Cliff Lee's first CBP start as a Phillie was a successful one, as he permitted only a single run in seven innings, on Thursday afternoon. Lee has allowed four runners to advance past first base, in his two starts, but only a pair have successfully completed the full circuit. Jimmy Rollins was batting .205 on July 1st, but with his 3 for 4 effort, his average had climbed to a relatively lofty .245. Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge pitched the final two innings, shutting down the Rockies, as they had so many teams in 2008. There was another hero, however, who deserves a considerable amount of credit for the Phils' 3-1 win.
When the Phillies signed journeyman catcher Paul Bako in mid-March, any Phillies' fans who had an awareness of his immemorable career, hoped Bako would never actually wear the Phils' stylish alternate game jersey. Perhaps he would play in the minors for awhile, before starting a career as a coach. He would give the Phillies another alternative in their system, should Lakewood coach Tim Gradoville need to be activated as a player, leaving the low-A squad short a coach. As for AA, AAA, and MLB, the Phillies had superior, replacement-level (or better), backstop options. Only under the unlikeliest circumstances, would Bako's presence have any more than a minimal impact on the organization.
Bako was, inexplicably, recalled in mid-June. It was surmised that he would serve as the third catcher, freeing up backup catcher Chris Coste to serve as a much-needed, non-Bruntlett, right-handed pinch-hitter. Coste would cover starter Carlos Ruiz' days off, and Bako could just borrow a bat from a pitcher, in the unlikely event that the weak-hitting veteran ever needed to make a plate appearance. Not the most efficacious use of a roster spot, but certainly preferable to having Eric Bruntlett and his .400 OPS, as the first the first man off the bench.
In mid-July, the Phillies needed a roster spot, with All-Star outfielder Raul Ibanez returning from the DL. The obvious, necessary solution was to remove one of the two backup catchers. Considering Coste's ability to also play 1B, as well as his far superior OPS, the Phillies made the obvious choice and... designated Coste for assignment. Bako's, alleged, defensive prowess was lauded as one of the reasons behind the decision. Whether ANY catcher is strong enough defensively, to overcome such a chasm of offensive inferiority, seems unlikely. If such a backstop exists, he's certainly not named Gabor Paul Bako.
After consistently providing with the Phillies with a black hole at the bottom of the lineup, Bako performed like a MLB catcher on Thursday. He helped Cliff Lee determine the approach that was used to control the Colorado offense. Offensively, Bako started the bottom of the third inning with a single. Then, leading off the fifth inning, the catcher shocked the world, depositing an 85 MPH changeup over the wall in center. It was Bako's first home run, in two-hundred and twenty-three at bats. Without Bako's contributions on Thursday, the game could have had a very different result.
With the trading deadline passed, no catching upgrades seemingly available, and fellow journeyman Paul Hoover starting for AAA Lehigh Valley, it looks like Bako will be joining the Phillies for the length of their postseason run. The best we can hope for is a few more games like Thursday's. And that Bako's Phillies' career won't be long enough to include another two-hundred and twenty-three at bats.
Showing posts with label Gabor Paul Bako II. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gabor Paul Bako II. Show all posts
Friday, August 7, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Stranded in San Fran
The Phillies left eight more runners on base, in Saturday's 2-0 loss in San Francisco. Phillies' starter Joe Blanton was excellent, permitting two runs, on seven hits, in seven strong innings. He continued trekking towards a sub-4.00 ERA, leaving the proceedings on Saturday, with a 4.02 ERA. (After four starts, Blanton's ERA was at 8.41. Some more favorable BABIP and HR/9'ing, allowed Blanton to post a 1.21 July ERA.) Typically, Blanton's effort on Saturday night would have been sufficient to secure a win. However, Giants' ace Tim Lincecum was in top form, silencing the Phillies' bats.
The Phillies have been rather hideous with runners in scoring position on this road trip. They have been fortunate that some strong pitching has enabled them to split the first six games of the road trip. Batting .103 with runners in scoring position, makes scoring a bit difficult. Should Phillies fans be concerned about that ugly stat? Probably, not. There are some small sample size BABIP issues at play here.
