Cole Hamels had another strong outing yesterday in a 6-5 loss to Houston. Hamels went five innings, allowing one run on four hits with no walks and four strikeouts.
Domonic Brown hit his first home run of the spring, untying the game in the 10th inning, before Brian Bixler hit a walk-off three-run shot in the bottom of the tenth for Houston. Brown struggled once again in the field, making his second error of the spring and botching a few other plays. He continues to frustrate the Phillies with his defensive problems.
Roy Halladay takes the mound today against the Twins. Jonathan Papelbon is also scheduled to pitch.
Some notable player stats thus far:
John Mayberry Jr.- 5-for-26 (.192) 2 2B, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, 0 SB, 2 CS.
Scott Podsednik- 8-for-25 (.320) 3 2B, 2 BB, 4 K, 3 SB, 0 CS.
Hunter Pence- 7-for-24 (.292) 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 6 K.
Freddy Galvis- 8-for-22 (.364) 2 2B, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
Laynce Nix- 4-for-19 (.211) 1 RBI, 5 BB, 5 K
Juan Piere- 5-for-19 (.263) 3 BB, 3 K, 1 SB, 2 CS
Ty Wigginton- 3-for-16 (.188) 2 2B, 2 RBI, 4 BB, 4 K
Placido Polanco- 4-for-8 (.500) 1 RBI
Carlos Ruiz- 4-for-8 (.500) 1 HR, 3 RBI
Domonic Brown- 5-for-16 (.313) 2 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 CS
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Worley dominates Pirates
Vance Worley took a big step yesterday in a dominant spring outing against Pittsburgh. The rookie of the year candidate last season struggled during his first outing of the spring; heading into a season in which he looks to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump.
Worley pitched four perfect innings, retiring all 12 batters he faced, striking out eight of them. He pitched with attitude and swagger, exuding a 'don't mess with me' confidence on the mound. He mixed locations masterfully, one of his strengths last season, and didn't walk a batter.
He faced most of Pittsburgh's regulars, including Nate McLouth and Andrew McCutchen who were a combined 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
Worley pitched four perfect innings, retiring all 12 batters he faced, striking out eight of them. He pitched with attitude and swagger, exuding a 'don't mess with me' confidence on the mound. He mixed locations masterfully, one of his strengths last season, and didn't walk a batter.
He faced most of Pittsburgh's regulars, including Nate McLouth and Andrew McCutchen who were a combined 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Rotation picks up where they left off
The rotation is off to a great start. Joe Blanton took a huge first step in his recovery from injuries that plagued his 2011 season by tossing two scoreless innings in his debut. Cliff Lee followed with two scoreless innings of his own yesterday in a 7-0 victory over the Blue Jays. Cole Hamels and Roy Halladay each allowed one run over two innings in their debuts.
The Vanimal, Vance Worley makes his debut today against Houston as he looks to avoid a sophomore slump after a tremendous rookie campaign. The Phillies lineup today:
1. J. Rollins, SS
2. S. Victorino, CF
3. H. Pence, RF
4. J. Thome, DH
5. J. Mayberry. Jr, 1B
6. L. Nix, LF
7. K. Frandsen, 3B
8. E. Kratz, C
9. M. Martinez, 2B
Jonathan Papelbon and Dontrelle Willis will also make their second appearances.
The Vanimal, Vance Worley makes his debut today against Houston as he looks to avoid a sophomore slump after a tremendous rookie campaign. The Phillies lineup today:
1. J. Rollins, SS
2. S. Victorino, CF
3. H. Pence, RF
4. J. Thome, DH
5. J. Mayberry. Jr, 1B
6. L. Nix, LF
7. K. Frandsen, 3B
8. E. Kratz, C
9. M. Martinez, 2B
Jonathan Papelbon and Dontrelle Willis will also make their second appearances.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Pence off to a hot start
Hunter Pence started his spring off with a bang in a pair of losses this weekend to the Yankees. Pence jacked a two-run first inning home run in each of the first two Grapefruit League games this spring. The first came off Ivan Nova, while yesterday's blast was off veteran Freddy Garcia.
