Quick Hits

Some quick hits:

Antonio Bastardo will be recalled from AAA to make his MLB debut Tuesday night. Pitching on the road, at pitcher-friendly Petco Park, is a good situation. I think Carlos Carrasco was more deserving of promotion, but he would have been on three days' rest for that start. (It wouldn't be surprising if Bastardo is sent back to AAA after this start, to free up a roster spot for J.C. Romero on Wednesday. Carrasco could be recalled to make the next spot start. Unless Bastardo pitches too well to be sent back.) It's always exciting to see a new Phillie make his debut. Perhaps, he'll have a Ruffinesque debut.

J.C. Romero returns on Wednesday! Romero finally returns from his fifty-game suspension. The overworked bullpen definitely needs some help. I would expect reliever Jack Taschner to be demoted, to free up a spot for Romero. But this demotion could wait until Sunday, if Bastardo is sent to AAA on Wednesday.

Cole Hamels got the victory on Saturday, but was hit around a bit. Nothing to worry about, this is Cole Hamels. Even Phillies' greats Steve Carlton, Robin Roberts, and Ken Howell had an occasional bad start.

Jamie Moyer got the victory on Sunday, and was very effective. Moyer's strong start against Washington (a strong offensive team, weak defense/pitching are the reason for their horrific record), in which he finally got his 250th career win, was a relief. But one strong start doesn't mean he's out of the woods. The Phillies still need to monitor him closely. Hopefully, he'll put together a string a satisfactory starts.

Raul Ibanez is now second in All-Star voting for outfielders, with Chase Utley in first among second basemen, Jimmy Rollins second among shortstops, and Ryan Howard third among first basemen. I have mixed feelings about the All-Star Game. I'd like to see a lot of Phillies get recognized for their brilliance, and receive any financial incentives that are included on their contracts. I'd like the NL to have home-field advantage in the World Series, and don't necessarily trust those non-Phillie dudes to get it done. But the Phillies' position players have been playing almost every day, and could probably use the time off. It would almost certainly be best if pitchers Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge, both possible selections, had the time off, as well.

The first episode of "The Pen" is less than two weeks away (Sunday, June 14, 8:00pm, MLBN)! The wait for the new reality show on the Phillies' bullpen is almost over. Follow the exploits of Clay Condrey, Ryan Madson, and the WFCs very own "Plus Eight." Finally, a reality show I can get into.

The Phillies start a difficult road trip in San Diego on Monday night. Joe Lumber Blanton on the mound. It's going to be a tough week for the East Coast bloggers, what with the 10pm start times. It would be much more convenient if the West Coast teams just played their games at 4pm, local time.