The Phillies appear to be calling Toronto's bluff, as they should. The Jays have to trade Roy Halladay before the deadline. Not doing so doesn't make any sense for their organization. They have a depleted farm system, and Halladay's value decreases every day that passes after Friday's non-waiver trade deadline. The Jays likely know they are going to accept less than their initial asking price if they want to deal 'Doc,' but no one can blame them for trying to get as much as possible.
I may be in the minority in not wanting the Phils to give up everything but the kitchen sink to acquire Halladay, but some things just don't add up. The point of being buyers at the deadline is to bolster the major league roster, while trading prospects and sacrificing some potential future studs.
What more does J.A. Happ need to do to prove he belongs in this rotation for the long haul? Sure, Halladay is a much better pitcher than Happ, but subtracting a quality major league pitcher to add one shouldn't be the move at this point. If Ruben Amaro Jr. wants to trade away prospects, then he should have at it.
Kyle Drabeck appears to be the real deal, so if the team really feels they have a chance to win another championship this year, build the deal around Drabeck. Outfielders are probably the easiest players to replace in baseball, so offering Dominic Brown is a no brainer and he will be included in the deal if one comes to fruition.
Lou Marson doesn't appear to have much of a future with this organization, and Carlos Carrasco is struggling in the minor leagues but could still be considered valuable to outside organizations. Those four players should be more than enough to land Halladay, and if they aren't, Halladay probably won't be traded and could be acquired for a cheaper price in the off-season.
A rotation with Halladay and Cole Hamels at the top, Joe Blanton in the middle and some combination of J.A. Happ and Jamie Moyer/ Pedro Martinez/ Rodrigo Lopez at the back seems incredible. The Phillies should be making every effort to keep the major league talent they currently employ, while looking to add a Halladay or a Cliff Lee.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Phillies' scouts watched Baltimore Orioles' closer George Sherrill pitch a scoreless inning in a non-save situation on Sunday. It's still doubtful the Phils would replace Brad Lidge as closer, but an extra late inning arm would be a welcome addition to their banged up bullpen.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Rollins. bats spark Phils to victory
The Phillies regained their 6.5 lead over Atlanta and Florida after another dramatic come from behind victory.
The game was a bit scary for Phils' fans; after jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, the St. Louis outfield robbed the Phillies of several opportunities to blow the game wide open.
Ryan Ludwick caught a Carlos Ruiz drive with two outs and two on in the first that came just short of the wall, robbing Chooch of a two-run double.
An inning later, Rick Ankiel took an RBI double away from Chase Utley, leaping into the right-center field wall to make a dramatic inning ending catch.
But those were routine in comparison to Ankiel's most dramatic catch of the day. Jayson Werth hit an absolute bullet to straight away center, which appeared it would go for a two-run homer until Ankiel made a spectacular leaping grab, bringing the ball back into the yard.
It started to look like those catches may be the difference when the Cardinals rallied and took a 4-3 lead, but J-Roll continued rolling with a grand slam, followed by Shane Victorino's solo shot and the Phils never looked back.
This team has the best offense in the National League, if not in all of baseball. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels are the only teams in baseball with more runs scored than the Phillies, but consider that the American League's designated hitter helps account for extra hits and runs scored.
The Phillies can certainly hit with the best of them, and their bats have heated up since the start of July. Look for it to carry over into August and for the Phillies to build upon their already solid lead in the NL East.
The game was a bit scary for Phils' fans; after jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, the St. Louis outfield robbed the Phillies of several opportunities to blow the game wide open.
Ryan Ludwick caught a Carlos Ruiz drive with two outs and two on in the first that came just short of the wall, robbing Chooch of a two-run double.
An inning later, Rick Ankiel took an RBI double away from Chase Utley, leaping into the right-center field wall to make a dramatic inning ending catch.
But those were routine in comparison to Ankiel's most dramatic catch of the day. Jayson Werth hit an absolute bullet to straight away center, which appeared it would go for a two-run homer until Ankiel made a spectacular leaping grab, bringing the ball back into the yard.
It started to look like those catches may be the difference when the Cardinals rallied and took a 4-3 lead, but J-Roll continued rolling with a grand slam, followed by Shane Victorino's solo shot and the Phils never looked back.
This team has the best offense in the National League, if not in all of baseball. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels are the only teams in baseball with more runs scored than the Phillies, but consider that the American League's designated hitter helps account for extra hits and runs scored.
The Phillies can certainly hit with the best of them, and their bats have heated up since the start of July. Look for it to carry over into August and for the Phillies to build upon their already solid lead in the NL East.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Phils lose to Cards; Get your copy of Fightin Phillies Magazine now!
