Scott Olsen and the Washington Nats put an end to the Phils' winning streak last night with a 4-1 victory. The Phillies will rest and enjoy an off-day today, while preparing to start another streak as the New York Mets come to town for the weekend.
For what seems like the first time since acquiring him, the Phillies will not face Johan Santana in this series. Chan Ho Park takes the ball tomorrow against Mike Pelfrey. Oliver Perez starts Saturday in what could be his final appearance out of the rotation should his struggles continue. Jamie Moyer takes the hill for the Phils on Saturday, and Joe Blanton will pitch the finale against John Maine.
This series may be a slug-fest. The combined era of the three Phils starters: 6.88. The Mets' three starters: 7.01. The ball may be flying out of Citizen's Bank Park all weekend, which should make for some exciting games. If the series does turn out that way, give the advantage to the Phillies who score and come up with clutch hits late in games, where the Mets do not. When the Mets give the Phillies trouble, it's usually a dominant starting pitcher keeping the lineup off-balance.
I can't wait to get to the ballpark for Friday's game. I wonder whether Mets fans will trash talk that they're in fourth place and the Phillies are 1.5 games out of first, or that they missed the postseason again last year and the Phils won the World Series. Hmm... there's just so much to choose from.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Phils win 4th straight, Ibanez comes through again
The Phils won their fourth straight game last night, defeating the Nationals in a wild 13-11 game. In a game that featured seven home runs, the Phillies made their two count, hitting two grand slams. Ryan Howard hit a game tying slam in the 5th, and Raul Ibanez hit a bases loaded jack to put the Phils in front in the 8th. The last two Phillies to hit a grand slam in the same game: Jason Michaels and Tomas Perez.
I've developed a man crush on Ibanez. He is the best clutch hitter playing for this team in about as long as I can remember, he plays the game the right way and simply delivers every night. He's played a very solid left field, he's hitting .342, he's already slugged six long balls, a few of which were game winners, and he even has three stolen bases and a perfect stealing percentage.
While their offense is starting to come alive, pitching remains a major concern. The starting pitchers are occasionally keeping the team in the game, but far too often the offense has to battle back to win the game. Sunday's victory over the fish marked the first game this season that the Phillies won without playing from behind. Joe Blanton was flat-out terrible last night, after a spectacular first inning. Lou Marson was setting up on the outside corner, and Blanton was throwing it belt-high, right down the middle of the plate. He gave up some absolute blasts, and he needs to make adjustments before taking the mound for his next start.
The bullpen is a whole other demon to the team so far. A major strength last season, they've been plagued by inconsistency in the early going and it really seems like a different reliever blows it every game. Last night was Scott Eyre's turn; after entering the game without allowing a run or even a hit this season, he didn't record an out, allowing four runs on two hits, three walks and two long home runs.
A game like last night is what separates the Phils from most other teams in baseball. You can see the wind come out of a team's sails when something like this happens late in a game that they had already battled back in three times. The Phillies have done this before though, and they rallied for their fourth comeback of the game. Falling behind actually seems to make the Phils focus more, not become discouraged, which is one of the most valuable thing a team can have. Ryan Madson followed the eight inning rally with a tremendous ninth to close out the game.
I've developed a man crush on Ibanez. He is the best clutch hitter playing for this team in about as long as I can remember, he plays the game the right way and simply delivers every night. He's played a very solid left field, he's hitting .342, he's already slugged six long balls, a few of which were game winners, and he even has three stolen bases and a perfect stealing percentage.
While their offense is starting to come alive, pitching remains a major concern. The starting pitchers are occasionally keeping the team in the game, but far too often the offense has to battle back to win the game. Sunday's victory over the fish marked the first game this season that the Phillies won without playing from behind. Joe Blanton was flat-out terrible last night, after a spectacular first inning. Lou Marson was setting up on the outside corner, and Blanton was throwing it belt-high, right down the middle of the plate. He gave up some absolute blasts, and he needs to make adjustments before taking the mound for his next start.
The bullpen is a whole other demon to the team so far. A major strength last season, they've been plagued by inconsistency in the early going and it really seems like a different reliever blows it every game. Last night was Scott Eyre's turn; after entering the game without allowing a run or even a hit this season, he didn't record an out, allowing four runs on two hits, three walks and two long home runs.
