Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez have sizeable leads at their respective positions in All-Star voting. It looks like Utley and Ibanez will start, and that they will be the only Phils' starters.
Raul Ibanez is eligible to return from the DL on Friday, but is not expected to be ready at that point. Hopefully, he'll be ready by next week?
Antonio Bastardo was placed on the DL, with Sergio Escalona optioned (again) back to the P-Phils to take his roster spot. This move probably could have been made in time for Escalona to be available for the Jays' series.
No one has been officially announced to take Bastardo's rotation spot. Most of the speculation seems to lean towards Carlos Carrasco.
Scott Eyre starts his rehab on Wednesday, and hopes to return this weekend. Jack Taschner, Tyler Walker, Paul Bako, and Sergio Escalona (again) may be in danger of receiving a trip to scenic Lehigh Valley. Bako gets my vote, a move which would return the bullpen to a "Plus Eight."
Tyler Walker has been outstanding out of the pen, with seven scoreless innings. Walker has also permitted six of nine inherited runners to score, violently scarring the ERAs of others. Don't get too excited.
Former Phillies P Paul Fletcher was shown hitting Craig Biggio with a pitch in a clip on MLB Tonight. I have no recollection of Paul Fletcher. Not acceptable. Edward Paul Fletcher pitched 13.1 innings in relief, during the 1995 season, with a 5.40 ERA/1.8 WHIP. His baseball reference page is available for only $5!
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost 6-1, to the Norfolk Tides, on Monday night.
At least the FeHogs have now spent one day of their history at .500. Gustavo Chacin permitted six runs in five innings, but only one run was earned.
The Reading Phillies (AA) blasted the Trenton Thunder, 10-1. The victory was not a surprise, as ace Joe Savery was on the mound. Savery improved his record to 10-1, with six shutout innings (two hits, four walks/two strikeouts). Michael Taylor went 4 for 5, improving his average to .351. Kevin Mahar went 4 for 4, improving to .308.
Yohan Flande was promoted to Reading from the Clearwater Threshers (A). Flande was outstanding with the Threshers, with a 7-1 record, 2.52 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a 2.79 K/BB ratio (82 IP). The R-Phils website does not list the transaction (the Threshers' does), and lists the Tuesday starting pitcher as "TBA." Flande was scheduled to start Tuesday night, so he is the likely "TBA."
Tyson Brummett's spot in the rotation appears to have been skipped, as his fifth day would have been Monday. (Brummett pitched an inning in relief, facing five batters, on Monday night.) Barring a promotion to AAA (Savery?), Brummett seems likely to spend some time in the bullpen with Flande, Kyle Drabek, Vance Worley, Mike Stutes, and Joe Savery comprising the five-man rotation. (Unless Reading goes to a six-man rotation, which would be a good way to keep innings counts down? In that case Brummett might rejoin the rotation this weekend, perhaps on Saturday, giving Savery an extra day?)
The Clearwater Threshers remained undefeated in their second half, winning their fifth consecutive game, 9-8. After four consecutive extra-inning wins over the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Threshers did not require extra time to beat the Palm Beach Cardinals. Clearwater was outhit 15-9, but used two four-run innings to win a see-saw battle. Newly-promoted 22 year-old righty Travis Cloyd, who took Flande's roster spot, struggled in his debut. Cloyd surrendered four runs in five and two-thirds innings, on nine hits and one walk/two strikeouts.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Phils Come-From-Behind to Win Game, Series
With a 4-1 deficit after three innings, it looked as if another mediocre Jamie Moyer start would end the Phils' winning streak at a single game. But The Power of the Closed-Door Meeting overcame poor starting pitching, and the fourth consecutive start by Eric Bruntlett, in a 5-4 series-winning victory in Toronto. A two-run fourth-inning triple by Chase Utley keyed a four-run outburst, Jayson Werth reached base in all five plate appearances (four walks and a single), and the Phils never trailed after the fourth inning.
Jamie Moyer survived five innings, and managed to keep the Blue Jays off the scoreboard in his final two frames. In his first three frames, Moyer surrendered four runs, all scoring on the three home runs allowed by the soft-tossing veteran. Moyer got the win, the 252nd of his career, but the lefty has the Phils' offense, and the bullpen, to thank. Moyer was victimized for five hits and two walks, before being pulled after throwing only eight-two pitches.
The Phils, with a slim 5-4 lead, needed four innings from their bullpen. Fortunately, with J.A. Happ's complete-game shutout on Saturday, the relief corps was rested. Chan Ho Park had left Friday night's game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter. Park returned Sunday, and retired all six batters he faced, bridging the game to the Mighty Madson-Lidge Duo. Two Jays reached base on Madson in the eighth, but he pitched out of trouble. Lidge, in his first save opportunity since his return from a knee injury, also allowed two baserunners. One of those baserunners reached first on a bunt single, as Lidge handled the play with the agility of a pitcher with a knee injury. Lidge escaped further damage for the save, and the Phils had a one-run interleague victory, a series win, and a two-game winning streak.
The entire Phillies' pitching staff will get Monday off, as the Phils travel to Atlanta. Cole Hamels will get the start on Tuesday, and will outpitch Derek Lowe, extending the Phils' streak to three consecutive wins. Eric Bruntlett will be the second right-handed pinch-hitting option, and will remain in the dugout, along with third-string backstop Gabor Paul Bako II. Jack Taschner will observe the victory from the bullpen. Jimmy Rollins will be back in the leadoff spot, and all will be right again for the WFCs.
Jamie Moyer survived five innings, and managed to keep the Blue Jays off the scoreboard in his final two frames. In his first three frames, Moyer surrendered four runs, all scoring on the three home runs allowed by the soft-tossing veteran. Moyer got the win, the 252nd of his career, but the lefty has the Phils' offense, and the bullpen, to thank. Moyer was victimized for five hits and two walks, before being pulled after throwing only eight-two pitches.
The Phils, with a slim 5-4 lead, needed four innings from their bullpen. Fortunately, with J.A. Happ's complete-game shutout on Saturday, the relief corps was rested. Chan Ho Park had left Friday night's game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter. Park returned Sunday, and retired all six batters he faced, bridging the game to the Mighty Madson-Lidge Duo. Two Jays reached base on Madson in the eighth, but he pitched out of trouble. Lidge, in his first save opportunity since his return from a knee injury, also allowed two baserunners. One of those baserunners reached first on a bunt single, as Lidge handled the play with the agility of a pitcher with a knee injury. Lidge escaped further damage for the save, and the Phils had a one-run interleague victory, a series win, and a two-game winning streak.
The entire Phillies' pitching staff will get Monday off, as the Phils travel to Atlanta. Cole Hamels will get the start on Tuesday, and will outpitch Derek Lowe, extending the Phils' streak to three consecutive wins. Eric Bruntlett will be the second right-handed pinch-hitting option, and will remain in the dugout, along with third-string backstop Gabor Paul Bako II. Jack Taschner will observe the victory from the bullpen. Jimmy Rollins will be back in the leadoff spot, and all will be right again for the WFCs.
Bunts and Balks (6/28)
Charlie Manuel announced that Jimmy Rollins will be back at shortstop, and in the leadoff spot, on Tuesday. Eric Bruntlett went 1 for 4 on Sunday, and the "1" was a bunt hit that should have been a "0." Bruntlett did well to break up a potential double play on the basepaths, but a potential twin killing turned into yet another Bruntlett fielding fail. Even the Bad (0 for 19) Rollins would be an improvement over The Gnome.
Chan Ho Park returned to the mound, and threw two scoreless innings. Given the current state of the bullpen, it's a good thing Park's knee injury didn't necessitate a DL stint.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) were no-hit for the first six innings, in their Sunday night matchup with the Norfolk Tides. The FeHogs exploded for a six-run eighth, in a 6-1 win. The Swine hurlers managed to give up twelve hits, and only a single run. Rodrigo Lopez got the victory, permitting just the sole marker, in seven innings. Lehigh Valley only had four hits, but took advantage of six walks.
With the win, the IronPigs moved to the .500 mark for the first time IN THE HISTORY OF THE FRANCHISE! Not really an impressive franchise streak of sub .500 play, but winning 15 of 18 games is mighty impressive.
The Reading Phillies (AA) beat the Trenton Thunder, 8-3. Michael Taylor went 3 for 5, with a three-run homer, improving his average to .342. Tuffy Gosewisch went 3 for 4. Mike Stutes pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs (five hits, one walk/three strikeouts).
Joe Savery, rained out of his start in Friday's suspended game, will take the mound in Monday's series finale. The Thunder thought they would escape the series, with Savery being limited to one inning. They were sorely mistaken.
The Clearwater Threshers improved remained unbeaten in the second half of their season, with a fourth consecutive extra-inning victory over the Jupiter Hammerheads. Steve Susdorf went 2 for 5, dropping his average to only .485. Santo Hernandez pitch three scoreless relief innings, for the win. Right-hander Michael Galen Cisco got the start, but left the game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter.
Chan Ho Park returned to the mound, and threw two scoreless innings. Given the current state of the bullpen, it's a good thing Park's knee injury didn't necessitate a DL stint.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) were no-hit for the first six innings, in their Sunday night matchup with the Norfolk Tides. The FeHogs exploded for a six-run eighth, in a 6-1 win. The Swine hurlers managed to give up twelve hits, and only a single run. Rodrigo Lopez got the victory, permitting just the sole marker, in seven innings. Lehigh Valley only had four hits, but took advantage of six walks.
With the win, the IronPigs moved to the .500 mark for the first time IN THE HISTORY OF THE FRANCHISE! Not really an impressive franchise streak of sub .500 play, but winning 15 of 18 games is mighty impressive.
The Reading Phillies (AA) beat the Trenton Thunder, 8-3. Michael Taylor went 3 for 5, with a three-run homer, improving his average to .342. Tuffy Gosewisch went 3 for 4. Mike Stutes pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs (five hits, one walk/three strikeouts).
Joe Savery, rained out of his start in Friday's suspended game, will take the mound in Monday's series finale. The Thunder thought they would escape the series, with Savery being limited to one inning. They were sorely mistaken.
The Clearwater Threshers improved remained unbeaten in the second half of their season, with a fourth consecutive extra-inning victory over the Jupiter Hammerheads. Steve Susdorf went 2 for 5, dropping his average to only .485. Santo Hernandez pitch three scoreless relief innings, for the win. Right-hander Michael Galen Cisco got the start, but left the game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter.
Happ Twirls Gem, Phils Finally Win
Maybe Charlie Manuel should have a team meeting after every game? The tactic paid immediate dividends, as the Phillies destroyed the host Blue Jays, 10-0, on Saturday. Rookie southpaw J.A. Happ, making his eleventh career start, pitched a complete-game shutout. Jayson Werth went 4 for 4, with a pair of home runs, one of which landed in the United States. Ryan Howard, Pedro Feliz, Chris Coste, and Carlos Ruiz contributed two hits apiece. It might have been the Phils' most dominant effort of the season, and was the kind of victory the team can build upon. Hopefully, this game will be spotlighted as a turning point, in the 2009 World Series Champion Phillies DVD.
Happ was incredible, requiring only 100 pitches to procure the 27 outs. Happ permitted only five hits, and did not walk a single batter. His performance allowed the Phillies to rest their embattled bullpen, which is always a good thing. I could complain that, with the Phillies leading 10-0 after seven innings, the dreg (Jack Taschner) of the bullpen could have finished up, saving some bullets in Happ's young arm. (Happ pitched 167 innings, in AAA and MLB last season, and should be kept below 200 (including postseason) in 2009.) Also worthy of complaint was Eric Bruntlett's third consecutive start, in which he contributed another zero hits. But let's focus on the brilliance of Happ sand Werth, savor this victory, and hope that the Phils can gather some momentum. The bullpen is rested, Sunday's starter Jamie Moyer has pitched better as of late, and a series win is within the Phils' grasp.
Happ was incredible, requiring only 100 pitches to procure the 27 outs. Happ permitted only five hits, and did not walk a single batter. His performance allowed the Phillies to rest their embattled bullpen, which is always a good thing. I could complain that, with the Phillies leading 10-0 after seven innings, the dreg (Jack Taschner) of the bullpen could have finished up, saving some bullets in Happ's young arm. (Happ pitched 167 innings, in AAA and MLB last season, and should be kept below 200 (including postseason) in 2009.) Also worthy of complaint was Eric Bruntlett's third consecutive start, in which he contributed another zero hits. But let's focus on the brilliance of Happ sand Werth, savor this victory, and hope that the Phils can gather some momentum. The bullpen is rested, Sunday's starter Jamie Moyer has pitched better as of late, and a series win is within the Phils' grasp.
Bunts and Balks (6/27)
Reliever J.C. Romero was involved in a postgame incident in Tampa on Thursday.
Romero, allegedly, pushed a man, and grabbed him around the neck. The man had requested Romero's assistance in acquiring some steroids. Romero should have just ignored the jackass. If Romero did instigate physical contact, a suspension is very possible. Perhaps Sergio Escalona will get to stay with the P-Phils for more than a few days this time...
It has been announced that Antonio Bastardo will be unable to make his start on Wednesday, due his shoulder injury. Cole Hamels will move up a day in the rotation, and pitch on Wednesday. Hamels will still be pitching on his regular fifth day. Carlos Carrasco is expected to be promoted from Lehigh Valley (AAA) to make the start on Thursday.
Andrew Carpenter is 7-1 with a 2.75 ERA for Lehigh Valley. Carrasco is 4-7 with a 4.92 ERA for the IronPigs. Why would Carrasco be chosen over Carpenter?
Win-loss record is not the best stat to look at when comparing hurlers. Carrasco has a 3.50 FIP, and has been unlucky (.349 BABIP and 61.7 LOB%). Carpenter has a 4.35 FIP, and has been lucky (.274 BABIP and 82.3 LOB%). Carrasco has been the better pitcher this season and, arguably, is the more promising prospect of the two.
If Bastardo won't be available to pitch for more than a week, and Carrasco won't be needed until Thursday, why not recall a bullpen arm in the interim?
I got nothin'.
Jimmy Rollins continues to ride the bench, with Eric Bruntlett replacing him in the lineup for the fourth consecutive game on Sunday.
Giving the slumping Rollins five days off in a row, including Monday's off day, isn't the worst idea. The worst idea is starting the .129 BA-ing, .189 wOBA-ing Bruntlett in four consecutive games.
Reading (AA) Phillies starting pitcher Joe Savery may face suspension, after hurling a ball into the stands during Friday night's suspended game.
The Friday night game never should have been started, as the conditions were unplayable. Savery's scoreless streak ended when he allowed a first-inning run in the rain, and the game was suspended in the second inning, after Savery was sent to the mound in a thunderstorm. The mismanagement by the umpires cost Savery a start. Savery chucked a ball into the stands, which could have been very problematic, IF THE STANDS WEREN'T EMPTY BECAUSE: THUNDER AND LIGHTNING! Savery had reason to be frustrated, but could have handled things better. He'll probably miss another start, due to a suspension, but attending an Anger Management class (with J.C. Romero?) should be sufficient punishment.
In another tale of Umpire Mismanagement, it was announced that the umpires had erred when requesting an instant replay in Tampa. The replay was called for in order to examine a ground-rule double, but the instant replay rules only apply to home run calls. The League should simply adjust the standings, giving the Phils wins against Tampa, and against Boston (for the Dobbs walk-off homer over the foul pole), and we'll all put the matter behind us. Bygones and whatnot...
In Saturday night action, the IronPigs defeated the Norfolk Tides, 5-0. The FeHogs scored four in the first, and that was all they needed. Carpenter won his seventh game, with eight scoreless innings (five hits, one walk/seven strikeouts). Mike Spidale, back in the leadoff spot, went 3 for 4, pacing a fourteen-hit attack.
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost the completion of their suspended game from Friday, 8-2, to the Trenton Thunder. The R-Phils would likely have had more luck, if the game had been rained out on Friday, and Joe Savery had been able to start on Saturday.
The R-Phils won their regularly-scheduled game, 7-2. Starter Vance Worley pitched six innings (of the seven played), permitting only a pair of runs, and picking up his fifth victory. Worley allowed six hits and a walk (three strikeouts). Jeremy Slayden had a home run, though his 1 for 4 game dropped his average to .395. Michael Taylor is at .337, after a 2 for 3 game.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) scored five in the eleventh inning, beating the Jupiter Hammerheads, 8-3. Julian Sampson had one of the strongest starts of his season, surrendering three runs, in six and two-thirds innings (five hits, one walk/one strikeout). Outfielder Steve Susdorf, who hit .333 in 78 AB at Lakewood, went 4 for 6, raising his Clearwater BA to .500 (1.105 OPS in 28 AB).
Romero, allegedly, pushed a man, and grabbed him around the neck. The man had requested Romero's assistance in acquiring some steroids. Romero should have just ignored the jackass. If Romero did instigate physical contact, a suspension is very possible. Perhaps Sergio Escalona will get to stay with the P-Phils for more than a few days this time...
It has been announced that Antonio Bastardo will be unable to make his start on Wednesday, due his shoulder injury. Cole Hamels will move up a day in the rotation, and pitch on Wednesday. Hamels will still be pitching on his regular fifth day. Carlos Carrasco is expected to be promoted from Lehigh Valley (AAA) to make the start on Thursday.
Andrew Carpenter is 7-1 with a 2.75 ERA for Lehigh Valley. Carrasco is 4-7 with a 4.92 ERA for the IronPigs. Why would Carrasco be chosen over Carpenter?
Win-loss record is not the best stat to look at when comparing hurlers. Carrasco has a 3.50 FIP, and has been unlucky (.349 BABIP and 61.7 LOB%). Carpenter has a 4.35 FIP, and has been lucky (.274 BABIP and 82.3 LOB%). Carrasco has been the better pitcher this season and, arguably, is the more promising prospect of the two.
If Bastardo won't be available to pitch for more than a week, and Carrasco won't be needed until Thursday, why not recall a bullpen arm in the interim?
I got nothin'.
Jimmy Rollins continues to ride the bench, with Eric Bruntlett replacing him in the lineup for the fourth consecutive game on Sunday.
Giving the slumping Rollins five days off in a row, including Monday's off day, isn't the worst idea. The worst idea is starting the .129 BA-ing, .189 wOBA-ing Bruntlett in four consecutive games.
Reading (AA) Phillies starting pitcher Joe Savery may face suspension, after hurling a ball into the stands during Friday night's suspended game.
The Friday night game never should have been started, as the conditions were unplayable. Savery's scoreless streak ended when he allowed a first-inning run in the rain, and the game was suspended in the second inning, after Savery was sent to the mound in a thunderstorm. The mismanagement by the umpires cost Savery a start. Savery chucked a ball into the stands, which could have been very problematic, IF THE STANDS WEREN'T EMPTY BECAUSE: THUNDER AND LIGHTNING! Savery had reason to be frustrated, but could have handled things better. He'll probably miss another start, due to a suspension, but attending an Anger Management class (with J.C. Romero?) should be sufficient punishment.
In another tale of Umpire Mismanagement, it was announced that the umpires had erred when requesting an instant replay in Tampa. The replay was called for in order to examine a ground-rule double, but the instant replay rules only apply to home run calls. The League should simply adjust the standings, giving the Phils wins against Tampa, and against Boston (for the Dobbs walk-off homer over the foul pole), and we'll all put the matter behind us. Bygones and whatnot...
