The Phillies removed Jamie Moyer from the fifth starter's role, and moved him to the bullpen. Pedro Martinez will join the rotation, starting Wednesday night, against the Cubs.
With future HOFer Pedro Martinez having, satisfactorily, completed his minor league rehab, the Phillies removed their rotation's weakest starter. Moyer pitched 123.1 innings, posting a 5.47 ERA/5.40 FIP. Moyer will, likely, be used as a long reliever/in low leverage situations. With two doubleheaders scheduled in September, Moyer could be considered (along with Drew Carpenter, Kyle Kendrick, and Rodrigo Lopez) for spot starting assignments, later in the season.
Kyle Kendrick was optioned to Lehigh Valley (AAA), t,o open a spot for Martinez on the active roster. Kendrick will, likely, return to the IronPigs rotation. Joe Savery, recently promoted from AA, would seem the most likely option to be demoted to Reading (AA). But, it is possible that Lehigh Valley could, instead, jettison Brian Mazone or Gustavo Chacin, both minor league journeyman who may be unlikely to return to the organization in 2010.
Chad Durbin was activated from the DL. Rodrigo Lopez was optioned to Lehigh Valley. Durbin has a month to make a case for a postseason roster spot. However, if the rest of the bullpen options are healthy for the playoffs, it may not matter how well Durbin pitches in August/September.
Lopez was able to be optioned to AAA, despite having more than five years of MLB experience, because it was written into his contract when he agreed to terms with the Phillies.
J.C. Romero had another rehab setback, and is scheduled for an MRI. It is starting to look like a lost season for Romero.
Brett Myers pitched in his second simulated game, and may make an appearance in an un-simulated game shortly. Expect him to be ready for a relief role with the Phillies, in September.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost to the Louisville Bats on Tuesday, 2-1. Michael Taylor had two outfield assists, at second base, and at home plate. Alex Concepcion pitched two scoreless innings of relief.
The Reading Phillies (AA) came from behind to defeat the Trenton Thunder, 6-5.
The R-Phils trailed 3-1, after six innings, but pulled ahead 6-3, in the top of the ninth. Despite some shaky fielding (the R-Phils made four errors), leading to two unearned runs in the bottom of the ninth, the R-Phils held on for the win. Reading starter Mike Stutes pitched well, allowing three runs (only one earned), in six innings (seven hits, two walks/six strikeouts). B.J. Rosenberg got the final out, for his first AA save. Behind the plate for the final out was Tim Gradoville. A week ago, who would have predicted a low-A reliever, and a low-A coach, would be the battery in a AA game?
The Philadelphia Inquirer continues to spell DomOnic Brown's name incorrectly. Very disappointing.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were bombed by the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Tuesday, 9-3. It was a very successing mission for the Flying Tigers. The Threshers took a 3-0 lead, in the top of the first inning, but never scored again. Threshers starter Darren Byrd pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs (only two earned), on eleven hits (zero walks/seven whiffs). The box score seems to indicate that Byrd had some BABIP issues...
Showing posts with label Chad Durbin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chad Durbin. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Bunts and Balks (8/5)
On Wednesday night, the Reading Phillies (AA) defeated the Trenton Thunder, 8-4. The R-Phils paid Tribute to Sliced Bread, drawing a franchise-record crowd of 9,953, as a result.
Future Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez was also present for the festivities, making his third rehab start for the parent Phillies. Martinez surrendered a solo homer to the third batter he faced, and was touched up for three runs in the sixth inning. However, the sixth inning was marred by fielding inadequacy, and Martinez was brilliant throughout the game. He threw eighty-two pitches, sixty for strikes. He struck out ten of the first seventeen batters he faced. He finished with eleven strikeouts and ZERO walks. It looks like he is ready for a spot in the parent Phillies' rotation. (Namely, Jamie Moyer's spot.)
Scott Mathieson followed with two scoreless innings, and Sergio Escalona pitched a scoreless ninth.
