Free agent pitcher Pedro Martinez will be in Philadelphia over the all-star break for a physical. It's thought that the Phillies have agreed to terms on a one year deal with Pedro, and he will be in a Phillies' uniform for the second half of the season, pending results of the physical.
This could be a good move; it really depends on how much the Phillies are giving him. Another contingency is that if he struggles and puts a constant strain on the bullpen, the Phillies need to release him. If he fails to go deep into games the bullpen will wear down over a period of time, and become fatigued come September and the postseason.
The Phillies don't have to give up anything to get him though, and he is a veteran presence who knows what it takes to win. Just as long as the salary isn't ludicrous, it's a low risk, high reward situation.
It will be interesting to see if the deal does become finalized, but it appears more than likely.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Great come from behind victory
Don't ever count this team out. I should know better by now, but I was about ready to chalk last night's game up as a loss. The move to pinch hit Matt Stairs leading off the ninth seemed foolish. They had used John Mayberry Jr. in a situation with runners on base earlier in the game, instead of Stairs against a right handed pitcher. Ideally, you'd like Stairs to come to the plate with men on base. Leading off the ninth, the Phils needed someone to get on base and start a potential rally. Stairs did just that with his home run, and the top of the lineup did all you could ask for. They brought Ryan Howard to the plate as the tying run, and Howard delivered with a three run smash.
Raul Ibanez had a successful return, going 2-5 with two doubles and scoring the game winning run. He followed Howard's game tying homer by nearly hitting a walk-off homer of his own. The double put him in scoring position though and proved to be the difference as he crossed the plate on Paul Bako's first real contribution to the team.
What is ailing Cole Hamels? He has the stuff, as we all know. He was terrible through the first two innings last night, but settled down to at least save the bullpen from having a long night of work. The Phillies need Hamels to get it together during the all-star break and come out in the second half having returned to his dominant form.
J.A. Happ looks to give the Phils the series sweep and send them into the break having gone 9-1 on the homestand. The Marlins have cooled off and fell four games back last night, while Atlanta remains five back and the Mets stay in fourth place, six and a half games out.
Raul Ibanez had a successful return, going 2-5 with two doubles and scoring the game winning run. He followed Howard's game tying homer by nearly hitting a walk-off homer of his own. The double put him in scoring position though and proved to be the difference as he crossed the plate on Paul Bako's first real contribution to the team.
What is ailing Cole Hamels? He has the stuff, as we all know. He was terrible through the first two innings last night, but settled down to at least save the bullpen from having a long night of work. The Phillies need Hamels to get it together during the all-star break and come out in the second half having returned to his dominant form.
J.A. Happ looks to give the Phils the series sweep and send them into the break having gone 9-1 on the homestand. The Marlins have cooled off and fell four games back last night, while Atlanta remains five back and the Mets stay in fourth place, six and a half games out.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Werth added to NL all-star team
Congratulations to the Phillies' all-stars! After Shane Victorino was added to the NL all-star team yesterday by winning the final man voting, Jayson Werth has been selected to replace injured outfielder Carlos Beltran. Victorino and Werth join obviously join elected starters Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez, along with Charlie Manuel's selection of Ryan Howard.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Phils give one away to Reds, Halladay a good fit in Philly?
That was a tough loss for the Phillies last night after their 22-1 pounding of the Reds the previous night. The Phils have no one to blame for the loss but themselves, after leaving runner after runner in scoring position. Jumping out to a 3-0 lead, the Phillies had a bases loaded situation with no outs. After failing to plate a single run, the game turned downward from there. J.A. Happ pitched well, but allowed two home runs to Brandon Phillips and left the game in a 3-3 tie. Brad Lidge came on in the ninth to allow the losing run. Happ should have been working with a much bigger cushion, but time and time again the Phillies did not come through last night. Carlos Ruiz led off an inning with a triple, and the lineup failed to bring him in. These failed opportunities add up to loses, and that's exactly what happened last night.
Reports surfaced at the beginning of the week that the Phillies were to scout free agent pitcher Pedro Martinez in the Dominican Republic. Ruben Amaro Jr. explained that the team is exploring all options, but a source indicated to Comcast Sportsnet that the Phillies are much more interested than they are letting on.
ESPN's Buster Olney reported on trade rumors surrounding Roy Halladay today. He named the Phillies as the best suitors to acquire Halladay through trade, citing their motivation and the package of prospects they could offer in return. The Phillies would certainly be sacrificing a piece of their future as they would likely lose Jason Donald and Kyle Drabeck, and likely at least one more player, but they'd be primed to make another run at the title this year with Cole Hamels and Halladay at the top of the rotation.
Reports surfaced at the beginning of the week that the Phillies were to scout free agent pitcher Pedro Martinez in the Dominican Republic. Ruben Amaro Jr. explained that the team is exploring all options, but a source indicated to Comcast Sportsnet that the Phillies are much more interested than they are letting on.
