Multiple sources are reporting that the Phillies and Indians have agreed, pending physicals, on a deal that would send Cliff Lee to Philadelphia.
The Phillies would, reportedly, send RHP Carlos Carrasco (AAA), IF Jason Donald (AAA), C Lou Marson (AAA), and RHP Jason Knapp (A), to Cleveland, in exchange for Lee, and OF Ben Francisco.
While it is disappointing not to pick up Roy Halladay, acquiring Lee, without dealing top prospects Kyle Drabek, Dominic Brown, or Michael Taylor, is a great move. A rotation of Cole Hamels, Lee, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ/Pedro Martinez could go deep in the playoffs, with Martinez/Happ/Rodrigo Lopez/Brett Myers bolstering the sagging bullpen. (Starter Jamie Moyer and reliever Chad Durbin seem likely to be the odd men out, when the playoffs start.)
Ben Francisco gives the Phils a legit RH bench bat/late-inning defensive replacement for Raul Ibanez. Eric Bruntlett can return to being a utility infielder, who is used sparingly. John Mayberry, Jr. can return to Lehigh Valley (AAA), and play more regularly.
As for the players the Phils gave up:
Jason Donald doesn't seem to be anything more than a utility infield prospect. Not a lot of upside there.
Lou Marson could be a suitable backup catcher, but likely won't hit (or field) well enough to supplant Carlos Ruiz. Travis D'Arnaud was the Phillies' likely "catcher of the future", even before this deal. (Unless you consider Sebastian Valle to be the "catcher of the future.")
Carlos Carrasco could be really good, #2 starter good. He has the stuff, but lacks the poise. However, he is certainly young enough to gain the necessary maturity to be a mid-rotation starter, and he has been very unlucky this season (in AAA).
Jason Knapp is an incredible prospect- 18 years old, throws high-90s heat. But anything could happen here, fireballers that young don't always pan out/stay healthy.
The Phils gave up some quality prospects, but they definitely improved their WFC II/III chances, without seriously jeopardizing their ability to contend in subsequent seasons.
Great job by Phillies' GM Ruben Amaro!
(Of course it would be a REALLY great job, if Amaro still managed to get Halladay. Don't see that happening though...)
Showing posts with label Carlos Carrasco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carlos Carrasco. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Breaking News: Carrasco, Donald, and Marson Out of Lehigh Valley Lineup For Morning Game
Potential trade pieces Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson are all on the bench, as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) play an 11:05am game against the Columbus Clippers.
Infielder Jason Donald, who returned from the DL on Tuesday night, was not expected to start. Catcher Lou Marson was also not expected to start, in a morning game after a night game. (Outfield prospect Michael Taylor, who's name has been oft-mentioned in trade proposals, is in the starting lineup.)
Carlos Carrasco was scheduled as the starting pitcher, but was replaced by journeyman bullpenner Jake Woods. Carrasco has been mentioned in trade talk with Cleveland, who are considering trading southpaw Cliff Lee. Carrasco's 6-9 record, and 5.18 ERA do not look very impressive, but the northpaw is only twenty-two, has "electric" stuff, and has suffered from BABIP (.330) and LOB% (62.8) issues. His FIP of 4.01 is impressive, when you consider his age/experience level.
Carrasco's removal could:
-mean that the Phillies are close to dealing Carrasco to Cleveland
-that the Blue Jays have softened their alleged trade demands, and are considering Carrasco as part of the package for Roy Halladay
-be a bluff by the Phillies, who want the Blue Jays to believe that the Phillies are close to dealing for Lee
Things continue to get interesting...
Infielder Jason Donald, who returned from the DL on Tuesday night, was not expected to start. Catcher Lou Marson was also not expected to start, in a morning game after a night game. (Outfield prospect Michael Taylor, who's name has been oft-mentioned in trade proposals, is in the starting lineup.)
Carlos Carrasco was scheduled as the starting pitcher, but was replaced by journeyman bullpenner Jake Woods. Carrasco has been mentioned in trade talk with Cleveland, who are considering trading southpaw Cliff Lee. Carrasco's 6-9 record, and 5.18 ERA do not look very impressive, but the northpaw is only twenty-two, has "electric" stuff, and has suffered from BABIP (.330) and LOB% (62.8) issues. His FIP of 4.01 is impressive, when you consider his age/experience level.
Carrasco's removal could:
-mean that the Phillies are close to dealing Carrasco to Cleveland
-that the Blue Jays have softened their alleged trade demands, and are considering Carrasco as part of the package for Roy Halladay
-be a bluff by the Phillies, who want the Blue Jays to believe that the Phillies are close to dealing for Lee
Things continue to get interesting...
Friday, July 24, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/24)
According to Andy Martino of the Philadelphia Inquirer, "baseball sources" are indicating that the Blue Jays want J.A. Happ, Kyle Drabek, and Dominic Brown, in exchange for Roy Halladay.
This contradicts with the "hockey sources", who indicated that the Blue Jays wanted Claude Giroux, Mike Richards, and Marc-Andre Bourdon.
Happ is expendable, but Drabek AND Brown? That's a pretty hefty price. But the Phils would be getting a year, and a few months, of one of the best pitchers in MLB. If the Phils would control Halladay for a few seasons, giving up Drabek and Brown would be a lot easier.
Hopefully, the Jays' price will come down a bit.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost to the Gwinnett Braves on Friday, 7-5. The FeHogs fell behind 3-0, but pulled to within 3-2, before start Carlos Carrasco surrendered a three-run homer with two outs in the sixth. Carrasco probably didn't help his dwindling trade value, by allowing six runs, in six innings (four hits, four walks/five strikeouts, one home run allowed). Michael Taylor went 1 for 3, with a walk and a stolen base, in the losing effort.
