Catcher Carlos Ruiz and the Phillies avoided arbitration, agreeing to a three-year extension worth a reported $9 million. Ruiz had his best offensive year in 2009, posting a .337 wOBA. Ruiz has performed extremely well offensively in the postseason, with a wOBA of .403 (119 PA.) He is considered a strong defensive backstop, ranking among the best catchers at handling pitches in the dirt. His improved offensive performance in 2009, lead to a career-high WAR of 2.2, worth approximately $10 million in free agent dollars. If Ruiz can keep his WAR in this range, the Phillies did well to extend him.
Shortstop Jimmy Rollins also agreed to terms this weekend, marrying his girlfriend Johari Smith, in a ceremony Saturday in the Cayman Islands. First basemen Ryan Howard, outfielder Shane Victorino, and former Phillies outfielder Bobby Abreu were among the players in attendance. There are no reports (yet) as to whether Abreu displayed the same trepidation on the dance floor, that he once showed in the Phillies' outfield. Rollins and Smith each posted WARs over 2.0 in 2009, so this was a good deal for both parties. Pictures are available at The 700 Level.
Showing posts with label Carlos Ruiz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carlos Ruiz. Show all posts
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday, August 31, 2009
Phillies Use Ancient Methods to Defeat Braves
Long ago, the sport of baseball was a very different game. Players left their gloves on the field, when they returned to the dugout. If players spent more than two weeks on a roster, without playing, it was probably either because they were very bad at the game of baseball, or because they were actually spies. There was a batting maneuver, used to advance runners, known as the "bunt." The Philadelphia Phillies had an innings-eater, by the name of Grover Cleveland Alexander, who pitched more than three-hundred innings, seven seasons in a row. A "loogy" was just a synonym for expectorant. Way back then, creating a "Cliff Lee", using DNA obtained from Steve Carlton, would have been as inconceivable as the Phillies being labeled a "perennial contender."
In the much more recent past, the Phillies have pondered several questions. "If Brad Lidge blows every save opportunity, has he achieved perfection?" "Will Matt Stairs ever get a hit again?" "Is Eric Bruntlett really only the fourth-worst-hitting non-pitcher on this team?" They also considered a more philosophical question. They asked themselves, "If Scott Eyre is in the bullpen, and he never pitches, does he make a sound?" Noted philosopher/ineffective reliever Chad Durbin, who was not created using DNA obtained from Ron Reed, would likely answer that question, "Does he (Eyre) ever NOT make a sound?" Manager Charlie Manuel, however, hasn't appeared to be aware of Eyre's continued bullpen existence. At least until the eighth inning of the Phillies' 3-2 victory over the Braves, on Sunday night.
Scott Eyre entered his first game in two weeks, with runners on first and second, and no outs. Though he had warmed up numerous times during those two weeks, and his usefulness as a LOOGY had been oft-demonstrated, he had been reduced to merely cheering on his teammates. Suddenly, he was called on to pitch, during the highest leverage at bat of the game. Four pitches later, he induced an unconventional 4-6-5 double play. He retired the next batter on another grounder, exiting the inning with a 3-2 lead. Now, we are left to ponder why we had to wait two weeks between Eyre appearances. A Grover Cleveland Alexander-esque ERA of 1.65 should surely qualify Eyre for more regular use.
The Phillies' offense generated a lot of sound on Sunday night, with Chase Utley hitting yet another home run (his 29th), and Carlos Ruiz knocking three hits, including a pair of doubles. The loudest noise, however, may have been made by the softest contact. In bottom of the seventh inning, with the score tied at one, Raul Ibanez lead off the inning with a walk. Pedro Feliz followed, and performed the archaic maneuver known as "squaring around to bunt." This antiquated technique doesn't seem to have a lot of value in today's chock-full-of-extra-base-hit-game, except as a possible (occasional) deterrent to deep-playing infielders, or as a practice utilized solely by exceedingly weak-hitting batters. In Sunday night's context, however, it led to a two-base error. Carlos Ruiz followed Feliz' bunt with a two-run double, and the Phillies had all the scoring that they would require.
When you have (the post-April 2009 version of) Joe Blanton on the mound, not a lot of offense is needed. Blanton once pursued the quality start, and the seventh inning, as Moe Berg had once pursued Axis secrets (with a lumbering tenacity). Now that Blanton has made ten consecutive quality starts, venturing into the seventh inning in nine of them, the lanky northpaw has earned the "innings-eater" label that had once been, prematurely, bestowed upon him. Blanton ate seven more innings, surrendering only a solo home run, among three hits and four walks (and seven strikeouts!).
Brad Lidge, often effective when not used more than two days in a row, retired all three batters he faced in the ninth, for his twenty-seventh save. The Phillies had combined methods, both ancient and modern, in winning the rubber game of the three-game series. Philadelphia increased their divisional lead to eight games, with only thirty-four games remaining to be played. Joe Blanton may get the opportunity to reprise Alexander's 1915 role, as an innings-eater on a team that went on to play the Red Sox, in the World Series. (That is, if 2009's Red Sox can get past Detroit, in the ALCS...)
In the much more recent past, the Phillies have pondered several questions. "If Brad Lidge blows every save opportunity, has he achieved perfection?" "Will Matt Stairs ever get a hit again?" "Is Eric Bruntlett really only the fourth-worst-hitting non-pitcher on this team?" They also considered a more philosophical question. They asked themselves, "If Scott Eyre is in the bullpen, and he never pitches, does he make a sound?" Noted philosopher/ineffective reliever Chad Durbin, who was not created using DNA obtained from Ron Reed, would likely answer that question, "Does he (Eyre) ever NOT make a sound?" Manager Charlie Manuel, however, hasn't appeared to be aware of Eyre's continued bullpen existence. At least until the eighth inning of the Phillies' 3-2 victory over the Braves, on Sunday night.