Hamels pitched well in Saturday's 8-5 loss, allowing one run on three hits over two innings with one strikeout. The run was win aided; Raul Ibanez hit a foul pop-up down the left field line, which was blown back toward the field and dropped just fair.
Jonathan Papelbon was strong in his debut, pitching a one-two-three inning in the fifth. Lefty Raul Valdez also had a strong outing, pitching a perfect inning with two strikeouts.
Dave Bush followed Hamels for two innings, allowing one run on one hit, a Curtis Granderson home run, with two strikeouts.
The debuts of Dontrelle Willis and Chad Qualls did not go quite as well. Willis allowed one run on two hits and one walk over one inning, and Qualls allowed three runs on three hits over just one inning of work.
Starters Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Jim Thome, John Mayberry Jr, Domonic Brown, Eric Kratz and Michael Martinez were a combined 0-for-15.
Pence's first inning blast yesterday once again wouldn't hold the lead for long, as the Phils dropped this one 7-4 behind some shoddy defense.
The team made four errors; two by Martinez, one by Ty Wigginton and one by Brown. One three of New York's seven runs were earned.
Roy Halladay made his spring debut, allowing a run, on a first pitch opposite field home run to Alex Rodriguez in the first, on two hits with three strikeouts over two innings.
Joel Pineiro made his Phillies' debut and allowed three runs (one earned) over two innings. Phillippe Aumont also allowed three runs (one earned) over just one inning with two strikeouts.
Brown and Freddy Galvis each had two hits, with Galvis and Hector Luna each driving in a run.
Mayberry Jr. picked up his first hit of the spring, a double off D.J. Mitchell.
Many of the regulars did not make the trip, but Juan Pierre picked up another hit while additions Laynce Nix and Wigginton were a combined 0-for-6.
The Phillies will host New York this afternoon for a third straight match-up with the Bronx Bombers. Joe Blanton gets the start while Scott Elarton, Austin Hyatt, Brian Sanchez and David Herndon are all schedule to pitch.
Hamels pitched well in Saturday's 8-5 loss, allowing one run on three hits over two innings with one strikeout. The run was win aided; Raul Ibanez hit a foul pop-up down the left field line, which was blown back toward the field and dropped just fair.
Jonathan Papelbon was strong in his debut, pitching a one-two-three inning in the fifth. Lefty Raul Valdez also had a strong outing, pitching a perfect inning with two strikeouts.
Dave Bush followed Hamels for two innings, allowing one run on one hit, a Curtis Granderson home run, with two strikeouts.
The debuts of Dontrelle Willis and Chad Qualls did not go quite as well. Willis allowed one run on two hits and one walk over one inning, and Qualls allowed three runs on three hits over just one inning of work.
Starters Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Jim Thome, John Mayberry Jr, Domonic Brown, Eric Kratz and Michael Martinez were a combined 0-for-15.
Pence's first inning blast yesterday once again wouldn't hold the lead for long, as the Phils dropped this one 7-4 behind some shoddy defense.
The team made four errors; two by Martinez, one by Ty Wigginton and one by Brown. One three of New York's seven runs were earned.
Roy Halladay made his spring debut, allowing a run, on a first pitch opposite field home run to Alex Rodriguez in the first, on two hits with three strikeouts over two innings.
Joel Pineiro made his Phillies' debut and allowed three runs (one earned) over two innings. Phillippe Aumont also allowed three runs (one earned) over just one inning with two strikeouts.
Brown and Freddy Galvis each had two hits, with Galvis and Hector Luna each driving in a run.
Mayberry Jr. picked up his first hit of the spring, a double off D.J. Mitchell.
Many of the regulars did not make the trip, but Juan Pierre picked up another hit while additions Laynce Nix and Wigginton were a combined 0-for-6.
The Phillies will host New York this afternoon for a third straight match-up with the Bronx Bombers. Joe Blanton gets the start while Scott Elarton, Austin Hyatt, Brian Sanchez and David Herndon are all schedule to pitch.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Young arms lead Phils to 6-1 exhibition win
The Phillies kicked off their spring schedule with a 6-1 victory over the Florida State Seminoles yesterday afternoon. The highlight of the game was a very strong performance from the club's young pitchers.