The Reading Phillies (AA) crushed the Bowie Baysox, 7-1. Starter Mike Stutes had another strong performance, allowing only one run, over seven and one-third innings (six hits, two walks/eight strikeouts, one home runs allowed). In July, Stutes has a 1.80 ERA, in five starts (thirty innings). In his last ten starts, Stutes has a 2.81 ERA, in fifty-seven and two-thirds innings. (Stutes hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of those ten starts.) Perhaps Stutes should be as highly regarded as rotation-mates Joe Savery and Vance Worley?
Neil Sellers was a single short of a cycle, as his 3 for 5 night raised his average to .325. Kevin Mahar increased his average to .323, with a 3 for 5 effort of his own.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) shut out the Charlotte Stone Crabs, 2-0.
Darren Byrd (five innings, four hits, one walk/five whiffs), Carlos Monasterios (two innings, one hit), Scott Mathieson (one inning, one hit, one walk/three strikeouts), and Michael Schwimer (one inning, one strikeout) combined for the shutout. Steve Susdorf was 0 for 3, dropping his average to .394. Dominic Brown was 1 for 3, and his average fell to .300. Brown reached base twice, and was picked off once, and caught stealing second the other time.
This contradicts with the "hockey sources", who indicated that the Blue Jays wanted Claude Giroux, Mike Richards, and Marc-Andre Bourdon.
Happ is expendable, but Drabek AND Brown? That's a pretty hefty price. But the Phils would be getting a year, and a few months, of one of the best pitchers in MLB. If the Phils would control Halladay for a few seasons, giving up Drabek and Brown would be a lot easier.
Hopefully, the Jays' price will come down a bit.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost to the Gwinnett Braves on Friday, 7-5. The FeHogs fell behind 3-0, but pulled to within 3-2, before start Carlos Carrasco surrendered a three-run homer with two outs in the sixth. Carrasco probably didn't help his dwindling trade value, by allowing six runs, in six innings (four hits, four walks/five strikeouts, one home run allowed). Michael Taylor went 1 for 3, with a walk and a stolen base, in the losing effort.
The Reading Phillies (AA) crushed the Bowie Baysox, 7-1. Starter Mike Stutes had another strong performance, allowing only one run, over seven and one-third innings (six hits, two walks/eight strikeouts, one home runs allowed). In July, Stutes has a 1.80 ERA, in five starts (thirty innings). In his last ten starts, Stutes has a 2.81 ERA, in fifty-seven and two-thirds innings. (Stutes hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of those ten starts.) Perhaps Stutes should be as highly regarded as rotation-mates Joe Savery and Vance Worley?
Neil Sellers was a single short of a cycle, as his 3 for 5 night raised his average to .325. Kevin Mahar increased his average to .323, with a 3 for 5 effort of his own.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) shut out the Charlotte Stone Crabs, 2-0.
Darren Byrd (five innings, four hits, one walk/five whiffs), Carlos Monasterios (two innings, one hit), Scott Mathieson (one inning, one hit, one walk/three strikeouts), and Michael Schwimer (one inning, one strikeout) combined for the shutout. Steve Susdorf was 0 for 3, dropping his average to .394. Dominic Brown was 1 for 3, and his average fell to .300. Brown reached base twice, and was picked off once, and caught stealing second the other time.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/18)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) swept their Saturday doubleheader from the Rochester Red Wings, winning 7-5, and 6-3. The FeHogs have boldly ventured where no FeHog has ever ventured before: Third Place! Their sweep-ensuring strategy? Score six runs in each fourth inning, and allow less than six runs in each game.
In the opener, FeHogs' starter Gustavo Chacin surrendered five runs in five and one-third innings (six hits, two walks/one strikeout, two HR allowed), but the FeHogs scored seven runs, and the game lasted only seven innings, so Chacin received his fourth win. Jack Taschner picked up save with a scoreless seventh inning, a crisp twenty-three pitch/twelve-strike outing.
In the second game, IronPigs' starter Carlos Carrasco permitted three runs, over six, mostly strong, innings. He allowed two home runs, scoring all three of the runs, but only six total hits (zero walks/eight strikeouts!).
Michael Taylor went 2 for 4, including his first AAA home run. Expect to see him on the postseason roster. For the parent club.
Drew Carpenter will try to get the FeHogs back to .500, tonight at 5:35pm. Tune in!
The Reading Phillies (AA) were pounded by the New Britain Rock Cats, 11-3. The R-Phils have had no luck with the Rock Cats this season. Six losses for the R-Phils. A .349 avg. for the Rock Cats. To put things into a useful context, the Rock Cats, at least when playing the R-Phils, are the Sea Cows of the Eastern League.
R-Phils starter Joe Savery lost for only the second time (in fourteen decisions), surrendering six runs in five innings (eight hits, five walks (!)/five strikeouts, one HR allowed), and increasing his ERA to 3.83. (The R-Phils had Yohan Flande, Kyle Drabek, and Joe Savery lined up to start the Stone Felines' series, and still couldn't pick up a victory.)
Tyson Brummett pitched an inning in relief, allowing a run, and boosting his ERA to 4.96. After losing his rotation spot to Flande, Brummett remains in danger of losing his roster spot to Crazy Hot Dog Vendor.
(Tom McCarthy-esque Transition Alert!)
In Crazy Hot Dog Vendor News, today is Crazy Hot Dog Vendor Bank Day! So, we've got a grudge match against the Pestiferously Heinous Rock Cats, CHDV banks, Dollar Hot Dogs, Postgame Kids Run the Bases, and Mike Stutes on the mound. There is no way this game doesn't sell out.
