Don't be too hard on the young guys in the rotation after struggling in Boston's 2-1 series victory. I mean, we are talking about the Red Sox. That lineup is stacked from top to bottom with world class hitters, and Antonio Bastardo and J.A. Happ are stacked with talent but inexperience. Bastardo was all over the place in his one inning of work, and clearly needs to further develop his off speed stuff to truly compete at this level. There's no question that he has a Major League fastball though, and the potential to develop into a very strong starting pitcher.
Happ got himself into trouble in the second inning, but settled down nicely and kept the Phillies in the ball game, eventually leading to a rally and the Phils salvaging a game in the series. Happ's biggest mistake in the game was not allowing Boston to take a 4-1 lead in the second. It was serving up a lead-off home run to Josh Beckett, immediately following the team's first rally of the day which put them in front 5-4. Happ would settle down once again, albeit briefly, inducing a double play from the speedy Jacoby Ellsbury. Happ is a competitor, has good stuff and a great mentality, and should recover nicely.
Joe Blanton continued his string of strong starts in the first game on the series. He was excellent once again, unfortunately, Jon Lester was even better. The Phillies could have won the opening game, had Greg Dobbs' blast in extra innings not been ruled foul. On television, it appeared to go over the pole, but it's difficult to determine if the camera angle factored into the view. The umpires refused to go to instant replay, which is difficult to understand. If an umpire is adamant that he saw the play all the way, then a replay is not necessary. But in that situation, with a potential game winning home run that close to the pole, it was worth a look. Even if they determined the angle was deceiving, rendering the replay ambiguous, taking an extra look at the play can't hurt. Hopefully the ball really was foul and didn't cost the Phillies a victory, but it did appear to be a fair ball.
Nothing changed in the NL East standing over the weekend, except that the fourth place Marlins went on a minor hot streak, overtaking the Atlanta Braves for third place. The Mets also lost two of three, to the Yankees, in hilarious fashion. They find a different way to lose just about everyday. Luis Castillo's dropped pop-up to end the game was just ridiculous. That can't happen, and yet with the Mets, it does. After bouncing back and tying the series on Saturday with Johan Santana scheduled to pitch the rubber match, Santana was destroyed for nine earned runs in three innings. It's just fun to watch.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Phils take series in New York, Raul is the Man, Pelfrey is a goon
What a great series in New York, culminating with the Phils taking the series after two consecutive extra inning victories. The Phillies showed a ton of heart against the Mets, battling to take two of three.
The team made a comeback in all three games. They rallied from a 3-0 deficit in game one, with Johan Santana on the mound. Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez responded by hitting back to back solo shots, and Jimmy Rollins heard the boos a bit louder after his two run shot but the Phils in front 4-3. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead and the Mets took game one.
The Phillies battled back late in game two, trailing 4-1, rallying to tie the game. Chase Utley's extra innings home run gave the Phils the lead and the win. Utley must have enjoyed this game winner a bit more than usual, following a prior incident between Utley and Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey was on the mound ready to throw, and as soon as Utley started to step into the box, it appeared as though Pelfrey was about to pitch. Utley called time out and stepped out of the box, and Pelfrey threw a temper tantrum like a goon, and threw his arms up in the air and starting yelling at Utley. Utley was not given time to get set in the box, so he stepped out. It's not as though he called time late after being set in the box to throw Pelfrey out of his rhythm. Instead of walking in the direction of his dugout after Utley made an out, Pelfrey walked toward first base and said something to Utley as he passed him.
The Phillies battled back once again last night, tying the game in the seventh after trailing 3-1. Raul Ibanez came through once again, giving the Phils a 6-3 win after his three run home run in the 10th. He really has been the man in Philadelphia all season. Ryan Madson looked great as the closer in the last two games, picking up two saves in the process. The victory puts the Phillies four games ahead of the Mets, entering interleague play.
The Boston Red Sox, fresh off yet another sweep of the New York Yankees, come into town for a weekend series starting tonight. Boston will be throwing their three best pitchers in this series, with Jon Lester on the hill tonight, Dice-K Matsuzaka starting tomorrow and the red hot Josh Beckett closing out the series on Sunday. The Phillies will counter with Joe Blanton tonight, and the young left guns, Antonio Bastardo and J.A. Happ to finish the set. The Mets and Yankees will both be searching for redemption while facing each other this weekend.
