, and could be in the lineup. Meanwhile, Placido Polanco is not getting better and he requested a cortisone shot in his back. He'd been trying to avoid the shot, because he had four last season, but he's still in considerable pain. He's eligible to come off the DL tomorrow, which clearly will not happen.
Phils fans have a reason to be hopeful that a roster move is coming. Manuel told Ruben Amaro Jr. that he wants a big right handed bat and a relief pitcher. Here's some of what he said to reporters:
"I want somebody good. If we're going to get somebody, I want somebody good. I want somebody that's going to help us. I don't want to get what we've already got. I always think big. There's some guys out there."
Music to all of our ears for sure. Yes, it will be difficult with the team very close to the luxury tax, but they've surprised us before. And with names like Hunter Pence and Carlos Beltran floating around, well, we can all hope.
Typically, Charlie Manuel has to hogtie Halladay and drag him from the mound to remove him from a game. Last night, Doc removed himself.
After struggling with the heat all night, it finally got the best of him in the fifth, trailing 3-1. Halladay was suffering from heat exhaustion and the Phils had to make an early call to the pen.
Halladay took the loss in the 6-1 defeat, but more importantly he is fine and intends to make his next start. Last night was a struggle for him though.
"He was hot and dizzy," Manuel said. "You could tell in that third inning. He was kind of gasping for air. He was really sweating."
It's disappointing that the offense wasn't able to help out on such a brutally hot and humid night. After all, the Cubs had Rodrigo Lopez on the mound. Lopez's career ERA against the Phils was close to six. He has a career ERA of 4.81, and sported a 5.70 ERA during his tenure with the Phillies in 2009. Basically, he's hittable.
The Phillies managed just one run on five hits against Lopez in 6.2 innings. The lone run coming on Jimmy Rollins' ninth home run of the year.
The Phillies are 2-2 after the all-star break, losing games started by all-stars Cole Hamels and Halladay, and winning games started by Vance Worley and Kyle Kendrick. Another all-star takes the mound tonight. Can Cliff Lee reverse the trend?
He may have extra enforcements backing him up tonight. Shane Victorino is expected to be activated prior to tonight's game, and could be in the lineup. Meanwhile, Placido Polanco is not getting better and he requested a cortisone shot in his back. He'd been trying to avoid the shot, because he had four last season, but he's still in considerable pain. He's eligible to come off the DL tomorrow, which clearly will not happen.
Phils fans have a reason to be hopeful that a roster move is coming. Manuel told Ruben Amaro Jr. that he wants a big right handed bat and a relief pitcher. Here's some of what he said to reporters:
"I want somebody good. If we're going to get somebody, I want somebody good. I want somebody that's going to help us. I don't want to get what we've already got. I always think big. There's some guys out there."
Music to all of our ears for sure. Yes, it will be difficult with the team very close to the luxury tax, but they've surprised us before. And with names like Hunter Pence and Carlos Beltran floating around, well, we can all hope.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
A look at current Phillies all-star game careers
Despite joining their teammates on the National League all-star roster, Placido Polanco and Shane Victorino were not able to play due to injuries. I decided to take a look at how the current Phillies hitters have fared in their all-star history. It's not very pretty.
Chase Utley 2-for-9 (.222 average), one strikeout
Ryan Howard 0-for-4, two strikeouts
Jimmy Rollins 3-for-3, two runs scored, one walk, one stolen base
Victorino 1-for-2, one run, one strikeout
Raul Ibanez 0-for-2
Polanco 0-for-1
That's a total of 6-for-21 (.285) with no RBI and no extra base hits.
What does this mean? Well, nothing. But it satisfied my curiosity.
Chase Utley 2-for-9 (.222 average), one strikeout
Ryan Howard 0-for-4, two strikeouts
Jimmy Rollins 3-for-3, two runs scored, one walk, one stolen base
Victorino 1-for-2, one run, one strikeout
Raul Ibanez 0-for-2
Polanco 0-for-1
That's a total of 6-for-21 (.285) with no RBI and no extra base hits.
What does this mean? Well, nothing. But it satisfied my curiosity.
Doc perfect in AS Game, Lee has a hiccup
The Phillies' representatives at this year's Mid-Summer Classic were on the verge of doing something special last night.
Roy Halladay had the honor of starting on the mound for the National League. He responded by pitching two perfect innings with one strikeout and a lot of weak ground-balls. He threw 19 pitches, 14 for strikes.