DomOnic Brown overshadowed Martinez, however. But not with his 2 for 4 night, which included a mammoth 426 ft. homer. After the game, Brown announced that the spelling of his first name is "Domonic", rather than "Dominic." Baseball writers everywhere are filling their memory holes with the inconvenient evidence, and a conspiracy of silence is now in progress.
Phillies' GM Ruben Amaro may have missed an opportunity to deal DomInic Brown, while receiving the trade value earned by DomOnic Brown.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) beat the Dunedin Blue Jays on Wednesday, 5-1.
Starter Darren Byrd continued to pitch well, allowing one run, in six innings (three hits, three walks/three whiffs). Byrd has a 2.84 ERA in his last ten starts (38 IP).
Phillies' reliever Chad Durbin made his first rehab appearance, throwing a scoreless inning (one hit, one walk/two strikouts). Joe Bisenius, in his second rehab appearance in A ball, also pitched a scoreless inning (one walk/one whiff).
Steve Susdorf was 0 for 3, dropping his average to a discouraging .377.
Future Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez was also present for the festivities, making his third rehab start for the parent Phillies. Martinez surrendered a solo homer to the third batter he faced, and was touched up for three runs in the sixth inning. However, the sixth inning was marred by fielding inadequacy, and Martinez was brilliant throughout the game. He threw eighty-two pitches, sixty for strikes. He struck out ten of the first seventeen batters he faced. He finished with eleven strikeouts and ZERO walks. It looks like he is ready for a spot in the parent Phillies' rotation. (Namely, Jamie Moyer's spot.)
Scott Mathieson followed with two scoreless innings, and Sergio Escalona pitched a scoreless ninth.
DomOnic Brown overshadowed Martinez, however. But not with his 2 for 4 night, which included a mammoth 426 ft. homer. After the game, Brown announced that the spelling of his first name is "Domonic", rather than "Dominic." Baseball writers everywhere are filling their memory holes with the inconvenient evidence, and a conspiracy of silence is now in progress.
Phillies' GM Ruben Amaro may have missed an opportunity to deal DomInic Brown, while receiving the trade value earned by DomOnic Brown.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) beat the Dunedin Blue Jays on Wednesday, 5-1.
Starter Darren Byrd continued to pitch well, allowing one run, in six innings (three hits, three walks/three whiffs). Byrd has a 2.84 ERA in his last ten starts (38 IP).
Phillies' reliever Chad Durbin made his first rehab appearance, throwing a scoreless inning (one hit, one walk/two strikouts). Joe Bisenius, in his second rehab appearance in A ball, also pitched a scoreless inning (one walk/one whiff).
Steve Susdorf was 0 for 3, dropping his average to a discouraging .377.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Bunts and Balks (8/2)
Pedro Martinez will make his third minor league rehab start, on Wednesday for the Reading Phillies (AA).
Martinez struggled in his second rehab start, last Friday (5 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K). This will also keep Phillies' starter J.A. Happ in the parent club's rotation, at least for another turn.
Relievers J.C. Romero, Clay Condrey, and Chad Durbin are all progressing in their rehabs. First one available to return gets Kyle Kendrick's roster spot. The second one ready gets Tyler Walker's spot. Third place gets DFA'd. (Or takes Durbin's roster spot, so he can be DFA'd.) In summation, Walker and Durbin are the only ones getting DFA'd here. (At least untli Martinez is ready for promotion...)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) had a 3-2 lead on Sunday, after seven innings. The bullpen failed, and the FeHogs lost to the Rochester Red Wings, 4-3.
Gustavo Chacin pitched well, permitting two runs, over seven innings (eight hits, two walks, two whiffs, one home run allowed). Gary Majewski allowed the Red Wings to tie the score in the eighth. Jack Taschner entered the tied game in the bottom of the ninth. One out, and three hits later, Rochester had a walkoff win. The highlight of the game was an outstanding defensive play: a fan caught a foul ball in his beer cup!