Scott Eyre entered his first game in two weeks, with runners on first and second, and no outs. Though he had warmed up numerous times during those two weeks, and his usefulness as a LOOGY had been oft-demonstrated, he had been reduced to merely cheering on his teammates. Suddenly, he was called on to pitch, during the highest leverage at bat of the game. Four pitches later, he induced an unconventional 4-6-5 double play. He retired the next batter on another grounder, exiting the inning with a 3-2 lead. Now, we are left to ponder why we had to wait two weeks between Eyre appearances. A Grover Cleveland Alexander-esque ERA of 1.65 should surely qualify Eyre for more regular use.
The Phillies' offense generated a lot of sound on Sunday night, with Chase Utley hitting yet another home run (his 29th), and Carlos Ruiz knocking three hits, including a pair of doubles. The loudest noise, however, may have been made by the softest contact. In bottom of the seventh inning, with the score tied at one, Raul Ibanez lead off the inning with a walk. Pedro Feliz followed, and performed the archaic maneuver known as "squaring around to bunt." This antiquated technique doesn't seem to have a lot of value in today's chock-full-of-extra-base-hit-game, except as a possible (occasional) deterrent to deep-playing infielders, or as a practice utilized solely by exceedingly weak-hitting batters. In Sunday night's context, however, it led to a two-base error. Carlos Ruiz followed Feliz' bunt with a two-run double, and the Phillies had all the scoring that they would require.
When you have (the post-April 2009 version of) Joe Blanton on the mound, not a lot of offense is needed. Blanton once pursued the quality start, and the seventh inning, as Moe Berg had once pursued Axis secrets (with a lumbering tenacity). Now that Blanton has made ten consecutive quality starts, venturing into the seventh inning in nine of them, the lanky northpaw has earned the "innings-eater" label that had once been, prematurely, bestowed upon him. Blanton ate seven more innings, surrendering only a solo home run, among three hits and four walks (and seven strikeouts!).
Brad Lidge, often effective when not used more than two days in a row, retired all three batters he faced in the ninth, for his twenty-seventh save. The Phillies had combined methods, both ancient and modern, in winning the rubber game of the three-game series. Philadelphia increased their divisional lead to eight games, with only thirty-four games remaining to be played. Joe Blanton may get the opportunity to reprise Alexander's 1915 role, as an innings-eater on a team that went on to play the Red Sox, in the World Series. (That is, if 2009's Red Sox can get past Detroit, in the ALCS...)
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Mets are No Match for Eric Bruntlett
Jayson Werth strode to the plate, with the opportunity to do some serious damage. In the first half-frame of Sunday's game against the Mets, the Phillies' first two batters had reached base. Jimmy Rollins had left off the game with a double, on the eighth pitch from Mets' starter Oliver Perez. Shane Victorino had followed with another eight pitch at bat, working the erratic Mets' hurler for a walk. In recent games, the Phillies had often struggled to convert these early opportunities into runs. Werth fouled off six consecutive Perez offerings, in another epic at bat. On the twelfth pitch to Werth, Perez tried a four-seam fastball. Werth drove the 90 MPH pitch into the stands in left, a tremendous blast that gave the Phils an early 3-0 advantage.
Carlos Ruiz was just hoping to turn the lineup over. Pedro Feliz had worked a two-out walk, and Eric Bruntlett, starting at second base to give Chase Utley the day off, followed with a seeing-eye single. Ruiz was the eighth Phillies' batter to face Oliver Perez in the first inning. Perez was laboring, and Ruiz would have been happy to take a walk. Perez' second pitch, an 89 MPH four-seam fastball, got a little too much of the plate. Ruiz deposited the pitch over the fence in left. The Phillies had two homers, in the span of six batters, at homer-unfriendly Citi Field. The embattled Perez threw three balls to the opposing pitcher, Pedro Martinez. The third ball, his forty-seventh pitch, was his last, as Mets' Manager Jerry Manuel had seen enough. Martinez went down on strikes, but the Phillies had taken a 6-0 lead, before the Mets could even bat.
Brad Lidge was in trouble. It certainly wasn't the first time he had encountered difficulties converting a save opportunity. However, this time, Lidge had been the unlucky victim of a series of unfortunate, defense-deficient, events. The Phillies' closer had entered the ninth inning with a 9-6 lead, and had induced routine ground balls to the first three batters. Ryan Howard turned the first grounder into a three-base error, and Eric Bruntlett had converted the second grounder into a run-scoring, one-base error. The third grounder seemed destined to be a 4-6 fielder's choice, but Bruntlett had muffed it into a single. With the lead down to 9-7, the tying run on first base, and still no outs, Lidge wondered what more he could have done. Phillies' fans hoped Eric Bruntlett would be replaced by Chase Utley's Golden Glove. With the runners off on the pitch, Lidge delivered a slider to the Mets' Jeff Francoeur. The Mets' outfielder hit a hard line drive up the middle...for a GAME-ENDING UNASSISTED TRIPLE PLAY BY ERIC BRUNTLETT!!
Bruntlett's game-ending play, only the fifteenth triplet killing in MLB history, and only the second to end a ballgame, might not have been the strangest of the game's unlikely events. It wasn't even the most unlikely event involving Eric Bruntlett. The weak-hitting (on his best days) utility player not only had THREE HITS IN THE SAME GAME, but he came within a reversed call of a four-hit game. The three hits elevated Bruntlett's season average to .154, and the unassisted triple play placed the scraggly infielder in the same exalted corner of Phillies' history as the inimitable Mickey Morandini.
Phils' starter Pedro Martinez, in his third start with the team, picked up the 216th regular season win of his memorable career. But the future HOFer didn't do anything to merit installment in an exalted corner of Phillies' history. He looked very good at times, but the overall stats were rather, well, Moyeresque. Six innings, seven hits, four runs- this is the type of unimpressive line that Moyer produced on a regular basis. The glimpses of the talented Martinez were overshadowed by the replacement level results. Martinez needs to do better. Fortunately, the offense provided enough for Martinez to win on Sunday.
The Phillies will send Cliff Lee to the mound on Monday afternoon, as they try to win three of four from the Mets. Given that Lee has been pitching like Pedro Martinez, circa 2005, and that Eric Bruntlett's hot bat and glove will be in the lineup again, another Phils' win seems likely.