The team made a comeback in all three games. They rallied from a 3-0 deficit in game one, with Johan Santana on the mound. Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez responded by hitting back to back solo shots, and Jimmy Rollins heard the boos a bit louder after his two run shot but the Phils in front 4-3. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead and the Mets took game one.
The Phillies battled back late in game two, trailing 4-1, rallying to tie the game. Chase Utley's extra innings home run gave the Phils the lead and the win. Utley must have enjoyed this game winner a bit more than usual, following a prior incident between Utley and Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey was on the mound ready to throw, and as soon as Utley started to step into the box, it appeared as though Pelfrey was about to pitch. Utley called time out and stepped out of the box, and Pelfrey threw a temper tantrum like a goon, and threw his arms up in the air and starting yelling at Utley. Utley was not given time to get set in the box, so he stepped out. It's not as though he called time late after being set in the box to throw Pelfrey out of his rhythm. Instead of walking in the direction of his dugout after Utley made an out, Pelfrey walked toward first base and said something to Utley as he passed him.
The Phillies battled back once again last night, tying the game in the seventh after trailing 3-1. Raul Ibanez came through once again, giving the Phils a 6-3 win after his three run home run in the 10th. He really has been the man in Philadelphia all season. Ryan Madson looked great as the closer in the last two games, picking up two saves in the process. The victory puts the Phillies four games ahead of the Mets, entering interleague play.
The Boston Red Sox, fresh off yet another sweep of the New York Yankees, come into town for a weekend series starting tonight. Boston will be throwing their three best pitchers in this series, with Jon Lester on the hill tonight, Dice-K Matsuzaka starting tomorrow and the red hot Josh Beckett closing out the series on Sunday. The Phillies will counter with Joe Blanton tonight, and the young left guns, Antonio Bastardo and J.A. Happ to finish the set. The Mets and Yankees will both be searching for redemption while facing each other this weekend.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Get your copy of Fightin Phillies Monthy NOW
Rich Baxter of Fightin Phillies put together an excellent Phillies publication that's currently on sale! It features great photos, and stories written by myself and Rich. Fightin Phillies Monthly is selling for just $4.20! Be sure to buy it here, and pick up the first edition.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Phils wondering what could have been in L.A, begin tough stretch tonight
Heading into a four game set in L.A against the Dodgers, if someone told you the Phillies would split the series, you'd have to be satisfied with the result. But after the 2-2 split, the Phillies are left with a sense that they failed to put a dagger into the team with the Major League's best record. If not for Brad Lidge's struggles, and an uncharacteristic Pedro Feliz error, the Phillies would have swept the series.
Phillies fans know better than any others, you have to get all 27 outs before earning the victory. The Phillies have pulled out more unlikely comebacks than just about any other team in recent history. Maybe we're a bit spoiled with our track record last season, winning games late and going undefeated when leading after eight. But this team doesn't lose games in that fashion and it needs Lidge to be "Lights out Lidge" from a season ago.
Starting tonight in New York, opposing Johan Santana, the Phils begin a very difficult stretch. After three against the Mets, the Phillies host Boston and Toronto for three. Hopefully Baltimore will provide a bit of a break, before the Phils head out to Tampa for a three game set with the Rays and then travel to Toronto to take on the Blue Jays again.
That stretch could make or break the team. If the Phils keep their heads above water, they could very well run away with the division. Sink, and we may see another dog fight late into September.
Phillies fans know better than any others, you have to get all 27 outs before earning the victory. The Phillies have pulled out more unlikely comebacks than just about any other team in recent history. Maybe we're a bit spoiled with our track record last season, winning games late and going undefeated when leading after eight. But this team doesn't lose games in that fashion and it needs Lidge to be "Lights out Lidge" from a season ago.
Starting tonight in New York, opposing Johan Santana, the Phils begin a very difficult stretch. After three against the Mets, the Phillies host Boston and Toronto for three. Hopefully Baltimore will provide a bit of a break, before the Phils head out to Tampa for a three game set with the Rays and then travel to Toronto to take on the Blue Jays again.
That stretch could make or break the team. If the Phils keep their heads above water, they could very well run away with the division. Sink, and we may see another dog fight late into September.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Dodgers rally against Lidge, end Phils' streak
Last night's loss to the Dodgers was a brutal one. The Phillies had no business losing that game, and blew it in a very uncharacteristic fashion. Despite eleven runners left on base, the Phils appeared to be well on their way to their eight straight victory.
The Dodgers were down to their last strike before rallying against Brad Lidge, with a single, walk and rare error by sure-handed third baseman Pedro Feliz. Andre Eithier finished the rally with a walk-off, two-run double.
