The Phillies lost to the Astros on Friday night, 7-0. Cliff Lee had his second consecutive rough outing, surrendering six runs on nine hits, and surviving only three innings. He was BABIP'd to death by bloops in a four-run Astros' second, and gave up a two-run bomb in the third inning. Jamie Moyer pitched well in relief, allowing only a solo home run. Unfortunately, even a solo home run would have been too much for the recently offense-deficient Phillies to overcome, as their eight hits (seven singles) lead to a total of only zero runs. The Phillies' bats are slumping now, but should perk up in the near future. Hopefully. Of course, it's better to slump now, than in the Fall Classic.
The biggest positive for the Phils on Friday night: Cliff Lee threw a mere seventy-four pitches! Typically, Lee has averaged, approximately, seventy-five gajillion pitches per start. This "vacation start" will help him stay fresh for the playoffs. Reliever Jamie Moyer has seen most of his success pitching in the rain, on at least ten days' rest, and following fastballer Pedro Martinez. The elderly slowballer was called upon to relieve Lee on Friday night, with a mere six days' rest, barely having recovered from his sixty-one pitch outing on August 28th. There wasn't any rain, either. Despite the trying circumstances, Moyer rose to the occasion, and kept the Phillies within seven runs.
When the Phillies gutted the Lehigh Valley IronPigs' roster on September 1st, the Phils' AAA squad saw their hopes of a .500 season dashed. It was the right move for the organization as a whole, however. The Phillies are chasing a playoff spot, and need to put their regulars in position to perform their best in the postseason. With a full lineup's worth of AAA talent, including Eric Bruntlett and Miguel Cairo, the Phillies now have the personnel available to rest their starting eight early and often.
All of the recent call-ups contributed on Friday night, if only by their mere presence. Sure, none of them got hits, or anything like that, but they pitched well, and fielded adequately. The one substitute who should make the postseason roster, Brett Myers, looked sharp in his scoreless inning. Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel chose the spot for Myers' return to MLB prudently, inserting the fiery fireballer into the seventh inning, of a 7-0 game. Myers looked like anything but a sub, retiring all three batters he faced, two on strikeouts. With Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge locking down the eighth and ninth innings, respectively, Myers would make a good addition to the seventh-inning mix, in the playoffs. Paul Hoover, Quinton Berry, J.J. Furmaniak, John Mayberry, Jr., Mike Cervenak, and Kyle Kendrick also appeared, though none did anything of particular note.
There was one scary moment, in the eight inning, when Phillies' centerfielder Jason Ellison was injured diving for a line drive. Ellison was helped from the field, but could be ready to return by the start of Spring Training. Provided his extensive rehab goes well, he should help bolster the bench of his next organization's AAA squad. Showing that kind of effort, in a game that had been long-decided, displays the kind of hustle that serves as a good model to actual prospects. I wish Ellison the best of luck in his future endeavors, but I do have a confession to make. As Ellison's inert form was carefully removed from the field of play, I thought to myself that the Phillies were very fortunate that the injured centerfielder wasn't All-Star Shane Victorino. Losing Victorino would be very damaging to the Phils' hopes of postseason success, and would have been especially frustrating under such futile circumstances. It was good planning that positioned Ellison in center to "take the bullet" for Victorino. (Though the Phillies' Win Expectancy would have remained at .1%, whether the centerfielder made the catch or not, you still have to applaud the valiant effort.)
Joe Blanton will get the start in the second game of the series, on Saturday night. As the workhorse northpaw has thrown a few gazillion pitches of his own this season, he probably won't pitch more than five innings on Saturday. The Phillies want to keep him on his routine, but want to save some arm strength for October. Moyer won't be available in relief, but with Kendrick, Rodrigo Lopez, and Drew Carpenter, stretched-out starting pitchers all, ready to go, the Phillies have the depth to keep the workload of their postseason hurlers low. That's just smart management, the type of management that wins WFCs.
Showing posts with label Charlie Manuel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charlie Manuel. Show all posts
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
One Bad Pitch
J.A. Happ was on his way to his eleventh win, Thursday night in Pittsburgh. The rookie southpaw had a 2-1 lead, with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, and the Phils were on their way to winning two of three from the Pirates. Happ delivered a 1-1 pitch to Pittsburgh's Garrett Jones, attempting to throw a fastball away. Happ's offering was near the center of the plate, Jones drove it over the center field fence, and the Pirates went on to win, 3-2. Happ's one-hundred and fourteen pitch masterpiece resulted in the rookie's third loss of the season.
