Cliff Lee is a robot. Either that, or he was cloned using DNA retrieved from Steve Carlton in 1976. Perhaps, both. Lee improved to 5-0 as a member of the Phillies, with a remarkable ERA of only .68, in Monday afternoon's easy 6-2 victory over the Mets. The Phils improved their record to 72-50, seven games better than second place Atlanta, and only one-half of a game behind the league-leading Dodgers.
Lee pitched seven innings, allowing only two unearned runs, on six hits and zero walks. Lee struck out five, and threw eighty-three, of his one-hundred and thirteen, pitches for strikes. The confident southpaw worked quickly, demonstrated precise command, and had little difficulty in silencing the New York bats. In the offseason, when waiting for Spring Training to begin, this domination of the rival Mets will be one of the regular season games that needs to be enjoyed again.
Lee didn't need a lot of support from his teammates on Monday, which was good, as he didn't get a lot. Chase Utley had a double-error, leading to both New York runs. An Utley double-error is about as rare as a three-hit game by Eric Bruntlett. Bruntlett got his second consecutive start, giving Jimmy Rollins the day off, and was 1 for 4. Paul Bako was hitless, as is his way.
Almost all of the Phils' offense was provided by the ferociously hot bat of Ryan Howard. Howard crushed a ball over the left field fence in the first inning, driving in the first three Philly runs. In the third inning, he mixed things up by blasting a homer to right, for two additional runs. Raul Ibanez hit a run-scoring double in the ninth, giving the Phils an insurance run. Chan Ho Park and Brad Lidge both retired all three batters they faced, completing Lee's twelfth win of the season. Lidge's appearance, in a non-save situation, was his third strong one, in as many days.
The Phillies continue their road trip on Tuesday, with the cellar-dwelling Pirates waiting in the wings. With Joe Blanton on the hill Tuesday, followed by Cole Hamels, and J.A. Happ, a three-game Phillies' sweep is a distinct possibility. With the slumping Dodgers facing the streaking Rockies, the Phillies could be leading the National League, by the time their weekend series against Atlanta begins on Friday.
Showing posts with label Chan Ho Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chan Ho Park. Show all posts
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Phils Continue Home Dominance, Beat Reds
The streaking Phillies won at home on Thursday night, as per usual, 9-6, over the Reds. It was yet another another victory of the comeback variety, as the Phillies trailed 3-0, and 4-2, early in the game. The Phillies' power bats, and power bullpen arms, are uniquely-suited for their home ballpark, as evidenced by the Phils' string of wins against the Mets and Reds. (It could be argued that winning six of seven at home, against the reeling Mets and Reds, is less meaningful than the 13-22 home record the Phillies once sported. That argument, however, would be wrong.)
Jamie Moyer picked up a good-luck win, after surrendering six runs (on eight hits and a walk), in five mediocre innings. Manager Charlie Manuel continued his streak (now at two games) of riding the hot-hand in the bullpen, rather than portioning off the late innings among his relief corps, by allowing Chan Ho Park to throw three innings. Park was outstanding in his scoreless effort, allowing only a single walk, while striking out four. (Park was awarded his sixth hold for his performance, but was deserving of much more than just an "H" in the boxscore. Such as, a cheesesteak.) Brad Lidge extended his scoreless inning streak to one, picking up his seventeenth save (and two strikeouts) in the ninth inning.
The Phillies bats mashed the Reds' arms for twelve hits, and eight walks. Non-All-Star Jayson Werth and All-Star Chase Utley each hit his 20th homer, with Utley's being his second MLB inside-the-park home run (both against the Reds, who believe fly balls are delegated to a single outfielder, rather than handled as a team effort). Utley, Werth, Jimmy Rollins, and Pedro Feliz each knocked a pair of hits. Charlie Manuel contributed to the nine-run outburst, by holding Eric Bruntlett out of the game, likely waiting for an opportunity to bat against a position player.
The big offensive hero of the night, however, was Paul Bako. Bako came on as a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning, and grounded into a double play. Except Bako used HIS CHEETAH-LIKE SPEED TO PREVENT THE DOUBLE PLAY! It was Bako's first RBI as a Phillie, and former Phils' backstop Darren Daulton teleported in, as the game was stopped for a presentation. Bako's quest for an RBI had been made difficult by repeated at-bats with poor, or no, contact, as well as good-to-mediocre MLB pitchers. But he proved that, if you get enough at-bats, with enough baserunners, you might actually cause one of those baserunners to score. Bako would, later, utilize his speed again, scoring from third on a wild pitch. Someone with Rollins' Speed likely would not have dared attempting to advance on that wild pitch, but for Bako, remaining at third was not even a consideration. If the rules didn't forbid running the bases backwards, Bako would have run back to second, and scored from there. Just so it would be more of a challenge.
Phillies play the Pirates this weekend. If Bako plays all three games, expect three more wins, and two more award presentations. At least.
Jamie Moyer picked up a good-luck win, after surrendering six runs (on eight hits and a walk), in five mediocre innings. Manager Charlie Manuel continued his streak (now at two games) of riding the hot-hand in the bullpen, rather than portioning off the late innings among his relief corps, by allowing Chan Ho Park to throw three innings. Park was outstanding in his scoreless effort, allowing only a single walk, while striking out four. (Park was awarded his sixth hold for his performance, but was deserving of much more than just an "H" in the boxscore. Such as, a cheesesteak.) Brad Lidge extended his scoreless inning streak to one, picking up his seventeenth save (and two strikeouts) in the ninth inning.
The Phillies bats mashed the Reds' arms for twelve hits, and eight walks. Non-All-Star Jayson Werth and All-Star Chase Utley each hit his 20th homer, with Utley's being his second MLB inside-the-park home run (both against the Reds, who believe fly balls are delegated to a single outfielder, rather than handled as a team effort). Utley, Werth, Jimmy Rollins, and Pedro Feliz each knocked a pair of hits. Charlie Manuel contributed to the nine-run outburst, by holding Eric Bruntlett out of the game, likely waiting for an opportunity to bat against a position player.
The big offensive hero of the night, however, was Paul Bako. Bako came on as a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning, and grounded into a double play. Except Bako used HIS CHEETAH-LIKE SPEED TO PREVENT THE DOUBLE PLAY! It was Bako's first RBI as a Phillie, and former Phils' backstop Darren Daulton teleported in, as the game was stopped for a presentation. Bako's quest for an RBI had been made difficult by repeated at-bats with poor, or no, contact, as well as good-to-mediocre MLB pitchers. But he proved that, if you get enough at-bats, with enough baserunners, you might actually cause one of those baserunners to score. Bako would, later, utilize his speed again, scoring from third on a wild pitch. Someone with Rollins' Speed likely would not have dared attempting to advance on that wild pitch, but for Bako, remaining at third was not even a consideration. If the rules didn't forbid running the bases backwards, Bako would have run back to second, and scored from there. Just so it would be more of a challenge.
Phillies play the Pirates this weekend. If Bako plays all three games, expect three more wins, and two more award presentations. At least.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Blame Bako
The Phillies lost the first game of their three-game series in Atlanta, 5-4, in ten innings. Starter Joe Blanton was mediocre, allowing three runs (eight hits, three walks/three strikeouts, ninety-three pitches), as the Phils fell behind, 3-2. Pinch-hitter John Mayberry and 3B Pedro Feliz (three hits) hit back-to-back homers in the eighth, giving the Phillies a 4-3 lead. But setup man Ryan Madson combined shoddy fielding, and poor pitching (two walks, one hit), to allow a game-tying unearned run. Chan Ho Park gave up the game-winning run to the Braves, acquiring two outs in the tenth, but three hits, which proved to be one too many.
Blanton, Madson, and Park certainly did enough to be blamed for the loss. Jimmy Rollins (0 for 5), Jayson Werth (0 for 4, error), and Carlos Ruiz (0 for 4, 6 LOB) also contributed heavily to the losing effort. However, Gabor Paul Bako II, also deserves a large portion of the pie of accountability. Charlie Manuel inserted Bako into the game, after burning backup C Chris Coste as a sixth-inning pinch-hitter, as part of a double-switch. This move put the pitcher in the eighth spot in the lineup, Bako in the ninth spot, and starting catcher Carlos Ruiz on the bench. This move was actually designed so that Bako would be allowed to bat. Given the veteran catcher's dexterity with the bat, the Phils might have been better-served by keeping Ruiz in the game, and allowing a pitcher to bat. Bako was retired in his only AB, and his questionable pitch-calling in the tenth was a factor in the defeat. With two outs, two strikes, the winning run on base, and a base open, Bako calling for a Park fastball lead to the Phils' loss. IN. EXPLICABLE.
The Phillies try to start another nine-game Turner Field winning streak Wednesday night, with ace Cole Hamels on the mound. I'm predicting that JIMMY ROLLINS WILL GET A HIT IN THE GAME!
Blanton, Madson, and Park certainly did enough to be blamed for the loss. Jimmy Rollins (0 for 5), Jayson Werth (0 for 4, error), and Carlos Ruiz (0 for 4, 6 LOB) also contributed heavily to the losing effort. However, Gabor Paul Bako II, also deserves a large portion of the pie of accountability. Charlie Manuel inserted Bako into the game, after burning backup C Chris Coste as a sixth-inning pinch-hitter, as part of a double-switch. This move put the pitcher in the eighth spot in the lineup, Bako in the ninth spot, and starting catcher Carlos Ruiz on the bench. This move was actually designed so that Bako would be allowed to bat. Given the veteran catcher's dexterity with the bat, the Phils might have been better-served by keeping Ruiz in the game, and allowing a pitcher to bat. Bako was retired in his only AB, and his questionable pitch-calling in the tenth was a factor in the defeat. With two outs, two strikes, the winning run on base, and a base open, Bako calling for a Park fastball lead to the Phils' loss. IN. EXPLICABLE.
The Phillies try to start another nine-game Turner Field winning streak Wednesday night, with ace Cole Hamels on the mound. I'm predicting that JIMMY ROLLINS WILL GET A HIT IN THE GAME!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Phils Come-From-Behind to Win Game, Series
With a 4-1 deficit after three innings, it looked as if another mediocre Jamie Moyer start would end the Phils' winning streak at a single game. But The Power of the Closed-Door Meeting overcame poor starting pitching, and the fourth consecutive start by Eric Bruntlett, in a 5-4 series-winning victory in Toronto. A two-run fourth-inning triple by Chase Utley keyed a four-run outburst, Jayson Werth reached base in all five plate appearances (four walks and a single), and the Phils never trailed after the fourth inning.
Jamie Moyer survived five innings, and managed to keep the Blue Jays off the scoreboard in his final two frames. In his first three frames, Moyer surrendered four runs, all scoring on the three home runs allowed by the soft-tossing veteran. Moyer got the win, the 252nd of his career, but the lefty has the Phils' offense, and the bullpen, to thank. Moyer was victimized for five hits and two walks, before being pulled after throwing only eight-two pitches.
