Some Phillies-related news/links:
ESPN's Buster Olney reported that the Phillies had held "internal discussions" about acquiring Albert Pujols, in exchange for a package including Ryan Howard.
The Phillies have also held "internal discussions" about acquiring Matt Wieters, Ryan Zimmerman, Aroldis Chapman, both Jonas Brothers, both Sedin Brothers, Antero Niittymaki, and Sinbad.
Pujols would a great fit for the Phillies' lineup (or any lineup, ever), but St.Louis doesn't seem likely to deal Pujols. The Phils should, instead, set their sights on Sinbad, whom could likely be acquired for minor leaguer Tyson Brummett + cash.
Starting 3B Placido Polanco left Monday's game with a right knee injury, but he is expected to return to the lineup this weekend.
Watching an injured Polanco limp off the field was rather sobering. In a long-term injury scenario, Polanco's likely replacement at 3B would be Greg Dobbs, with Cody Ransom in reserve. While it is a relief that the name "Eric Bruntlett" was not used in the previous sentence, Dobbs and Ransom don't exactly inspire confidence. Hopefully, the good fortune the Phils have had in recent years, with respect to their frontline players, will continue.
Cole Hamels threw five innings in his third consecutive strong Spring start on Tuesday, allowing only an unearned run against Detroit.
Hamels' line so far in March: 10.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 K. Even more importantly, he threw ten cutters and nine curve balls. If Hamels can add some diversity to his fastball/change-heavy repertoire of previous seasons, Roy Halladay won't be the only Ace in the Phils' rotation.
Roy Halladay's numbers after three Spring starts: 10 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 14 K.
Halladay has looked outstanding, so far this spring. As if his on-field performance wasn't enough, he has mentored a rejuvenated Kyle Kendrick, as well as contributing to the rejuvenation of the Philly real estate market. The $2.3 MM mansion isn't located far from Cole Hamels' home, so Halladay will be available to counsel Hamels, whenever any high BABIP-related meltdowns occur.
In the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation, Kyle Kendrick has thrown nine scoreless frames, over three appearances. Jamie Moyer has been bombed in "B" games, while Drew Carpenter and Ryan Vogelsong have been sent to minor league camp.
Kendrick hasn't allowed a walk this spring, but he has only recorded two strikeouts, which is not a great sign. The competition has always been between Kendrick and Moyer, and is still weeks away from being decided.
Domonic Brown hit a pair of homers on Tuesday, improving his slash line to .417/.464/.750. For his efforts, Brown was sent to the minor league camp.
If the Phillies lose a starting outfielder to injury in 2010, it is good to know that they have a viable replacement: Ben Francisco. Brown is best-served with a full season of ABs at the AAA level, rather than sitting on the bench in Philly. In 2011, possibly depending on whether the Phils retain Jayson Werth, Brown could be an everyday MLBer/RoY candidate.
The Phillies' Minor League Spring Training teams can be followed this month, on the internets.
I, typically, complement my regular-season viewing of Phillies' games, with the internet radio broadcasts of the IronPigs and/or RPhils. However, I don't recall ML Spring Training info being so readily accessible in the past.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA)
Reading Phillies (AA)
Lakewood BlueClaws (A-)
In a bracket tournament of considerably more importance than that college basketball one, the Titans of the Phillies' Blogosphere are battling for bragging rights at The Phield.
Each morning at 8am, a matchup will be announced, with e-mailed votes accepted until 8pm.
This is a good opportunity to make certain that you are following all of the top Phillies' blogs, and also to discover blogs you haven't been reading. My personal favorite Phillies' blogs, The Zo Zone, Beerleaguer, The Good Phight, and Crashburn Alley all have reasonably good shots at achieving greatness.
Showing posts with label Cole Hamels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cole Hamels. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
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 16, 2009
Reverse Split
Brad Lidge got the job done Friday night. Called in to save a 3-2 Phillies win, Lidge retired the first Braves' batter, Yunel Escobar, on a hard line drive to right field. Adam LaRoche followed with a single, and pinch-runner Matt Diaz stole second base. After whiffing Ryan Church for the second out, Lidge walked Greg Norton. Nate McLouth came to the plate, with the game-tying run on second, and the game-winning run on first. McLouth drove the ball to deep left field, but the ballpark held it, and left fielder Raul Ibanez grabbed it on the warning track.
Lidge was going for his second save, in as many games, as he entered Saturday's game. Protecting a 3-2 lead, Lidge induced a Garret Anderson ground ball to second base. But Chase Utley misplayed the ball into a leadoff single. The Braves opted to sacrifice, and Matt Diaz was directed to lay down the bunt. Diaz' bunt was fielded by Lidge, who looked towards second, bobbled the ball, and threw it down the first base line. Anderson scored the tying run on the play, and Diaz ended up on third base. Instead of one out, and the tying run on second base, Lidge's miscues had the game tied, no one out, and the winning run only ninety feet away. An intentional walk, and a (likely) un-intentional intentional walk, loaded the bases. Omar Infante hit a ground ball, between second and third base. Under different circumstances, the ball would have visited shortstop Jimmy Rollins' glove, briefly, before landing in first baseman Ryan Howard's glove. Infante's ground ball bounded past the drawn-in infield, for a game-winning single.
Lidge's blown save on Saturday has reinvigorated the calls for Lidge to removed from the closer's role. If the defensively-adept Utley makes that play, the inning could have gone very differently. We could be talking about how Lidge is, finally, getting his game together, and that the only problem left to fix is Eric Bruntlett.
That wouldn't exactly be deserved, either, as Lidge should have had a blown save on Friday night. Either way, his performance this weekend has not instilled any confidence. What are the Phillies' options? Well, they can continue to go with Lidge, or they can give Ryan Madson another shot as closer. Madson did not do well, earlier this season, when he was the closer during a Lidge DL stint. But he has improved since then, and probably couldn't do worse than Lidge has done. I'd like to see Madson get another shot to close, and think he could succeed. But not necessarily now, and not at the possible expense of what remains of Lidge's increasingly-fragile confidence. The best Phillies' team, likely, includes an effective Madson, setting up for an effective Lidge. Expect the Phillies to continue to use Lidge to close games, at least for the immediate future, in hopes that he will start to get better results. I wouldn't go as far as saying that Saturday's blown save was a blessing in disguise, but the Phillies certainly need to figure out the closing situation. Blown saves can be a lot more costly, in the short series of the postseason.
Almost lost amidst Lidge's struggles was another, insidious, culprit. If the Phillies hadn't gone 1 for 12, with runners in scoring position, Saturday's game may not have even included a Lidge appearance. The Phillies had numerous chances to at least add to their one-run lead, if not turn the contest into one that even Tyler Walker could finish. Over time, more of those at bats are bound to be successful. Until then, a few less strikeouts, and a few more sacrifice flies, would be quite helpful.
Besides Lidge, and the RISP conversion issues, the Phillies have had a good weekend. Tremendous defensive play by outfielders Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth, and homers by Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, keyed Friday's victory. (Braves Manager Bobby Cox, inexplicably, removed southpaw Mike Gonzalez from the game, and allowed Ryan Howard to face northpaw Rafael Soriano. Howard's solo homer off Soriano provided the final margin.) Joe Blanton was outstanding (again) on Friday, permitting only one earned run (and one unearned run), in seven innings. His ERA is all the way down to 3.88, and Blanton is eating some serious innings (at least six and two-thirds in each of his last seven starts). Cole Hamels almost matched Blanton's results in his start on Saturday, permitting only a pair of runs (three hits, four walks/two whiffs), in six innings, despite not having his best stuff.
Another hot Phillies starting pitcher, J.A. Happ, is on the mound Sunday night. Javier Vazquez will start for the Braves, in what could be another tight game. With Lidge and Madson both having pitched in consecutive games, it's unclear who would close tonight for the Phillies. (I would bet on Madson, as he has thrown a combined fifteen pitches, in the weekend's first two games.) Hopefully, Happ and the Phillies' bats will do enough early in the game, that a save won't be necessary. But I'm confident that Madson can do the job, even if Joe Morgan has, probably, never even heard of him.
Lidge was going for his second save, in as many games, as he entered Saturday's game. Protecting a 3-2 lead, Lidge induced a Garret Anderson ground ball to second base. But Chase Utley misplayed the ball into a leadoff single. The Braves opted to sacrifice, and Matt Diaz was directed to lay down the bunt. Diaz' bunt was fielded by Lidge, who looked towards second, bobbled the ball, and threw it down the first base line. Anderson scored the tying run on the play, and Diaz ended up on third base. Instead of one out, and the tying run on second base, Lidge's miscues had the game tied, no one out, and the winning run only ninety feet away. An intentional walk, and a (likely) un-intentional intentional walk, loaded the bases. Omar Infante hit a ground ball, between second and third base. Under different circumstances, the ball would have visited shortstop Jimmy Rollins' glove, briefly, before landing in first baseman Ryan Howard's glove. Infante's ground ball bounded past the drawn-in infield, for a game-winning single.
Lidge's blown save on Saturday has reinvigorated the calls for Lidge to removed from the closer's role. If the defensively-adept Utley makes that play, the inning could have gone very differently. We could be talking about how Lidge is, finally, getting his game together, and that the only problem left to fix is Eric Bruntlett.
That wouldn't exactly be deserved, either, as Lidge should have had a blown save on Friday night. Either way, his performance this weekend has not instilled any confidence. What are the Phillies' options? Well, they can continue to go with Lidge, or they can give Ryan Madson another shot as closer. Madson did not do well, earlier this season, when he was the closer during a Lidge DL stint. But he has improved since then, and probably couldn't do worse than Lidge has done. I'd like to see Madson get another shot to close, and think he could succeed. But not necessarily now, and not at the possible expense of what remains of Lidge's increasingly-fragile confidence. The best Phillies' team, likely, includes an effective Madson, setting up for an effective Lidge. Expect the Phillies to continue to use Lidge to close games, at least for the immediate future, in hopes that he will start to get better results. I wouldn't go as far as saying that Saturday's blown save was a blessing in disguise, but the Phillies certainly need to figure out the closing situation. Blown saves can be a lot more costly, in the short series of the postseason.
Almost lost amidst Lidge's struggles was another, insidious, culprit. If the Phillies hadn't gone 1 for 12, with runners in scoring position, Saturday's game may not have even included a Lidge appearance. The Phillies had numerous chances to at least add to their one-run lead, if not turn the contest into one that even Tyler Walker could finish. Over time, more of those at bats are bound to be successful. Until then, a few less strikeouts, and a few more sacrifice flies, would be quite helpful.
Besides Lidge, and the RISP conversion issues, the Phillies have had a good weekend. Tremendous defensive play by outfielders Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth, and homers by Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, keyed Friday's victory. (Braves Manager Bobby Cox, inexplicably, removed southpaw Mike Gonzalez from the game, and allowed Ryan Howard to face northpaw Rafael Soriano. Howard's solo homer off Soriano provided the final margin.) Joe Blanton was outstanding (again) on Friday, permitting only one earned run (and one unearned run), in seven innings. His ERA is all the way down to 3.88, and Blanton is eating some serious innings (at least six and two-thirds in each of his last seven starts). Cole Hamels almost matched Blanton's results in his start on Saturday, permitting only a pair of runs (three hits, four walks/two whiffs), in six innings, despite not having his best stuff.
Another hot Phillies starting pitcher, J.A. Happ, is on the mound Sunday night. Javier Vazquez will start for the Braves, in what could be another tight game. With Lidge and Madson both having pitched in consecutive games, it's unclear who would close tonight for the Phillies. (I would bet on Madson, as he has thrown a combined fifteen pitches, in the weekend's first two games.) Hopefully, Happ and the Phillies' bats will do enough early in the game, that a save won't be necessary. But I'm confident that Madson can do the job, even if Joe Morgan has, probably, never even heard of him.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Despite Another Loss, Still Not Worried About Hamels
Cole Hamels' line, in Saturday night's 6-4 loss to the Marlins: 5.1 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 2 HR allowed. Not exactly an "ace's" line. More like a "pedestrian fifth starter's" line. But, we've been over this before. There is little cause for alarm. Consistent LD% + Aberrant BABIP = BAD LUCK! With some better luck, and some better managing, Hamels could have come out of Saturday night with a victory. Instead, the loss evened his record at 7-7, with a 4.77 ERA, which is considerably higher than his FIP of 4.02.