Cole Hamels was Cole Hamels on Wednesday night, in Pittsburgh. Hurling eight scoreless innings, throwing mid-90s velocity on the fastball, firing one-hundred and twenty-three masterful pitches, this was the Hamels we've been waiting to see. It's been almost a month, since Hamels last posted these kinds of results, in a victory over Arizona (July 28th). Chase Utley had provided all of the offense necessary, with a solo home run in the first inning. Ryan Madson, with closer Brad Lidge having the night off (after pitching four consecutive days), came on to close out the 1-0 Phillies' win. After striking out the Pirates' leadoff batter in the ninth, Madson got two strikes on the second batter, Brandon Moss. The Phils' reliever threw a changeup that caught too much of the plate, and Moss hit a game-tying homer. Fortunately, Ryan Howard hit a three-run homer in the top of the tenth, and Madson held Pittsburgh scoreless in the bottom of the frame. It would prove to be the only win of the series for the Phillies.
What did the glaring errors made by Madson and Happ have in common? Well, the fact that they never should have happened because they never should have been in position for them to happen. Each respective hurler's bad pitch, certainly, never should have been so glaring. On Wednesday night, the Phillies' offense was 1 for 9, with runners in scoring position. They scored only one run, on a solo home run, in the first nine innings. Madson should have been provided with a greater margin for error. Madson performed well, retiring six of the seven batters he faced. But all of the attention is focused on Madson's one bad pitch.
On Thursday night, the Phillies left another eight men on base, courtesy of an 0 for 5 performance with runners in scoring position. Two starts ago, Pittsburgh northpaw Charlie Morton allowed ten runs to the Cubs, while acquiring only three outs. Yet he survived six innings against the Phillies, permitting only a pair of runs. The Phils were then held scoreless for the final three frames, by journeyman Denny Bautista and erratic closer Matt Capps. Considering that the Phillies' bullpen was well-rested, perhaps Happ should not have even been in the game for one-hundred and fourteen pitches. After throwing so many pitches, even the physically-tough Happ must have been fatigued, at that point. The Phillies' hitters (and Manager) should have done better to support Happ.
The Phillies still lead the division by seven games. They still have a good shot at the best record in the National League. Their bats are too proficient to continue slumping with runners in scoring position, and their propensity for hitting homers without runners in scoring position may be enough to provide sufficient scoring. However, losing two of three to Pittsburgh is rather frustrating. With the bullpen getting rusty from being underworked, the starting pitchers (likely) getting fatigued from overwork, and some of the position players showing signs of needing some rest (Raul Ibanez, Pedro Feliz), Charlie Manuel needs to start making some adjustments. The Phillies are the best team in their division, but they need their players to have something left for the postseason. Manuel needs to reduce the physical drain on his charges, as well as the mental drain caused by so many close games, and difficult defeats. The Phillies need to stop putting themselves in the position where a single poorly-located pitch can cost them a victory. They are much too talented to be losing two of three to the Pittsburghs of MLB.
Cole Hamels was Cole Hamels on Wednesday night, in Pittsburgh. Hurling eight scoreless innings, throwing mid-90s velocity on the fastball, firing one-hundred and twenty-three masterful pitches, this was the Hamels we've been waiting to see. It's been almost a month, since Hamels last posted these kinds of results, in a victory over Arizona (July 28th). Chase Utley had provided all of the offense necessary, with a solo home run in the first inning. Ryan Madson, with closer Brad Lidge having the night off (after pitching four consecutive days), came on to close out the 1-0 Phillies' win. After striking out the Pirates' leadoff batter in the ninth, Madson got two strikes on the second batter, Brandon Moss. The Phils' reliever threw a changeup that caught too much of the plate, and Moss hit a game-tying homer. Fortunately, Ryan Howard hit a three-run homer in the top of the tenth, and Madson held Pittsburgh scoreless in the bottom of the frame. It would prove to be the only win of the series for the Phillies.
What did the glaring errors made by Madson and Happ have in common? Well, the fact that they never should have happened because they never should have been in position for them to happen. Each respective hurler's bad pitch, certainly, never should have been so glaring. On Wednesday night, the Phillies' offense was 1 for 9, with runners in scoring position. They scored only one run, on a solo home run, in the first nine innings. Madson should have been provided with a greater margin for error. Madson performed well, retiring six of the seven batters he faced. But all of the attention is focused on Madson's one bad pitch.