Carlos Ruiz was just hoping to turn the lineup over. Pedro Feliz had worked a two-out walk, and Eric Bruntlett, starting at second base to give Chase Utley the day off, followed with a seeing-eye single. Ruiz was the eighth Phillies' batter to face Oliver Perez in the first inning. Perez was laboring, and Ruiz would have been happy to take a walk. Perez' second pitch, an 89 MPH four-seam fastball, got a little too much of the plate. Ruiz deposited the pitch over the fence in left. The Phillies had two homers, in the span of six batters, at homer-unfriendly Citi Field. The embattled Perez threw three balls to the opposing pitcher, Pedro Martinez. The third ball, his forty-seventh pitch, was his last, as Mets' Manager Jerry Manuel had seen enough. Martinez went down on strikes, but the Phillies had taken a 6-0 lead, before the Mets could even bat.
Brad Lidge was in trouble. It certainly wasn't the first time he had encountered difficulties converting a save opportunity. However, this time, Lidge had been the unlucky victim of a series of unfortunate, defense-deficient, events. The Phillies' closer had entered the ninth inning with a 9-6 lead, and had induced routine ground balls to the first three batters. Ryan Howard turned the first grounder into a three-base error, and Eric Bruntlett had converted the second grounder into a run-scoring, one-base error. The third grounder seemed destined to be a 4-6 fielder's choice, but Bruntlett had muffed it into a single. With the lead down to 9-7, the tying run on first base, and still no outs, Lidge wondered what more he could have done. Phillies' fans hoped Eric Bruntlett would be replaced by Chase Utley's Golden Glove. With the runners off on the pitch, Lidge delivered a slider to the Mets' Jeff Francoeur. The Mets' outfielder hit a hard line drive up the middle...for a GAME-ENDING UNASSISTED TRIPLE PLAY BY ERIC BRUNTLETT!!
Bruntlett's game-ending play, only the fifteenth triplet killing in MLB history, and only the second to end a ballgame, might not have been the strangest of the game's unlikely events. It wasn't even the most unlikely event involving Eric Bruntlett. The weak-hitting (on his best days) utility player not only had THREE HITS IN THE SAME GAME, but he came within a reversed call of a four-hit game. The three hits elevated Bruntlett's season average to .154, and the unassisted triple play placed the scraggly infielder in the same exalted corner of Phillies' history as the inimitable Mickey Morandini.
Phils' starter Pedro Martinez, in his third start with the team, picked up the 216th regular season win of his memorable career. But the future HOFer didn't do anything to merit installment in an exalted corner of Phillies' history. He looked very good at times, but the overall stats were rather, well, Moyeresque. Six innings, seven hits, four runs- this is the type of unimpressive line that Moyer produced on a regular basis. The glimpses of the talented Martinez were overshadowed by the replacement level results. Martinez needs to do better. Fortunately, the offense provided enough for Martinez to win on Sunday.
The Phillies will send Cliff Lee to the mound on Monday afternoon, as they try to win three of four from the Mets. Given that Lee has been pitching like Pedro Martinez, circa 2005, and that Eric Bruntlett's hot bat and glove will be in the lineup again, another Phils' win seems likely.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Stranded in San Fran
The Phillies left eight more runners on base, in Saturday's 2-0 loss in San Francisco. Phillies' starter Joe Blanton was excellent, permitting two runs, on seven hits, in seven strong innings. He continued trekking towards a sub-4.00 ERA, leaving the proceedings on Saturday, with a 4.02 ERA. (After four starts, Blanton's ERA was at 8.41. Some more favorable BABIP and HR/9'ing, allowed Blanton to post a 1.21 July ERA.) Typically, Blanton's effort on Saturday night would have been sufficient to secure a win. However, Giants' ace Tim Lincecum was in top form, silencing the Phillies' bats.
The Phillies have been rather hideous with runners in scoring position on this road trip. They have been fortunate that some strong pitching has enabled them to split the first six games of the road trip. Batting .103 with runners in scoring position, makes scoring a bit difficult. Should Phillies fans be concerned about that ugly stat? Probably, not. There are some small sample size BABIP issues at play here.
There may also be some fatigue issues impacting the bats. The Phillies played twenty-seven games in July (20-7!). They had one game postponed, so they had to report to ballpark twenty-eight times, in thirty-one days. The sizeable Phillies' All-Star contingent had to report to the ballpark thirty times in July. With all of the games, and all of the the traveling, combined with the daily drain of having to overcompensate for the rostering of "ballplayers" named Bako/Bruntlett/Mayberry/Walker/Register, it isn't surprising that the bats would be a bit on the tired side. The August schedule includes four days off, all Mondays, so the Phils should be able to replenish their strength for the stretch run. There's nothing to worry about, especially with Cliff Lee and Disco Ben Francisco now on the ballclub.
Well, maybe there is a little more than nothing to worry about. Starting catcher Carlos Ruiz hasn't played since Thursday, when he was behind the plate for Tyler Walker's attempt at (four strikeouts in one inning) making history. Ruiz followed up his .174 June average, with a .172 average in July. Is Ruiz troubled by a nagging injury? A DL stint would by Ruiz, would create a Phillies' catching combination of Paul Bako, backed up by Paul Hoover. THAT is the stuff of nightmares.
Also troubling is a potential playoff matchup against the pitching-rich San Francisco Giants. Lincecum, Matt Cain, and a rejuvenated Barry Zito are an imposing trio. But it could be even worse than that. What if Saturday night's pitching masterpiece was authored by the Tim Lincecum CLONE? There have been few reported sightings of Lincecum Clone, since the end of the World Baseball Classic. What if the Clone shut down the Phillies on Saturday night, while the original Lincecum went to see the new Harry Potter movie (Again. For the 18th time.)? Even though the Phillies' offense is far superior to that of the Giants, it would be tough to beat four Lincecums, in a five-game series (or six, in a seven-game series). As advanced as the Phillies' organization is in the area of cloning technology, their clones are all pitching at lower levels, and won't factor in to the 2009 postseason.
Hamels faces the Giants on Sunday, as the Phils try to escape the West Coast with a 4-3 road trip. The aforementioned rejuvenated Barry Zito will be on the slab for the Giants. Look for Hamels to try to out-ace new acquisition Cliff Lee.