Recently-promoted backup catcher Kevin Nelson made his first AAA start, going 2 for 4, with a pair of doubles.
LHP Joe Savery will make his first AAA start on Monday night. (The parent club has an off day, so all fans should be tuning in to the IronPigs' internet broadcast!)
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the Erie Seawolves, 3-1.
Michael Galen Cisco made his first start, since his promotion from Clearwater (A), throwing six innings, but was mortally wounded by a fifth-inning two-run blast by Cale Iorg. (To recap, the grandson of Galen Cisco permitted a homer to Garth Iorg's son.) Cisco allowed three runs, on six hits, and two walks (five strikeouts). Chance Chapman (one whiff) and Scott Mathieson (two whiffs) each followed Cisco with a scoreless frame. Recently-promoted Dominic Brown, 0 for 3 in his AA debut on Saturday, was 2 for 4, with a pair of singles.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) fell to the Fort Myers Miracle, 5-2.
Starter Edgar Garcia surrendered two runs, on four hits and two walks (three whiffs), in four innings. Joe Bisenius followed with a scoreless inning (one hit, one walk/one strikeout). Steve Susdorf (.393) was 2 for 4, as was recently-demoted Gus Milner.
The top four Phillies' teams all lost. Not a good day.
Martinez struggled in his second rehab start, last Friday (5 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K). This will also keep Phillies' starter J.A. Happ in the parent club's rotation, at least for another turn.
Relievers J.C. Romero, Clay Condrey, and Chad Durbin are all progressing in their rehabs. First one available to return gets Kyle Kendrick's roster spot. The second one ready gets Tyler Walker's spot. Third place gets DFA'd. (Or takes Durbin's roster spot, so he can be DFA'd.) In summation, Walker and Durbin are the only ones getting DFA'd here. (At least untli Martinez is ready for promotion...)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) had a 3-2 lead on Sunday, after seven innings. The bullpen failed, and the FeHogs lost to the Rochester Red Wings, 4-3.
Gustavo Chacin pitched well, permitting two runs, over seven innings (eight hits, two walks, two whiffs, one home run allowed). Gary Majewski allowed the Red Wings to tie the score in the eighth. Jack Taschner entered the tied game in the bottom of the ninth. One out, and three hits later, Rochester had a walkoff win. The highlight of the game was an outstanding defensive play: a fan caught a foul ball in his beer cup!
Recently-promoted backup catcher Kevin Nelson made his first AAA start, going 2 for 4, with a pair of doubles.
LHP Joe Savery will make his first AAA start on Monday night. (The parent club has an off day, so all fans should be tuning in to the IronPigs' internet broadcast!)
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the Erie Seawolves, 3-1.
Michael Galen Cisco made his first start, since his promotion from Clearwater (A), throwing six innings, but was mortally wounded by a fifth-inning two-run blast by Cale Iorg. (To recap, the grandson of Galen Cisco permitted a homer to Garth Iorg's son.) Cisco allowed three runs, on six hits, and two walks (five strikeouts). Chance Chapman (one whiff) and Scott Mathieson (two whiffs) each followed Cisco with a scoreless frame. Recently-promoted Dominic Brown, 0 for 3 in his AA debut on Saturday, was 2 for 4, with a pair of singles.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) fell to the Fort Myers Miracle, 5-2.
Starter Edgar Garcia surrendered two runs, on four hits and two walks (three whiffs), in four innings. Joe Bisenius followed with a scoreless inning (one hit, one walk/one strikeout). Steve Susdorf (.393) was 2 for 4, as was recently-demoted Gus Milner.
The top four Phillies' teams all lost. Not a good day.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Transaction Action
Pedro Martinez will make his first (non-simulated) rehab start on Sunday, for the Clearwater Threshers (A). Game time is scheduled for 4:00pm, and can be followed via the visiting St. Lucie Mets' internet broadcast. Martinez' appearance should increase attendance at Clearwater's Bright House Field, on an afternoon when Wet N' Wacky Day was already expected to lead to large crowds. If you are fortunate enough to attend, please refrain from hurling water balloons at Martinez. Thanks in advance.