On Thursday night, the Phillies left another eight men on base, courtesy of an 0 for 5 performance with runners in scoring position. Two starts ago, Pittsburgh northpaw Charlie Morton allowed ten runs to the Cubs, while acquiring only three outs. Yet he survived six innings against the Phillies, permitting only a pair of runs. The Phils were then held scoreless for the final three frames, by journeyman Denny Bautista and erratic closer Matt Capps. Considering that the Phillies' bullpen was well-rested, perhaps Happ should not have even been in the game for one-hundred and fourteen pitches. After throwing so many pitches, even the physically-tough Happ must have been fatigued, at that point. The Phillies' hitters (and Manager) should have done better to support Happ.
The Phillies still lead the division by seven games. They still have a good shot at the best record in the National League. Their bats are too proficient to continue slumping with runners in scoring position, and their propensity for hitting homers without runners in scoring position may be enough to provide sufficient scoring. However, losing two of three to Pittsburgh is rather frustrating. With the bullpen getting rusty from being underworked, the starting pitchers (likely) getting fatigued from overwork, and some of the position players showing signs of needing some rest (Raul Ibanez, Pedro Feliz), Charlie Manuel needs to start making some adjustments. The Phillies are the best team in their division, but they need their players to have something left for the postseason. Manuel needs to reduce the physical drain on his charges, as well as the mental drain caused by so many close games, and difficult defeats. The Phillies need to stop putting themselves in the position where a single poorly-located pitch can cost them a victory. They are much too talented to be losing two of three to the Pittsburghs of MLB.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
(Don't) Blame Rapuano, For Phillies' Loss
It was, mostly, a great weekend around Citizens Bank Park. A tearful ceremony celebrating Harry Kalas, in which a Kalas plaque was added to Ashburn Alley. Guest appearances by such Phillies' luminaries as Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Ricky Jordan, Bob Boone, Tony Taylor, Juan Samuel, and Garry Maddox. Mickey Morandini and Gene Garber each paid visits to the broadcast booth. A home-run hitting contest included the bats of Jim Eisenreich and Mitch Williams. Muffin's birthday was celebrated on Sunday, and the occasion was marked with the presentation of a Muffin-topped cake, by the Phillie Phanatic and Sarge Matthews. The Phils had high hopes for a successful...WAIT! Is that Paul Bako's Music???
Cole Hamels (sung to the tune of "Blame Canada"): Should we blame BABIP?
Paul Bako: Or blame my absent bat?
Joe Blanton: Or should we blame Coghlan, that Floridian rat?
Charlie Manuel: No, blame Rapuano
Everyone: Blame Rapuano
Shane Victorino: We need to form a full assault
Everyone: It's Rapuano's fault!
Jamie Moyer: It seems like everything's gone wrong, since Rapuano came along
Everyone: Blame Rapuano!
OK. Sunday's 12-3 sweep-ensuring loss to the Marlins wasn't the fault of the home plate umpire. Starter Jamie Moyer, in what might be the last time in 2009 that he is referred to as a "starter", was roughed up for eleven hits (all singles) and a walk, in only five innings. Moyer surrendered mostly bloops and bleeders, but he was fortunate to escape with only two earned runs charged to his record, after permitting such an unhealthy number of baserunners.
The bullpen's performance was horrific. Long reliever Rodrigo Lopez, saved on Saturday, in order to back up Moyer on Sunday, came on to begin the seventh inning. Pitching on four days' rest, Lopez faced eight batters. Three got hits, three were walked, and all of the aforementioned six crossed the plate. Brad Lidge, pitching the ninth inning with a six-run deficit, got his ERA back over seven (now 7.24), by allowing three more runs. The Phillies' offense did little with Florida ace Josh Johnson, and the Marlins bullpen, getting out-hit by a 19-6 margin. The two-through-five hitters in the Phils' lineup combined for a 1 for 13 afternoon. No matter how bad the umpires were, the Phils have only themselves to blame for Sunday's loss.