ESPN's Buster Olney reported on trade rumors surrounding Roy Halladay today. He named the Phillies as the best suitors to acquire Halladay through trade, citing their motivation and the package of prospects they could offer in return. The Phillies would certainly be sacrificing a piece of their future as they would likely lose Jason Donald and Kyle Drabeck, and likely at least one more player, but they'd be primed to make another run at the title this year with Cole Hamels and Halladay at the top of the rotation.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Phillies sweep Mets with Rollins, great pitching
The Phillies continued a trend in yesterday's finale against the New York Mets. They got excellent starting pitching, Jimmy Rollins set the table and Brad Lidge finished beautifully.
Rollins' lead-off homer was huge for both the team and himself. With Johan Santana on the mound, to get to him so early was a big boost for the Phils. Joe Blanton was phenomenal yesterday, pitching seven and one third scoreless innings. He worked himself out of the few jams he got himself into, capped off with David Wright's bases loaded, inning ending double play ground out.
Really, just how bad are the Mets? Their leader, David Wright, went hitless during a huge division rival series. He led the Mets yesterday is runners left on base. He made outs and hit into double plays in crucial situations. He was unimpressive in the field. His ninth inning at bat was pretty much perfect. He represented his team as he went down without a fight, as did the Mets. He led off against Lidge, trailing 2-0 and needing to get something started for his team to bring the tying run to the plate. He went down looking at a Lidge fastball on the inside corner. His team followed suit as Lidge struck out the side in the ninth, once again fanning Nick Evans to end the game for the second consecutive game.
It was a tremendous series for the Phillies and they need to keep it going. The Mets fell back into a fourth place tie with Atlanta, four games behind the Phils. The Marlins remain just one game back after taking two of three from the Pirates.
Cole Hamels takes the mound against the Reds tonight in a big start. He needs to bounce back and give the team a good start that he's more than capable and due to give.
Rollins' lead-off homer was huge for both the team and himself. With Johan Santana on the mound, to get to him so early was a big boost for the Phils. Joe Blanton was phenomenal yesterday, pitching seven and one third scoreless innings. He worked himself out of the few jams he got himself into, capped off with David Wright's bases loaded, inning ending double play ground out.
Really, just how bad are the Mets? Their leader, David Wright, went hitless during a huge division rival series. He led the Mets yesterday is runners left on base. He made outs and hit into double plays in crucial situations. He was unimpressive in the field. His ninth inning at bat was pretty much perfect. He represented his team as he went down without a fight, as did the Mets. He led off against Lidge, trailing 2-0 and needing to get something started for his team to bring the tying run to the plate. He went down looking at a Lidge fastball on the inside corner. His team followed suit as Lidge struck out the side in the ninth, once again fanning Nick Evans to end the game for the second consecutive game.
It was a tremendous series for the Phillies and they need to keep it going. The Mets fell back into a fourth place tie with Atlanta, four games behind the Phils. The Marlins remain just one game back after taking two of three from the Pirates.
Cole Hamels takes the mound against the Reds tonight in a big start. He needs to bounce back and give the team a good start that he's more than capable and due to give.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Phils take first two from Mets, Moyer dominant
What a game! Jamie Moyer was outstanding, the Phillies put on a clinic in the field and the Mets showed, once again, just how bad they are.
Moyer was pitching to the corners and keeping hitters off balance throughout his dominant six and one third innings. The only run he'd allow, coming on a bloop RBI single by opposing starter Fernando Nieve. If Moyer can emulate this start and turn in consistent good outings the rest of the way, the Phillies will receive a major boost to the rotation.
There were numerous outstanding plays in the field in the game. From Pedro Feliz's barehanded grab and tremendous throw to first and his snag of Gary Sheffield's blast of a line drive, Chase Utley catching David Wright's bullet and doubling Alex Cora up at first, Jimmy Rollins' backhanded stop and throw right on the money or Ryan Howard's stop and diving effort to the bag ahead of the runner, the team backed Moyer up in a big way.
The Mets, on the other hand, looked terrible defensively. David Wright allowed Paul Bako's at bat to continue when he misread a foul pop-up. Alex Cora should have called him off and made the play, but once again, the Mets can't work as a team and blew the play. Bako would end up reaching base with a one out walk. A few batters later, Shane Victorino popped up with two on and two out. Omir Santos had plenty of room in front of the Phillies' dugout, but didn't use two hands and dropped the ball, making Luis Castillo proud. Victorino, and the Phillies, once again took advantage. Shane singled up the middle, scoring Bako, and giving the Phils another insurance run.
Rollins continued along the comeback trail, reaching base three times and delivering the biggest hit of the game, a two-run double in the fourth. He looks better at the plate and needs to continue that trend today against Johan Santana. The Phillies need contributions from any and all right handed batters today with Santana on the mound.
I was in the Bubba Burger row at Citizen's Bank Park yesterday. I've never even seen them given away anywhere near my section before, nor have I been near the Citizen's Seven. I was starting to think they were fake! We received a Bubba Burger t-shirt and a coupon for a free box of burgers, and got on the big screen holding up the boxes.