In Saturday night action, the IronPigs defeated the Norfolk Tides, 5-0. The FeHogs scored four in the first, and that was all they needed. Carpenter won his seventh game, with eight scoreless innings (five hits, one walk/seven strikeouts). Mike Spidale, back in the leadoff spot, went 3 for 4, pacing a fourteen-hit attack.
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost the completion of their suspended game from Friday, 8-2, to the Trenton Thunder. The R-Phils would likely have had more luck, if the game had been rained out on Friday, and Joe Savery had been able to start on Saturday.
The R-Phils won their regularly-scheduled game, 7-2. Starter Vance Worley pitched six innings (of the seven played), permitting only a pair of runs, and picking up his fifth victory. Worley allowed six hits and a walk (three strikeouts). Jeremy Slayden had a home run, though his 1 for 4 game dropped his average to .395. Michael Taylor is at .337, after a 2 for 3 game.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) scored five in the eleventh inning, beating the Jupiter Hammerheads, 8-3. Julian Sampson had one of the strongest starts of his season, surrendering three runs, in six and two-thirds innings (five hits, one walk/one strikeout). Outfielder Steve Susdorf, who hit .333 in 78 AB at Lakewood, went 4 for 6, raising his Clearwater BA to .500 (1.105 OPS in 28 AB).
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Phils Lose Again, Manuel Reaches Boiling Point?
Footage of tonight's postgame team meeting probably won't be airing on The MLB Network any time soon. After another lifeless loss, the team's eleventh in thirteen games, Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel, and General Manager Ruben Amaro, met with the club for twenty minutes. The meeting was likely as ugly as the game that preceded it, a 6-1 loss in Toronto. Perhaps the postgame airing of grievances will spark the Phils' play. The club still leads the lackluster NL East, but if they continue winning games at a .154 clip, one of their divisional opponents may be able to catch them.
Cole Hamels got the start for the Phils, so good starting pitching, at least, was expected. Hamels provided just that...for three innings. The ace was clipped for a run in the fourth, and then fell apart in a hideous fifth inning. Questionable umpiring, a lack of composure by Hamels, poor fielding (by Pedro Feliz, and Hamels) lead to a disastrous three-run fifth. With two outs, and Hamels at 105 pitches, Manuel removed the frustrated southpaw from the game. Hamels had some final comments for home plate umpire Mark Carlson, who ejected Hamels as a parting gift. Chan Ho Park entered the game, and retired the side. However, in the process of retiring that batter, Park fell to the infield in obvious anguish. Park would leave the game with a right knee contusion, which may necessitate a stint on the Disabled List. (Park could join disabled relief-mates Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey in a "very special episode of The Pen!")
With the Phils trailing 3-0 in the eighth, Brad Lidge, fresh from a DL stint of his own, entered the game.Lidge faced five batters, permitting two hits, two walks, and two runs. Lidge did procure an out, so there's that. J.C. Romero relieved Lidge after twenty-four pitches, and allowed one of the three baserunners he inherited to score. Fortunately, Lidge will pitch better in save situations, right? (Ugh.)
The Philadelphia bats were not as effective as their pitching counterparts. After six innings, they had not recorded a single hit off Jays' starter Ricky Romero. All that remained was to root for history, a no-hitter that would surely inspire the Phillies in future games, right? No, no, no. The Phillies could have still pulled this game out, why the duck would we root for them to get no-hit/lose? The Phils offense broke up the no-hitter in the seventh, and exploded for three hits in the game. The team's extra-base hit streak ended at ninety-five games, but they did manage to plate a run. Unfortunately, it was in the top of the ninth, when they needed six to tie. At that point, most Phillies' fans were likely focusing on the end of the IronPigs' win.
The Phillies play the Jays again, with J.A. Happ starting, in a Saturday matinee. Jimmy Rollins may return at shortstop, replacing The Hitless Wonder, Eric Bruntlett. Manuel might also try some other moves to shake up the slumping ballclub. Hopefully, Friday's team meeting will have some immediate effects, and Manuel won't try to spark the Phils by inserting Gabor Paul Bako II into the lineup.
Cole Hamels got the start for the Phils, so good starting pitching, at least, was expected. Hamels provided just that...for three innings. The ace was clipped for a run in the fourth, and then fell apart in a hideous fifth inning. Questionable umpiring, a lack of composure by Hamels, poor fielding (by Pedro Feliz, and Hamels) lead to a disastrous three-run fifth. With two outs, and Hamels at 105 pitches, Manuel removed the frustrated southpaw from the game. Hamels had some final comments for home plate umpire Mark Carlson, who ejected Hamels as a parting gift. Chan Ho Park entered the game, and retired the side. However, in the process of retiring that batter, Park fell to the infield in obvious anguish. Park would leave the game with a right knee contusion, which may necessitate a stint on the Disabled List. (Park could join disabled relief-mates Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey in a "very special episode of The Pen!")
With the Phils trailing 3-0 in the eighth, Brad Lidge, fresh from a DL stint of his own, entered the game.Lidge faced five batters, permitting two hits, two walks, and two runs. Lidge did procure an out, so there's that. J.C. Romero relieved Lidge after twenty-four pitches, and allowed one of the three baserunners he inherited to score. Fortunately, Lidge will pitch better in save situations, right? (Ugh.)
The Philadelphia bats were not as effective as their pitching counterparts. After six innings, they had not recorded a single hit off Jays' starter Ricky Romero. All that remained was to root for history, a no-hitter that would surely inspire the Phillies in future games, right? No, no, no. The Phillies could have still pulled this game out, why the duck would we root for them to get no-hit/lose? The Phils offense broke up the no-hitter in the seventh, and exploded for three hits in the game. The team's extra-base hit streak ended at ninety-five games, but they did manage to plate a run. Unfortunately, it was in the top of the ninth, when they needed six to tie. At that point, most Phillies' fans were likely focusing on the end of the IronPigs' win.
The Phillies play the Jays again, with J.A. Happ starting, in a Saturday matinee. Jimmy Rollins may return at shortstop, replacing The Hitless Wonder, Eric Bruntlett. Manuel might also try some other moves to shake up the slumping ballclub. Hopefully, Friday's team meeting will have some immediate effects, and Manuel won't try to spark the Phils by inserting Gabor Paul Bako II into the lineup.
Bunts and Balks (6/26)
Antonio Bastardo's left shoulder will be examined on Monday, but he is expected to miss his next start, scheduled for Wednesday. Why not put Bastardo on the DL, retroactive to Thursday, and reinforce the pen with an eighth arm? Sergio Escalona could be recalled (again, in fewer than ten days), as these would be "emergency circumstances." When a starter (Carlos Carrasco?) is needed on Wednesday, another roster move can be made. It seems pointless to keep Bastardo on the active roster; even if he is physically able to pitch, he has been overmatched at this level.
Chan Ho Park was injured in Friday night's game, and may require some time on the DL. Park has been one of the better Phils' relievers recently, and is the only one who appears capable of pitching multiple innings. This would be horrible timing for a Park DL stint, with Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey already disabled. Kyle Kendrick might be the best replacement option for the long relief role, and nobody wants that.
Brad Lidge pitched in a non-save situation on Friday, in his return to the Phils. Lidge faced five batters. He allowed two hits, two walks, and acquired one out. He left in favor of J.C. Romero, with the bases loaded, and one run already in. Romero permitted one of the inherited runners to score, boosting Lidge's ERA to 7.86. Not a promising return for the closer.
Scott Eyre is expected to return in a week, for the Mets series, starting July 3rd. The Phils really need Eyre right now. Not just LOOGY Eyre, either. They need Whole-Inning Eyre.
Who else could bolster the Phillies' bullpen?
Reading (AA) southpaw Mike Zagurski is on the 40-Man roster.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) relievers Gary Majewski, Cedrick Bowers, and Jason Anderson have been pitching decently, and could be moved into the one open spot on the current 40-Man Roster.
Eric Bruntlett batted eighth and started at SS for the Phils on Friday in Toronto.
Bruntlett went 0 for 3, and is now batting .138. Jimmy Rollins needs to return to the lineup, batting leadoff, or sixth, or eighth, or ninth, wherever. Bruntlett has been dreadful.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) clinched their fourth consecutive series win, defeating the Indianapolis Indians, 6-1. The FeHogs have won ten of twelve. Rich Thompson hit a homer leading off the game, for the first time in LV history. Starter Carlos Carrasco was the big story, however, pitching six and one-third strong innings for the win. Carrasco permitted seven hits, one run, and walked three, with seven strikeouts. The 22 yr. old RHP is due to pitch again next Wednesday. He may be a candidate to start for the Phillies, in the event that Antonio Bastardo is unavailable.
The Reading Phillies (AA) had their game against the Trenton Thunder suspended. The game will continue on Saturday, with the R-Phils trailing, 1-0. The game was delayed almost two hours at the start, and play was halted before the bottom of the second began. The game lasted long enough for R-Phils starter Joe Savery to allow a run, ending his scoreless streak at 15 innings. The game probably should have been rained out before play began. That decision likely cost the R-Phils the services of Joe Savery for the series.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) blew a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the ninth, but beat the Jupiter Hammerheads on a pair of tenth-inning runs.
Jonathan Velazquez pitched six scoreless innings, surrendering four hits, two walks, and striking out a pair. The blown save cost him what would have been his first FSL victory, in his second appearance.
Chan Ho Park was injured in Friday night's game, and may require some time on the DL. Park has been one of the better Phils' relievers recently, and is the only one who appears capable of pitching multiple innings. This would be horrible timing for a Park DL stint, with Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey already disabled. Kyle Kendrick might be the best replacement option for the long relief role, and nobody wants that.
Brad Lidge pitched in a non-save situation on Friday, in his return to the Phils. Lidge faced five batters. He allowed two hits, two walks, and acquired one out. He left in favor of J.C. Romero, with the bases loaded, and one run already in. Romero permitted one of the inherited runners to score, boosting Lidge's ERA to 7.86. Not a promising return for the closer.
Scott Eyre is expected to return in a week, for the Mets series, starting July 3rd. The Phils really need Eyre right now. Not just LOOGY Eyre, either. They need Whole-Inning Eyre.
Who else could bolster the Phillies' bullpen?
Reading (AA) southpaw Mike Zagurski is on the 40-Man roster.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) relievers Gary Majewski, Cedrick Bowers, and Jason Anderson have been pitching decently, and could be moved into the one open spot on the current 40-Man Roster.
Eric Bruntlett batted eighth and started at SS for the Phils on Friday in Toronto.
Bruntlett went 0 for 3, and is now batting .138. Jimmy Rollins needs to return to the lineup, batting leadoff, or sixth, or eighth, or ninth, wherever. Bruntlett has been dreadful.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) clinched their fourth consecutive series win, defeating the Indianapolis Indians, 6-1. The FeHogs have won ten of twelve. Rich Thompson hit a homer leading off the game, for the first time in LV history. Starter Carlos Carrasco was the big story, however, pitching six and one-third strong innings for the win. Carrasco permitted seven hits, one run, and walked three, with seven strikeouts. The 22 yr. old RHP is due to pitch again next Wednesday. He may be a candidate to start for the Phillies, in the event that Antonio Bastardo is unavailable.
The Reading Phillies (AA) had their game against the Trenton Thunder suspended. The game will continue on Saturday, with the R-Phils trailing, 1-0. The game was delayed almost two hours at the start, and play was halted before the bottom of the second began. The game lasted long enough for R-Phils starter Joe Savery to allow a run, ending his scoreless streak at 15 innings. The game probably should have been rained out before play began. That decision likely cost the R-Phils the services of Joe Savery for the series.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) blew a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the ninth, but beat the Jupiter Hammerheads on a pair of tenth-inning runs.
Jonathan Velazquez pitched six scoreless innings, surrendering four hits, two walks, and striking out a pair. The blown save cost him what would have been his first FSL victory, in his second appearance.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Phils Lose Two of Three to Tampa
Perhaps hoping the Phillies could take two of three from the Rays this week was optimistic. With Raul Ibanez and Brad Lidge out of the lineup, Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Madson slumping, and the #3/4/5 starters slated to start for the Phils, beating the AL Champs twice on the road was a daunting proposal. The Phillies took the first game, and had their chances in the middle game, but wound up being blown out of St. Petersburg. What could have been a positive, cold streak-breaking series, evolved into an embarrassing disaster. The long baseball season is more a marathon, than a sprint, but that oft-used cliche is of little solace to Phillies fans these days.
The Phils took the first game on Tuesday, 10-1, riding Chase Utley and John Mayberry homers, and the wizened veteran arm of Jamie Moyer, to victory. On Wednesday, they rode a Jayson Werth homer...to their only run, in a 7-1 loss. Joe Blanton pitched extremely well, but the bullpen imploded in a five-run Rays' eighth inning. Thursday night, the Phils' jumped to a 4-0 lead in their first at-bat...and never scored again. The Rays battered the Phillies "pitchers", scoring ten unanswered runs in a maddening, irritating affair. (Well, for the Phillies, and their fans, at least.) The Phillies' lead over the Mets now stands at a mere half-game, an advantage of only .008 percentage points.
The Good
-On Tuesday night, Chase Utley and John Mayberry each had three RBI. The Phillies lead 6-0, before the Rays batted. Jamie Moyer confounded the Tampa bats, permitting only one run (on five hits), in six sharp innings. The Phillies didn't have to use any of their "good" relievers, as Tyler Walker (two innings, three hits, no runs) and Sergio Escalona successfully protected a nine-run lead. (It was surprising that Charlie Manuel didn't use closer Ryan Madson to protect the WE% of 100.0.)
-On Wednesday night, Joe Blanton pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs, both on a second inning homer. He walked two, and struck out TEN! He deserved better than a loss, evening his record at 4-4.
-On Thursday night, the Phillies raced to a 4-0 lead in the first inning.
The Odious
-On Tuesday, Jimmy Rollins went 0 for 5, reducing his average to .214.
-On Wednesday, the top four in the lineup (Rollins, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard) combined to go 0 for 12. J.C. Romero and Chan Ho Park combined to turn a 2-1 game, into a 7-1 game, in a disastrous eighth inning. Park allowed three inherited runners to score, bastardizing Romero's ERA (3.72), as well as the Phils' WE (WPA of .119 for Park).
-On Thursday, the Phillies were held scoreless, after their four-run first.
The Hideously Odious
-Jimmy Rollins went 0 for 9 in the first two games of the series. Yet, he was more effective than Eric Bruntlett, who went 0 for 4, and played horrific defense (though his embarrassing lack of range at SS may have saved him some errors).
-Antonio Bastardo was charged with six runs, in three and two-thirds innings, on Thursday. He managed to permit seven hits (including two HR) and three walks, in the short stint. (It would have been worse if his replacement, Chad Durbin, hadn't stranded three of his runners.) Bastardo left the game with a shoulder injury, and his status is currently unclear.
-Tyler Walker entered the Thursday game, with the bases loaded, and two outs. He allowed all three inherited runners to score, terrorizing Durbin's ERA to the tune of 4.50. (Walker has a 0.00 ERA, but has been doing lots of damage to the ERA of his pen-mates.)
-The Phillies made a number of damaging mental errors. Jimmy Rollins threw to the wrong base on Wednesday, attempting an inning-ending force at second on speedy Carl Crawford, rather than taking an easy out at first base. On Thursday, Pedro Feliz forgot the number of outs, and was doubled off first base, ending an inning, before Matt Stairs could tag and score from third base.
-The umpiring was atrocious all series, with an inconsistent strike zone, and a bizarre utilization of the instant replay rule in Thursday's finale. Perhaps the umps could benefit from some coursework at the umpiring academy advertised on MLB.TV? (Note: With non-inept umpiring, the Phillies still lose two of three, but the games would have at least been a little less maddening.)
The Phillies travel to Toronto for a three-game weekend series, starting Friday. The Jays have three lefties scheduled to start, so expect a 2 for 14 weekend from northpaw-killer Ryan Howard. However, the Phils have Cole Hamels starting Friday night, and J.A. Happ starting Saturday afternoon, so there is hope. The Mets play a weekend series against the Yankees, so it appears that we will need to root for the Yankees this weekend. Supporting the Yankees is far from ideal, but we do what we must.
The Phils took the first game on Tuesday, 10-1, riding Chase Utley and John Mayberry homers, and the wizened veteran arm of Jamie Moyer, to victory. On Wednesday, they rode a Jayson Werth homer...to their only run, in a 7-1 loss. Joe Blanton pitched extremely well, but the bullpen imploded in a five-run Rays' eighth inning. Thursday night, the Phils' jumped to a 4-0 lead in their first at-bat...and never scored again. The Rays battered the Phillies "pitchers", scoring ten unanswered runs in a maddening, irritating affair. (Well, for the Phillies, and their fans, at least.) The Phillies' lead over the Mets now stands at a mere half-game, an advantage of only .008 percentage points.
The Good
-On Tuesday night, Chase Utley and John Mayberry each had three RBI. The Phillies lead 6-0, before the Rays batted. Jamie Moyer confounded the Tampa bats, permitting only one run (on five hits), in six sharp innings. The Phillies didn't have to use any of their "good" relievers, as Tyler Walker (two innings, three hits, no runs) and Sergio Escalona successfully protected a nine-run lead. (It was surprising that Charlie Manuel didn't use closer Ryan Madson to protect the WE% of 100.0.)
-On Wednesday night, Joe Blanton pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs, both on a second inning homer. He walked two, and struck out TEN! He deserved better than a loss, evening his record at 4-4.
-On Thursday night, the Phillies raced to a 4-0 lead in the first inning.
The Odious
-On Tuesday, Jimmy Rollins went 0 for 5, reducing his average to .214.
-On Wednesday, the top four in the lineup (Rollins, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard) combined to go 0 for 12. J.C. Romero and Chan Ho Park combined to turn a 2-1 game, into a 7-1 game, in a disastrous eighth inning. Park allowed three inherited runners to score, bastardizing Romero's ERA (3.72), as well as the Phils' WE (WPA of .119 for Park).
-On Thursday, the Phillies were held scoreless, after their four-run first.
The Hideously Odious
-Jimmy Rollins went 0 for 9 in the first two games of the series. Yet, he was more effective than Eric Bruntlett, who went 0 for 4, and played horrific defense (though his embarrassing lack of range at SS may have saved him some errors).
-Antonio Bastardo was charged with six runs, in three and two-thirds innings, on Thursday. He managed to permit seven hits (including two HR) and three walks, in the short stint. (It would have been worse if his replacement, Chad Durbin, hadn't stranded three of his runners.) Bastardo left the game with a shoulder injury, and his status is currently unclear.
-Tyler Walker entered the Thursday game, with the bases loaded, and two outs. He allowed all three inherited runners to score, terrorizing Durbin's ERA to the tune of 4.50. (Walker has a 0.00 ERA, but has been doing lots of damage to the ERA of his pen-mates.)
-The Phillies made a number of damaging mental errors. Jimmy Rollins threw to the wrong base on Wednesday, attempting an inning-ending force at second on speedy Carl Crawford, rather than taking an easy out at first base. On Thursday, Pedro Feliz forgot the number of outs, and was doubled off first base, ending an inning, before Matt Stairs could tag and score from third base.
-The umpiring was atrocious all series, with an inconsistent strike zone, and a bizarre utilization of the instant replay rule in Thursday's finale. Perhaps the umps could benefit from some coursework at the umpiring academy advertised on MLB.TV? (Note: With non-inept umpiring, the Phillies still lose two of three, but the games would have at least been a little less maddening.)