Last night was just not the Phillies' night. Joel Pineiro was excellent and every time the Phils hit a ball hard, it was right at someone or fell just short of leaving the yard. Matt Holliday sparked the Cardinals' offense with a four hit night, leading St. Louis to an 8-1 series opening victory.
J.A. Happ lost for the first time since his Major League debut a few years ago; but he pitched pretty well last night. He made a mistake in the second inning, with a runner at third and two outs. He threw a two strike fastball to Rick Ankiel that was supposed to be in, but it ran over the plate and Ankiel smacked it into left field for an RBI single. Happ settled in nicely until the sixth inning, when it became for evident that it wasn't our night.
The Cards put up a four spot against Happ in the inning, with the help of three bloopers that dropped into no man's land. Happ did allow a clean single and a hard double to right-center field in the inning, which came after all the bloop hits. It was tough luck for Happ, but it happens to every big league pitcher and how he handles it is the important thing. He did finish the inning, but limiting the damage as much as possible was crucial with Pineiro on the mound, to which he didn't accomplish.
It's hard to blame Happ, who's been outstanding all season. He still pitched pretty well and didn't issue any walks, and his ERA remains under three. The Marlins and Braves each gained a game on the Phils last night and both sit 5.5 back, while the Mets lost again and remain 10.5 out.
The Phillies need to even the series today with Rodrigo Lopez on the mound against Kyle Lohse.
Be sure to pick up a copy of this month's Fightin Phillies Magazine, created by Rich Baxter with pictures and stories by Rich and myself
J.A. Happ lost for the first time since his Major League debut a few years ago; but he pitched pretty well last night. He made a mistake in the second inning, with a runner at third and two outs. He threw a two strike fastball to Rick Ankiel that was supposed to be in, but it ran over the plate and Ankiel smacked it into left field for an RBI single. Happ settled in nicely until the sixth inning, when it became for evident that it wasn't our night.
The Cards put up a four spot against Happ in the inning, with the help of three bloopers that dropped into no man's land. Happ did allow a clean single and a hard double to right-center field in the inning, which came after all the bloop hits. It was tough luck for Happ, but it happens to every big league pitcher and how he handles it is the important thing. He did finish the inning, but limiting the damage as much as possible was crucial with Pineiro on the mound, to which he didn't accomplish.
It's hard to blame Happ, who's been outstanding all season. He still pitched pretty well and didn't issue any walks, and his ERA remains under three. The Marlins and Braves each gained a game on the Phils last night and both sit 5.5 back, while the Mets lost again and remain 10.5 out.
The Phillies need to even the series today with Rodrigo Lopez on the mound against Kyle Lohse.
Be sure to pick up a copy of this month's Fightin Phillies Magazine, created by Rich Baxter with pictures and stories by Rich and myself
Friday, July 24, 2009
Phils still hot, set to face St. Louis, Holliday
I'm back from vacation and the Phillies are still on fire. They're set to open a series against the Cardinals tonight, and newly acquired Matt Holliday will be in the lineup for the Cards tonight. St. Louis becomes the front runner to take the NL Central after trading for Holliday's power bat, giving Albert Pujols some much needed protection in the lineup.
J.A. Happ looks to go 8-0 tonight in a match-up against Joel Pineiro.
Be sure to pick up a copy of this month's Fightin Phillies Magazine, created by Rich Baxter with pictures and stories by Rich and myself.
J.A. Happ looks to go 8-0 tonight in a match-up against Joel Pineiro.
Be sure to pick up a copy of this month's Fightin Phillies Magazine, created by Rich Baxter with pictures and stories by Rich and myself.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Phils take first two from Fish, open 6 game lead
The Phils have picked up right where they left off at the break, taking the first two from the Marlins, opening up their division lead to six games. After another dominant outing from Jamie Moyer against the Fish on Thursday, don't underestimate the important of what Cole Hamels did last night.
Hamels has been bad lately. We know it and he'll say it. The games he has won, like the 22-1 victory over the Reds, he didn't pitch in much adversity. Well, last night he did, and Hamels passed the test.
Chase Utley's two-run shot in the first inning gave Hamels a 2-0 lead before taking the mound. That lead quickly shrunk to one run on Chris Coghlan's lead-off homer. Phillies fans thought, 'here we go again,' and Hamels could have very easily become frustrated and flustered.
Instead, he settled in very nicely until the rain delay ended his night too soon. He pitched five innings, allowing just the one run on four hits and one walk, while striking out five. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead but anyone who stayed up late enough saw the Phils rally to score two in the 12th; all starting with a Jimmy Rollins base hit.
Brad Lidge was shaky at best last night, but picked up the save. He did have these less than dominant performances during his perfect season in 2008, but that doesn't allow the fans to take it any easier on the Pepto when Lidge enters a tight game.
The Fish are now tied with the Atlanta Braves at six back, and the Mets are fading fast at eight and a half back. New York has lost their first two after the break, falling to Atlanta 11-0 last night and losing Gary Sheffield in the process. The Mets need a miracle to salvage anything out of this season.
The Phillies need to, at least, take one of the next two from the Marlins; keeping the Fish six games back. Obviously, sweeping them and taking an eight game lead in the division could end Florida's season and put the Phils in a commanding lead. Tonight's match-up of Joe Blanton vs. Josh Johnson should be a good one. Each pitcher has thrown seven shutout innings at the opposite team this season.
Hamels has been bad lately. We know it and he'll say it. The games he has won, like the 22-1 victory over the Reds, he didn't pitch in much adversity. Well, last night he did, and Hamels passed the test.
Chase Utley's two-run shot in the first inning gave Hamels a 2-0 lead before taking the mound. That lead quickly shrunk to one run on Chris Coghlan's lead-off homer. Phillies fans thought, 'here we go again,' and Hamels could have very easily become frustrated and flustered.
Instead, he settled in very nicely until the rain delay ended his night too soon. He pitched five innings, allowing just the one run on four hits and one walk, while striking out five. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead but anyone who stayed up late enough saw the Phils rally to score two in the 12th; all starting with a Jimmy Rollins base hit.
Brad Lidge was shaky at best last night, but picked up the save. He did have these less than dominant performances during his perfect season in 2008, but that doesn't allow the fans to take it any easier on the Pepto when Lidge enters a tight game.
The Fish are now tied with the Atlanta Braves at six back, and the Mets are fading fast at eight and a half back. New York has lost their first two after the break, falling to Atlanta 11-0 last night and losing Gary Sheffield in the process. The Mets need a miracle to salvage anything out of this season.
The Phillies need to, at least, take one of the next two from the Marlins; keeping the Fish six games back. Obviously, sweeping them and taking an eight game lead in the division could end Florida's season and put the Phils in a commanding lead. Tonight's match-up of Joe Blanton vs. Josh Johnson should be a good one. Each pitcher has thrown seven shutout innings at the opposite team this season.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Phillies vs. Marlins
The Phillies need to get focused for the second half, and quickly. They have a great opportunity to distance themselves from the second place Florida Marlins and the rest of the division this weekend as they open up a four game set at Landshark Stadium. Hmm, that makes me want to have a few Landsharks during the game.
The pitching match ups are in! Jamie Moyer is still set to start the opener against Chris Volstad, who's fresh off a complete game shutout victory. Cole Hamels squares off with Ricky Nolasco on Friday; both pitchers will be looking to rebound from bad starts. Big right handers Joe Blanton and Josh Johnson oppose each other on Saturday in what could be a pitchers' duel. Blanton beat the Marlins the only time he's faced them this season, pitching seven shutout innings; striking out a season high eleven batters. J.A. Happ takes the mound in the finale against Andrew Miller, who had a terrible outing in his last start in Arizona.
Note: Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco could switch places in the series because Johnson did not pitch in the all-star game.
The pitching match ups are in! Jamie Moyer is still set to start the opener against Chris Volstad, who's fresh off a complete game shutout victory. Cole Hamels squares off with Ricky Nolasco on Friday; both pitchers will be looking to rebound from bad starts. Big right handers Joe Blanton and Josh Johnson oppose each other on Saturday in what could be a pitchers' duel. Blanton beat the Marlins the only time he's faced them this season, pitching seven shutout innings; striking out a season high eleven batters. J.A. Happ takes the mound in the finale against Andrew Miller, who had a terrible outing in his last start in Arizona.
Note: Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco could switch places in the series because Johnson did not pitch in the all-star game.
Phils, Pedro agree to one year deal
Pedro Martinez and the Phillies have agreed to terms on a one year contract worth $1 Million with $1.5 million worth on incentives. A press conference is likely to take place on Wednesday before Pedro makes a few minor league starts in preparation to join the big league club. The $1 million contract is less than Martinez was originally seeking, and appears to be a bargain for the Phillies. It did turn into a low risk, high reward situation; as Pedro could have something left in the tank for half of a season after all.
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