The Clearwater Threshers lost to the Sarasota Reds, 4-3, in twelve (not-long) innings. (The twelve innings only took three hours and twenty-three minutes to play.)
A tough loss, but let's look at some positives, and focus on process over results:
-the Threshers did not play the Brevard County Manatees (i.e. Sea Cows of Doom)
-Dominic Brown and Freddy Galvis are back in the lineup
-Steve Susdorf had two more hits (though the 2 for 5 night lowered his avg. to only .414)
-Northpaw Drew Naylor had a superb start: seven innings, two runs (one earned), six hits, zero walks/one strikeout, one HR allowed
-Drew Naylor's middle name is "Roy", meaning the number of syllables in his first and middle names sums to the number of syllables in his surname. (Phillies' great James Paul Bunning also could make that claim.)
-Carlos Monasterios pitched two scoreless innings, followed by Michael Schwimmer, who threw two scoreless frames (no hits, no walks, five whiffs!) of his own
-the Threshers don't face the Pernicious Sea Cows again, until August 25th
In the opener, FeHogs' starter Gustavo Chacin surrendered five runs in five and one-third innings (six hits, two walks/one strikeout, two HR allowed), but the FeHogs scored seven runs, and the game lasted only seven innings, so Chacin received his fourth win. Jack Taschner picked up save with a scoreless seventh inning, a crisp twenty-three pitch/twelve-strike outing.
In the second game, IronPigs' starter Carlos Carrasco permitted three runs, over six, mostly strong, innings. He allowed two home runs, scoring all three of the runs, but only six total hits (zero walks/eight strikeouts!).
Michael Taylor went 2 for 4, including his first AAA home run. Expect to see him on the postseason roster. For the parent club.
Drew Carpenter will try to get the FeHogs back to .500, tonight at 5:35pm. Tune in!
The Reading Phillies (AA) were pounded by the New Britain Rock Cats, 11-3. The R-Phils have had no luck with the Rock Cats this season. Six losses for the R-Phils. A .349 avg. for the Rock Cats. To put things into a useful context, the Rock Cats, at least when playing the R-Phils, are the Sea Cows of the Eastern League.
R-Phils starter Joe Savery lost for only the second time (in fourteen decisions), surrendering six runs in five innings (eight hits, five walks (!)/five strikeouts, one HR allowed), and increasing his ERA to 3.83. (The R-Phils had Yohan Flande, Kyle Drabek, and Joe Savery lined up to start the Stone Felines' series, and still couldn't pick up a victory.)
Tyson Brummett pitched an inning in relief, allowing a run, and boosting his ERA to 4.96. After losing his rotation spot to Flande, Brummett remains in danger of losing his roster spot to Crazy Hot Dog Vendor.
(Tom McCarthy-esque Transition Alert!)
In Crazy Hot Dog Vendor News, today is Crazy Hot Dog Vendor Bank Day! So, we've got a grudge match against the Pestiferously Heinous Rock Cats, CHDV banks, Dollar Hot Dogs, Postgame Kids Run the Bases, and Mike Stutes on the mound. There is no way this game doesn't sell out.
The Clearwater Threshers lost to the Sarasota Reds, 4-3, in twelve (not-long) innings. (The twelve innings only took three hours and twenty-three minutes to play.)
A tough loss, but let's look at some positives, and focus on process over results:
-the Threshers did not play the Brevard County Manatees (i.e. Sea Cows of Doom)
-Dominic Brown and Freddy Galvis are back in the lineup
-Steve Susdorf had two more hits (though the 2 for 5 night lowered his avg. to only .414)
-Northpaw Drew Naylor had a superb start: seven innings, two runs (one earned), six hits, zero walks/one strikeout, one HR allowed
-Drew Naylor's middle name is "Roy", meaning the number of syllables in his first and middle names sums to the number of syllables in his surname. (Phillies' great James Paul Bunning also could make that claim.)
-Carlos Monasterios pitched two scoreless innings, followed by Michael Schwimmer, who threw two scoreless frames (no hits, no walks, five whiffs!) of his own
-the Threshers don't face the Pernicious Sea Cows again, until August 25th
Monday, July 13, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/12)
Kyle Drabek (representing the US) and Yohan Flande (representing the non-US portions of the World) each pitched a scoreless inning in Sunday's Futures Game. It was worth waiting through a four-hour rain delay to watch the top prospects play an exciting seven-inning game.
Drabek retired the side in order in the top of the second, on only eleven pitches. Drabek looked awesome, with low 90's velocity, and tremendous command.
Flande followed in the bottom of the frame, allowing a pair of singles, but no runs. Flande also looked good, striking out two, and mixing a low 90s fastball, with a mid-80s change. Hopefully, Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi liked what he saw from Flande, and Phillies GM Ruben Amaro considers Drabek untouchable.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) completed the first half of their season on Sunday, with a 5-3 loss to the Rochester Red Wings.
The FeHogs were tied, 3-3, in the bottom of the eighth, but usually-reliable reliever Cedrick Bowers gave up two runs (on three hits, one walk), while only procuring two outs. Starter Carlos Carrasco pitched adequately, permitting three runs in six and two-thirds innings (six hits, one walk/six strikeouts, two home runs allowed). Bowers stranded the two runners he inherited from Carrasco in the seventh.
The FeHogs have a 43-47 record, and are nine games out of first place.
The Reading Phillies (AA) were destroyed by the Harrisburg Senators, 10-3.
The Senators scored five times in the second inning, and four more in the sixth. R-Phils starter Vance Worley destroyed his season stat line, permitting nine runs (on eleven hits!) in only five and one-third innings. (Worley's ERA is now 4.33.) The R-Phils were out-hit seventeen to three.