The Phillies have been rather hideous with runners in scoring position on this road trip. They have been fortunate that some strong pitching has enabled them to split the first six games of the road trip. Batting .103 with runners in scoring position, makes scoring a bit difficult. Should Phillies fans be concerned about that ugly stat? Probably, not. There are some small sample size BABIP issues at play here.
There may also be some fatigue issues impacting the bats. The Phillies played twenty-seven games in July (20-7!). They had one game postponed, so they had to report to ballpark twenty-eight times, in thirty-one days. The sizeable Phillies' All-Star contingent had to report to the ballpark thirty times in July. With all of the games, and all of the the traveling, combined with the daily drain of having to overcompensate for the rostering of "ballplayers" named Bako/Bruntlett/Mayberry/Walker/Register, it isn't surprising that the bats would be a bit on the tired side. The August schedule includes four days off, all Mondays, so the Phils should be able to replenish their strength for the stretch run. There's nothing to worry about, especially with Cliff Lee and Disco Ben Francisco now on the ballclub.
Well, maybe there is a little more than nothing to worry about. Starting catcher Carlos Ruiz hasn't played since Thursday, when he was behind the plate for Tyler Walker's attempt at (four strikeouts in one inning) making history. Ruiz followed up his .174 June average, with a .172 average in July. Is Ruiz troubled by a nagging injury? A DL stint would by Ruiz, would create a Phillies' catching combination of Paul Bako, backed up by Paul Hoover. THAT is the stuff of nightmares.
Also troubling is a potential playoff matchup against the pitching-rich San Francisco Giants. Lincecum, Matt Cain, and a rejuvenated Barry Zito are an imposing trio. But it could be even worse than that. What if Saturday night's pitching masterpiece was authored by the Tim Lincecum CLONE? There have been few reported sightings of Lincecum Clone, since the end of the World Baseball Classic. What if the Clone shut down the Phillies on Saturday night, while the original Lincecum went to see the new Harry Potter movie (Again. For the 18th time.)? Even though the Phillies' offense is far superior to that of the Giants, it would be tough to beat four Lincecums, in a five-game series (or six, in a seven-game series). As advanced as the Phillies' organization is in the area of cloning technology, their clones are all pitching at lower levels, and won't factor in to the 2009 postseason.
Hamels faces the Giants on Sunday, as the Phils try to escape the West Coast with a 4-3 road trip. The aforementioned rejuvenated Barry Zito will be on the slab for the Giants. Look for Hamels to try to out-ace new acquisition Cliff Lee.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Lopez, Ibanez Lead Phils to 9th Straight Win
Who needs Roy Halladay, when you have Rodrigo Lopez? Three starts ago, Lopez was best known for sharing a first name with the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor's ostrich. After picking up his second win as a Phillie, in the WFCs 10-1 thrashing of the Chicago Cubs, Lopez is still best known for sharing a first name with the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor's ostrich. The veteran northpaw isn't likely to continue putting up these kind of starts (ERA: 2.60), but if he can keep his ERA below 4, Jamie Moyer might be the veteran vacating the rotation in August. Lopez, Moyer, and Pedro Martinez may not have much of a postseason impact, but they are important to the Phillies' playoff qualification chances. The three vets will also be receiving the same WFC II rings, as rotation stalwarts Cole Hamels, soon-to-be-acquired Roy Halladay, and Joe Blanton, if the Phils can continue to play at this level.
Lopez surrendered only one run in six innings, harmlessly scattering five hits and three walks, before leaving for a pinch-hitter. Chad Durbin entered the game in the seventh, charged with protecting a 9-1 lead. This was the perfect low-leverage situation for the erratic reliever, and he succeeded in finishing the game. Durbin was awarded a save for his scoreless, three-inning outing, retiring nine of ten Cubs' batters. Durbin only required thirty-three pitches. Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel has been oft-criticized for his bullpen utilization. On some nights, Manuel may have worked through multiple pitchers, in order to get those last nine outs. Despite a nine-run lead, setup man Ryan Madson and closer Brad Lidge may have appeared, wasting bullets better-saved for higher leverage situations. But not on Monday night. Durbin ate the non-Lopez innings, and the remainder of the 'pen was saved for another day.
The ninth consecutive Phillies win was never really in doubt, thanks to another impressive offensive outburst. The Phils jumped to a quick first-inning lead, on another home run by Raul Ibanez, of the two-out, three-run, variety. Carlos Ruiz hit a two-run blast in the second inning, and the Cubs never truly threatened. Ryan Howard completed the scoring, with a solo homer in the eighth inning.
The Phillies go for their tenth in a row on Tuesday, sending Joe Blanton to the slab. Blanton has had two strong July starts (14.2 IP, 1 ER), after posting a 3.62 ERA in 37.1 May innings. He has pitched like a solid #3 starter. Rich Harden, Chicago's starter, has followed up a 4.24 May ERA (23.1 IP), with a 7.62 ERA in 13 July innings. Looks like a good matchup for the Phils, who still lead the NL East by 6.5 games.
Lopez surrendered only one run in six innings, harmlessly scattering five hits and three walks, before leaving for a pinch-hitter. Chad Durbin entered the game in the seventh, charged with protecting a 9-1 lead. This was the perfect low-leverage situation for the erratic reliever, and he succeeded in finishing the game. Durbin was awarded a save for his scoreless, three-inning outing, retiring nine of ten Cubs' batters. Durbin only required thirty-three pitches. Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel has been oft-criticized for his bullpen utilization. On some nights, Manuel may have worked through multiple pitchers, in order to get those last nine outs. Despite a nine-run lead, setup man Ryan Madson and closer Brad Lidge may have appeared, wasting bullets better-saved for higher leverage situations. But not on Monday night. Durbin ate the non-Lopez innings, and the remainder of the 'pen was saved for another day.
The ninth consecutive Phillies win was never really in doubt, thanks to another impressive offensive outburst. The Phils jumped to a quick first-inning lead, on another home run by Raul Ibanez, of the two-out, three-run, variety. Carlos Ruiz hit a two-run blast in the second inning, and the Cubs never truly threatened. Ryan Howard completed the scoring, with a solo homer in the eighth inning.