A game like last night is what separates the Phils from most other teams in baseball. You can see the wind come out of a team's sails when something like this happens late in a game that they had already battled back in three times. The Phillies have done this before though, and they rallied for their fourth comeback of the game. Falling behind actually seems to make the Phils focus more, not become discouraged, which is one of the most valuable thing a team can have. Ryan Madson followed the eight inning rally with a tremendous ninth to close out the game.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Moyer looks for sweep, opposes rookie Taylor
After another come from behind victory to take down the Marlins last night, Jamie Moyer is set to face rookie pitcher Graham Taylor, making his Major League debut this afternoon. The fish have suddenly dropped five in a row, and looking at their upcoming schedule, their first place standing may be just about over.
Moyer has a chance to hand Florida their second consecutive sweep, and then Florida heads to New York to face the Mets and will oppose John Maine, Livan Hernandez and Johan Santana. Then, it's off to Chicago to face the Cubbies in a four-game set. The Marlins had to know that playing the Nationals every day would end eventually.
Moyer has a chance to hand Florida their second consecutive sweep, and then Florida heads to New York to face the Mets and will oppose John Maine, Livan Hernandez and Johan Santana. Then, it's off to Chicago to face the Cubbies in a four-game set. The Marlins had to know that playing the Nationals every day would end eventually.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Shannnneee Victorinooooo Outtaaa Here!
Someone sure did step up last night. The team battled hard against Marlins' closer Matt Lindstrom, putting runners on base and setting up Shane Victorino's go-ahead grand slam, putting the Phils in front 6-3 while down to their last out. Chase Utley followed with a solo blast and Ryan Madson survived walking the lead-off man to put the finishing touches on an encouraging 7-3 victory.
The Marlins lost in their typical fashion, minus the errors. Emilio Bonifacio led-off the first inning with a walk, but was picked off by Brett Myers, costing Florida a run. Hanley Ramirez led-off the fifth inning with a shot to center field. Instead of running, Hanley tried his best Manny Ramirez impression, costing down the baseline admiring his shot. Well, the ball didn't go out, and Hanley should have ended up with an easy triple but was forced to stop at second. The next batter flew out to the wall in left-center, and instead of tagging up and going to third, Hanley had to scramble back to second base. Knowing he should be at third base, he made his third consecutive mistake, as Lou Marson gunned him down trying to steal third. The Marlins should have won last night, pretty easily in fact.
Lou Marson continues to impress, looking great behind the plate and contributing at the dish, hitting .333. His career average stands at .375. Not too shabby.
The Florida Marlins have still yet to name a starter for tomorrow's game. Maybe they are trying to recruit the little league girl who threw a perfect game. Back off Florida, the Mets already invited her to throw out the first pitch at Citi Field so they could scout her, they called dibs.
The Marlins lost in their typical fashion, minus the errors. Emilio Bonifacio led-off the first inning with a walk, but was picked off by Brett Myers, costing Florida a run. Hanley Ramirez led-off the fifth inning with a shot to center field. Instead of running, Hanley tried his best Manny Ramirez impression, costing down the baseline admiring his shot. Well, the ball didn't go out, and Hanley should have ended up with an easy triple but was forced to stop at second. The next batter flew out to the wall in left-center, and instead of tagging up and going to third, Hanley had to scramble back to second base. Knowing he should be at third base, he made his third consecutive mistake, as Lou Marson gunned him down trying to steal third. The Marlins should have won last night, pretty easily in fact.
Lou Marson continues to impress, looking great behind the plate and contributing at the dish, hitting .333. His career average stands at .375. Not too shabby.
The Florida Marlins have still yet to name a starter for tomorrow's game. Maybe they are trying to recruit the little league girl who threw a perfect game. Back off Florida, the Mets already invited her to throw out the first pitch at Citi Field so they could scout her, they called dibs.
Friday, April 24, 2009
So far, Florida 3, Phils 0
Watching this game, the Phillies need someone to step up, and fast. Greg Dobbs just struck out looking as the potential tying run to end the top of the 7th inning. These guys are going down without a fight and it's disheartening. Josh Johnson has been good, but he hasn't been anywhere near un-hittable, which is what the Phils are making him out to be. Brett Myers pitched pretty well, making one mistake to Dan Uggla that was crushed for a three run bomb. As Myers always does, he gave up his early shot and settled in nicely. Our offense has suddenly become anemic, and being just six outs away from another loss, they really need someone to step up and become a leader immediately.