The Roy Halladay Deal hasn't been officially consummated, and Halladay is expected to make the start for Toronto on Friday night. The probability of Halladay being traded has ranged between 0 and 100%, over the past few days. Numerous teams are, reportedly, involved in trade talks, and countless top minor league prospects have been mentioned. Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi tried to impose an arbitrary, pre-trade deadline, deadline of July 28th, but that doesn't seem to have panned out.
The Phillies still appear to be among the frontrunners, and the names Kyle Drabek, J.A. Happ, Lou Marson, Michael Taylor, Jason Donald, and Dominic Brown have all been bandied about.
If Amaro could get Halladay for Happ, Marson, and Donald, he should do the deal in a millisecond. Halladay turns the Phillies from World Series contender, to World Series favorite.
Phillies' reliever Chad Durbin was placed on the 15-day DL, after experiencing muscle pain in his lower back. Durbin has felt pain for the past month, but told neither his wife, nor pitching coach Rich Dubee. Over that time, Durbin had been responsible for five runs, over eight and two-thirds innings, including a scoreless, three-inning appearance on Monday. It appears injury, in addition to regression, has affected Durbin's recent results. Durbin is expected to return immediately, when the DL stint ends.
Phillies' reliever J.C. Romero was placed on the 15-day DL, with a strained left forearm. Romero will be eligible to return on August 4th. He made both his wife, and Rich Dubee, aware of the injury in a timely manner. Between this injury setback, his fifty-game suspension, and the fan incident in Tampa, this has not been the most successful season for Romero.
The Phillies recalled IronPigs (AAA) reliever Tyler Walker, and starter Andrew Carpenter, to fill the bullpen holes. Carpenter is stretched out, so it appears he will work in long relief, with Chan Ho Park pitching in late innings/high leverage situations. Park has pitched extremely well as a reliever. He would have been a great free agent pickup, if he had been signed as a $1-1.5 million/year reliever.
Walker is still not a good pitcher, and will probably be designated for assignment again, on August 4th.
The moves leave Scott Eyre as the only southpaw in the bullpen. Minor league lefties Sergio Escalona and Jack Taschner were considered for recall, but Escalona has pitched poorly recently, and Taschner has pitched like Taschner, all season.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) recalled reliever Pat Overholt from Reading (AA), and demoted Sergio Escalona to Reading. Escalona had a 10.50 ERA in six July innings. BABIP was not kind to him, as he allowed nine hits, and a .333 OBA. The right-handed Overholt, who has pitched in two AAA games this season, had a 2.16 ERA in eight and one-third July innings with the R-Phils.
Kyle Kendrick had a AAA start pushed by a day, for reasons that were not announced. There has been speculation that Kendrick was involved in a trade for Nationals' OF Josh Willingham, which fell through. My theory is that he was involved in a trade that fell through, but Arizona D-Backs' northpaw Doug Davis was the Phillies' intended target.
Scott Mathieson continues his attempt to return to MLB, with the Clearwater Threshers (A). Mathieson has made three appearances for the Threshers, throwing four scoreless innings, with four strikeouts (three hits, one walk.) He could be a cost-effective competitor for a Phillies bullpen spot, in 2010.
The Roy Halladay Deal hasn't been officially consummated, and Halladay is expected to make the start for Toronto on Friday night. The probability of Halladay being traded has ranged between 0 and 100%, over the past few days. Numerous teams are, reportedly, involved in trade talks, and countless top minor league prospects have been mentioned. Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi tried to impose an arbitrary, pre-trade deadline, deadline of July 28th, but that doesn't seem to have panned out.