There may also be some fatigue issues impacting the bats. The Phillies played twenty-seven games in July (20-7!). They had one game postponed, so they had to report to ballpark twenty-eight times, in thirty-one days. The sizeable Phillies' All-Star contingent had to report to the ballpark thirty times in July. With all of the games, and all of the the traveling, combined with the daily drain of having to overcompensate for the rostering of "ballplayers" named Bako/Bruntlett/Mayberry/Walker/Register, it isn't surprising that the bats would be a bit on the tired side. The August schedule includes four days off, all Mondays, so the Phils should be able to replenish their strength for the stretch run. There's nothing to worry about, especially with Cliff Lee and Disco Ben Francisco now on the ballclub.
Well, maybe there is a little more than nothing to worry about. Starting catcher Carlos Ruiz hasn't played since Thursday, when he was behind the plate for Tyler Walker's attempt at (four strikeouts in one inning) making history. Ruiz followed up his .174 June average, with a .172 average in July. Is Ruiz troubled by a nagging injury? A DL stint would by Ruiz, would create a Phillies' catching combination of Paul Bako, backed up by Paul Hoover. THAT is the stuff of nightmares.
Also troubling is a potential playoff matchup against the pitching-rich San Francisco Giants. Lincecum, Matt Cain, and a rejuvenated Barry Zito are an imposing trio. But it could be even worse than that. What if Saturday night's pitching masterpiece was authored by the Tim Lincecum CLONE? There have been few reported sightings of Lincecum Clone, since the end of the World Baseball Classic. What if the Clone shut down the Phillies on Saturday night, while the original Lincecum went to see the new Harry Potter movie (Again. For the 18th time.)? Even though the Phillies' offense is far superior to that of the Giants, it would be tough to beat four Lincecums, in a five-game series (or six, in a seven-game series). As advanced as the Phillies' organization is in the area of cloning technology, their clones are all pitching at lower levels, and won't factor in to the 2009 postseason.
Hamels faces the Giants on Sunday, as the Phils try to escape the West Coast with a 4-3 road trip. The aforementioned rejuvenated Barry Zito will be on the slab for the Giants. Look for Hamels to try to out-ace new acquisition Cliff Lee.
The Phillies have been rather hideous with runners in scoring position on this road trip. They have been fortunate that some strong pitching has enabled them to split the first six games of the road trip. Batting .103 with runners in scoring position, makes scoring a bit difficult. Should Phillies fans be concerned about that ugly stat? Probably, not. There are some small sample size BABIP issues at play here.
There may also be some fatigue issues impacting the bats. The Phillies played twenty-seven games in July (20-7!). They had one game postponed, so they had to report to ballpark twenty-eight times, in thirty-one days. The sizeable Phillies' All-Star contingent had to report to the ballpark thirty times in July. With all of the games, and all of the the traveling, combined with the daily drain of having to overcompensate for the rostering of "ballplayers" named Bako/Bruntlett/Mayberry/Walker/Register, it isn't surprising that the bats would be a bit on the tired side. The August schedule includes four days off, all Mondays, so the Phils should be able to replenish their strength for the stretch run. There's nothing to worry about, especially with Cliff Lee and Disco Ben Francisco now on the ballclub.
Well, maybe there is a little more than nothing to worry about. Starting catcher Carlos Ruiz hasn't played since Thursday, when he was behind the plate for Tyler Walker's attempt at (four strikeouts in one inning) making history. Ruiz followed up his .174 June average, with a .172 average in July. Is Ruiz troubled by a nagging injury? A DL stint would by Ruiz, would create a Phillies' catching combination of Paul Bako, backed up by Paul Hoover. THAT is the stuff of nightmares.
Also troubling is a potential playoff matchup against the pitching-rich San Francisco Giants. Lincecum, Matt Cain, and a rejuvenated Barry Zito are an imposing trio. But it could be even worse than that. What if Saturday night's pitching masterpiece was authored by the Tim Lincecum CLONE? There have been few reported sightings of Lincecum Clone, since the end of the World Baseball Classic. What if the Clone shut down the Phillies on Saturday night, while the original Lincecum went to see the new Harry Potter movie (Again. For the 18th time.)? Even though the Phillies' offense is far superior to that of the Giants, it would be tough to beat four Lincecums, in a five-game series (or six, in a seven-game series). As advanced as the Phillies' organization is in the area of cloning technology, their clones are all pitching at lower levels, and won't factor in to the 2009 postseason.
Hamels faces the Giants on Sunday, as the Phils try to escape the West Coast with a 4-3 road trip. The aforementioned rejuvenated Barry Zito will be on the slab for the Giants. Look for Hamels to try to out-ace new acquisition Cliff Lee.