Phils prepare for Florida; Ibanez vs.Burrell
The Phils are set for an NL East showdown starting tonight in Florida against the first place Marlins. Plagued by inconsistent pitching and hitting to start the season, this weekend would be a great time to right the ship and come together as a team.
The pitching staff has allowed the most home runs in baseball, and the starting pitcher in each game has allowed at least one long ball. The offense has been inconsistent, especially at the top of the lineup with the table setters not reaching base. They were five outs away from being no-hit by local product Dave Bush yesterday afternoon, until Matt Stairs spoiled it with a pinch-hit home run off the foul pole.
Raul Ibanez has been the best player on the team, proving to be a major run producer and on base machine. He is a tremendous clutch hitter as well. He's also played a solid left field all season. As much as I loved Pat Burrell, Ibanez has been an upgrade thus far; let's look at the numbers this season.
Ibanez: .345, 13 runs, 4 doubles, 5 home runs, 11 RBI, 6 walks, 7 strikeouts, 2 stolen bases.
Burrell: .265, 5 runs, 2 doubles, 1 home run, 6 RBI, 10 walks, 8 strikeouts, 0 stolen bases.
Brett Myers will be looking for a strong outing against Josh Johnson, who will also be looking to bounce back after allowing five first inning runs against the Nationals in his last start.
Chan Ho Park pitches Saturday night, needing to find his stride and turn in his first strong outing as a Phil. Chris Volstad will oppose him. Jamie Moyer, who owns the Marlins throughout his career, pitches the series finale. The Marlins have yet to name a starter for Sunday, after placing Andrew Miller on the DL. This seems to be a cheap move, as they've had days to name a starter but are likely seeking any edge they can find, making the Phillies wait as long as possible for them to name someone. Florida will just pick one of the 467 prospects they've acquired from trading away all their talent to start on Sunday.
The pitching staff has allowed the most home runs in baseball, and the starting pitcher in each game has allowed at least one long ball. The offense has been inconsistent, especially at the top of the lineup with the table setters not reaching base. They were five outs away from being no-hit by local product Dave Bush yesterday afternoon, until Matt Stairs spoiled it with a pinch-hit home run off the foul pole.
Raul Ibanez has been the best player on the team, proving to be a major run producer and on base machine. He is a tremendous clutch hitter as well. He's also played a solid left field all season. As much as I loved Pat Burrell, Ibanez has been an upgrade thus far; let's look at the numbers this season.
Ibanez: .345, 13 runs, 4 doubles, 5 home runs, 11 RBI, 6 walks, 7 strikeouts, 2 stolen bases.
Burrell: .265, 5 runs, 2 doubles, 1 home run, 6 RBI, 10 walks, 8 strikeouts, 0 stolen bases.
Brett Myers will be looking for a strong outing against Josh Johnson, who will also be looking to bounce back after allowing five first inning runs against the Nationals in his last start.
Chan Ho Park pitches Saturday night, needing to find his stride and turn in his first strong outing as a Phil. Chris Volstad will oppose him. Jamie Moyer, who owns the Marlins throughout his career, pitches the series finale. The Marlins have yet to name a starter for Sunday, after placing Andrew Miller on the DL. This seems to be a cheap move, as they've had days to name a starter but are likely seeking any edge they can find, making the Phillies wait as long as possible for them to name someone. Florida will just pick one of the 467 prospects they've acquired from trading away all their talent to start on Sunday.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Brutal night in Philadelphia
Well, last night was a terrible night for Philadelphia sports fans. Starting as a somber night, with the organization doing a spectacular job of honoring Harry Kalas and the Kalas family before the game, it ended somber as well.
Cole Hamels was, once again, not Cole Hamels. He did pitch well enough to leave the game with a 7-5 lead, but the bullpen was anything but solid on yet another occasion. It seems like a different reliever getting rocked each night, and last night was Ryan Madson's turn. He blew the two-run lead, allowing three runs in one inning. Brad Lidge came in to pitch the ninth, and loaded the bases with no outs. He pitched out of the self created jam though and kept the deficit to just one run, which held up, giving San Diego an improbable 8-7 win.