The Phillies go for their tenth in a row on Tuesday, sending Joe Blanton to the slab. Blanton has had two strong July starts (14.2 IP, 1 ER), after posting a 3.62 ERA in 37.1 May innings. He has pitched like a solid #3 starter. Rich Harden, Chicago's starter, has followed up a 4.24 May ERA (23.1 IP), with a 7.62 ERA in 13 July innings. Looks like a good matchup for the Phils, who still lead the NL East by 6.5 games.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Phils Beat Yanks, Complete 8-2 Road Trip
Phillies' closer Brad Lidge showed improved results on Sunday. Rather than blowing the game against the Yankees, he merely blew the lead. Phillies' ace Cole Hamels outpitched his Yankee counterpart, C.C. Sabathia, allowing only two runs over six innings. The Phils lead the entire game, relying on more strong defense, particularly an outfield assist from Jayson Werth to plate-blocking catcher Carlos Ruiz, and more strong middle relief (Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, Ryan Madson). Closer Brad Lidge was brought in to protect a 3-2 lead in the ninth, and two seeing-eye singles later, the game was headed to extra innings. However, the non-Lidgeian components of the bullpen continued to excel, as Clay Condrey pitched two scoreless innings. Condrey got the Hamels-deserved win, when Ruiz (3-4, hitting .302, take that Rob Neyer!) hit an eleventh-inning double. The win completed a very successful 8-2 road trip for the Phillies.
The Phillies combined strong starts from Brett Myers, J.A. Happ, and Cole Hamels, with strong defense, and plenty of hitting, this weekend. Out of the seven-man bullpen, four relievers (Durbin, Eyre, Madson, and Condrey) performed well, and two (Chan Ho Park and Jack Taschner) were (perhaps, wisely) not permitted to perform at all. This made the struggles of closer Brad Lidge all the more glaring. (The fact that Lidge is being used in the highest leverage role doesn't help with that glare factor, either.)
Lidge blew his third and fourth saves on the season this weekend, which is four more than he blew last season. His ERA is at 9.15, with a FIP of 6.96. He has been a bit unlucky, with a BABIP of .400 (career: .326). Lidge's troubles have lead to the consideration of many different options. Lidge could be DL'd, he could be moved to a lower-leverage role, he could be asked to accept a minor league assignment (this seems least likely), or he could be kept in the closer's role.
On Sunday, his blown save was a result of two ground balls that snuck into the outfield. A little luck and those balls would have found the gloves of infielders. Lidge looked a lot better than he did on the previous day. The Phillies are a better team with (an effective) Lidge closing, which allows Madson and J.C. Romero to be used in setup roles. I'd keep Lidge in the closer's role, for now, and give him a little more time to recover his form. But, on June 3rd, when Romero is eligible to return, a roster move will need to be made. Taschner could be DFA'd, or John Mayberry could be sent to AAA, in order to free up that spot. However, Romero might take Lidge's roster spot, instead, with Lidge spending some time on the DL. The Phils can't afford to keep putting Lidge in position to blow saves.
The other major personnel decision facing the Phillies is whether to keep John Mayberry, Jr. with the parent club, or to send him back to AAA Lehigh Valley. On numerous occasions this season, the Phillies' lack of a satisfactory right-handed bench bat has been exploited. Too many PH at bats have featured the stylings of .118 hitter Eric Bruntlett, or Miguel Cairo, who aspires to be a .118 hitter. The need is glaring, but is Mayberry the appropriate choice for the role?
Mayberry needs to get regular at bats, so he can continue his development. If Mayberry got regular at bats with the Phillies, which may be possible if he is used to give Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth (Werth covers CF for Victorino's off-days) days off, the at bats would come at the expense of bench players Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs. Dobbs has been used sparingly this season, and it has adversely affected his performance. In interleague play, with a lineup of nine non-pitchers, Mayberry might be the best choice for the roster. But, against National League opponents, particularly given the struggles of starting pitchers Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton, it might be better to have an extra arm (Sergio Escalona?). Later in the season (August?), Mayberry might be a better option, than an extra bullpen arm, or another possibility may become available on the trade market (Mark DeRosa?). Until then, it would be good if Manuel considered using backup catcher Chris Coste to pinch-hit more frequently. (Or slugging "pitcher" Chan Ho Park?)
The Phillies return home to face the Marlins on Monday night. Jamie Moyer gets the start for the Phils, as he continues to pursue his two-hundred and fiftieth career win, against the one team he still seems to pitch well against. Florida counters with Chris Volstad. The starting pitcher matchup certainly favors the Marlins, but you can't count out the ability of the Phillies' offense and bullpen to overcome poor starting pitching.
Postgame Texts
(54) Sorry, I cost you the win, Cole.
(35) No worries, I'll still get my 300.
(40) 0-5 today pop. :(
(28) Did you ask Cervelli if he would sign my WBC Italy jersey?
The Phillies combined strong starts from Brett Myers, J.A. Happ, and Cole Hamels, with strong defense, and plenty of hitting, this weekend. Out of the seven-man bullpen, four relievers (Durbin, Eyre, Madson, and Condrey) performed well, and two (Chan Ho Park and Jack Taschner) were (perhaps, wisely) not permitted to perform at all. This made the struggles of closer Brad Lidge all the more glaring. (The fact that Lidge is being used in the highest leverage role doesn't help with that glare factor, either.)
Lidge blew his third and fourth saves on the season this weekend, which is four more than he blew last season. His ERA is at 9.15, with a FIP of 6.96. He has been a bit unlucky, with a BABIP of .400 (career: .326). Lidge's troubles have lead to the consideration of many different options. Lidge could be DL'd, he could be moved to a lower-leverage role, he could be asked to accept a minor league assignment (this seems least likely), or he could be kept in the closer's role.
On Sunday, his blown save was a result of two ground balls that snuck into the outfield. A little luck and those balls would have found the gloves of infielders. Lidge looked a lot better than he did on the previous day. The Phillies are a better team with (an effective) Lidge closing, which allows Madson and J.C. Romero to be used in setup roles. I'd keep Lidge in the closer's role, for now, and give him a little more time to recover his form. But, on June 3rd, when Romero is eligible to return, a roster move will need to be made. Taschner could be DFA'd, or John Mayberry could be sent to AAA, in order to free up that spot. However, Romero might take Lidge's roster spot, instead, with Lidge spending some time on the DL. The Phils can't afford to keep putting Lidge in position to blow saves.
