The season's first two games did not go according to plan. The Phillies were in danger of being swept in their three-game series against the Washington Nationals. Unless a hero emerged to save their season.It was both surprising and disappointing that the Phillies were in such dire straits this early in the season. On Opening Day, the Nats had a 6-2 lead, as the Phillies batted in the bottom of the sixth. But the four-run deficit was easily overcome, thanks to homers by Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins. With ace reliever Tom Gordon protecting a 9th inning tie, it looked like the Phils would start their season with a victory.
Shockingly, that's not how it turned out. Sure, Tom Gordon didn't get too many batters out during Spring Training. But that was days ago. Ancient history. Besides, Tom Gordon is a Proven Veteran. His nickname is still "Flash." Obviously, he is still a great pitcher. Perhaps he doesn't have the quality repertoire of a Tim Lahey, or a Gary Knotts. Maybe Gordon's 13 yr.old son would be more "effective" in the closer's role. But: Proven Veteran.
Unfortunately, Flash ran into a little bad luck, and the Nats managed to eke out some runs against him. The six batters Gordon faced were only able to score five runs, but it was enough to secure an 11-6 Nats win. Gordon's ERA was an unsightly 135.00 after his unlucky outing. But the fact that his ERA was higher than his 13 yr. old's weight was hardly a cause for concern. Because: small sample size. And: Proven Veteran.
There was more bad fortune for the Phillies in the second game, as they had to face the Nationals' 3rd starter, Tim Redding. Phillies ace Cole Hamels pitched well (8 IP, 1 ER), but the Phillies' one hit (a single by 3B/OBP King Pedro Feliz) in twenty-seven at-bats was not enough to prevent a 1-0 loss. The Phillies' only (non-Hamels) highlight was the surprise 3rd inning visit by The Phillie Phanatic and Smiley the (Hatfield Franks) Pig to the Philadelphia broadcast booth. Usually, an on-camera appearance by Gary Matthews, Sr., is an opportune time to check hockey scores and/or do a little bit of light housekeeping. But not when The Phillie Phanatic is on the scene. Of course, it may have been a bit of foreshadowing when Smiley served up a Dollar Dog to the once-average MLB outfielder. Smiley was as oblivious to his inevitable demise (and future as a reasonably-priced culinary delight), as the Phillies were of their own inevitable demise to the formidable Redding.
The third game didn't start well, either. Phillies SP Jamie Moyer was able to post a 5.01 ERA in 2007, but wasn't able to pitch to the same level of effectiveness today. Aided by four Phillies errors, the Nats jumped to a 6-1 sixth inning lead. The Phillies needed someone to step up and stabilize the game, to give their offense the opportunity to get back in the game. Fortunately, they had the right man for the job. Or, maybe it wasn't good fortune, but, instead, the residue of brilliant Gillickian Design.
A week ago, reliever Rudy Seanez had been released by the LA Dodgers, after posting a 7.71 Spring Training ERA (1.93 WHIP). Seanez had the career of a journeyman, pitching for eight MLB teams, with a different pronunciation of his surname in each city. He was prepared to begin his new career, as an Ultimate Fighter, when he got the opportunity to join the 2007 NL East Champions. Though a spot in the Phillies bullpen would likely be more physically damaging than the Ultimate Fighting option, Seanez chose to return to baseball. It was a decision that altered the course of Philadelphia Phillies history.
Seanez is the type of player who would stand outside the ballpark three hours before a game, signing autographs, and chatting with fans. Even though some of the fans might not actually know who he is, or might be hoping to catch a glimpse of a young reliever with a last name that reminds them of a mustard, Seanez will offer his time. While starting pitchers inflicted with blister issues scurried into the bowels of the park, hoping to escape unnoticed, Seanez signs on. This blogger's heart grew three sizes, after witnessing Seanez' behavior that day.
Seanez pitched a scoreless sixth inning today, retiring all three batters he faced. Of his ten offerings, eight were for strikes. The Phillies rallied to tie the game at six, and won in the bottom of the 9th, on a bases-loaded walk. Without Seanez stabilizing the situation in the sixth inning, the Phillies comeback would likely have fallen short. Phillies MVP SS Jimmy Rollins may receive most today's accolades, for single-handedly creating the winning run, through the force of his own mighty will. On this blog, Seanez' sacrifice did not go unnoticed. He is today's true hero. (Well, him and the Brett Favre-lookalike playing RF.)