Hamels' night started well, as he threw a third strike to Marlins' leadoff batter, Chris Coghlan. Unfortunately, the pitch was called a ball. The hot-hitting Coghlan capitalized on the umpire fail, driving a home run over the fence in center. (The ball landed in the area known to Phillies' fans as "Bako Territory.") The difference between a fly ball, and a home run, is largely dependent upon the batter, and the ballpark. Hamels had a HR/FB ratio of 11.2% in the 2008 regular season, followed by a remarkably fortunate 5.3% in the postseason. Hamels' ratio in the 2009 regular season has been a rather unfortunate 13.7%.
The Marlins scraped together another single run in the third. Hamels was uncharacteristically wild, walking consecutive batters. (Hamels has a superb 1.89 BB/9. BB/9 is a good indicator of a pitcher's effectiveness, as it is almost solely under the pitcher's control.) Hamels got Hanley Ramirez to hit the ball on the ground, but the Phils were unable to turn an inning-ending twin killing. The run tied the score at two, but the Phillies regained a 3-2 lead, in the bottom of the frame.
The score remained 3-2 Phillies, as play entered the sixth inning. Hamels, partially due to the three walks he had allowed, had a pitch count over ninety. Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel could have pulled Hamels at that point, with the southpaw having permitted only a pair of runs, in five innings. However, Manuel chose to try to get another inning out of Hamels. Perhaps with Jamie Moyer scheduled to start the following day, Manuel was reticent to leave four innings (at minimum) to be filled by his bullpen, and wanted to avoid using long reliever Rodrigo Lopez. A tiring Hamels walked the leadoff batter. After Dan Uggla struck out, Cody Ross hit a fly ball that left the homer-friendly ballpark. A single later, and Hamels' night was done, his ERA further scarred.
If Hamels had received a little more luck, and a little more support, we'd likely be talking about the ace's "return to form." But two additional eighth-inning runs were surrendered by reliever Chan Ho Park, and the Phils' offense fell two runs short in the ninth, losing 6-4. Though Marlins' starter Sean West has pretty much been a "pedestrian fifth starter" personified, the Phillies typically-potent bats could not solve the young southpaw. Cole Hamels deserved better on Saturday night, and has deserved better for most of this season.
Hamels' night started well, as he threw a third strike to Marlins' leadoff batter, Chris Coghlan. Unfortunately, the pitch was called a ball. The hot-hitting Coghlan capitalized on the umpire fail, driving a home run over the fence in center. (The ball landed in the area known to Phillies' fans as "Bako Territory.") The difference between a fly ball, and a home run, is largely dependent upon the batter, and the ballpark. Hamels had a HR/FB ratio of 11.2% in the 2008 regular season, followed by a remarkably fortunate 5.3% in the postseason. Hamels' ratio in the 2009 regular season has been a rather unfortunate 13.7%.
The Marlins scraped together another single run in the third. Hamels was uncharacteristically wild, walking consecutive batters. (Hamels has a superb 1.89 BB/9. BB/9 is a good indicator of a pitcher's effectiveness, as it is almost solely under the pitcher's control.) Hamels got Hanley Ramirez to hit the ball on the ground, but the Phils were unable to turn an inning-ending twin killing. The run tied the score at two, but the Phillies regained a 3-2 lead, in the bottom of the frame.
The score remained 3-2 Phillies, as play entered the sixth inning. Hamels, partially due to the three walks he had allowed, had a pitch count over ninety. Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel could have pulled Hamels at that point, with the southpaw having permitted only a pair of runs, in five innings. However, Manuel chose to try to get another inning out of Hamels. Perhaps with Jamie Moyer scheduled to start the following day, Manuel was reticent to leave four innings (at minimum) to be filled by his bullpen, and wanted to avoid using long reliever Rodrigo Lopez. A tiring Hamels walked the leadoff batter. After Dan Uggla struck out, Cody Ross hit a fly ball that left the homer-friendly ballpark. A single later, and Hamels' night was done, his ERA further scarred.
If Hamels had received a little more luck, and a little more support, we'd likely be talking about the ace's "return to form." But two additional eighth-inning runs were surrendered by reliever Chan Ho Park, and the Phils' offense fell two runs short in the ninth, losing 6-4. Though Marlins' starter Sean West has pretty much been a "pedestrian fifth starter" personified, the Phillies typically-potent bats could not solve the young southpaw. Cole Hamels deserved better on Saturday night, and has deserved better for most of this season.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Phils, Hamels Unlucky in Frisco
Phillies' starter J.A. Happ trailed the Cardinals, 1-0, in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Happ's July 24th start was progressing well, until St. Louis' bloops and dunks began to fall for hits, with unerring accuracy. Happ was touched up for six hits, and four runs, in the painful frame. Happ had enjoyed a season of astoundingly good luck, but BABIP chose that particular occasion to take several large strides towards the mean. Happ's ten-hit, five-run outing increased his ERA from 2.68, to 2.97.
Phillies' starter Cole Hamels was cruising along in the bottom of the fifth, on Sunday, with two outs, a 3-1 lead, and pitcher Barry Zito at the plate. Hamels seemed well on his way to matching Friday's gem by the Phillies' other ace, Cliff Lee. Hamels broke Zito's bat with his offering, and the ball was propelled, harmlessly, towards the center of the diamond.
In 2008, when Hamels enjoyed the season that made him a household name, that broken bat bloop might have found the glove of an infielder. Unfortunately, it's 2009, a season where Hamels has been tormented by unlikely injuries, and unfortunate bounces. Zito's ball dropped for a single. Zito's fortunate hit was followed by a bloop single, a just-fair double, and an error by 1B Ryan Howard on a soft grounder. Hamels induced an inning-ending groundout, but the 3-1 Phillies' lead had become a 4-3 deficit. Hamels started the bottom of the sixth, allowing a ground-ball single, a ground-ball double, another ground-ball single, and an intentional walk. He was removed from the game at that point, relieved by Chan Ho Park, who permitted a two-run single to the second batter he faced. Hamels' final line: five innings, ten hits, seven runs (six earned), two walks/two whiffs. His record fell to 7-6, with a 4.68 ERA. Not very ace-like numbers.
It could be argued, however, that Hamels has pitched very well this season, and that he has even shown improvement over his outstanding 2008. Hamels ranks seventeenth in the NL, with a FIP of 3.81. Seventeenth in the league isn't exactly impressive, but it is much more impressive than his overall ERA ranking. The difference between his ERA, and his FIP, is a whopping .87. Only one NL pitcher (Paul Maholm) has a greater discrepancy. Hamels' ERA doesn't accurately reflect his level of effectiveness. A much better reflection is provided by Hamels' K/BB ratio of 4.65. Hamels has a higher degree of control over his K/BB, and he ranks fourth (.01 behind Tim Lincecum) in the NL.
Hamels has been hurt the most, by what he has the least control over, what happens after the bat hits the ball. Hamels' .335 BABIP is the fifth-highest in the NL. (J.A. Happ is second-lowest, at .254.) The ability/range of the defense behind Hamels affects his BABIP, as well. As the Phillies are very strong defensively, it appears that poor luck accounts for a significant portion of that unwieldy BABIP. (By way of comparison, Hamels was much more fortunate in 2008, sporting a .270 BABIP, which was the third lowest in the NL.) Hamels' BABIP is likely to regress towards the mean, and his results are likely to improve. Nothing to be overly concerned about.
The lack of success of the Phillies' bats on the West Coast isn't anything to be overly concerned about, either. They've also suffered from some poor luck, and are bound to improve. (Even Bako and Bruntlett could improve, albeit only towards a .450 OPS.) With (finally!) a day off on Monday, and a return to their homer-friendly home park, the fatigued Phils should be ready for the difficult matchups (Colorado, Florida) they face this week.
Phillies' starter Cole Hamels was cruising along in the bottom of the fifth, on Sunday, with two outs, a 3-1 lead, and pitcher Barry Zito at the plate. Hamels seemed well on his way to matching Friday's gem by the Phillies' other ace, Cliff Lee. Hamels broke Zito's bat with his offering, and the ball was propelled, harmlessly, towards the center of the diamond.
In 2008, when Hamels enjoyed the season that made him a household name, that broken bat bloop might have found the glove of an infielder. Unfortunately, it's 2009, a season where Hamels has been tormented by unlikely injuries, and unfortunate bounces. Zito's ball dropped for a single. Zito's fortunate hit was followed by a bloop single, a just-fair double, and an error by 1B Ryan Howard on a soft grounder. Hamels induced an inning-ending groundout, but the 3-1 Phillies' lead had become a 4-3 deficit. Hamels started the bottom of the sixth, allowing a ground-ball single, a ground-ball double, another ground-ball single, and an intentional walk. He was removed from the game at that point, relieved by Chan Ho Park, who permitted a two-run single to the second batter he faced. Hamels' final line: five innings, ten hits, seven runs (six earned), two walks/two whiffs. His record fell to 7-6, with a 4.68 ERA. Not very ace-like numbers.
It could be argued, however, that Hamels has pitched very well this season, and that he has even shown improvement over his outstanding 2008. Hamels ranks seventeenth in the NL, with a FIP of 3.81. Seventeenth in the league isn't exactly impressive, but it is much more impressive than his overall ERA ranking. The difference between his ERA, and his FIP, is a whopping .87. Only one NL pitcher (Paul Maholm) has a greater discrepancy. Hamels' ERA doesn't accurately reflect his level of effectiveness. A much better reflection is provided by Hamels' K/BB ratio of 4.65. Hamels has a higher degree of control over his K/BB, and he ranks fourth (.01 behind Tim Lincecum) in the NL.
Hamels has been hurt the most, by what he has the least control over, what happens after the bat hits the ball. Hamels' .335 BABIP is the fifth-highest in the NL. (J.A. Happ is second-lowest, at .254.) The ability/range of the defense behind Hamels affects his BABIP, as well. As the Phillies are very strong defensively, it appears that poor luck accounts for a significant portion of that unwieldy BABIP. (By way of comparison, Hamels was much more fortunate in 2008, sporting a .270 BABIP, which was the third lowest in the NL.) Hamels' BABIP is likely to regress towards the mean, and his results are likely to improve. Nothing to be overly concerned about.
The lack of success of the Phillies' bats on the West Coast isn't anything to be overly concerned about, either. They've also suffered from some poor luck, and are bound to improve. (Even Bako and Bruntlett could improve, albeit only towards a .450 OPS.) With (finally!) a day off on Monday, and a return to their homer-friendly home park, the fatigued Phils should be ready for the difficult matchups (Colorado, Florida) they face this week.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Hamels and Phils Dominate D-Backs in Win
The Phillies played like WFCs on Tuesday night, winning for the eighth time in ten games, with a 4-3 victory in Arizona. Behind a crowd peppered with Phillies fans, including two in Phillies' wrestling masks, Cole Hamels exhibited the form that made him World Series MVP. Hamels permitted a solo home run to the second batter he faced, and almost nothing else. Hamels pitched eight very impressive innings, surrendering only four hits, while walking none. He struck out nine batters, threw seventy-nine of one-hundred twelve pitches for strikes, and retired the last eight D-backs he faced. With Arizona ace Dan Haren opposing him, Hamels took command of the game, and ensured the Phils the win.
The Phillies took an excellent approach with Haren, forcing him to work deep into counts, which took a serious beating on his pitch count. Eight Phillies had ABs against Haren, in which they saw at least seven pitches. One of the best ABs was by Hamels, who took the count full, stayed alive with a foul ball, and then laced a double into the gap in left-center. Haren was forced out of the game after five innings, having already thrown one-hundred and seventeen pitches. The Phillies' offense was paced by Shane Victorino, who went 3 for 5, falling a triple short of a cycle. Victorino is now batting .319, after his two-RBI night. Brad Lidge got his 20th save, finishing up in the ninth. (Lidge permitted two runs, increasing his ERA to 7.11. Lidge made a non-eventful ending, an eventful one, by adding bad events to the end. But I'm just going to jam that info into parentheses, at the end of a paragraph, because I don't wan't to adversely affect the good Phillies vibe we have going right now.)