During the R-Phils' internet broadcasts, the uniforms of the the two teams, as well as the ballpark, are often described in great detail.
Usually, this is done in the first inning, in a few quick, fluid, and meticulous sentences. Very helpful for AA neophytes, such as this replacement-level blogger, who are not always familiar with the uniforms and ballparks at that level. Terrific job, R-Phils!
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were dominated by the Daytona Cubs, 12-2.
The Threshers fell behind 10-1, after four innings. (I turned off the internet broadcast at that point. If the Threshers had their own broadcast, and didn't force us to listen to the opposition's announcers, I might have made it longer.)
Threshers' starter Drew Naylor survived only two innings, giving up five runs (four earned), on five hits and five walks (zero strikeouts). After posting sub-3.00 ERAs in each of the past two months, Naylor has an ERA of 6.00 in July (three starts).
Steve Susdorf supplied most of the Threshers' offense, with three of their five hits, including his second homer. Susdorf's BA had dropped below .400, as a result of a 1 for 8 slump, but he is back at .403, after his 3 for 4 on Sunday.
The Threshers play the Cubs again on Monday night. The Threshers' site lists Chris Carpenter as the scheduled starter for Daytona. Carpenter threw six strong innings on Sunday, but the Threshers may have more success on Monday, especially considering that he will be pitching on zero-days' rest. Tune in to the Daytona Cubs' broadcast-game time is 7:05pm.
Drabek retired the side in order in the top of the second, on only eleven pitches. Drabek looked awesome, with low 90's velocity, and tremendous command.
Flande followed in the bottom of the frame, allowing a pair of singles, but no runs. Flande also looked good, striking out two, and mixing a low 90s fastball, with a mid-80s change. Hopefully, Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi liked what he saw from Flande, and Phillies GM Ruben Amaro considers Drabek untouchable.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) completed the first half of their season on Sunday, with a 5-3 loss to the Rochester Red Wings.
The FeHogs were tied, 3-3, in the bottom of the eighth, but usually-reliable reliever Cedrick Bowers gave up two runs (on three hits, one walk), while only procuring two outs. Starter Carlos Carrasco pitched adequately, permitting three runs in six and two-thirds innings (six hits, one walk/six strikeouts, two home runs allowed). Bowers stranded the two runners he inherited from Carrasco in the seventh.
The FeHogs have a 43-47 record, and are nine games out of first place.
The Reading Phillies (AA) were destroyed by the Harrisburg Senators, 10-3.
The Senators scored five times in the second inning, and four more in the sixth. R-Phils starter Vance Worley destroyed his season stat line, permitting nine runs (on eleven hits!) in only five and one-third innings. (Worley's ERA is now 4.33.) The R-Phils were out-hit seventeen to three.
During the R-Phils' internet broadcasts, the uniforms of the the two teams, as well as the ballpark, are often described in great detail.
Usually, this is done in the first inning, in a few quick, fluid, and meticulous sentences. Very helpful for AA neophytes, such as this replacement-level blogger, who are not always familiar with the uniforms and ballparks at that level. Terrific job, R-Phils!
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were dominated by the Daytona Cubs, 12-2.
The Threshers fell behind 10-1, after four innings. (I turned off the internet broadcast at that point. If the Threshers had their own broadcast, and didn't force us to listen to the opposition's announcers, I might have made it longer.)
Threshers' starter Drew Naylor survived only two innings, giving up five runs (four earned), on five hits and five walks (zero strikeouts). After posting sub-3.00 ERAs in each of the past two months, Naylor has an ERA of 6.00 in July (three starts).
Steve Susdorf supplied most of the Threshers' offense, with three of their five hits, including his second homer. Susdorf's BA had dropped below .400, as a result of a 1 for 8 slump, but he is back at .403, after his 3 for 4 on Sunday.
The Threshers play the Cubs again on Monday night. The Threshers' site lists Chris Carpenter as the scheduled starter for Daytona. Carpenter threw six strong innings on Sunday, but the Threshers may have more success on Monday, especially considering that he will be pitching on zero-days' rest. Tune in to the Daytona Cubs' broadcast-game time is 7:05pm.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/7)
Shane Victorino continues to battle SF's Pablo Sandoval in the Final Vote race. There's still plenty of time for any of the five candidates to win. Also plenty of time for each of us to vote for Victorino another 5000 times...
Raul Ibanez had his second rehab game Tuesday night, in Lehigh Valley (AAA). Ibanez batted three times, with a walk, a strikeout, and a single. He will probably have Wednesday off, play on Thursday, and may be activated by the P-Phils this weekend.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs lost for the seventh time in nine games, 6-2, to the Pawtucket Red Sox. The FeHogs' bats were shut down by Clay Buchholz, who would be the P-Phils' second starter. Lehigh Valley did set a franchise record, by walking eleven Pawtucket batters. Starter Carlos Carrasco contributed six of those free passes, in throwing only forty-seven of eighty-six pitches for strikes. Carrasco only permitted three hits, but the walks helped lead to six earned runs, in only four innings. Jack Taschner made his FeHogs debut, pitching two scoreless innings, in which he allowed four baserunners (2.00 WHIP).
In related news, the LV postgame show starts by airing radio clips of highlights from former IronPigs (including Brennan King and Jon Knotts!). Can't they update this with some 2009 highlights?