The Phils, with a slim 5-4 lead, needed four innings from their bullpen. Fortunately, with J.A. Happ's complete-game shutout on Saturday, the relief corps was rested. Chan Ho Park had left Friday night's game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter. Park returned Sunday, and retired all six batters he faced, bridging the game to the Mighty Madson-Lidge Duo. Two Jays reached base on Madson in the eighth, but he pitched out of trouble. Lidge, in his first save opportunity since his return from a knee injury, also allowed two baserunners. One of those baserunners reached first on a bunt single, as Lidge handled the play with the agility of a pitcher with a knee injury. Lidge escaped further damage for the save, and the Phils had a one-run interleague victory, a series win, and a two-game winning streak.
The entire Phillies' pitching staff will get Monday off, as the Phils travel to Atlanta. Cole Hamels will get the start on Tuesday, and will outpitch Derek Lowe, extending the Phils' streak to three consecutive wins. Eric Bruntlett will be the second right-handed pinch-hitting option, and will remain in the dugout, along with third-string backstop Gabor Paul Bako II. Jack Taschner will observe the victory from the bullpen. Jimmy Rollins will be back in the leadoff spot, and all will be right again for the WFCs.
Jamie Moyer survived five innings, and managed to keep the Blue Jays off the scoreboard in his final two frames. In his first three frames, Moyer surrendered four runs, all scoring on the three home runs allowed by the soft-tossing veteran. Moyer got the win, the 252nd of his career, but the lefty has the Phils' offense, and the bullpen, to thank. Moyer was victimized for five hits and two walks, before being pulled after throwing only eight-two pitches.
The Phils, with a slim 5-4 lead, needed four innings from their bullpen. Fortunately, with J.A. Happ's complete-game shutout on Saturday, the relief corps was rested. Chan Ho Park had left Friday night's game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter. Park returned Sunday, and retired all six batters he faced, bridging the game to the Mighty Madson-Lidge Duo. Two Jays reached base on Madson in the eighth, but he pitched out of trouble. Lidge, in his first save opportunity since his return from a knee injury, also allowed two baserunners. One of those baserunners reached first on a bunt single, as Lidge handled the play with the agility of a pitcher with a knee injury. Lidge escaped further damage for the save, and the Phils had a one-run interleague victory, a series win, and a two-game winning streak.
The entire Phillies' pitching staff will get Monday off, as the Phils travel to Atlanta. Cole Hamels will get the start on Tuesday, and will outpitch Derek Lowe, extending the Phils' streak to three consecutive wins. Eric Bruntlett will be the second right-handed pinch-hitting option, and will remain in the dugout, along with third-string backstop Gabor Paul Bako II. Jack Taschner will observe the victory from the bullpen. Jimmy Rollins will be back in the leadoff spot, and all will be right again for the WFCs.
Bunts and Balks (6/28)
Charlie Manuel announced that Jimmy Rollins will be back at shortstop, and in the leadoff spot, on Tuesday. Eric Bruntlett went 1 for 4 on Sunday, and the "1" was a bunt hit that should have been a "0." Bruntlett did well to break up a potential double play on the basepaths, but a potential twin killing turned into yet another Bruntlett fielding fail. Even the Bad (0 for 19) Rollins would be an improvement over The Gnome.
Chan Ho Park returned to the mound, and threw two scoreless innings. Given the current state of the bullpen, it's a good thing Park's knee injury didn't necessitate a DL stint.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) were no-hit for the first six innings, in their Sunday night matchup with the Norfolk Tides. The FeHogs exploded for a six-run eighth, in a 6-1 win. The Swine hurlers managed to give up twelve hits, and only a single run. Rodrigo Lopez got the victory, permitting just the sole marker, in seven innings. Lehigh Valley only had four hits, but took advantage of six walks.
With the win, the IronPigs moved to the .500 mark for the first time IN THE HISTORY OF THE FRANCHISE! Not really an impressive franchise streak of sub .500 play, but winning 15 of 18 games is mighty impressive.
The Reading Phillies (AA) beat the Trenton Thunder, 8-3. Michael Taylor went 3 for 5, with a three-run homer, improving his average to .342. Tuffy Gosewisch went 3 for 4. Mike Stutes pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs (five hits, one walk/three strikeouts).
Joe Savery, rained out of his start in Friday's suspended game, will take the mound in Monday's series finale. The Thunder thought they would escape the series, with Savery being limited to one inning. They were sorely mistaken.
The Clearwater Threshers improved remained unbeaten in the second half of their season, with a fourth consecutive extra-inning victory over the Jupiter Hammerheads. Steve Susdorf went 2 for 5, dropping his average to only .485. Santo Hernandez pitch three scoreless relief innings, for the win. Right-hander Michael Galen Cisco got the start, but left the game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter.
Chan Ho Park returned to the mound, and threw two scoreless innings. Given the current state of the bullpen, it's a good thing Park's knee injury didn't necessitate a DL stint.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) were no-hit for the first six innings, in their Sunday night matchup with the Norfolk Tides. The FeHogs exploded for a six-run eighth, in a 6-1 win. The Swine hurlers managed to give up twelve hits, and only a single run. Rodrigo Lopez got the victory, permitting just the sole marker, in seven innings. Lehigh Valley only had four hits, but took advantage of six walks.
With the win, the IronPigs moved to the .500 mark for the first time IN THE HISTORY OF THE FRANCHISE! Not really an impressive franchise streak of sub .500 play, but winning 15 of 18 games is mighty impressive.
The Reading Phillies (AA) beat the Trenton Thunder, 8-3. Michael Taylor went 3 for 5, with a three-run homer, improving his average to .342. Tuffy Gosewisch went 3 for 4. Mike Stutes pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs (five hits, one walk/three strikeouts).
Joe Savery, rained out of his start in Friday's suspended game, will take the mound in Monday's series finale. The Thunder thought they would escape the series, with Savery being limited to one inning. They were sorely mistaken.
The Clearwater Threshers improved remained unbeaten in the second half of their season, with a fourth consecutive extra-inning victory over the Jupiter Hammerheads. Steve Susdorf went 2 for 5, dropping his average to only .485. Santo Hernandez pitch three scoreless relief innings, for the win. Right-hander Michael Galen Cisco got the start, but left the game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Phils Lose Again, Manuel Reaches Boiling Point?
Footage of tonight's postgame team meeting probably won't be airing on The MLB Network any time soon. After another lifeless loss, the team's eleventh in thirteen games, Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel, and General Manager Ruben Amaro, met with the club for twenty minutes. The meeting was likely as ugly as the game that preceded it, a 6-1 loss in Toronto. Perhaps the postgame airing of grievances will spark the Phils' play. The club still leads the lackluster NL East, but if they continue winning games at a .154 clip, one of their divisional opponents may be able to catch them.
Cole Hamels got the start for the Phils, so good starting pitching, at least, was expected. Hamels provided just that...for three innings. The ace was clipped for a run in the fourth, and then fell apart in a hideous fifth inning. Questionable umpiring, a lack of composure by Hamels, poor fielding (by Pedro Feliz, and Hamels) lead to a disastrous three-run fifth. With two outs, and Hamels at 105 pitches, Manuel removed the frustrated southpaw from the game. Hamels had some final comments for home plate umpire Mark Carlson, who ejected Hamels as a parting gift. Chan Ho Park entered the game, and retired the side. However, in the process of retiring that batter, Park fell to the infield in obvious anguish. Park would leave the game with a right knee contusion, which may necessitate a stint on the Disabled List. (Park could join disabled relief-mates Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey in a "very special episode of The Pen!")
With the Phils trailing 3-0 in the eighth, Brad Lidge, fresh from a DL stint of his own, entered the game.Lidge faced five batters, permitting two hits, two walks, and two runs. Lidge did procure an out, so there's that. J.C. Romero relieved Lidge after twenty-four pitches, and allowed one of the three baserunners he inherited to score. Fortunately, Lidge will pitch better in save situations, right? (Ugh.)
The Philadelphia bats were not as effective as their pitching counterparts. After six innings, they had not recorded a single hit off Jays' starter Ricky Romero. All that remained was to root for history, a no-hitter that would surely inspire the Phillies in future games, right? No, no, no. The Phillies could have still pulled this game out, why the duck would we root for them to get no-hit/lose? The Phils offense broke up the no-hitter in the seventh, and exploded for three hits in the game. The team's extra-base hit streak ended at ninety-five games, but they did manage to plate a run. Unfortunately, it was in the top of the ninth, when they needed six to tie. At that point, most Phillies' fans were likely focusing on the end of the IronPigs' win.
The Phillies play the Jays again, with J.A. Happ starting, in a Saturday matinee. Jimmy Rollins may return at shortstop, replacing The Hitless Wonder, Eric Bruntlett. Manuel might also try some other moves to shake up the slumping ballclub. Hopefully, Friday's team meeting will have some immediate effects, and Manuel won't try to spark the Phils by inserting Gabor Paul Bako II into the lineup.
Cole Hamels got the start for the Phils, so good starting pitching, at least, was expected. Hamels provided just that...for three innings. The ace was clipped for a run in the fourth, and then fell apart in a hideous fifth inning. Questionable umpiring, a lack of composure by Hamels, poor fielding (by Pedro Feliz, and Hamels) lead to a disastrous three-run fifth. With two outs, and Hamels at 105 pitches, Manuel removed the frustrated southpaw from the game. Hamels had some final comments for home plate umpire Mark Carlson, who ejected Hamels as a parting gift. Chan Ho Park entered the game, and retired the side. However, in the process of retiring that batter, Park fell to the infield in obvious anguish. Park would leave the game with a right knee contusion, which may necessitate a stint on the Disabled List. (Park could join disabled relief-mates Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey in a "very special episode of The Pen!")
With the Phils trailing 3-0 in the eighth, Brad Lidge, fresh from a DL stint of his own, entered the game.Lidge faced five batters, permitting two hits, two walks, and two runs. Lidge did procure an out, so there's that. J.C. Romero relieved Lidge after twenty-four pitches, and allowed one of the three baserunners he inherited to score. Fortunately, Lidge will pitch better in save situations, right? (Ugh.)
The Philadelphia bats were not as effective as their pitching counterparts. After six innings, they had not recorded a single hit off Jays' starter Ricky Romero. All that remained was to root for history, a no-hitter that would surely inspire the Phillies in future games, right? No, no, no. The Phillies could have still pulled this game out, why the duck would we root for them to get no-hit/lose? The Phils offense broke up the no-hitter in the seventh, and exploded for three hits in the game. The team's extra-base hit streak ended at ninety-five games, but they did manage to plate a run. Unfortunately, it was in the top of the ninth, when they needed six to tie. At that point, most Phillies' fans were likely focusing on the end of the IronPigs' win.
The Phillies play the Jays again, with J.A. Happ starting, in a Saturday matinee. Jimmy Rollins may return at shortstop, replacing The Hitless Wonder, Eric Bruntlett. Manuel might also try some other moves to shake up the slumping ballclub. Hopefully, Friday's team meeting will have some immediate effects, and Manuel won't try to spark the Phils by inserting Gabor Paul Bako II into the lineup.