The Phillies still appear to be among the frontrunners, and the names Kyle Drabek, J.A. Happ, Lou Marson, Michael Taylor, Jason Donald, and Dominic Brown have all been bandied about.
If Amaro could get Halladay for Happ, Marson, and Donald, he should do the deal in a millisecond. Halladay turns the Phillies from World Series contender, to World Series favorite.
Phillies' reliever Chad Durbin was placed on the 15-day DL, after experiencing muscle pain in his lower back. Durbin has felt pain for the past month, but told neither his wife, nor pitching coach Rich Dubee. Over that time, Durbin had been responsible for five runs, over eight and two-thirds innings, including a scoreless, three-inning appearance on Monday. It appears injury, in addition to regression, has affected Durbin's recent results. Durbin is expected to return immediately, when the DL stint ends.
Phillies' reliever J.C. Romero was placed on the 15-day DL, with a strained left forearm. Romero will be eligible to return on August 4th. He made both his wife, and Rich Dubee, aware of the injury in a timely manner. Between this injury setback, his fifty-game suspension, and the fan incident in Tampa, this has not been the most successful season for Romero.
The Phillies recalled IronPigs (AAA) reliever Tyler Walker, and starter Andrew Carpenter, to fill the bullpen holes. Carpenter is stretched out, so it appears he will work in long relief, with Chan Ho Park pitching in late innings/high leverage situations. Park has pitched extremely well as a reliever. He would have been a great free agent pickup, if he had been signed as a $1-1.5 million/year reliever.
Walker is still not a good pitcher, and will probably be designated for assignment again, on August 4th.
The moves leave Scott Eyre as the only southpaw in the bullpen. Minor league lefties Sergio Escalona and Jack Taschner were considered for recall, but Escalona has pitched poorly recently, and Taschner has pitched like Taschner, all season.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) recalled reliever Pat Overholt from Reading (AA), and demoted Sergio Escalona to Reading. Escalona had a 10.50 ERA in six July innings. BABIP was not kind to him, as he allowed nine hits, and a .333 OBA. The right-handed Overholt, who has pitched in two AAA games this season, had a 2.16 ERA in eight and one-third July innings with the R-Phils.
Kyle Kendrick had a AAA start pushed by a day, for reasons that were not announced. There has been speculation that Kendrick was involved in a trade for Nationals' OF Josh Willingham, which fell through. My theory is that he was involved in a trade that fell through, but Arizona D-Backs' northpaw Doug Davis was the Phillies' intended target.
Scott Mathieson continues his attempt to return to MLB, with the Clearwater Threshers (A). Mathieson has made three appearances for the Threshers, throwing four scoreless innings, with four strikeouts (three hits, one walk.) He could be a cost-effective competitor for a Phillies bullpen spot, in 2010.
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.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Phils' Pitching Implodes, in Ugly Loss
Saturday would have been a good night for a rain out. With the Phils' bullpen exhausted from consecutive marathon games, and rookie Antonio Bastardo slated to start against the powerful Boston Red Sox, the Phillies' signs were as ominous as the dark sky over CBP. Rescheduling the game to Monday, a mutual off-day for the two teams, would have been advantageous. (At least for the Phillies, which is the priority, obviously.) Actually, anything would have been better than the ugliness that would soon follow.
The top of the first inning may have been the worst half-frame of the 2009 season. Antonio Bastardo was horrid, permitting three hits and three walks. The usually-brilliant Phils' defense was even more repugnant, making three physical errors, and a number of mental ones. The Phillies trailed 5-0, after an inning, when the rains caused the game to be halted.
With a 5-0 deficit, and eight innings of Phillies' Bullpen Excitement on tap, I hoped for a rain cancellation. I didn't have much confidence that the Phils could come back to win, as some of their available relievers (Jack Taschner, Sergio Escalona) hardly inspire confidence. With eight innings to fill, Taschner and Escalona would have to be used, unless Charlie Manuel opted to have Eric Bruntlett eat innings. The Phils would also have to use some of their good relievers (Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey), who really needed some time off, which would hurt the team's chances in Sunday's finale. The game probably should have been delayed from the start, as the teams barely got an inning in, before the field was unplayable.