The Phillies travel to Toronto for a three-game weekend series, starting Friday. The Jays have three lefties scheduled to start, so expect a 2 for 14 weekend from northpaw-killer Ryan Howard. However, the Phils have Cole Hamels starting Friday night, and J.A. Happ starting Saturday afternoon, so there is hope. The Mets play a weekend series against the Yankees, so it appears that we will need to root for the Yankees this weekend. Supporting the Yankees is far from ideal, but we do what we must.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/25)
Jack Taschner surrendered a triple, a double, and a walk in one inning on Thursday. Taschner was fortunate to only allow one run. His ERA is a crisp 5.40, which understates the level of his ineptitude. (His 5.82 FIP and 1.87 WHIP, prior to Thursday's debacle, are better indicators.) How is he even still on this team? Gary Majewski, Mike Zagurski, Sergio Escalona, and (insert rotating cast of fungible, DFA'd relievers here) would all be superior options. Ugh.
Paul Bako is still on the P-Phils roster. Even less useful than Taschner...If the Phils trade Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste, and Lou Marson, they should take their chances with Lehigh Valley (AAA) backup Paul Hoover over Gabor Paul Bako II.
How did Pedro Feliz and 1st Base Coach Davey Lopes combine to not make Feliz aware of the number of outs? Since when do the WFCs make mental errors, costing them extra outs and extra runs? Being doubled off first, before Matt Stairs could score on a one-out sacrifice fly, is unacceptable.
Jimmy Rollins watched the P-Phils lose to Tampa from the dugout. Hope the day off helped, as even Bad Rollins would have been an upgrade over his replacement, Eric Bruntlett.
Eric Bruntlett went 0 for 4 with a strikeout (and 3 LOB, now batting a gaudy .145), in Thursday night's loss.
Bruntlett made an outstanding defensive play on a first-inning pickoff of B.J. Upton. The rest of the night he killed the team on offense and defense. As Bruntlett is fairly useless, why not try Pedro Feliz at SS, with Greg Dobbs at 3B, and Chris Coste at 1B? Things couldn't go much worse...
Starter Antonio Bastardo left the game with shoulder stiffness. Hopefully, he won't miss any time. If he does, is it Carlos Carrasco's turn?
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) broke an eighth inning tie, beating the Indianapolis Indians, 5-4.
Kyle Kendrick had a mediocre outing, allowing four runs over six innings (five hits, three walks/three strikeouts). Kendrick was victimized by a pair of solo home runs. Jake Woods got the win, with two scoreless, and Steven Register finished for the save. Andy Tracy, Miguel Cairo, and Lou Marson had two hits apiece, as the FeHogs totaled ten hits.
The Reading Phillies (AA) drabeked the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 9-3.
Kyle Drabek permitted three runs, all in the sixth inning, in his seven and one-third inning start.
Drabek allowed six hits, and had an outstanding 9:1 K/BB ratio. Mike Zagurski got the final five outs for the save, allowing only one hit. Zagurski should replace Jack Taschner (or Paul Bako) on the P-Phils roster last week. Jeremy Slayden was three for five, improving his AA average to a tidy .467.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) beat the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-6, in twelve innings.
Drew Naylor pitched poorly (six and one-third innings, six runs (four earned), nine hits, two walks/two strikeouts), but the bullpen (Christopher Kissock, Walter Tejeda, Santo Hernandez) held Jupiter scoreless the rest of the way. Matt Rizzotti had a homer and three RBIs, including the game-winner.
The big question raised by tonight's four-hour plus battle was "Why don't the Threshers have their own internet broadcasts available?" Listening to the extra innings, as interpreted by the Jupiter Hammerheads' announcer, was about as pleasurable as watching Jack Taschner pitch.
Paul Bako is still on the P-Phils roster. Even less useful than Taschner...If the Phils trade Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste, and Lou Marson, they should take their chances with Lehigh Valley (AAA) backup Paul Hoover over Gabor Paul Bako II.
How did Pedro Feliz and 1st Base Coach Davey Lopes combine to not make Feliz aware of the number of outs? Since when do the WFCs make mental errors, costing them extra outs and extra runs? Being doubled off first, before Matt Stairs could score on a one-out sacrifice fly, is unacceptable.
Jimmy Rollins watched the P-Phils lose to Tampa from the dugout. Hope the day off helped, as even Bad Rollins would have been an upgrade over his replacement, Eric Bruntlett.
Eric Bruntlett went 0 for 4 with a strikeout (and 3 LOB, now batting a gaudy .145), in Thursday night's loss.
Bruntlett made an outstanding defensive play on a first-inning pickoff of B.J. Upton. The rest of the night he killed the team on offense and defense. As Bruntlett is fairly useless, why not try Pedro Feliz at SS, with Greg Dobbs at 3B, and Chris Coste at 1B? Things couldn't go much worse...
Starter Antonio Bastardo left the game with shoulder stiffness. Hopefully, he won't miss any time. If he does, is it Carlos Carrasco's turn?
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) broke an eighth inning tie, beating the Indianapolis Indians, 5-4.
Kyle Kendrick had a mediocre outing, allowing four runs over six innings (five hits, three walks/three strikeouts). Kendrick was victimized by a pair of solo home runs. Jake Woods got the win, with two scoreless, and Steven Register finished for the save. Andy Tracy, Miguel Cairo, and Lou Marson had two hits apiece, as the FeHogs totaled ten hits.
The Reading Phillies (AA) drabeked the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 9-3.
Kyle Drabek permitted three runs, all in the sixth inning, in his seven and one-third inning start.
Drabek allowed six hits, and had an outstanding 9:1 K/BB ratio. Mike Zagurski got the final five outs for the save, allowing only one hit. Zagurski should replace Jack Taschner (or Paul Bako) on the P-Phils roster last week. Jeremy Slayden was three for five, improving his AA average to a tidy .467.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) beat the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-6, in twelve innings.
Drew Naylor pitched poorly (six and one-third innings, six runs (four earned), nine hits, two walks/two strikeouts), but the bullpen (Christopher Kissock, Walter Tejeda, Santo Hernandez) held Jupiter scoreless the rest of the way. Matt Rizzotti had a homer and three RBIs, including the game-winner.
The big question raised by tonight's four-hour plus battle was "Why don't the Threshers have their own internet broadcasts available?" Listening to the extra innings, as interpreted by the Jupiter Hammerheads' announcer, was about as pleasurable as watching Jack Taschner pitch.
Bunts and Balks (6/24)
Brad Lidge has been activated by the P-Phils, after completing his rehabilitation tour through Reading (AA) and Clearwater (A). Hopefully, Lidge will return to form as the closer, and Ryan Madson will return to form, back in the setup role.
Sergio Escalona was sent down to Lehigh Valley (AAA) to clear a spot for Lidge. The correct choice for this roster move was "Jack Taschner." (We would also have accepted "Paul Bako.") Escalona was only on the roster for a few days, having taken Clay Condrey's spot, when Everyday Clay went on the DL.
Scott Eyre is expected to return next week, hopefully Taschner or Bako will go at that point. (Preferably Bako, as that would reinstate the eight-man bullpen.)
I fear that reliever Tyler Walker will be the choice to vacate the roster for Eyre. Walker would have to pass through waivers to return to Lehigh Valley, and would probably be scooped up by the Nationals. (Or perhaps join reliever Mike Koplove in the Pirates' organization?)
Cole Hamels and J.A. Happ have been swapped in this weekend's rotation, and Hamels will start on Friday night in Toronto.
This move costs Hamels an appearance in the upcoming Mets series (July 3-5), but gains him an extra start, as well as a quick return from the All-Star break. It also swaps him out of a daytime start; Hamels has struggled during the day. Good move.
In an effort to resuscitate Jimmy Rollins and his ailing bat, Charlie Manuel will keep Rollins out of the starting lineup on Thursday and Friday.
It might have been preferable to just keep Rollins batting sixth for an extended period. (Or perhaps ninth in interleague road games?) Any move that puts Eric Bruntlett in the starting lineup on consecutive days is a bit questionable, but Manuel is looking at the long-term here. Given Bruntlett's mediocrity afield, and uselessness at the plate, maybe Pedro Feliz at short, and Greg Dobbs (or Chris Coste, if Dobbs plays 1B, for a DH-ing Ryan Howard?) at 3B, would have been preferable.
Minor League pitchers Kyle Drabek (Reading) and Yohan Flande (Clearwater)have been chosen to appear in the Futures Game.
A well-deserved honor for two of the organization's top hurlers. (It should be noted that Flande is 23, and, possibly, should be competing at a higher level. It seems that he should be promoted to Reading in the near future.)
It's a shame that the Phillies didn't have any position players worthy of selection. Michael Taylor (Reading) has a .978 OPS, with 13 HR, but that apparently isn't good enough for inclusion.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs fell behind 4-0, after two and a half innings, and lost to the Indianopolis Indians, 4-1. The FeHogs were held to only three hits, and starter Gustavo Chacin (five innings, four runs, nine hits, three walks/two strikeouts) did not have a strong outing.
The Reading Phillies lost to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 4-3.
Michael Taylor went 3 for 4, but starter Tyson Brummett was ineffective (five innings, four runs, eight hits, four walks/zero strikeouts.)
The Clearwater Threshers defeated the Tampa Yankees, 7-6, on Wednesday.
The Threshers lead 6-0, after four and a half innings, and held on for the win. Yohan Flande won his seventh game, in eight decisions, but his performance was rather pedestrian (five innings, two runs, four hits, two walks/three strikeouts).
Sergio Escalona was sent down to Lehigh Valley (AAA) to clear a spot for Lidge. The correct choice for this roster move was "Jack Taschner." (We would also have accepted "Paul Bako.") Escalona was only on the roster for a few days, having taken Clay Condrey's spot, when Everyday Clay went on the DL.
Scott Eyre is expected to return next week, hopefully Taschner or Bako will go at that point. (Preferably Bako, as that would reinstate the eight-man bullpen.)
I fear that reliever Tyler Walker will be the choice to vacate the roster for Eyre. Walker would have to pass through waivers to return to Lehigh Valley, and would probably be scooped up by the Nationals. (Or perhaps join reliever Mike Koplove in the Pirates' organization?)
Cole Hamels and J.A. Happ have been swapped in this weekend's rotation, and Hamels will start on Friday night in Toronto.
This move costs Hamels an appearance in the upcoming Mets series (July 3-5), but gains him an extra start, as well as a quick return from the All-Star break. It also swaps him out of a daytime start; Hamels has struggled during the day. Good move.
In an effort to resuscitate Jimmy Rollins and his ailing bat, Charlie Manuel will keep Rollins out of the starting lineup on Thursday and Friday.
It might have been preferable to just keep Rollins batting sixth for an extended period. (Or perhaps ninth in interleague road games?) Any move that puts Eric Bruntlett in the starting lineup on consecutive days is a bit questionable, but Manuel is looking at the long-term here. Given Bruntlett's mediocrity afield, and uselessness at the plate, maybe Pedro Feliz at short, and Greg Dobbs (or Chris Coste, if Dobbs plays 1B, for a DH-ing Ryan Howard?) at 3B, would have been preferable.
Minor League pitchers Kyle Drabek (Reading) and Yohan Flande (Clearwater)have been chosen to appear in the Futures Game.
A well-deserved honor for two of the organization's top hurlers. (It should be noted that Flande is 23, and, possibly, should be competing at a higher level. It seems that he should be promoted to Reading in the near future.)
It's a shame that the Phillies didn't have any position players worthy of selection. Michael Taylor (Reading) has a .978 OPS, with 13 HR, but that apparently isn't good enough for inclusion.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs fell behind 4-0, after two and a half innings, and lost to the Indianopolis Indians, 4-1. The FeHogs were held to only three hits, and starter Gustavo Chacin (five innings, four runs, nine hits, three walks/two strikeouts) did not have a strong outing.
The Reading Phillies lost to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 4-3.
Michael Taylor went 3 for 4, but starter Tyson Brummett was ineffective (five innings, four runs, eight hits, four walks/zero strikeouts.)
The Clearwater Threshers defeated the Tampa Yankees, 7-6, on Wednesday.
The Threshers lead 6-0, after four and a half innings, and held on for the win. Yohan Flande won his seventh game, in eight decisions, but his performance was rather pedestrian (five innings, two runs, four hits, two walks/three strikeouts).
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Descent (Into Madness)
The Phillies completed a 1-8 interleague homestand, polishing off their second consecutive sweep, with a 2-1 loss to the Orioles, on Sunday. The Phils overcame an early 1-0 lead, riding a four-hit attack to their sixth loss in a row. Cole Hamels picked up the loss, his third in seven decisions, but he had plenty of support in the losing effort.
Hamels pitched eight innings, allowing a pair of runs, on nine hits. He struck out ten, and did not walk a batter, but nineteen of the twenty-nine batters he faced put balls in play. Not a very impressive ratio from a supposed "ace." Hamels' performance was zero-dimensional, as he failed to reach base in either of his plate appearances. His ineptitude at the plate necessitated his eventual removal for a pinch-hitter, forcing the Phils' bullpen to cover the final inning. Perhaps some more work with batting coach Milt Thompson, or a stint in Lehigh Valley (AAA), would help Hamels become more of a complete player.
Leadoff man Jimmy Rollins did his job, lulling the Orioles pitchers into a sense of complacency, with another hitless effort. Rollins was able to induce outs in all thirteen of his plate appearances over the weekend, but his teammates failed to capitalize. Rollins has failed to reach base at a .761 clip in June, numbers that would have been impressive even in the Deadball Era. The shortstop almost reached base in the eighth inning, but was the beneficiary of a gracious call by Umpire Larry Vanover, who called Rollins out, despite the infielder's inability to get himself tagged on the play.
Manager Charlie Manuel didn't offer Rollins much support either, making several questionable personnel decisions. Ryan Howard was given the day off, ending his consecutive games played streak at 343, despite having a temperature of only 103.9 degrees. Paul Bako, a career .231 hitter, was left on the bench. (Fortunately, Carlos Ruiz put together a Bako-esque 0 for 3 effort.) Eric Bruntlett, batting a lusty .157 in 2009, also failed to appear. Greg Dobbs (1.062 OPS in June), inexplicably, got the start at 1B, homering for the Phils' run. Dobbs was replaced with a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning, but the damage had already been done.
The Phillies have Monday off, before traveling to Tampa Bay to face Pat Burrell and the Rays. Jamie Moyer will bring his 6.35 ERA (1.54 WHIP) to the mound. Moyer has an 8-4 record, and a 2.85 lifetime ERA against Tampa, but those gaudy stats were accumulated way back when Moyer was good, and the Devil Rays were not. With David Price on the mound for the opposition, the Phils appear well-positioned to keep their winless streak alive.
Hamels pitched eight innings, allowing a pair of runs, on nine hits. He struck out ten, and did not walk a batter, but nineteen of the twenty-nine batters he faced put balls in play. Not a very impressive ratio from a supposed "ace." Hamels' performance was zero-dimensional, as he failed to reach base in either of his plate appearances. His ineptitude at the plate necessitated his eventual removal for a pinch-hitter, forcing the Phils' bullpen to cover the final inning. Perhaps some more work with batting coach Milt Thompson, or a stint in Lehigh Valley (AAA), would help Hamels become more of a complete player.
Leadoff man Jimmy Rollins did his job, lulling the Orioles pitchers into a sense of complacency, with another hitless effort. Rollins was able to induce outs in all thirteen of his plate appearances over the weekend, but his teammates failed to capitalize. Rollins has failed to reach base at a .761 clip in June, numbers that would have been impressive even in the Deadball Era. The shortstop almost reached base in the eighth inning, but was the beneficiary of a gracious call by Umpire Larry Vanover, who called Rollins out, despite the infielder's inability to get himself tagged on the play.
Manager Charlie Manuel didn't offer Rollins much support either, making several questionable personnel decisions. Ryan Howard was given the day off, ending his consecutive games played streak at 343, despite having a temperature of only 103.9 degrees. Paul Bako, a career .231 hitter, was left on the bench. (Fortunately, Carlos Ruiz put together a Bako-esque 0 for 3 effort.) Eric Bruntlett, batting a lusty .157 in 2009, also failed to appear. Greg Dobbs (1.062 OPS in June), inexplicably, got the start at 1B, homering for the Phils' run. Dobbs was replaced with a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning, but the damage had already been done.
The Phillies have Monday off, before traveling to Tampa Bay to face Pat Burrell and the Rays. Jamie Moyer will bring his 6.35 ERA (1.54 WHIP) to the mound. Moyer has an 8-4 record, and a 2.85 lifetime ERA against Tampa, but those gaudy stats were accumulated way back when Moyer was good, and the Devil Rays were not. With David Price on the mound for the opposition, the Phils appear well-positioned to keep their winless streak alive.
Bunts and Balks (6/21)
Brad Lidge is expected to rejoin the Phils by the end of the week, with Scott Eyre returning by the end of the following week. This likely means a return to the "Plus Eight" bullpen, and some time in historic Lehigh Valley for Messrs. Taschner and Bako.
Ryan Howard spent the weekend in and out of the hospital with flu-like symptoms.
Hopefully, he'll be OK for the interleague road trip. No one wants to see Eric Bruntlett DH'ing.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) finally lost again, 4-2, to the Norfolk Tides. Mike Spidale responded to a promotion to the leadoff spot with an 0 for 5 day, dropping his AAA avg. to .316. Andrew Carpenter received his first loss, in seven decisions, permitting three runs (nine hits, one walk/three strikeouts) in six innings.
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the Harrisburg Senators, 8-7. The winning Senators run scored on a bases-loaded walk with two outs in top of the ninth inning, permitted by lefty Mike Zagurski. The R-Phils trailed 4-0, before they got their first at-bat. Brian Stavisky and Jeremy Slayden each had four-hit games. Vance Worley had an ineffective start, surrendering five runs, on eight hits and two walks, surviving only four innings. The R-Phils seemed primed for a walk-off victory, inspired by Twisted Sister's finest, before their final at-bat. But former Phils prospect Zack Segovia finished them off in the ninth.
Ryan Howard spent the weekend in and out of the hospital with flu-like symptoms.
Hopefully, he'll be OK for the interleague road trip. No one wants to see Eric Bruntlett DH'ing.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) finally lost again, 4-2, to the Norfolk Tides. Mike Spidale responded to a promotion to the leadoff spot with an 0 for 5 day, dropping his AAA avg. to .316. Andrew Carpenter received his first loss, in seven decisions, permitting three runs (nine hits, one walk/three strikeouts) in six innings.
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the Harrisburg Senators, 8-7. The winning Senators run scored on a bases-loaded walk with two outs in top of the ninth inning, permitted by lefty Mike Zagurski. The R-Phils trailed 4-0, before they got their first at-bat. Brian Stavisky and Jeremy Slayden each had four-hit games. Vance Worley had an ineffective start, surrendering five runs, on eight hits and two walks, surviving only four innings. The R-Phils seemed primed for a walk-off victory, inspired by Twisted Sister's finest, before their final at-bat. But former Phils prospect Zack Segovia finished them off in the ninth.
Excruciating
On Saturday night, the Phillies should have ended their losing streak at four games. The victory would have put the Phils in position to win their weekend series against Baltimore. The game would have had a prominent place in the Season In Review section of the 2009 World Series Champions DVD. Ryan Howard's heroism on this fateful night would have merited a mention in Chase Utley's Cooperstown speech, in which he welcomed Howard as the second (of three) member of the 2008 Phillies to enter the Hall. One Ryan Madson offering, wholly devoid of command, sent the Phils to a painful loss, and made Howard's heroics almost an afterthought.