The other major personnel decision facing the Phillies is whether to keep John Mayberry, Jr. with the parent club, or to send him back to AAA Lehigh Valley. On numerous occasions this season, the Phillies' lack of a satisfactory right-handed bench bat has been exploited. Too many PH at bats have featured the stylings of .118 hitter Eric Bruntlett, or Miguel Cairo, who aspires to be a .118 hitter. The need is glaring, but is Mayberry the appropriate choice for the role?
Mayberry needs to get regular at bats, so he can continue his development. If Mayberry got regular at bats with the Phillies, which may be possible if he is used to give Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth (Werth covers CF for Victorino's off-days) days off, the at bats would come at the expense of bench players Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs. Dobbs has been used sparingly this season, and it has adversely affected his performance. In interleague play, with a lineup of nine non-pitchers, Mayberry might be the best choice for the roster. But, against National League opponents, particularly given the struggles of starting pitchers Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton, it might be better to have an extra arm (Sergio Escalona?). Later in the season (August?), Mayberry might be a better option, than an extra bullpen arm, or another possibility may become available on the trade market (Mark DeRosa?). Until then, it would be good if Manuel considered using backup catcher Chris Coste to pinch-hit more frequently. (Or slugging "pitcher" Chan Ho Park?)
The Phillies return home to face the Marlins on Monday night. Jamie Moyer gets the start for the Phils, as he continues to pursue his two-hundred and fiftieth career win, against the one team he still seems to pitch well against. Florida counters with Chris Volstad. The starting pitcher matchup certainly favors the Marlins, but you can't count out the ability of the Phillies' offense and bullpen to overcome poor starting pitching.
Postgame Texts
(54) Sorry, I cost you the win, Cole.
(35) No worries, I'll still get my 300.
(40) 0-5 today pop. :(
(28) Did you ask Cervelli if he would sign my WBC Italy jersey?
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Happ Beats Nats a Day Early
J.A. Happ threw two scoreless innings Friday night, and Raul Ibanez got the key hit, as the Phillies defeated the Nationals, 10-6. The Phils face the Nats in a doubleheader on Saturday, with Brett Myers taking the ball in the first game, and J.A. Happ getting the start in the...Wait. That's not going to work now, is it? What happened here? It's an interesting story, actually. A tale of exhilarating highs, and tragic, though not entirely unexpected, lows. A saga of heroes (Ryan Howard), villains (Willie Harris), and incompetence (the Usual Suspects).
With a doubleheader a day away, the Phillies needed starter Joe Blanton to eat some innings. The needed Eight-Inning Joe Blanton. (Well, maybe not the eight-inning/six-run Joe Blanton. The seven inning/four run version would be preferable, actually.) Blanton rose to the occasion and contributed...five innings/four runs allowed. Thanks, Joe! Blanton was actually fortunate to only surrender four runs, as he permitted five hits and six walks in his one-hundred and one pitch outing. It was lucky that he was facing one of the worst teams in MLB, or Blanton would have departed with worse than just a 4-1 deficit.
The Phillies rallied against the weak Nats' bullpen, scoring two runs in the sixth, and three more in the seventh. The three in the seventh came courtesy of a Ryan Howard homer, and gave the Phils a 6-4 lead. They just needed their bullpen to hold the lead for the final three innings. Scott Eyre (two outs) and Ryan Madson (four outs) got through the seventh and eighth, without any damage. Brad Lidge entered to close out the Nats in the ninth, with the Phils' WE at 95.4%, after he retired the first batter. A walk, a single, and a fielder's choice later, and the Nats had runners on first and second, with two outs. Fortunately, all that stood between the Phils and the win was journeyman infielder Willie Harris. He of the lifetime .669 OPS. Unfortunately, Harris chose this opportunity to produce offensively, and hit a game-tying double. Lidge was able to strike out Austin Kearns to end the inning, but another save had been blown. (Is it time to DL Lidge, and get AAA reliever Gary Majewski into the bullpen, with Ryan Madson taking over as closer? Quite possibly.)
The Phils were forced to burn reliever Clay Condrey in the tenth inning, and then pinch-hit for Condrey in the top of the eleventh. (Chris Coste, the only backup catcher/last position player on the bench at that point, was used as the pinch-hitter, which sentenced Carlos Ruiz to finish the game behind the plate. Given their weak bench options, I'd like to see Coste pinch-hit more. If Ruiz had to leave the game with an injury later, they could just move Jayson Werth behind the plate. Werth's father had appeared in six MLB games (two starts) as a catcher, so this should be fine. Then pitcher Brett Myers could enter the game as an outfielder, and alternate with Raul Ibanez in left or right, depending on the batter. The possibility of an oufield where Ibanez is the second-best defensively, and centerfielder Shane Victorino covers two-thirds of the ground, would be preferable to another Miguel Cairo pinch-hitting appearance. Besides, it is rather unlikely that Ruiz would get hurt, right?) Coste singled, but the Phils failed to score in the eleventh.
Manager Charlie Manuel had an unappetizing dilemma facing him in the bottom of the eleventh. He could use J.A. Happ, or Jack Taschner, to pitch. If he chose Happ, the Phillies could win Friday, but would have to get creative to handle the pitching shortfall on Saturday. If he chose Taschner, the Phillies would get to leave about four batters later with a loss, but with their Saturday pitching plan in place. Manuel made the right call, and brought in Happ. Happ did his job, and an Ibanez two-run single keyed a four-run twelfth. Happ had beaten Washington, just a day earlier than planned.
Drew Carpenter will be recalled from AAA to start the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, with Miguel Cairo (finally!) DFA'd to free up a spot on the 25-Man Roster. (Carpenter was already on the 40-Man Roster.) I am assuming Cairo will still be available in the first game. (It might have been preferable to start Carpenter in the first game, and then option him back to AAA before the second game, in exchange for another player. A bullpen arm, such as Mike Koplove or Gary Majewski? Not sure why the Phillies didn't do that.) Considering that Jack Taschner was avoided on Friday night, his days may also be numbered. Brad Lidge was ineffective, again, so perhaps a DL trip is pending. The Phillies have much to consider, when determining roster moves in the next few days.