After a ninety-five minute rain delay, the Phillies took the field to continue the game, with Chad Durbin on the mound. Durbin had a great outing, throwing THREE scoreless innings. In the fourth inning, Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz homered. The Phillies closed to within 5-4, and Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was driven from the game. Maybe the Phils had a chance in this one?
Nope. The Red Sox trotted out Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima, Ramon Ramirez, and closer Jonathan Papelbon, and their sub-2.50 ERAs, to cover the final five innings. (Daniel Bard, and his 98 MPH fastball is the team's SEVENTH option!) The Sox' pen held the Phils to a pair of runs. The Phillies responded with Jack Taschner, who packed five hits and a walk, into a 37-pitch inning. Taschner was fortunate to allow only three runs, as a great inning-ending catch by Shane Victorino saved the team three more. Sergio Escalona followed, surrendering "only" two runs, over two innings. Escalona was also fortunate, as he permitted three hits and two walks, in his forty-one pitch appearance. The Phils would never challenge again, falling 11-6.
Prior to Sunday's game, Escalona was optioned back to Lehigh Valley, and replaced by Tyler Walker. Escalona would not have been available on Sunday, and can be recalled in ten days, or fewer if the Phillies place a pitcher on the DL. Walker has been outstanding in AAA, but wasn't recalled earlier, due to his lack of options. (If the Phillies recall him, they can't send him back to AAA, without exposing him to waivers. Another team would definitely grab him.) I would have liked to have seen Taschner optioned for a Sunday-available replacement, as well.
J.A. Happ starts for the Phils on Sunday, hoping to halt the Sox' five-game winning streak. The Sox send another ace, Josh Beckett, to the mound. Happ needs to go deep into the game, to help the embattled 'pen. Avoiding a sweep will be quite difficult for the Phillies. But, on the plus side, maybe the Sox will be over-confident, when the teams meet again in the World Series. With Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, and Doug Davis available to start the first three Series games for the Phils, the Fall Classic should yield better results.
The top of the first inning may have been the worst half-frame of the 2009 season. Antonio Bastardo was horrid, permitting three hits and three walks. The usually-brilliant Phils' defense was even more repugnant, making three physical errors, and a number of mental ones. The Phillies trailed 5-0, after an inning, when the rains caused the game to be halted.
With a 5-0 deficit, and eight innings of Phillies' Bullpen Excitement on tap, I hoped for a rain cancellation. I didn't have much confidence that the Phils could come back to win, as some of their available relievers (Jack Taschner, Sergio Escalona) hardly inspire confidence. With eight innings to fill, Taschner and Escalona would have to be used, unless Charlie Manuel opted to have Eric Bruntlett eat innings. The Phils would also have to use some of their good relievers (Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey), who really needed some time off, which would hurt the team's chances in Sunday's finale. The game probably should have been delayed from the start, as the teams barely got an inning in, before the field was unplayable.
After a ninety-five minute rain delay, the Phillies took the field to continue the game, with Chad Durbin on the mound. Durbin had a great outing, throwing THREE scoreless innings. In the fourth inning, Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz homered. The Phillies closed to within 5-4, and Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was driven from the game. Maybe the Phils had a chance in this one?
Nope. The Red Sox trotted out Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima, Ramon Ramirez, and closer Jonathan Papelbon, and their sub-2.50 ERAs, to cover the final five innings. (Daniel Bard, and his 98 MPH fastball is the team's SEVENTH option!) The Sox' pen held the Phils to a pair of runs. The Phillies responded with Jack Taschner, who packed five hits and a walk, into a 37-pitch inning. Taschner was fortunate to allow only three runs, as a great inning-ending catch by Shane Victorino saved the team three more. Sergio Escalona followed, surrendering "only" two runs, over two innings. Escalona was also fortunate, as he permitted three hits and two walks, in his forty-one pitch appearance. The Phils would never challenge again, falling 11-6.