Austin Hyatt started the game, pitching two perfect innings with three strikeouts. Jake Diekman, Jeremy Horst, Michael Schwimer and Joe Savery each followed with a scoreless inning. J.C. Ramirez with a blown save in the seventh when he followed the Seminoles to scratch across a run, but also picked up the win when the bats put a five-spot on the board in the bottom of the inning. Phillippe Aumont and B.J. Rosenberg closed out the game, each with a scoreless inning.
The Phillies' regulars didn't do much at the plate. Hunter Pence and Tuffy Gosewich's doubles were the only hits from the starting lineup. Domonic Brown was hit by a pitch, and promptly swiped second base easily.
The team's off-season additions didn't jump out to a big start. Juan Pierre was 0-for-2 with a strikeout and an infield pop-up, and Ty Wigginton went 0-for-2 with a double play. The big man, Jim Thome was 0-for-1 with a walk, a run scored and a strikeout.
Outfield prospect Tyson Gillies was 1-for-2 with an RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base.
Utility man Hector Luna, who has bounced around different organizations since 2004, belted a three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh.
John Mayberry Jr. theoretically had the worst day at the plate, going 0-for-3 with five men left on base. No one else left more than two.
The Phillies open the Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday as they play host to the New York Yankees. Cole Hamels will start the game, with Dave Bush, Jonathan Papelbon, Dontrelle Willis, Raul Valdez and Mike Stutes also scheduled to take the ball.
Charlie Manuel has yet to say whether Chase Utley, Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz or Brian Schneider would make their debuts against New York.
Austin Hyatt started the game, pitching two perfect innings with three strikeouts. Jake Diekman, Jeremy Horst, Michael Schwimer and Joe Savery each followed with a scoreless inning. J.C. Ramirez with a blown save in the seventh when he followed the Seminoles to scratch across a run, but also picked up the win when the bats put a five-spot on the board in the bottom of the inning. Phillippe Aumont and B.J. Rosenberg closed out the game, each with a scoreless inning.
The Phillies' regulars didn't do much at the plate. Hunter Pence and Tuffy Gosewich's doubles were the only hits from the starting lineup. Domonic Brown was hit by a pitch, and promptly swiped second base easily.
The team's off-season additions didn't jump out to a big start. Juan Pierre was 0-for-2 with a strikeout and an infield pop-up, and Ty Wigginton went 0-for-2 with a double play. The big man, Jim Thome was 0-for-1 with a walk, a run scored and a strikeout.
Outfield prospect Tyson Gillies was 1-for-2 with an RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base.
Utility man Hector Luna, who has bounced around different organizations since 2004, belted a three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh.
John Mayberry Jr. theoretically had the worst day at the plate, going 0-for-3 with five men left on base. No one else left more than two.
The Phillies open the Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday as they play host to the New York Yankees. Cole Hamels will start the game, with Dave Bush, Jonathan Papelbon, Dontrelle Willis, Raul Valdez and Mike Stutes also scheduled to take the ball.
Charlie Manuel has yet to say whether Chase Utley, Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz or Brian Schneider would make their debuts against New York.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Manuel sets lineup as Phils face FS
The Phillies square off against the Florida State Seminoles this afternoon in an exhibition game at Bright House Field. Here's a look at Charlie Manuel's first lineup of the spring:
1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Juan Piere, DH
3. Shane Victorino, CF
4. Hunter Pence, RF
5. Ty Wigginton, 3B
6. Domonic Brown, LF
7. John Mayberry Jr, 1B
8. Michael Martinez, 2B
9. Tuffy Gosewisch, C
Austin Hyatt will start on the mound. Also scheduled to pitch are Jake Diekman, Jeremy Horst, Michael Schwimer, Joe Savery, J.C. Rameriz, B.J. Rosenberg and Phillippe Aumont.
Manuel said Chase Utley and Placido Polanco will not play, nor will catchers Carlos Ruiz or Brian Schneider. Jim Thome will get at least one at-bat but will not play in the field.
Obviously, Manuel wants to get a good look at Pierre this spring. A spot on this team is his to lose during camp. Brown will also see a lot of playing time, but unless he completely wows everyone and wins the left field job outright, he'll start the season with Triple-A.