The Reading Phillies (AA) took a 5-0 lead into the fourth inning, and held on to beat the Akron Aeros, 11-7. The R-Phils' fourteen-hit attack featured three-hit games from Quintin Berry and Michael Taylor, and two-hit games from Neil Sellers, Jeremy Slayden, and Brad Harman. Vance Worley got the win, but permitted eleven hits and four runs (one walk/three strikeouts) over five and one-third innings. Worley's line could have been worse, but reliever Alex Concepcion stranded the two runners he inherited from Worley.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) game was suspended, with the Threshers trailing the Lakeland Flying Tigers in the fourth inning, 1-0. The aborted mission will be resumed on August 12th. Jonathan Velazquez had allowed only a single run (three hits, zero walks/five strikeouts) in the four innings he completed. I wonder how many current Threshers will be with the R-Phils, by the time this game is resumed?
Raul Ibanez had his second rehab game Tuesday night, in Lehigh Valley (AAA). Ibanez batted three times, with a walk, a strikeout, and a single. He will probably have Wednesday off, play on Thursday, and may be activated by the P-Phils this weekend.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs lost for the seventh time in nine games, 6-2, to the Pawtucket Red Sox. The FeHogs' bats were shut down by Clay Buchholz, who would be the P-Phils' second starter. Lehigh Valley did set a franchise record, by walking eleven Pawtucket batters. Starter Carlos Carrasco contributed six of those free passes, in throwing only forty-seven of eighty-six pitches for strikes. Carrasco only permitted three hits, but the walks helped lead to six earned runs, in only four innings. Jack Taschner made his FeHogs debut, pitching two scoreless innings, in which he allowed four baserunners (2.00 WHIP).
In related news, the LV postgame show starts by airing radio clips of highlights from former IronPigs (including Brennan King and Jon Knotts!). Can't they update this with some 2009 highlights?
The Reading Phillies (AA) took a 5-0 lead into the fourth inning, and held on to beat the Akron Aeros, 11-7. The R-Phils' fourteen-hit attack featured three-hit games from Quintin Berry and Michael Taylor, and two-hit games from Neil Sellers, Jeremy Slayden, and Brad Harman. Vance Worley got the win, but permitted eleven hits and four runs (one walk/three strikeouts) over five and one-third innings. Worley's line could have been worse, but reliever Alex Concepcion stranded the two runners he inherited from Worley.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) game was suspended, with the Threshers trailing the Lakeland Flying Tigers in the fourth inning, 1-0. The aborted mission will be resumed on August 12th. Jonathan Velazquez had allowed only a single run (three hits, zero walks/five strikeouts) in the four innings he completed. I wonder how many current Threshers will be with the R-Phils, by the time this game is resumed?
Friday, July 3, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/2)
Jimmy Rollins got a hit in Thursday night's game! In fact, Rollins got two hits, and is now two for his last thirty-one! The Red Bull must be sparking his resurgence...
Raul Ibanez worked out in Reading for the third consecutive day, but did not play. Ibanez continues to not play, and the Phillies continue to indicate that he hasn't "had a setback" and that they are "waiting until he is 100%." It is best for them not to rush Ibanez, but the Phils really need him back.
Scott Eyre is expected to make another rehab appearance on Friday night. Hopefully, this one goes better than the last one. He'll almost definitely miss the Mets' series.
Rodrigo Lopez will be promoted to make the start for the Phillies on Friday night, but the corresponding roster move has yet to be announced. Hoping for Paul Bako or Jack Taschner, but suspect it will be another optioning of Sergio Escalona.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) used a five-run fourth inning to beat the Syracuse Chiefs, 5-1. Carlos Carrasco, passed over for the starting pitcher opening for the P-Phils, pitched six strong innings. He allowed a single run, on six hits (two walks/four strikeouts), in the ninety-seven pitch outing. Gary Majewski followed with two scoreless innings of relief, getting his ERA back under 4, at 3.99.
The Reading Phillies (AA) had their five game winning streak broken by the Altoona Curve, in a 4-3 loss. Like the P-Phils, the R-Phils could have used Raul Ibanez' bat. Reading fell behind, 4-0 after four innings, and could not complete the comeback. Vance Worley took the loss, surrendering four runs (two earned) in six innings (six hits, one walk/two strikeouts).
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost for the first time, in eight second-half games, to the Palm Beach Cardinals, 9-6. The Threshers trailed 9-1, after five innings, and could not complete the comeback. The Threshers made three errors, leading to five unearned runs. Starter Jon Velazquez took the loss, but only two of the seven runs he permitted (in two and two-thirds innings) were of the earned variety.
Raul Ibanez worked out in Reading for the third consecutive day, but did not play. Ibanez continues to not play, and the Phillies continue to indicate that he hasn't "had a setback" and that they are "waiting until he is 100%." It is best for them not to rush Ibanez, but the Phils really need him back.
Scott Eyre is expected to make another rehab appearance on Friday night. Hopefully, this one goes better than the last one. He'll almost definitely miss the Mets' series.
Rodrigo Lopez will be promoted to make the start for the Phillies on Friday night, but the corresponding roster move has yet to be announced. Hoping for Paul Bako or Jack Taschner, but suspect it will be another optioning of Sergio Escalona.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) used a five-run fourth inning to beat the Syracuse Chiefs, 5-1. Carlos Carrasco, passed over for the starting pitcher opening for the P-Phils, pitched six strong innings. He allowed a single run, on six hits (two walks/four strikeouts), in the ninety-seven pitch outing. Gary Majewski followed with two scoreless innings of relief, getting his ERA back under 4, at 3.99.
The Reading Phillies (AA) had their five game winning streak broken by the Altoona Curve, in a 4-3 loss. Like the P-Phils, the R-Phils could have used Raul Ibanez' bat. Reading fell behind, 4-0 after four innings, and could not complete the comeback. Vance Worley took the loss, surrendering four runs (two earned) in six innings (six hits, one walk/two strikeouts).