J.A. Happ started for the Phillies, and managed to allow ten hits AND four walks, in only six innings. Somehow, those fourteen baserunners were converted into only two runs. The Phillies' lineup featured reserve Matt Stairs batting cleanup, reserve Greg Dobbs in the sixth spot, and (should-be-minor-league) reserve Paul Bako, inexplicably, in the lineup. Yet, as play entered the bottom of the seventh, the Phils only trailed 3-0.
Ryan Howard had been hospitalized with flu-like symptoms prior to the game, and it appeared that he would be unavailable. The Phillies had closed to within 3-2 in the seventh, with two runners on base for...Paul Bako. However, Ryan Howard was, surprisingly, amazingly, sent in to face Orioles right-hander Danys Baez. The Orioles did not have a southpaw ready to face the flu-stricken slugger, and Howard made them pay. The three-run homer gave the Phillies a 5-3 lead, and added another highlight to Howard's Cooperstown application.
The two-run lead remained into the ninth, with interim closer Ryan Madson summoned from the bullpen to close out the victory. Surely, the Phils would snap their losing streak, and Madson would snap his save-less streak? Well, no. Madson surrendered a three-run homer, decreasing the Phillies' Win Expectancy from 91.9% to only 19.6%. Chris Coste, Pedro Feliz, and Eric Bruntlett (yes, Bruntlett batted in the ninth inning of a one-run game) were retired in order, and the Phillies' fifth consecutive loss was, easily, their most excruciating one.
The Phillies will try to avoid another sweep, and a six-game losing streak, on Sunday afternoon. With ace Cole Hamels in the stopper role, and Paul Bako back on the bench, you have to like the Phils' chances. They are certainly due for a win.
J.A. Happ started for the Phillies, and managed to allow ten hits AND four walks, in only six innings. Somehow, those fourteen baserunners were converted into only two runs. The Phillies' lineup featured reserve Matt Stairs batting cleanup, reserve Greg Dobbs in the sixth spot, and (should-be-minor-league) reserve Paul Bako, inexplicably, in the lineup. Yet, as play entered the bottom of the seventh, the Phils only trailed 3-0.
Ryan Howard had been hospitalized with flu-like symptoms prior to the game, and it appeared that he would be unavailable. The Phillies had closed to within 3-2 in the seventh, with two runners on base for...Paul Bako. However, Ryan Howard was, surprisingly, amazingly, sent in to face Orioles right-hander Danys Baez. The Orioles did not have a southpaw ready to face the flu-stricken slugger, and Howard made them pay. The three-run homer gave the Phillies a 5-3 lead, and added another highlight to Howard's Cooperstown application.
The two-run lead remained into the ninth, with interim closer Ryan Madson summoned from the bullpen to close out the victory. Surely, the Phils would snap their losing streak, and Madson would snap his save-less streak? Well, no. Madson surrendered a three-run homer, decreasing the Phillies' Win Expectancy from 91.9% to only 19.6%. Chris Coste, Pedro Feliz, and Eric Bruntlett (yes, Bruntlett batted in the ninth inning of a one-run game) were retired in order, and the Phillies' fifth consecutive loss was, easily, their most excruciating one.
The Phillies will try to avoid another sweep, and a six-game losing streak, on Sunday afternoon. With ace Cole Hamels in the stopper role, and Paul Bako back on the bench, you have to like the Phils' chances. They are certainly due for a win.
Bunts and Balks (6/20)
Brad Lidge pitched a scoreless inning for Reading (AA) on Saturday night, and indicates that his knee feels "fine." Lidge has been indicating that his knee feels "fine" for most of the season. A good defensive play saved Lidge a run. Lidge is expected to return to the P-Phils this week, moving Ryan Madson back to the eighth inning, and (hopefully) Jack Taschner or Paul Bako to Lehigh Valley (AAA).
Ryan Howard was hospitalized with the flu, but left his hospital bed to hit a pinch-hit home run in Saturday's game. The blast would have been a game-winner, if interim closer Ryan Madson had been able to hold the lead. Howard returned to the hospital after the game, and was replaced in the lineup by Greg Dobbs on Saturday and Sunday. Howard's health is a huge concern.
Paul Bako started behind the plate for the Phillies on Saturday night. This never should have been permitted to happen.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) won their seventh game in a row on Saturday, 5-3, over the Norfolk Tides. The FeHogs are now only ten games out of first place. Carlos Carrasco pitched very well, permitting a single run, in seven strong innings. Carrasco surrendered five hits and two walks (five strikeouts). Recently-promoted outfielder Mike Spidale had three singles, in four plate appearances, increasing his average to .364. Listening to Jason Anderson close out the Tides in the ninth mitigated some of the pain from the P-Phils' crushing loss. (About .23% of the pain was mitigated.)
The Reading Phillies (AA) defeated the Harrisburg Senators, 6-2. Top outfield prospect Michael Taylor hit a grand slam. Top pitching prospect Joe Savery pitched five scoreless innings for his ninth win.
The FSL North squad, which included four members of the Clearwater Threshers (A), beat the FSL South, 6-4. Threshers Yohan Flande and Carlos Monasterios pitched scoreless innings. Tim Kennelly started at 1B, and went 0 for 4.
Ryan Howard was hospitalized with the flu, but left his hospital bed to hit a pinch-hit home run in Saturday's game. The blast would have been a game-winner, if interim closer Ryan Madson had been able to hold the lead. Howard returned to the hospital after the game, and was replaced in the lineup by Greg Dobbs on Saturday and Sunday. Howard's health is a huge concern.
Paul Bako started behind the plate for the Phillies on Saturday night. This never should have been permitted to happen.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) won their seventh game in a row on Saturday, 5-3, over the Norfolk Tides. The FeHogs are now only ten games out of first place. Carlos Carrasco pitched very well, permitting a single run, in seven strong innings. Carrasco surrendered five hits and two walks (five strikeouts). Recently-promoted outfielder Mike Spidale had three singles, in four plate appearances, increasing his average to .364. Listening to Jason Anderson close out the Tides in the ninth mitigated some of the pain from the P-Phils' crushing loss. (About .23% of the pain was mitigated.)
The Reading Phillies (AA) defeated the Harrisburg Senators, 6-2. Top outfield prospect Michael Taylor hit a grand slam. Top pitching prospect Joe Savery pitched five scoreless innings for his ninth win.
The FSL North squad, which included four members of the Clearwater Threshers (A), beat the FSL South, 6-4. Threshers Yohan Flande and Carlos Monasterios pitched scoreless innings. Tim Kennelly started at 1B, and went 0 for 4.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Phils Lose Fourth Straight
The Phillies continued to stumble around in one of the valleys of their 2009 season, losing their fourth straight game, 7-2 to Baltimore, on Friday night. In their 8-6 loss to Toronto on Thursday, the Phils' offense could not counter the destruction caused by their pitching counterparts (Joe Blanton, et al.), combined with some mental midgetry afield (ex. Marco Scutaro stealing second base on a walk, as the oblivious Phillies lost focus.) On Friday, their offense was non-existent, while their pitching and defense displayed destructive tendencies. It was still a winnable game for the Phils, heading into the ninth, when a familiar, command-deficient reliever put one in the win column for the Fightin O's.
Phillies' rookie starter Antonio Bastardo deserved a better fate. Bastardo consumed seven innings, leaving only two to the embattled Phils' relief corps. The southpaw permitted four runs in those seven innings, but his performance was far better than the eventual results. Bastardo had five separate innings, in which he retired the side in order. He surrendered only five hits, striking out five, and walking none. Seventy-three of his one-hundred eight pitches were strikes. If it wasn't for defensive miscues by Chase Utley, John Mayberry, and Ryan Howard, none of whom were penalized with an error for their trangressions, Bastardo's ERA would have been significantly less scarred. Rightfielder Jayson Werth's two-run, two-out, first inning double might have been enough to earn Bastardo his third win. The rookie was a hard luck loser, but he has certainly earned another turn in the rotation. (Unless the Phils acquire Doug Davis, or Clay Buchholz, before that turn comes up.)
Manager Charlie Manuel, at the suggestion of coach Davey Lopes, started Jayson Werth in his familiar right field, moving John Mayberry to left field. Mayberry is more comfortable in right, and his stronger throwing arm makes him more suited to right than Jayson Werth. Mayberry made a crucial misplay, but it is hard to fault Manuel for this. Werth has been one of the few players contributing offensively as of late, and Manuel is trying to make him comfortable defensively, so he can perform better offensively. In the seventh inning, with the Phillies trailing only 4-2, the Phillies' manager brought Eric Bruntlett out to pinch-"hit", leaving Chris Coste on the bench. But it is hard to fault Manuel for this move, as the Orioles have a left-handed closer (George Sherrill), and Manuel was saving Coste's right-handed bat for later in the game. Coste's pinch-hitting appearance against Sherrill in the ninth inning would have been significant, if it wasn't for questionable bullpen deployment by Manuel.
In the eighth inning, with the Phillies only trailing by two, Manuel brought reliever Jack Taschner into the game. Given the exhausted status of his bullpenners, using the typically-ineffective Taschner may have been necessary. Taschner shocked the world, working around a hit and a walk, keeping the O's off the scoreboard. Unfortunately, Manuel tempted the Baseball Fates, and kept Taschner in for a second inning. Taschner permitted four hits and three runs in the ninth, reducing the Phils' Win Expectancy from 7.8% to 0.8%. Taschner pitching multiple innings in an un-winnable game is an event that we should see more of, but multiple Taschner innings in a winnable game shouldn't happen.
The Phillies will try to snap their losing streak Saturday, with J.A. Happ on the mound. Ace Cole Hamels gets the ball on Sunday. Against the cellar-dwelling Orioles, these are home games that the Phillies need to win.
Phillies' rookie starter Antonio Bastardo deserved a better fate. Bastardo consumed seven innings, leaving only two to the embattled Phils' relief corps. The southpaw permitted four runs in those seven innings, but his performance was far better than the eventual results. Bastardo had five separate innings, in which he retired the side in order. He surrendered only five hits, striking out five, and walking none. Seventy-three of his one-hundred eight pitches were strikes. If it wasn't for defensive miscues by Chase Utley, John Mayberry, and Ryan Howard, none of whom were penalized with an error for their trangressions, Bastardo's ERA would have been significantly less scarred. Rightfielder Jayson Werth's two-run, two-out, first inning double might have been enough to earn Bastardo his third win. The rookie was a hard luck loser, but he has certainly earned another turn in the rotation. (Unless the Phils acquire Doug Davis, or Clay Buchholz, before that turn comes up.)
Manager Charlie Manuel, at the suggestion of coach Davey Lopes, started Jayson Werth in his familiar right field, moving John Mayberry to left field. Mayberry is more comfortable in right, and his stronger throwing arm makes him more suited to right than Jayson Werth. Mayberry made a crucial misplay, but it is hard to fault Manuel for this. Werth has been one of the few players contributing offensively as of late, and Manuel is trying to make him comfortable defensively, so he can perform better offensively. In the seventh inning, with the Phillies trailing only 4-2, the Phillies' manager brought Eric Bruntlett out to pinch-"hit", leaving Chris Coste on the bench. But it is hard to fault Manuel for this move, as the Orioles have a left-handed closer (George Sherrill), and Manuel was saving Coste's right-handed bat for later in the game. Coste's pinch-hitting appearance against Sherrill in the ninth inning would have been significant, if it wasn't for questionable bullpen deployment by Manuel.
In the eighth inning, with the Phillies only trailing by two, Manuel brought reliever Jack Taschner into the game. Given the exhausted status of his bullpenners, using the typically-ineffective Taschner may have been necessary. Taschner shocked the world, working around a hit and a walk, keeping the O's off the scoreboard. Unfortunately, Manuel tempted the Baseball Fates, and kept Taschner in for a second inning. Taschner permitted four hits and three runs in the ninth, reducing the Phils' Win Expectancy from 7.8% to 0.8%. Taschner pitching multiple innings in an un-winnable game is an event that we should see more of, but multiple Taschner innings in a winnable game shouldn't happen.
The Phillies will try to snap their losing streak Saturday, with J.A. Happ on the mound. Ace Cole Hamels gets the ball on Sunday. Against the cellar-dwelling Orioles, these are home games that the Phillies need to win.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/18)
DL'd outfielder Raul Ibanez is progressing well. This is promising news, but it would have been good to have him available to DH in the interleague road games next week.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) won their sixth game in a row Friday, 8-6, over the Norfolk Tides. The FeHogs have won eight of ten, moving a mere 2.5 games out of 4th Place in the International League's North Division. Some have credited the LV pitching for the streak, while others have drawn a correlation between the FeHogs' streak, and the beginning of the Bunts and Balks entries on this blog. (It should be noted that Norfolk has won 2 of their last 10, and Durham (LV's previous opponent) has 1 victory in their last 10.)
Chad Tracy had a pair of homers for LV, and Gustavo Chacin had a "quality start."
(Note: "Fe" is the symbol for the chemical element Iron, and "Hogs" is a synonym for "Pigs." Brilliant, no?)
Lou Marson was activated from LV's Disabled List, and went 2 for 5. Marson started behind the plate, and batted fifth. His reinstatement makes him eligible to be traded for Pawtucket's Clay Buchholz, who would take Antonio Bastardo's spot in the parent club's rotation. (Bastardo would replace Jack Taschner, who would be optioned to LV. It's all figured out, Ruben and Theo just have to complete the paperwork.)
The Reading Phillies (AA) snapped a three-game losing streak, beating the Harrisburg Senators, 4-0. Top prospect Kyle Drabek was invincible, pitching eight scoreless innings. The Senators had scored nineteen runs in their previous two games, and have now scored nineteen runs in their previous three games. Drabek permitted a mere five hits, struck out five, and did not walk a batter. He retired the last sixteen batters he faced. (Don't even THINK about it, Ruben!)
Brad Lidge will start for the R-Phils on Saturday night, at 6:05pm. The right-handed Lidge was acquired by the P-Phils in the Eric Bruntlett Deal, in which Geoff Geary and Michael Bourn were sent to the Houston Astros. Lidge's portion of the game will be broadcast on the internets, conveniently before the P-Phils start their game against the B-Orioles.)
The Clearwater Threshers (A) are spending their All-Star break ten games out of first place, and will be sending five players to Saturday night's All-Star Game.
If the Florida State League North squad wins the All-Star game, the P-Phils are guaranteed homefield advantage in the National League playoffs. (OK, that part might not be true. Yet.)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) won their sixth game in a row Friday, 8-6, over the Norfolk Tides. The FeHogs have won eight of ten, moving a mere 2.5 games out of 4th Place in the International League's North Division. Some have credited the LV pitching for the streak, while others have drawn a correlation between the FeHogs' streak, and the beginning of the Bunts and Balks entries on this blog. (It should be noted that Norfolk has won 2 of their last 10, and Durham (LV's previous opponent) has 1 victory in their last 10.)
Chad Tracy had a pair of homers for LV, and Gustavo Chacin had a "quality start."
(Note: "Fe" is the symbol for the chemical element Iron, and "Hogs" is a synonym for "Pigs." Brilliant, no?)
Lou Marson was activated from LV's Disabled List, and went 2 for 5. Marson started behind the plate, and batted fifth. His reinstatement makes him eligible to be traded for Pawtucket's Clay Buchholz, who would take Antonio Bastardo's spot in the parent club's rotation. (Bastardo would replace Jack Taschner, who would be optioned to LV. It's all figured out, Ruben and Theo just have to complete the paperwork.)
The Reading Phillies (AA) snapped a three-game losing streak, beating the Harrisburg Senators, 4-0. Top prospect Kyle Drabek was invincible, pitching eight scoreless innings. The Senators had scored nineteen runs in their previous two games, and have now scored nineteen runs in their previous three games. Drabek permitted a mere five hits, struck out five, and did not walk a batter. He retired the last sixteen batters he faced. (Don't even THINK about it, Ruben!)
Brad Lidge will start for the R-Phils on Saturday night, at 6:05pm. The right-handed Lidge was acquired by the P-Phils in the Eric Bruntlett Deal, in which Geoff Geary and Michael Bourn were sent to the Houston Astros. Lidge's portion of the game will be broadcast on the internets, conveniently before the P-Phils start their game against the B-Orioles.)
The Clearwater Threshers (A) are spending their All-Star break ten games out of first place, and will be sending five players to Saturday night's All-Star Game.
If the Florida State League North squad wins the All-Star game, the P-Phils are guaranteed homefield advantage in the National League playoffs. (OK, that part might not be true. Yet.)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Phils Navigate their Dark Period
It was the great musician Dewey Cox who once said, "This is my dark (expletive deleted) period!" None of the Phillies have had to deal with the trauma of losing both of their wives to free agency at the same time, or the accidental machete-halving of a younger sibling. (Though "The Pen" could reveal otherwise in future episodes, particularly if MLBN brings in Ugueth Urbina for a ratings-grabbing cameo.) But the team has faced quite a bit of adversity this week, and the darkness is beginning to permeate the Phils' roster, as well as the fans' collective psyche.
The week started with the dizzying highs of a victory over the 2009 AL Champion Red Sox, and the bullpen's ascension into reality television stardom. Unfortunately, in Tuesday night's come-from-ahead loss to Toronto, the 'pen displayed signs of vertigo, turning a 3-2 Hamels victory, into a walk-riddled 8-3 defeat. "Everyday" Clay Condrey retired one batter in the tenth, while allowing five runs. Condrey wasn't helped by newly-promoted, should-be-a-ROOGY, Tyler Walker, who permitted three inherited runners to score. After logging four innings on Tuesday night, the Phils' relief corps worked another three frames on Wednesday. Jamie Moyer ate only six-plus innings, surrendering six runs, in the 7-1 loss.
The Phillies' offense, which almost solely consisted of daily home runs by Jayson Werth, didn't offer the pitchers much support. For the most part, the Phils' bats were quieted by Jays' starters Ricky Romero and Scott Richmond. Having their mighty bats overpowered by Romero and Richmond, who are not exactly household names, was rather embarrasing, right? Well, if your household hasn't heard of these two starters, they may be in need of some additional Baseball Education. Even if you choose not to pay attention to such things as the "American League", Romero is a first-round draft pick, who has overcome injury issues to put up some good starts this season. Richmond appears to have overcome the disappointment of not appearing for Canada in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, winning the AL Rookie of the Month award in April, and helping the starting pitching issue-laden Jays remain competitive. Losing to these two more-than-serviceable pitchers was disconcerting, but far from embarrassing. (Does anyone else think of Scott D. Service whenever they see the phrase "serviceable pitcher?" Never mind.)
The overuse of the Phillies' bullpen? Now, that's embarrassing. The Phillies have reduced their bullpen crew to six relievers, or 6.05 relievers, if you count Jack Taschner. The Phillies' starting pitchers have been, routinely, pitching only five or six innings a game. Well, except for when they pitch less, sometimes much less. The Phillies need their bullpenners to have fully-functioning throwing arms during the postseason, but that doesn't seem likely at their current pace. It doesn't appear that the starting pitchers are likely to suddenly start going deeper into games, increasing their bullpen size by 1.95 relievers seems to be necessary. Taschner needs to be relied upon, at minimum, to fill in some innings on a regular basis. Preferably, low-leverage innings, considering his performance-to-date. If Taschner can't handle such a role, or Manager Charlie Manuel doesn't feel he can rely on him in those situations, Taschner needs to be replaced.