The Phillies will go for the sweep in Arizona on Wednesday night, with J.A. Happ (7-1, 2.97 ERA) opposed by Yusmeiro Petit (0-5, 7.68 ERA). Happ's impending regression, which may have begun in his most recent start (the bloopfest against St. Louis), aside, the Phils have to like their sweep chances. The Phillies, currently, lead the NL East by seven games over Florida, and eight over Atlanta. Their postseason odds are already over 79%, and will only be getting better. Especially when they add Roy Halladay to the roster.
The Phillies took an excellent approach with Haren, forcing him to work deep into counts, which took a serious beating on his pitch count. Eight Phillies had ABs against Haren, in which they saw at least seven pitches. One of the best ABs was by Hamels, who took the count full, stayed alive with a foul ball, and then laced a double into the gap in left-center. Haren was forced out of the game after five innings, having already thrown one-hundred and seventeen pitches. The Phillies' offense was paced by Shane Victorino, who went 3 for 5, falling a triple short of a cycle. Victorino is now batting .319, after his two-RBI night. Brad Lidge got his 20th save, finishing up in the ninth. (Lidge permitted two runs, increasing his ERA to 7.11. Lidge made a non-eventful ending, an eventful one, by adding bad events to the end. But I'm just going to jam that info into parentheses, at the end of a paragraph, because I don't wan't to adversely affect the good Phillies vibe we have going right now.)
The Phillies will go for the sweep in Arizona on Wednesday night, with J.A. Happ (7-1, 2.97 ERA) opposed by Yusmeiro Petit (0-5, 7.68 ERA). Happ's impending regression, which may have begun in his most recent start (the bloopfest against St. Louis), aside, the Phils have to like their sweep chances. The Phillies, currently, lead the NL East by seven games over Florida, and eight over Atlanta. Their postseason odds are already over 79%, and will only be getting better. Especially when they add Roy Halladay to the roster.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Manuel and Phillies Win Marathon Battle of Tactics
There was plenty of time for heroics in Friday night's marathon with the Florida Marlins. Four hours and five minutes of playing time, to be exact. Phillies' starter Cole Hamels pitched well, allowing only a single run, in his five inning outing. Unfortunately, a seventy-eight minute rain delay ended Hamels' night. Chase Utley (two-run homer), Jayson Werth (RBI single), and Pedro Feliz (RBI double) had given Hamels a 4-1 lead.
Philadelphia relievers Chan Ho Park, Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero, and Chad Durbin were knocked around by the Marlins, who tied the score at four, in the bottom of the eighth. The umpires also contributed, as all four of them missed a balk call, which would have given the Phillies a 5-4 lead in the top of the ninth. The score remained tied, as play entered the top of the twelfth. That's when Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel outmaneuvered the Marlins, ensuring the Phils' victory.
Jimmy Rollins lead off the twelfth with a single. Manuel decided to play for a single run, and .305-hitting Shane Victorino sacrificed Rollins to second. With Brad Lidge (7.09 ERA) the last Phillies reliever remaining, the Phils would only need one run to win. (The probability that Lidge would allow at least one run in the bottom of the inning was only about 91%.)
The Mighty Paul Bako (.214 average) was lurking just two batters away, so the Marlins opted to pitch to the .312-hitting Chase Utley, with first base open. (Bako had been, ingeniously, inserted into the fifth spot in the order, as part of Manuel's second double switch of the game.) Five hours after Utley had homered, the All-Star second sacker gave the Phils the lead again, by stroking an RBI single. After Ryan Howard grounded out, Silver Slugger-candidate Paul Bako came to the plate, with an important insurance run on second base. With All-Star Jayson Werth on deck (20 HR), there was no way the Marlins were going to take their chances with Bako's bat, and the backstop was intentionally walked. Werth followed with an RBI single, but the damage would likely had been much worse, if the Marlins hadn't taken the bat out of The Mighty Bako's hands. The two-run lead was plenty for Phils' closer Brad Lidge, who permitted only a single run (two walks). Lidge's crisp, twenty-eight pitch frame ended with the tying run on third base.
The Phillies increased their division lead to six games, a season-high advantage. The Phillies' Joe Blanton will be opposed by Marlins' ace Josh Johnson, in the third game of the series, on Saturday. Johnson has a 2.94 FIP, and has recorded quality starts in nine, of his last ten, outings. He does have a low .288 BABIP, and a high 77.1 LOB %. Johnson is due for some adversity, and the Phillies' bats are a good candidate to get Johnson's inevitable regression rolling.
Philadelphia relievers Chan Ho Park, Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero, and Chad Durbin were knocked around by the Marlins, who tied the score at four, in the bottom of the eighth. The umpires also contributed, as all four of them missed a balk call, which would have given the Phillies a 5-4 lead in the top of the ninth. The score remained tied, as play entered the top of the twelfth. That's when Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel outmaneuvered the Marlins, ensuring the Phils' victory.
Jimmy Rollins lead off the twelfth with a single. Manuel decided to play for a single run, and .305-hitting Shane Victorino sacrificed Rollins to second. With Brad Lidge (7.09 ERA) the last Phillies reliever remaining, the Phils would only need one run to win. (The probability that Lidge would allow at least one run in the bottom of the inning was only about 91%.)
The Mighty Paul Bako (.214 average) was lurking just two batters away, so the Marlins opted to pitch to the .312-hitting Chase Utley, with first base open. (Bako had been, ingeniously, inserted into the fifth spot in the order, as part of Manuel's second double switch of the game.) Five hours after Utley had homered, the All-Star second sacker gave the Phils the lead again, by stroking an RBI single. After Ryan Howard grounded out, Silver Slugger-candidate Paul Bako came to the plate, with an important insurance run on second base. With All-Star Jayson Werth on deck (20 HR), there was no way the Marlins were going to take their chances with Bako's bat, and the backstop was intentionally walked. Werth followed with an RBI single, but the damage would likely had been much worse, if the Marlins hadn't taken the bat out of The Mighty Bako's hands. The two-run lead was plenty for Phils' closer Brad Lidge, who permitted only a single run (two walks). Lidge's crisp, twenty-eight pitch frame ended with the tying run on third base.
The Phillies increased their division lead to six games, a season-high advantage. The Phillies' Joe Blanton will be opposed by Marlins' ace Josh Johnson, in the third game of the series, on Saturday. Johnson has a 2.94 FIP, and has recorded quality starts in nine, of his last ten, outings. He does have a low .288 BABIP, and a high 77.1 LOB %. Johnson is due for some adversity, and the Phillies' bats are a good candidate to get Johnson's inevitable regression rolling.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Welcome to Bakotopia!
Exhilarating. Bakotastic. Miraculous. Devoid of Bruntlett. Not sure which term best describes the incredible events that transpired at CBP on Saturday night. As play entered the bottom of the ninth, the Phillies trailed Pittsburgh, 7-3. The Phils had a Win Expectancy of only 2.0%. This game post had already written itself: start with a Joe Biden reference (the VP was at the game, didn't leave early, and autographed a fan's Tasmanian Devil t-shirt), blame poor luck (check out BABIP/LOB % and K/BB!) for Cole Hamels' poor results (six innings, five runs), close with the usual Gabor Paul Bako II excoriation (no explanation needed), and call it a night.
The Phillies' lefty-laden lineup, however, wasn't ready to call it quits. Against the Pirates' right-handed closer, Matt Capps, the first six Phillie batters were left-handed. Pinch-hitter Matt Stairs had been bypassed in the sixth inning, when the tying run was on second. (Right-handed John Mayberry flew out against a right-handed pitcher. In Charlie Manuel's defense, Jesse Chavez, the Bucs' hurler, has been much more succesful (.203 v. 273) against left-handed batters.) Stairs started the ninth-inning rally, with a towering home run. A Jimmy Rollins walk and a Chase Utley single followed, and the tying run was at the plate. Slugger Ryan Howard is a pretty good bat to have at the plate in that type of situation. Howard's game-tying homer increased the Phillies' WE by 46.7%, from 11.6% to 58.4%.
Surprisingly, the Pirates opted to keep Capps in the game. Raul Ibanez, in his first game back from the DL, doubled. Jayson Werth was walked intentionally, and Pedro Feliz singled. There was only one out, the Phils had the bases loaded, and the winning run was on third, for...Paul Bako. Yep, the offensively-inept backup catcher was due to bat, with the Phillies' fate depending upon his batting prowess.
With a right-handed, non-position player on the mound, Eric Bruntlett was not a good pinch-hitting option. The rest of the non-pitchers on the Phils' bench had already been used. (Also, with the Phillies' other catcher, Carlos Ruiz, possibly not available, there may not have been a viable Bako-less possibility.)
The offensively-feeble Bako, now OPSing .517, hit a hard grounder through the conveniently drawn-in infield, and the Phils had a shocking walk-off victory. If the Pirates had been at double-play depth, slick-fielding shortstop Jack Wilson may have been able to start a 6-4-3 DP. The Phillies had BABIP on their side in the ninth, as well as some questionable game management by the Pirates. Paul Bako has had an MLB career of unsuccesful at-bats (career wOBA: .274), but he had two run-scoring singles on Saturday, and deserves some credit for his part in the victory. (Not an overabundance of credit, as Bako also played a role in the three homers allowed by Hamels. Plus, the Phils still should have kept Chris Coste over Bako. But Gabor done good on Saturday night.)
The Phillies go for the sweep of the Pirates on Sunday, hoping to finish off a 9-1 homestand. Remember when the Phillies were inexplicably poor at home? Me, neither. J.A. Happ gets the ball for the Phils, as they close out the first half of their season.
The Phillies' lefty-laden lineup, however, wasn't ready to call it quits. Against the Pirates' right-handed closer, Matt Capps, the first six Phillie batters were left-handed. Pinch-hitter Matt Stairs had been bypassed in the sixth inning, when the tying run was on second. (Right-handed John Mayberry flew out against a right-handed pitcher. In Charlie Manuel's defense, Jesse Chavez, the Bucs' hurler, has been much more succesful (.203 v. 273) against left-handed batters.) Stairs started the ninth-inning rally, with a towering home run. A Jimmy Rollins walk and a Chase Utley single followed, and the tying run was at the plate. Slugger Ryan Howard is a pretty good bat to have at the plate in that type of situation. Howard's game-tying homer increased the Phillies' WE by 46.7%, from 11.6% to 58.4%.
Surprisingly, the Pirates opted to keep Capps in the game. Raul Ibanez, in his first game back from the DL, doubled. Jayson Werth was walked intentionally, and Pedro Feliz singled. There was only one out, the Phils had the bases loaded, and the winning run was on third, for...Paul Bako. Yep, the offensively-inept backup catcher was due to bat, with the Phillies' fate depending upon his batting prowess.
With a right-handed, non-position player on the mound, Eric Bruntlett was not a good pinch-hitting option. The rest of the non-pitchers on the Phils' bench had already been used. (Also, with the Phillies' other catcher, Carlos Ruiz, possibly not available, there may not have been a viable Bako-less possibility.)
The offensively-feeble Bako, now OPSing .517, hit a hard grounder through the conveniently drawn-in infield, and the Phils had a shocking walk-off victory. If the Pirates had been at double-play depth, slick-fielding shortstop Jack Wilson may have been able to start a 6-4-3 DP. The Phillies had BABIP on their side in the ninth, as well as some questionable game management by the Pirates. Paul Bako has had an MLB career of unsuccesful at-bats (career wOBA: .274), but he had two run-scoring singles on Saturday, and deserves some credit for his part in the victory. (Not an overabundance of credit, as Bako also played a role in the three homers allowed by Hamels. Plus, the Phils still should have kept Chris Coste over Bako. But Gabor done good on Saturday night.)