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.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Blanton Beats Bucs Behind Best Bats (Beastly Backstop Bako Blunders)
When the Phillies traded pitching prospects Josh Outman and Gio Gonzalez for Joe Blanton, I wasn't too impressed. A mediocre, non-innings eater coming from a pitcher-friendly ballpark? No, thanks. When Blanton went 4-0 for the Phils down the stretch, I lamented that he averaged less than six innings a start, and sported a 1.37 WHIP. When he pitched well in the playoffs, and belted a memorable homer, the trade started to look a bit better.
Then Blanton started 2009, by posting an ERA of 8.41 in April. The trade looked horrible again, and only worse performances from Chan Ho Park and Jamie Moyer kept Blanton in the rotation. But J.A. Happ, Carlos Carrasco, and Andrew Carpenter were all waiting to snag rotation spots from the struggling veterans ahead of them.
On May 26th, Blanton turned his season around, with seven scoreless innings against Florida. Since May 26th, Blanton has made nine starts, only two of which were poor/fewer than six innings. He has pitched at least seven innings in six of those starts, including Friday night's 3-2 win over the Pirates. Blanton pitched seven and one-third innings, permitting only a single run, on four hits (one walk, six strikeouts). Blanton posted a 3.62 ERA in June, and has a stunning .61 ERA in July. That Joe Blanton trade was, truly, a masterful move. One of the best trades in franchise history, without a doubt. (Better than Rick Wise for Steve Carlton, you ask? Well, no. At least not yet...)
The Phillies' offense only contributed five hits on Friday, all from All-Stars (Shane Victorino had three hits, Jayson Werth and Chase Utley each had one). But they scraped together three third-inning markers, which proved sufficient. J.C. Romero relieved Blanton in the eighth, and retired all three batters he faced. Typically, Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel will bring closer Brad Lidge at the beginning of the ninth. However, on Friday, he kept the southpaw Romero in the game to retire the left-handed LaRoche (Adam). Lidge was called in to retire the right-handed LaRoche (Andy). Manuel's bullpen machinations worked out very well on Friday. Well, at least until Lidge surrendered a two-out solo home run. After permitting a single to the following batter, Lidge secured the save, with a game-ending strikeout. Manuel has displayed some very promising thought processes this week, with the exception of his continued use of Eric Bruntlett and Paul Bako to appear in baseball games.
The Phillies play the Pirates again Saturday, with ace Cole Hamels picking up his eighth win. Raul Ibanez will homer, in his return to the lineup, and Ryan Madson will pick up the save. (Brad Lidge, having pitched in consecutive days, will have the day off.) Paul Bako will also extend his hitless streak to three games. But you should still tune in, just to see what kind of shenanigans Sarge and Muffin get into.
Then Blanton started 2009, by posting an ERA of 8.41 in April. The trade looked horrible again, and only worse performances from Chan Ho Park and Jamie Moyer kept Blanton in the rotation. But J.A. Happ, Carlos Carrasco, and Andrew Carpenter were all waiting to snag rotation spots from the struggling veterans ahead of them.
On May 26th, Blanton turned his season around, with seven scoreless innings against Florida. Since May 26th, Blanton has made nine starts, only two of which were poor/fewer than six innings. He has pitched at least seven innings in six of those starts, including Friday night's 3-2 win over the Pirates. Blanton pitched seven and one-third innings, permitting only a single run, on four hits (one walk, six strikeouts). Blanton posted a 3.62 ERA in June, and has a stunning .61 ERA in July. That Joe Blanton trade was, truly, a masterful move. One of the best trades in franchise history, without a doubt. (Better than Rick Wise for Steve Carlton, you ask? Well, no. At least not yet...)
The Phillies' offense only contributed five hits on Friday, all from All-Stars (Shane Victorino had three hits, Jayson Werth and Chase Utley each had one). But they scraped together three third-inning markers, which proved sufficient. J.C. Romero relieved Blanton in the eighth, and retired all three batters he faced. Typically, Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel will bring closer Brad Lidge at the beginning of the ninth. However, on Friday, he kept the southpaw Romero in the game to retire the left-handed LaRoche (Adam). Lidge was called in to retire the right-handed LaRoche (Andy). Manuel's bullpen machinations worked out very well on Friday. Well, at least until Lidge surrendered a two-out solo home run. After permitting a single to the following batter, Lidge secured the save, with a game-ending strikeout. Manuel has displayed some very promising thought processes this week, with the exception of his continued use of Eric Bruntlett and Paul Bako to appear in baseball games.