Third-string catcher Paul Bako was added to the roster, at the expense of a reliever, to serve as a deterrent to the use of Eric Bruntlett as a pinch-hitter. Even ignoring the illogic of utilizing 4% of your roster, for the purpose of discouraging the use of another 4%, this personnel move has not worked. Bruntlett still escapes the Phillies' dugout on a regular basis, much to the dismay of Phillies fans everywhere. Bako needs to be replaced by a reliever now, before any million-dollar appendages are found by bullpen coach Mick Billimeyer.
The height of the Dark Period may have occurred Thursday, when MVP Raul Ibanez was placed on the DL. Ibanez has been plagued by groin issues, and may be out longer than fifteen days. There was no way the Phillies could have predicted that playing a 37 year-old outfielder just about every inning, with the exception of his DH Days at New Yankee Stadium, might lead to an injury. The loss of Ibanez is almost too demoralizing for this blogger to consider right now. So, we'll try to draw some positives from the situation. Ibanez will, finally, get some days off. John Mayberry has been recalled, and will get some MLB at bats. (Hopefully, against southpaws, for the most part.) Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs should see some time against right-handers, and more regular appearances should help the two bench players. When Mayberry is on the bench, the Phils have a viable (i.e. non-Bruntlett) right-handed pinch-hitting option, besides Chris Coste. (Maybe this will help encourage the removal of Bako from the roster...) Losing Ibanez, with closer Brad Lidge and #2 starter Brett Myers already on the DL, is tough. But the Phillies have enough talent to remain in the division race, and it's better to lose Ibanez and Lidge to injury now, than in September.
Joe Blanton starts for the Phils against Toronto on Thursday afternoon. The over/under for Phillies' relievers needed is four. (The "over" would be the smart bet.) The Phillies have the ability to escape their Dark Period, just as Dewey Cox did. Will the Phils will be able to reach Cox' level of all-encompassing brilliance? That remains to be seen, but it's going to continue to be quite the ride.
The week started with the dizzying highs of a victory over the 2009 AL Champion Red Sox, and the bullpen's ascension into reality television stardom. Unfortunately, in Tuesday night's come-from-ahead loss to Toronto, the 'pen displayed signs of vertigo, turning a 3-2 Hamels victory, into a walk-riddled 8-3 defeat. "Everyday" Clay Condrey retired one batter in the tenth, while allowing five runs. Condrey wasn't helped by newly-promoted, should-be-a-ROOGY, Tyler Walker, who permitted three inherited runners to score. After logging four innings on Tuesday night, the Phils' relief corps worked another three frames on Wednesday. Jamie Moyer ate only six-plus innings, surrendering six runs, in the 7-1 loss.
The Phillies' offense, which almost solely consisted of daily home runs by Jayson Werth, didn't offer the pitchers much support. For the most part, the Phils' bats were quieted by Jays' starters Ricky Romero and Scott Richmond. Having their mighty bats overpowered by Romero and Richmond, who are not exactly household names, was rather embarrasing, right? Well, if your household hasn't heard of these two starters, they may be in need of some additional Baseball Education. Even if you choose not to pay attention to such things as the "American League", Romero is a first-round draft pick, who has overcome injury issues to put up some good starts this season. Richmond appears to have overcome the disappointment of not appearing for Canada in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, winning the AL Rookie of the Month award in April, and helping the starting pitching issue-laden Jays remain competitive. Losing to these two more-than-serviceable pitchers was disconcerting, but far from embarrassing. (Does anyone else think of Scott D. Service whenever they see the phrase "serviceable pitcher?" Never mind.)
The overuse of the Phillies' bullpen? Now, that's embarrassing. The Phillies have reduced their bullpen crew to six relievers, or 6.05 relievers, if you count Jack Taschner. The Phillies' starting pitchers have been, routinely, pitching only five or six innings a game. Well, except for when they pitch less, sometimes much less. The Phillies need their bullpenners to have fully-functioning throwing arms during the postseason, but that doesn't seem likely at their current pace. It doesn't appear that the starting pitchers are likely to suddenly start going deeper into games, increasing their bullpen size by 1.95 relievers seems to be necessary. Taschner needs to be relied upon, at minimum, to fill in some innings on a regular basis. Preferably, low-leverage innings, considering his performance-to-date. If Taschner can't handle such a role, or Manager Charlie Manuel doesn't feel he can rely on him in those situations, Taschner needs to be replaced.
Third-string catcher Paul Bako was added to the roster, at the expense of a reliever, to serve as a deterrent to the use of Eric Bruntlett as a pinch-hitter. Even ignoring the illogic of utilizing 4% of your roster, for the purpose of discouraging the use of another 4%, this personnel move has not worked. Bruntlett still escapes the Phillies' dugout on a regular basis, much to the dismay of Phillies fans everywhere. Bako needs to be replaced by a reliever now, before any million-dollar appendages are found by bullpen coach Mick Billimeyer.
The height of the Dark Period may have occurred Thursday, when MVP Raul Ibanez was placed on the DL. Ibanez has been plagued by groin issues, and may be out longer than fifteen days. There was no way the Phillies could have predicted that playing a 37 year-old outfielder just about every inning, with the exception of his DH Days at New Yankee Stadium, might lead to an injury. The loss of Ibanez is almost too demoralizing for this blogger to consider right now. So, we'll try to draw some positives from the situation. Ibanez will, finally, get some days off. John Mayberry has been recalled, and will get some MLB at bats. (Hopefully, against southpaws, for the most part.) Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs should see some time against right-handers, and more regular appearances should help the two bench players. When Mayberry is on the bench, the Phils have a viable (i.e. non-Bruntlett) right-handed pinch-hitting option, besides Chris Coste. (Maybe this will help encourage the removal of Bako from the roster...) Losing Ibanez, with closer Brad Lidge and #2 starter Brett Myers already on the DL, is tough. But the Phillies have enough talent to remain in the division race, and it's better to lose Ibanez and Lidge to injury now, than in September.
Joe Blanton starts for the Phils against Toronto on Thursday afternoon. The over/under for Phillies' relievers needed is four. (The "over" would be the smart bet.) The Phillies have the ability to escape their Dark Period, just as Dewey Cox did. Will the Phils will be able to reach Cox' level of all-encompassing brilliance? That remains to be seen, but it's going to continue to be quite the ride.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/15)
The Phillies made no personnel moves on Monday.
Jack Taschner and Antonio Bastardo remain on the roster. It wouldn't be surprising, if one of them was optioned to AAA, prior to Tuesday's game against Toronto.
The Phillies will need a starting pitcher on Friday (or Saturday) against Baltimore. (J.A. Happ would be on his regular day on Friday.) They haven't announced that Bastardo will remain in the rotation, and his one-inning start against Boston highlighted the need for more minor league seasoning.
Carlos Carrasco started Monday night for Lehigh Valley (AAA), and would be on his regular day on Saturday.
Andrew Carpenter is scheduled to start Tuesday night for Lehigh Valley, but could be scratched, and start for the Phils on Friday or Saturday.
If they decide that Carrasco or Carpenter will start this weekend, the Phils could option Bastardo prior to Tuesday's game, and recall another bullpen arm. (Preferably, a bullpen arm on the 40-Man roster, with options remaining. For example, Reading (AA) lefty Mike Zagurski.)
On Friday or Saturday, either Taschner or (Zagurski?) could be optioned, opening a spot for Carrasco or Carpenter. (The Taschner for Carrasco option gets my vote.)
Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and Jimmy Rollins lead at their positions in All-Star voting. Ryan Howard is in a distant second, behind Albert Pujols. Carlos Ruiz and Pedro Feliz are in fourth at their respective positions. Among outfielders, Shane Victorino is fifth, and Jayson Werth is eighth, with the top three vote-getters going to St. Louis.
Ruiz and Feliz may deserve spots, based on their performances this season. Rollins doesn't deserve a spot, based on his performance this season. Ryan Howard should go, but may lose out because there is a glut of good first-sackers to back-up Pujols on the team. With each team guaranteed at least one representative, we may only see Phillies who are voted in, on the squad.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs beat the Durham Bulls, 8-5, on Monday night.
Carlos Carrasco got the win, surrending four runs in six and a third innings. (Two of those runs scored, when Gary Majewski relieved Carrasco in the seventh.) Steven Register pitched two scoreless innings for the save. Roster-fillers Jason Ellison and David Newhan each contributed three hits, to the thirteen-hit IronPigs attack. Lehigh Valley scored in six consecutive innings, the second through the seventh.
The Reading Phillies (AA) defeated the Harrisburg Senators, 5-2, on Monday morning. Yep, Monday morning.
The game started at 9:35 AM! Joe Savery is unbeatable before noon. Savery pitched six innings, and allowed just one hit. Savery is now 8-1, with a 3.47 ERA. Through my HP speakers, Savery sounded like he is almost ready for AAA. Neil Sellers, Gus Milner, and Kevin Mahar had homers for the R-Phils.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Sarasota Reds, 7-3.
The Threshers made three errors, and went 1 for 8 with men in scoring position. Julian Sampson got blasted, permitting six runs (on eight hits, with three walks/three strikeouts), in five innings. Sampson is now 1-7, with an 8.06 ERA. Sampson is also 20 years old, with a .358 BABIP, and a 55.6 LOB%.
Things could get better for the young right-hander, though Ruben Amaro probably shouldn't hesitate to include Sampson in the Halladay trade.
Cole Hamels starts for the P-Phils on Tuesday night, opposed by the Toronto Blue Jays' Ricky Romero.
Hamels shouldn't have much trouble picking up his fifth win. Lock it up!
Jack Taschner and Antonio Bastardo remain on the roster. It wouldn't be surprising, if one of them was optioned to AAA, prior to Tuesday's game against Toronto.
The Phillies will need a starting pitcher on Friday (or Saturday) against Baltimore. (J.A. Happ would be on his regular day on Friday.) They haven't announced that Bastardo will remain in the rotation, and his one-inning start against Boston highlighted the need for more minor league seasoning.
Carlos Carrasco started Monday night for Lehigh Valley (AAA), and would be on his regular day on Saturday.
Andrew Carpenter is scheduled to start Tuesday night for Lehigh Valley, but could be scratched, and start for the Phils on Friday or Saturday.
If they decide that Carrasco or Carpenter will start this weekend, the Phils could option Bastardo prior to Tuesday's game, and recall another bullpen arm. (Preferably, a bullpen arm on the 40-Man roster, with options remaining. For example, Reading (AA) lefty Mike Zagurski.)
On Friday or Saturday, either Taschner or (Zagurski?) could be optioned, opening a spot for Carrasco or Carpenter. (The Taschner for Carrasco option gets my vote.)
Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and Jimmy Rollins lead at their positions in All-Star voting. Ryan Howard is in a distant second, behind Albert Pujols. Carlos Ruiz and Pedro Feliz are in fourth at their respective positions. Among outfielders, Shane Victorino is fifth, and Jayson Werth is eighth, with the top three vote-getters going to St. Louis.
Ruiz and Feliz may deserve spots, based on their performances this season. Rollins doesn't deserve a spot, based on his performance this season. Ryan Howard should go, but may lose out because there is a glut of good first-sackers to back-up Pujols on the team. With each team guaranteed at least one representative, we may only see Phillies who are voted in, on the squad.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs beat the Durham Bulls, 8-5, on Monday night.
Carlos Carrasco got the win, surrending four runs in six and a third innings. (Two of those runs scored, when Gary Majewski relieved Carrasco in the seventh.) Steven Register pitched two scoreless innings for the save. Roster-fillers Jason Ellison and David Newhan each contributed three hits, to the thirteen-hit IronPigs attack. Lehigh Valley scored in six consecutive innings, the second through the seventh.
The Reading Phillies (AA) defeated the Harrisburg Senators, 5-2, on Monday morning. Yep, Monday morning.
The game started at 9:35 AM! Joe Savery is unbeatable before noon. Savery pitched six innings, and allowed just one hit. Savery is now 8-1, with a 3.47 ERA. Through my HP speakers, Savery sounded like he is almost ready for AAA. Neil Sellers, Gus Milner, and Kevin Mahar had homers for the R-Phils.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Sarasota Reds, 7-3.
The Threshers made three errors, and went 1 for 8 with men in scoring position. Julian Sampson got blasted, permitting six runs (on eight hits, with three walks/three strikeouts), in five innings. Sampson is now 1-7, with an 8.06 ERA. Sampson is also 20 years old, with a .358 BABIP, and a 55.6 LOB%.
Things could get better for the young right-hander, though Ruben Amaro probably shouldn't hesitate to include Sampson in the Halladay trade.
Cole Hamels starts for the P-Phils on Tuesday night, opposed by the Toronto Blue Jays' Ricky Romero.
Hamels shouldn't have much trouble picking up his fifth win. Lock it up!
Monday, June 15, 2009
"The Pen"- Episode One
The long-awaited premiere episode of "The Pen", the "reality show" featuring the Phillies' bullpen, aired tonight. It wasn't bad. It was a little more documentary, and a little less "fly on the wall" than I would have preferred. But, it was the introductory episode, and subsequent editions may feature more behind-the-scenes shenanigans. We all want the shenanigans, and we all know that Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey can bring us the aforementioned shenanigans.
In the months of waiting for Episode One, I have pondered many possible storylines for the series:
In the months of waiting for Episode One, I have pondered many possible storylines for the series:
- Brad Lidge taking Sergio Escalona to his first rodeo.
- J.C. Romero shopping at GNC, meticulously studying the warning labels.
- Ryan Madson winning an immunity challenge, by placing 147 snails on the head of a slumbering Matt Stairs.
- Clay Condrey and Chad Durbin cooking at CBP, with Emeril Lagasse. (Durbin spends most of the episode peeling garlic.)
- Scott Eyre climbing the roof at CBP. While wearing a cape.
- Jack Taschner fighting crime, on the cold, hard streets of South Philly. (Also wearing a cape.)
- The whole bullpen celebrating Taschner's birthday together. At Dave and Buster's!
Future episodes may include some, or all, of the above. (Spoiler Alert: The only thing certain is that Taschner will play a crucial role as the series progresses. Otherwise, it just doesn't make sense that he is still on the team.)
Episode One did include a number of memorable moments:
- Clay Condrey indicating that "only pretty boys smile" at an 8am photo shoot for the show.
- Scott Eyre with his Little League-playing son. Spring Training in Clearwater afforded Eyre the opportunity to attend a lot of his son's games. Eyre's son, a pitcher, claims "it's easier to throw strikes, if I throw slow."
- Kyle Kendrick's demotion is a "step backwards, to step forwards."
- Ruben Amaro wants to tell J.A. Happ that Happ has made the club, in order to help the pitcher "get the monkey off his ass."
- During the (World Series) Ring Ceremony, Muffin calls the ring a "pretty good piece of bling."
- Chad Durbin says that Harry Kalas' voice is the "narrator for your dreams."
- Jack Taschner's wife, son, and brand new daughter are introduced. How can we root for his demotion now? (Well, he gets his $835K, even if he is coming out of the Lehigh Valley bullpen, so I think I am still OK with his demotion.)
The best part, at least to this fan, was when they showed the Phillies' management team discussing their roster decisions for the pitching staff. Though I was disappointed that Muffin and the Phanatic didn't appear to be involved in the meeting, it was surprising that the cameras would be allowed to tape such candid conversations about Phillies' players. I wonder if the cameras caused the management team to speak more diplomatically about the players, than they would have otherwise?
Naturally, part of the focus of that conversation was Taschner's status with the team. Manuel spoke bluntly about Taschner's lack of command. But Taschner's left-handedness won out, and he made the team, at the expense of right-hander Gary Majewski. If only someone had realized that Taschner wasn't particularly effective against batters of either handed-ness...
The next episode promises to answer questions, such as "Are Brad Lidge's issues real?" and "Who will lose his roster spot, when J.C. Romero returns?" Phillies fans already know the answers to these questions, but we'll tune in, just in case they show Condrey, Durbin, and Eyre fishing together. The question "Who is the second-best fisherman?" remains unanswered. (Condrey is, obviously, the best of the three. No questions asked.)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Phils Surprise Sox, Avoid Sweep
The Phillies were on the verge of being swept, in their three-game series against Boston. The Phillies had an exhausted bullpen. MVP candidate Raul Ibanez, and starting catcher Carlos Ruiz, were out of the lineup, both given the day off. (Fortunately, Charlie Manuel resisted the temptation to use third-string catcher Paul Bako, despite the fact that starting the right-handed hitting Chris Coste likely affected Manuel's managerial sensibilities.) The Red Sox, winners of five in a row, had their overpowering bullpen in near-mint condition, and right-handed ace Josh Beckett on the mound. The Phils' starter, J.A. Happ, has held his own this season, but lacks the pedigree of a Beckett. About the only thing the Phillies had going for them was Sox Manager Terry Francona's decision to rest four of his usual starters (2B Dustin Pedroia, C Jason Varitek, DH David Ortiz, and RF J.D. Drew). Well, that, and the fact that reliever Jack Taschner would be unavailable to pitch.
The Phillies fell behind, 4-1, in the top of the second inning. Though the scoreline remained unchanged for the next three innings, J.A. Happ's pitch count was rising perilously, and the Phillies' weakened bullpen was poised to be exposed. Josh Beckett was poised to achieve his eighth victory, as he had the Phillies' bats under control.
The Phillies' Win Expectancy was only 19.6%, as they batted in the bottom of the fifth. Five hits later, including two-out, RBI hits from Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard, the Phillies lead 5-4. Beckett took matters into his own hands in the sixth, tying the game with a solo home run. With the score tied at 5, the game was about to become a battle of bullpens. Not a battle the Phillies seemed likely to win.
In the seventh inning, with Josh Beckett still on the mound, Phillies' SS Jimmy Rollins hit a go-ahead home run. Beckett turned the game over to the Sox' more-than-capable bullpen, after allowing a single to Shane Victorino. Sox relievers Daniel Bard and Takashi Saito combined to escape the inning. "Escaping", that is, after ten more Phillies had come to the plate, and a 6-5 lead had become 11-5. The sudden rally was keyed by four walks, a HBP, and a pair of doubles (by Jayson Werth and Pedro Feliz). Four of the six runs were scored with two outs.
J.A. Happ struggled on Sunday, permitting five runs in his five and two-third inning, one-hundred and eight pitch outing. Happ surrendered seven hits and six walks, and was fortunate not to damage his ERA any more than he did. However, the Phillies' bullpen out-pitched their more highly-regarded Soxian counterparts. By "bullpen", I mostly mean "Chan Ho Park." Pitching out of the bullpen seems to be a good fit for Park, as his increased velocity in shorter appearances has made him a rather effective pitcher. Park pitched two and a third innings for the win, permitting only an unearned run.
With an 11-6 lead in the top of the ninth, Charlie Manuel summoned newly-recalled reliever Tyler Walker. It was a good opportunity to avoid burning another reliever, and ideal circumstances for Walker to make a non-pressure return to MLB. Well, perhaps not. Manuel actually called in closer Ryan Madson to protect a five-run lead, and a 99.3% WE. While Madson had Saturday off, and won't pitch on Monday's off day, there was no reason to use Madson. (Well, Manuel probably had reasons like "we needed that one" and other baseball platitudes.) Madson threw twenty-eight pitches in the scoreless ninth, more unecessary wear and tear on the bullpen's most important arm.