The Phillies go for the sweep of the Pirates on Sunday, hoping to finish off a 9-1 homestand. Remember when the Phillies were inexplicably poor at home? Me, neither. J.A. Happ gets the ball for the Phils, as they close out the first half of their season.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Phillies 22, Victorino 9, Reds 1
As a youthful phanatic, I kept a meticulously-removed copy of a Phillies box score in my wallet, just in case it was needed. On June 11, 1985, the Phillies scored nine runs in the first inning, and seven in the second, en route to a 26-7 thrashing of the New York Mets. Von Hayes hit a pair of home runs, in the first inning, and Juan Samuel had five hits. Charles Hudson got the victory, despite allowing seven runs (six earned) and thirteen hits, over five innings. Somewhere, a currently-youthful phanatic likely has this page saved.
Despite not coming against the rival Mets, the Phils' 22-1 drubbing of the Reds on Monday night, might have been even better. The Phillies sent thirteen men to the plate in the first inning, scoring ten times. Shane Victorino, batting second in the order, scored four times before the Reds' fifth-place hitter batted twice. Jimmy Rollins went 3 for 4, Victorino was 4 for 5, and the two combined for nine runs scored. Greg Dobbs, now batting .271 (average on June 1st was .154), was 4 for 6. Jayson Werth had five RBIs, Chase Utley had four RBIs, as did Victorino. Starting pitcher Cole Hamels surrendered only one run (one three hits) in seven innings, while chipping in a pair of hits and RBIs. The Phillies went 21 for 43 in the game, had 11 two-out RBIs, were 10 for 15 with runners in scoring position, and had a 98.7% Win Expectancy after the first inning. By the second inning, the result really wasn't in doubt; all that remained was to sit back, relax, pump in All-Star votes for Shane Victorino, and root for the Phils to score twenty-seven.
In that 1985 game, the Phils had an unsung hero, reliever Dave Rucker. Rucker entered the game in the sixth inning, called on to protect a slim 21-7 lead. Rucker threw three scoreless innings, and even contributed a pair of hits (forty percent of his career hit total). On Monday night, Tyler Walker was brought in to start the eighth inning, with the Phillies clinging to a 16-1 lead. The Phils' WE was 100%, but any kind of lapse by Walker could have reduced that number to only 99.9%. If an ace like the Reds' Johnny Cueto could surrender nine runs in less than an inning, how much damage could a hurler with Walker's level of ability permit? Operating under extreme pressure, and with no margin for error, Walker got the job done. He retired the Reds in order, keeping the WE at 100%. The Phils tacked on six runs in the bottom of the eighth, against the Reds' Eric Bruntlett-equivalent (Paul Janish), and Scott Eyre preserved the twenty-one run lead in the ninth.
The Phillies will try to increase their winning streak to five games on Tuesday, with J.A. Happ (5-0, 2.96 ERA) ready to shut down the Reds. Jimmy Rollins (10 for his last 19) and Shane Victorino (determined to post All-Star caliber stats this week) will lead the offense. The Phils might not score another twenty-two runs, but double digits shouldn't be a problem. No questions asked.
Despite not coming against the rival Mets, the Phils' 22-1 drubbing of the Reds on Monday night, might have been even better. The Phillies sent thirteen men to the plate in the first inning, scoring ten times. Shane Victorino, batting second in the order, scored four times before the Reds' fifth-place hitter batted twice. Jimmy Rollins went 3 for 4, Victorino was 4 for 5, and the two combined for nine runs scored. Greg Dobbs, now batting .271 (average on June 1st was .154), was 4 for 6. Jayson Werth had five RBIs, Chase Utley had four RBIs, as did Victorino. Starting pitcher Cole Hamels surrendered only one run (one three hits) in seven innings, while chipping in a pair of hits and RBIs. The Phillies went 21 for 43 in the game, had 11 two-out RBIs, were 10 for 15 with runners in scoring position, and had a 98.7% Win Expectancy after the first inning. By the second inning, the result really wasn't in doubt; all that remained was to sit back, relax, pump in All-Star votes for Shane Victorino, and root for the Phils to score twenty-seven.
In that 1985 game, the Phils had an unsung hero, reliever Dave Rucker. Rucker entered the game in the sixth inning, called on to protect a slim 21-7 lead. Rucker threw three scoreless innings, and even contributed a pair of hits (forty percent of his career hit total). On Monday night, Tyler Walker was brought in to start the eighth inning, with the Phillies clinging to a 16-1 lead. The Phils' WE was 100%, but any kind of lapse by Walker could have reduced that number to only 99.9%. If an ace like the Reds' Johnny Cueto could surrender nine runs in less than an inning, how much damage could a hurler with Walker's level of ability permit? Operating under extreme pressure, and with no margin for error, Walker got the job done. He retired the Reds in order, keeping the WE at 100%. The Phils tacked on six runs in the bottom of the eighth, against the Reds' Eric Bruntlett-equivalent (Paul Janish), and Scott Eyre preserved the twenty-one run lead in the ninth.
The Phillies will try to increase their winning streak to five games on Tuesday, with J.A. Happ (5-0, 2.96 ERA) ready to shut down the Reds. Jimmy Rollins (10 for his last 19) and Shane Victorino (determined to post All-Star caliber stats this week) will lead the offense. The Phils might not score another twenty-two runs, but double digits shouldn't be a problem. No questions asked.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Another Game, Another Loss
The Phillies lost to the Braves on Wednesday night, by a score of 11-1. But do not be deceived. The game wasn't really that close. It is easy to lay the blame at the feet of third-string catcher Paul Bako, and Manager Charlie Manuel for including the ineffectual backstop in the starting lineup. But, once again, Bako wasn't the only Phillie who was bad at baseball on Wednesday. (Just the only one tragically-named Gabor.)
Ace Cole Hamels got the start, and was strong from the outset. Until the third inning, when he surrendered three runs. After a scoreless fourth inning, Hamels ran into more trouble in the fifth. Hamels pitched to four batters in the fifth, retiring a grand total of zero of them, before his untimely departure. Hamels threw eighty-eight pitches in the abridged outing, permitting seven runs, on nine hits (two walks/one(!) strikeout). Hamels' record dropped to 4-5, with an ERA of 4.98, and appears rather Verduccified. (Fortunately, the Phillies have Rodrigo Lopez available to bolster the scuffling rotation.)
Tyler Walker, The Destroyer of ERAs Other Than His Own, replaced Hamels in the fifth. Walker permitted the one runner he inherited to score, as in his way. This time, however, Walker was charged with two runs to his own record, as he allowed a pair of fifth-inning homers. When the Braves were content with their brutalization of the scoreline, they had a 9-1 lead. Walker returned for a scoreless sixth, but the numerator of his FIP equation had already been scarred by the pair of fifth-inning home runs. The Phillies' hopes of a victory, on life support when Walker entered the fracas, were all but extinguished.
The vulgar display of "pitching" was rendered almost irrelevant by the absent Phillies' offense. The Phillies scored a run in the fourth inning, an unearned marker without the benefit of a hit. The Phils did manage a hit, eventually, but not until the seventh inning, when Paul Bako singled. (Note:We are still not rooting for no-hitters against the Phillies, no need to see that sort of historical event.) Philadelphia struck for another single in the eighth inning, off the bat of Shane Victorino, but that was the height of their maple-wielding success. The Phils were outhit in the game, 14-2.
Positives? Well, Rollins stole a base. He was, inexplicably, running on a 3-0 pitch, against a (momentarily) wild pitcher. But, still, A STOLEN BASE! Bako's lack of success with Hamels may have pushed him closer to the waiver wire. The Phillies managed to fill four relief innings without using any of their good relievers. (Note: "Good" is relative here, as the list includes Ryan Madson (struggled mightily as interim closer), Brad Lidge (struggling mightily as non-interim closer), Chad Durbin (4.29 ERA), Chan Ho Park (6.04 ERA, 4.70 in June, as a reliever), and J.C. Romero (1.85 WHIP).) Sergio Escalona pitched a scoreless seventh, and Jack Taschner allowed two unearned runs in the eighth. Taschner pitched to seven batters, surrendering two hits and a walk. His ERA remained at 5.20, but his WHIP was further mangled (1.95). (Taschner gets his demotion when his WHIP reaches 2.00, even if it is the middle of an inning, and episodes of "The Pen" have yet to be aired).
The Phillies' "Highlight of the Day" on their website is a sacrifice fly by Greg Dobbs. Impressive. The Phillies still lead the NL East by .007, over the Marlins. The Phils are still going to win the division, and undefeated J.A. Happ is going to beat the Braves on Thursday night. But this past month has been gosh-darned painful.
Ace Cole Hamels got the start, and was strong from the outset. Until the third inning, when he surrendered three runs. After a scoreless fourth inning, Hamels ran into more trouble in the fifth. Hamels pitched to four batters in the fifth, retiring a grand total of zero of them, before his untimely departure. Hamels threw eighty-eight pitches in the abridged outing, permitting seven runs, on nine hits (two walks/one(!) strikeout). Hamels' record dropped to 4-5, with an ERA of 4.98, and appears rather Verduccified. (Fortunately, the Phillies have Rodrigo Lopez available to bolster the scuffling rotation.)
Tyler Walker, The Destroyer of ERAs Other Than His Own, replaced Hamels in the fifth. Walker permitted the one runner he inherited to score, as in his way. This time, however, Walker was charged with two runs to his own record, as he allowed a pair of fifth-inning homers. When the Braves were content with their brutalization of the scoreline, they had a 9-1 lead. Walker returned for a scoreless sixth, but the numerator of his FIP equation had already been scarred by the pair of fifth-inning home runs. The Phillies' hopes of a victory, on life support when Walker entered the fracas, were all but extinguished.
The vulgar display of "pitching" was rendered almost irrelevant by the absent Phillies' offense. The Phillies scored a run in the fourth inning, an unearned marker without the benefit of a hit. The Phils did manage a hit, eventually, but not until the seventh inning, when Paul Bako singled. (Note:We are still not rooting for no-hitters against the Phillies, no need to see that sort of historical event.) Philadelphia struck for another single in the eighth inning, off the bat of Shane Victorino, but that was the height of their maple-wielding success. The Phils were outhit in the game, 14-2.
Positives? Well, Rollins stole a base. He was, inexplicably, running on a 3-0 pitch, against a (momentarily) wild pitcher. But, still, A STOLEN BASE! Bako's lack of success with Hamels may have pushed him closer to the waiver wire. The Phillies managed to fill four relief innings without using any of their good relievers. (Note: "Good" is relative here, as the list includes Ryan Madson (struggled mightily as interim closer), Brad Lidge (struggling mightily as non-interim closer), Chad Durbin (4.29 ERA), Chan Ho Park (6.04 ERA, 4.70 in June, as a reliever), and J.C. Romero (1.85 WHIP).) Sergio Escalona pitched a scoreless seventh, and Jack Taschner allowed two unearned runs in the eighth. Taschner pitched to seven batters, surrendering two hits and a walk. His ERA remained at 5.20, but his WHIP was further mangled (1.95). (Taschner gets his demotion when his WHIP reaches 2.00, even if it is the middle of an inning, and episodes of "The Pen" have yet to be aired).
The Phillies' "Highlight of the Day" on their website is a sacrifice fly by Greg Dobbs. Impressive. The Phillies still lead the NL East by .007, over the Marlins. The Phils are still going to win the division, and undefeated J.A. Happ is going to beat the Braves on Thursday night. But this past month has been gosh-darned painful.
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.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/24)
Brad Lidge has been activated by the P-Phils, after completing his rehabilitation tour through Reading (AA) and Clearwater (A). Hopefully, Lidge will return to form as the closer, and Ryan Madson will return to form, back in the setup role.
Sergio Escalona was sent down to Lehigh Valley (AAA) to clear a spot for Lidge. The correct choice for this roster move was "Jack Taschner." (We would also have accepted "Paul Bako.") Escalona was only on the roster for a few days, having taken Clay Condrey's spot, when Everyday Clay went on the DL.
Scott Eyre is expected to return next week, hopefully Taschner or Bako will go at that point. (Preferably Bako, as that would reinstate the eight-man bullpen.)