Teammate Cliff Lee followed Halladay to the hill, and pitched a perfect third inning. The Phils had retired the American League's starting lineup in order to start the game. In a bit of a surprising move, Lee came back out for the fourth. After retiring the first two batters, Adrian Gonzalez stood between the Phils' aces and a 12 up, 12 down contribution to the National League squad.
But Lee missed his spot with a fastball, and Gonzalez broke a scoreless tie by blasting a solo shot to right-center field.
Lee settled down and should have been out of the inning, when he forced Miguel Bautista to hit a weak pop-up down the right-field line. Prince Fielder dropped the ball though, and Bautista was awarded a single. Josh Hamilton followed with a broken bat blooper that dropped into center field and ended Lee's night.
Adrian Beltre followed by lacing a single to left off Nationals' reliever Tyler Clippard, who would get the win in the National League's 5-1 victory, but Hunter Pence threw a rocket right on the money to Brian McCann and Bautista was out by 15 feet.
Lee pitched 1.2 innings and allowed one run on three hits.
Prince Fielder jacked a three-run shot in the following inning, and seven pitchers followed for the National League to keep the AL off the board and hold on for a second straight National League victory.
The Phillies' schedule resumes on Friday with Vance Worley (4-1 2.20) toeing the rubber against knuckle-baller R.A. Dickey (4-7 3.61).
Cole Hamels (11-4 2.32) takes the ball on Saturday against Jon Niese (8-7 3.88).
Roy Halladay said he hopes to take the mound for Sunday's finale against Mike Pelfrey (5-8 4.55), but no decision has been made.
The Phillies won't have to worry about K-Rod closing out any games in the series. It's being reported that the Mets have traded their closer to the Brewers for players to be named later. That's good news for the Phillies this weekend, but potentially bad news later in the season as the Brewers should be one of the NL's last teams standing.
Roy Halladay had the honor of starting on the mound for the National League. He responded by pitching two perfect innings with one strikeout and a lot of weak ground-balls. He threw 19 pitches, 14 for strikes.
Teammate Cliff Lee followed Halladay to the hill, and pitched a perfect third inning. The Phils had retired the American League's starting lineup in order to start the game. In a bit of a surprising move, Lee came back out for the fourth. After retiring the first two batters, Adrian Gonzalez stood between the Phils' aces and a 12 up, 12 down contribution to the National League squad.
But Lee missed his spot with a fastball, and Gonzalez broke a scoreless tie by blasting a solo shot to right-center field.
Lee settled down and should have been out of the inning, when he forced Miguel Bautista to hit a weak pop-up down the right-field line. Prince Fielder dropped the ball though, and Bautista was awarded a single. Josh Hamilton followed with a broken bat blooper that dropped into center field and ended Lee's night.
Adrian Beltre followed by lacing a single to left off Nationals' reliever Tyler Clippard, who would get the win in the National League's 5-1 victory, but Hunter Pence threw a rocket right on the money to Brian McCann and Bautista was out by 15 feet.
Lee pitched 1.2 innings and allowed one run on three hits.
Prince Fielder jacked a three-run shot in the following inning, and seven pitchers followed for the National League to keep the AL off the board and hold on for a second straight National League victory.
The Phillies' schedule resumes on Friday with Vance Worley (4-1 2.20) toeing the rubber against knuckle-baller R.A. Dickey (4-7 3.61).
Cole Hamels (11-4 2.32) takes the ball on Saturday against Jon Niese (8-7 3.88).
Roy Halladay said he hopes to take the mound for Sunday's finale against Mike Pelfrey (5-8 4.55), but no decision has been made.
The Phillies won't have to worry about K-Rod closing out any games in the series. It's being reported that the Mets have traded their closer to the Brewers for players to be named later. That's good news for the Phillies this weekend, but potentially bad news later in the season as the Brewers should be one of the NL's last teams standing.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Phils enter break hot, Doc to start
After a dominating 14-1 win on Sunday gave the Phillies an important series victory over Atlanta, the Phils head into the All-Star break tied for the franchise record in victories with 57. Their 57-34 record is the best in baseball, and places them 3.5 games ahead of the Braves.
The victory also gave Cole Hamels his eleventh victory of the year, tying him with Roy Halladay for the team lead.
Of the Phillies' five all-stars, only two can actually play. Placido Polanco and Shane Victorino are both out due to injury, and Hamels in ineligible because he pitched on Sunday. But, Halladay will have a big impact on the game as he's been chosen as the National League's starting pitcher by Giants' manager Bruce Bochey. Doc will likely be the only NL pitcher to throw two innings.
