Undefeated

(originally posted 7/1/07)
The Phillies remained undefeated in the month of July with a 5-3 win over the Mets today. Their 1.000 winning percentage this month puts them in a tie for MLB's best.
Rookie SP Kyle Kendrick picked up his third win in as many decisions, lowering his ERA to an impressive 4.38. Jimmy Rollins (14th) and Shane Victorino (9th) homered, and Pat Burrell reached base twice in four plate appearances (two walks). The sturdy Phillies bullpen held the Mets to only a single run in two and a third innings, with Antonio Alfonseca picking up his sixth save. The rotund relief ace reduced his fingers to saves ratio (F/S) to 2.00 for the season. The Phillies improved their record to 42-40 (no losses in July!) and extended their winning streak to one games in a row.

The first three games of the Mets series, the ones that were contested in June, did not go as well. But that's ancient history, folk(s). Sure, it would have been nice to win at least one of those three games. But, more importantly, the Phillies unveiled two sensational young phenoms who will probably be #2 and #3 in the starting rotation for decades to come. Hmm. That last sentence may actually be the biggest crock of shit I've ever written. And there have been lots of crocks in these waters.

J. D. Durbin was horrible in his Phillies debut on Friday. He struck out the side in the 1st inning, but then allowed six runs on eight hits in the next three and two-thirds innings. It would have been worse, but Brian (S, not Z) SancheS came out of the pen to strand two of Durbin's runners. Durbin did lower his ERA (one 2007 appearance with Arizona) from 94.50 to 21.94. He will remain in the Phillies bullpen. Another top-notch waiver wire acquistion. Gillick is a fucking magician. Durbin put the Phillies in a 6-1 hole after four innings. The Phillies drew to within 6-5, but Billy (Rat) Wagner struck out the side in the 9th for the save.

Cole Hamels lost the night game of Friday's split doubleheader, 5-2. Hamels allowed three runs in his five innings, on five hits and five (!) walks. He allowed two solo homers, and his ERA rose to 3.87. An unsually poor effort from the 2007-2021 Cy Young Award Winner.

J.A. Happ made his major league debut in Saturday afternoon's nationally-televised 8-3 loss. Happ allowed five earned runs in four innings, permitting seven hits (three HR) and two walks. His ERA of 11.25 and WHIP of 2.25 earned him a return trip to AAA Ottawa. I hear good things about Ottawa. The city, not the AAA ballclub.

One thing that confused me was the fact the Happ and Durbin were given starts against first place NY, while #2 starter Jamie Moyer and #3 starter Adam Eaton were used in the last two games against the last place Reds. Especially considering that the Phillies are chasing NY for the division lead. The Phillies could have thrown Eaton and Moyer, each on extra rest, in the first and third games of the Mets series. Yes, I have just advocated that the Phillies set up their rotation so that they could send a pitcher with a 4.15 ERA, and a pitcher with a 5.75 ERA, against their arch-rivals. This is how bad the Phillies' starting pitching is right now. I long for the days of Don Carman. And Bruce Ruffin. Yikes.

In positive Phillies news (positive news, IN ADDITION TO, their undefeated record in July), three Phillies were named to the NL All-Star team. SP Cole Hamels, 2B Chase Utley, and CF Aaron Rowand will all proudly represent the Fightin' Phils. Rowand has had a tremendous first half (.312, 11, 42), despite persistent trade rumors, approximately 97.2% of which have been started by me. And, yes, I have changed my stance on the whole trading Rowand idea. Now, I want MORE in a trade. He's a flipping All-Star, for goodness sakes!

Strangely, ace reliever Jose Mesa was neither selected for the NL team, nor is he involved in the NL Final Vote. I can only assume that it is because he spent so much time in the AL this season. Because his 8.07 ERA (10.09, including unearned runs) surely merits consideration. But I guess, with every team needing representation, there are always bound to be injustices. He's probably next on the list if an NL pitcher is unable to perform his All-Star duties.

The Phillies go into Houston for a three-game series, starting Monday night. July is a new month, so you can forget about the evils of the past week. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Or something.