Bunts and Balks (6/26)
Antonio Bastardo's left shoulder will be examined on Monday, but he is expected to miss his next start, scheduled for Wednesday. Why not put Bastardo on the DL, retroactive to Thursday, and reinforce the pen with an eighth arm? Sergio Escalona could be recalled (again, in fewer than ten days), as these would be "emergency circumstances." When a starter (Carlos Carrasco?) is needed on Wednesday, another roster move can be made. It seems pointless to keep Bastardo on the active roster; even if he is physically able to pitch, he has been overmatched at this level.
Chan Ho Park was injured in Friday night's game, and may require some time on the DL. Park has been one of the better Phils' relievers recently, and is the only one who appears capable of pitching multiple innings. This would be horrible timing for a Park DL stint, with Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey already disabled. Kyle Kendrick might be the best replacement option for the long relief role, and nobody wants that.
Brad Lidge pitched in a non-save situation on Friday, in his return to the Phils. Lidge faced five batters. He allowed two hits, two walks, and acquired one out. He left in favor of J.C. Romero, with the bases loaded, and one run already in. Romero permitted one of the inherited runners to score, boosting Lidge's ERA to 7.86. Not a promising return for the closer.
Scott Eyre is expected to return in a week, for the Mets series, starting July 3rd. The Phils really need Eyre right now. Not just LOOGY Eyre, either. They need Whole-Inning Eyre.
Who else could bolster the Phillies' bullpen?
Reading (AA) southpaw Mike Zagurski is on the 40-Man roster.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) relievers Gary Majewski, Cedrick Bowers, and Jason Anderson have been pitching decently, and could be moved into the one open spot on the current 40-Man Roster.
Eric Bruntlett batted eighth and started at SS for the Phils on Friday in Toronto.
Bruntlett went 0 for 3, and is now batting .138. Jimmy Rollins needs to return to the lineup, batting leadoff, or sixth, or eighth, or ninth, wherever. Bruntlett has been dreadful.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) clinched their fourth consecutive series win, defeating the Indianapolis Indians, 6-1. The FeHogs have won ten of twelve. Rich Thompson hit a homer leading off the game, for the first time in LV history. Starter Carlos Carrasco was the big story, however, pitching six and one-third strong innings for the win. Carrasco permitted seven hits, one run, and walked three, with seven strikeouts. The 22 yr. old RHP is due to pitch again next Wednesday. He may be a candidate to start for the Phillies, in the event that Antonio Bastardo is unavailable.
The Reading Phillies (AA) had their game against the Trenton Thunder suspended. The game will continue on Saturday, with the R-Phils trailing, 1-0. The game was delayed almost two hours at the start, and play was halted before the bottom of the second began. The game lasted long enough for R-Phils starter Joe Savery to allow a run, ending his scoreless streak at 15 innings. The game probably should have been rained out before play began. That decision likely cost the R-Phils the services of Joe Savery for the series.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) blew a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the ninth, but beat the Jupiter Hammerheads on a pair of tenth-inning runs.
Jonathan Velazquez pitched six scoreless innings, surrendering four hits, two walks, and striking out a pair. The blown save cost him what would have been his first FSL victory, in his second appearance.
Chan Ho Park was injured in Friday night's game, and may require some time on the DL. Park has been one of the better Phils' relievers recently, and is the only one who appears capable of pitching multiple innings. This would be horrible timing for a Park DL stint, with Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey already disabled. Kyle Kendrick might be the best replacement option for the long relief role, and nobody wants that.
Brad Lidge pitched in a non-save situation on Friday, in his return to the Phils. Lidge faced five batters. He allowed two hits, two walks, and acquired one out. He left in favor of J.C. Romero, with the bases loaded, and one run already in. Romero permitted one of the inherited runners to score, boosting Lidge's ERA to 7.86. Not a promising return for the closer.
Scott Eyre is expected to return in a week, for the Mets series, starting July 3rd. The Phils really need Eyre right now. Not just LOOGY Eyre, either. They need Whole-Inning Eyre.
Who else could bolster the Phillies' bullpen?
Reading (AA) southpaw Mike Zagurski is on the 40-Man roster.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) relievers Gary Majewski, Cedrick Bowers, and Jason Anderson have been pitching decently, and could be moved into the one open spot on the current 40-Man Roster.
Eric Bruntlett batted eighth and started at SS for the Phils on Friday in Toronto.
Bruntlett went 0 for 3, and is now batting .138. Jimmy Rollins needs to return to the lineup, batting leadoff, or sixth, or eighth, or ninth, wherever. Bruntlett has been dreadful.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) clinched their fourth consecutive series win, defeating the Indianapolis Indians, 6-1. The FeHogs have won ten of twelve. Rich Thompson hit a homer leading off the game, for the first time in LV history. Starter Carlos Carrasco was the big story, however, pitching six and one-third strong innings for the win. Carrasco permitted seven hits, one run, and walked three, with seven strikeouts. The 22 yr. old RHP is due to pitch again next Wednesday. He may be a candidate to start for the Phillies, in the event that Antonio Bastardo is unavailable.
The Reading Phillies (AA) had their game against the Trenton Thunder suspended. The game will continue on Saturday, with the R-Phils trailing, 1-0. The game was delayed almost two hours at the start, and play was halted before the bottom of the second began. The game lasted long enough for R-Phils starter Joe Savery to allow a run, ending his scoreless streak at 15 innings. The game probably should have been rained out before play began. That decision likely cost the R-Phils the services of Joe Savery for the series.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) blew a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the ninth, but beat the Jupiter Hammerheads on a pair of tenth-inning runs.
Jonathan Velazquez pitched six scoreless innings, surrendering four hits, two walks, and striking out a pair. The blown save cost him what would have been his first FSL victory, in his second appearance.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Phils Beat Mets in Battle of Bullpens
Phillies' ace Cole Hamels had some serious BABIP issues on Wednesday night, in New York. In five innings, Hamels surrendered ELEVEN hits, but only one (a double) was for extra bases. The Phillies trailed 4-1, after six innings, and it didn't appear to be their night. But they capitalized on several Mets' mistakes in a three-run seventh, and the Phils' bullpen contributed six scoreless innings. Jayson Werth made a game-saving catch in the tenth, Chase Utley hit his second home run of the game in the eleventh, and closer Ryan Madson saved a 5-4 victory. The Mets had sixteen hits in the game, fifteen of which were singles, but left sixteen on base. Not even BABIP could defeat the Phillies on Wednesday night.
With the Phillies trailing 4-1, in the bottom of the sixth, they needed to call upon a reliever who could keep them in this crucial game. Charlie Manuel summoned...Jack Taschner! The lefty had not pitched in a game since May 27th. But Taschner made quick work of the Mets, in a scoreless, hitless inning. (This move reminded me of a memorable move in hockey history, by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974. Bernie Parent was the Flyers' star goalie, and played the large majority of the games. His backup, Bobby Taylor, spent most games opening the door to the bench, and trying not to get hit by stray pucks. One Sunday afternoon, the Flyers had a nationally-televised game against their rivals, the Boston Bruins. The Flyers' coach, Fred Shero, decided to start Taylor in goal, even though he hadn't played in eight weeks. When asked about the decision, Shero said, "It was his turn.") I guess Wednesday night, it was Taschner's turn.
Charlie Manuel made another interesting decision, in the top of the seventh inning. The Phillies trailed 4-3, but had the bases loaded, with no outs. They had the opportunity to break the game open. With the pitcher's spot due, pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs already out of the game, and Mets' right-hander Sean Green on the mound, Manuel had to choose a pinch-hitter. If he used his best remaining pinch-hitter, lefty Matt Stairs, the Mets would likely counter with southpaw Pedro Feliciano. Manuel would either have to let Stairs face Feliciano, an unfavorable matchup, or pinch-hit for Stairs with righty Chris Coste. Not wanting to waste Stairs, Manuel went directly to Coste. Right? Well, no. Manuel went directly to lefty Paul Bako, the weak-hitting third-string catcher. I envisioned a 5-2-3 DP. Fortunately, Bako merely struck out. Two groundouts later, the Phillies had tied the game, but had also wasted a huge opportunity.
After relievers Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and J.C. Romero had taken the tied game into the bottom of the ninth, Manuel had to choose which pitcher to send out for the bottom of the ninth. With Clay Condrey seemingly unavailable (Condrey had thrown nineteen pitches Tuesday night, but had only faced three batters in the previous week. Could Condrey be having injury concerns/a dead arm period, from overwork earlier in the season?), Manuel had two options. He could use his ace closer, Ryan Madson, or long reliever, Chan Ho Park. On one hand, a run would give the Mets an immediate win, and Park was much more likely to surrender a run. On the other hand, Park was a better choice to pitch multiple innings, and Madson was a better choice to convert a save opportunity. Manuel risked the possibility that the Phils could lose, as their best reliever watched from the bullpen. He put Park on the mound, and Park put the tying run on second. I prepared for a Mets walk-off win. But Park escaped the inning, and also pitched a scoreless tenth inning. Park got the win, with Madson retiring the side, in order, in the bottom of the eleventh. The Phillies' bullpen, and Manuel's adept bullpen usage, had helped the Phils secure a huge victory.
The Phillies will try to win the rubber game on Thursday, with Jamie Moyer, coming off consecutive effective starts, on the mound. The Mets will use Phillie-killer Tim Redding. Redding pitched twenty-nine innings against the Phils in 2008, and held them to a .594 OPS. Hopefully, the Phils will have more success with Redding, this season.
With the Phillies trailing 4-1, in the bottom of the sixth, they needed to call upon a reliever who could keep them in this crucial game. Charlie Manuel summoned...Jack Taschner! The lefty had not pitched in a game since May 27th. But Taschner made quick work of the Mets, in a scoreless, hitless inning. (This move reminded me of a memorable move in hockey history, by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974. Bernie Parent was the Flyers' star goalie, and played the large majority of the games. His backup, Bobby Taylor, spent most games opening the door to the bench, and trying not to get hit by stray pucks. One Sunday afternoon, the Flyers had a nationally-televised game against their rivals, the Boston Bruins. The Flyers' coach, Fred Shero, decided to start Taylor in goal, even though he hadn't played in eight weeks. When asked about the decision, Shero said, "It was his turn.") I guess Wednesday night, it was Taschner's turn.
Charlie Manuel made another interesting decision, in the top of the seventh inning. The Phillies trailed 4-3, but had the bases loaded, with no outs. They had the opportunity to break the game open. With the pitcher's spot due, pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs already out of the game, and Mets' right-hander Sean Green on the mound, Manuel had to choose a pinch-hitter. If he used his best remaining pinch-hitter, lefty Matt Stairs, the Mets would likely counter with southpaw Pedro Feliciano. Manuel would either have to let Stairs face Feliciano, an unfavorable matchup, or pinch-hit for Stairs with righty Chris Coste. Not wanting to waste Stairs, Manuel went directly to Coste. Right? Well, no. Manuel went directly to lefty Paul Bako, the weak-hitting third-string catcher. I envisioned a 5-2-3 DP. Fortunately, Bako merely struck out. Two groundouts later, the Phillies had tied the game, but had also wasted a huge opportunity.