The team consistently failed to bring in runners throughout the game. They had chance after chance to add some insurance runs to pad the lead but failed to do so, setting themselves up for defeat. Still, Lidge needs to get that final out to end the game. Sure, Feliz made an error, but retiring Casey Blake, James Loney or Andre Eithier would have ended the game.
Unfortunately, Jamie Moyer's great start was wasted; he allowed just two runs over seven innings. Eric Bruntlett should have made that catch in the seventh and prevented the Dodgers' second run from scoring. He's done a fine job, but he's not an outfielder. He can't be blamed for not making a play at a position he's not familiar with. The Phillies only have one back-up outfielder, Matt Stairs, and he's not exactly Mr. Defensive replacement.
The Phillies are short handed offensively, with just a four man bench. With Victorino sitting out, the bench is down to three. One of the three left handed arms in the bullpen should be moved, allowing the Phillies to add another outfielder to the roster. With the return of J.C. Romero, Jack Taschner's role on the team is minuscule. John Mayberry Jr. would be more valuable to this team than a third left handed relief pitcher.
Joe Blanton looks to get the team back on track in L.A. this afternoon. The starting pitching has been phenomenal lately, and Blanton has been pitching much better. If the trend continues, look for the Phillies to start another winning streak starting today.
The Dodgers were down to their last strike before rallying against Brad Lidge, with a single, walk and rare error by sure-handed third baseman Pedro Feliz. Andre Eithier finished the rally with a walk-off, two-run double.
The team consistently failed to bring in runners throughout the game. They had chance after chance to add some insurance runs to pad the lead but failed to do so, setting themselves up for defeat. Still, Lidge needs to get that final out to end the game. Sure, Feliz made an error, but retiring Casey Blake, James Loney or Andre Eithier would have ended the game.
Unfortunately, Jamie Moyer's great start was wasted; he allowed just two runs over seven innings. Eric Bruntlett should have made that catch in the seventh and prevented the Dodgers' second run from scoring. He's done a fine job, but he's not an outfielder. He can't be blamed for not making a play at a position he's not familiar with. The Phillies only have one back-up outfielder, Matt Stairs, and he's not exactly Mr. Defensive replacement.
The Phillies are short handed offensively, with just a four man bench. With Victorino sitting out, the bench is down to three. One of the three left handed arms in the bullpen should be moved, allowing the Phillies to add another outfielder to the roster. With the return of J.C. Romero, Jack Taschner's role on the team is minuscule. John Mayberry Jr. would be more valuable to this team than a third left handed relief pitcher.
Joe Blanton looks to get the team back on track in L.A. this afternoon. The starting pitching has been phenomenal lately, and Blanton has been pitching much better. If the trend continues, look for the Phillies to start another winning streak starting today.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Phils sweep Padres, head to L.A. for showdown with Dodgers
The Phillies won their sixth straight game last night, 5-1, capping off a sweep of the San Diego Padres. While the offense has been punishing the ball, the pitching staff has been excellent throughout this stretch.
The two young left-handers in the rotation are pitching phenomenally. Antonio Bastardo's Major League debut on Tuesday could not have gone better. Staked to a 4-0 lead before taking the mound, Bastardo used the lead to his advantage by attacking hitters with his live fastball. In his six innings pitching, his only allowed run came on a solo shot from Adrian Gonzalez. He struck out five and walked just one. Bastardo was great, and didn't pitch like a rookie at all. He started the first batter he faced three balls and no strikes. A less composed kid making his debut would likely have become frustrated, but Bastardo threw three consecutive strikes to pick up his first big league strikeout.
Raul Ibanez carried the offense in Tuesday's victory. On his 37th birthday, Ibanez hit an RBI double off Jake Peavy in the first, and then two, two-run home runs, one in the third and one in the seventh. The Phils were cruising with a 10-1 lead until Chan Ho Park entered the game and promptly allowed four runs in just one inning.
Park has no business even being on this team. He was terrible in the rotation and hasn't fared much better out of the bullpen. The scoreboard at Citizen's Bank Park should display his last name backward any time he enters a game: "oh krap." Might as well say it, we're all thinking it.
J.A. Happ was dominant, once again, last night. Ryan Howard's two-run blast in the first inning was all he needed. Happ pitched seven scoreless, allowing just four hits while walking two and striking out four. His era is down to 2.48 and he improved to 4-0.