So, two Phillies games on Saturday. (How great is that?) Brett Myers needs to eat some serious innings in the opener. Drew Carpenter just needs to keep the Phils in the second game. A five-inning/four run outing would suffice. Yep. Carpenter just needs to put up a Blanton Start. Hopefully, the Phils can sweep today. They need these W's. And, hopefully, FOX will let out-of-market viewers watch the early game on MLB.TV.
With a doubleheader a day away, the Phillies needed starter Joe Blanton to eat some innings. The needed Eight-Inning Joe Blanton. (Well, maybe not the eight-inning/six-run Joe Blanton. The seven inning/four run version would be preferable, actually.) Blanton rose to the occasion and contributed...five innings/four runs allowed. Thanks, Joe! Blanton was actually fortunate to only surrender four runs, as he permitted five hits and six walks in his one-hundred and one pitch outing. It was lucky that he was facing one of the worst teams in MLB, or Blanton would have departed with worse than just a 4-1 deficit.
The Phillies rallied against the weak Nats' bullpen, scoring two runs in the sixth, and three more in the seventh. The three in the seventh came courtesy of a Ryan Howard homer, and gave the Phils a 6-4 lead. They just needed their bullpen to hold the lead for the final three innings. Scott Eyre (two outs) and Ryan Madson (four outs) got through the seventh and eighth, without any damage. Brad Lidge entered to close out the Nats in the ninth, with the Phils' WE at 95.4%, after he retired the first batter. A walk, a single, and a fielder's choice later, and the Nats had runners on first and second, with two outs. Fortunately, all that stood between the Phils and the win was journeyman infielder Willie Harris. He of the lifetime .669 OPS. Unfortunately, Harris chose this opportunity to produce offensively, and hit a game-tying double. Lidge was able to strike out Austin Kearns to end the inning, but another save had been blown. (Is it time to DL Lidge, and get AAA reliever Gary Majewski into the bullpen, with Ryan Madson taking over as closer? Quite possibly.)
The Phils were forced to burn reliever Clay Condrey in the tenth inning, and then pinch-hit for Condrey in the top of the eleventh. (Chris Coste, the only backup catcher/last position player on the bench at that point, was used as the pinch-hitter, which sentenced Carlos Ruiz to finish the game behind the plate. Given their weak bench options, I'd like to see Coste pinch-hit more. If Ruiz had to leave the game with an injury later, they could just move Jayson Werth behind the plate. Werth's father had appeared in six MLB games (two starts) as a catcher, so this should be fine. Then pitcher Brett Myers could enter the game as an outfielder, and alternate with Raul Ibanez in left or right, depending on the batter. The possibility of an oufield where Ibanez is the second-best defensively, and centerfielder Shane Victorino covers two-thirds of the ground, would be preferable to another Miguel Cairo pinch-hitting appearance. Besides, it is rather unlikely that Ruiz would get hurt, right?) Coste singled, but the Phils failed to score in the eleventh.
Manager Charlie Manuel had an unappetizing dilemma facing him in the bottom of the eleventh. He could use J.A. Happ, or Jack Taschner, to pitch. If he chose Happ, the Phillies could win Friday, but would have to get creative to handle the pitching shortfall on Saturday. If he chose Taschner, the Phillies would get to leave about four batters later with a loss, but with their Saturday pitching plan in place. Manuel made the right call, and brought in Happ. Happ did his job, and an Ibanez two-run single keyed a four-run twelfth. Happ had beaten Washington, just a day earlier than planned.
Drew Carpenter will be recalled from AAA to start the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, with Miguel Cairo (finally!) DFA'd to free up a spot on the 25-Man Roster. (Carpenter was already on the 40-Man Roster.) I am assuming Cairo will still be available in the first game. (It might have been preferable to start Carpenter in the first game, and then option him back to AAA before the second game, in exchange for another player. A bullpen arm, such as Mike Koplove or Gary Majewski? Not sure why the Phillies didn't do that.) Considering that Jack Taschner was avoided on Friday night, his days may also be numbered. Brad Lidge was ineffective, again, so perhaps a DL trip is pending. The Phillies have much to consider, when determining roster moves in the next few days.
So, two Phillies games on Saturday. (How great is that?) Brett Myers needs to eat some serious innings in the opener. Drew Carpenter just needs to keep the Phils in the second game. A five-inning/four run outing would suffice. Yep. Carpenter just needs to put up a Blanton Start. Hopefully, the Phils can sweep today. They need these W's. And, hopefully, FOX will let out-of-market viewers watch the early game on MLB.TV.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Every day is exactly the same...
(originally posted on 5/15/07)
I can't remember how this got started,
But I can tell you
Exactly
How it will end
-"Every Day is Exactly the Same", NINE INCH NAILS
Actually, I can tell you exactly when the Phillies' hot streak got started- in last Wednesday's miraculous come-from-behind victory in Arizona. Since then it hasn't been a matter of whether they would win or lose, it been a matter of how they would win. It's been like watching Jack Bauer. No matter how bleak things look, you know who's going to be victorious in the end. So you just sit back and enjoy the ruthless efficiency of the ride.
Tonight's episode featured more strong starting pitching. Adam Eaton was superb, only allowing 2 runs, 1 unearned, in 7 2/3 innings. He was worth the $8 million/yr. tonight. I will even go as far as to say he was worth Meche Money tonight. He lowered his ERA to 6.42 in his 2nd consecutive strong outing. Greg Dobbs, filling in for Ryan Howard (DL), continued his timely hitting (.600 in last 5 games) with a solo HR, and contributed a number of fine plays in the field. Pat Burrell also made a fine shoestring catch in LF, to the the delight of fine city of Philadelphia. The game was stopped immediately, so that Pat could be given the Key to the City.