I fear that reliever Tyler Walker will be the choice to vacate the roster for Eyre. Walker would have to pass through waivers to return to Lehigh Valley, and would probably be scooped up by the Nationals. (Or perhaps join reliever Mike Koplove in the Pirates' organization?)
Cole Hamels and J.A. Happ have been swapped in this weekend's rotation, and Hamels will start on Friday night in Toronto.
This move costs Hamels an appearance in the upcoming Mets series (July 3-5), but gains him an extra start, as well as a quick return from the All-Star break. It also swaps him out of a daytime start; Hamels has struggled during the day. Good move.
In an effort to resuscitate Jimmy Rollins and his ailing bat, Charlie Manuel will keep Rollins out of the starting lineup on Thursday and Friday.
It might have been preferable to just keep Rollins batting sixth for an extended period. (Or perhaps ninth in interleague road games?) Any move that puts Eric Bruntlett in the starting lineup on consecutive days is a bit questionable, but Manuel is looking at the long-term here. Given Bruntlett's mediocrity afield, and uselessness at the plate, maybe Pedro Feliz at short, and Greg Dobbs (or Chris Coste, if Dobbs plays 1B, for a DH-ing Ryan Howard?) at 3B, would have been preferable.
Minor League pitchers Kyle Drabek (Reading) and Yohan Flande (Clearwater)have been chosen to appear in the Futures Game.
A well-deserved honor for two of the organization's top hurlers. (It should be noted that Flande is 23, and, possibly, should be competing at a higher level. It seems that he should be promoted to Reading in the near future.)
It's a shame that the Phillies didn't have any position players worthy of selection. Michael Taylor (Reading) has a .978 OPS, with 13 HR, but that apparently isn't good enough for inclusion.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs fell behind 4-0, after two and a half innings, and lost to the Indianopolis Indians, 4-1. The FeHogs were held to only three hits, and starter Gustavo Chacin (five innings, four runs, nine hits, three walks/two strikeouts) did not have a strong outing.
The Reading Phillies lost to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 4-3.
Michael Taylor went 3 for 4, but starter Tyson Brummett was ineffective (five innings, four runs, eight hits, four walks/zero strikeouts.)
The Clearwater Threshers defeated the Tampa Yankees, 7-6, on Wednesday.
The Threshers lead 6-0, after four and a half innings, and held on for the win. Yohan Flande won his seventh game, in eight decisions, but his performance was rather pedestrian (five innings, two runs, four hits, two walks/three strikeouts).
Sergio Escalona was sent down to Lehigh Valley (AAA) to clear a spot for Lidge. The correct choice for this roster move was "Jack Taschner." (We would also have accepted "Paul Bako.") Escalona was only on the roster for a few days, having taken Clay Condrey's spot, when Everyday Clay went on the DL.
Scott Eyre is expected to return next week, hopefully Taschner or Bako will go at that point. (Preferably Bako, as that would reinstate the eight-man bullpen.)
I fear that reliever Tyler Walker will be the choice to vacate the roster for Eyre. Walker would have to pass through waivers to return to Lehigh Valley, and would probably be scooped up by the Nationals. (Or perhaps join reliever Mike Koplove in the Pirates' organization?)
Cole Hamels and J.A. Happ have been swapped in this weekend's rotation, and Hamels will start on Friday night in Toronto.
This move costs Hamels an appearance in the upcoming Mets series (July 3-5), but gains him an extra start, as well as a quick return from the All-Star break. It also swaps him out of a daytime start; Hamels has struggled during the day. Good move.
In an effort to resuscitate Jimmy Rollins and his ailing bat, Charlie Manuel will keep Rollins out of the starting lineup on Thursday and Friday.
It might have been preferable to just keep Rollins batting sixth for an extended period. (Or perhaps ninth in interleague road games?) Any move that puts Eric Bruntlett in the starting lineup on consecutive days is a bit questionable, but Manuel is looking at the long-term here. Given Bruntlett's mediocrity afield, and uselessness at the plate, maybe Pedro Feliz at short, and Greg Dobbs (or Chris Coste, if Dobbs plays 1B, for a DH-ing Ryan Howard?) at 3B, would have been preferable.
Minor League pitchers Kyle Drabek (Reading) and Yohan Flande (Clearwater)have been chosen to appear in the Futures Game.
A well-deserved honor for two of the organization's top hurlers. (It should be noted that Flande is 23, and, possibly, should be competing at a higher level. It seems that he should be promoted to Reading in the near future.)
It's a shame that the Phillies didn't have any position players worthy of selection. Michael Taylor (Reading) has a .978 OPS, with 13 HR, but that apparently isn't good enough for inclusion.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs fell behind 4-0, after two and a half innings, and lost to the Indianopolis Indians, 4-1. The FeHogs were held to only three hits, and starter Gustavo Chacin (five innings, four runs, nine hits, three walks/two strikeouts) did not have a strong outing.
The Reading Phillies lost to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 4-3.
Michael Taylor went 3 for 4, but starter Tyson Brummett was ineffective (five innings, four runs, eight hits, four walks/zero strikeouts.)
The Clearwater Threshers defeated the Tampa Yankees, 7-6, on Wednesday.
The Threshers lead 6-0, after four and a half innings, and held on for the win. Yohan Flande won his seventh game, in eight decisions, but his performance was rather pedestrian (five innings, two runs, four hits, two walks/three strikeouts).
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Descent (Into Madness)
The Phillies completed a 1-8 interleague homestand, polishing off their second consecutive sweep, with a 2-1 loss to the Orioles, on Sunday. The Phils overcame an early 1-0 lead, riding a four-hit attack to their sixth loss in a row. Cole Hamels picked up the loss, his third in seven decisions, but he had plenty of support in the losing effort.
Hamels pitched eight innings, allowing a pair of runs, on nine hits. He struck out ten, and did not walk a batter, but nineteen of the twenty-nine batters he faced put balls in play. Not a very impressive ratio from a supposed "ace." Hamels' performance was zero-dimensional, as he failed to reach base in either of his plate appearances. His ineptitude at the plate necessitated his eventual removal for a pinch-hitter, forcing the Phils' bullpen to cover the final inning. Perhaps some more work with batting coach Milt Thompson, or a stint in Lehigh Valley (AAA), would help Hamels become more of a complete player.
Leadoff man Jimmy Rollins did his job, lulling the Orioles pitchers into a sense of complacency, with another hitless effort. Rollins was able to induce outs in all thirteen of his plate appearances over the weekend, but his teammates failed to capitalize. Rollins has failed to reach base at a .761 clip in June, numbers that would have been impressive even in the Deadball Era. The shortstop almost reached base in the eighth inning, but was the beneficiary of a gracious call by Umpire Larry Vanover, who called Rollins out, despite the infielder's inability to get himself tagged on the play.
Manager Charlie Manuel didn't offer Rollins much support either, making several questionable personnel decisions. Ryan Howard was given the day off, ending his consecutive games played streak at 343, despite having a temperature of only 103.9 degrees. Paul Bako, a career .231 hitter, was left on the bench. (Fortunately, Carlos Ruiz put together a Bako-esque 0 for 3 effort.) Eric Bruntlett, batting a lusty .157 in 2009, also failed to appear. Greg Dobbs (1.062 OPS in June), inexplicably, got the start at 1B, homering for the Phils' run. Dobbs was replaced with a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning, but the damage had already been done.
The Phillies have Monday off, before traveling to Tampa Bay to face Pat Burrell and the Rays. Jamie Moyer will bring his 6.35 ERA (1.54 WHIP) to the mound. Moyer has an 8-4 record, and a 2.85 lifetime ERA against Tampa, but those gaudy stats were accumulated way back when Moyer was good, and the Devil Rays were not. With David Price on the mound for the opposition, the Phils appear well-positioned to keep their winless streak alive.
Hamels pitched eight innings, allowing a pair of runs, on nine hits. He struck out ten, and did not walk a batter, but nineteen of the twenty-nine batters he faced put balls in play. Not a very impressive ratio from a supposed "ace." Hamels' performance was zero-dimensional, as he failed to reach base in either of his plate appearances. His ineptitude at the plate necessitated his eventual removal for a pinch-hitter, forcing the Phils' bullpen to cover the final inning. Perhaps some more work with batting coach Milt Thompson, or a stint in Lehigh Valley (AAA), would help Hamels become more of a complete player.
Leadoff man Jimmy Rollins did his job, lulling the Orioles pitchers into a sense of complacency, with another hitless effort. Rollins was able to induce outs in all thirteen of his plate appearances over the weekend, but his teammates failed to capitalize. Rollins has failed to reach base at a .761 clip in June, numbers that would have been impressive even in the Deadball Era. The shortstop almost reached base in the eighth inning, but was the beneficiary of a gracious call by Umpire Larry Vanover, who called Rollins out, despite the infielder's inability to get himself tagged on the play.
Manager Charlie Manuel didn't offer Rollins much support either, making several questionable personnel decisions. Ryan Howard was given the day off, ending his consecutive games played streak at 343, despite having a temperature of only 103.9 degrees. Paul Bako, a career .231 hitter, was left on the bench. (Fortunately, Carlos Ruiz put together a Bako-esque 0 for 3 effort.) Eric Bruntlett, batting a lusty .157 in 2009, also failed to appear. Greg Dobbs (1.062 OPS in June), inexplicably, got the start at 1B, homering for the Phils' run. Dobbs was replaced with a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning, but the damage had already been done.
The Phillies have Monday off, before traveling to Tampa Bay to face Pat Burrell and the Rays. Jamie Moyer will bring his 6.35 ERA (1.54 WHIP) to the mound. Moyer has an 8-4 record, and a 2.85 lifetime ERA against Tampa, but those gaudy stats were accumulated way back when Moyer was good, and the Devil Rays were not. With David Price on the mound for the opposition, the Phils appear well-positioned to keep their winless streak alive.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Phils Navigate their Dark Period
It was the great musician Dewey Cox who once said, "This is my dark (expletive deleted) period!" None of the Phillies have had to deal with the trauma of losing both of their wives to free agency at the same time, or the accidental machete-halving of a younger sibling. (Though "The Pen" could reveal otherwise in future episodes, particularly if MLBN brings in Ugueth Urbina for a ratings-grabbing cameo.) But the team has faced quite a bit of adversity this week, and the darkness is beginning to permeate the Phils' roster, as well as the fans' collective psyche.
The week started with the dizzying highs of a victory over the 2009 AL Champion Red Sox, and the bullpen's ascension into reality television stardom. Unfortunately, in Tuesday night's come-from-ahead loss to Toronto, the 'pen displayed signs of vertigo, turning a 3-2 Hamels victory, into a walk-riddled 8-3 defeat. "Everyday" Clay Condrey retired one batter in the tenth, while allowing five runs. Condrey wasn't helped by newly-promoted, should-be-a-ROOGY, Tyler Walker, who permitted three inherited runners to score. After logging four innings on Tuesday night, the Phils' relief corps worked another three frames on Wednesday. Jamie Moyer ate only six-plus innings, surrendering six runs, in the 7-1 loss.
The Phillies' offense, which almost solely consisted of daily home runs by Jayson Werth, didn't offer the pitchers much support. For the most part, the Phils' bats were quieted by Jays' starters Ricky Romero and Scott Richmond. Having their mighty bats overpowered by Romero and Richmond, who are not exactly household names, was rather embarrasing, right? Well, if your household hasn't heard of these two starters, they may be in need of some additional Baseball Education. Even if you choose not to pay attention to such things as the "American League", Romero is a first-round draft pick, who has overcome injury issues to put up some good starts this season. Richmond appears to have overcome the disappointment of not appearing for Canada in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, winning the AL Rookie of the Month award in April, and helping the starting pitching issue-laden Jays remain competitive. Losing to these two more-than-serviceable pitchers was disconcerting, but far from embarrassing. (Does anyone else think of Scott D. Service whenever they see the phrase "serviceable pitcher?" Never mind.)