Bochey mentioned during a press conference today that he'd discussed adding Ryan Howard to his roster, but decided against it because he already had three first baseman.
When the unofficial second half opens for the Phils on Friday, they'll send Vance Worley to the hill in New York against the Mets. Worley's one bad outing this season came at Citi Field on May 29, when he lasted just three innings and allowed eight runs (five earned) on 12 hits. He was sent back to Triple-A after the game until his June 18 recall in Seattle. He claimed he was tired, after entering several games in relief, and that he wasn't stretched out enough for the debacle against the Mets.
Some of the Phillies team leaders at the break are:
Victorino- Batting Average (.303), Runs (53), Triples (9), OPS (.900)
Howard- Home Runs (18), RBI (72), Doubles (18), Walks (47)
Jimmy Rollins- Stolen Bases (19), Hits (95)
Raul Ibanez- Doubles (18)
Halladay- Wins (11), Strikeouts (138)
Hamels- Wins (11), ERA (2.32), WHIP (0.93)
Ryan Madson- Saves (15)
The victory also gave Cole Hamels his eleventh victory of the year, tying him with Roy Halladay for the team lead.
Of the Phillies' five all-stars, only two can actually play. Placido Polanco and Shane Victorino are both out due to injury, and Hamels in ineligible because he pitched on Sunday. But, Halladay will have a big impact on the game as he's been chosen as the National League's starting pitcher by Giants' manager Bruce Bochey. Doc will likely be the only NL pitcher to throw two innings.
Bochey mentioned during a press conference today that he'd discussed adding Ryan Howard to his roster, but decided against it because he already had three first baseman.
When the unofficial second half opens for the Phils on Friday, they'll send Vance Worley to the hill in New York against the Mets. Worley's one bad outing this season came at Citi Field on May 29, when he lasted just three innings and allowed eight runs (five earned) on 12 hits. He was sent back to Triple-A after the game until his June 18 recall in Seattle. He claimed he was tired, after entering several games in relief, and that he wasn't stretched out enough for the debacle against the Mets.
Some of the Phillies team leaders at the break are:
Victorino- Batting Average (.303), Runs (53), Triples (9), OPS (.900)
Howard- Home Runs (18), RBI (72), Doubles (18), Walks (47)
Jimmy Rollins- Stolen Bases (19), Hits (95)
Raul Ibanez- Doubles (18)
Halladay- Wins (11), Strikeouts (138)
Hamels- Wins (11), ERA (2.32), WHIP (0.93)
Ryan Madson- Saves (15)
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Bats break out in 14-2 win over Fish
The Phillies secured another series victory over the Florida Marlins last night in convincing fashion, 14-2. The Phils put up season highs in runs and hits (18).
The offensive outburst backed Cole Hamels, who joined Roy Halladay in the 10+ win club. Hamels improved to 10-4, allowing two runs on eight hits, one walk and five strikeouts over eight strong innings. The Halladay-Hamels duo is the Phillies' first tandem with ten or more wins before the all-star break since Kevin Millwood and Randy Wolf did it in 2003.
The Phils continued to pound Chris Volstad, who lasted just four innings and allowed seven runs on nine hits, one walk and four strikeouts.
Ryan Howard's dominance of Volstad continued, as he went 4-for-5 with four RBI, three runs scored and one walk. He hit a two-run bomb off Volstad during a five run third inning.
Jimmy Rollins also joined the four-hit club, raising his average to .261 with three runs scored and a walk of his own.
The Phillies went off on former Phil Brian Sanches in the ninth, putting six more runs on the board. Michael Martinez turned around his 0-for-5 night in the ninth with a bases clearing, three-run triple. Howard would drive him in with an RBI double, and Raul Ibanez followed with a two-run shot to right to cap the scoring.
Every starter, except Hamels, had at least one hit in the game.
The Phillies will look for the sweep tonight which will be no easy task. Kyle Kendrick takes the hill, opposing Florida's best starter this season, Anibal Sanchez.
The offensive outburst backed Cole Hamels, who joined Roy Halladay in the 10+ win club. Hamels improved to 10-4, allowing two runs on eight hits, one walk and five strikeouts over eight strong innings. The Halladay-Hamels duo is the Phillies' first tandem with ten or more wins before the all-star break since Kevin Millwood and Randy Wolf did it in 2003.
The Phils continued to pound Chris Volstad, who lasted just four innings and allowed seven runs on nine hits, one walk and four strikeouts.