Manuel's puzzling usage of Madson aside, Sunday's sweep-avoiding victory was a big one. It will be interesting to see both teams face off again in October, with the front of each rotation on the mound, and all starting positional players in their respective lineups. With a week's slate of designated hitter-less interleague games, against the Blue Jays (.523 winning percentage), and the Baltimore Orioles (.429), the Phils can continue to increase their, currently four-game, lead over the fading New York Mets.
The Phillies fell behind, 4-1, in the top of the second inning. Though the scoreline remained unchanged for the next three innings, J.A. Happ's pitch count was rising perilously, and the Phillies' weakened bullpen was poised to be exposed. Josh Beckett was poised to achieve his eighth victory, as he had the Phillies' bats under control.
The Phillies' Win Expectancy was only 19.6%, as they batted in the bottom of the fifth. Five hits later, including two-out, RBI hits from Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard, the Phillies lead 5-4. Beckett took matters into his own hands in the sixth, tying the game with a solo home run. With the score tied at 5, the game was about to become a battle of bullpens. Not a battle the Phillies seemed likely to win.
In the seventh inning, with Josh Beckett still on the mound, Phillies' SS Jimmy Rollins hit a go-ahead home run. Beckett turned the game over to the Sox' more-than-capable bullpen, after allowing a single to Shane Victorino. Sox relievers Daniel Bard and Takashi Saito combined to escape the inning. "Escaping", that is, after ten more Phillies had come to the plate, and a 6-5 lead had become 11-5. The sudden rally was keyed by four walks, a HBP, and a pair of doubles (by Jayson Werth and Pedro Feliz). Four of the six runs were scored with two outs.
J.A. Happ struggled on Sunday, permitting five runs in his five and two-third inning, one-hundred and eight pitch outing. Happ surrendered seven hits and six walks, and was fortunate not to damage his ERA any more than he did. However, the Phillies' bullpen out-pitched their more highly-regarded Soxian counterparts. By "bullpen", I mostly mean "Chan Ho Park." Pitching out of the bullpen seems to be a good fit for Park, as his increased velocity in shorter appearances has made him a rather effective pitcher. Park pitched two and a third innings for the win, permitting only an unearned run.
With an 11-6 lead in the top of the ninth, Charlie Manuel summoned newly-recalled reliever Tyler Walker. It was a good opportunity to avoid burning another reliever, and ideal circumstances for Walker to make a non-pressure return to MLB. Well, perhaps not. Manuel actually called in closer Ryan Madson to protect a five-run lead, and a 99.3% WE. While Madson had Saturday off, and won't pitch on Monday's off day, there was no reason to use Madson. (Well, Manuel probably had reasons like "we needed that one" and other baseball platitudes.) Madson threw twenty-eight pitches in the scoreless ninth, more unecessary wear and tear on the bullpen's most important arm.
Manuel's puzzling usage of Madson aside, Sunday's sweep-avoiding victory was a big one. It will be interesting to see both teams face off again in October, with the front of each rotation on the mound, and all starting positional players in their respective lineups. With a week's slate of designated hitter-less interleague games, against the Blue Jays (.523 winning percentage), and the Baltimore Orioles (.429), the Phils can continue to increase their, currently four-game, lead over the fading New York Mets.
Bunts and Balks (6/14)
The Phillies optioned reliever Sergio Escalona back to the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs(AAA). Tyler Walker was placed on the Phillies' 40-Man Roster, and recalled from the IronPigs.
Escalona was ineffective on Saturday, but might have been demoted on Sunday, even with a strong performance. The Phillies' bullpen needed reinforcements. Escalona's option, combined with the fact that he wouldn't be available on Sunday, made him a good choice for demotion.
He could return to the roster, if one of the Phillies' current bullpenners needs to go on the DL, even it is within the next ten days. (Without an "emergency" situation, Escalona can't be recalled for a minimum of ten days. I prefer the NHL method, where you can send players up and down, on a daily basis. I'm guessing the MLBPA would not be in favor of that payroll-reducing maneuver.)
Walker has been outstanding in AAA, pairing a 1.40 ERA with a 0.57 WHIP. However, he was pitching on a minor-league contract, and does not have any options remaining. The Phillies resisted promoting him sooner because they would have to try to pass him through waivers, if they wanted to send him back to AAA. (Putting him in one of the open slots in the Phils' 40-Man Roster was not an issue.) By recalling him now, it seems that the Phils figure they can carve out a roster spot for Walker, for an extended period. (Brad Lidge and Scott Eyre are on the DL, Jack Taschner is hanging by a thread, and third-string catcher Paul Bako could be easily replaced, increasing the bullpen to a "Plus Eight.")
The Phils could also open up a (short-term) roster spot, by sending Antonio Bastardo back to AAA. Bastardo seems overmatched at the MLB level, and needs to work on his repertoire. The Phillies would need a starter on Friday, but could add an extra relief arm, in the interim. (Lefty Mike Zagurski, pitching in AA, is on the 40-Man Roster, has options remaining, and might be a fit. Righty Gary Majewski, pitching in AAA, would not be a good fit for a short-term promotion, as he would need to pass through waivers to be sent back to Lehigh Valley.)
Andrew Carpenter and Carlos Carrasco could be considered for recall from AAA, to make the Friday start. (Also worthy of consideration would be the impact of good (or bad) starts on the two starters' respective trade values.) After Saturday night's debacle, it does seem that the Phils need to try a non-Bastardo rotation option. But the fact that they didn't demote him for an available arm today, may signal that they expect to give the rookie another start at the MLB level.
The IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 6-3. Mike Cervenak, a better Phillies' roster option than Gabor Paul Bako II, had a pair of hits (including a home run), and knocked in three runs. Starter Gustavo Chacin picked up the win, with six innings of two-run ball. He allowed five hits and zero walks, striking out six. In the absence of recently-promoted Tyler Walker, Cedric Bowers worked the ninth, for his first save. Gary Majewski may also see some future save opportunities for Lehigh Valley.
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost the completion of their suspended game from Saturday, 2-1. The game was suspended after nine innings on Saturday, with the R-Phils and the Harrisburg Senators tied at one. The R-Phils lost Sunday, prior to their regularly-scheduled game, on an 11th inning run.
The Reading Phillies won their regularly-scheduled game, 6-5. The R-Phils trailed 5-3 in the eighth, but came back to tie the game at 5. CF Quintin Berry, coming to the plate to the somber tones of "For the Love of Money", by the BulletBoys, had a crucial double in the inning. Jeremy Slayden went 4 for 4. Brad Harman, who had 1 hit in his last 35 ABs, had the walk-off hit in the ninth. Top prospect Kyle Drabek starter for the R-Phils, and lasted six innings. Drabek allowed four runs, on eight hits and four walks. Not a good outing by Drabek, but the offense bailed him out for an exciting victory. (I turned on the broadcast with the score 5-3, Harrisburg, and caught the best parts of the game. The Reading crowd sounded quite raucous. Am I the only one that imagines the between-innings music being played by the Mascot Band? Never mind.)
The Reading Phillies play their annual "Morning Game" on Monday. Game time is 9:35 AM. Listen live, via the internets!
The Clearwater Threshers (A) won a pitcher's duel against the Jupiter Hammerheads, 2-0. Yohan Flande pitched a complete-game shutout, improving to 6-1, with a 2.45 ERA. Flande allowed six hits and a walk, striking out six. Flande might be ready to join the R-Phils. The game was played in only 1:56, as each team had just six hits, and a walk.
"The Pen" debuts tonight! MLB Network, 8:00pm, an hour of behind-the-scenes Phils' bullpen action!
The P-Phils, and their top three affiliates, were all victorious on Sunday. What are the chances of that? (I calculate the probability to be about 7.21%, but feel free to do your own calculations.)
Escalona was ineffective on Saturday, but might have been demoted on Sunday, even with a strong performance. The Phillies' bullpen needed reinforcements. Escalona's option, combined with the fact that he wouldn't be available on Sunday, made him a good choice for demotion.
He could return to the roster, if one of the Phillies' current bullpenners needs to go on the DL, even it is within the next ten days. (Without an "emergency" situation, Escalona can't be recalled for a minimum of ten days. I prefer the NHL method, where you can send players up and down, on a daily basis. I'm guessing the MLBPA would not be in favor of that payroll-reducing maneuver.)
Walker has been outstanding in AAA, pairing a 1.40 ERA with a 0.57 WHIP. However, he was pitching on a minor-league contract, and does not have any options remaining. The Phillies resisted promoting him sooner because they would have to try to pass him through waivers, if they wanted to send him back to AAA. (Putting him in one of the open slots in the Phils' 40-Man Roster was not an issue.) By recalling him now, it seems that the Phils figure they can carve out a roster spot for Walker, for an extended period. (Brad Lidge and Scott Eyre are on the DL, Jack Taschner is hanging by a thread, and third-string catcher Paul Bako could be easily replaced, increasing the bullpen to a "Plus Eight.")
The Phils could also open up a (short-term) roster spot, by sending Antonio Bastardo back to AAA. Bastardo seems overmatched at the MLB level, and needs to work on his repertoire. The Phillies would need a starter on Friday, but could add an extra relief arm, in the interim. (Lefty Mike Zagurski, pitching in AA, is on the 40-Man Roster, has options remaining, and might be a fit. Righty Gary Majewski, pitching in AAA, would not be a good fit for a short-term promotion, as he would need to pass through waivers to be sent back to Lehigh Valley.)
Andrew Carpenter and Carlos Carrasco could be considered for recall from AAA, to make the Friday start. (Also worthy of consideration would be the impact of good (or bad) starts on the two starters' respective trade values.) After Saturday night's debacle, it does seem that the Phils need to try a non-Bastardo rotation option. But the fact that they didn't demote him for an available arm today, may signal that they expect to give the rookie another start at the MLB level.
The IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 6-3. Mike Cervenak, a better Phillies' roster option than Gabor Paul Bako II, had a pair of hits (including a home run), and knocked in three runs. Starter Gustavo Chacin picked up the win, with six innings of two-run ball. He allowed five hits and zero walks, striking out six. In the absence of recently-promoted Tyler Walker, Cedric Bowers worked the ninth, for his first save. Gary Majewski may also see some future save opportunities for Lehigh Valley.
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost the completion of their suspended game from Saturday, 2-1. The game was suspended after nine innings on Saturday, with the R-Phils and the Harrisburg Senators tied at one. The R-Phils lost Sunday, prior to their regularly-scheduled game, on an 11th inning run.
The Reading Phillies won their regularly-scheduled game, 6-5. The R-Phils trailed 5-3 in the eighth, but came back to tie the game at 5. CF Quintin Berry, coming to the plate to the somber tones of "For the Love of Money", by the BulletBoys, had a crucial double in the inning. Jeremy Slayden went 4 for 4. Brad Harman, who had 1 hit in his last 35 ABs, had the walk-off hit in the ninth. Top prospect Kyle Drabek starter for the R-Phils, and lasted six innings. Drabek allowed four runs, on eight hits and four walks. Not a good outing by Drabek, but the offense bailed him out for an exciting victory. (I turned on the broadcast with the score 5-3, Harrisburg, and caught the best parts of the game. The Reading crowd sounded quite raucous. Am I the only one that imagines the between-innings music being played by the Mascot Band? Never mind.)
The Reading Phillies play their annual "Morning Game" on Monday. Game time is 9:35 AM. Listen live, via the internets!
The Clearwater Threshers (A) won a pitcher's duel against the Jupiter Hammerheads, 2-0. Yohan Flande pitched a complete-game shutout, improving to 6-1, with a 2.45 ERA. Flande allowed six hits and a walk, striking out six. Flande might be ready to join the R-Phils. The game was played in only 1:56, as each team had just six hits, and a walk.
"The Pen" debuts tonight! MLB Network, 8:00pm, an hour of behind-the-scenes Phils' bullpen action!
The P-Phils, and their top three affiliates, were all victorious on Sunday. What are the chances of that? (I calculate the probability to be about 7.21%, but feel free to do your own calculations.)
Phils' Pitching Implodes, in Ugly Loss
Saturday would have been a good night for a rain out. With the Phils' bullpen exhausted from consecutive marathon games, and rookie Antonio Bastardo slated to start against the powerful Boston Red Sox, the Phillies' signs were as ominous as the dark sky over CBP. Rescheduling the game to Monday, a mutual off-day for the two teams, would have been advantageous. (At least for the Phillies, which is the priority, obviously.) Actually, anything would have been better than the ugliness that would soon follow.
The top of the first inning may have been the worst half-frame of the 2009 season. Antonio Bastardo was horrid, permitting three hits and three walks. The usually-brilliant Phils' defense was even more repugnant, making three physical errors, and a number of mental ones. The Phillies trailed 5-0, after an inning, when the rains caused the game to be halted.
With a 5-0 deficit, and eight innings of Phillies' Bullpen Excitement on tap, I hoped for a rain cancellation. I didn't have much confidence that the Phils could come back to win, as some of their available relievers (Jack Taschner, Sergio Escalona) hardly inspire confidence. With eight innings to fill, Taschner and Escalona would have to be used, unless Charlie Manuel opted to have Eric Bruntlett eat innings. The Phils would also have to use some of their good relievers (Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey), who really needed some time off, which would hurt the team's chances in Sunday's finale. The game probably should have been delayed from the start, as the teams barely got an inning in, before the field was unplayable.
After a ninety-five minute rain delay, the Phillies took the field to continue the game, with Chad Durbin on the mound. Durbin had a great outing, throwing THREE scoreless innings. In the fourth inning, Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz homered. The Phillies closed to within 5-4, and Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was driven from the game. Maybe the Phils had a chance in this one?
Nope. The Red Sox trotted out Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima, Ramon Ramirez, and closer Jonathan Papelbon, and their sub-2.50 ERAs, to cover the final five innings. (Daniel Bard, and his 98 MPH fastball is the team's SEVENTH option!) The Sox' pen held the Phils to a pair of runs. The Phillies responded with Jack Taschner, who packed five hits and a walk, into a 37-pitch inning. Taschner was fortunate to allow only three runs, as a great inning-ending catch by Shane Victorino saved the team three more. Sergio Escalona followed, surrendering "only" two runs, over two innings. Escalona was also fortunate, as he permitted three hits and two walks, in his forty-one pitch appearance. The Phils would never challenge again, falling 11-6.
Prior to Sunday's game, Escalona was optioned back to Lehigh Valley, and replaced by Tyler Walker. Escalona would not have been available on Sunday, and can be recalled in ten days, or fewer if the Phillies place a pitcher on the DL. Walker has been outstanding in AAA, but wasn't recalled earlier, due to his lack of options. (If the Phillies recall him, they can't send him back to AAA, without exposing him to waivers. Another team would definitely grab him.) I would have liked to have seen Taschner optioned for a Sunday-available replacement, as well.
J.A. Happ starts for the Phils on Sunday, hoping to halt the Sox' five-game winning streak. The Sox send another ace, Josh Beckett, to the mound. Happ needs to go deep into the game, to help the embattled 'pen. Avoiding a sweep will be quite difficult for the Phillies. But, on the plus side, maybe the Sox will be over-confident, when the teams meet again in the World Series. With Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, and Doug Davis available to start the first three Series games for the Phils, the Fall Classic should yield better results.
The top of the first inning may have been the worst half-frame of the 2009 season. Antonio Bastardo was horrid, permitting three hits and three walks. The usually-brilliant Phils' defense was even more repugnant, making three physical errors, and a number of mental ones. The Phillies trailed 5-0, after an inning, when the rains caused the game to be halted.
With a 5-0 deficit, and eight innings of Phillies' Bullpen Excitement on tap, I hoped for a rain cancellation. I didn't have much confidence that the Phils could come back to win, as some of their available relievers (Jack Taschner, Sergio Escalona) hardly inspire confidence. With eight innings to fill, Taschner and Escalona would have to be used, unless Charlie Manuel opted to have Eric Bruntlett eat innings. The Phils would also have to use some of their good relievers (Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey), who really needed some time off, which would hurt the team's chances in Sunday's finale. The game probably should have been delayed from the start, as the teams barely got an inning in, before the field was unplayable.
After a ninety-five minute rain delay, the Phillies took the field to continue the game, with Chad Durbin on the mound. Durbin had a great outing, throwing THREE scoreless innings. In the fourth inning, Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz homered. The Phillies closed to within 5-4, and Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was driven from the game. Maybe the Phils had a chance in this one?
Nope. The Red Sox trotted out Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima, Ramon Ramirez, and closer Jonathan Papelbon, and their sub-2.50 ERAs, to cover the final five innings. (Daniel Bard, and his 98 MPH fastball is the team's SEVENTH option!) The Sox' pen held the Phils to a pair of runs. The Phillies responded with Jack Taschner, who packed five hits and a walk, into a 37-pitch inning. Taschner was fortunate to allow only three runs, as a great inning-ending catch by Shane Victorino saved the team three more. Sergio Escalona followed, surrendering "only" two runs, over two innings. Escalona was also fortunate, as he permitted three hits and two walks, in his forty-one pitch appearance. The Phils would never challenge again, falling 11-6.
Prior to Sunday's game, Escalona was optioned back to Lehigh Valley, and replaced by Tyler Walker. Escalona would not have been available on Sunday, and can be recalled in ten days, or fewer if the Phillies place a pitcher on the DL. Walker has been outstanding in AAA, but wasn't recalled earlier, due to his lack of options. (If the Phillies recall him, they can't send him back to AAA, without exposing him to waivers. Another team would definitely grab him.) I would have liked to have seen Taschner optioned for a Sunday-available replacement, as well.
J.A. Happ starts for the Phils on Sunday, hoping to halt the Sox' five-game winning streak. The Sox send another ace, Josh Beckett, to the mound. Happ needs to go deep into the game, to help the embattled 'pen. Avoiding a sweep will be quite difficult for the Phillies. But, on the plus side, maybe the Sox will be over-confident, when the teams meet again in the World Series. With Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, and Doug Davis available to start the first three Series games for the Phils, the Fall Classic should yield better results.
Bunts and Balks (6/13)
The Phillies sent Kyle Kendrick back to Lehigh Valley (AAA), recalling lefty Sergio Escalona. Escalona is a better direct replacement for LOOGY Scott Eyre. (Mike Zagurski, currently a AA southpaw, is on the 40-Man Roster, has options remaining, and could also have been considered.)
The Phillies likely will have more personnel moves in the near future, as their bullpen has been overworked, and has some injury concerns. Tyler Walker or Gary Majewski, both exiled in AAA, may finally get the call to the Phils. Walker and Majewski, both MLB veterans, would be exposed to waivers, if the Phillies tried to return them to AAA after an MLB stint. So the Phils have held off recalling them, until it appears that there will be a longer-term opening. (The right-handed Walker, probably, should have replaced Jack Taschner, the lefty who pitches like an ineffective righty, months ago.)
The Phils could also dump catcher Paul Bako, and return to the "Plus Eight" bullpen, but I doubt that they would give up the veteran catcher after such a short time. Escalona (41 pitches on Saturday) and Taschner (37 pitches) both would be unavailable on Sunday, and could be in danger of immediate demotion. (Both can be optioned, without passing through waivers, and could be recalled in fewer than ten days, if a pitcher goes to the DL.) The Phils are fortunate to have an off-day on Monday.