The Phillies play the Pirates again Saturday, with ace Cole Hamels picking up his eighth win. Raul Ibanez will homer, in his return to the lineup, and Ryan Madson will pick up the save. (Brad Lidge, having pitched in consecutive days, will have the day off.) Paul Bako will also extend his hitless streak to three games. But you should still tune in, just to see what kind of shenanigans Sarge and Muffin get into.
Jayson Werth Joins All-Star Team, Chris Coste Joins Astros Team
Jayson Werth was added to the All-Star game, as an injury replacement. Werth's addition means all three Phillies' starting outfielders are on the All-Star team. Werth was a worthy candidate, and his ability to play center field was likely needed on the roster. Watching Ryan Braun play center would be enjoyable, but this game COUNTS, so Manager Charlie Manuel needs some positional flexibility. (If the National League wins, the Phillies get the extra home game in the World Series. This means that Roy Halladay would face Justin Verlander at Citizens Bank Park, rather than Comerica Park, in Game 7. Additionally, an NL win would give the Eagles and Flyers each an extra $5 million of salary cap room.)
Raul Ibanez was activated, and added to the Phillies' 25-Man Roster on Friday. Chris Coste was designated for assignment, and was claimed on outright waivers by the Houston Astros.
This move is a somewhat baffling, and rather perturbing. Starting catcher Carlos Ruiz was not available on Friday, due to injury, leaving the Phillies with one available catcher. Ibanez did not play, as the Pirates had a southpaw on the mound. Why not keep Ibanez on the DL until Ruiz was ready, or at least until Saturday, when Pittsburgh starts a northpaw?
John Mayberry, Jr. was kept on the Phils' roster as a right-handed pinch-hitter/the (fourth?) of five and one-eighth outfielders. (Note: Eric Bruntlett is the .125.) Mayberry is better defensively than the alternatives, and provides a feasible right-handed bench bat, but would he be better-served playing every day in AAA?
Did the Phillies ditch the wrong backup backstop? Quite possibly. Paul Bako is better defensively than Coste, but far inferior offensively. Bako (.457 OPS) is far inferior offensively to most poor-hitting pitchers. If Phillies' General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. had learned anything from my fervent use of violent hyperbolic language to describe Bako's ineptitude with the bat, the GM would have DFA'd Gabor.
Coste (.724 OPS) had, obviously, fallen out of favor with the Phillies, as Bako was taking his starts, and Eric Bruntlett (.416 OPS) was seen as a superior pinch-hitting option. Even if the Phillies place a higher premium on defense from their backup catcher, Coste's considerable superiority at the plate should have saved his roster spot.
Hopefully, Lou Marson will be promoted from Lehigh Valley (AAA), and make the majority of the starts, if Carlos Ruiz needs to go on the DL at any point. Actually, the Phillies should consider recalling Marson to replace Bako, regardless of Ruiz' status. Giving two or three starts a week to Bako doesn't seem like a very good idea.
Perhaps an even worse idea than giving Eric Bruntlett 150 at-bats a season.
Raul Ibanez was activated, and added to the Phillies' 25-Man Roster on Friday. Chris Coste was designated for assignment, and was claimed on outright waivers by the Houston Astros.
This move is a somewhat baffling, and rather perturbing. Starting catcher Carlos Ruiz was not available on Friday, due to injury, leaving the Phillies with one available catcher. Ibanez did not play, as the Pirates had a southpaw on the mound. Why not keep Ibanez on the DL until Ruiz was ready, or at least until Saturday, when Pittsburgh starts a northpaw?
John Mayberry, Jr. was kept on the Phils' roster as a right-handed pinch-hitter/the (fourth?) of five and one-eighth outfielders. (Note: Eric Bruntlett is the .125.) Mayberry is better defensively than the alternatives, and provides a feasible right-handed bench bat, but would he be better-served playing every day in AAA?
Did the Phillies ditch the wrong backup backstop? Quite possibly. Paul Bako is better defensively than Coste, but far inferior offensively. Bako (.457 OPS) is far inferior offensively to most poor-hitting pitchers. If Phillies' General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. had learned anything from my fervent use of violent hyperbolic language to describe Bako's ineptitude with the bat, the GM would have DFA'd Gabor.