Ryan Howard's dominance of Volstad continued, as he went 4-for-5 with four RBI, three runs scored and one walk. He hit a two-run bomb off Volstad during a five run third inning.
Jimmy Rollins also joined the four-hit club, raising his average to .261 with three runs scored and a walk of his own.
The Phillies went off on former Phil Brian Sanches in the ninth, putting six more runs on the board. Michael Martinez turned around his 0-for-5 night in the ninth with a bases clearing, three-run triple. Howard would drive him in with an RBI double, and Raul Ibanez followed with a two-run shot to right to cap the scoring.
Every starter, except Hamels, had at least one hit in the game.
The Phillies will look for the sweep tonight which will be no easy task. Kyle Kendrick takes the hill, opposing Florida's best starter this season, Anibal Sanchez.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Phils have at least 4 All-Stars
The Phillies' dominant starting rotation will be well represented at the all-star game, as Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels will all join elected starting third baseman Placido Polanco to represent the National League.
Cole Hamels won't pitch in the game, as long as the Phils stick with their projected rotation which has Hamels pitching tonight in Florida and on Sunday against Atlanta. Starters that throw on the day before the break are not permitted to participate in the Mid-Summer Classic.
Shane Victorino could join his teammates in Phoenix, as he's once again nominated for the Final Vote in the NL. He won the Final Vote last season and would be the first two-time victor. After 24 hours, he had a narrow lead. Victorino is expected to return to the lineup tomorrow.
The Phillies optioned Vance Worley to Triple-A, only to keep him throwing during the All-Star break. The Phillies plan to use the big three of Halladay, Lee and Hamels against Atlanta before the break, leaving no opening for Worley to start another game before the break. He's been tremendous, and will return to the club when MLB play resumes.
John Mayberry Jr. was recalled to fill Worley's spot. In 28 games for the Iron Pigs, Mayberry is batting .265 with four home runs, 15 RBI, 16 runs, eight doubles, five walks, 23 strikeouts and two stolen bases. He went 1-for-4 yesterday with a homer.
Mayberry is expected to be with the club in Florida tonight as the Phillies continue their series with the Marlins. Hamels will take the mound for the first time since exiting against Boston when Adrian Gonzalez lined a ball off his glove hand. Hamels is 9-4 with a 2.41 ERA. Chris Volstad, who the Phillies have a ton of success against, will oppose him. In one meeting this year, the Phils tagged Volstad for eight runs on ten hits.
Cole Hamels won't pitch in the game, as long as the Phils stick with their projected rotation which has Hamels pitching tonight in Florida and on Sunday against Atlanta. Starters that throw on the day before the break are not permitted to participate in the Mid-Summer Classic.
Shane Victorino could join his teammates in Phoenix, as he's once again nominated for the Final Vote in the NL. He won the Final Vote last season and would be the first two-time victor. After 24 hours, he had a narrow lead. Victorino is expected to return to the lineup tomorrow.
The Phillies optioned Vance Worley to Triple-A, only to keep him throwing during the All-Star break. The Phillies plan to use the big three of Halladay, Lee and Hamels against Atlanta before the break, leaving no opening for Worley to start another game before the break. He's been tremendous, and will return to the club when MLB play resumes.
John Mayberry Jr. was recalled to fill Worley's spot. In 28 games for the Iron Pigs, Mayberry is batting .265 with four home runs, 15 RBI, 16 runs, eight doubles, five walks, 23 strikeouts and two stolen bases. He went 1-for-4 yesterday with a homer.
Mayberry is expected to be with the club in Florida tonight as the Phillies continue their series with the Marlins. Hamels will take the mound for the first time since exiting against Boston when Adrian Gonzalez lined a ball off his glove hand. Hamels is 9-4 with a 2.41 ERA. Chris Volstad, who the Phillies have a ton of success against, will oppose him. In one meeting this year, the Phils tagged Volstad for eight runs on ten hits.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Lester dominates Phils to prevent sweep
Jon Lester dominated the Phils in yesterday's series finale, taking the win 5-2 and avoiding a sweep for the Red Sox.
Lester and Cole Hamels were engaged in a pitcher's duel early, before Hamels had to leave the game after being smoked on his non-pitching hand by an Adrian Gonzalez line drive. X-rays were negative, but Hamels' next start is up in the air.
David Herndon relieved Hamels in the fifth, promptly allowing two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth, which would be all the support Lester would need.
Lester went seven strong, allowing no runs and just two hits, two walks and five strikeouts.