After relievers Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and J.C. Romero had taken the tied game into the bottom of the ninth, Manuel had to choose which pitcher to send out for the bottom of the ninth. With Clay Condrey seemingly unavailable (Condrey had thrown nineteen pitches Tuesday night, but had only faced three batters in the previous week. Could Condrey be having injury concerns/a dead arm period, from overwork earlier in the season?), Manuel had two options. He could use his ace closer, Ryan Madson, or long reliever, Chan Ho Park. On one hand, a run would give the Mets an immediate win, and Park was much more likely to surrender a run. On the other hand, Park was a better choice to pitch multiple innings, and Madson was a better choice to convert a save opportunity. Manuel risked the possibility that the Phils could lose, as their best reliever watched from the bullpen. He put Park on the mound, and Park put the tying run on second. I prepared for a Mets walk-off win. But Park escaped the inning, and also pitched a scoreless tenth inning. Park got the win, with Madson retiring the side, in order, in the bottom of the eleventh. The Phillies' bullpen, and Manuel's adept bullpen usage, had helped the Phils secure a huge victory.
The Phillies will try to win the rubber game on Thursday, with Jamie Moyer, coming off consecutive effective starts, on the mound. The Mets will use Phillie-killer Tim Redding. Redding pitched twenty-nine innings against the Phils in 2008, and held them to a .594 OPS. Hopefully, the Phils will have more success with Redding, this season.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Phils Blast Dodgers, Escape from LA with Split
The Phillies continued to excel in games in which they score piles of runs, salvaging a series split in Los Angeles, with a 7-2 win on Sunday night. A three-run Phils' outburst in the seventh inning, keyed by Carlos Ruiz and Shane Victorino home runs, turned a 3-2 lead into a 6-2 advantage. Ryan Howard hit a solo homer in the eighth, providing the final margin. Newly-installed leadoff man Shane Victorino, and six-hole hitter Jimmy Rollins, each contributed two hits to the nine-hit, four-walk attack.
Antonio Bastardo picked up his second win, in as many starts, surviving five innings. Bastardo allowed seven hits and a walk, and was responsible for the two Dodgers' runs. He scuffled through 107 pitches (67 strikes), and left with two runners on base in the sixth, one of whom scored. It was a good performance by the rookie, on the road against a strong offensive team.
In the sixth inning, with the potential go-ahead run at the plate, Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel summoned from the bullpen...Chan Ho Park. It was a puzzling, and rather terrifying, selection. A decision that worked brilliantly. Park performed like the pitcher who posted an opponents' OPS of .649 in LA in 2008. He induced a key double-play grounder, and threw three (!) scoreless innings, in which he surrendered only a single hit. With a 7-2 lead in the ninth inning, it was a perfect time for Manuel to bring in rarely-used southpaw Jack Taschner. So, Manuel summoned overworked setup man Ryan Madson, who had thrown twenty-five pitches the previous day, to protect the five-run advantage. Madson threw seventeen more pitches, allowing one hit, and retiring two Dodgers on strikes. It was a baffling move, but at least Madson will get Monday off, as the Phils travel to New York for the Mets' series, beginning Tuesday.
Perhaps even more terrifying than the prospect of Chan Ho Park entering a game with a mere three-run lead, was the performance of the ESPN announcing crew. While Park's success was surprising, the ineptitude of Joe Morgan was not. The "Worldwide Leader in Sports" cannot be oblivious to Morgan's cluelessness at this point, can it? What they could be doing is combatting his confusion, by running disclaimers and/or explanations on the bottom of the screen, not unlike they do with scoring updates from other games, as they appear committed to retaining Morgan in his present role.
Tonight's disclaimers would have included: "Raul Ibanez is actually signed to a three-year contract." when Morgan made reference to Ibanez having a four-year deal. "The Phillies only have a three-man bench, as Matt Stairs is not available.", when Morgan and Co. were confused by the Phillies' bench usage. Explanations of Morgan's unintelligible monologue comparing Charlie Manuel and Joe Torre, as well as his comments regarding the Phillies' record when scoring four runs, could also have crawled along the bottom of the screen. Morgan spent almost the entirety of the eighth inning describing the numerous non-baseball events he has attended. So, I guess it was a typical ESPN Sunday Night Baseball broadcast.
The Phillies have Monday off, before facing the Mets in a crucial three-game road series at Citi Field. J.A Happ, sporting a 4-0 record, will attempt to match zeroes with Mets' ace Johan Santana (7-3). The Mets are currently dealing with some injury concerns, so it is a good opportunity for the Phils to pick up some key divisional wins. A series sweep would be huge, but beating Santana is always difficult, even if you have Chan Ho Park on your team.
Antonio Bastardo picked up his second win, in as many starts, surviving five innings. Bastardo allowed seven hits and a walk, and was responsible for the two Dodgers' runs. He scuffled through 107 pitches (67 strikes), and left with two runners on base in the sixth, one of whom scored. It was a good performance by the rookie, on the road against a strong offensive team.
In the sixth inning, with the potential go-ahead run at the plate, Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel summoned from the bullpen...Chan Ho Park. It was a puzzling, and rather terrifying, selection. A decision that worked brilliantly. Park performed like the pitcher who posted an opponents' OPS of .649 in LA in 2008. He induced a key double-play grounder, and threw three (!) scoreless innings, in which he surrendered only a single hit. With a 7-2 lead in the ninth inning, it was a perfect time for Manuel to bring in rarely-used southpaw Jack Taschner. So, Manuel summoned overworked setup man Ryan Madson, who had thrown twenty-five pitches the previous day, to protect the five-run advantage. Madson threw seventeen more pitches, allowing one hit, and retiring two Dodgers on strikes. It was a baffling move, but at least Madson will get Monday off, as the Phils travel to New York for the Mets' series, beginning Tuesday.
Perhaps even more terrifying than the prospect of Chan Ho Park entering a game with a mere three-run lead, was the performance of the ESPN announcing crew. While Park's success was surprising, the ineptitude of Joe Morgan was not. The "Worldwide Leader in Sports" cannot be oblivious to Morgan's cluelessness at this point, can it? What they could be doing is combatting his confusion, by running disclaimers and/or explanations on the bottom of the screen, not unlike they do with scoring updates from other games, as they appear committed to retaining Morgan in his present role.
Tonight's disclaimers would have included: "Raul Ibanez is actually signed to a three-year contract." when Morgan made reference to Ibanez having a four-year deal. "The Phillies only have a three-man bench, as Matt Stairs is not available.", when Morgan and Co. were confused by the Phillies' bench usage. Explanations of Morgan's unintelligible monologue comparing Charlie Manuel and Joe Torre, as well as his comments regarding the Phillies' record when scoring four runs, could also have crawled along the bottom of the screen. Morgan spent almost the entirety of the eighth inning describing the numerous non-baseball events he has attended. So, I guess it was a typical ESPN Sunday Night Baseball broadcast.
The Phillies have Monday off, before facing the Mets in a crucial three-game road series at Citi Field. J.A Happ, sporting a 4-0 record, will attempt to match zeroes with Mets' ace Johan Santana (7-3). The Mets are currently dealing with some injury concerns, so it is a good opportunity for the Phils to pick up some key divisional wins. A series sweep would be huge, but beating Santana is always difficult, even if you have Chan Ho Park on your team.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Mistakes are the portals of discovery
The Phillies' Monday night opponents, the Florida Marlins, had been victorious in only nine of their previous thirty-three games. The Phillies, despite another poor start from Jamie Moyer (six innings, four runs), had every opportunity to win this one. Ryan Howard hit a pair of titanic home runs, but it wasn't enough to overcome three crucial mistakes.
The first crucial mistake wasn't by a Phillies' player, it was by home plate umpire Marvin Hudson. After three innings, the Phillies had a 2-0 lead, and Jamie Moyer was pitching well, as he typically does against the Marlins. However, Moyer began the fourth inning by walking the first two Marlins. With a 2-2 count on former Phillie Wes Helms, Moyer threw a called third strike. Except to Marvelous Marvin Hudson it was a called third ball. It is possible Starvin' Marvin was trying to make up for a blown strike call earlier in the at bat. But, as Sarge Matthews indicated, the umpire needs to put mistakes behind him, and make the correct calls going forward. Hudson failed to do this, and it cost the Phillies. With his time at the plate extended, Helms connected with a three-run homer, giving the Marlins a 3-2 lead.
The Phillies continued to trail 3-2, as the Marlins batted in the sixth inning. Moyer got himself into trouble, allowing a pair of singles. But with two outs, and eighth place hitter Ronny Paulino (another former Phillie) at the plate, Moyer had a chance to escape. With pitcher Chris Volstad on deck, and unlikely to be pinch-hit for so early in the contest, Moyer had no need to give Paulino anything to hit. Moyer fell behind 3-0 to Paulino, and it appeared likely that he would throw ball four out of the zone, and take his chances with Volstad. The wily veteran threw the pitch, and Paulino stroked the hittable offering into center, for a run-scoring single.
Typically, when the Phillies permit Chan Ho Park to participate in a ballgame, it turns out to be a crucial mistake. Park entered a 4-3 game in the seventh, and five batters later, it was 5-3. A two out single by Wes Helms increased Florida's advantage, but it was the only run Park surrendered in three innings. Park showed increased velocity in his relief outing, and his performance allowed the rest of the bullpen the night off. Hopefully, Park's results will be similar in future relief outings.
The third crucial mistake was made by Shane Victorino. In the ninth inning, and the Phils trailing 5-3, Victorino started the inning with a walk. The tying run was at the plate, in the form of pinch-hitting slugger Matt Stairs. The Phillies were, potentially, one swing away from a tied ballgame. Victorino, trying to eliminate the possibility of a double play, attempted to steal second base. Often, in this situation, the opposition will surrender second base, in defensive indifference. However, Victorino got a poor jump, and Paulino threw him out at second base. Perhaps, Paulino should not have thrown to second, and risked a throwing error. But the crucial mistake was Victorino's, as he should have waited for a better pitch to run on, and he could have returned to first base immediately, when he realized his jump was poor. Matt Stairs and Carlos Ruiz were retired, and the Phillies had lost, 5-3.
The Phils face Florida again Tuesday, in the second of three games. The Phillies' Joe Blanton faces the Marlins' Andrew Miller, as two mediocre hurlers attempt to escape mediocrity, at least for a day. There should be plenty of offense at CBP on Tuesday night. Hopefully, the Phillies will learn from the mistakes they made in the first game of the series.
Postgame texts
(8) Guess stealing wasn't the best idea there.
(28) No questions asked.
(47) Did you DVR Jon and Kate?
(27) Of course. We're watching with Chollie in ten.
The first crucial mistake wasn't by a Phillies' player, it was by home plate umpire Marvin Hudson. After three innings, the Phillies had a 2-0 lead, and Jamie Moyer was pitching well, as he typically does against the Marlins. However, Moyer began the fourth inning by walking the first two Marlins. With a 2-2 count on former Phillie Wes Helms, Moyer threw a called third strike. Except to Marvelous Marvin Hudson it was a called third ball. It is possible Starvin' Marvin was trying to make up for a blown strike call earlier in the at bat. But, as Sarge Matthews indicated, the umpire needs to put mistakes behind him, and make the correct calls going forward. Hudson failed to do this, and it cost the Phillies. With his time at the plate extended, Helms connected with a three-run homer, giving the Marlins a 3-2 lead.