Moyer was pitching to the corners and keeping hitters off balance throughout his dominant six and one third innings. The only run he'd allow, coming on a bloop RBI single by opposing starter Fernando Nieve. If Moyer can emulate this start and turn in consistent good outings the rest of the way, the Phillies will receive a major boost to the rotation.
There were numerous outstanding plays in the field in the game. From Pedro Feliz's barehanded grab and tremendous throw to first and his snag of Gary Sheffield's blast of a line drive, Chase Utley catching David Wright's bullet and doubling Alex Cora up at first, Jimmy Rollins' backhanded stop and throw right on the money or Ryan Howard's stop and diving effort to the bag ahead of the runner, the team backed Moyer up in a big way.
The Mets, on the other hand, looked terrible defensively. David Wright allowed Paul Bako's at bat to continue when he misread a foul pop-up. Alex Cora should have called him off and made the play, but once again, the Mets can't work as a team and blew the play. Bako would end up reaching base with a one out walk. A few batters later, Shane Victorino popped up with two on and two out. Omir Santos had plenty of room in front of the Phillies' dugout, but didn't use two hands and dropped the ball, making Luis Castillo proud. Victorino, and the Phillies, once again took advantage. Shane singled up the middle, scoring Bako, and giving the Phils another insurance run.
Rollins continued along the comeback trail, reaching base three times and delivering the biggest hit of the game, a two-run double in the fourth. He looks better at the plate and needs to continue that trend today against Johan Santana. The Phillies need contributions from any and all right handed batters today with Santana on the mound.
I was in the Bubba Burger row at Citizen's Bank Park yesterday. I've never even seen them given away anywhere near my section before, nor have I been near the Citizen's Seven. I was starting to think they were fake! We received a Bubba Burger t-shirt and a coupon for a free box of burgers, and got on the big screen holding up the boxes.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Lopez, Phils' bats take game one from NY
Last night's win over the Mets was a big one, no doubt about it. The Phils jumped on Livan Hernandez early and never looked back with a great debut on the hill from Rodrigo Lopez.
Wheels made an excellent point during the game; Hernandez is the type of solid veteran pitcher that can very easily find a groove and settle into a game. Getting on his early is huge, and the Phillies did just that, putting a seven spot in the board in the first three innings.
Rollins looked good at the plate for the second straight night. Whether or not standing closer to the plate is actually helping him, everyone knows his bat is crucial in the lineup and a J-Roll hot streak may propel the Phils into a hot streak.
Now to Lopez. Was he really that good, or are the Mets just that bad? Obviously time will tell, but he looked good last night. He threw strikes and didn't get hit all that hard. If he really was that good, just where exactly did it come from? Lopez is a veteran and had some strong years in Baltimore, but fell off in 2006, his last year with the Orioles. His ERA ballooned up to nearly six, and after a short 2007 with Colorado, Lopez disappeared from the Majors.
He's not exactly the fix the Phillies, or their fans had in mind, but Lopez could bring a certain dynamic to this team. Another veteran presence never hurts, and he appeared to have plenty left in the tank last night. His next start will certainly be something to keep an eye on, and should help in gauging last night's performance.
That really was big last night, as a loss would have put the team into a real up-hill battle for the rest of the series. Jamie Moyer goes today against Fernando Nieve, New York's talented young gun. Moyer has been pretty awful lately and he just hasn't been keeping the team in games. Johan Santana follows in the series finale tomorrow against Joe Blanton. A bounce back start from Moyer today would be huge. Facing Santana in hopes of sweeping the series is a major difference compared to trying to beat him to win the series.
Wheels made an excellent point during the game; Hernandez is the type of solid veteran pitcher that can very easily find a groove and settle into a game. Getting on his early is huge, and the Phillies did just that, putting a seven spot in the board in the first three innings.
Rollins looked good at the plate for the second straight night. Whether or not standing closer to the plate is actually helping him, everyone knows his bat is crucial in the lineup and a J-Roll hot streak may propel the Phils into a hot streak.
Now to Lopez. Was he really that good, or are the Mets just that bad? Obviously time will tell, but he looked good last night. He threw strikes and didn't get hit all that hard. If he really was that good, just where exactly did it come from? Lopez is a veteran and had some strong years in Baltimore, but fell off in 2006, his last year with the Orioles. His ERA ballooned up to nearly six, and after a short 2007 with Colorado, Lopez disappeared from the Majors.
He's not exactly the fix the Phillies, or their fans had in mind, but Lopez could bring a certain dynamic to this team. Another veteran presence never hurts, and he appeared to have plenty left in the tank last night. His next start will certainly be something to keep an eye on, and should help in gauging last night's performance.
That really was big last night, as a loss would have put the team into a real up-hill battle for the rest of the series. Jamie Moyer goes today against Fernando Nieve, New York's talented young gun. Moyer has been pretty awful lately and he just hasn't been keeping the team in games. Johan Santana follows in the series finale tomorrow against Joe Blanton. A bounce back start from Moyer today would be huge. Facing Santana in hopes of sweeping the series is a major difference compared to trying to beat him to win the series.
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