Jason Varitek hit two homers in the game for Boston, and Dustin Pedroia tacked on a solo shot.
Ryan Howard broke up a 5-0 shutout in the ninth with a two-run upper deck bomb off Bobby Jenks, which forced Terry Francona to go to his closer, Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon picked up his 15th save of the season, striking out one in 2/3 of an inning.
The Phillies open a three-game set in Toronto this afternoon to close out Interleague Play for 2011.
Today: Kyle Kendrick (4-4 3.23) vs. Ricky Romero (7-7 2.74)
Kendrick will make his start start since June 15, when he allowed just one run over seven innings in a victory over Florida. In five starts this season, Kendrick is 2-2 and has allowed ten earned runs in 23 innings.
Romero has been on fire of late. In his last three starts, he's allowed just three runs and struck out 21. He's pitched at least seven innings in each of his last nine starts. His last outing was a complete game shutout over St. Louis on June 26.
Saturday: Roy Halladay (10-3 2.40) vs. Carlos Villanueva (5-1 3.15)
Halladay is making his first start in Toronto since being traded to the Phillies. He's coming off a complete game victory over Oakland in which he allowed just one run. Doc went 3-0 in June with a 2.00 ERA.
Villanueva doesn't strike out many batter (44 in 65.2 innings) but he's pitched well for the Jays this season. He beat the Cardinals in his last outing, allowing two runs over six innings. He was 3-1 with a 3.73 ERA in June.
Sunday: Cliff Lee (9-5 2.66) vs. Jo-Jo Reyes (3-7 4.77)
Everyone knows what kind of June Lee had. He's guaranteed to win NL player of the month. He went 5-0 with a 0.21 ERA and has thrown three consecutive complete game shutouts. His strikeouts were a little low (29 in 42 innings) but that's enabled him to keep his pitch counts lower.
Reyes allowed a season high six runs over just 3 2/3 innings against Pittsburgh in his last start. It was the fifth time this season he failed to pitch into the fourth. He went 2-3 with a 6.11 ERA in June and has lost his last two starts.
Lester and Cole Hamels were engaged in a pitcher's duel early, before Hamels had to leave the game after being smoked on his non-pitching hand by an Adrian Gonzalez line drive. X-rays were negative, but Hamels' next start is up in the air.
David Herndon relieved Hamels in the fifth, promptly allowing two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth, which would be all the support Lester would need.
Lester went seven strong, allowing no runs and just two hits, two walks and five strikeouts.
Jason Varitek hit two homers in the game for Boston, and Dustin Pedroia tacked on a solo shot.
Ryan Howard broke up a 5-0 shutout in the ninth with a two-run upper deck bomb off Bobby Jenks, which forced Terry Francona to go to his closer, Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon picked up his 15th save of the season, striking out one in 2/3 of an inning.
The Phillies open a three-game set in Toronto this afternoon to close out Interleague Play for 2011.
Today: Kyle Kendrick (4-4 3.23) vs. Ricky Romero (7-7 2.74)
Kendrick will make his start start since June 15, when he allowed just one run over seven innings in a victory over Florida. In five starts this season, Kendrick is 2-2 and has allowed ten earned runs in 23 innings.
Romero has been on fire of late. In his last three starts, he's allowed just three runs and struck out 21. He's pitched at least seven innings in each of his last nine starts. His last outing was a complete game shutout over St. Louis on June 26.
Saturday: Roy Halladay (10-3 2.40) vs. Carlos Villanueva (5-1 3.15)
Halladay is making his first start in Toronto since being traded to the Phillies. He's coming off a complete game victory over Oakland in which he allowed just one run. Doc went 3-0 in June with a 2.00 ERA.
Villanueva doesn't strike out many batter (44 in 65.2 innings) but he's pitched well for the Jays this season. He beat the Cardinals in his last outing, allowing two runs over six innings. He was 3-1 with a 3.73 ERA in June.
Sunday: Cliff Lee (9-5 2.66) vs. Jo-Jo Reyes (3-7 4.77)
Everyone knows what kind of June Lee had. He's guaranteed to win NL player of the month. He went 5-0 with a 0.21 ERA and has thrown three consecutive complete game shutouts. His strikeouts were a little low (29 in 42 innings) but that's enabled him to keep his pitch counts lower.
Reyes allowed a season high six runs over just 3 2/3 innings against Pittsburgh in his last start. It was the fifth time this season he failed to pitch into the fourth. He went 2-3 with a 6.11 ERA in June and has lost his last two starts.
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