The Phillies continued to trail 3-2, as the Marlins batted in the sixth inning. Moyer got himself into trouble, allowing a pair of singles. But with two outs, and eighth place hitter Ronny Paulino (another former Phillie) at the plate, Moyer had a chance to escape. With pitcher Chris Volstad on deck, and unlikely to be pinch-hit for so early in the contest, Moyer had no need to give Paulino anything to hit. Moyer fell behind 3-0 to Paulino, and it appeared likely that he would throw ball four out of the zone, and take his chances with Volstad. The wily veteran threw the pitch, and Paulino stroked the hittable offering into center, for a run-scoring single.
Typically, when the Phillies permit Chan Ho Park to participate in a ballgame, it turns out to be a crucial mistake. Park entered a 4-3 game in the seventh, and five batters later, it was 5-3. A two out single by Wes Helms increased Florida's advantage, but it was the only run Park surrendered in three innings. Park showed increased velocity in his relief outing, and his performance allowed the rest of the bullpen the night off. Hopefully, Park's results will be similar in future relief outings.
The third crucial mistake was made by Shane Victorino. In the ninth inning, and the Phils trailing 5-3, Victorino started the inning with a walk. The tying run was at the plate, in the form of pinch-hitting slugger Matt Stairs. The Phillies were, potentially, one swing away from a tied ballgame. Victorino, trying to eliminate the possibility of a double play, attempted to steal second base. Often, in this situation, the opposition will surrender second base, in defensive indifference. However, Victorino got a poor jump, and Paulino threw him out at second base. Perhaps, Paulino should not have thrown to second, and risked a throwing error. But the crucial mistake was Victorino's, as he should have waited for a better pitch to run on, and he could have returned to first base immediately, when he realized his jump was poor. Matt Stairs and Carlos Ruiz were retired, and the Phillies had lost, 5-3.
The Phils face Florida again Tuesday, in the second of three games. The Phillies' Joe Blanton faces the Marlins' Andrew Miller, as two mediocre hurlers attempt to escape mediocrity, at least for a day. There should be plenty of offense at CBP on Tuesday night. Hopefully, the Phillies will learn from the mistakes they made in the first game of the series.
Postgame texts
(8) Guess stealing wasn't the best idea there.
(28) No questions asked.
(47) Did you DVR Jon and Kate?
(27) Of course. We're watching with Chollie in ten.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Park Swaps Roles with Happ; Gabor Paul Bako II Signed
The Phillies announced Tuesday afternoon that J.A. Happ would be taking Chan Ho Park's spot in the rotation. Happ will start on Saturday, in a nationally-televised battle against the Yankees. (A designated hitter will be used at Yankee Stadium, so the Phils won't suffer from losing Park's bat in the lineup. Unless Eric Bruntlett is the DH.) J.A. Happ has been very effective out of the bullpen, and would have started last Saturday, if he hadn't been needed in Friday night's extra-inning game in Washington.
Park had serious difficulties in his seven starts, pitching to a 5.64 FIP and a 1.69 WHIP. Despite Park's struggles, the Phillies were fortunate to lose only twice (both to the Mets) in his starts. (One of those losses was 1-0, to Mets' ace Johan Santana, in a game any Phillies' pitcher would have had difficulty winning.) Despite Park's ineffectiveness, there were some positives to the decision to start the season with Park in the rotation. The Phillies guaranteed Park the chance to compete for a rotation spot in Spring Training, and gave him the spot when he outperformed his competitors. This will lend credibility to the Phils, which could prove useful if they make a similar guarantee to another free agent in the offseason.
Using Park in the rotation for the first month and a half of the season, also helped keep Happ's early-season workload light. Happ is at twenty-one innings pitched at present, while he might be around fifty innings, if he had been in the rotation from the start of the season. Happ threw one-hundred and seventy innings in 2008, including the postseason. In order to avoid Verduccifying Happ, the Phillies should keep Happ below one-hundred and ninety innings in 2009. The thirty innings the Phillies have already "saved" on Happ should help protect the young southpaw's health, and postseason effectiveness. (Of course, if the other members of the rotation, specifically Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton, don't figure things out soon, the Phils might not have to worry about Happ's postseason workload.)
In a minor move, the Phillies signed free agent catcher Paul Bako. Bako, who will be thirty-seven in June, played ninety-nine games for the Reds in 2008. He failed to make the Cubs roster in Spring Training, and was unconditionally released. Bako is a poor hitter (.274 wOBA lifetime), but is satisfactory on defense.
It's not really clear what the plan is for Bako. Perhaps the Phils believe that Bako will be a better mentor in AAA for top prospect Lou Marson, than current AAA backup Paul Hoover? Maybe they would like to add Bako or Hoover to the MLB roster, and free up Chris Coste to be used as a right-handed pinch-hitter/occasional corner infielder? Possibly, they are just adding some catching inventory, to put them in better position to deal one of their current backstops? (Another possibility is that they simply felt that the opportunity to roster the first player named "Gabor" in the illustrious history of the franchise was too much to pass up.) No matter their reasoning, this is probably a low-risk signing, unless they let Bako use a bat in MLB on a regular basis.
Park had serious difficulties in his seven starts, pitching to a 5.64 FIP and a 1.69 WHIP. Despite Park's struggles, the Phillies were fortunate to lose only twice (both to the Mets) in his starts. (One of those losses was 1-0, to Mets' ace Johan Santana, in a game any Phillies' pitcher would have had difficulty winning.) Despite Park's ineffectiveness, there were some positives to the decision to start the season with Park in the rotation. The Phillies guaranteed Park the chance to compete for a rotation spot in Spring Training, and gave him the spot when he outperformed his competitors. This will lend credibility to the Phils, which could prove useful if they make a similar guarantee to another free agent in the offseason.
Using Park in the rotation for the first month and a half of the season, also helped keep Happ's early-season workload light. Happ is at twenty-one innings pitched at present, while he might be around fifty innings, if he had been in the rotation from the start of the season. Happ threw one-hundred and seventy innings in 2008, including the postseason. In order to avoid Verduccifying Happ, the Phillies should keep Happ below one-hundred and ninety innings in 2009. The thirty innings the Phillies have already "saved" on Happ should help protect the young southpaw's health, and postseason effectiveness. (Of course, if the other members of the rotation, specifically Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton, don't figure things out soon, the Phils might not have to worry about Happ's postseason workload.)
In a minor move, the Phillies signed free agent catcher Paul Bako. Bako, who will be thirty-seven in June, played ninety-nine games for the Reds in 2008. He failed to make the Cubs roster in Spring Training, and was unconditionally released. Bako is a poor hitter (.274 wOBA lifetime), but is satisfactory on defense.
It's not really clear what the plan is for Bako. Perhaps the Phils believe that Bako will be a better mentor in AAA for top prospect Lou Marson, than current AAA backup Paul Hoover? Maybe they would like to add Bako or Hoover to the MLB roster, and free up Chris Coste to be used as a right-handed pinch-hitter/occasional corner infielder? Possibly, they are just adding some catching inventory, to put them in better position to deal one of their current backstops? (Another possibility is that they simply felt that the opportunity to roster the first player named "Gabor" in the illustrious history of the franchise was too much to pass up.) No matter their reasoning, this is probably a low-risk signing, unless they let Bako use a bat in MLB on a regular basis.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Phils Sweep Series From Nats With 8-6 Win
On Friday afternoon, as the Phillies celebrated their 2008 World Championship at The White House, Andrew Carpenter was a scuffling AAA starter with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Sergio Escalona was pitching well for the Phillies, the Phillies of the AA Reading variety. By the time the weekend ended, Carpenter and Escalona each had their first major league victory, and the Phillies had completed a four-game sweep of the Nationals. How unlikely was the preceding scenario? Probably more unlikely than Pedro Feliz' four-walk game last week. But probability is just a number to the 2009 Phillies.
The Phillies and Nats continued their tradition of interminably long slopfests, with little to no pitching, on Sunday. The Phillies' 8-6 victory featured five runs allowed by each starting pitcher. However, Escalona and the Phillies' bullpen held the Nats to a single run after the second inning.
Washington's bullpen turned a 6-5 eighth-inning lead into a 8-6 deficit, with some assistance from their shoddy defense. The turning point of the game was when Pedro Feliz bunted the ball near the mound. It appeared that third-baseman Ryan Zimmerman would field the ball, but reliever Julian Tavarez did, instead. Tavarez threw the ball in the direction of second-baseman Anderson Hernandez, who was covering first. Hernandez watched Zimmerman fail to field the ball, and Tavarez' throw went down the right field line. The first base ballgirl took the best route towards the ball, and had the best angle for a throw to the plate, but she was run off the ball by UZR-deficient RF Adam Dunn. Dunn's throw home was late, and the go-ahead run scored.
The comeback was made possible by Chan Ho Park's worst start as a Phillie. Park retired four batters, walked four batters, allowed five hits, and five runs. He needed sixty-three pitches to get those four outs, and raised his ERA to 7.08. Park had saved his spot in the rotation with consecutive good starts, but now he is likely one bad start away from swapping roles with reliever J.A. Happ.
Park's line would have been worse, if Jack Taschner hadn't stranded two of the three runners he inherited from Park. Yep. The same Jack Taschner who was ignored by Manuel on Friday and Saturday, came through with two and two-thirds scoreless innings, keeping the Phils in the game. (Taschner's ERA is now 3.86, and perhaps General Manager Ruben Amaro should try to deal Taschner now, as his value will likely never be higher.)
Chad Durbin followed, allowing one run over two innings. With the Phils trailing 6-5, and the bottom of the Nats' order due in the seventh, Manuel tabbed Escalona to make his major league debut. Escalona pitched a scoreless inning, and gave way to Scott Eyre, who took the game into the ninth. (Ryan Madson was unavailable, having pitched three days in a row, including his appearance on Saturday with a six-run lead. Clay Condrey had pitched two days in a row, and, presumably, wasn't available either.)
Closer Brad Lidge probably shouldn't have been available either, having pitched three days in a row, and on four of five days. Given his recent injury, he probably shouldn't have even been permitted to warm up. But Manuel brought Lidge in with a two-run ninth inning lead, one out, and a runner on second. Two pitches, and a double play later, the Phillies were victorious. Hopefully, the consecutive saves will have a positive effect on Lidge's confidence, and the recent overuse won't have a deleterious effect on the reliever's health.
The Phillies have Monday off, before continuing their road trip in Cincinnati on Tuesday. Cole Hamels will make the start, on his regular day. Jamie Moyer will be pushed back, and start Wednesday, with an extra day of rest. It's a good move to get the struggling Moyer an extra day, and it's prudent keep Hamels on his regular schedule. Micah Owings, perhaps better known for his hitting exploits, will take the mound for the Reds. Meanwhile, the New York Mets will be playing in Los Angeles, against the first place Dodgers. This series is another good opportunity for the Phils to pick up some ground.