Coste (.724 OPS) had, obviously, fallen out of favor with the Phillies, as Bako was taking his starts, and Eric Bruntlett (.416 OPS) was seen as a superior pinch-hitting option. Even if the Phillies place a higher premium on defense from their backup catcher, Coste's considerable superiority at the plate should have saved his roster spot.
Hopefully, Lou Marson will be promoted from Lehigh Valley (AAA), and make the majority of the starts, if Carlos Ruiz needs to go on the DL at any point. Actually, the Phillies should consider recalling Marson to replace Bako, regardless of Ruiz' status. Giving two or three starts a week to Bako doesn't seem like a very good idea.
Perhaps an even worse idea than giving Eric Bruntlett 150 at-bats a season.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Phils Continue Home Dominance, Beat Reds
The streaking Phillies won at home on Thursday night, as per usual, 9-6, over the Reds. It was yet another another victory of the comeback variety, as the Phillies trailed 3-0, and 4-2, early in the game. The Phillies' power bats, and power bullpen arms, are uniquely-suited for their home ballpark, as evidenced by the Phils' string of wins against the Mets and Reds. (It could be argued that winning six of seven at home, against the reeling Mets and Reds, is less meaningful than the 13-22 home record the Phillies once sported. That argument, however, would be wrong.)
Jamie Moyer picked up a good-luck win, after surrendering six runs (on eight hits and a walk), in five mediocre innings. Manager Charlie Manuel continued his streak (now at two games) of riding the hot-hand in the bullpen, rather than portioning off the late innings among his relief corps, by allowing Chan Ho Park to throw three innings. Park was outstanding in his scoreless effort, allowing only a single walk, while striking out four. (Park was awarded his sixth hold for his performance, but was deserving of much more than just an "H" in the boxscore. Such as, a cheesesteak.) Brad Lidge extended his scoreless inning streak to one, picking up his seventeenth save (and two strikeouts) in the ninth inning.
The Phillies bats mashed the Reds' arms for twelve hits, and eight walks. Non-All-Star Jayson Werth and All-Star Chase Utley each hit his 20th homer, with Utley's being his second MLB inside-the-park home run (both against the Reds, who believe fly balls are delegated to a single outfielder, rather than handled as a team effort). Utley, Werth, Jimmy Rollins, and Pedro Feliz each knocked a pair of hits. Charlie Manuel contributed to the nine-run outburst, by holding Eric Bruntlett out of the game, likely waiting for an opportunity to bat against a position player.
The big offensive hero of the night, however, was Paul Bako. Bako came on as a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning, and grounded into a double play. Except Bako used HIS CHEETAH-LIKE SPEED TO PREVENT THE DOUBLE PLAY! It was Bako's first RBI as a Phillie, and former Phils' backstop Darren Daulton teleported in, as the game was stopped for a presentation. Bako's quest for an RBI had been made difficult by repeated at-bats with poor, or no, contact, as well as good-to-mediocre MLB pitchers. But he proved that, if you get enough at-bats, with enough baserunners, you might actually cause one of those baserunners to score. Bako would, later, utilize his speed again, scoring from third on a wild pitch. Someone with Rollins' Speed likely would not have dared attempting to advance on that wild pitch, but for Bako, remaining at third was not even a consideration. If the rules didn't forbid running the bases backwards, Bako would have run back to second, and scored from there. Just so it would be more of a challenge.
Phillies play the Pirates this weekend. If Bako plays all three games, expect three more wins, and two more award presentations. At least.
Jamie Moyer picked up a good-luck win, after surrendering six runs (on eight hits and a walk), in five mediocre innings. Manager Charlie Manuel continued his streak (now at two games) of riding the hot-hand in the bullpen, rather than portioning off the late innings among his relief corps, by allowing Chan Ho Park to throw three innings. Park was outstanding in his scoreless effort, allowing only a single walk, while striking out four. (Park was awarded his sixth hold for his performance, but was deserving of much more than just an "H" in the boxscore. Such as, a cheesesteak.) Brad Lidge extended his scoreless inning streak to one, picking up his seventeenth save (and two strikeouts) in the ninth inning.