Kyle Kendrick was demoted after one really bad outing. Was recalling him a mistake?
On Friday, the Phillies needed to recall a pitcher, from their 40-Man roster, who could eat some innings. The bullpen was gassed, and Kendrick, a starter who hadn't pitched for a week, was the best candidate. Kendrick could have pitched for a long time, in Friday's extra-inning game, if the Phillies' offense had just been able to offset the damage Kendrick did to the scoreline each inning.
After his ineffective stint on Friday, he would have been unavailable to the Phils for the rest of the weekend, so he was sent back to Lehigh Valley. (The best possible MLB role for Kendrick this weekend, would have been to relieve Antonio Bastardo in the second inning of Saturday's rain-delayed disaster. The Phillies would have had multiple innings to counterract Kendrick's ineffectiveness, rather than just one. Unfortunately, Kendrick was needed on Friday.)
With promotions, injuries, and a suspension (Pablo Ozuna) gutting their roster, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) reinforced their club via some personnel moves.
RHP Jason Anderson was recalled from AA. (Anderson, who has some MLB experience, is a minor league journeyman.) Carlos Guevara, a catcher, was recalled to take the injured Lou Marson's spot. (Guevara is also minor league roster filler, and shouldn't be in AAA for long. Marson is expected to return in a week, or two.) Jorge Velandia (infielder/non-prospect) returned from the DL, helping cover for the longer-term loss of Jason Donald. Donald is expected to be out for a couple of months.
Reinforcements like these should help enable the IronPigs to remain near the bottom of the standings.
The IronPigs fell to the Charlotte Knights, 6-4, on Saturday. The IronPigs had trailed 6-1, after five innings, but pulled to within 6-4. The game was rained out after seven innings, before the IronPigs could complete their impending comeback. Non-prospect/minor league journeyman Rodrigo Lopez had the IronPigs well-positioned for an exciting comeback, by allowing all six runs (five earned) in his five-innings start.
The Reading Phillies (AA) had their game against the Harrisburg Senators suspended, due to rain. The game was tied, 1-1, after nine innings. The R-Phils could have won in the bottom of the ninth, but couldn't get a runner in from third, with only one out. (They failed on a suicide squeeze, rather than trying for a walk-off fly ball.) Tyson Brummett started for the R-Phils, allowing Harrisburg's only run, in a strong, seven-inning outing.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Jupiter Hammerheads, 2-0, on a pair of eighth inning runs. Michael Galen Cisco pitched five scoreless innings, but the Threshers were held to only four hits (one extra-base hit, a double.)
The Pen is almost here! The MLB Network's reality show on the Phillies' bullpen premieres Sunday night, at 8pm. If Jack Taschner isn't well-received in his reality-show debut, he might no longer be in a Phillies uniform, come Tuesday. The first episode may also reveal why Taschner was selected over Mike Koplove and Tyler Walker, in the first place. Perhaps it was the fear of spoilers that has kept Taschner with the parent club this season? (But I am much more interested to learn more about the mysterious, and possibly sinister, J.A. Happ.)
The Phillies likely will have more personnel moves in the near future, as their bullpen has been overworked, and has some injury concerns. Tyler Walker or Gary Majewski, both exiled in AAA, may finally get the call to the Phils. Walker and Majewski, both MLB veterans, would be exposed to waivers, if the Phillies tried to return them to AAA after an MLB stint. So the Phils have held off recalling them, until it appears that there will be a longer-term opening. (The right-handed Walker, probably, should have replaced Jack Taschner, the lefty who pitches like an ineffective righty, months ago.)
The Phils could also dump catcher Paul Bako, and return to the "Plus Eight" bullpen, but I doubt that they would give up the veteran catcher after such a short time. Escalona (41 pitches on Saturday) and Taschner (37 pitches) both would be unavailable on Sunday, and could be in danger of immediate demotion. (Both can be optioned, without passing through waivers, and could be recalled in fewer than ten days, if a pitcher goes to the DL.) The Phils are fortunate to have an off-day on Monday.
Kyle Kendrick was demoted after one really bad outing. Was recalling him a mistake?
On Friday, the Phillies needed to recall a pitcher, from their 40-Man roster, who could eat some innings. The bullpen was gassed, and Kendrick, a starter who hadn't pitched for a week, was the best candidate. Kendrick could have pitched for a long time, in Friday's extra-inning game, if the Phillies' offense had just been able to offset the damage Kendrick did to the scoreline each inning.
After his ineffective stint on Friday, he would have been unavailable to the Phils for the rest of the weekend, so he was sent back to Lehigh Valley. (The best possible MLB role for Kendrick this weekend, would have been to relieve Antonio Bastardo in the second inning of Saturday's rain-delayed disaster. The Phillies would have had multiple innings to counterract Kendrick's ineffectiveness, rather than just one. Unfortunately, Kendrick was needed on Friday.)
With promotions, injuries, and a suspension (Pablo Ozuna) gutting their roster, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) reinforced their club via some personnel moves.
RHP Jason Anderson was recalled from AA. (Anderson, who has some MLB experience, is a minor league journeyman.) Carlos Guevara, a catcher, was recalled to take the injured Lou Marson's spot. (Guevara is also minor league roster filler, and shouldn't be in AAA for long. Marson is expected to return in a week, or two.) Jorge Velandia (infielder/non-prospect) returned from the DL, helping cover for the longer-term loss of Jason Donald. Donald is expected to be out for a couple of months.
Reinforcements like these should help enable the IronPigs to remain near the bottom of the standings.
The IronPigs fell to the Charlotte Knights, 6-4, on Saturday. The IronPigs had trailed 6-1, after five innings, but pulled to within 6-4. The game was rained out after seven innings, before the IronPigs could complete their impending comeback. Non-prospect/minor league journeyman Rodrigo Lopez had the IronPigs well-positioned for an exciting comeback, by allowing all six runs (five earned) in his five-innings start.
The Reading Phillies (AA) had their game against the Harrisburg Senators suspended, due to rain. The game was tied, 1-1, after nine innings. The R-Phils could have won in the bottom of the ninth, but couldn't get a runner in from third, with only one out. (They failed on a suicide squeeze, rather than trying for a walk-off fly ball.) Tyson Brummett started for the R-Phils, allowing Harrisburg's only run, in a strong, seven-inning outing.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Jupiter Hammerheads, 2-0, on a pair of eighth inning runs. Michael Galen Cisco pitched five scoreless innings, but the Threshers were held to only four hits (one extra-base hit, a double.)
The Pen is almost here! The MLB Network's reality show on the Phillies' bullpen premieres Sunday night, at 8pm. If Jack Taschner isn't well-received in his reality-show debut, he might no longer be in a Phillies uniform, come Tuesday. The first episode may also reveal why Taschner was selected over Mike Koplove and Tyler Walker, in the first place. Perhaps it was the fear of spoilers that has kept Taschner with the parent club this season? (But I am much more interested to learn more about the mysterious, and possibly sinister, J.A. Happ.)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Phils Lose to Boston in 13
The Phillies had plenty of chances to win on Friday night, but their five-hit, twenty-strikeout "offense" did not do enough to earn the victory. The team wasn't helped by some questionable decisions by Manager Charlie Manuel, and the umpiring crew. Over thirteen innings, and four interminable hours, the Phillies transitioned from losers in a pitcher's duel, to walk-off winners, to inevitable, brutal defeat. The Phillies tied, won, and lost on Friday night, but only the 5-2 loss will count in the standings.
Phillies' starter Joe Blanton had a tremendous outing, limiting the powerful Red Sox' offense to a pair of solo homers, over seven innings. But the Red Sox' starter, Jon Lester, was even better. Lester allowed only one run (on two hits), in his seven innings, striking out eleven Phillies in the process. The Phillies have a good bullpen, but it pales in comparison to the Boston bullpen, which is likely MLB's best. Ace Closer Jonathan Papelbon was not available to close out the 2-1 Sox win, so Boston was "forced" to go to reliever Ramon Ramirez (1.89 ERA, .173 opponents' batting average) to end the Phils' hopes. However, with one out in the ninth, the Phillies came up with yet another late-inning miracle. Ryan Howard, who finished the game with one hit, and four strikeouts, in six plate appearances, made his one hit count. His solo homer tied the game at 2, sending the Phils into extra innings, once again.
The two bullpens matched zeroes, as play entered the bottom of the eleventh. With two outs, and two on, the Phillies called upon Greg Dobbs to pinch-hit. Dobbs responded by slamming a game-winning, walk-off homer directly over the foul pole...which was called a foul ball. With the other major sports having adopted the use of instant replay, it is certainly time that MLB followed suit. Available technology should be utilized to make sure that the correct calls are made, at least in boundary calls such as this one. Wait. MLB does have instant replay available, for this exact type of situation. Why didn't they use it, especially considering the importance of this particular call? Why didn't the umpires at least try to see if a helpful replay angle was available? A reversal of the call would have given the Phillies an immediate win. Dobbs proceeded to go down on strikes, and play entered the twelfth inning.
Earlier in the day, Kyle Kendrick was recalled from AAA, as a bullpen reinforcement. Kendrick can have some value as a reliever in two scenarios. If the starting pitcher is knocked out early, Kendrick can pitch multiple innings. In those multiple innings, Kendrick will strike out no one, and surrender a handful of hits and runs. But he could help save the other relievers from being used. The other scenario he can help is as the last man out of the pen. Again, he will pitch multiple innings, at the cost of multiple runs. But that multiple innings part could be valuable.
When Kendrick was called into a tie game, in the twelfth inning, it was neither of these scenarios. Jack Taschner was available, and could have been used for at least an inning, before Kendrick entered the game. It was just a question of how soon Kendrick's propensity for giving up hits would lead to runs, and how many runs he would cost them. Kendrick pitched a scoreless twelfth, but the three runs he allowed in the thirteenth were too much for the Phils to overcome.
Kendrick was the most obvious goat in Friday's loss, but he had some company. The top four batters (Rollins, Utley, Werth, and Howard) in the Phillies' lineup went a combined 1 for 21, with
ten strikeouts. Manuel's usage of Kendrick was situationally-questionable, but even more questionable was his use of the Phils' five-man bench. In the eighth inning, Manuel (correctly) double-switched, so he could use reliever J.C. Romero, for multiple innings. However, he chose to use offensively-inept Eric Bruntlett at 3B, instead of Greg Dobbs. (Given just how bad Bruntlett has been at the plate, Dobbs is a better choice at this point, no matter the handed-ness of the opposing pitcher.) Bruntlett wound up coming to the plate three times in the game, twice before Dobbs had his single plate appearance. With Paul Bako available as an emergency catcher, right-handed backup catcher Chris Coste was available to pinch-hit, but Manuel never used him. Given that Bako's presence hasn't really freed up Coste, maybe the Phils would be better-served by reverting to their "Plus Eight" bullpen format, and replacing Bako with reliever Sergio Escalona.
Friday night's tough loss is best forgotten. Saturday night brings an interesting pitching matchup, with rookie southpaw Antonio Bastardo making his third start for the Phillies. Against the patient Red Sox, Bastardo could be in for a tough, and short, day. The Red Sox send Daisuke Matsuzaka to the mound. Matsuzaka, typically, throws 100 pitches by about the fifth inning, while surrendering many hits, walks, and runs. Especially, the walks (4.33 BB/9). Matsuzaka has a remarkably unlucky .453 BABIP in 2009. Hopefully, luck will continue to work against him. It could very well be another battle of bullpens on Saturday night. Until then, I'll be monitoring the Twittersphere, hoping to read that Escalona is replacing Kendrick on the Phils. (And that IronPigs reliever Tyler Walker is replacing Gabor Paul Bako II.)
Phillies' starter Joe Blanton had a tremendous outing, limiting the powerful Red Sox' offense to a pair of solo homers, over seven innings. But the Red Sox' starter, Jon Lester, was even better. Lester allowed only one run (on two hits), in his seven innings, striking out eleven Phillies in the process. The Phillies have a good bullpen, but it pales in comparison to the Boston bullpen, which is likely MLB's best. Ace Closer Jonathan Papelbon was not available to close out the 2-1 Sox win, so Boston was "forced" to go to reliever Ramon Ramirez (1.89 ERA, .173 opponents' batting average) to end the Phils' hopes. However, with one out in the ninth, the Phillies came up with yet another late-inning miracle. Ryan Howard, who finished the game with one hit, and four strikeouts, in six plate appearances, made his one hit count. His solo homer tied the game at 2, sending the Phils into extra innings, once again.
The two bullpens matched zeroes, as play entered the bottom of the eleventh. With two outs, and two on, the Phillies called upon Greg Dobbs to pinch-hit. Dobbs responded by slamming a game-winning, walk-off homer directly over the foul pole...which was called a foul ball. With the other major sports having adopted the use of instant replay, it is certainly time that MLB followed suit. Available technology should be utilized to make sure that the correct calls are made, at least in boundary calls such as this one. Wait. MLB does have instant replay available, for this exact type of situation. Why didn't they use it, especially considering the importance of this particular call? Why didn't the umpires at least try to see if a helpful replay angle was available? A reversal of the call would have given the Phillies an immediate win. Dobbs proceeded to go down on strikes, and play entered the twelfth inning.
Earlier in the day, Kyle Kendrick was recalled from AAA, as a bullpen reinforcement. Kendrick can have some value as a reliever in two scenarios. If the starting pitcher is knocked out early, Kendrick can pitch multiple innings. In those multiple innings, Kendrick will strike out no one, and surrender a handful of hits and runs. But he could help save the other relievers from being used. The other scenario he can help is as the last man out of the pen. Again, he will pitch multiple innings, at the cost of multiple runs. But that multiple innings part could be valuable.
When Kendrick was called into a tie game, in the twelfth inning, it was neither of these scenarios. Jack Taschner was available, and could have been used for at least an inning, before Kendrick entered the game. It was just a question of how soon Kendrick's propensity for giving up hits would lead to runs, and how many runs he would cost them. Kendrick pitched a scoreless twelfth, but the three runs he allowed in the thirteenth were too much for the Phils to overcome.
Kendrick was the most obvious goat in Friday's loss, but he had some company. The top four batters (Rollins, Utley, Werth, and Howard) in the Phillies' lineup went a combined 1 for 21, with
ten strikeouts. Manuel's usage of Kendrick was situationally-questionable, but even more questionable was his use of the Phils' five-man bench. In the eighth inning, Manuel (correctly) double-switched, so he could use reliever J.C. Romero, for multiple innings. However, he chose to use offensively-inept Eric Bruntlett at 3B, instead of Greg Dobbs. (Given just how bad Bruntlett has been at the plate, Dobbs is a better choice at this point, no matter the handed-ness of the opposing pitcher.) Bruntlett wound up coming to the plate three times in the game, twice before Dobbs had his single plate appearance. With Paul Bako available as an emergency catcher, right-handed backup catcher Chris Coste was available to pinch-hit, but Manuel never used him. Given that Bako's presence hasn't really freed up Coste, maybe the Phils would be better-served by reverting to their "Plus Eight" bullpen format, and replacing Bako with reliever Sergio Escalona.
Friday night's tough loss is best forgotten. Saturday night brings an interesting pitching matchup, with rookie southpaw Antonio Bastardo making his third start for the Phillies. Against the patient Red Sox, Bastardo could be in for a tough, and short, day. The Red Sox send Daisuke Matsuzaka to the mound. Matsuzaka, typically, throws 100 pitches by about the fifth inning, while surrendering many hits, walks, and runs. Especially, the walks (4.33 BB/9). Matsuzaka has a remarkably unlucky .453 BABIP in 2009. Hopefully, luck will continue to work against him. It could very well be another battle of bullpens on Saturday night. Until then, I'll be monitoring the Twittersphere, hoping to read that Escalona is replacing Kendrick on the Phils. (And that IronPigs reliever Tyler Walker is replacing Gabor Paul Bako II.)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/12)
The Phillies placed LOOGY Scott Eyre on the 15-day DL, with a strained left calf. As predicted in my previous post, Eyre was replaced on the roster by IronPigs LOOGY Sergio Escalona. Or, not. The Phillies recalled right-handed starter Kyle Kendrick from AAA, to take Eyre's place on the roster. Kendrick will work as a long reliever, for the time being.
(Another possibility would be to move Bastardo into the pen, send Kendrick back to AAA, and promote Andrew Carpenter into the rotation. Carpenter has been pitching much better for Lehigh Valley than Kendrick has, but he wasn't a good recall choice for Friday/the weekend, as he had started for the IronPigs on Thursday.)
Southpaw reliever Jack Taschner will take over the LOOGY role during Eyre's absence. (Egads, no! Taschner has reverse splits, and is more viable as a ROOGY. Taschner will, likely, remain in the "Taschner" role, pitching irregularly, and at inexplicable times.)
The Phils' don't, currently, have a viable LOOGY, as lefty J.C. Romero is the primary eighth-inning option, in Brad Lidge's absence. I'd expect to see Kendrick replaced by Escalona, or Bastardo replaced by Carpenter, to add a second lefty to the pen, in the near future.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost two more key players, as catcher Lou Marson and infielder Jason Donald hit the DL, on Friday. Donald is expected to miss a month, and Marson should return in two weeks. (Guess they won't be traded for Roy Oswalt, for at least a few more weeks.) It wasn't immediately clear what roster moves Lehigh Valley will make to cover for these losses.
The short-handed IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 3-2, in ten innings. The IronPigs had 12 hits, and 6 walks, but left 14 on base. The bullpen pitched six scoreless innings, with closer Tyler Walker getting the victory.
The Reading Phillies (AA) got demolished by the Harrisburg Senators, 11-0. Two R-Phils fans got married at home plate prior to the game, and the Senators ruined their memorable day with sixteen hits, and six home runs.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were destroyed by the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-2. It was a 3-2 game in the ninth, when Jupiter scored four runs. The Threshers had four hits, and made three errors. Not an ideal ratio.
San Diego Padres' starter Jake Peavy is expected to miss a month, with an injured right ankle. Toronto Blue Jays' starter Roy Halladay left Friday night's game against Florida, with a strained right groin.
Looks like the Phils will have to wait on a Halladay trade, or just go ahead and trade for Houston's Roy Oswalt.
The debut of "The Pen" is less than 48 hours away...
(Another possibility would be to move Bastardo into the pen, send Kendrick back to AAA, and promote Andrew Carpenter into the rotation. Carpenter has been pitching much better for Lehigh Valley than Kendrick has, but he wasn't a good recall choice for Friday/the weekend, as he had started for the IronPigs on Thursday.)
Southpaw reliever Jack Taschner will take over the LOOGY role during Eyre's absence. (Egads, no! Taschner has reverse splits, and is more viable as a ROOGY. Taschner will, likely, remain in the "Taschner" role, pitching irregularly, and at inexplicable times.)
The Phils' don't, currently, have a viable LOOGY, as lefty J.C. Romero is the primary eighth-inning option, in Brad Lidge's absence. I'd expect to see Kendrick replaced by Escalona, or Bastardo replaced by Carpenter, to add a second lefty to the pen, in the near future.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost two more key players, as catcher Lou Marson and infielder Jason Donald hit the DL, on Friday. Donald is expected to miss a month, and Marson should return in two weeks. (Guess they won't be traded for Roy Oswalt, for at least a few more weeks.) It wasn't immediately clear what roster moves Lehigh Valley will make to cover for these losses.
The short-handed IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 3-2, in ten innings. The IronPigs had 12 hits, and 6 walks, but left 14 on base. The bullpen pitched six scoreless innings, with closer Tyler Walker getting the victory.