The Phillies and Nats continued their tradition of interminably long slopfests, with little to no pitching, on Sunday. The Phillies' 8-6 victory featured five runs allowed by each starting pitcher. However, Escalona and the Phillies' bullpen held the Nats to a single run after the second inning.
Washington's bullpen turned a 6-5 eighth-inning lead into a 8-6 deficit, with some assistance from their shoddy defense. The turning point of the game was when Pedro Feliz bunted the ball near the mound. It appeared that third-baseman Ryan Zimmerman would field the ball, but reliever Julian Tavarez did, instead. Tavarez threw the ball in the direction of second-baseman Anderson Hernandez, who was covering first. Hernandez watched Zimmerman fail to field the ball, and Tavarez' throw went down the right field line. The first base ballgirl took the best route towards the ball, and had the best angle for a throw to the plate, but she was run off the ball by UZR-deficient RF Adam Dunn. Dunn's throw home was late, and the go-ahead run scored.
The comeback was made possible by Chan Ho Park's worst start as a Phillie. Park retired four batters, walked four batters, allowed five hits, and five runs. He needed sixty-three pitches to get those four outs, and raised his ERA to 7.08. Park had saved his spot in the rotation with consecutive good starts, but now he is likely one bad start away from swapping roles with reliever J.A. Happ.
Park's line would have been worse, if Jack Taschner hadn't stranded two of the three runners he inherited from Park. Yep. The same Jack Taschner who was ignored by Manuel on Friday and Saturday, came through with two and two-thirds scoreless innings, keeping the Phils in the game. (Taschner's ERA is now 3.86, and perhaps General Manager Ruben Amaro should try to deal Taschner now, as his value will likely never be higher.)
Chad Durbin followed, allowing one run over two innings. With the Phils trailing 6-5, and the bottom of the Nats' order due in the seventh, Manuel tabbed Escalona to make his major league debut. Escalona pitched a scoreless inning, and gave way to Scott Eyre, who took the game into the ninth. (Ryan Madson was unavailable, having pitched three days in a row, including his appearance on Saturday with a six-run lead. Clay Condrey had pitched two days in a row, and, presumably, wasn't available either.)
Closer Brad Lidge probably shouldn't have been available either, having pitched three days in a row, and on four of five days. Given his recent injury, he probably shouldn't have even been permitted to warm up. But Manuel brought Lidge in with a two-run ninth inning lead, one out, and a runner on second. Two pitches, and a double play later, the Phillies were victorious. Hopefully, the consecutive saves will have a positive effect on Lidge's confidence, and the recent overuse won't have a deleterious effect on the reliever's health.
The Phillies have Monday off, before continuing their road trip in Cincinnati on Tuesday. Cole Hamels will make the start, on his regular day. Jamie Moyer will be pushed back, and start Wednesday, with an extra day of rest. It's a good move to get the struggling Moyer an extra day, and it's prudent keep Hamels on his regular schedule. Micah Owings, perhaps better known for his hitting exploits, will take the mound for the Reds. Meanwhile, the New York Mets will be playing in Los Angeles, against the first place Dodgers. This series is another good opportunity for the Phils to pick up some ground.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
More Often Than Not, Manuel's Hunches Always Pay Off
Chan Ho Park was allowed to remain in the rotation, and delivered six strong innings. Jimmy Rollins was dropped to the fifth spot in the order, and reached base twice, scoring and knocking in runs. Jayson Werth was given the green light to steal some bases, and he went ahead and stole all of them. Brad Lidge was brought in for the save, and, well, it wasn't pretty, but he did pick up his fifth save. Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel's fingerprints were all over the team's 5-3 win over the Dodgers on Tuesday night.
Some have been calling for Park's removal from the rotation, ever since it was announced that he had won the fifth starter's job. (This replacement-level blogger was part of this rather unruly mob.) When Park got off to a slow start, others called for his ejection from the rotation, or, even better, from the team. Manuel showed confidence in Park, and kept sending him out for starts. Park rewarded his manager with his second consecutive strong start, evening his record at 1-1. Park held the Manny-less Dodgers to a pair of runs, and only seven hits. Park struck out three batters, without walking any, reminiscent of his magical 25:2 ratio in Spring Training. It was an outstanding performance by Park.
Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and Ryan Madson were also outstanding, constructing a scoreless bridge spanning between Park and Lidge. Lidge was sloppy, allowing three hits, and a run in the ninth inning. He required twenty-four pitches to get through the inning, which ended with the tying run on base. Yikes.
Jimmy Rollins was, finally, dropped out of the leadoff spot, as his inability to reach base was proving problematic in that role. Some believe that the shortstop's poor performance, after some very strong offensive seasons, could be performance enhancer-related. I think it is much more likely that he was injured filming that Dick's Sporting goods commercial. (Look at his expression. IMPERVIOUS. TO. PAIN.) Rollins is just in a bit of a slump. It's just more apparent, as his slump started when the season did, resulting in hideous season stats. He has also been unlucky, as his BABIP of .217 is well below his career average of .298. Rollins will get better, and luckier. That said, Manuel moved him to the perfect spot in the lineup for his success, as batting between Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez should guarantee him some good pitches to hit. Jayson Werth batted third in Tuesday's lineup configuration, which is fine, as Werth is kind of awesome. wOBA of .413 worth of awesome.
Werth stole four bases in Tuesday night's game, including a rare steal of home. As rare and unlikely this was, it wasn't the most surprising occurrence of the night. Pedro Feliz, known as "Senor Hackmaster" in some circles, has accumulated one-hundred and ninety-one unintentional walks in thirty-five hundred and eighty-six plate appearances. (His fourteen intentional walks have been removed from these counts.) About one in every nineteen plate appearances, Feliz coaxes a walk. (By way of comparison, The Awesome Jayson Werth walks once in about every eight and a half plate appearances.) Feliz rarely sees a pitch he doesn't find worthy of a wild swing, and excels at minimizing the opposition's pitch counts. Feliz came to the plate four times tonight, and walked all four times. (I calculate the probability of this happening to be approximately .000625%, or even less likely than J.C. Romero and Jack Taschner being on the 2009 Phillies' roster at the same time.) Feliz' four-walk game is Reason #5699 that you should always watch the entire game. You never know what's going to happen.
The Phils play the Dodgers again Wednesday, with Dr. Jamie Moyer getting the start. Moyer has been ineffective in five of his six starts in 2009, but all of these starts were prior to his receiving his doctorate from St. Joe's. Moyer will be opposed by former Phillie Randy Wolf. Wolf has a .249 BABIP in 2009, and his good fortune is about to run out.
Some have been calling for Park's removal from the rotation, ever since it was announced that he had won the fifth starter's job. (This replacement-level blogger was part of this rather unruly mob.) When Park got off to a slow start, others called for his ejection from the rotation, or, even better, from the team. Manuel showed confidence in Park, and kept sending him out for starts. Park rewarded his manager with his second consecutive strong start, evening his record at 1-1. Park held the Manny-less Dodgers to a pair of runs, and only seven hits. Park struck out three batters, without walking any, reminiscent of his magical 25:2 ratio in Spring Training. It was an outstanding performance by Park.
Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and Ryan Madson were also outstanding, constructing a scoreless bridge spanning between Park and Lidge. Lidge was sloppy, allowing three hits, and a run in the ninth inning. He required twenty-four pitches to get through the inning, which ended with the tying run on base. Yikes.
Jimmy Rollins was, finally, dropped out of the leadoff spot, as his inability to reach base was proving problematic in that role. Some believe that the shortstop's poor performance, after some very strong offensive seasons, could be performance enhancer-related. I think it is much more likely that he was injured filming that Dick's Sporting goods commercial. (Look at his expression. IMPERVIOUS. TO. PAIN.) Rollins is just in a bit of a slump. It's just more apparent, as his slump started when the season did, resulting in hideous season stats. He has also been unlucky, as his BABIP of .217 is well below his career average of .298. Rollins will get better, and luckier. That said, Manuel moved him to the perfect spot in the lineup for his success, as batting between Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez should guarantee him some good pitches to hit. Jayson Werth batted third in Tuesday's lineup configuration, which is fine, as Werth is kind of awesome. wOBA of .413 worth of awesome.
Werth stole four bases in Tuesday night's game, including a rare steal of home. As rare and unlikely this was, it wasn't the most surprising occurrence of the night. Pedro Feliz, known as "Senor Hackmaster" in some circles, has accumulated one-hundred and ninety-one unintentional walks in thirty-five hundred and eighty-six plate appearances. (His fourteen intentional walks have been removed from these counts.) About one in every nineteen plate appearances, Feliz coaxes a walk. (By way of comparison, The Awesome Jayson Werth walks once in about every eight and a half plate appearances.) Feliz rarely sees a pitch he doesn't find worthy of a wild swing, and excels at minimizing the opposition's pitch counts. Feliz came to the plate four times tonight, and walked all four times. (I calculate the probability of this happening to be approximately .000625%, or even less likely than J.C. Romero and Jack Taschner being on the 2009 Phillies' roster at the same time.) Feliz' four-walk game is Reason #5699 that you should always watch the entire game. You never know what's going to happen.
The Phils play the Dodgers again Wednesday, with Dr. Jamie Moyer getting the start. Moyer has been ineffective in five of his six starts in 2009, but all of these starts were prior to his receiving his doctorate from St. Joe's. Moyer will be opposed by former Phillie Randy Wolf. Wolf has a .249 BABIP in 2009, and his good fortune is about to run out.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Phils Lose Duel, But Park Restores Honor (and Rotation Spot)
On Wednesday night in New York, Phillies' pitcher Chan Ho Park went through the formality of his final start, before his inevitable demotion to the bullpen. Future fifth starter J.A. Happ was ready to take over in the fourth inning, or so, of this encounter against the Mets, before assuming his rightful spot in the rotation. All that was to be determined was just how high Park's FIP would go.
This Phillies team has brought us a number of surprising, unlikely occurrences this season. A comeback win, in a game where their WE was a mere .7% in the seventh inning. A positive UZR from Raul Ibanez. A base hit by Miguel Cairo. Wednesday night, the unimaginable happened. Chan Ho Park pitched brilliantly, matching scoreless innings with Johan Santana. Park pitched six scoreless innings, allowing two walks, and only a single hit. This blogger spent the hours leading up to the game hoping that, somehow, Happ would wind up making the start. (Perhaps Park would take a cab to the new Yankee Stadium, by mistake.) By the seventh inning, I was cursing Charlie Manuel for removing Park from the game, after making only ninety-one pitches. The Phillies lost, 1-0, to Santana and the Mets, as they only managed three hits in the game. In another surprising event, the Mets scored the only run of the game when Pedro Feliz and Jayson Werth, both strong defenders, failed to execute in the field. The best performance by a Phillies' starter in 2009 only netted Park a no-decision. But he saved his spot in the rotation, for at least another turn.