Prior to Sunday's game, Escalona was optioned back to Lehigh Valley, and replaced by Tyler Walker. Escalona would not have been available on Sunday, and can be recalled in ten days, or fewer if the Phillies place a pitcher on the DL. Walker has been outstanding in AAA, but wasn't recalled earlier, due to his lack of options. (If the Phillies recall him, they can't send him back to AAA, without exposing him to waivers. Another team would definitely grab him.) I would have liked to have seen Taschner optioned for a Sunday-available replacement, as well.
J.A. Happ starts for the Phils on Sunday, hoping to halt the Sox' five-game winning streak. The Sox send another ace, Josh Beckett, to the mound. Happ needs to go deep into the game, to help the embattled 'pen. Avoiding a sweep will be quite difficult for the Phillies. But, on the plus side, maybe the Sox will be over-confident, when the teams meet again in the World Series. With Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, and Doug Davis available to start the first three Series games for the Phils, the Fall Classic should yield better results.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Phils Bomb Nats, Hamels Injured
Remember the offseason, when we were concerned that Utley's balky hip would force him to miss an extended portion of the 2009 season? When journeymen Marcus Giles, Pablo Ozuna, and Miguel Cairo were the top candidates to cover for Utley's absence? Even when Utley was, miraculously, able to start the regular season, there was concern that his performance would still be affected. Well, we can probably stop worrying about the All-Star second sacker, as Utley hit a pair of homers Tuesday, tying him for the NL lead, and keying the Phils' 7-1 win over Washington. Utley's 1.142 OPS, after nineteen games, is a pretty good indication that he is healthy.
Phillies' ace Cole Hamels had a fair bit of adversity of his own in the offseason. A busy banquet and television appearance schedule in January stalled his preparations for the season. Hamels was chosen, over Joe Blanton, to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which put the indispensable ace in the crosshairs of the SI cover jinx. Shoulder inflammation in Spring Training put Hamels further behind, and he wasn't at his best for his first two regular season starts. (Actually, he wasn't even at Adam Eaton's best for those two starts.) In his third start, he was his dominant self again, but was knocked from the game in the fourth inning, his shoulder bruised by a line drive. Hamels returned tonight, and held the Nats scoreless through four. He looked great, at least until he was writhing on the field in pain, after spraining his ankle fielding a bunt. A failed practice pitch later, and Hamels was walking off the field in disgust, leaving the game in Chad Durbin's hands.
Durbin did a superb job, as he held the Nats to a single run in three and two-thirds innings, in picking up the victory. The only hit Durbin surrendered was a solo homer, and he did not walk a batter. He only threw forty-two pitches, which allowed the pimptastic reliever to make it through eight innings, saving the tired bullpen. The Phillies' offense did the rest, with Pedro Feliz and Raul Ibanez contributing home runs. Feliz' three-run blast in the third inning gave the Phils a 5-0 lead, and a 92.1% Win Expectancy. The WE didn't go any lower than 91.7% for the rest of the game.
The big win improved the Phillies' record to 11-8, but there is much concern about the increasing number of injuries. On the plus side, it is better to be injury-stricken now, than during the postseason. Catcher Carlos Ruiz is still hurting, but Lou Marson should be able to hold the fort for awhile, which should give us a chance to see if the young catcher is ready for the bigs. Closer Brad Lidge should be available this weekend, after resting his knee for the Washington series. Cole Hamels expects to be able to make his next start, on five days of rest, thanks to Thursday's day off.