The overuse of the Phillies' bullpen? Now, that's embarrassing. The Phillies have reduced their bullpen crew to six relievers, or 6.05 relievers, if you count Jack Taschner. The Phillies' starting pitchers have been, routinely, pitching only five or six innings a game. Well, except for when they pitch less, sometimes much less. The Phillies need their bullpenners to have fully-functioning throwing arms during the postseason, but that doesn't seem likely at their current pace. It doesn't appear that the starting pitchers are likely to suddenly start going deeper into games, increasing their bullpen size by 1.95 relievers seems to be necessary. Taschner needs to be relied upon, at minimum, to fill in some innings on a regular basis. Preferably, low-leverage innings, considering his performance-to-date. If Taschner can't handle such a role, or Manager Charlie Manuel doesn't feel he can rely on him in those situations, Taschner needs to be replaced.
Third-string catcher Paul Bako was added to the roster, at the expense of a reliever, to serve as a deterrent to the use of Eric Bruntlett as a pinch-hitter. Even ignoring the illogic of utilizing 4% of your roster, for the purpose of discouraging the use of another 4%, this personnel move has not worked. Bruntlett still escapes the Phillies' dugout on a regular basis, much to the dismay of Phillies fans everywhere. Bako needs to be replaced by a reliever now, before any million-dollar appendages are found by bullpen coach Mick Billimeyer.
The height of the Dark Period may have occurred Thursday, when MVP Raul Ibanez was placed on the DL. Ibanez has been plagued by groin issues, and may be out longer than fifteen days. There was no way the Phillies could have predicted that playing a 37 year-old outfielder just about every inning, with the exception of his DH Days at New Yankee Stadium, might lead to an injury. The loss of Ibanez is almost too demoralizing for this blogger to consider right now. So, we'll try to draw some positives from the situation. Ibanez will, finally, get some days off. John Mayberry has been recalled, and will get some MLB at bats. (Hopefully, against southpaws, for the most part.) Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs should see some time against right-handers, and more regular appearances should help the two bench players. When Mayberry is on the bench, the Phils have a viable (i.e. non-Bruntlett) right-handed pinch-hitting option, besides Chris Coste. (Maybe this will help encourage the removal of Bako from the roster...) Losing Ibanez, with closer Brad Lidge and #2 starter Brett Myers already on the DL, is tough. But the Phillies have enough talent to remain in the division race, and it's better to lose Ibanez and Lidge to injury now, than in September.
Joe Blanton starts for the Phils against Toronto on Thursday afternoon. The over/under for Phillies' relievers needed is four. (The "over" would be the smart bet.) The Phillies have the ability to escape their Dark Period, just as Dewey Cox did. Will the Phils will be able to reach Cox' level of all-encompassing brilliance? That remains to be seen, but it's going to continue to be quite the ride.
The week started with the dizzying highs of a victory over the 2009 AL Champion Red Sox, and the bullpen's ascension into reality television stardom. Unfortunately, in Tuesday night's come-from-ahead loss to Toronto, the 'pen displayed signs of vertigo, turning a 3-2 Hamels victory, into a walk-riddled 8-3 defeat. "Everyday" Clay Condrey retired one batter in the tenth, while allowing five runs. Condrey wasn't helped by newly-promoted, should-be-a-ROOGY, Tyler Walker, who permitted three inherited runners to score. After logging four innings on Tuesday night, the Phils' relief corps worked another three frames on Wednesday. Jamie Moyer ate only six-plus innings, surrendering six runs, in the 7-1 loss.
The Phillies' offense, which almost solely consisted of daily home runs by Jayson Werth, didn't offer the pitchers much support. For the most part, the Phils' bats were quieted by Jays' starters Ricky Romero and Scott Richmond. Having their mighty bats overpowered by Romero and Richmond, who are not exactly household names, was rather embarrasing, right? Well, if your household hasn't heard of these two starters, they may be in need of some additional Baseball Education. Even if you choose not to pay attention to such things as the "American League", Romero is a first-round draft pick, who has overcome injury issues to put up some good starts this season. Richmond appears to have overcome the disappointment of not appearing for Canada in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, winning the AL Rookie of the Month award in April, and helping the starting pitching issue-laden Jays remain competitive. Losing to these two more-than-serviceable pitchers was disconcerting, but far from embarrassing. (Does anyone else think of Scott D. Service whenever they see the phrase "serviceable pitcher?" Never mind.)
The overuse of the Phillies' bullpen? Now, that's embarrassing. The Phillies have reduced their bullpen crew to six relievers, or 6.05 relievers, if you count Jack Taschner. The Phillies' starting pitchers have been, routinely, pitching only five or six innings a game. Well, except for when they pitch less, sometimes much less. The Phillies need their bullpenners to have fully-functioning throwing arms during the postseason, but that doesn't seem likely at their current pace. It doesn't appear that the starting pitchers are likely to suddenly start going deeper into games, increasing their bullpen size by 1.95 relievers seems to be necessary. Taschner needs to be relied upon, at minimum, to fill in some innings on a regular basis. Preferably, low-leverage innings, considering his performance-to-date. If Taschner can't handle such a role, or Manager Charlie Manuel doesn't feel he can rely on him in those situations, Taschner needs to be replaced.
Third-string catcher Paul Bako was added to the roster, at the expense of a reliever, to serve as a deterrent to the use of Eric Bruntlett as a pinch-hitter. Even ignoring the illogic of utilizing 4% of your roster, for the purpose of discouraging the use of another 4%, this personnel move has not worked. Bruntlett still escapes the Phillies' dugout on a regular basis, much to the dismay of Phillies fans everywhere. Bako needs to be replaced by a reliever now, before any million-dollar appendages are found by bullpen coach Mick Billimeyer.
The height of the Dark Period may have occurred Thursday, when MVP Raul Ibanez was placed on the DL. Ibanez has been plagued by groin issues, and may be out longer than fifteen days. There was no way the Phillies could have predicted that playing a 37 year-old outfielder just about every inning, with the exception of his DH Days at New Yankee Stadium, might lead to an injury. The loss of Ibanez is almost too demoralizing for this blogger to consider right now. So, we'll try to draw some positives from the situation. Ibanez will, finally, get some days off. John Mayberry has been recalled, and will get some MLB at bats. (Hopefully, against southpaws, for the most part.) Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs should see some time against right-handers, and more regular appearances should help the two bench players. When Mayberry is on the bench, the Phils have a viable (i.e. non-Bruntlett) right-handed pinch-hitting option, besides Chris Coste. (Maybe this will help encourage the removal of Bako from the roster...) Losing Ibanez, with closer Brad Lidge and #2 starter Brett Myers already on the DL, is tough. But the Phillies have enough talent to remain in the division race, and it's better to lose Ibanez and Lidge to injury now, than in September.
Joe Blanton starts for the Phils against Toronto on Thursday afternoon. The over/under for Phillies' relievers needed is four. (The "over" would be the smart bet.) The Phillies have the ability to escape their Dark Period, just as Dewey Cox did. Will the Phils will be able to reach Cox' level of all-encompassing brilliance? That remains to be seen, but it's going to continue to be quite the ride.
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.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
(Wins) Blown Away in LA
The Phillies should be going for a sweep of the four-game series against the Dodgers tonight, with The Glorious Bastardo going to the hill. The Phils' starting pitching has been incredible in Los Angeles, with Cole Hamels (complete game shutout), Jamie Moyer (seven innings, four hits/zero walks, two runs), and Joe Blanton (six innings, five hits/one walk, one run) each turning in fine performances. The Phils' bats, facing tough Dodger pitching, in the pitcher-friendly 90090 zip code, missed many scoring opportunities (11 LOB Friday, 7 LOB Saturday). But the offense did enough to win, particularly with the starting, and setup relief, pitching performing more than ably. Unfortunately, after closer Brad Lidge blew save opportunities on both Friday and Saturday, the Phillies will need a win on Sunday, in order to split the series.
Brad Lidge needs to be removed as the team's closer. The Phillies cannot continue to give away winnable games. Ryan Madson needs to be this team's closer, and Brad Lidge needs to be putting his game back together in middle relief, or on the Disabled List. That's what I believed two weeks ago. Four blown saves later, I'm not so sure.
In the results-driven game of baseball, the closer role is, arguably, the highest profile position. The closer gets undue credit, or undue blame, for the final results of the game. The closer has little control over the performances of his teammates, and even less control over luck. While earlier in the season Lidge's outings seemed plagued by poor pitches, his more recent blown saves seem to be affected by poor luck. Lidge's lack of good fortune this season is displayed by his .365 BABIP (.317 BABIP in 2008, .325 for career), and was best exemplified by his two blown saves at the new Yankee Stadium. On May 23rd, Lidge was victimized by a home run off the bat of Alex Rodriguez, that would have been a fly out in most ballparks. On May 24th, Lidge saw two poor-hit ground balls sneak through the infield for base hits.
Friday night in Los Angeles, Lidge was one out away from picking up his sixth consecutive save. But an error by 3B Pedro Feliz, who is typically a superb fielder, led to two unearned runs, and a loss. Lidge induced what should have been the game-ending out, and really can't be blamed that for Feliz' failure to make the play. On Saturday, Lidge was two outs away from the save, when Rafael Furcal golfed a low slider into the stands. It wasn't a bad pitch, but the results were rather bad. (Of course, if outfielder Jayson Werth had made an incredible homer-saving catch, which he nearly did, Lidge may have converted the save opportunity.) Lidge had plenty of good fortune in 2008, when he didn't have a single blown save, but things seem to be evening out in 2009. Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel appears inclined to keep Lidge in the closer's role, and I am inclined to agree with his decision, at least for the time being. Hopefully, Lidge's fortune will be good when it counts the most, in the postseason. Though, if it doesn't improve soon, it might be difficult for the Phils to qualify for the playoffs.
The struggles of Brad Lidge have extended many games this season, and increased the workload of the other Phillies' relievers. The current starting rotation for the Phils includes two rookies (J.A. Happ and Antonio Bastardo) and two veterans who have had difficulties going deep into ballgames (Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer). These factors have all placed additional pressure on the left arm of ace Cole Hamels. In the Phils' win on Thursday night, the only game they have won in this series, Hamels went the distance. In one of the best-pitched games in MLB this season, Hamels threw a complete-game four-hit shutout. Hamels kept his pitches down in the strike zone (70.1 strike percentage), his pitch count down (97 pitches), and the batted balls on the ground (13 of 27 outs via ground balls). The ace faced twenty-nine batters, only two above the minimum. Hamels struck out five, walked none, and one Dodger made it into scoring position. On Friday, Hamels set an example for young left-hander Antonio Bastardo to follow on Sunday night. If the rookie can mix up his effective pitches, as Hamels did, the Phils could salvage a series split. With the game televised on ESPN, the world awaits the second MLB start of The Glorious Bastardo.
Brad Lidge needs to be removed as the team's closer. The Phillies cannot continue to give away winnable games. Ryan Madson needs to be this team's closer, and Brad Lidge needs to be putting his game back together in middle relief, or on the Disabled List. That's what I believed two weeks ago. Four blown saves later, I'm not so sure.
In the results-driven game of baseball, the closer role is, arguably, the highest profile position. The closer gets undue credit, or undue blame, for the final results of the game. The closer has little control over the performances of his teammates, and even less control over luck. While earlier in the season Lidge's outings seemed plagued by poor pitches, his more recent blown saves seem to be affected by poor luck. Lidge's lack of good fortune this season is displayed by his .365 BABIP (.317 BABIP in 2008, .325 for career), and was best exemplified by his two blown saves at the new Yankee Stadium. On May 23rd, Lidge was victimized by a home run off the bat of Alex Rodriguez, that would have been a fly out in most ballparks. On May 24th, Lidge saw two poor-hit ground balls sneak through the infield for base hits.