The Phillies bats mashed the Reds' arms for twelve hits, and eight walks. Non-All-Star Jayson Werth and All-Star Chase Utley each hit his 20th homer, with Utley's being his second MLB inside-the-park home run (both against the Reds, who believe fly balls are delegated to a single outfielder, rather than handled as a team effort). Utley, Werth, Jimmy Rollins, and Pedro Feliz each knocked a pair of hits. Charlie Manuel contributed to the nine-run outburst, by holding Eric Bruntlett out of the game, likely waiting for an opportunity to bat against a position player.
The big offensive hero of the night, however, was Paul Bako. Bako came on as a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning, and grounded into a double play. Except Bako used HIS CHEETAH-LIKE SPEED TO PREVENT THE DOUBLE PLAY! It was Bako's first RBI as a Phillie, and former Phils' backstop Darren Daulton teleported in, as the game was stopped for a presentation. Bako's quest for an RBI had been made difficult by repeated at-bats with poor, or no, contact, as well as good-to-mediocre MLB pitchers. But he proved that, if you get enough at-bats, with enough baserunners, you might actually cause one of those baserunners to score. Bako would, later, utilize his speed again, scoring from third on a wild pitch. Someone with Rollins' Speed likely would not have dared attempting to advance on that wild pitch, but for Bako, remaining at third was not even a consideration. If the rules didn't forbid running the bases backwards, Bako would have run back to second, and scored from there. Just so it would be more of a challenge.
Phillies play the Pirates this weekend. If Bako plays all three games, expect three more wins, and two more award presentations. At least.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Victorino Walks-Off (to All-Star Game?)
Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel was in a maze of twisty little passages, all alike. Wednesday night's game against the Reds was strangely familiar to Tuesday night's loss. Rodrigo Lopez (five innings, two earned runs) pitched well enough to win, but the Phillies had wasted too many opportunities (nine LOB). Jayson Werth just missed gunning a batter down at first base, the pre-Lidge bullpenners were strong (Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero, Ryan Madson combined for four scoreless frames), and the bench players should have remained rooted to the bench (pinch-hitters 0 for 4, 3 whiffs). Ryan Madson pitched a scoreless eighth, keeping the score tied, with Brad Lidge ready to enter in the top of the ninth. Manuel was in a maze of twisting little passages, all alike. Tuesday night's loss against the Reds was strangely familiar to Wednesday night's game.
Until Charlie Manuel chose a course of action that allowed him to escape the maze of little twisting passages, all alike. Instead of bringing Brad Lidge into the game in the ninth, with the score tied at 2, Ryan Madson stayed in to pitch a second inning. Manuel has been much-maligned for his bullpen usage, particularly his propensity to burn several relievers in a single inning, and his unwillingness to ride a "hot hand" for multiple innings. Manuel chose to ride the hot hand, instead of the textbook move of bringing in his closer in the top of the ninth, in a tie game at home. Madson held the Reds off the scoreboard in the top of the ninth, and the Phils were set for a walk-off victory. But not until the tenth inning, as Pedro Feliz, Paul Bako, and Eric Bruntlett were the scheduled batters in the bottom of the ninth.
Of course, Manuel's flexible decision-making had opened the possibilities for numerous different plotlines, including endings where Bako and/or Bruntlett contributed in a positive manner at the plate. Well, perhaps those unlikely possibilities hadn't been opened, as both of the relatively-useless role players were retired meekly. (Personally, I think I'd rather be eaten by a grue, than witness Bako's gruesome attempts to bunt again.) However, a Feliz single, Bako and Bruntlett only accounting for a single out apiece, and a Jimmy Rollins walk, put the winning run on second. With two outs, Final Vote Candidate Shane Victorino ambled out of the dugout, to further his All-Star aspirations. Four pitches later, Victorino lined a slider into center field, clinching a walkoff victory for the Phils, and ensuring the Flyin Hawaiian additional voting support. Not that he needs it...
The Phillies finish their four-game series with the Reds on Thursday night. Jamie Moyer faces Micah Owings. What will Charlie Manuel do next- summon Brad Lidge for a four-out save? Let Greg Dobbs face a southpaw, rather then pinch-hitting for Dobbs with .139 "hitter" Eric Bruntlett? That remains to be seen. But we do know this: Shane Victorino will be announced as an All-Star, prior to the Phillies' series-winning victory. No questions asked.