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost for the first time, in eight second-half games, to the Palm Beach Cardinals, 9-6. The Threshers trailed 9-1, after five innings, and could not complete the comeback. The Threshers made three errors, leading to five unearned runs. Starter Jon Velazquez took the loss, but only two of the seven runs he permitted (in two and two-thirds innings) were of the earned variety.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/1)
The Phillies announced that Lehigh Valley (AAA) starting pitcher Rodrigo Lopez will be recalled for Friday night's start against the New York Mets. The Phillies chose "experience" over "skill", at least for Friday's start. Lopez has pitched well recently, and the Phillies wanted to see how the 33 year old veteran northpaw would do at the MLB level. Before TJ surgery in 2007, Lopez had a 4.42 ERA/1.31 WHIP with Colorado. Lopez would have to pass waivers to return to AAA, so he'll likely be given a few starts for the P-Phils, before they decide whether he is rotation-worthy. (He may be able to stick as a reliever, also.)
Carlos Carrasco certainly has more upside, and the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter, but the Phils opted not to recall him. Yet. Perhaps they wanted to protect his delicate psyche? Perhaps they wanted to protect his trade value, which could decrease with some struggles at the MLB level? Perhaps they want to give him more AAA time, to work on his slider?
I think Carrasco should have been given the start. (Lopez could be promoted as a long reliever/spot starter to get some MLB time, at the expense of the roster spot of Jack Taschner (or Paul Bako).
It has not been announced who will lose their P-Phils roster spot to Lopez.
Jimmy Rollins went 0 for 3 Wednesday, decreasing his average to .205. Going 0 for 27 tends to have an adverse effect on batting averages. Going 6 for 55, isn't helpful, either. Still better than Bruntlett...
Paul Bako started behind the plate on Wednesday night. Charlie Manuel said something to the extent of "he's on the roster, I have to use him", when asked about Bako's inclusion in the starting lineup. I'm sure Phillies' starter Cole Hamels appreciated that logic.
Scott Eyre pitched for Reading (AA) in a rehab appearance on Wednesday night. Eyre, on a pitch limit of 25, allowed a home run to the first batter he faced. When he departed, having hit his pitch count, the bases were loaded, with two out. Kyle Drabek got out of the jam, and Eyre was only charged with one run, on two hits and a walk.
Raul Ibanez was expected to make a rehab appearance for Reading, but did not. Ibanez took batting practice, and is expected to play Thursday. Looks like he will be out for the entirety of the Mets' series...
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) did not have a game scheduled for Wednesday.
The FeHogs face the Syracuse Chiefs on Thursday night, with Carlos Carrasco slated to start.
The Reading Phillies (AA) trailed 4-0 going into the bottom of the second, but came back to beat the Altoona Curve, 8-6. Reading scored six runs in the bottom of the second, two on a Michael Taylor home run. Taylor was 2 for 4, improving his average to .350.
1B Kevin Mahar (.312) had two hits, as did C Tuffy Gosewisch (.244).
Pitcher Kyle Drabek went 3 for 3, improving his batting average to .625. Drabek also kept his winning percentage at 1.000, with his fifth win. Drabek, pitching in relief of the rehabbing Eyre, pitched six and one-third innings, surrendering three runs (seven hits, three walks/four strikeouts). All three of the runs came in the second inning, perhaps not starting adversely affected his routine?
Tyson Brummett pitched in relief, again. It appears that he has lost his rotation spot to Yohan Flande.
The R-Phils had four players chosen to appear in the All-Star game. LHP Joe Savery, RHP Vance Worley, 3B Neil Sellers, and OF Michael Taylor will all travel to historic Trenton, N.J. for the Mid-Summer Classic on July 15th. Kyle Drabek's performance at the AA level might have made him worthy of inclusion, but he has only pitched 40 innings for Reading.
Drabek's next All-Star appearance will likely be in 2010, for Lehigh Valley.
The Clearwater Threshers swept a doubleheader from the Palm Beach Cardinals, winning 2-1 (seven innings), and 7-1 (six innings). Drew Naylor pitched seven strong innings in the opener, permitting a run on only four hits (zero walks/six strikeouts). Michael Galen Cisco surrendered only an unearned run in the second game, pitching five innings (four hits, one walk/three strikeouts).
Carlos Carrasco certainly has more upside, and the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter, but the Phils opted not to recall him. Yet. Perhaps they wanted to protect his delicate psyche? Perhaps they wanted to protect his trade value, which could decrease with some struggles at the MLB level? Perhaps they want to give him more AAA time, to work on his slider?
I think Carrasco should have been given the start. (Lopez could be promoted as a long reliever/spot starter to get some MLB time, at the expense of the roster spot of Jack Taschner (or Paul Bako).
It has not been announced who will lose their P-Phils roster spot to Lopez.
Jimmy Rollins went 0 for 3 Wednesday, decreasing his average to .205. Going 0 for 27 tends to have an adverse effect on batting averages. Going 6 for 55, isn't helpful, either. Still better than Bruntlett...
Paul Bako started behind the plate on Wednesday night. Charlie Manuel said something to the extent of "he's on the roster, I have to use him", when asked about Bako's inclusion in the starting lineup. I'm sure Phillies' starter Cole Hamels appreciated that logic.
Scott Eyre pitched for Reading (AA) in a rehab appearance on Wednesday night. Eyre, on a pitch limit of 25, allowed a home run to the first batter he faced. When he departed, having hit his pitch count, the bases were loaded, with two out. Kyle Drabek got out of the jam, and Eyre was only charged with one run, on two hits and a walk.
