Kentucky Joe to the Rescue!

Prior to his start Tuesday night against Florida, Joe Blanton indicated that he had discovered a "mechanical flaw" in his delivery, and that fixing it would improve his results. We've all heard that line many times before. I didn't believe it when Joe Cowley said it in 1987, and I didn't believe it this time.

Blanton's outstanding performance in the Phillies' 5-3 win seemed to indicate that the brawny hurler may have figured something out. Was he luckier on Tuesday, than he had been in earlier starts? Perhaps. Did the craptacular Marlins' lineup help him out, with poor approaches at the plate? Maybe. Blanton was so successful on Tuesday night, that improved skill certainly had to be a factor. He threw SEVEN SHUTOUT INNINGS! Blanton has struggled to get through five innings, and when he has surpassed five innings, it has come at the cost of oodles of runs. Not on Tuesday night, however. Five hits allowed, two walks, and ELEVEN STRIKEOUTS! Blanton's one-hundred and fourteen pitches (seventy-two strikes) took him through seven frames, as he ATE QUALITY INNINGS! As it that wasn't enough, Blanton also broke up a double play, utilizing his elephantine grace to help the Phils extend their lead.

The Phillies jumped on Marlins' starter Andrew Miller for three runs in the first inning, and added on single runs in the sixth and seventh frames. One night after his ninth-inning brain failure, Shane Victorino went 3 for 4. Ryan Madson came into the game in the eighth with a 5-0 lead, as he had already been warming up earlier. It took him only nine pitches to get through a scoreless inning.

Chad Durbin came in to put the finishing touches on the Phillies' first shutout of the season. Unfortunately, Durbin made a huge mess of things, only retiring one of the four batters he faced. (I expect him to hold himself accountable for the poor performance on Twitter, in a timely manner.) Embattled closer Brad Lidge was called into the game, needing two outs, with the potential tying run on second base. Earlier in the day, Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel had given Lidge a vote of confidence, and the once-perfect reliever got the job done, collecting his ninth save. It was disappointing that the Phillies didn't get the shutout, but Lidge's successful performance might have more significant long-term ramifications. Blanton and Lidge made big strides Tuesday night. If they can continue to perform at this level, the Phillies could remain in first place for quite awhile.

The Phillies go for the series win Wednesday night, with Brett Myers getting the start. Myers has been very effective recently, including his outstanding performance last Friday at Yankee Stadium. The Marlins will send Burke Badenhop, and his 5.75 ERA/1.62 WHIP, to the hill. Badenhop has been pitching in relief, so he may be on a low pitch count. ("Burke Badenhop" sounds like it could be the name of a cartoon villain, perhaps a nemesis for Rocky and Bullwinkle, so the young northpaw does have that going for him.) Expect a double-digit win for the Phils.

While you are waiting for Wednesday's carnage to begin, you may wish to cast a few dozen All-Star votes for Raul Ibanez, and his deserving teammates. Ibanez, the best outfielder in the National League so far, is only sixth in the voting. Ibanez will likely be at the game, even if the fans don't vote him in, and he will likely shock the world by winning The Home Run Derby. But let's go ahead and vote him in, so we don't have to worry about "All-Star politics" keeping him off the roster.


Postgame texts

(56) So, can I hang with you and Brett now?
(35) Need a couple more starts like that, Chunk.

(8) I just realized what Stairs reminds me of in the outfield- a Sleestak!
(28) He's not tall enough. An Altrusian, maybe?