The Phillies open their Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday against the New York Yankees in a game that will be televised by Comcast and be streamed on MLB.TV.
1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Juan Piere, DH
3. Shane Victorino, CF
4. Hunter Pence, RF
5. Ty Wigginton, 3B
6. Domonic Brown, LF
7. John Mayberry Jr, 1B
8. Michael Martinez, 2B
9. Tuffy Gosewisch, C
Austin Hyatt will start on the mound. Also scheduled to pitch are Jake Diekman, Jeremy Horst, Michael Schwimer, Joe Savery, J.C. Rameriz, B.J. Rosenberg and Phillippe Aumont.
Manuel said Chase Utley and Placido Polanco will not play, nor will catchers Carlos Ruiz or Brian Schneider. Jim Thome will get at least one at-bat but will not play in the field.
Obviously, Manuel wants to get a good look at Pierre this spring. A spot on this team is his to lose during camp. Brown will also see a lot of playing time, but unless he completely wows everyone and wins the left field job outright, he'll start the season with Triple-A.
The Phillies open their Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday against the New York Yankees in a game that will be televised by Comcast and be streamed on MLB.TV.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Recent additions create competition this spring
The Phillies have made quite a few potential low-risk, high-reward additions this off-season that could help the team in 2012.
This week they added the speedy veteran outfielder Juan Pierre on a minor league deal and reliever Chad Qualls on a one-year pact.
The team has a few roster spots to fill during spring training and while Qualls is expected to join the big club, Pierre has his work cut out for him while he looks to earn one of the vacant spots.
Examining the offense, Charlie Manuel usually carries five bench players. First, the players guaranteed a spot barring injury:
C: Carlos Ruiz
1B/OF: John Mayberry Jr.
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Jimmy Rollins
3B: Placido Polanco
OF: Shane Victorino
OF: Hunter Pence
Bench: Jim Thome
Bench: Laynce Nix
Bench: Ty Wigginton
Bench: Brian Schneider
That leaves two open spots while Ryan Howard is on the DL; one on the bench and one in the outfield, assuming Mayberry gets the lion's share of the play at first base.
Michael Martinez is likely to come back, especially after Wilson Valdez was dealt away. That would leave one spot for an outfielder, and it likely could come down to Domonic Brown and Pierre.
Pierre has one thing working in his favor: Brown is unlikely to be a bench player.
Brown needs at bats to become an every day player. If he doesn't win the left field job outright in spring training, expect him to return to the minors which should open a spot for Pierre as a pinch-hitter/runner and occasional starter.
Of course, injuries could always wreak havoc on these plans, or Ruben Amaro Jr. could have something else up his sleeve.
Pitchers and Catchers report in less than three weeks!
This week they added the speedy veteran outfielder Juan Pierre on a minor league deal and reliever Chad Qualls on a one-year pact.
The team has a few roster spots to fill during spring training and while Qualls is expected to join the big club, Pierre has his work cut out for him while he looks to earn one of the vacant spots.
Examining the offense, Charlie Manuel usually carries five bench players. First, the players guaranteed a spot barring injury:
C: Carlos Ruiz
1B/OF: John Mayberry Jr.
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Jimmy Rollins
3B: Placido Polanco
OF: Shane Victorino
OF: Hunter Pence
Bench: Jim Thome
Bench: Laynce Nix
Bench: Ty Wigginton
Bench: Brian Schneider
That leaves two open spots while Ryan Howard is on the DL; one on the bench and one in the outfield, assuming Mayberry gets the lion's share of the play at first base.
Michael Martinez is likely to come back, especially after Wilson Valdez was dealt away. That would leave one spot for an outfielder, and it likely could come down to Domonic Brown and Pierre.
Pierre has one thing working in his favor: Brown is unlikely to be a bench player.
Brown needs at bats to become an every day player. If he doesn't win the left field job outright in spring training, expect him to return to the minors which should open a spot for Pierre as a pinch-hitter/runner and occasional starter.
Of course, injuries could always wreak havoc on these plans, or Ruben Amaro Jr. could have something else up his sleeve.
Pitchers and Catchers report in less than three weeks!
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