The Phillies' hot streak has moved them to three games ahead of New York, five and a half past Atlanta and seven and a half in front of Florida. The Phils' .608 winning percentage is second best in the National League, behind only the L.A. Dodgers, whom the Phillies open a four-game set with tonight.
The first two games will be match-ups of lefties, as Cole Hamels faces off against Clayton Kershaw in game one, and Jamie Moyer opposes former Phillie Eric Milton on Friday. Joe Blanton will take on right handed Hiroki Kuroda on Saturday, and Antonio Bastardo's second Major League start closes out the series, against another former Phillie, Randy Wolf.
One would think the Phillies throwing three left handed pitchers at a team would be unmatchable, but the Dodgers are countering with three lefties on the same nights. The Dodgers took two of three from the Phils in Philadelphia last month, but the Phillies are on a hot streak and out for revenge this weekend. Should be a great series, and if the Phillies could manage to take three of four, they'd be in excellent shape.
The two young left-handers in the rotation are pitching phenomenally. Antonio Bastardo's Major League debut on Tuesday could not have gone better. Staked to a 4-0 lead before taking the mound, Bastardo used the lead to his advantage by attacking hitters with his live fastball. In his six innings pitching, his only allowed run came on a solo shot from Adrian Gonzalez. He struck out five and walked just one. Bastardo was great, and didn't pitch like a rookie at all. He started the first batter he faced three balls and no strikes. A less composed kid making his debut would likely have become frustrated, but Bastardo threw three consecutive strikes to pick up his first big league strikeout.
Raul Ibanez carried the offense in Tuesday's victory. On his 37th birthday, Ibanez hit an RBI double off Jake Peavy in the first, and then two, two-run home runs, one in the third and one in the seventh. The Phils were cruising with a 10-1 lead until Chan Ho Park entered the game and promptly allowed four runs in just one inning.
Park has no business even being on this team. He was terrible in the rotation and hasn't fared much better out of the bullpen. The scoreboard at Citizen's Bank Park should display his last name backward any time he enters a game: "oh krap." Might as well say it, we're all thinking it.
J.A. Happ was dominant, once again, last night. Ryan Howard's two-run blast in the first inning was all he needed. Happ pitched seven scoreless, allowing just four hits while walking two and striking out four. His era is down to 2.48 and he improved to 4-0.
The Phillies' hot streak has moved them to three games ahead of New York, five and a half past Atlanta and seven and a half in front of Florida. The Phils' .608 winning percentage is second best in the National League, behind only the L.A. Dodgers, whom the Phillies open a four-game set with tonight.
The first two games will be match-ups of lefties, as Cole Hamels faces off against Clayton Kershaw in game one, and Jamie Moyer opposes former Phillie Eric Milton on Friday. Joe Blanton will take on right handed Hiroki Kuroda on Saturday, and Antonio Bastardo's second Major League start closes out the series, against another former Phillie, Randy Wolf.
One would think the Phillies throwing three left handed pitchers at a team would be unmatchable, but the Dodgers are countering with three lefties on the same nights. The Dodgers took two of three from the Phils in Philadelphia last month, but the Phillies are on a hot streak and out for revenge this weekend. Should be a great series, and if the Phillies could manage to take three of four, they'd be in excellent shape.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Phils win fourth straight, Lidge strong again
The Phillies have caught fire a bit as of late. Sure, playing Washington helps; but the Phils continued their winning ways in San Diego last night with a 5-3 victory. Joe Blanton was solid once again, pitching an excellent game minus allowing back-to-back solo jacks in the sixth. The Phillies hit their own back-to-back homers in the fifth, with Chase Utley and Ryan Howard each blasting solo shots.
Brad Lidge had another strong outing and is starting to regain his dominant form. That's an extremely encouraging fact for the Phils, as Lidge's success is key to the team's success. Despite his struggles, last night's was his 13th save of the season.
Antonio Bastardo makes his major league debut tonight. Unfortunately for him, he must have drawn the short straw, as Jake Peavy will oppose him. The series closes out on Wednesday with J.A. Happ looking to defend his 3-0 record against Chris Young.
Brad Lidge had another strong outing and is starting to regain his dominant form. That's an extremely encouraging fact for the Phils, as Lidge's success is key to the team's success. Despite his struggles, last night's was his 13th save of the season.
Antonio Bastardo makes his major league debut tonight. Unfortunately for him, he must have drawn the short straw, as Jake Peavy will oppose him. The series closes out on Wednesday with J.A. Happ looking to defend his 3-0 record against Chris Young.
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