Friday night in Los Angeles, Lidge was one out away from picking up his sixth consecutive save. But an error by 3B Pedro Feliz, who is typically a superb fielder, led to two unearned runs, and a loss. Lidge induced what should have been the game-ending out, and really can't be blamed that for Feliz' failure to make the play. On Saturday, Lidge was two outs away from the save, when Rafael Furcal golfed a low slider into the stands. It wasn't a bad pitch, but the results were rather bad. (Of course, if outfielder Jayson Werth had made an incredible homer-saving catch, which he nearly did, Lidge may have converted the save opportunity.) Lidge had plenty of good fortune in 2008, when he didn't have a single blown save, but things seem to be evening out in 2009. Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel appears inclined to keep Lidge in the closer's role, and I am inclined to agree with his decision, at least for the time being. Hopefully, Lidge's fortune will be good when it counts the most, in the postseason. Though, if it doesn't improve soon, it might be difficult for the Phils to qualify for the playoffs.
The struggles of Brad Lidge have extended many games this season, and increased the workload of the other Phillies' relievers. The current starting rotation for the Phils includes two rookies (J.A. Happ and Antonio Bastardo) and two veterans who have had difficulties going deep into ballgames (Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer). These factors have all placed additional pressure on the left arm of ace Cole Hamels. In the Phils' win on Thursday night, the only game they have won in this series, Hamels went the distance. In one of the best-pitched games in MLB this season, Hamels threw a complete-game four-hit shutout. Hamels kept his pitches down in the strike zone (70.1 strike percentage), his pitch count down (97 pitches), and the batted balls on the ground (13 of 27 outs via ground balls). The ace faced twenty-nine batters, only two above the minimum. Hamels struck out five, walked none, and one Dodger made it into scoring position. On Friday, Hamels set an example for young left-hander Antonio Bastardo to follow on Sunday night. If the rookie can mix up his effective pitches, as Hamels did, the Phils could salvage a series split. With the game televised on ESPN, the world awaits the second MLB start of The Glorious Bastardo.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Phils Beat Yanks, Complete 8-2 Road Trip
Phillies' closer Brad Lidge showed improved results on Sunday. Rather than blowing the game against the Yankees, he merely blew the lead. Phillies' ace Cole Hamels outpitched his Yankee counterpart, C.C. Sabathia, allowing only two runs over six innings. The Phils lead the entire game, relying on more strong defense, particularly an outfield assist from Jayson Werth to plate-blocking catcher Carlos Ruiz, and more strong middle relief (Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, Ryan Madson). Closer Brad Lidge was brought in to protect a 3-2 lead in the ninth, and two seeing-eye singles later, the game was headed to extra innings. However, the non-Lidgeian components of the bullpen continued to excel, as Clay Condrey pitched two scoreless innings. Condrey got the Hamels-deserved win, when Ruiz (3-4, hitting .302, take that Rob Neyer!) hit an eleventh-inning double. The win completed a very successful 8-2 road trip for the Phillies.
The Phillies combined strong starts from Brett Myers, J.A. Happ, and Cole Hamels, with strong defense, and plenty of hitting, this weekend. Out of the seven-man bullpen, four relievers (Durbin, Eyre, Madson, and Condrey) performed well, and two (Chan Ho Park and Jack Taschner) were (perhaps, wisely) not permitted to perform at all. This made the struggles of closer Brad Lidge all the more glaring. (The fact that Lidge is being used in the highest leverage role doesn't help with that glare factor, either.)
Lidge blew his third and fourth saves on the season this weekend, which is four more than he blew last season. His ERA is at 9.15, with a FIP of 6.96. He has been a bit unlucky, with a BABIP of .400 (career: .326). Lidge's troubles have lead to the consideration of many different options. Lidge could be DL'd, he could be moved to a lower-leverage role, he could be asked to accept a minor league assignment (this seems least likely), or he could be kept in the closer's role.
On Sunday, his blown save was a result of two ground balls that snuck into the outfield. A little luck and those balls would have found the gloves of infielders. Lidge looked a lot better than he did on the previous day. The Phillies are a better team with (an effective) Lidge closing, which allows Madson and J.C. Romero to be used in setup roles. I'd keep Lidge in the closer's role, for now, and give him a little more time to recover his form. But, on June 3rd, when Romero is eligible to return, a roster move will need to be made. Taschner could be DFA'd, or John Mayberry could be sent to AAA, in order to free up that spot. However, Romero might take Lidge's roster spot, instead, with Lidge spending some time on the DL. The Phils can't afford to keep putting Lidge in position to blow saves.
The other major personnel decision facing the Phillies is whether to keep John Mayberry, Jr. with the parent club, or to send him back to AAA Lehigh Valley. On numerous occasions this season, the Phillies' lack of a satisfactory right-handed bench bat has been exploited. Too many PH at bats have featured the stylings of .118 hitter Eric Bruntlett, or Miguel Cairo, who aspires to be a .118 hitter. The need is glaring, but is Mayberry the appropriate choice for the role?
Mayberry needs to get regular at bats, so he can continue his development. If Mayberry got regular at bats with the Phillies, which may be possible if he is used to give Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth (Werth covers CF for Victorino's off-days) days off, the at bats would come at the expense of bench players Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs. Dobbs has been used sparingly this season, and it has adversely affected his performance. In interleague play, with a lineup of nine non-pitchers, Mayberry might be the best choice for the roster. But, against National League opponents, particularly given the struggles of starting pitchers Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton, it might be better to have an extra arm (Sergio Escalona?). Later in the season (August?), Mayberry might be a better option, than an extra bullpen arm, or another possibility may become available on the trade market (Mark DeRosa?). Until then, it would be good if Manuel considered using backup catcher Chris Coste to pinch-hit more frequently. (Or slugging "pitcher" Chan Ho Park?)
The Phillies return home to face the Marlins on Monday night. Jamie Moyer gets the start for the Phils, as he continues to pursue his two-hundred and fiftieth career win, against the one team he still seems to pitch well against. Florida counters with Chris Volstad. The starting pitcher matchup certainly favors the Marlins, but you can't count out the ability of the Phillies' offense and bullpen to overcome poor starting pitching.
Postgame Texts
(54) Sorry, I cost you the win, Cole.
(35) No worries, I'll still get my 300.
(40) 0-5 today pop. :(
(28) Did you ask Cervelli if he would sign my WBC Italy jersey?
The Phillies combined strong starts from Brett Myers, J.A. Happ, and Cole Hamels, with strong defense, and plenty of hitting, this weekend. Out of the seven-man bullpen, four relievers (Durbin, Eyre, Madson, and Condrey) performed well, and two (Chan Ho Park and Jack Taschner) were (perhaps, wisely) not permitted to perform at all. This made the struggles of closer Brad Lidge all the more glaring. (The fact that Lidge is being used in the highest leverage role doesn't help with that glare factor, either.)
Lidge blew his third and fourth saves on the season this weekend, which is four more than he blew last season. His ERA is at 9.15, with a FIP of 6.96. He has been a bit unlucky, with a BABIP of .400 (career: .326). Lidge's troubles have lead to the consideration of many different options. Lidge could be DL'd, he could be moved to a lower-leverage role, he could be asked to accept a minor league assignment (this seems least likely), or he could be kept in the closer's role.
On Sunday, his blown save was a result of two ground balls that snuck into the outfield. A little luck and those balls would have found the gloves of infielders. Lidge looked a lot better than he did on the previous day. The Phillies are a better team with (an effective) Lidge closing, which allows Madson and J.C. Romero to be used in setup roles. I'd keep Lidge in the closer's role, for now, and give him a little more time to recover his form. But, on June 3rd, when Romero is eligible to return, a roster move will need to be made. Taschner could be DFA'd, or John Mayberry could be sent to AAA, in order to free up that spot. However, Romero might take Lidge's roster spot, instead, with Lidge spending some time on the DL. The Phils can't afford to keep putting Lidge in position to blow saves.
The other major personnel decision facing the Phillies is whether to keep John Mayberry, Jr. with the parent club, or to send him back to AAA Lehigh Valley. On numerous occasions this season, the Phillies' lack of a satisfactory right-handed bench bat has been exploited. Too many PH at bats have featured the stylings of .118 hitter Eric Bruntlett, or Miguel Cairo, who aspires to be a .118 hitter. The need is glaring, but is Mayberry the appropriate choice for the role?
Mayberry needs to get regular at bats, so he can continue his development. If Mayberry got regular at bats with the Phillies, which may be possible if he is used to give Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth (Werth covers CF for Victorino's off-days) days off, the at bats would come at the expense of bench players Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs. Dobbs has been used sparingly this season, and it has adversely affected his performance. In interleague play, with a lineup of nine non-pitchers, Mayberry might be the best choice for the roster. But, against National League opponents, particularly given the struggles of starting pitchers Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton, it might be better to have an extra arm (Sergio Escalona?). Later in the season (August?), Mayberry might be a better option, than an extra bullpen arm, or another possibility may become available on the trade market (Mark DeRosa?). Until then, it would be good if Manuel considered using backup catcher Chris Coste to pinch-hit more frequently. (Or slugging "pitcher" Chan Ho Park?)
The Phillies return home to face the Marlins on Monday night. Jamie Moyer gets the start for the Phils, as he continues to pursue his two-hundred and fiftieth career win, against the one team he still seems to pitch well against. Florida counters with Chris Volstad. The starting pitcher matchup certainly favors the Marlins, but you can't count out the ability of the Phillies' offense and bullpen to overcome poor starting pitching.
Postgame Texts
(54) Sorry, I cost you the win, Cole.
(35) No worries, I'll still get my 300.
(40) 0-5 today pop. :(
(28) Did you ask Cervelli if he would sign my WBC Italy jersey?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Cole's Journal
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Big win over the Nationals today- we swept the series! Escalona got the win- his first! Me and Shane sent the rook a bunch of congratulatory texts after the game, but the kid was too hyper to even check them. I told Charlie I could pitch the eighth and ninth, so I could protect the win for Escalona, but he used Scott and Brad, instead. I guess he didn't want to use me on two days rest. He could have at least let me pinch-hit, though. If he uses me, instead of Matt, he doesn't need to switch me out for Eric when they change pitchers. Saves two players for us. Whatevs. We won, that's all that matters.
Chad wants me to go see Star Trek with him on Monday, since there is no game. I told him that I wasn't a dork like him! (Hope he doesn't find out about my journal, only Heidi knows about it!)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Went to see Star Trek with Chad. Serg came with us. That rookie doesn't stop chirping! It was a good flick, but I would have done some things differently. I really like the BK commercials for it, with the Klingons? The dude's dog is named Tiberius, which is Captain Kirk's middle name! That was a good touch.
Going to sleep early, pitching against the Reds tomorrow. I love hitting in the Reds' ballpark, think I'm going to go deep.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The best part about days I start is that I get to pick the music before the game. We were rocking out to the new Green Day today, Jamie was really getting into it!
We won, and I went 1 for 2, with a run scored. Charlie used Dobbsy to pinch-hit for me, but that was OK. I got the win, and 7 more K's. I only threw 117 pitches, so I can come out of the pen if they need me tomorrow.
Rauuul didn't get a hit today, but he's still hitting .350. Love that guy, totally don't mind that he is probably a Romulan. I kind of miss Pat (and Elvis!) though. But we'll see them again in October!
Wednesday, May 20
I'm worried about the economy. I told Barack some of my ideas last Friday, but he seems somewhat reticent to implement them. Good thing my change-up is recession-proof! Scott is also helping me with my investments, so that's cool.
We lost today, but Jamie did well. He mixed things up by blasting some reggae before the game, and it might have helped. I was ready to pinch-hit in the eighth, but Charlie used Eric. I told Dubes I was available in relief. But he said if he used me, some dude named Price would be named the new pitching coach before I finished the inning. I doubt that because I finish innings pretty quick.
Thursday, May 21
Early game today. Easy win. But Kentucky needs to switch up from that country music, like Jamie did. I was ready to play some left field for the last few innings, to give Raul a break, but Charlie wouldn't let me. I wish they would let me help in every game, instead of in every fifth game.
Me and Shane were talking after the game, and decided we could put at least 100 snails on Matt. Maybe even 150!
Yankee Stadium this weekend. Can't wait! I'm going to hit me some bombs in that bandbox! Charlie might let me DH on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, I get to pitch. I think Charlie might start Eric and rest J-Roll on Sunday. I'm hopin' Charlie will let me get my swings, and DH for Eric. Eric is a cool dude, and did an awesome job helping me do my taxes, but he can't swing the bat like I can!