Until Charlie Manuel chose a course of action that allowed him to escape the maze of little twisting passages, all alike. Instead of bringing Brad Lidge into the game in the ninth, with the score tied at 2, Ryan Madson stayed in to pitch a second inning. Manuel has been much-maligned for his bullpen usage, particularly his propensity to burn several relievers in a single inning, and his unwillingness to ride a "hot hand" for multiple innings. Manuel chose to ride the hot hand, instead of the textbook move of bringing in his closer in the top of the ninth, in a tie game at home. Madson held the Reds off the scoreboard in the top of the ninth, and the Phils were set for a walk-off victory. But not until the tenth inning, as Pedro Feliz, Paul Bako, and Eric Bruntlett were the scheduled batters in the bottom of the ninth.
Of course, Manuel's flexible decision-making had opened the possibilities for numerous different plotlines, including endings where Bako and/or Bruntlett contributed in a positive manner at the plate. Well, perhaps those unlikely possibilities hadn't been opened, as both of the relatively-useless role players were retired meekly. (Personally, I think I'd rather be eaten by a grue, than witness Bako's gruesome attempts to bunt again.) However, a Feliz single, Bako and Bruntlett only accounting for a single out apiece, and a Jimmy Rollins walk, put the winning run on second. With two outs, Final Vote Candidate Shane Victorino ambled out of the dugout, to further his All-Star aspirations. Four pitches later, Victorino lined a slider into center field, clinching a walkoff victory for the Phils, and ensuring the Flyin Hawaiian additional voting support. Not that he needs it...
The Phillies finish their four-game series with the Reds on Thursday night. Jamie Moyer faces Micah Owings. What will Charlie Manuel do next- summon Brad Lidge for a four-out save? Let Greg Dobbs face a southpaw, rather then pinch-hitting for Dobbs with .139 "hitter" Eric Bruntlett? That remains to be seen. But we do know this: Shane Victorino will be announced as an All-Star, prior to the Phillies' series-winning victory. No questions asked.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Bunts and Balks (Taschner Independence Weekend Edition)
Jack Taschner was finally removed from the Phillies' roster, as he was DFA'd on Friday. Taschner was jettisoned to open a roster spot for starter Rodrigo Lopez. Taschner departs with a 5.20 ERA, 5.61 WHIP, and a .85 K/BB. It was likely Taschner's 835K guaranteed contract that kept him at the MLB level, as Manager Charlie Manuel had almost no confidence in the southpaw. Taschner was acquired in exchange for catcher Ronny Paulino, who had been acquired for catcher Jason Jaramillo. Either of those two backstops would have, likely, contributed more to the organization.
Taschner thanked the Phillies for doing him a solid, and designating him for assignment, rather than simply optioning him to Lehigh Valley (AAA). But the Phillies may be hopeful of at least getting off the hook for a portion of his salary, if another team picks him up for the MLB minimum. (It doesn't seem likely that another team will pick him up within ten days, and pay him his full MLB salary. It wouldn't be surprising if no team picks him up, and he joins the IronPigs.)
Paul Bako started behind the plate Saturday, for the third time in four games. This is rather puzzling. Is the slumping Carlos Ruiz injured? Chris Coste, also? Are they showcasing Bako for a trade, hoping that the increased time at the MLB level will help them acquire a mediocre A-ball reliever, rather than a terrible A-ball reliever, for the offensively-challenged receiver? Bako has done about as well as expected at the plate, with a .214 BA/.278 wOBA.
Scott Eyre returns to the Phillies on Sunday. Sergio Escalona was optioned to the IronPigs (again) to open a roster spot. Eyre's presence should push reliever Tyler Walker into Jack Taschner's ultra-low leverage role.
At least Escalona is making MLB money, and accumulating MLB service time, during his abbreviated appearances on the Phils' roster.
Raul Ibanez has returned to Philadelphia, as his minor league rehab has been postponed. The Phils hope Ibanez will be able to return to his rehab assignment this week. It's a bit disconcerting that he was sent to Reading for rehab, and then returned to Philly without any game action.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs lost their third game in a row on Saturday, blowing a 2-1 ninth-inning lead, in a 3-2 twelve-inning loss. On Friday, the FeHogs lost both games of their First Ever Day-Night Doubleheader. Starter Brian Mazone, on a low pitch count, pitched two innings in Friday's 12:35pm loss, 4-0, to the Syracuse SkyChiefs. In the second game, a 7-1 loss, Andrew Carpenter permitted seven runs (five earned), on ten hits (three walks/six strikeouts), in five and two-thirds innings.
In Saturday night's come-from-ahead loss, