Saturday, November 17, 2007

Phillies Acquire Economy Major



















(originally posted 11/9/07)

Phillies General Manager Pat Gillick wasted little time in replacing .600 OPS'ing utility infielder Abraham Nunez, as he acquired Eric Bruntlett from Houston tonight. The Phils gave up fourth outfielder Michael Bourn, serviceable reliever Geoff Geary, and 3B prospect Mike Costanzo. Costanzo could be a Russell Branyan-type whiffmaster at the MLB level, if he continues to progress at the same rate. This seems like a lot to give up for a utility player, but the fact that Bruntlett has an Economics degree from Stanford further enhances his value.

The Phillies also picked up a hard-throwing closer by the name of Brad Lidge in the deal. Thank you, (Houston GM/former Phillies GM) Ed Wade, thank you! Lidge throws high 90's heat, has nasty off-speed stuff, whiffs a batter an inning, and had a Papelbon-esque .219 opponent's batting average/11.82 K per 9 IP last season. With Lidge as closer, Brett Myers (and his $9 million salary) can slot into the #2 spot in the Phillies rotation. Wade has finally started making up for the Schilling deal (Nelson Figueroa? Omar Daal? Travis Lee? For a superstar pitcher/blogger? Still mad about that trade...). The Astros should have let Wade continue with his paratrooper training.

As for the Phillies, check out this starting rotation:
1) Cole Hamels
2) Brett Myers
3) Jamie Moyer
4) Kyle Kendrick
5) Adam (B)Eaton
Not bad. I'd still like another starter to bump (B)Eaton out of there, but with two years/$17 mil. left on his contract, we'll probably be stuck with him. At least for a month or two. (Sunk cost, Pat! Bruntlett can explain it to you.)

With Gold Glove CF Aaron Rowand likely gone, the Phils need another OF- preferably one with a bit o' thump. (Geoff Jenkins, perhaps?) Rowand for $14 mil./year would be a bad move.

Reliever J.C. Romero will likely price himself out of the Phillies' plans, but that might be a good thing as someone is going to overpay for him also. He could easily turn back into the 1.9 WHIP pitcher he was for the Red Sox. Picking up David Riske and closer candidate/hot dog eating champ Kobayashi would be sufficient for the bullpen.

Third base-definitely need to upgrade the Dobbs/Helms duo. Gillick has indicated that he isn't looking to address 3B, but I am hoping that is just the cagey posturing of a veteran GM.

The Phillies could go into 2008 as the favorite to win the NL East. Considering they are the DEFENDING NL EAST CHAMPIONS, that seems appropriate. They will definitely last more than four games in the 2008 World Series against Boston.
How long is it until pitchers/catchers?

Phils Swept out of Postseason

(originally posted 10/9/07)
The Phillies had a great season, overcoming a horrific start to win a Division Championship. They saved countless lives with their tarp skills. They killed the playoff hopes of the New York Mets by beating them, approximately, forty-three games in a row. They had the best stolen base percentage in the history of stolen bases. They sent player-after-player to the disabled list, yet they still managed to win 89 games.

Their individual perfomances were impressive. Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins had MVP-type seasons. Ryan Howard missed a month, but still hit 47 homers. Pat Burrell had an incredible second half, Aaron Rowand had two incredible halves. A late-season surge propelled Abe Nunez' OPS to the .600 mark. On the pitching side, Brett Myers went from Opening Day starter to closer, converting 21 of 24 save opportunities. Cole Hamels was 15-5, with a 3.39 ERA. He would have approached 20 wins, and Cy Young consideration, if he had made a few more starts. Kyle Kendrick came from nowhere (i.e. Reading) to win 10 games. Jon Lieber, despite appearing in only 14 games, consumed more donuts than any other NL starting pitcher. Antonio Alfonseca led the league in fingers, and Adam Eaton did a splendid job covering the pitcher's mound with the tarp during that storm in Colorado.

The season-ending postseason sweep at the hands of the Colorado Rockies was frustrating, if only because things could have been so different. Should have been so different. If Cole Hamels had dressed appropriately for Game 1, or if Kyle Kendrick had stayed in Game 2, or if Jayson Werth had caught that ball in Game 3, the Phillies likely would have won at least one of those three games. With the Rockies' Mark Redman and his 7.57 ERA ready for the Game 4 start, and the Phillies' Cole Hamels slated for the Game 5 start, the Phillies could have been preparing for the NLCS right now.

After so many years in which the "if's" kept the Phillies out of the playoffs, I guess it's an improvement that the if's relate to postseason failure this time. But, after the fourteen year wait, it would have been nice to win at least one of the games. The Phillies have a strong nucleus returning for 2008, so a return to the postseason is very possible. While the defeat at the hands of the Rockies stings right now, there is cause for optimism. It won't be a fourteen year wait until the next playoff game. Not with Jimmy, Chase, Cole, Pat, and Ryan in the lineup.

The Steak Starts Tonight...

(originally posted 10/6/07)
Jamie Moyer, who was the winning pitcher in the first baseball game ever, or Ubaldo Jimenez, a rookie who's name is "Ubaldo." Seriously. Who do you think will get the better of that pitching matchup? Utley and Howard are due to display some of their incredible offensive prowess, and the Rockies are due to start losing some games. This series is not over.

So, relax, put on the new Sieges Even, and watch Arizona and Chicago play tonight. Scout out the Phillies' NLCS opponent. (Hint: Think "snakes.") The unbeaten Flyers play in Edmonton tonight, at 8pm, and if the Flyers can win in Calgary, surely the Phillies can be victorious in Colorado. At 9:30pm, the Phillies will start their season-ending, eleven-game winning streak. I have faith. And, nobody does a Championship Parade like Philly. Nobody.

Phillies' Hopes Fading

(originally posted 10/4/07)
"Treasures can slip through your fingertips
And sapphires melt in your hands
You turn to me with your jaded eyes
And I'm scared that I know how this ends
And everything fell into place
But now it is falling apart
I'm trying to hold on
But I can see you fading."
-REDEMPTION, "Sapphire"

It's not looking good. When the Phillies had an early 3-2 lead, I just knew they would win and tie the series up. Even when they trailed 10-5, they loaded the bases for Carlos Ruiz. Any kind of hit would have put them right back in the game. But they didn't get any kind of hit, and now they need to win the next three games to avoid elimination.

The turning point was another Charles Fuqua Manuel Special. After Kyle Kendrick was told to intentionally walk the eighth place hitter, he gave up an infield hit to Eli Manning's college backup QB, loading the bases with two outs in the 4th inning. Manuel gave Kendrick an early hook, bringing in starting pitcher Kyle Lohse from the bullpen. Kendrick had pitched in, and out, of trouble all day, but he had only thrown 66 pitches at that point. Given that the Phillies' bullpen consists of three innings worth of useful talent, removing the starting pitcher with (at least) five and two-thirds worth of game left seemed a bit short-sighted. When Lohse allowed a grand slam to Kaz Matsui (four regular season HR in 410 at bats), the pitching move seemed a bit worse.

Jose Mesa and Clay Condrey combined to allow four more Rockie runs in the 6th, and the 10-2 hole was way too much to overcome against the strong Colorado bullpen. The rest of the game mostly involved me trying to refrain from putting my fist through the television set. (Note: Obviously, I would not have put my throwing hand through the screen.) Between the Phillies' "relievers", the idiotic announcers (Not you, Don, it was the other guy. Well, mostly the other guy), the TBS commercials (They really need to stop showing those FrankTV commercials. Like, NOW. Plus no more Mellancamp!), I was reduced to a profanity-spewing ball of fury. But I still expected the Phillies to, somehow, come back to win. At least until Rockies closer Manny Corpas finished up for his second save in as many days.

The Phillies head to Colorado for Saturday night's Game 3. Jamie Moyer takes the hill against Rockies rookie Ubaldo Jimenez. Thankfully, Jimenez is not another lefty. Only seven teams in baseball history have won a five game playoff series, after losing the first two games. Only one of them lost those two games at home. So, it's due to happen again. Probability is on the Phillies' side. Plus the Rockies are due for some losses. Regression to the mean, right? If the Phillies can make it back to CBP, with Cole Hamels on the mound, they have a good shot. Getting there will not be easy. But not impossible.

Phillies Lose Game 1 to Rockies

(originally posted 10/4/07)
"Did I promise you a sky, where rain would never fall?"
-THRESHOLD, "Pilot in the Sky of Dreams"

A string of perfect innings from Ace Cole Hamels. Home runs from Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell. A scoreless ninth inning from closer Brett Myers. A wild CBP crowd, as the Phillies hosted their first playoff game, since Hamels was a Little Leaguer. It should have been the formula for the Phillies' 90th win. But some other pesky variables got in the way.

Rockies starter Jeff Francis was superb, allowing only the two (solo) home runs. He shut down Phillies' sluggers Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, who combined for seven strikeouts (Utley had four of them, on 13 pitches!). Hamels allowed three runs in the 2nd inning, when he was haunted by a poor fashion choice (LONG sleeves, Colbert Michael?), and sweated through three (!) walks, a triple, and a single, while throwing forty energy-sapping pitches. The rest of the game didn't feature too much offense, as both teams struggled with the shadows caused by the mid-afternoon start. (Thanks, TBS!) Rockies closer Manny Corpas shut out the Phillies in the bottom of the ninth, and the Phillies now trail the best-of-five series, 1-0.

I guess I thought the Phils would cruise through the NL playoffs, after their impressive qualifying run. (Of course, the Rockies are even hotter, having now won 15 of 16 games.) It's going to be a little tougher. It's going to take TWELVE playoff games to bring the World Series Championship back to Philly.

Playoff win #1 comes today, as Phillies rookie Kyle Kendrick opposes Rockies rookie Franklin Morales. TBS/NESN announcer Don Orsillo had never heard of either of these guys, until he had me prep him for the series on Tuesday. The Phillies just need to keep things close until the bottom of the 7th inning, when they unveil their secret weapon. (No, they will NOT be using Abe Nunez as a pinch-hitter, I am referring to a different secret weapon.) Peter Tork, the fourth most popular Monkee, will be perfoming during the 7th inning stretch. Tork performed during the Boston Red Sox Fan Rally on Monday, and look where the Sox are today. Yep, I'm a (Phillies) Believer!

Rockies Qualify for Playoff Elimination

(originally posted 10/2/07)

Matt Holliday slid into the general vicinity of home plate, deftly halting his momentum with his chin. Padres catcher Michael Barrett picked the errant throw from right field up off the ground, but was unable to tag the prone Rockie before the ten second clock read all zeroes. The Rockies had a come-from-behind 13-inning victory over HOF closer Trevor Hoffman, and a playoff matchup against the Phillies.

It was a pretty amazing game, capably called by Red Sox announcer Don Orsillo. I must admit, it was weird watching DO call a non-Sox game. He did well, but he does need to introduce field reporter Craig Sager to the wonders of Eastern Clothing of Watertown. Hopefully, he'll be able to do that before my favorite local cable company jumps on the TBS HD bandwagon. (Not sure if my eyes could handle Sager's outfit in HD.) Both had better happen by 3pm on Wednesday, when the Phillies will start their playoff run against Colorado at CBP.

I really thought the Padres were going to win that game, and would have preferred facing them. The Padres don't have too much in the way of offense, and Tuesday's travel day would have been their first day since September 10th without a game. With ace Jake Peavy starting the game against Colorado, he would likely have only been available for the third game of the Phillies series. Greg Maddux, with his 6.14 ERA/1.51 WHIP in September (six starts), is no longer Greg Maddux, and Chris Young (6.27 ERA/1.36 WHIP in September) is not actually a robot, as I had once believed. I really liked the Phillies' chances against the Padres.

The Rockies have lost once in fifteen games, have two tough southpaws (Francis and Morales) to face the Phillies' lefty-laden lineup, and have some huge bats (Holliday, Atkins, Tulowitzki, Helton, Hawpe). So, instead of sweeping the Padres, the Phillies will probably require four games to get past Colorado.

The second Phillies Fan Rally is scheduled for Tuesday at 6pm in Davis Square. I'll be one of the guys in front of Store 24 with an Utley shirt, and a "Rollins for MVP" sign. Also expected to be in attendance are former Phillies Roger Mason and Pierre-Luc LaForest. The Old Dead Tree will be the featured musical performer. TODT certainly wouldn't fly all the way over from France to back a loser, so I'm obviously not the only one expecting a Phillies victory.

Division Champs!

(originally posted 9/30/07)
Not long after today's regular season finale at Citizens Bank Park, Shane Victorino and Antonio Alfonseca were watering the seats with a fire hose. If you had told me four weeks ago that this would be the scene after Game 162, my reaction would have been pessimistic. I likely would have saluted the two Phillies for parlaying their experience with the grounds crew in Colorado into an exciting postseason employment opportunity. I never would have considered the possibility that they would be celebrating with a sellout crowd of ecstatic Phillies fans. Celebrating a Division Championship.

Trailing the New York Mets by seven games with only seventeen games remaining, the Phillies appeared to be out of the division race. The Wild Card was still possible, but likely out of reach for such a flawed team. The bullpen was inconsistent at best, the starting rotation a mess, and injuries had taken their toll. Philadelphia's attention began to turn to the football Eagles, and their new Australian punter.

As the Phillies prepare for the postseason, after today's 6-1 domination of the Washington Nationals, everything has changed. The bullpen has become a strength, with Tom Gordon, J.C. Romero, and Brett Myers evolving into capable workhorses. Kyle Kendrick, recalled from AA for a spot start only because it was his day to pitch (for Reading), has ten wins, and has become the #2 starter. Cole Hamels and Chase Utley are back from the disabled list, and back to their All-Star form. Pat Burrell has morphed from a midseason salary dump candidate into a powerful leader with a powerful bat. Jimmy Rollins has been the MVP of the National League. Last season's NL MVP, Ryan Howard, had 47 home runs and 136 RBI's, despite spending a month on the Disabled List. Adam Eaton has been worth every penny of his $8.5 million contract. (OK, Eaton's best chance at postseason involvement is with the Phillies' grounds crew, or as a server at McFadden's, but the other stuff is true.)

It seems like a lifetime since the Phillies have been in the playoffs. Fourteen years ago, the 1993 Phillies rode the arm of Curt Schilling to the World Series. In Game Six, the Phillies roared back from a 5-1 deficit after six innings, to a 6-5 lead. Within two outs of forcing a seventh game, Joe Carter hit a series-ending walk-off home run into the Toronto night. The Blue Jays had their second World Championship, in only their sixteenth year of existence. The Phillies, with only one World Championship since they began play in 1883, faded into oblivion for the next decade.

After three consecutive second place finishes, the Phillies have finally returned from postseason irrelevance. With no standout National League team this year, the resilient, streaking Phillies could very well return to the World Series. Possibly, against Curt Schilling and the Boston Red Sox. The season has already been an incredible one for Phillies fans, but the ride has just begun. Fourteen years and one day after the last Phillies Fall Classic appearance ended in infamy, Game One of the 2007 World Series will be played. In the words of Jimmy Rollins, "World Series. Let's do it!"

Magic Number is TWO!


(originally posted 9/28/07)

April 6th, 2005. That was the last time the Phillies were in first place by themselves. Until now. With two games remaining in the regular season, and a one-game NL East lead over the Mets, the Phillies' destiny is in their hands.

Cole Hamels was in Hamelsian form tonight, pitching eight shutout innings in the 6-0 victory over the Washington Nationals. He allowed only six hits, and a single walk, while striking out thirteen Nats' batters. It was the kind of outing you need from your ace when you are pursuing a playoff spot. Colbert Michael delivered, mixing up his fastball, curve, and unhittable change in his 116 pitch (82 strike) outing.

Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins also delivered, Howard with his 45th homer (two-run shot), and Rollins with 2 RBI of his own. Aaron Rowand made a sliding, backhanded catch in center, and Clay Condrey pitched a scoreless ninth. Workhorse relievers J.C. Romero, Tom Gordon, and Brett Myers were not needed, which was another bonus. My only concern was that Hamels had a rather high pitch count, considering that this was only his third start since a DL stint for arm fatigue. (I would have pinch-hit for him in the 7th, when he was allowed to bat with the bases loaded, and two outs.) Hopefully, all those pitches won't come back to haunt the Phillies, when Hamels is pitching IN THE WORLD SERIES!

As for the New York Mets, they are done. They'll be lucky to win another game. They look terrible, their pitching has deserted them, even their fans and announcers seem resigned to the fact that they will finish out of the playoffs. With another loss to the Marlins Saturday, and a win by the Phillies, and the Mets will have blown their once-huge NL East lead. Phillies fans are exalting in the schadenfreude right now. (Ah! The glorious schadenfreude!)

The Phillies send Adam Eaton to the mound on Saturday, in a nationally-televised game. (It better be televised in Massachusetts, FOX! Don't be showing the Cubs, or any nonsense like that!) Eaton has probably been the worst starting pitcher in the major leagues this season, and certainly one of the worst free agent pickups of the offseason. But it doesn't matter. He'll give up his five runs in four innings, and the Phils bullpen will shut out the Nats the rest of the way. And a five-run deficit is nothing (NOTHING!) for Howard, Rollins, Burrell, Utley, and the Phillies offense.

Phils Move into First Place!

(originally posted 9/28/07)
FIRST PLACE! It took the Phillies 159 games to move into (a tie with the Mets for) first place in the NL East. But now that they've finally made it, they are going to finish the season in first. The Mets are fading fast, their last signs of life were when they came back from a 10-3
9th inning deficit- to lose 10-9. The Phillies have all of the momentum. With wins Friday and Saturday, coupled with losses by the Mets, the Phils would clinch their first playoff spot since 1993.

Hopefully, the Phils will clinch Saturday. That would give them three days where they could rest Brett Myers, J.C. Romero, and Tom Gordon. The Phillies need those three to perform well in the playoffs, but after pitching in approximately 79 of the last 81 games, they are in desperate need of some rest. With Cole Hamels, Kyle Kendrick, and Kyle Lohse, the Phils should have just enough pitching to succeed in the playoffs. And just wait until AL fans get a look at the Phillies offense!

Cole Hamels gets the start Friday night, against the Washington Nationals in a sold-out Citizens Bank Park. The Nats have NO CHANCE tonight against Cole! Expect Cole to throw around 100 pitches, which should be good for seven shutout innings. Phillie fans have been waiting so long for this weekend. I hope the Phils make it worth the wait...

(Vote here to make ESPN SportsNation aware of the Phillies' supremacy!)

Sturdy Phillies Bullpen Leads Late Playoff Surge

(originally posted 9/24/07)
"You might want to fix the floor." Phillies closer Brett Myers was not impressed with the condition of the path to the Oval Office inside the White House. Prior to Friday night's game in Washington against the Nationals, Myers, Manager Charlie Manuel, and several other Phillies players met with President Bush and toured his digs. Pitcher Cole Hamels got to see some of the "secret features" and Manuel had the opportunity to speak with one of the few individuals with a comparable level of strategic brilliance.

The much-maligned Phillies bullpen has been as riddled with cracks as the White House floor this season. A conglomeration of waiver wire pickups, AA talent, and worse, all headed by the Opening Day starter, the bullpen has combined to cost the Phillies many a win this season. Opening Day starter-turned closer Brett Myers has been erratic, including consecutive blown saves this past week. He did have reasons: the first blown save was due to bad luck, the second was due to suckage on his part. (I never said they were good reasons.) But, at this time of the season, when attrition has left the starting staff only slightly more accomplished than their bullpen counterparts, the Phillies can't afford poor performances by their relievers. At least not if they want to be involved in the postseason.

After an 8-2 road trip, the Phils' playoff hopes are still alive. In fact, I calculate that they have a 52.3% chance of qualifying for the postseason. Most of the thanks goes to Brett Myers, Tom Gordon, J.C. Romero and the rest of the bullpen. (With the exception of Antonio Alfonseca, who used his 2.4 hands to wrest defeat away from the jaws of victory on Sunday. "Twelve-Finger" needs to get himself suspended again. For the good of the team.) With scoreless inning-after scoreless-inning, the bullpen managed to overcome atrocious outings by the non-Kyle Kendrick members of the starting rotation. Myers, Gordon, and Romero each pitched in five consecutive games, all of which were Phillies' wins.

Also worthy of note is that Manager Charles Fuqua Manuel actually out-maneuvered an opposing manager for once. Earlier this season, Manuel managed to cost the Phillies a game in Washington, by failing to wait until a Nats pinch-hitter was announced, before making a corresponding pitching change. Nationals Manager Manny Acta was able to pull that pinch-hitter back, and Michael Restovich had a big hit in extra innings. In the 7th inning of Thursday's game, the Phillies trailed the Nationals 6-2, as they batted in the top of the 7th. The Phillies' first two batters reached base, and Manuel sent backup catcher Pete Laforest in as a pinch-hitter. Acta countered by switching from Luis Ayala to Arnie Munoz. Manuel pinch-hit for Laforest with Jayson Werth, leaving the Phillies with a much-improved matchup. Werth hit a three-run homer, and the Phillies were on their way to a 7-6 win. Well done, Charles Fuqua!

The Phillies enter play on Tuesday tied with San Diego for the Wild Card lead, and only two games behind the Mets in the NL East. However, with only six games remaining, and a three-game series with John Smoltz and the Atlanta Braves looming, it's not going to be easy. But with the way the offense has performed all season, and the recent emergence of the bullpen, anything is possible. The White House has about a month to get that floor fixed, before the Phillies return as World Series Champions. George W. better get cracking on that maintenance issue. Brett Myers and the Phillies are not to be trifled with.

Phils Win in 14, 1.5 Back of Mets

One and a half games. After Tuesday night's action, the Phillies now trail the Mets by one and a half games in the NL East. Amazin'. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Washington Nationals for their efforts in defeating the Mets the past two nights. Thanks to the wonder that is MLB Extra Innings, I was able to watch as Chad Cordero managed (barely) to close out the Mets in the 9th inning. (Special thanks to Mets PH Ruben Gotay who, needing only a single to score the tying runner from third, swung for the fences.) Approximately six hours later (or at least that's what it seemed like), the Phillies defeated the Cardinals in 14 innings. A week ago, it looked like the Phillies were pretty much out of playoff contention. Now, with only a 1.5 game deficit in both the Divisional and Wild Card races, it's almost time to make the reservations at the Red Roof Inn for the playoffs. (THE PLAYOFFS!)

Once the time moved past 1am, and the game moved into the 13th inning, I was no longer concerned. After 1am, the Incredible Rod Barajas and the Stupendous Duo of Intermittent Relief are unbeatable. Jose Mesa, last seen destroying Clay Condrey's ERA on Monday night, pitched two scoreless innings, picking up his second win. Blue Glove reduced his ERA to only 7.35. (Disclaimer: His AL stats (12.34 ERA) are not included in this figure.) Clay Condrey, who was charged with five runs in 0.0 innings the previous night, pitched a scoreless 14th, for his 1st save. The Phillies now have nine different relievers with saves this season. (It will be difficult to determine which relievers make the playoff roster, as there are, apparently, so many with closer's stuff.)

Rod Barajas had a two-out RBI single in the 14th, Jayson Werth followed with an RBI triple, and the Phillies had a 7-4 win. I am certain that my fellow condo-dwellers enjoyed my vocal support of the lumbering catcher, as Barajas scored from first on the triple. Before 1am, Barajas has trouble scoring from third on a ground-rule double, but he has WHEELS after 1am! After Condrey retired the side in order in the 14th, I was able to sleep the sleep of the fan of a playoff contender. (At least until I was awakened by the techno-ey music rising from beneath my floor at 3am.)

The game was plenty bizarre, as is often the way for extra-inning games in September. Especially if they involve Cardinals Manager Tony LaRussa. LaRussa started the game with a reliever, and brought in a starter in the 4th inning. He allowed the reliever who started the game to bat in the 2nd inning, and then replaced him on the mound immediately after that at-bat. He used P Joel Piniero as a pinch-runner (Phillies 1B Ryan Howard opted to hold Piniero on, rather than playing off the base. Strange, that.), as well as every other player on his 40-man roster, including the grounds crew and all clubhouse personnel. He didn't bat a .140-hitting pitcher ahead of a .300-hitting infielder, as he sometimes does, but that was about the only bizarre thing he didn't do.

On the Phillies side, starter Cole Hamels allowed three runs in his three innings of work, which is usually about how many runs he permits in a month. It was his first start since coming off since coming off the DL, so we'll cut him a little slack. The Phillies bullpen allowed only a single run in eleven innings (!), surrendering a mere six (!) hits. Typically, they allow six hits before they get anybody out. The Phillies bats: only eight hits (two in the first eight innings) and eleven walks in the game. But the Phillies are invincible in five hour games that end after 1am, so their lack of offense Tuesday night was immaterial. I wonder if I should fly AirTran or Southwest down to Philly for the playoffs?

Phils Hold On Against Cards, 2.5 Behind Mets


(originally posted 9/18/07)

THAT'S how we do it, Phillies style! Take an 11-0 lead going into the bottom of the sixth on the road, with our second best starter on the mound. Hold on for dear life, as a procession of AA-quality relievers enters the game, and the lead dissipates. Watch as the seventh Phillie pitcher of the game picks up his first career save, and reduces his season ERA to 5.47. A fairly simple formula, and one that takes .04 years/per game off of every Phillies fan's life. But those painful wins are better than the painless losses of yesteryear. And a World Series Championship would probably be worth knocking a year or so off the end of a Phan's lifetime.

It's not too often that a team scores thirteen runs, and squeaks by with a 13-11 victory. But, considering that the Phillies had brutalized the arms of their three MLB-quality relievers (Brett Myers, Tom Gordon, J. C. Romero) in the sweep of the Mets (SWEEP! OF! THE! METS!), I guess it shouldn't have been too surprising. All six relievers used had ERA's over 5.10. Luckily, the Cardinals pitching was also horrible, and Philly capitalized with eleven hits, seven walks and five homers. Phillies SP Kyle Kendrick pitched five scoreless innings, but tired in the sixth. He allowed three runs in his six innings, raising his record to 9-4 (4.05 ERA).

The game got really ugly in the seventh, when Clay Condrey (5.48 ERA) and Jose Mesa (7.66) combined to allow six St. Louis runs. (Jose Mesa's ERA would be worse, but three of the runners he allowed to score were put on base by Condrey. Mesa is quite adept at allowing inherited runners to score.) The game ended with Francisco Rosario on the mound, and J.D. Durbin and Martin Biron as the only remaining bullpen options. (Considering Durbin's recent struggles, I would have called the French-Canadian hockey goalie into the game before "The Real Deal.")

Ace Cole Hamels (2008-2014, 2016-2021 Cy Young Award winner) will make his glorious return in tonight's win over the St.Louis Cardinals. Hamels' time away from the club will prove to be a blessing in disguise, as the rest will enable him to pitch in a two-man rotation (with Kendrick) for the remainder of the season. Myers, Gordon, and Romero should also be available tonight, in the unlikely event that any of them are needed. Hamels will be held to a pitch count of 70, which should be more than sufficient for a complete game victory. With a little help from the Nationals and Pirates, tonight's win will enable the Phillies to move even closer to clinching a spot in the postseason. At which point Hamels and Kendrick will be shut down until the playoffs, with Eaton, Moyer, Lohse, Ennis, and Castro getting the rest of the regular season starts. (I've got it all worked out, just have to convince Charles Fuqua Manuel that this is the way to go...)

Phillies Complete Sweep of Mets (Again)!

(originally posted 9/17/07)
"The Phillies bullpen has struggled against every team. Except the Mets." The Mets announcers must have made a variation of that complaint during just about every inning of the Phillies' three game sweep in New York. (THREE! GAME! SWEEP!) I loved hearing it every time. There's no team that I'd prefer to be dominated by the Phillies more than the Mets. Well, eight straight wins against the Mets is fairly dominating. Every time the Phillies seem to be falling out of the divisional race, they seem to find a way to get back in it. Hopefully, the Phillies will gains some momentum from the weekend, and the Mets' downward spiral will continue.

The Phillies are definitely in the Mets' heads after the latest sweep. Friday night, the Mets and 303-game winner Tom Glavine had a 2-0 lead after five innings. No problem. MVP candidate Chase Utley hit a 2-run homer in the sixth to tie the game. Starter Jamie Moyer permitted only two runs in his seven innings, and J. C. Romero, Tom Gordon (3rd win), and Brett Myers (16th save) kept New York scoreless the rest of the way. A pinch-hit sacrifice fly by Greg Dobbs in the 10th inning was the difference.

On Saturday afternoon, the pitching matchup of the Phillies' Kyle Lohse (4.49 ERA) against Mets ace Pedro Martinez (1.69 ERA, 208-92 career record) seemed to favor the Mets. Martinez allowed only one run in his six innings, but was removed after throwing 98 pitches. Kyle Lohse allowed three runs in the five inning he survived, and the Phillies trailed 3-1, after six innings. The Phils scored once in the seventh, and then put up a three -spot in the eighth. A solo HR by Aaron Rowand (24) and a two-run triple by Jimmy Rollins were the big blows. The Phillies' bullpen combined for four scoreless innings, allowing only one measly single, and the Phils had another come-from behind win.

Adam Eaton (6.36 ERA) got the Sunday start, but not even his mediocrity could halt the Phillies' streak. Eaton allowed five runs (four earned) in his 4.2 innings, blowing a 5-2 Phillies lead in the process. The Phillies' bullpen was strong again, surrendering only a single run in 4.1 innings. Greg Dobbs hit a pinch-hit grand slam, and Mets imploded, making six (SIX!) errors. The final score was 10-6 Phils, and the Mets looked horrendous in going down to defeat. Just the way we like them to look. I can't wait to watch these games again with the rest of the 2007 World Series Champion Phillies DVD set. No lead is safe against the Fightin' Phils.

The Phillies travel to St. Louis to meet the struggling Cardinals, losers of approximately 51 of their last 59 games. Kyle Kendrick and Cole Hamels start the first two games, so the Phillies are well-positioned to continue their run to the playoffs. A playoff run that has been marked by a total domination of the Mets. I almost look forward to the Phillies meeting the Mets again in the playoffs. If they make it that far. The Mets, that is.

A Painful Loss for the Phils...

(originally posted 9/12/07)
The Phillies took it to the Colorado Rockies right from the beginning of Wednesday's night's game. Rookie Ace Kyle Kendrick allowed the first two Rockie batters of the game to reach base- but then he coaxed MVP candidate Matt Holliday into an inning-ending TRIPLE PLAY. Holliday's line drive was SNARED by 3B Greg Dobbs, who fired to 2nd base, where Chase Utley touched the bag to double off the runner on second, and tagged the runner coming from first. It was the 2nd triple play of the season for the Phils.

In the bottom of the frame, the first three Phillies reached base against Rockies starter Denny Bautista (19.06 ERA entering the game). With Ryan Howard and Aaron Rowand coming up, it looked like it would be a huge inning, and, possibly, another huge game for the Phillies offense. I had the over/under at 14 Phillies runs at that point. (My over/under for the GAME was 21 Phillies runs.) But, somehow, the Rockies escaped the inning unscathed. The "somehow" being suckage from Howard, Rowand, and Greg Dobbs. But the Phillies still had seven more innings to score. (Assuming they wouldn't need to bat in the bottom of the 9th).

Unfortunately, the game, and possibly the entire Phillies season, went into the shitter, starting in the top of the 3rd inning. Kendrick was a strike away from getting out of the inning with the game still scoreless. But Rockies Rookie of the Year candidate Troy Tulowitzki walked to put two runners on. Matt Holliday followed with his 30th home run, giving the Rockies a 3-0 lead. Not good, but definitely not an insurmountable deficit for the Phils. Especially considering that Mark Redman was brought into the game. The Mark Redman who has been hideously bad this season.

The Phillies couldn't score on Redman in the 3rd, and went into the top of the 4th still trailing, 3-0. That may have been the worst inning of the Phillies season. It started with a line drive that smashed Kyle Kendrick just below the knee. He was helped from the field, and may not pitch again this season. Considering that he is the "one" in the Phillies "one-man rotation" that injury is pretty damaging. Adding insult to Kendrick's injury, the Rockies put up a six spot in the inning, off relievers John Ennis (8.22 ERA) and Clay Condrey (4.60 ERA). Condrey came in with two outs and the bases loaded, and proceeded to allow all three runners to score. Ennis' ERA is none too pleased with Mr. Condrey right now.

After that surreal half-inning, the game pretty much descended into madness. The Phillies, with the #1 offense in the universe, playing in the #1 offensive park in the universe, against the pitiful Redman and two rookies, failed to score. Not even a SINGLE, MEASLY run in nine innings. They were held to four hits (ALL SINGLES) in the game. If I had seen the innings totals by the Rockies pitchers (Bautista 2, Redman 5, Morillo 1, Newman 1) without seeing the rest of the box score, I would have guessed that the Phillies had scored at least 10 runs. But it wasn't the Phillies who scored in double digits, it was Colorado. They finished the game 12-0 victors, after scoring off every Phillie pitcher, with the exception of Condrey. (Not sure if Condrey should be excepted, as he allowed all three baserunners he inherited to score, but he was the best Phillies reliever tonight. "Best" = he was the only one able to pitch an inning without giving up any runs.) It was a horrible, horrible game. One that the Phillies and their fans would like to forget. Unfortunately, they've had so many forgettable games in the past week, that it might almost be time to forget about their playoff aspirations.

But they are not eliminated yet. The Real Deal goes for the Phils Thursday, as they try to salvage a split against Colorado. Then, it's on to New York for a weekend series against the 1st place Mets. They now trail San Diego by three games in the Wild Card race, are tied with Colorado, and only a half game ahead of Los Angeles. All of these blown games in the past couple of weeks are catching up to them...

Beaton Badly Again


(originally posted 9/12/07)

That was pretty bad. Shut down by some rookie pitcher named Morales. Another horrible performance by Adam Eaton. Putrid outings from the most putrid members of a bullpen that is, well, putrid. With a 7-0 deficit, going into the bottom of the 7th, I thought the Phils still had a chance. Hell, they've had some impressive comebacks, and the Red Sox had already come back from an eight-run deficit on the TV next door. With the Phillies' potent offense, it was possible, right?

The Phils did pull to within 7-2, propelled by Jimmy Rollins' 27th homer, but that was a close as they got. Rockies 8, Phillies 2. With the Padres winning, the Phillies' Wild Card chances continued to decrease. But not enough to be overly concerned.

The Phillies last remaining free agent starter is a bit of a concern, however. Eaton is now 9-9 for the season, with an ERA of 6.31. He has a 7.47 ERA in his last 13 starts. He has the worst HR/IP ratio in baseball. Fortunately, the Phils only have to pay for another two years of this. At about $16 million. Hell, I don't even know if he has a spot on the playoff roster. Kendrick, Hamels, and Lohse. That's all the Phils will need. Their Baseball Prospectus playoff odds went down to about 20% after Tuesday night's loss (I calculated their odds at 81.9%, so I'd have to question the statistical validity of BP's figure.), but those odds will go right back up tonight. With Kyle Kendrick (8-3, 3.78), the NL's Rookie Pitcher of the Year on the mound, the Phillies odds of winning tonight are 94.6%. (Note: That figure also takes into account the 19.06 ERA Rockies' starter Denny Bautista has this season.) It won't be long before the Phils are resting players for the postseason, and planning their World Series rotation.

Phillies Overcome Blue Glove to Smash Rockies

(originally posted 9/10/07)
That's the kind of game PLAYOFF teams win, my dear blog reader(s). Trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth, after six mediocre innings from mediocre starter Kyle Lohse, Ryan Howard hits his 38th homer to cut the deficit to 3-2. Phillies "Manager" Charles Fuqua Manuel attempts to blow the game by bringing in Jose Mesa. Blue Glove walks the first batter, gives up a two-run blast to the second, and is pulled from the game (ERA now at 7.77). Why didn't Charlie bring in J.C. Romero to start the inning, in what was a one-run game? Good fucking question. (Also, what was up with the radar guns tonight? No way was Jimenez throwing 101 MPH for Colorado. I thought they were supposed to decrease the speeds for the opposing pitchers.)

But, with two on and two out in the bottom of the frame, with the Phillies still trailing 5-2, the Heroic Patrick Brian Burrell strode to the plate. Whereupon he proceeded to strike a game-tying home run (28th of the season). THAT is why Mr. Burrell is the NL's second-half MVP. Well, that and the 1.103 2nd half OPS. (1.103!!) Tom Gordon and Brett Myers (4th win) combined for three scoreless innings, and Ryan Howard had the game-winning double in the bottom of the 10th. Just the way Charles Fuqua drew it up. An impressive win by the Phils, who are now only a game and a half out of the Wild Card lead. I can't wait to see some Phillies Playoff Baseball! With Blue Glove watching the games on TV, just like me!

Adam Eaton, the Phillies' $24.5 million fifth starter, gets the nod in game two of the Rockies series Tuesday night. Eaton's 6.28 ERA is only slightly higher than the 6.23 ERA of Rockies starter Franklin Morales. I like the Phillies' chances at extending their winning streak to four games. This post would be longer, but I have to go REGISTER FOR MY PHILLIES PLAYOFF TICKETS!

A Leaf on the Wind

(originally posted 9/10/07)
That day off on Thursday could not have come at a better time for the Phillies and this blogger. The Phillies bullpen didn't blow another win, and I didn't have to watch the Phillies bullpen blow another win. After the extreme pain and ugliness of Wednesday's come-from-way-ahead loss (an 8-2 lead blown!) to the Braves, a break was needed.

Somehow, the Phillies managed to win two of three from the Marlins this weekend, and are a mere two games out of the Wild Card lead. The Phillies sure didn't look like a Wild Card team (or an MLB team) in losing four of six to the Marlins and Braves, but they looked a lot better this past weekend. There is still hope. No pitching (except for Mr. Kendrick), but there is hope.

In the wins on Saturday and Sunday, the Phillies offense jumped out to a lead, and then kept adding to it, while the pitching tried to keep the lead. On Saturday, the Phillies scored nine runs, and Phillies pitching was UNSCORED UPON after allowing a leadoff home run. On Sunday, the Phillies scored five in the first inning and two in the second. Pat Burrell (27) and Carlos Ruiz (6) keyed the outburst with two-run homers. The Phillies took an 8-0 lead into the sixth inning, with starter Jamie Moyer allowing only two baserunners through five innings. But, in the top of the sixth, Moyer got bombed, and the Marlins closed to within 8-5. The scenario seemed all too familiar, as the Phillies had blown two five-run leads in the past week. However, this time, the bullpen kept the Marlins scoreless the rest of the way, in the 8-5 win. Antonio Alfonseca, Kane Davis, J. C. Romero, and Brett Myers (15th save) combined for 3.2 scoreless innings. This followed five scoreless bullpen innings the day before. Has the Phillies bullpen finally found their form? Probably not. But it appears that the key to their success may be keeping Jose Mesa in the bullpen, and not actually bringing him into the game. Mesa's performance in August (13.50 ERA in 10 appearances) was about as bad as Britney Spears' performance Sunday night at the VMA's. Yikes. Hopefully, we won't see either of these two "performing" again in the near future.

The Phils will try to cut into the Wild Card deficit in a four game series against the streaking Colorado Rockies. If their pitching can perform adequately, there's no reason the Phils' offense can't lead them to a series win. If not, there is always the Eagles for Philly fans. (Hmm, better make that "there is always the Flyers.")

Phillies Complete Sweep of Mets


(originally posted 8/31/07)

Carlos Ruiz rounded second base, attempting to stretch what would have been an easy stand-up double into a three-base hit. Despite the fact that Ruiz runs well for a catcher, the choice seemed ill-advised, as Mets SS Jose Reyes gathered the throw from the outfield in and fired to third. The throw would have gotten Ruiz, but it hit him, allowing him to make it safely to the base. When push came to shove on Thursday, the Phillies made the plays, and the Mets failed to execute. The Mets were dealt a demoralizing loss and the Phillies had, possibly, the most incredible win in my Phillies-watching history. The Phillies' divisional deficit was reduced to a mere two games with the 11-10 walkoff victory.

After having won the first three games of the series, one by blowout, and two in miraculous fashion, it seemed unlikely that the Phillies could top the magic of the previous three nights. With Mets ace Orlando Hernandez on the mound, bringing his 3.07 ERA and sub-.200 opponent's batting average into Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies should have had their work cut out for them. But, thanks to two-run homers from Ryan Howard (36) and Pat Burrell (23), the Phils knocked Hernandez out of the game early, and jumped to a 5-0 lead. But the Mets came right back, with three runs off Phillies starter Kyle Lohse, and two more off reliever Geoff Geary in the fifth. The Phillies countered immediately, scoring another three runs in the bottom of the inning, and taking the 8-5 lead into the 8th inning.

But the Mets pounced on Phillies reliever Antonio Alfonseca in the 8th. Alfonseca faced five batters in the frame, none of whom he managed to retire. He allowed two hits and three walks, and was charged with four of the five runs scored by the Mets that inning. (The other was charged to J. C. Romero who was removed after facing only two batters, one of whom he walked.) The Mets lead 10-8, going into the bottom of the 8th, and closer Billy Wagner (29 saves, 2.05 ERA) was ready to enter for an unusual (for him) two-inning save. Something he hadn't been asked to do for eight years. But he hadn't pitched for five days, so he was well-rested.

What followed was yet another comeback. Something that has become a trademark of this team. The comeback included another homer by Pat Burrell (24) against his nemesis, Billy the Rat, in the 8th. Tom Gordon held the Mets scoreless in the top of the 9th, and the score was 10-8 Mets, to begin the 9th. I have watched this inning again and again, and it is already one of my favorite Phillies memories. EVER. Jayson Werth (.315 batting average!) singled, and then stole second. AND THEN THIRD! ON CONSECUTIVE WAGNER PITCHES! Tad Iguchi knocked Werth in with a single. Iguchi then stole second base, and Jimmy Rollins was intentionally walked. Chase Utley followed with an RBI single (on Wagner's 45th pitch), scoring Iguchi with the WINNING RUN!!

The team STORMED the field in celebration, with Pat Burrell leading the way, as he did during the game. It was great seeing him show so much emotion today, from leaping in the outfield when CF Aaron Rowand made a great catch, to meeting Iguchi at the plate when he scored the winning run. Burrell had such a trying first half, but he has been, arguably, the best player in MLB in the second half. (As he has alway been one of my favorite players, it is great to see him doing so well, and taking a leadership role on the team.) Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel has made a habit of pulling Burrell out of the game in the 6th or 7th inning, much to my chagrin, throughout the season. But Burrell was kept in the game yesterday, and the Mets paid the price.
This single game demonstrated the resilience the Phillies have displayed all season. Despite all of the injuries that have decimated the roster, the Phillies have managed to stay in the playoff race. Even with a patchwork rotation, and a bullpen of castoffs, they continue to do what it takes to win. Behind the leadership of Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins. And Pat Burrell. I was too young to fully enjoy the great 1980 and 1983 seasons, and circumstances caused me to miss a lot of the remarkable 1993 season. But, after the sweep of the Mets, it looks like the Phillies are destined to be part of another remarkable pennant chase. It's really exciting to be a Phillies fan right now, and I can't wait to enjoy the ride ahead of us.

Phillies Beat Mets Again!

(originally posted 8/30/07)
Before each of the first two games of the Phillies-Mets series, I greedily devoured the statistical goodness offered up by MLB.com's Press Pass. As is my way. Seeing the Mets' gaudy offensive statistics against Phillies starters Adam Eaton and Jamie Moyer was a bit disturbing. Considering that some of those .500+ batting averages had some serious sample size issues, I was able to assuage my own fears a bit. At least until the reality of the 5.00+ ERAs the two veteran starters have compiled over the entire season brought the fears back. I was concerned that a couple of poor starts, combined with the bullpen implosions which seem to, invariably, follow those poor starts would drop Philadelphia further behind New York in the divisional race. Blowout losses against the likes of the Dodgers and the Padres are bad, but getting blown out by the Mets is just infuriating. Because I just really, really hate those goddamn Mets. I may have mentioned that before.

Turns out there was abso-frigging-lutely nothing to worry about. What a great couple of victories these two games were. In Tuesday night's game, Eaton allowed only two runs over 5.2 innings. The Phillies trailed, 2-0, going into the bottom of the eighth, but a Jimmy Rollins homer, and a fifty foot RBI single by Aaron Rowand, tied the game. Rowand's roller barely stayed fair- I suspect Whitey and Vuke were watching, somewhere far beyond, and conspired to keep the dribbler in fair territory. The looks of exasperation on the Mets' faces were priceless. Closer Brett Myers, who has struggled in non-save situations, pitched two scoreless innings. Ryan Howard finished things off with an incredible walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th. An amazing victory, one of the Phillies' best this season. The Rowand dribbler and the Howard walkoff seems like sure bets to be featured in the Phillies' 2007 World Series DVD.

The Wednesday night win may have been just as exciting. Jimmy Rollins and Pat Burrell homered, backing a strong start by Jamie Moyer (6 IP, 2 ER). The Phillies' defense rose to the occasion, turning three double plays, and picking speedster Jose Reyes off first base twice. Even Abraham O. Nunez contributed with some fine defensive plays. (Still batting .242, but those plays at third were nice.) The Phillies took a 3-2 lead into the top of the 9th, and brought on Brett Myers for the save. Myers had pitched two innings the previous night, and didn't seem to be on top of his game. With one out, and runners on 1st and 3rd, Shawn Green hit a slow runner to SS Jimmy Rollins. He was able to get the force at second, but it was hit too slowly to turn a game-ending double play.

Except that the most miraculous play, in a season that has seen many miraculous plays, happened. Mets baserunner Marlon Anderson plowed over Phillies 2B Tadahito Iguchi, second-base umpire C. B. Bucknor ruled interference, and the game was over. JUST. INCREDIBLE. I've watched the Phillies' play-by-play clip about thirty times, and it still gives me chills every time. Harry Kalas seems resigned to a tie game, as he calls the slow roller. Chris Wheeler starts yelling "Interference!" Sarge is yelling, "Yes! Yes! C.B!" The Mets are going BALLISTIC, Marlon Anderson is LEAPING in the air in frustration, the Phillies are celebrating the win in the middle of field, as they filter through the the pile of INFURIATED Mets. HOLY. FUCK. What a way to win! Even better, what a way to win a game AGAINST THE METS! WITH DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IMPLICATIONS! (Amazing clip available here!)

I guess I'm kind of still a little bit jacked up about Wednesday night's win. Kyle Lohse goes for the sweep this afternoon, with the Phils trailing the Mets by a mere THREE games! THREE! (It was seven games not too long ago!) What's next?!

The Real Deal Beats Mets in Chase's Return

(originally posted 8/28/07)
Monday night's 9-2 win over the Mets could not have gone much better for the Phillies. MVP 2B Chase Utley, the NL's leading hitter (.339 BA), returned to action with a 3 for 5 night (including his 18th home run). OF Jayson Werth went 5 for 5, and has now reached base in 10 consecutive plate appearances. LF Pat Burrell, still batting third, was 2 for 4 with his 21 st home run, and Tad Iguchi, displaced by the return of Utley, had a two-run pinch-hit blast. J. D. (The Real Deal) Durbin, the Phillies' #2 starting pitcher, was perfect through four innings, and collected his sixth victory (in nine decisions). Durbin left with a 6-2 lead, the Phils tacked on another three runs in the 7th, and the bullpen shut out the Mets the rest of the way.

The turning point of the game, however, occurred in the bottom of the 1st inning. Jimmy Rollins was called out as he lead off the inning with an infield hit. As he returned from running through the bag, he stood on first base, mentally calculating how the single had impacted his stat line. As he calculated his new OBA, having already determined his BA and SLG, umpire Joe West suddenly called him out on the play. It was disconcerting that Joe West and C.B. Bucknor were assigned to such an important series, and it didn't take long for their ineptitude to hurt the Phillies. But not for long. Phils Manager Charles Fuqua Manuel sprinted gracefully out of the dugout to patiently discuss the unfortunate call. Moments later, Manuel was invited to leave the premises. That, right there, is another (of many) example of why Manuel should be Manager of the Year. He knows his weakness (managing the game as it occurs), and did what was necessary to give his team their best shot at winning. If Manuel can get himself ejected in the first inning on a regular basis, the fine metropolis of Philadelphia could have their first Championship Team, since the 2007 Philadelphia Barrage. The Phils showed what they could do, without Manuel involved, in their dominant performance Monday night.

In game two of the series, Adam Eaton and his 6.36 ERA return from the (possibly fake) DL. If Eaton can pitch decently, the Phils offense could get him his 10th victory of the season. If he pitches as badly as he has in ten of his last eleven starts, he'll be removed from CBP in the same manner in which Mr. Met was removed from the scene on Monday night. Quickly, and with no regard for his well-being. Either way, with Chase Utley and Pat Burrell in the lineup, there's not much of a chance that the Phillies will lose.

Phillies' Stopper Halts Losing Streak

(originally posted 8/26/07)
Things looked bleak for the Phillies of Philadelphia. Consecutive losses to the Padres had brought them to the brink of oblivion. The Philly faithful seemed resigned to counting the days until Eagles football returned. (14 days!)

It was the usual suspects who had delivered the embattled ballclub to the edge of the chasm. Friday night's 14-3 loss featured twelve unanswered runs by the Padres, courtesy of Philly "pitchers" Jamie Moyer (4.2 IP, 6 ER, 5.16 ERA) and Jose Mesa (1 IP, 6 H (!), 4 ER, 7.59 ERA). Saturday night's 4-3 nailbiter included a blown save by Tom Gordon, and a loss by opening day starter-turned-closer Brett Myers. (Perhaps this P.O.D. tune would be a more appropriate entrance song, given Myers' difficulties with keeping the ball in the park. 5.10 ERA? Check the stats, indeed.) A Padres victory would have dropped Philadelphia to four games back in the Wild Card chase.

But the Phillies did have one thing going for them on Sunday. Their stopper. (No, not Cole Hamels. Still hurt.) Kyle Rodney Kendrick. All 6' 3" and 190 lbs. of splendid pitching excellence. The wiry Phillies ace (ACE!) celebrated his 23rd birthday with a stunning performance (6 IP, 1 ER), halting the Phillies' losing streak, and giving Phillies fans a reason to keep their David Akers jerseys in the closet. Kendrick improved to 7-3, with a 3.89 ERA. (His 23 Ks in 63 IP is a bit of a concern, but we are focusing on his ace-osity at the present time.) A few months ago, Kyle Rodney was in AA, and may not have had enough trade value to get the Phillies a Jose Mesa. Now, he is the top (healthy) starting pitcher on a WILD CARD CONTENDER!

Kyle didn't win this one on his own, however. Jayson Werth, playing in right for the restful Shane Victorino, went 5 for 5 (!) with 4 RBI, raising his batting average to a quite satisfactory .294. Ryan Howard broke out of his slump with a 3 for 4 day, including his 34th homer. Pat Burrell went 1 for 3, with a pair of walks, and three runs scored. When the Phillies were done for the day, they had a 14-2 victory, and a mere three game deficit in the Wild Card race. Plus, thanks to newly-promoted reliever John Ennis (last seen in MLB in 2004, with an 8.44 ERA for Detroit), who pitched the final three innings (1 ER allowed and a "save" for protecting a 14-2 lead), the rest of the Phillies bullpen was able to take the day off. (Well, they pretty much took the last two days off also, but this was a welcome breather for the fans.) Special honorary mention goes to Padres starting pitcher Tim Stauffer, who allowed eleven (ELEVEN!) runs on eleven hits (!) in four innings. Stauffer managed to raise his ERA from 17.18 to 21.13.

The Phillies begin a four game series at home against the first place (NL East) New York Mets Monday night, while the Padres start a series against the first place (NL West) Arizona Diamondbacks. Crucial games for all those involved. Hopefully, the Phillies can make up some ground in both races. Kendrick and Hamels won't be available to face the Mets, but MVP candidate Chase Utley will be back in the lineup. Though it would help to have one of their two ace starters in the series, the Phils do have Brett Myers, their calm, cool, and collected closer, ready for action. (Kendrick may be seen as a pinch-hitter, when Phillies MGR Charles Fuqua Manuel depletes his bench in the 4th inning, trying to protect a one-run lead. Hamels will only be involved in the event of a bench clearing brawl. Or brawlS.) It's always fun times when the Phillies host the Mets.

Phillies Pen Brutally Beaten, 37,321 Witness Carnage


(originally posted 8/23/07)

Even The Real Deal has a mediocre outing once in awhile. (Note: "Once in a while"= once every 1.8 outings.) But J. D. Durbin's six inning, five run (four earned) effort looked downright Cole-esque, compared to the brutality of the bullpen's performance. Jose Mesa (1:1.2 bad outing ratio) increased his ERA to 6.86, allowing five runs, and picking up only a single out. The blue glove and the intimidating facial hair were not enough to overcome an unfortunate, and total, lack of pitching ability.

Clay Condrey (1 bad outing for every .34 outings) entered the game after Mesa had loaded the bases, and allowed all three runners to score. (Mesa and his ERA thank Condrey for his efforts.) With the score 10-1 in the 7th, Manuel decided to let Condrey to finish the game. Condrey managed to allow nine hits and five runs (not including the three he allowed on Mesa's behalf) in his 2.2 innings. The Phillies fell 15-3, with their only (visible to the naked eye) offensive sign of life being a two-run Chris Coste homer, which cut the 10-1 deficit to 10-3.

But those who pay attention to that "other, lesser league" may have noticed that the Baltimore Orioles allowed THIRTY runs on the same night that the Phillies permitted a measly fifteen. It was very puzzling, especially considering that this was the first game of a doubleheader, that the Orioles did not use a position player on the mound for a couple of innings. (Like when Baltimore fell behind by, oh, twenty runs.) More importantly, however, Wednesday night's pitching disasters gave me an idea for the Phillies. Instead of moving Patrick Brian Burrell to the bench for defensive purposes, why not move him to the MOUND? Surely, he can do at least well as Messrs. Condrey and Mesa. Plus, the Phillies can keep Burrell's bat in the lineup, and not have to pinch-hit Abraham Orlando Nunez in the pitcher's spot. Burrell's defensive shortcomings ("defensive shortcomings"= "slightly less mobility than a one-legged rhinoceros") won't be a factor as a pitcher, either. It's the kind of move that is perfect for a team in the DH-less league with an almost pitcher-less bullpen. (Pat G., are you reading this?)

In Thursday afternoon's rubber game against Los Angeles, the Phillies will have Fabio Castro make his first major league start. Why the Phillies chose Castro to get the start over J. A. Happ, who has been a much more effective AAA starter (and sometimes strikes people out, to boot!) lately, is still unclear at press time. I'm hopefully optimistic that today's game will be a little bit more competitive that last night's debacle. By the time the top of the seventh had ended, the Phillies had moved into the three spot on the PFiRSN viewing queue, falling into the abyss on the notebook computer. (The Red Sox-Devil Rays played on the HDTV, and the Tigers-Indians game was seen on the bulky desktop.) Very disappointing for a once proud organization. The Phillies did manage to stay ahead of some show featuring a blond, model-ly type woman serving as a news anchor, on the viewing queue. Who comes up with this shit anyways? And how can I send them my ideas? (Mesa, I've got a new job for you...)

The Deal, and Kyle, then win 20-18 for a while...


(originally posted 8/22/07)

That Monday off-day sure came at the right time for the Phillies. Though I am fairly certain that their embattled relief corps was still allowing runs to the Pirates on Monday. The six uninjured Phillies were able to rest up a bit, and there was time to determine who would be the latest Phillies to be added to the DL. (If you had Yoel Hernandez for Monday in The Pool, congratulations! I had The Big Zagurski- missed by one day!)

The only reason the Phillies have as many healthy players left right now is the brilliance of one Charles Fuqua Manuel. His progressive theories of player substitution have kept his starters refreshed, and he has revolutionized the position of Manager. Now, some purists disagree with his methods. They watch him replace his whole starting lineup, for defensive purposes, after taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning, and respond derisively. They argue that depleting the bench of position players so early in the game leaves too few pinch-hitting options. But, seriously, would you want Abraham O. Nunez pinch-hitting? No one wants that.

Sure, it is sometimes difficult for the Phillies to come back from any sort of deficit with defensive stalwarts named Roberson and Nunez coming to the plate in key situations. But how often does Phillies pitching falter and allow the opposing team to actually score? Besides, consider the positives. The starting lineup plays, at maximum, one inning in the field. The backups, besides fielding, don't have to do anything more than walking to and from home plate. None of that pesky running on the bases. That can be wicked draining. With this strategy, everyone wins! (Well, not necessarily the Phillies AS A TEAM. But, AS INDIVIDUALS, they do well, as their careers are extended. Who doesn't want Abraham Orlando Nunez to be batting .158 for the Phillies decades from now? You won't have to tell your grandkids about The Great Nunez, because he'll still be playing!) Scoff, if you will, but the Phillies are, once again, ahead of the curve. (Just like with the color barrier, international scouting, the list goes on...) Phillies fans are seeing the future of baseball today. And, as soon as Charlie Manuel figures out how to respond to e-mail, we will be collaborating on the strategy book that will change the world. (Not just the BASEBALL world, the world as a whole.) Pre-order at amazon.com now!

After blowing four run leads in losing the last two games of their three-game series in Pittsburgh, the Phillies switched tactics. They allowed the Dodgers to jump to an early 3-0 lead, and then came back to win 5-4. Kyle Kendrick won his sixth game in nine decisions, and Ryan Howard had his first stolen base since the creation of stolen bases. (He also had his 443rd strikeout since the creation of strikeouts, but we will focus on the stolen base for now. He even kept the actual base he stole! Plus, he stole the base off All-Star Catcher Russell Martin!) Aaron Rowand hit his 21st home run in the victory, and closer Brett Myers, fueled by his new entrance song, recorded his 12th save. (If you want, you can check my stats! The word on the streets is that the boy is back!) The Phillies moved into a tie with San Diego for the Wild Card lead with the win.

The win also improved the Phillies record to 7-5, since I acquired a Cole Hamels Bobblehead. Unfortunately, those seven wins, apparently, came at a price. Cole Hamels became the 117th Phillie to be placed on the disabled list today. This leaves Kyle Kendrick and J.D. "The Real Deal" Durbin as the Phillies' top two starters. But Kendrick is, without a doubt, the best #1 starter on a contending team who was in AA on June 12th. Durbin is the best starting pitcher who was waived by 27 MLB teams before the All-Star break. The situation kind of reminds me of the famous 1964 World Series Champion Phillie team that rode the arms of Jim Bunning and Chris Short the franchise's first championship. That team lead by six and a half games with twelve to play, and never lost another game! Surely, you remember that famous quote by Reds catcher Chico Ruiz, after being caught trying to steal home. "There was no other way we were going to score against those guys!", the frustrated backstop complained. You'll be hearing many similar complaints from Phillies' opponents in the next few months. The Blue Snow has returned...

Phillies Destroy Bucs


(originally posted 8/17/07)

The Cole Hamels bobblehead improved to 5-2, as the Phillies belted the Pirates, 11-8. Phillies SP J.D. (The Real Deal) Durbin pitched effectively, allowing only two earned runs in six innings in his fifth win. The Phils broke open a 2-1 game with four runs in the fifth, and then four more in the sixth. Pat Burrell went 3 for 3, picking up his 1000th career hit, three RBI, and his 18th homer of the season. Chris Coste and Jimmy Rollins each had three hits, and Aaron Rowand went 2 for 5, with 3 RBI. The Phillies blasted Pirates pitching for sixteen hits. The Bucs tried to come back, bombing Phillies relievers Clay Condrey, Jose Mesa, and Mike Zagurski (all of whom now have ERAs over 5.00), but the deficit (and the Cole bobblehead) were too much to overcome.


The Mets also won, so the NL East deficit remains at three games. But a Braves shutout loss, at the hands of D-Back ace Brandon Webb, extended the Phils' lead over 3rd place Atlanta to a game and a half. If the Astros can beat the Padres (and Jake Peavy) tonight, the Phillies will move into a tie for the Wild Card lead. (Peavy is one of the aces on my fantasy team, so I'm hoping for a low-scoring win for the 'Stros, and a no-decision for Peavy.) The Phillies will go for their third consecutive win Saturday night, sending Jamie Moyer to the mound. In his long career, Moyer has never lost a road game that preceded a concert by The PovertyNeck Hillbillies. With the Phillies streaking, and the Cole Hamels bobblehead in place, Moyer's streak probably won't end Saturday.

EDIT: Peavy pitched seven innings, allowing only one run, and striking out eleven. And got a no decision in the PADRES LOSS! The Phillies are now TIED FOR THE WILD CARD LEAD!

The Power of the Cole Bobble (and other Phillies Tales)

(originally posted 8/17/07)
"That's why (Phillies Manager Charles Fuqua) Manuel brought him (reliever Antonio Alfonseca) in. To get the big strikeouts." It was yet another clueless comment from ESPN "analyst" Joe Morgan during Sunday night's game against Atlanta. Charlie Manuel hadn't brought Alfonseca into the game expecting any strikeouts, as Alfonseca has the lowest K/nine-inning ratio of any Phillies reliever. He was just hoping Alfonseca could get out of the inning without too much damage. Alfonseca rose to the occasion, whiffing both batters he faced, and securing the lead. The Phillies went on to win that game, 5-3, moving ahead of the Braves into second place in the NL East.

When the Phillies lost 2B Chase Utley, RP Ryan Madson, RF Shane Victorino, and OF Michael Bourn to injuries in a five day span, it was apparent that the Phillies would need some of their few healthy players play a more significant role. They'd need to make the most of their runs, battle to stay in games, and actually get some decent pitching once in awhile. In taking four of six games from the Braves and the Nationals, the Phillies did just that. They go into tonight's game against the woeful Pittsburgh Pirates only a game out of the Wild Card lead. They wouldn't be there without receiving major contributions from their remaining big guns (Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Pat Burrell, Jimmy Rollins), some late season acquisitions (Tadahito Iguchi, Kyle Lohse, Russell Branyan), and exiling some of their ill-fated offseason acquistions (Rod Barajas, Adam Eaton) to the (quite possibly somewhat fake) disabled list.

In the first game of the Braves series, ace Cole Hamels allowed four runs in the top of the 1st inning. But the Phillies came right back with four in the bottom of the frame. Hamels followed his poor first inning with six no-hit frames. The Phils scratched out an unearned run in the 7th inning, and relievers J. C Romero, Alfonseca, and Tom Gordon (sixth save) held Atlanta scoreless, securing Hamels' 13th win. The middle game featured Phillies "pitcher" Adam Eaton staking the Braves to a 6-1 lead, after his three innings of work. The Phillies fought back, but fell, 7-5. That should be Eaton's (6.36 ERA) last start for awhile. (Eaton's ERA has been over 10.50 since his life-saving actions with the tarp in Colorado, which possibly resulted in personal injury. If the Rockies send Troy Trevor Tulowitzki to the Phillies, in exchange for Abraham O. Nunez, I think we can call it even.) In the Sunday night win, in which ESPN expert Joe Morgan praised gimpy LF Pat Burrell for his "speed", and failed to recognize that 1B Ryan Howard plays the infield, infielder Howard had the big hit. Howard's three-run homer, SP Jamie Moyer's 11th win, and a scoreless 9th by Brett Myers (ninth save) showed the Braves (and gajillions of ESPN viewers) that the Phillies are planning to stick around in the playoff race. Even with their MVP (Utley) on the DL.

The series in Washington started with more of the same Philly heroics. Phillies SP Kyle Lohse and Nats SP Shawn Hill matched zeros, until the Nationals broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the 7th. But the Nats' 2-0 lead immediately disappeared in the top of the 8th, when the Phils responded with three runs. The big hit was a two-run pinch homer by Russell Branyan, in his first plate appearance in a Phillies uniform. Gordon and Myers (10th save) completed the come-from-behind 3-2 victory. The Phillies lost the middle game, 4-2, as their offense was held to only five hits. The Phillies had the bases loaded, with no outs in the seventh, but were unable to score. The Phils did win the rubber game, however, as Cole Hamels (6.2 scoreless innings, 14th win) and Brett Myers (11th save) led the win in Thursday's 4-2 win. Taking two of three from Washington, combined with Pittsburgh's 10-7 Thursday night win over the 1st place Mets, brought the Phillies to within three games of the top spot. The Phillies' first playoff appearance since 1993 is within reach.

The Phillies have a three-game series in Pittsburgh against the lowly Pirates (.420 winning pct., last in NL) this weekend. They face Pirates ace Tom Gorzelanny (11-6, 3.29 ERA) tonight, but he has accumulated those stats without having to face the Phillies and their potent bats. Besides, the Phils have J.D. (The Real Deal) Durbin on the mound tonight, so you have to like their chances. Additionally, the Phillies are playing .667 ball, since I acquired a "Cole in Your Stocking, Christmas in July" Cole Hamels bobblehead. I'm not necessarily advocating that you go out and get a Hamels bobble, but it couldn't hurt. (If I WAS suggesting good options for your discretionary funds, I'd direct you here.) I'm just saying that the Phillies should certainly win at least two games this weekend. Beware The Power of the Cole Bobble, Buccos!

The Branyan Era Begins

(originally posted 8/10/07)
Things were very different on the first of September in 2006. Male pandas weren't giving birth. The musical excellence of Speaking to Stones was not yet common knowledge. Chocolate milk was within the financial grasp of middle class bloggers. The Phillies were in the midst of making an acquisition that would shock the baseball world, and bring their National League opponents to their knees.

Before the memorable Phillies playoff run of 2006, Randall Simon was best known for his batting prowess when facing mascots. Pat Gillick acquired Simon from the Texas Rangers for the pocket change he had left over after lunch at McFadden's. Simon rewarded the Phillies with a downright Milletian combo of a .238 batting average and a .238 slugging percentage. Without that level of production, the Phillies would not have finished as close to the playoffs as they did.

Pat Gillick made another Simonesque move when he acquired Russell Oles Branyan this week. Branyan doesn't mess around with things like "singles" and "fly outs" and other stuff. When he goes up to the plate, he's going up there to whiff, walk, or hit the ball out of the plate. None of that other nonsense. More than 50% of his plate appearances result in one of those three outcomes. With Branyan and Abraham Orlando Nunez both available as options coming off the Phillies bench, Manager Charlie Manuel can't go wrong. Their presence will create many late inning matchup problems for those teams unfortunate enough to face the Phillies.

The Phillies failed in their attempt to sweep the Marlins, losing the finale of their three game series, 4-2. A more fortuitous bounce on a Wes Helms ground-rule double, or a better choice of an entrance song by Brett Myers, and the result could have been very different. Why Myers didn't enter to KC and the Sunshine Band, after utilizing it the night before to incredible (3 Ks!) effect, remains a question even today. The Phillies have a crucial series against the Atlanta Braves this weekend, and desperately need to get Myers' entrance music sorted out. But now that the Branyan Era has started in Philly, good fortune is not something that the Phillies need to worry about anymore. Russell Oles Branyan is THAT good. And it doesn't hurt to have Colbert Michael Hamels on the mound tonight.

Shake Your Booty...

(originally posted 8/10/07)
(Don't fight the feeling, give yourself a chance!) The Phillies won their third in a row with a 6-4 win over Florida on Wednesday night. They are closing in on the playoffs! (You know they are, don't fight it! Shake, shake, shake!)

Phillies starter Kyle Lohse was rather mediocre, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks, in his 6.1 innings. But he picked up his first Phillie win, as the vaunted #1 offense pounded Marlins pitching for six runs. (OK, perhaps six runs doesn't seem enough to merit that verb choice, but the Phillies DESERVE that verb choice, considering their current injury issues.) Aaron Rowand had the big blow, a two-run homer (his 18th), and Jimmy Rollins also had a two RBI night. Patrick Brian Burrell went 1 for 3 with a single, raising his batting average to .265. The Phillies had thirteen hits in the game, including one by Abraham Orlando Nunez! (Yes, THE Abraham Orlando Nunez!) The Marlins and their announcers may be able to boast of all of their incredible promotions, such as the Marlins Fish Buggy Raffle, Super Saturday with Vince Neil, and Scratch off Friday. But the Phillies are the ones who will be sending Kyle Lohse to the mound IN GAME THREE OF THE PLAYOFFS!

The incomparable Phillies bullpen finished off the win, with Twelve-Finger, Flash, and Brett combining for 2.2 innings of scoreless, no-run, four strikeout relief. Indomitable Closer Brett Myers entered the game in the 9th to the smooth rhythms of KC and the Sunshine Band, and proceeded to strike out the side. Of his fourteen pitches, only one was not actually a strike. (Oh, you can do well, very well, Brett!) While that particular KC jam is not likely to remain his entrance song, it worked well Wednesday night. (I am still determining the appropriate entrance song for Brett- I am leaning toward this one right now. Or perhaps this alternate version.) Hopefully, the Phillies can continue this streak until their NL East lead becomes insurmountable. Because that's the way I like it. (Aha Aha.)

Tuesday Night's Milestone

(originally posted 8/10/07)

I wasn't going to comment on that baseball milestone that occurred on Tuesday night. But it seems that the end of this bloody struggle should not pass unmarked. It should be commemorated in words. Because words offer the means to meaning, and for those that would listen, the annunciation of truth. And the truth is, I am flipping glad he finally got that magic number on Tuesday night. I am sick of all of the media coverage following the damn chase. All of the questions of whether the number is tainted, questions of asterisks, questions of how his head got so damn big. Fairness and justice are more than words, they are perspectives. Tuesday night was marked by a tremendous accomplishment. J. D. Durbin recorded his first career save. Words will always retain their power, so let me leave you with these. J. D. Durbin IS The Real Deal.

Running into a Brick Wall


(originally posted 8/8/07)

Phillies SP Jamie Moyer, and the rest of the Phillies, have had a very good week so far. A miraculous, come-from-behind victory on Sunday. On Monday, Jamie Moyer hosted a charity event at Citizens Bank Park, featuring the Phillies players as waiters, and raising almost $250,000 for Camp Erin. On Tuesday, Moyer only allowed one earned run (on his very first pitch!) in six strong innings, in the Phillies' 11-1 win over Florida. It was the 111th career victory over the Marlins' franchise for the veteran southpaw, with the first coming in 1889 against the Wilmington (Del.) Teal Stockings.

The Phillies didn't get off to the best start, allowing a home run on the first pitch to a Marlin, and only scoring once in the first inning. But then they pounded Florida starter Rick VandenHurk (3-3, 7.49) for six runs (on five hits and five walks!) in only 2.1 innings, on their way to eleven unanswered runs. Ryan Howard blasted his 31st and 32nd home runs, and Aaron Rowand followed Howard's 4th inning homer with one of his own. Moyer (6 IP, 1 ER) and J.D. Durbin (three scoreless innings) shut down the Marlins' offense. In the blowout, the Marlins' crack announcing team was relegated to responding to e-mail from every single Marlin fan, and trying to drum up excitement for the upcoming Marlins' promotional days. These promotions included Sergio Mitre Shirt Day and a postgame concert featuring Vince Neil and Quiet Riot. (It was unclear whether Neil would be fronting QR, or performing a set of his own solo hit. I should have e-mailed and asked!) While Marlins fans do have quite a bit to look forward to, they didn't have much to enjoy on Tuesday night.

The Phillies face the Marlins again Wednesday night, with the Phillies' Kyle Lohse (undefeated as a Phillie in home starts) opposing Marlins starter Dontrelle Willis (winless in last eight decisions). When Marlins catcher Miguel Olivo ran into the brick wall behind home plate pursuing a popup in Tuesday night's game, he growled a loud expletive, and the Marlins announcers indicated "that brick wall back there is hard!" Expect some more expletives from Marlins fans and players tonight, as having to play the streaking Phillies right now is more painful than running into a brick wall. MUCH more painful.