The Phillies are better-positioned to handle these injuries than they have been in the past. No need to call up a Brian Sanches from the minors in 2009. J.A. Happ could slide from the bullpen into a starting role, if needed. In AAA, the Phillies have Andrew Carpenter and Kyle Kendrick, both on the 40-Man Roster, available for recall. They also have veteran relievers Gary Majewski, Mike Koplove, and Tyler Walker with Lehigh Valley, each only a DFA away from joining the big club. If it were up to me, I would DFA Miguel Cairo RIGHT NOW, and recall Walker (8 IP, 1 hit/0 walks, 0 runs) to bolster the bullpen. Given the Phillies starters' inability to go deep into games, and Cairo's inability to contribute in games, why not swap the utility player out for another arm? The Phillies need to avoid overworking their bullpen prior to the postseason. They are not doing well with that, at this point.
Brett Myers will try to lead the Phillies to a series sweep Wednesday night. Myers has been the Phillies' most effective starter in 2009, which is saying absolutely nothing. The Phils need to extend their undefeated streak to six games, and then enjoy a well-deserved day off on Thursday. The Mets come to CBP for a three-game series, starting Friday.
Phillies' ace Cole Hamels had a fair bit of adversity of his own in the offseason. A busy banquet and television appearance schedule in January stalled his preparations for the season. Hamels was chosen, over Joe Blanton, to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which put the indispensable ace in the crosshairs of the SI cover jinx. Shoulder inflammation in Spring Training put Hamels further behind, and he wasn't at his best for his first two regular season starts. (Actually, he wasn't even at Adam Eaton's best for those two starts.) In his third start, he was his dominant self again, but was knocked from the game in the fourth inning, his shoulder bruised by a line drive. Hamels returned tonight, and held the Nats scoreless through four. He looked great, at least until he was writhing on the field in pain, after spraining his ankle fielding a bunt. A failed practice pitch later, and Hamels was walking off the field in disgust, leaving the game in Chad Durbin's hands.
Durbin did a superb job, as he held the Nats to a single run in three and two-thirds innings, in picking up the victory. The only hit Durbin surrendered was a solo homer, and he did not walk a batter. He only threw forty-two pitches, which allowed the pimptastic reliever to make it through eight innings, saving the tired bullpen. The Phillies' offense did the rest, with Pedro Feliz and Raul Ibanez contributing home runs. Feliz' three-run blast in the third inning gave the Phils a 5-0 lead, and a 92.1% Win Expectancy. The WE didn't go any lower than 91.7% for the rest of the game.
The big win improved the Phillies' record to 11-8, but there is much concern about the increasing number of injuries. On the plus side, it is better to be injury-stricken now, than during the postseason. Catcher Carlos Ruiz is still hurting, but Lou Marson should be able to hold the fort for awhile, which should give us a chance to see if the young catcher is ready for the bigs. Closer Brad Lidge should be available this weekend, after resting his knee for the Washington series. Cole Hamels expects to be able to make his next start, on five days of rest, thanks to Thursday's day off.
The Phillies are better-positioned to handle these injuries than they have been in the past. No need to call up a Brian Sanches from the minors in 2009. J.A. Happ could slide from the bullpen into a starting role, if needed. In AAA, the Phillies have Andrew Carpenter and Kyle Kendrick, both on the 40-Man Roster, available for recall. They also have veteran relievers Gary Majewski, Mike Koplove, and Tyler Walker with Lehigh Valley, each only a DFA away from joining the big club. If it were up to me, I would DFA Miguel Cairo RIGHT NOW, and recall Walker (8 IP, 1 hit/0 walks, 0 runs) to bolster the bullpen. Given the Phillies starters' inability to go deep into games, and Cairo's inability to contribute in games, why not swap the utility player out for another arm? The Phillies need to avoid overworking their bullpen prior to the postseason. They are not doing well with that, at this point.
Brett Myers will try to lead the Phillies to a series sweep Wednesday night. Myers has been the Phillies' most effective starter in 2009, which is saying absolutely nothing. The Phils need to extend their undefeated streak to six games, and then enjoy a well-deserved day off on Thursday. The Mets come to CBP for a three-game series, starting Friday.
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