Raul Ibanez was expected to make a rehab appearance for Reading, but did not. Ibanez took batting practice, and is expected to play Thursday. Looks like he will be out for the entirety of the Mets' series...
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) did not have a game scheduled for Wednesday.
The FeHogs face the Syracuse Chiefs on Thursday night, with Carlos Carrasco slated to start.
The Reading Phillies (AA) trailed 4-0 going into the bottom of the second, but came back to beat the Altoona Curve, 8-6. Reading scored six runs in the bottom of the second, two on a Michael Taylor home run. Taylor was 2 for 4, improving his average to .350.
1B Kevin Mahar (.312) had two hits, as did C Tuffy Gosewisch (.244).
Pitcher Kyle Drabek went 3 for 3, improving his batting average to .625. Drabek also kept his winning percentage at 1.000, with his fifth win. Drabek, pitching in relief of the rehabbing Eyre, pitched six and one-third innings, surrendering three runs (seven hits, three walks/four strikeouts). All three of the runs came in the second inning, perhaps not starting adversely affected his routine?
Tyson Brummett pitched in relief, again. It appears that he has lost his rotation spot to Yohan Flande.
The R-Phils had four players chosen to appear in the All-Star game. LHP Joe Savery, RHP Vance Worley, 3B Neil Sellers, and OF Michael Taylor will all travel to historic Trenton, N.J. for the Mid-Summer Classic on July 15th. Kyle Drabek's performance at the AA level might have made him worthy of inclusion, but he has only pitched 40 innings for Reading.
Drabek's next All-Star appearance will likely be in 2010, for Lehigh Valley.
The Clearwater Threshers swept a doubleheader from the Palm Beach Cardinals, winning 2-1 (seven innings), and 7-1 (six innings). Drew Naylor pitched seven strong innings in the opener, permitting a run on only four hits (zero walks/six strikeouts). Michael Galen Cisco surrendered only an unearned run in the second game, pitching five innings (four hits, one walk/three strikeouts).
Bunts and Balks (6/30)
Jimmy Rollins returned to the lineup on Tuesday, and increased his hitless streak to 24 AB, with an 0 for 5 effort. The Braves fans mocked him, chanting .208 (his batting average). Still better than Gnome Bruntlett...
Paul Bako played in the field, and was allowed to bat (!), in Tuesday night's loss to Atlanta. These events should only be permitted to occur under emergency circumstances, or in blowouts. This may have been our last chance to see Bako on the field, however, if he is removed from the roster on Friday.
The Phillies acquired Brian Mazone, a soft-tossing journeyman, to bolster the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) staff. With a day-night doubleheader looming on Friday, and the probable promotion of a member of their starting rotation to the parent club, the Phils just wanted another arm for AAA. They may not want to promote any of their AA starters, at this point, though Joe Savery could be an option late in the season. (Kyle Drabek, coming off TJ surgery, should probably stay at AA for the season, and keep his innings down.)
J.A. Happ has been named as the starter for Thursday night, so the Friday night starter (against the Mets) will, likely, be a pitcher currently in AAA. This move keeps Happ on his regular day, and gives him the start in the final game before the All-Star break. It also enables the Phillies to wait another game, before opening up a roster spot, with the optioning of (Sergio Escalona? Jack Taschner?) or the DFA'ing of Paul Bako.
The starter for Friday still has not been announced. It could be Andrew Carpenter, Carlos Carrasco, Rodrigo Lopez, or Roy Halladay. Carrasco and Carpenter have options remaining, while the veteran Lopez would have to pass waivers to return to the LV. Halladay is a bit of a darkhorse here, as he would be on three days' rest, and is currently in the Blue Jays' organization. My money is on Carrasco making the start (or Arizona RHP Doug Davis, who would be on full rest).
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) fell to two games under .500, with a 3-1 loss to the Norfolk Tides. The Tides scored two eighth-inning runs to break the tie. Kyle Kendrick pitched a bullpen-saving complete game (106 pitches, 70 strikes), allowing only two earned runs (six hits, two walks/one strikeout) in the nine-inning effort. The FeHogs were held to only five hits.
The Reading Phillies (AA) trailed the Altoona Curve, 5-4, in the bottom of the ninth. They tied it in the ninth, and won on a 12th inning walkoff HR by Kevin Mahar. In Yohan Flande's long-awaited R-Phils debut, the lefty allowed five runs in the second inning. In the other five innings he pitched, he held the Curve scoreless. Flande permitted only four hits, with three walks/four strikeouts.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were rained out on Tuesday night. They will play a doubleheader on Wednesday, against the Palm Beach Cardinals.
Paul Bako played in the field, and was allowed to bat (!), in Tuesday night's loss to Atlanta. These events should only be permitted to occur under emergency circumstances, or in blowouts. This may have been our last chance to see Bako on the field, however, if he is removed from the roster on Friday.
The Phillies acquired Brian Mazone, a soft-tossing journeyman, to bolster the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) staff. With a day-night doubleheader looming on Friday, and the probable promotion of a member of their starting rotation to the parent club, the Phils just wanted another arm for AAA. They may not want to promote any of their AA starters, at this point, though Joe Savery could be an option late in the season. (Kyle Drabek, coming off TJ surgery, should probably stay at AA for the season, and keep his innings down.)
J.A. Happ has been named as the starter for Thursday night, so the Friday night starter (against the Mets) will, likely, be a pitcher currently in AAA. This move keeps Happ on his regular day, and gives him the start in the final game before the All-Star break. It also enables the Phillies to wait another game, before opening up a roster spot, with the optioning of (Sergio Escalona? Jack Taschner?) or the DFA'ing of Paul Bako.