That said, the tide seemed to turn Florida's way, when some umpire-infused idiocy cost the Phillies their starting centerfielder. Rodrigo Lopez threw what looked like a third strike, but home plate umpire Ed Rapuano called a ball. Centerfielder Shane Victorino put up his arms in disbelief, and Rapuano put up his arm, tossing the All-Star from the game! It was a surprising overreaction by the veteran umpire, who was immediately engaged in an unpleasant conversation with Charlie Manuel. Manuel may not have seen a player more than 350 ft. away from the umpire ejected, either. Victorino sprinted in from his position, also eager to engage the home plate umpire. However, Victorino seemed inclined to utilize some of the behaviors he had observed from watching UFC action, at the Wachovia Center on Saturday. Fortunately, Paul Bako and Ryan Howard interceded, keeping the irate and ill-intentioned Hawaiian away from the controversy-sparking official, and a subsequent suspension. Fellow UFC attendee Jayson Werth took over in center field, and the Marlins took over the ballgame.
Charlie Manuel held a team meeting after the game, an unusual move for the aggravated leader, but a prudent one after the lost weekend. Hopefully, Manuel got his point across, and the club will use their day off to put Sunday's events behind them. The Phillies divisional lead has fallen to four games, and a difficult Cubs/Braves road trip lies ahead. On the plus side, the Phils have "TBA" scheduled to toe the slab, in each of the next three games. With non-Moyer hurlers on the mound, the Phils just need to get their offense back in gear.
Cole Hamels (sung to the tune of "Blame Canada"): Should we blame BABIP?
Paul Bako: Or blame my absent bat?
Joe Blanton: Or should we blame Coghlan, that Floridian rat?
Charlie Manuel: No, blame Rapuano
Everyone: Blame Rapuano
Shane Victorino: We need to form a full assault
Everyone: It's Rapuano's fault!
Jamie Moyer: It seems like everything's gone wrong, since Rapuano came along
Everyone: Blame Rapuano!
OK. Sunday's 12-3 sweep-ensuring loss to the Marlins wasn't the fault of the home plate umpire. Starter Jamie Moyer, in what might be the last time in 2009 that he is referred to as a "starter", was roughed up for eleven hits (all singles) and a walk, in only five innings. Moyer surrendered mostly bloops and bleeders, but he was fortunate to escape with only two earned runs charged to his record, after permitting such an unhealthy number of baserunners.
The bullpen's performance was horrific. Long reliever Rodrigo Lopez, saved on Saturday, in order to back up Moyer on Sunday, came on to begin the seventh inning. Pitching on four days' rest, Lopez faced eight batters. Three got hits, three were walked, and all of the aforementioned six crossed the plate. Brad Lidge, pitching the ninth inning with a six-run deficit, got his ERA back over seven (now 7.24), by allowing three more runs. The Phillies' offense did little with Florida ace Josh Johnson, and the Marlins bullpen, getting out-hit by a 19-6 margin. The two-through-five hitters in the Phils' lineup combined for a 1 for 13 afternoon. No matter how bad the umpires were, the Phils have only themselves to blame for Sunday's loss.
That said, the tide seemed to turn Florida's way, when some umpire-infused idiocy cost the Phillies their starting centerfielder. Rodrigo Lopez threw what looked like a third strike, but home plate umpire Ed Rapuano called a ball. Centerfielder Shane Victorino put up his arms in disbelief, and Rapuano put up his arm, tossing the All-Star from the game! It was a surprising overreaction by the veteran umpire, who was immediately engaged in an unpleasant conversation with Charlie Manuel. Manuel may not have seen a player more than 350 ft. away from the umpire ejected, either. Victorino sprinted in from his position, also eager to engage the home plate umpire. However, Victorino seemed inclined to utilize some of the behaviors he had observed from watching UFC action, at the Wachovia Center on Saturday. Fortunately, Paul Bako and Ryan Howard interceded, keeping the irate and ill-intentioned Hawaiian away from the controversy-sparking official, and a subsequent suspension. Fellow UFC attendee Jayson Werth took over in center field, and the Marlins took over the ballgame.
Charlie Manuel held a team meeting after the game, an unusual move for the aggravated leader, but a prudent one after the lost weekend. Hopefully, Manuel got his point across, and the club will use their day off to put Sunday's events behind them. The Phillies divisional lead has fallen to four games, and a difficult Cubs/Braves road trip lies ahead. On the plus side, the Phils have "TBA" scheduled to toe the slab, in each of the next three games. With non-Moyer hurlers on the mound, the Phils just need to get their offense back in gear.
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