Chase Utely staked the Phils to a 3-0 lead in the first with a long drive off starter Chris Young. You could collectively hear televisions switching to Comcast Sportsnet after the home run to watch the Flyers. It seemed as though they had it in the bag, scoring five in the first inning, and leading 7-1 after the fourth. The Padres began chipping away at Hamels, who allowed three more home runs. It was a pathetic way to lose a ballgame for sure.
It happens. That's baseball, especially playing in Citizen's Bank Park. But this team is having problems at the start of the season, and losing in that fashion did not help matters. They need a leader to step up and get everyone to lock in just a bit more. The entire pitching staff has ballooned earned run averages, and the rotation and bullpen simply has to improve.
This is not a Philly sports blog, so it is very rare that I will mention another sport here. That said, the Flyers lost an excruciatingly painful game last night. They came out, played much better, and should have won the game. When Jeff Carter was robbed by the skate Fluery's skate with essentially an empty net and the opportunity to put the team up 3-1 and even the series, I said they were going to lose the game. I just knew that was it, they needed that goal and somehow, someway it stayed out of the net. That save/choke was not only the turning point of the game, it was the turning point of the Flyers' season. Pittsburgh already gives us enough trouble, and the officials did not need to help them. Both of those calls were ridiculous for playoff overtime. Orpik went down like his name is toothpick, taking an obvious flop and earning the call. Moments later, Claude Giroux tapped Chris Kunitz's stick, breaking it. He was called for slashing, only because it broke the stick. I can see that being a penalty, but not when the team is already shorthanded in playoff overtime, and Orpik earned a call by flopping. Officials use discretion and call games differently based on the situation, and then suddenly change styles and start calling it more tightly. Hockey officials are the worst, most inconsistent officials in sports. All that aside, the game never should have gone to overtime. That was a brutal loss to take, and the Flyers are going to need a miraculous comeback to have a shot in this series.
Cole Hamels was, once again, not Cole Hamels. He did pitch well enough to leave the game with a 7-5 lead, but the bullpen was anything but solid on yet another occasion. It seems like a different reliever getting rocked each night, and last night was Ryan Madson's turn. He blew the two-run lead, allowing three runs in one inning. Brad Lidge came in to pitch the ninth, and loaded the bases with no outs. He pitched out of the self created jam though and kept the deficit to just one run, which held up, giving San Diego an improbable 8-7 win.
Chase Utely staked the Phils to a 3-0 lead in the first with a long drive off starter Chris Young. You could collectively hear televisions switching to Comcast Sportsnet after the home run to watch the Flyers. It seemed as though they had it in the bag, scoring five in the first inning, and leading 7-1 after the fourth. The Padres began chipping away at Hamels, who allowed three more home runs. It was a pathetic way to lose a ballgame for sure.
It happens. That's baseball, especially playing in Citizen's Bank Park. But this team is having problems at the start of the season, and losing in that fashion did not help matters. They need a leader to step up and get everyone to lock in just a bit more. The entire pitching staff has ballooned earned run averages, and the rotation and bullpen simply has to improve.
This is not a Philly sports blog, so it is very rare that I will mention another sport here. That said, the Flyers lost an excruciatingly painful game last night. They came out, played much better, and should have won the game. When Jeff Carter was robbed by the skate Fluery's skate with essentially an empty net and the opportunity to put the team up 3-1 and even the series, I said they were going to lose the game. I just knew that was it, they needed that goal and somehow, someway it stayed out of the net. That save/choke was not only the turning point of the game, it was the turning point of the Flyers' season. Pittsburgh already gives us enough trouble, and the officials did not need to help them. Both of those calls were ridiculous for playoff overtime. Orpik went down like his name is toothpick, taking an obvious flop and earning the call. Moments later, Claude Giroux tapped Chris Kunitz's stick, breaking it. He was called for slashing, only because it broke the stick. I can see that being a penalty, but not when the team is already shorthanded in playoff overtime, and Orpik earned a call by flopping. Officials use discretion and call games differently based on the situation, and then suddenly change styles and start calling it more tightly. Hockey officials are the worst, most inconsistent officials in sports. All that aside, the game never should have gone to overtime. That was a brutal loss to take, and the Flyers are going to need a miraculous comeback to have a shot in this series.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