The starter for Friday still has not been announced. It could be Andrew Carpenter, Carlos Carrasco, Rodrigo Lopez, or Roy Halladay. Carrasco and Carpenter have options remaining, while the veteran Lopez would have to pass waivers to return to the LV. Halladay is a bit of a darkhorse here, as he would be on three days' rest, and is currently in the Blue Jays' organization. My money is on Carrasco making the start (or Arizona RHP Doug Davis, who would be on full rest).
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) fell to two games under .500, with a 3-1 loss to the Norfolk Tides. The Tides scored two eighth-inning runs to break the tie. Kyle Kendrick pitched a bullpen-saving complete game (106 pitches, 70 strikes), allowing only two earned runs (six hits, two walks/one strikeout) in the nine-inning effort. The FeHogs were held to only five hits.
The Reading Phillies (AA) trailed the Altoona Curve, 5-4, in the bottom of the ninth. They tied it in the ninth, and won on a 12th inning walkoff HR by Kevin Mahar. In Yohan Flande's long-awaited R-Phils debut, the lefty allowed five runs in the second inning. In the other five innings he pitched, he held the Curve scoreless. Flande permitted only four hits, with three walks/four strikeouts.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were rained out on Tuesday night. They will play a doubleheader on Wednesday, against the Palm Beach Cardinals.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
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
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.
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.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
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.
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!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
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.)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/4)
Shane Victorino is out of Thursday night's lineup with hip/lower back issues. The issues don't appear to be serious, and Victorino may be available off the bench. As the Phillies face LHP Clayton Kershaw tonight, they'll go to their four-man bench for right-handed "hitting" "outfielder"...Eric Bruntlett. John Mayberry is with Lehigh Valley (AAA), but reliever Jack Taschner is still with the parent club. If Thursday's game goes forty-seven innings, and Charlie Manuel doesn't want to have a position player pitch, we might see Taschner.
Brett Myers underwent surgery today, and is three months away from long-tossing. Best wishes to Brett. A successful (and timely) recovery would guarantee draft pick compensation to the Phillies, when he signs elsewhere as a free agent.
Five members of the Clearwater Threshers (A) were named to play the Florida State League (FSL) All-Star game. Dominic Brown (OF, probably the top positional prospect in the organization), Kyle Drabek (probably the top pitching prospect in the organization, now with Reading (AA)), Yohan Flande (P), Fidel Hernandez (middle infielder), and Tim Kennelly (catcher, also plays some infield and outfield) were all honored. As All-Stars now, their trade values have all gone up, which means that it will take fewer of them to acquire Roy Halladay.
Carlos Carraco got his first win for the IronPigs on Thursday night. Carrasco pitched six and one-third innings, allowing three hits, two walks (five strikeouts), and two earned runs. He threw 105 pitches, 62 for strikes. Carrasco has pitched much better than his 1-6 record, and 5.14 ERA, would seem to indicate. Poor guy has had some serious BABIP issues (.374 before tonight). There seems to be a good chance he'll been seen with the parent club this season, if he isn't part of the Halladay trade...
Tyler Walker got his second save for Lehigh Valley on Thursday, lowering his ERA to 1.76. The Phils might promote Walker this season, as well. He certainly should be promoted in September, when rosters can increase to forty players. (Though his BABIP of .176 seems to indicate that some bad luck may be in Walker's future.)
The Phillies will miss Dodgers' ace Chad Billingsley and slugger Manny Ramirez (suspension) in their weekend series. Good timing for the Phils, who won't have to face that pair until the postseason.
On the heels of the pending success of "The Pen", negotiations have begun for the rights to the new reality show "I'm a Phillie...Get me out of here!" My money is on Clay Condrey to win the competition, which is expected to be held in Antarctica.
Brett Myers underwent surgery today, and is three months away from long-tossing. Best wishes to Brett. A successful (and timely) recovery would guarantee draft pick compensation to the Phillies, when he signs elsewhere as a free agent.
Five members of the Clearwater Threshers (A) were named to play the Florida State League (FSL) All-Star game. Dominic Brown (OF, probably the top positional prospect in the organization), Kyle Drabek (probably the top pitching prospect in the organization, now with Reading (AA)), Yohan Flande (P), Fidel Hernandez (middle infielder), and Tim Kennelly (catcher, also plays some infield and outfield) were all honored. As All-Stars now, their trade values have all gone up, which means that it will take fewer of them to acquire Roy Halladay.
Carlos Carraco got his first win for the IronPigs on Thursday night. Carrasco pitched six and one-third innings, allowing three hits, two walks (five strikeouts), and two earned runs. He threw 105 pitches, 62 for strikes. Carrasco has pitched much better than his 1-6 record, and 5.14 ERA, would seem to indicate. Poor guy has had some serious BABIP issues (.374 before tonight). There seems to be a good chance he'll been seen with the parent club this season, if he isn't part of the Halladay trade...
Tyler Walker got his second save for Lehigh Valley on Thursday, lowering his ERA to 1.76. The Phils might promote Walker this season, as well. He certainly should be promoted in September, when rosters can increase to forty players. (Though his BABIP of .176 seems to indicate that some bad luck may be in Walker's future.)
The Phillies will miss Dodgers' ace Chad Billingsley and slugger Manny Ramirez (suspension) in their weekend series. Good timing for the Phils, who won't have to face that pair until the postseason.
On the heels of the pending success of "The Pen", negotiations have begun for the rights to the new reality show "I'm a Phillie...Get me out of here!" My money is on Clay Condrey to win the competition, which is expected to be held in Antarctica.
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