Big win over the Nationals today- we swept the series! Escalona got the win- his first! Me and Shane sent the rook a bunch of congratulatory texts after the game, but the kid was too hyper to even check them. I told Charlie I could pitch the eighth and ninth, so I could protect the win for Escalona, but he used Scott and Brad, instead. I guess he didn't want to use me on two days rest. He could have at least let me pinch-hit, though. If he uses me, instead of Matt, he doesn't need to switch me out for Eric when they change pitchers. Saves two players for us. Whatevs. We won, that's all that matters.
Chad wants me to go see Star Trek with him on Monday, since there is no game. I told him that I wasn't a dork like him! (Hope he doesn't find out about my journal, only Heidi knows about it!)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Went to see Star Trek with Chad. Serg came with us. That rookie doesn't stop chirping! It was a good flick, but I would have done some things differently. I really like the BK commercials for it, with the Klingons? The dude's dog is named Tiberius, which is Captain Kirk's middle name! That was a good touch.
Going to sleep early, pitching against the Reds tomorrow. I love hitting in the Reds' ballpark, think I'm going to go deep.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The best part about days I start is that I get to pick the music before the game. We were rocking out to the new Green Day today, Jamie was really getting into it!
We won, and I went 1 for 2, with a run scored. Charlie used Dobbsy to pinch-hit for me, but that was OK. I got the win, and 7 more K's. I only threw 117 pitches, so I can come out of the pen if they need me tomorrow.
Rauuul didn't get a hit today, but he's still hitting .350. Love that guy, totally don't mind that he is probably a Romulan. I kind of miss Pat (and Elvis!) though. But we'll see them again in October!
Wednesday, May 20
I'm worried about the economy. I told Barack some of my ideas last Friday, but he seems somewhat reticent to implement them. Good thing my change-up is recession-proof! Scott is also helping me with my investments, so that's cool.
We lost today, but Jamie did well. He mixed things up by blasting some reggae before the game, and it might have helped. I was ready to pinch-hit in the eighth, but Charlie used Eric. I told Dubes I was available in relief. But he said if he used me, some dude named Price would be named the new pitching coach before I finished the inning. I doubt that because I finish innings pretty quick.
Thursday, May 21
Early game today. Easy win. But Kentucky needs to switch up from that country music, like Jamie did. I was ready to play some left field for the last few innings, to give Raul a break, but Charlie wouldn't let me. I wish they would let me help in every game, instead of in every fifth game.
Me and Shane were talking after the game, and decided we could put at least 100 snails on Matt. Maybe even 150!
Yankee Stadium this weekend. Can't wait! I'm going to hit me some bombs in that bandbox! Charlie might let me DH on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, I get to pitch. I think Charlie might start Eric and rest J-Roll on Sunday. I'm hopin' Charlie will let me get my swings, and DH for Eric. Eric is a cool dude, and did an awesome job helping me do my taxes, but he can't swing the bat like I can!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Phils Beat Reds for Fifth Win in a Row
Warning: If you are bringing your dog to the ballpark, and the Phillies are playing, you (and your hound(s)) can expect to see a Philadelphia victory. The Phils remained undefeated in Bark In The Park matchups (2-0) in 2009, winning their fifth in a row, 4-3 over the Reds. Five hundred and seventy-five dogs observed Tuesday night's carnage, nine-hundred sixty-five fewer canines than attended the Marlins' BITP on April 24th. Obviously, the Phillies have been bred for success in BITP games, having played under those circumstances frequently, as they progressed through the minor league system. The Phillies' dominance in BITP games begs the question, "Why doesn't CBP have BITP every game?"
The Phillies bunched four of their seven hits in the fifth inning, with a single by pitcher Cole Hamels keying a three-run outburst. In the second inning, Ryan Howard blasted a solo homer off the Reds' ace starter Johnny Cueto (1.93 ERA before the game, 2.35 after) for the other Phillies run. Hamels pitched well, but needed one-hundred and seventeen pitches to survive six innings. A pair of solo homers sullied his line, a "Myers-style" six-inning/three-run "quality" start. Hamels only permitted five hits and two walks, striking out seven. But he needs to use fewer pitches, and get deeper into games. The bullpen needs to be lightly-worked during Hamels' starts, as it is heavily worked when his rotation-mates take the ball.
The Phils' bullpen followed Hamels with three scoreless innings, as Clay Condrey and Ryan Madson bridged the game to closer Brad Lidge. Clay Condrey has done a superb job this season, in helping cover for the absence of J.C. Romero. Ryan Madson has done a superb job in continuing to be Ryan Madson. Brad Lidge pitched a stressful ninth, putting the tying run on second, and the winning run on first, with only one out, before escaping. Lidge threw twenty-four pitches, and seemed to be in significant danger at all times. It was his third consecutive converted save, and he reduced his ERA to 7.85, but it was a ruff outing.
The Phillies play the Reds again Wednesday night, but no dogs allowed for this one. Jamie Moyer gets the start for the Phillies, with reliever Chan Ho Park ready to back him up out of the pen.
So, pitching obviously won't be an issue for the Phils. Aaron Harang starts for Cincinnati. I'll be monitoring reliever Chad Durbin's Twitter feed until game time. I suggest that you do the same. (I wonder if Chad liked the new Star Trek movie...)
The Phillies bunched four of their seven hits in the fifth inning, with a single by pitcher Cole Hamels keying a three-run outburst. In the second inning, Ryan Howard blasted a solo homer off the Reds' ace starter Johnny Cueto (1.93 ERA before the game, 2.35 after) for the other Phillies run. Hamels pitched well, but needed one-hundred and seventeen pitches to survive six innings. A pair of solo homers sullied his line, a "Myers-style" six-inning/three-run "quality" start. Hamels only permitted five hits and two walks, striking out seven. But he needs to use fewer pitches, and get deeper into games. The bullpen needs to be lightly-worked during Hamels' starts, as it is heavily worked when his rotation-mates take the ball.
The Phils' bullpen followed Hamels with three scoreless innings, as Clay Condrey and Ryan Madson bridged the game to closer Brad Lidge. Clay Condrey has done a superb job this season, in helping cover for the absence of J.C. Romero. Ryan Madson has done a superb job in continuing to be Ryan Madson. Brad Lidge pitched a stressful ninth, putting the tying run on second, and the winning run on first, with only one out, before escaping. Lidge threw twenty-four pitches, and seemed to be in significant danger at all times. It was his third consecutive converted save, and he reduced his ERA to 7.85, but it was a ruff outing.
The Phillies play the Reds again Wednesday night, but no dogs allowed for this one. Jamie Moyer gets the start for the Phillies, with reliever Chan Ho Park ready to back him up out of the pen.
So, pitching obviously won't be an issue for the Phils. Aaron Harang starts for Cincinnati. I'll be monitoring reliever Chad Durbin's Twitter feed until game time. I suggest that you do the same. (I wonder if Chad liked the new Star Trek movie...)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Phils' Bats Cost Hamels In Loss
It didn't look good for the Phillies. They trailed 3-1, with two outs in the ninth inning, of their Thursday afternoon battle with the Dodgers. With Raul Ibanez on second, and Greg Dobbs on first, Carlos Ruiz stood at the plate. Entering that at bat, Ruiz had accumulated a grand total of zero (0) RBIs in 2009. The weight of a 9.3 WE% hung on his weary shoulders, shoulders fatigued from nine innings behind the plate. Dodgers' closer Jonathan Broxton, who had allowed but a single run in the young season, threw his powerful right arm forward, in a motion not unlike a bear thrusting his arm at his unsuspecting, underwater prey. Ruiz' bat connected with the blurry white object, sending a game-tying double into right field. With the WE grown in an instant to a healthy 60.9%, pinch-hitter Eric Bruntlett ... struck out swinging. Phils' reliever Chad Durbin allowed two runs in the top of the tenth, and the Phillies fell to Los Angeles, 5-3.
The Phillies had the game-winning run on second, in the bottom of the ninth, and their best pinch-hitting option was .130-hitting Eric Bruntlett. Eric Bruntlett could be a successful hitter, if a few "tweaks" were made to the Rules of Baseball. An underground pitcher's mound, and extending fair territory to the Ballpark Proper, might be sufficient. (Note: In order for Miguel Cairo to be a successful hitter, "tweaks" to the Science of Mathematics would be required.) While the slumping Phillies' bats could have avoided this ninth-inning situation, with a better performance in the first eight innings, poor roster construction has to shoulder a considerable portion of the blame. The Phils' offense won't be slumping forever, and could very well spring to life this weekend against the woeful Washington Nationals. But the Phillies' weak bench will continue to cost them ballgames, until some personnel adjustments are made.
Ace starter Cole Hamels did everything that could have been asked of him. Seven innings of seven-hit, one-run ball. He struck out nine, and only walked one, in throwing seventy-three of one hundred and ten pitches for strikes. His WPA for the game was an impressive .115. His balky ankle did not seem to be a concern in his best outing of the season.
The Phillies start a four-games series in Washington tonight, as Joe Blanton opposes the Nats' John Lannan. The Phils have fallen to two games out of first place, and need to fatten up their win column at the expense of the cellar-dwelling Nationals. But, first, the Phillies will celebrate their 2008 Championship (WFC!) at The White House. Barack Obama is expected to be there, but it is unclear whether Kumar will be in attendance. Hopefully, the visit to The White House will be Miguel Cairo's last appearance as a Phillie. On Thursday night, AAA pitcher/40-Man Roster Member Drew Carpenter was pulled from his start, for no disclosed reason. Roster moves may be coming, and adding Carpenter to the bullpen, in advance of reliever J.A. Happ's Saturday start, at the expense of the rarely-used Cairo, is a very viable possibility. (Or perhaps Carpenter will be part of a trade for Arizona starter Doug Davis? Maybe struggling veteran starter Jamie Moyer will retire on top, in an announcement during the WFC celebration? The possibilities are as limitless as Cairo's limits.)
The Phillies had the game-winning run on second, in the bottom of the ninth, and their best pinch-hitting option was .130-hitting Eric Bruntlett. Eric Bruntlett could be a successful hitter, if a few "tweaks" were made to the Rules of Baseball. An underground pitcher's mound, and extending fair territory to the Ballpark Proper, might be sufficient. (Note: In order for Miguel Cairo to be a successful hitter, "tweaks" to the Science of Mathematics would be required.) While the slumping Phillies' bats could have avoided this ninth-inning situation, with a better performance in the first eight innings, poor roster construction has to shoulder a considerable portion of the blame. The Phils' offense won't be slumping forever, and could very well spring to life this weekend against the woeful Washington Nationals. But the Phillies' weak bench will continue to cost them ballgames, until some personnel adjustments are made.
Ace starter Cole Hamels did everything that could have been asked of him. Seven innings of seven-hit, one-run ball. He struck out nine, and only walked one, in throwing seventy-three of one hundred and ten pitches for strikes. His WPA for the game was an impressive .115. His balky ankle did not seem to be a concern in his best outing of the season.
The Phillies start a four-games series in Washington tonight, as Joe Blanton opposes the Nats' John Lannan. The Phils have fallen to two games out of first place, and need to fatten up their win column at the expense of the cellar-dwelling Nationals. But, first, the Phillies will celebrate their 2008 Championship (WFC!) at The White House. Barack Obama is expected to be there, but it is unclear whether Kumar will be in attendance. Hopefully, the visit to The White House will be Miguel Cairo's last appearance as a Phillie. On Thursday night, AAA pitcher/40-Man Roster Member Drew Carpenter was pulled from his start, for no disclosed reason. Roster moves may be coming, and adding Carpenter to the bullpen, in advance of reliever J.A. Happ's Saturday start, at the expense of the rarely-used Cairo, is a very viable possibility. (Or perhaps Carpenter will be part of a trade for Arizona starter Doug Davis? Maybe struggling veteran starter Jamie Moyer will retire on top, in an announcement during the WFC celebration? The possibilities are as limitless as Cairo's limits.)
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