The Reading Phillies (AA) got demolished by the Harrisburg Senators, 11-0. Two R-Phils fans got married at home plate prior to the game, and the Senators ruined their memorable day with sixteen hits, and six home runs.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were destroyed by the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-2. It was a 3-2 game in the ninth, when Jupiter scored four runs. The Threshers had four hits, and made three errors. Not an ideal ratio.
San Diego Padres' starter Jake Peavy is expected to miss a month, with an injured right ankle. Toronto Blue Jays' starter Roy Halladay left Friday night's game against Florida, with a strained right groin.
Looks like the Phils will have to wait on a Halladay trade, or just go ahead and trade for Houston's Roy Oswalt.
The debut of "The Pen" is less than 48 hours away...
Phils Overcome Deficit to Beat Mets (Again)
It was a typical Phillies-Mets game, on Thursday night. Phillies fall behind early. Phillies come-from-behind against the Mets' bullpen. The Phillies' bullpen closes out the victory. The Phillies, who trailed 3-1, after five innings, rallied to win, 6-3. The Phils' ten-inning victory, played on a dreary CitiField night, increased their division lead over the Mets to four games.
There were quite a few positives for the Phillies. Jamie Moyer pitched well, for his third consecutive outing. The cagey veteran tossed six effective innings, permitting three runs (eight hits, zero walks/three strikeouts) for a "quality start." With the Phillies' strong offense, defense, and indomitable bullpen, that kind of effort is all they need from Moyer.
That indomitable bullpen shut out the Mets again, allowing only a single baserunner, in four innings. Clay Condrey pitched two of those innings, requiring only seventeen pitches to set down the Mets. (Remember yesterday, when I speculated that Condrey's light recent usage, and his absence from the Wednesday night game, might imply that he had an injury concern? Go ahead and forget that part.) Chad Durbin and Scott Eyre, the winning pitcher, combined on a scoreless ninth. Ryan Madson picked up his second consecutive save, and fourth of the season, slamming the door on the Mets in the tenth.
Raul Ibanez has had a challenging few days, with some unfortunate speculation concerning his outstanding performance this season. (I don't think that this speculation is even worthy of comment, so I will refrain.) Ibanez continued to excel on the field, with an incredible throw from left field, which gunned down a Mets' baserunner at second base. It was his second key assist of the series. Ibanez was 0 for 4 at the plate, heading into his at bat in the tenth inning. With two on, and two outs, Ibanez launched his twenty-first home run on the season. It was a blow from which the Mets never recovered.
Scott Eyre threw only two pitches, in retiring the only batter he faced. After the game, it was announced that he had sustained a calf injury. The extent of the injury won't be known until Friday. In the event the Eyre needs to go on the disabled list, Sergio Escalona would likely be recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA), to take over LOOGY duties.
The Phillies host the Boston Red Sox this weekend, in interleague action. This could be a preview of the 2009 World Series matchup, provided that the Red Sox can get past the Detroit Tigers in the playoffs. The pitching matchups favor Boston, as their top two pitchers, Jon Lester and Josh Beckett, are both scheduled to pitch, while Phillies' ace Cole Hamels will only be available as a pinch-hitter. However, the lack of a designated hitter should help the Phillies, as Boston slugger David Ortiz, who has finally started to hit a bit this week, will be watching from the visitors' dugout.
The Phillies send Joe Blanton to the mound Friday, against Jon Lester. Lester has a deceiving 5.09 ERA; his 10.29 K/9, 3.15 K/BB, and 3.86 FIP illustrate that the young southpaw is one of MLB's top hurlers. Joe Blanton's 4.79 FIP illustrates that the Phils might need to rely on their (INDOMITABLE!) bullpen in the series opener.
There were quite a few positives for the Phillies. Jamie Moyer pitched well, for his third consecutive outing. The cagey veteran tossed six effective innings, permitting three runs (eight hits, zero walks/three strikeouts) for a "quality start." With the Phillies' strong offense, defense, and indomitable bullpen, that kind of effort is all they need from Moyer.
That indomitable bullpen shut out the Mets again, allowing only a single baserunner, in four innings. Clay Condrey pitched two of those innings, requiring only seventeen pitches to set down the Mets. (Remember yesterday, when I speculated that Condrey's light recent usage, and his absence from the Wednesday night game, might imply that he had an injury concern? Go ahead and forget that part.) Chad Durbin and Scott Eyre, the winning pitcher, combined on a scoreless ninth. Ryan Madson picked up his second consecutive save, and fourth of the season, slamming the door on the Mets in the tenth.
Raul Ibanez has had a challenging few days, with some unfortunate speculation concerning his outstanding performance this season. (I don't think that this speculation is even worthy of comment, so I will refrain.) Ibanez continued to excel on the field, with an incredible throw from left field, which gunned down a Mets' baserunner at second base. It was his second key assist of the series. Ibanez was 0 for 4 at the plate, heading into his at bat in the tenth inning. With two on, and two outs, Ibanez launched his twenty-first home run on the season. It was a blow from which the Mets never recovered.
Scott Eyre threw only two pitches, in retiring the only batter he faced. After the game, it was announced that he had sustained a calf injury. The extent of the injury won't be known until Friday. In the event the Eyre needs to go on the disabled list, Sergio Escalona would likely be recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA), to take over LOOGY duties.
The Phillies host the Boston Red Sox this weekend, in interleague action. This could be a preview of the 2009 World Series matchup, provided that the Red Sox can get past the Detroit Tigers in the playoffs. The pitching matchups favor Boston, as their top two pitchers, Jon Lester and Josh Beckett, are both scheduled to pitch, while Phillies' ace Cole Hamels will only be available as a pinch-hitter. However, the lack of a designated hitter should help the Phillies, as Boston slugger David Ortiz, who has finally started to hit a bit this week, will be watching from the visitors' dugout.
The Phillies send Joe Blanton to the mound Friday, against Jon Lester. Lester has a deceiving 5.09 ERA; his 10.29 K/9, 3.15 K/BB, and 3.86 FIP illustrate that the young southpaw is one of MLB's top hurlers. Joe Blanton's 4.79 FIP illustrates that the Phils might need to rely on their (INDOMITABLE!) bullpen in the series opener.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/11)
The Phillies agreed to terms with their top selection in the 2009 First-Year Player draft, centerfielder Kelly Dugan. The switch-hitting Dugan opted for the Phillies, over Pepperdine University. He should be ready to succeed Shane Victorino by 2014. Perhaps Dugan's father, the brilliant directing mind who brought us "Don't Mess with the Zohan", can find a movie role for Muffin?
The Phillies selected 3B Robert Amaro, the nephew of General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. with the 1217th pick. The Phillies definitely reached with this 40th round draft choice, who will likely attend the University of Virginia.
We may have found out why utility man/three-hole hitter Pablo Ozuna has been out of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lineup. It was announced Thursday that Ozuna will be suspended for fifty games, as a result of a performance-enhancing substance violation. The pressure of carrying the IronPigs' offense may have lead Ozuna to make a bad choice.
Despite the absence of Ozuna, the IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 2-1. Andrew Carpenter pitched well, surrendering only a single run, in seven innings (six hits, zero walks/four strikeouts, ninety-seven pitches). Carpenter's 5-0 record (and 2.75 ERA) must look good to potential trade partners.
Veteran IF/OF Mike Cervenak returned to the lineup, after missing almost a month, and had a pair of singles. The right-handed batting Cervenak might be a good fit for the parent club's bench. The 32-year old Cervenak really isn't a prospect at this point, but could be a useful (i.e. better than Eric Bruntlett) pinch-hitter for the P-Phils, and allow John Mayberry, Jr. to continue to play every day in AAA. Perhaps if Cervenak had been healthy last week, he would be on the P-Phils roster, rather than catcher Paul Bako.
The Reading Phillies (AA) beat the Trenton Thunder 6-3, sweeping the series on a walk-off grand slam by Jeremy Slayden. Yep. The same Jeremy Slayden who was an IronPig yesterday. (He swapped levels with Michael Spidale.) Vance Worley, the R-Phils ace, at least during the pre-Drabek era, pitched six effective innings (two runs, four hits, three walks/three strikeouts).
The Clearwater Threshers (A) crushed the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-3. Drew Naylor got the win, throwing six and two-thirds innings (three runs, nine hits, zero walks/three strikeouts).
It was a good day for the Phillies' minor league teams, and the Phillies, who saw many of their prospects' trade values increase.
The Phillies selected 3B Robert Amaro, the nephew of General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. with the 1217th pick. The Phillies definitely reached with this 40th round draft choice, who will likely attend the University of Virginia.
We may have found out why utility man/three-hole hitter Pablo Ozuna has been out of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lineup. It was announced Thursday that Ozuna will be suspended for fifty games, as a result of a performance-enhancing substance violation. The pressure of carrying the IronPigs' offense may have lead Ozuna to make a bad choice.
Despite the absence of Ozuna, the IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 2-1. Andrew Carpenter pitched well, surrendering only a single run, in seven innings (six hits, zero walks/four strikeouts, ninety-seven pitches). Carpenter's 5-0 record (and 2.75 ERA) must look good to potential trade partners.
Veteran IF/OF Mike Cervenak returned to the lineup, after missing almost a month, and had a pair of singles. The right-handed batting Cervenak might be a good fit for the parent club's bench. The 32-year old Cervenak really isn't a prospect at this point, but could be a useful (i.e. better than Eric Bruntlett) pinch-hitter for the P-Phils, and allow John Mayberry, Jr. to continue to play every day in AAA. Perhaps if Cervenak had been healthy last week, he would be on the P-Phils roster, rather than catcher Paul Bako.
The Reading Phillies (AA) beat the Trenton Thunder 6-3, sweeping the series on a walk-off grand slam by Jeremy Slayden. Yep. The same Jeremy Slayden who was an IronPig yesterday. (He swapped levels with Michael Spidale.) Vance Worley, the R-Phils ace, at least during the pre-Drabek era, pitched six effective innings (two runs, four hits, three walks/three strikeouts).
The Clearwater Threshers (A) crushed the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-3. Drew Naylor got the win, throwing six and two-thirds innings (three runs, nine hits, zero walks/three strikeouts).
It was a good day for the Phillies' minor league teams, and the Phillies, who saw many of their prospects' trade values increase.
Phils Beat Mets in Battle of Bullpens
Phillies' ace Cole Hamels had some serious BABIP issues on Wednesday night, in New York. In five innings, Hamels surrendered ELEVEN hits, but only one (a double) was for extra bases. The Phillies trailed 4-1, after six innings, and it didn't appear to be their night. But they capitalized on several Mets' mistakes in a three-run seventh, and the Phils' bullpen contributed six scoreless innings. Jayson Werth made a game-saving catch in the tenth, Chase Utley hit his second home run of the game in the eleventh, and closer Ryan Madson saved a 5-4 victory. The Mets had sixteen hits in the game, fifteen of which were singles, but left sixteen on base. Not even BABIP could defeat the Phillies on Wednesday night.
With the Phillies trailing 4-1, in the bottom of the sixth, they needed to call upon a reliever who could keep them in this crucial game. Charlie Manuel summoned...Jack Taschner! The lefty had not pitched in a game since May 27th. But Taschner made quick work of the Mets, in a scoreless, hitless inning. (This move reminded me of a memorable move in hockey history, by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974. Bernie Parent was the Flyers' star goalie, and played the large majority of the games. His backup, Bobby Taylor, spent most games opening the door to the bench, and trying not to get hit by stray pucks. One Sunday afternoon, the Flyers had a nationally-televised game against their rivals, the Boston Bruins. The Flyers' coach, Fred Shero, decided to start Taylor in goal, even though he hadn't played in eight weeks. When asked about the decision, Shero said, "It was his turn.") I guess Wednesday night, it was Taschner's turn.
Charlie Manuel made another interesting decision, in the top of the seventh inning. The Phillies trailed 4-3, but had the bases loaded, with no outs. They had the opportunity to break the game open. With the pitcher's spot due, pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs already out of the game, and Mets' right-hander Sean Green on the mound, Manuel had to choose a pinch-hitter. If he used his best remaining pinch-hitter, lefty Matt Stairs, the Mets would likely counter with southpaw Pedro Feliciano. Manuel would either have to let Stairs face Feliciano, an unfavorable matchup, or pinch-hit for Stairs with righty Chris Coste. Not wanting to waste Stairs, Manuel went directly to Coste. Right? Well, no. Manuel went directly to lefty Paul Bako, the weak-hitting third-string catcher. I envisioned a 5-2-3 DP. Fortunately, Bako merely struck out. Two groundouts later, the Phillies had tied the game, but had also wasted a huge opportunity.
After relievers Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and J.C. Romero had taken the tied game into the bottom of the ninth, Manuel had to choose which pitcher to send out for the bottom of the ninth. With Clay Condrey seemingly unavailable (Condrey had thrown nineteen pitches Tuesday night, but had only faced three batters in the previous week. Could Condrey be having injury concerns/a dead arm period, from overwork earlier in the season?), Manuel had two options. He could use his ace closer, Ryan Madson, or long reliever, Chan Ho Park. On one hand, a run would give the Mets an immediate win, and Park was much more likely to surrender a run. On the other hand, Park was a better choice to pitch multiple innings, and Madson was a better choice to convert a save opportunity. Manuel risked the possibility that the Phils could lose, as their best reliever watched from the bullpen. He put Park on the mound, and Park put the tying run on second. I prepared for a Mets walk-off win. But Park escaped the inning, and also pitched a scoreless tenth inning. Park got the win, with Madson retiring the side, in order, in the bottom of the eleventh. The Phillies' bullpen, and Manuel's adept bullpen usage, had helped the Phils secure a huge victory.
The Phillies will try to win the rubber game on Thursday, with Jamie Moyer, coming off consecutive effective starts, on the mound. The Mets will use Phillie-killer Tim Redding. Redding pitched twenty-nine innings against the Phils in 2008, and held them to a .594 OPS. Hopefully, the Phils will have more success with Redding, this season.
With the Phillies trailing 4-1, in the bottom of the sixth, they needed to call upon a reliever who could keep them in this crucial game. Charlie Manuel summoned...Jack Taschner! The lefty had not pitched in a game since May 27th. But Taschner made quick work of the Mets, in a scoreless, hitless inning. (This move reminded me of a memorable move in hockey history, by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974. Bernie Parent was the Flyers' star goalie, and played the large majority of the games. His backup, Bobby Taylor, spent most games opening the door to the bench, and trying not to get hit by stray pucks. One Sunday afternoon, the Flyers had a nationally-televised game against their rivals, the Boston Bruins. The Flyers' coach, Fred Shero, decided to start Taylor in goal, even though he hadn't played in eight weeks. When asked about the decision, Shero said, "It was his turn.") I guess Wednesday night, it was Taschner's turn.
Charlie Manuel made another interesting decision, in the top of the seventh inning. The Phillies trailed 4-3, but had the bases loaded, with no outs. They had the opportunity to break the game open. With the pitcher's spot due, pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs already out of the game, and Mets' right-hander Sean Green on the mound, Manuel had to choose a pinch-hitter. If he used his best remaining pinch-hitter, lefty Matt Stairs, the Mets would likely counter with southpaw Pedro Feliciano. Manuel would either have to let Stairs face Feliciano, an unfavorable matchup, or pinch-hit for Stairs with righty Chris Coste. Not wanting to waste Stairs, Manuel went directly to Coste. Right? Well, no. Manuel went directly to lefty Paul Bako, the weak-hitting third-string catcher. I envisioned a 5-2-3 DP. Fortunately, Bako merely struck out. Two groundouts later, the Phillies had tied the game, but had also wasted a huge opportunity.
After relievers Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and J.C. Romero had taken the tied game into the bottom of the ninth, Manuel had to choose which pitcher to send out for the bottom of the ninth. With Clay Condrey seemingly unavailable (Condrey had thrown nineteen pitches Tuesday night, but had only faced three batters in the previous week. Could Condrey be having injury concerns/a dead arm period, from overwork earlier in the season?), Manuel had two options. He could use his ace closer, Ryan Madson, or long reliever, Chan Ho Park. On one hand, a run would give the Mets an immediate win, and Park was much more likely to surrender a run. On the other hand, Park was a better choice to pitch multiple innings, and Madson was a better choice to convert a save opportunity. Manuel risked the possibility that the Phils could lose, as their best reliever watched from the bullpen. He put Park on the mound, and Park put the tying run on second. I prepared for a Mets walk-off win. But Park escaped the inning, and also pitched a scoreless tenth inning. Park got the win, with Madson retiring the side, in order, in the bottom of the eleventh. The Phillies' bullpen, and Manuel's adept bullpen usage, had helped the Phils secure a huge victory.
The Phillies will try to win the rubber game on Thursday, with Jamie Moyer, coming off consecutive effective starts, on the mound. The Mets will use Phillie-killer Tim Redding. Redding pitched twenty-nine innings against the Phils in 2008, and held them to a .594 OPS. Hopefully, the Phils will have more success with Redding, this season.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/10)
There is a commercial for the new reality show about the Phillies' bullpen! "The Pen" premieres Sunday at 8pm, on the MLB Network. This is a great opportunity to learn more about mythical right-hander Clay Condrey, as well as learn why Jack Taschner is still with the club. I can't wait! Commercial can be viewed here.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) had the night off, and host the Charlotte Knights on Thursday. Drew Carpenter gets the start for the IronPigs.
The Reading Phillies (AA) waited out the elements, in the form of a long rain delay, and beat the Trenton Thunder, 4-1. The R-Phils are now a season-high eleven games over .500. Top prospect/southpaw Joe Savery improved to 7-1, allowing one run in six and two-thirds innings (four hits, zero walks, five strikeouts). First baseman Brian Stavisky had a pair of home runs, with his parents in attendance! (I do not know Brian, or his parents, but this was mentioned during the broadcast.) The R-Phils continue to play well, even after losing catcher Paul Bako, their starter for about ten days, to the P-Phils. Fortunately, Bako taught R-Phils catcher Tuffy Gosewisch all he knows. The R-Phils left 16 runners on base in the game.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost 4-3 to the Palm Beach Cardinals. Clearwater made three errors, gave up twelve hits, got a two-inning (three runs, four hits, two walks/zero strikeouts) start from Julian Sampson, and lost on an unearned run in the ninth. Let's forget about this one...
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) had the night off, and host the Charlotte Knights on Thursday. Drew Carpenter gets the start for the IronPigs.
The Reading Phillies (AA) waited out the elements, in the form of a long rain delay, and beat the Trenton Thunder, 4-1. The R-Phils are now a season-high eleven games over .500. Top prospect/southpaw Joe Savery improved to 7-1, allowing one run in six and two-thirds innings (four hits, zero walks, five strikeouts). First baseman Brian Stavisky had a pair of home runs, with his parents in attendance! (I do not know Brian, or his parents, but this was mentioned during the broadcast.) The R-Phils continue to play well, even after losing catcher Paul Bako, their starter for about ten days, to the P-Phils. Fortunately, Bako taught R-Phils catcher Tuffy Gosewisch all he knows. The R-Phils left 16 runners on base in the game.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost 4-3 to the Palm Beach Cardinals. Clearwater made three errors, gave up twelve hits, got a two-inning (three runs, four hits, two walks/zero strikeouts) start from Julian Sampson, and lost on an unearned run in the ninth. Let's forget about this one...
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