For comic relief, Shane Victorino tried to score standing up again, with hilariously feeble results. Victorino also misplayed a fly ball in RF, leading to the first Brewer run. The Flyin' Hawaiian showed symptoms of Abreu Wall Fear on that play, but he did make a good effort on the ball. (Abreu would have allowed it to six-hop against the base of the wall, and then picked it up once it stopped moving.) The Phillies had numerous opportunities to break the game open, but couldn't manage more than a single run in any innings. But that didn't really matter all that much, as the Phillies had this game in their back pocket. (Which, incidentally, is where Pat kept the Key.)
With two outs in the 8th, and the Phillies holding a commanding 3-1 lead, Eaton was touched for a solo HR by Milwaukee 1B Prince Fielder. Brett Myers (perfect in save opportunities for the season) came in to finish off the win. He closed out the 8th with a strikeout of SS Bill Hall, and came out in the 9th to secure his 5th save.
Except Myers allowed a game-tying HR to Johnny Estrada.
My profane howl of anguish could be heard above the shouts of the SWAT team conducting routine operations outside. Myers got out of the inning without allowing another run, but the damage had, apparently, been done. To the Phillies streak, and my psyche.
As the first two batters were retired in the bottom of the Phillies' 9th, it appeared that we were returning to the early season script. A blown save by the closer. Six-fingered reliever would be touched for two runs in the top of the 10th. Phillies would get one back in bottom of 10th, but Michael Bourn (batting in place of slugger/Hero of Philadelphia Pat Burrell, whom he had replaced defensively, when the Phillies victory seemed assured) would be retired to end the loss, the tying run stranded in scoring position.
As C Carlos Ruiz strode to the plate, I considered the Phillies' options. I determined that Rod Barajas would come into the game as C, and lead off the bottom of the 10th in the 9th spot in the order. Antonio Alfonseca would enter the game to pitch, replacing Ruiz in the 8th spot in the order.
THEN CARLOS RUIZ HIT A GAME-WINNING WALK-OFF HOME RUN!
My cry of astonishment could be heard above the rattling of gunfire in the back alley.
It was a stunning denouement.
Ruiz was interviewed immediately following the HR, at which point he was hit in the face by Shane Victorino. With a cream pie. (Apparently, Victorino was playing the part of Tomas Perez in tonight's perfomance. It was a stunningly accurate portrayal.) As MLB.TV unceremoniously closed my window into Phillies Nation, I basked in the blue glow of another miraculous Phillies victory. The Philadelphia Kixx won't be the only 2007 Champions in Pat Burrell's Town.
I can't remember how this got started,But I can tell you
Exactly
How it will end
-"Every Day is Exactly the Same", NINE INCH NAILS
Actually, I can tell you exactly when the Phillies' hot streak got started- in last Wednesday's miraculous come-from-behind victory in Arizona. Since then it hasn't been a matter of whether they would win or lose, it been a matter of how they would win. It's been like watching Jack Bauer. No matter how bleak things look, you know who's going to be victorious in the end. So you just sit back and enjoy the ruthless efficiency of the ride.
Tonight's episode featured more strong starting pitching. Adam Eaton was superb, only allowing 2 runs, 1 unearned, in 7 2/3 innings. He was worth the $8 million/yr. tonight. I will even go as far as to say he was worth Meche Money tonight. He lowered his ERA to 6.42 in his 2nd consecutive strong outing. Greg Dobbs, filling in for Ryan Howard (DL), continued his timely hitting (.600 in last 5 games) with a solo HR, and contributed a number of fine plays in the field. Pat Burrell also made a fine shoestring catch in LF, to the the delight of fine city of Philadelphia. The game was stopped immediately, so that Pat could be given the Key to the City.
For comic relief, Shane Victorino tried to score standing up again, with hilariously feeble results. Victorino also misplayed a fly ball in RF, leading to the first Brewer run. The Flyin' Hawaiian showed symptoms of Abreu Wall Fear on that play, but he did make a good effort on the ball. (Abreu would have allowed it to six-hop against the base of the wall, and then picked it up once it stopped moving.) The Phillies had numerous opportunities to break the game open, but couldn't manage more than a single run in any innings. But that didn't really matter all that much, as the Phillies had this game in their back pocket. (Which, incidentally, is where Pat kept the Key.)
With two outs in the 8th, and the Phillies holding a commanding 3-1 lead, Eaton was touched for a solo HR by Milwaukee 1B Prince Fielder. Brett Myers (perfect in save opportunities for the season) came in to finish off the win. He closed out the 8th with a strikeout of SS Bill Hall, and came out in the 9th to secure his 5th save.
Except Myers allowed a game-tying HR to Johnny Estrada.
My profane howl of anguish could be heard above the shouts of the SWAT team conducting routine operations outside. Myers got out of the inning without allowing another run, but the damage had, apparently, been done. To the Phillies streak, and my psyche.
As the first two batters were retired in the bottom of the Phillies' 9th, it appeared that we were returning to the early season script. A blown save by the closer. Six-fingered reliever would be touched for two runs in the top of the 10th. Phillies would get one back in bottom of 10th, but Michael Bourn (batting in place of slugger/Hero of Philadelphia Pat Burrell, whom he had replaced defensively, when the Phillies victory seemed assured) would be retired to end the loss, the tying run stranded in scoring position.
As C Carlos Ruiz strode to the plate, I considered the Phillies' options. I determined that Rod Barajas would come into the game as C, and lead off the bottom of the 10th in the 9th spot in the order. Antonio Alfonseca would enter the game to pitch, replacing Ruiz in the 8th spot in the order.
THEN CARLOS RUIZ HIT A GAME-WINNING WALK-OFF HOME RUN!
My cry of astonishment could be heard above the rattling of gunfire in the back alley.
It was a stunning denouement.
Ruiz was interviewed immediately following the HR, at which point he was hit in the face by Shane Victorino. With a cream pie. (Apparently, Victorino was playing the part of Tomas Perez in tonight's perfomance. It was a stunningly accurate portrayal.) As MLB.TV unceremoniously closed my window into Phillies Nation, I basked in the blue glow of another miraculous Phillies victory. The Philadelphia Kixx won't be the only 2007 Champions in Pat Burrell's Town.
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