Are the Phillies better off with Park in their rotation? Seasons worth of stats, as well as numerous projections, indicate that they are better off with Park in an opponent's rotation. Park hasn't been that effective in a starting role this century. Some argued that the Phillies would have been better off if Park got bombed Wednesday night, providing them with an excuse to move Park to the bullpen. But, when he's between the white lines, Park deserves our support. If the Phillies want to change his role at any point, they are free to do so. If anyone wants to root for the Mets to beat the Phillies, they are free to do so, futile though it may be. I still think signing Park was a mistake, I still think putting him in the rotation was a mistake, and I think keeping him in the rotation is just compounding their error. He was outstanding Wednesday night, but I don't expect to see many more such performances from Park. However, when he's on the mound for the Phils, I'll be hoping he is successful. As Phillies fans, that's what we should be doing. Supporting our team. (Even Miguel Cairo, at least until he finally gets DFA'd.)
Phillies play the second game of their two-game series in New York Thursday night. Jamie Moyer for the Phillies, Mike Pelfrey for the Mets. Can't wait to see how the Phillies surprise us this time.
This Phillies team has brought us a number of surprising, unlikely occurrences this season. A comeback win, in a game where their WE was a mere .7% in the seventh inning. A positive UZR from Raul Ibanez. A base hit by Miguel Cairo. Wednesday night, the unimaginable happened. Chan Ho Park pitched brilliantly, matching scoreless innings with Johan Santana. Park pitched six scoreless innings, allowing two walks, and only a single hit. This blogger spent the hours leading up to the game hoping that, somehow, Happ would wind up making the start. (Perhaps Park would take a cab to the new Yankee Stadium, by mistake.) By the seventh inning, I was cursing Charlie Manuel for removing Park from the game, after making only ninety-one pitches. The Phillies lost, 1-0, to Santana and the Mets, as they only managed three hits in the game. In another surprising event, the Mets scored the only run of the game when Pedro Feliz and Jayson Werth, both strong defenders, failed to execute in the field. The best performance by a Phillies' starter in 2009 only netted Park a no-decision. But he saved his spot in the rotation, for at least another turn.
Are the Phillies better off with Park in their rotation? Seasons worth of stats, as well as numerous projections, indicate that they are better off with Park in an opponent's rotation. Park hasn't been that effective in a starting role this century. Some argued that the Phillies would have been better off if Park got bombed Wednesday night, providing them with an excuse to move Park to the bullpen. But, when he's between the white lines, Park deserves our support. If the Phillies want to change his role at any point, they are free to do so. If anyone wants to root for the Mets to beat the Phillies, they are free to do so, futile though it may be. I still think signing Park was a mistake, I still think putting him in the rotation was a mistake, and I think keeping him in the rotation is just compounding their error. He was outstanding Wednesday night, but I don't expect to see many more such performances from Park. However, when he's on the mound for the Phils, I'll be hoping he is successful. As Phillies fans, that's what we should be doing. Supporting our team. (Even Miguel Cairo, at least until he finally gets DFA'd.)
Phillies play the second game of their two-game series in New York Thursday night. Jamie Moyer for the Phillies, Mike Pelfrey for the Mets. Can't wait to see how the Phillies surprise us this time.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Weather Effects
The Phillies-Mets game scheduled for Sunday afternoon has been postponed, due to rain. No makeup date was immediately announced. (Looking at the teams' respective schedules, September 14th (a Monday) seems to be the best possible date to make the game up. With the playoff races more well-defined, and expanded rosters, that would be an intriguing four-game series. Well, unless the Mets are out of contention by that point.)
The inclement weather on the East Coast has also jumbled up the Phillies' plans for the next week:
- The Phillies will no longer need Cole Hamels (or Kyle Kendrick or J.A. Happ) to start Tuesday night, in St. Louis. The Phils can push their rotation back and start Joe Blanton, Brett Myers, Chan Ho Park/Chan Ho Park's replacement, and Jamie Moyer in the next four games (Mon-Thu). Hamels' spot would come up Friday.
- If Hamels isn't ready to go Friday, he could be DL'd, retroactively to April 28th. The DL stint would only cause him to miss a single start, as he would be eligible to return Thursday, May 12th, against Los Angeles. (Kendrick could start Friday, and then the first game of the Saturday, May 14th doubleheader against the Nationals, in that scenario.)
- If Hamels is ready Friday, the Phils will only need to use a AAA option for one start, in the doubleheader.
- J. A. Happ could start Wednesday (swapping roles with Park), on sufficient rest. (Kendrick or Andrew Carpenter could also start on sufficient rest Wednesday. But both of those options would require opening a roster spot, which could be done by DFA'ing Miguel Cairo. Most likely, Happ or Park will start on Wednesday.)
- The bullpen gets a bonus day of rest. (Though it still might be wise to add an eighth reliever, at least for a week or two.)
- As a result of the rain out, the Mets will pitch Johan Santana on Wednesday, and Mike Pelfrey on Thursday. (Originally, the starts would have gone to Mike Pelfrey, and Oliver Perez' rotational replacement/spot starter, likely Jon Niese, or Ken Takahashi.) This does not work in the Phillies' favor.
- As a result of inclement weather in Washington, St. Louis Manager Tony LaRussa opted not to start ace Kyle Lohse today, instead using a planned "bullpen start." (It seems like the Phillies have been using unplanned "bullpen starts" all season.) The Cardinals will now start Lohse on Monday, and Adam Wainwright on Tuesday, against Philadelphia. The Phillies, originally, would have faced Wainwright, and right-handed rookie starter Mitchell Boggs. Another bad trade-off.
- Phillies fans can spend Sunday watching Justin Verlander pitch for Detroit, and fantasize that the Tigers don't realize how impressive he has been this season, and would deal him to the Phils. (Hey, (Tigers GM Dave) Dombrowski! How about Lou Marson as your new "catcher of the future?" You won't be able to afford Verlander for long anyway, and, besides, Dontrelle Willis is BACK!)
Phils-Cardinals Monday night. Joe Blanton-Kyle Lohse. Another pitching matchup that favors the opposition, but that's what often happens when you have the audacity to employ a Blanton (and a Park) in your starting rotation. Hopefully, Chad Durbin and Clay Condrey get a chance to relax today. Those guys deserve it.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Park Ineffective, Phils Lose
Phillies pitcher Chan Ho Park made what will, hopefully, be his last start Friday night, in a 7-3 loss to the Mets. Park's inability to retire opposing batters proved to be the Phillies' undoing, as the Mets jumped to a 5-0 lead in the third inning. The Phils pulled to within 5-3 in the bottom of the third, but Park was responsible for two more runs in the fifth, before he was finally removed from the premises. Both bullpens kept the game scoreless the rest of the way, as the Phillies could not overcome the 12.3% WE that resulted from Park's (typical) poor performance.
The Phillies' bullpen was a positive, as Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey, and J.A. Happ combined for four and one-third scoreless, allowing only one hit and two walks. The Phillies managed seven hits and four walks in Mets starter Mike Pelfrey's five and one-third inning outing, but only three runs. Typically, those kinds of numbers will lead to better offensive results, but some poor baserunning (Gregory Stuart Dobbs, I'm looking at you!) helped limit their scoring. Chase Utley had a solo homer, and Pedro Feliz contributed a pair of hits.
There was some good news off the field, as closer Brad Lidge announced that he expected to be available for Saturday's rematch against New York. However, the Phillies' bullpen has been so overworked that they could, probably, use another reliever. While I would typically argue for an eleven-man pitching staff, when discussing roster construction, there is merit to the argument for a thirteen-man staff as a short-term move here. Replacing rarely-used, never-useful Miguel Cairo on the 25-Man Roster with one of the Iron Pigs' relievers (Tyler Walker?) would be a good move to bolster the MLB bullpen. (Note: Walker is not on the 40-Man Roster, but there are open slots. The Phillies just need to find a spot on the 25-Man).
Cole Hamels (ankle strain) is still questionable for his Tuesday start against St. Louis. I would argue to be cautious, and skip Hamels' turn. Given Hamels' workload in 2008, limiting his early-season innings a bit might actually be prudent. There is no reason to take any chances with the ace at this point. Tuesday would be Kyle Kendrick's day to pitch for Lehigh Valley, and he could, instead, take the ball for the Phillies. (Or the Phillies could scratch Andrew Carpenter from his Saturday night start, and use him in St. Louis. I'd be in favor of this move, but don't consider it likely.)
As for Chan Ho Park, his next scheduled start would be Thursday, on the road against the Mets. On Friday against the Mets, Park allowed eight hits and six walks (two intentional) in four and two-thirds innings. While Park's consistent ineptitude has given the Phillies the opportunity to attempt amazingly exciting comebacks, he's been a one-man bullpen wrecking crew. The Phillies, probably, should have (and may have) considered that Park hasn't been a good starter since 2001. They should have (and may have) considered Park's most recent twenty-plus start season, was his abysmal 2007 in AAA.
What matters now, is that the Phils minimize the opportunities for future Park-induced destruction. It's time to have J.A Happ join the rotation, and use Park in low-leverage bullpen situations (and, maybe, low-leverage pinch-hitting situations?). Maybe Park can work things out in the 'pen, and have some value to the club. If not, he should be DFA'd before he reaches the thirty appearance mark, where his cost to the team, through incentives, becomes even more prohibitive. Most importantly, he needs to be kept out of situations where he can cost the Phillies any more games. Philadelphia is fortunate that Park has only directly contributed to one loss. (Though it is unclear how many he indirectly contributed to, by draining the bullpen.)The Phils made the right move earlier this year, when they interpreted a hefty contract as a sunk cost (Adam Eaton). They may have to soon do the same with the remainder of Park's $2.5 million deal for 2009.
The Phillies face the Mets Saturday afternoon in the second of three games. Jamie Moyer faces erratic Mets' starter Oliver Perez. The Phils need this one.
The Phillies' bullpen was a positive, as Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey, and J.A. Happ combined for four and one-third scoreless, allowing only one hit and two walks. The Phillies managed seven hits and four walks in Mets starter Mike Pelfrey's five and one-third inning outing, but only three runs. Typically, those kinds of numbers will lead to better offensive results, but some poor baserunning (Gregory Stuart Dobbs, I'm looking at you!) helped limit their scoring. Chase Utley had a solo homer, and Pedro Feliz contributed a pair of hits.
There was some good news off the field, as closer Brad Lidge announced that he expected to be available for Saturday's rematch against New York. However, the Phillies' bullpen has been so overworked that they could, probably, use another reliever. While I would typically argue for an eleven-man pitching staff, when discussing roster construction, there is merit to the argument for a thirteen-man staff as a short-term move here. Replacing rarely-used, never-useful Miguel Cairo on the 25-Man Roster with one of the Iron Pigs' relievers (Tyler Walker?) would be a good move to bolster the MLB bullpen. (Note: Walker is not on the 40-Man Roster, but there are open slots. The Phillies just need to find a spot on the 25-Man).
Cole Hamels (ankle strain) is still questionable for his Tuesday start against St. Louis. I would argue to be cautious, and skip Hamels' turn. Given Hamels' workload in 2008, limiting his early-season innings a bit might actually be prudent. There is no reason to take any chances with the ace at this point. Tuesday would be Kyle Kendrick's day to pitch for Lehigh Valley, and he could, instead, take the ball for the Phillies. (Or the Phillies could scratch Andrew Carpenter from his Saturday night start, and use him in St. Louis. I'd be in favor of this move, but don't consider it likely.)
