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.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
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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