Friday, July 29, 2011

Phils land Pence, Doc dominates Bucs

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.

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