As for Chan Ho Park, his next scheduled start would be Thursday, on the road against the Mets. On Friday against the Mets, Park allowed eight hits and six walks (two intentional) in four and two-thirds innings. While Park's consistent ineptitude has given the Phillies the opportunity to attempt amazingly exciting comebacks, he's been a one-man bullpen wrecking crew. The Phillies, probably, should have (and may have) considered that Park hasn't been a good starter since 2001. They should have (and may have) considered Park's most recent twenty-plus start season, was his abysmal 2007 in AAA.
What matters now, is that the Phils minimize the opportunities for future Park-induced destruction. It's time to have J.A Happ join the rotation, and use Park in low-leverage bullpen situations (and, maybe, low-leverage pinch-hitting situations?). Maybe Park can work things out in the 'pen, and have some value to the club. If not, he should be DFA'd before he reaches the thirty appearance mark, where his cost to the team, through incentives, becomes even more prohibitive. Most importantly, he needs to be kept out of situations where he can cost the Phillies any more games. Philadelphia is fortunate that Park has only directly contributed to one loss. (Though it is unclear how many he indirectly contributed to, by draining the bullpen.)The Phils made the right move earlier this year, when they interpreted a hefty contract as a sunk cost (Adam Eaton). They may have to soon do the same with the remainder of Park's $2.5 million deal for 2009.
The Phillies face the Mets Saturday afternoon in the second of three games. Jamie Moyer faces erratic Mets' starter Oliver Perez. The Phils need this one.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Phils Come-From-Behind (Again) to Beat Marlins
This season's edition of the Phillies has shown a propensity to allow home runs, and fall behind early in games. Consistently mediocre starting pitching has gifted the Phillies' offense with many opportunities for come-from-behind wins. On Saturday night in Florida, Phils' starter Chan Ho Park turned a 2-0 lead in the top of the 4th, into a 4-2 deficit after four innings. But Philadelphia came back from a 4-3 deficit in the ninth (16.9% WE), to win in ten innings, 6-4. The victory improved the Phils' record to 8-8, with the Phillies having trailed in every game.
Philadelphia jumped to an early 2-0 lead, against Marlins' starter Chris Volstad (2.70 ERA), on home runs from sluggers Chan Ho Park and Ryan Howard. Park hasn't done too well with the pitching so far, but maybe he can add some value as a bat off the bench. He probably has more pop that Miguel Cairo. The Phils squandered some chances for big innings (2-11 w/RISP), but those two hits, singles by Chase Utley and Jayson Werth in the tenth inning, gave them enough runs to win.
Chan Ho Park was much improved over his previous (horrendously atrocious) starts. He allowed four runs, on two home runs (of course) in the fourth inning, but did not permit a run in the other six innings he worked. Seven innings, five hits, one walk, four runs, these are numbers we can live with from a fifth starter. Park retired nine of the first ten, and twelve of the last fourteen, batters he faced. Hopefully, Park can put up that type of performance in future starts.
Brad Lidge held the 6-4 lead in the tenth inning, striking out the side, and picking up his fourth save. Unfortunately, he also loaded the bases on a pair of walks. He struck out Cody Ross to end the game, and did not allow a run, but a thirty-four pitch (seventeen strike) inning does not exactly inspire confidence. Ryan Madson picked up his second win, with a scoreless, two strikeout ninth inning.
The Phillies go for the sweep Sunday afternoon, with Marlin-killer Jamie Moyer (11-1) opposed by Marlins rookie Graham Taylor. Taylor, not to be confused with the English footballer of some note, has never pitched above AA, and is more of a pitch-to-contact type, than an overpowering hurler. His left-handedness may have been a big factor in his recall. This should be a good chance for the Phillies to take an early lead, and actually keep it for the entire game. A patient approach could help knock Taylor out of the game early, and the Phils could be able to fatten their stats against the rookie, and the Marlins' pen. A sweep against the Marlins would improve the Phils' record to 9-8, with a three-game series at CBP against the lowly NatInals to follow. This is a prime opportunity for the Phillies to make up for the poor start to the 2009 season.
Philadelphia jumped to an early 2-0 lead, against Marlins' starter Chris Volstad (2.70 ERA), on home runs from sluggers Chan Ho Park and Ryan Howard. Park hasn't done too well with the pitching so far, but maybe he can add some value as a bat off the bench. He probably has more pop that Miguel Cairo. The Phils squandered some chances for big innings (2-11 w/RISP), but those two hits, singles by Chase Utley and Jayson Werth in the tenth inning, gave them enough runs to win.
Chan Ho Park was much improved over his previous (horrendously atrocious) starts. He allowed four runs, on two home runs (of course) in the fourth inning, but did not permit a run in the other six innings he worked. Seven innings, five hits, one walk, four runs, these are numbers we can live with from a fifth starter. Park retired nine of the first ten, and twelve of the last fourteen, batters he faced. Hopefully, Park can put up that type of performance in future starts.
Brad Lidge held the 6-4 lead in the tenth inning, striking out the side, and picking up his fourth save. Unfortunately, he also loaded the bases on a pair of walks. He struck out Cody Ross to end the game, and did not allow a run, but a thirty-four pitch (seventeen strike) inning does not exactly inspire confidence. Ryan Madson picked up his second win, with a scoreless, two strikeout ninth inning.
The Phillies go for the sweep Sunday afternoon, with Marlin-killer Jamie Moyer (11-1) opposed by Marlins rookie Graham Taylor. Taylor, not to be confused with the English footballer of some note, has never pitched above AA, and is more of a pitch-to-contact type, than an overpowering hurler. His left-handedness may have been a big factor in his recall. This should be a good chance for the Phillies to take an early lead, and actually keep it for the entire game. A patient approach could help knock Taylor out of the game early, and the Phils could be able to fatten their stats against the rookie, and the Marlins' pen. A sweep against the Marlins would improve the Phils' record to 9-8, with a three-game series at CBP against the lowly NatInals to follow. This is a prime opportunity for the Phillies to make up for the poor start to the 2009 season.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Back to .500
The Phillies have spent most of the 2009 season under .500 in overall record, and most of their games under the .500 mark in Win Expectancy. Consistently poor starting pitching can have that effect. But the Phillies rode their strong bullpen, and a pair of late-inning homers, to escape a 3rd inning WE of .108 (10.8%) in Sunday's 7-5 rubber game victory in Colorado. The Phillies have won consecutive games for the first time this season, reaching the .500 mark (3-3) for the first time.
Trailing 4-0 after the first inning, and 5-1 after three innings, Philadelphia pulled to within 5-3 after seven innings. Chase Utley (.348 WPA) tied the game in the 8th, with a two-run homer off Colorado setup man Manny Corpas, and pinch-hitter Matt Stairs (.245 WPA) gave the Phillies the lead with a two-run blast in the ninth off Rockies closer Huston Street. (Stairs' homer was the 255th of his career, second most among Canadian-born MLBers, and most among MLBers who have played for ten or more teams.) The Phillies bullpen combined for five and two-thirds scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks, contributing a total WPA of .328. Brad Lidge picked up his second save of the year, and his forty-third save in forty-three regular season save opportunities as a Phillie.
Today's Phillies comeback would not have been possible (or necessary), were it not for Chan Ho Park's ineffective start. Park was horrendous, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks, surviving only three and one-third innings. Park threw ninety-six pitches, fifty-five for strikes, and recorded only two strikeouts. DFA'd Villain/Baltimore Oriole Adam Eaton could have put up those type of numbers. (Actually, Eaton pitched against the Rays in Baltimore today, and allowed "only" four runs in four innings.) The early innings were played in a steady rain, and it seemed Park's best chance to avoid his first loss as a Phillie was a rain out. (A rain delay may also have given Park the opportunity to better Eaton's performance with the Rockies grounds crew on July 8, 2007, which may have been the $25 million free agent's greatest Phillies moment.) Despite Park's difficulties Sunday, he did face a tough lineup, under difficult weather (and altitude) conditions, and with the backup catcher (Chris Coste, subbing for DL'd starter Carlos Ruiz) behind the plate. It's too soon for the Phillies swap roles between Park and J.A. Happ. Perhaps after three Park starts...
Philadelphia will travel cross-country to play in the Nationals' home opener Monday afternoon. The Nationals are winless in their six games this season, but Nats slugger Adam Dunn believes all the team needs to do is improve their pitching and batting. Jamie Moyer gets the start, pursuing his first win of the season, and his two-hundred and forty-seventh career win. He will be opposed by Daniel Cabrera, who leads Nationals starting pitchers with forty-eight career wins. It should be a good opportunity for the Phillies to get their season record over .500, and to spend a game with their WE over .500.
Trailing 4-0 after the first inning, and 5-1 after three innings, Philadelphia pulled to within 5-3 after seven innings. Chase Utley (.348 WPA) tied the game in the 8th, with a two-run homer off Colorado setup man Manny Corpas, and pinch-hitter Matt Stairs (.245 WPA) gave the Phillies the lead with a two-run blast in the ninth off Rockies closer Huston Street. (Stairs' homer was the 255th of his career, second most among Canadian-born MLBers, and most among MLBers who have played for ten or more teams.) The Phillies bullpen combined for five and two-thirds scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks, contributing a total WPA of .328. Brad Lidge picked up his second save of the year, and his forty-third save in forty-three regular season save opportunities as a Phillie.
Today's Phillies comeback would not have been possible (or necessary), were it not for Chan Ho Park's ineffective start. Park was horrendous, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks, surviving only three and one-third innings. Park threw ninety-six pitches, fifty-five for strikes, and recorded only two strikeouts. DFA'd Villain/Baltimore Oriole Adam Eaton could have put up those type of numbers. (Actually, Eaton pitched against the Rays in Baltimore today, and allowed "only" four runs in four innings.) The early innings were played in a steady rain, and it seemed Park's best chance to avoid his first loss as a Phillie was a rain out. (A rain delay may also have given Park the opportunity to better Eaton's performance with the Rockies grounds crew on July 8, 2007, which may have been the $25 million free agent's greatest Phillies moment.) Despite Park's difficulties Sunday, he did face a tough lineup, under difficult weather (and altitude) conditions, and with the backup catcher (Chris Coste, subbing for DL'd starter Carlos Ruiz) behind the plate. It's too soon for the Phillies swap roles between Park and J.A. Happ. Perhaps after three Park starts...
Philadelphia will travel cross-country to play in the Nationals' home opener Monday afternoon. The Nationals are winless in their six games this season, but Nats slugger Adam Dunn believes all the team needs to do is improve their pitching and batting. Jamie Moyer gets the start, pursuing his first win of the season, and his two-hundred and forty-seventh career win. He will be opposed by Daniel Cabrera, who leads Nationals starting pitchers with forty-eight career wins. It should be a good opportunity for the Phillies to get their season record over .500, and to spend a game with their WE over .500.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
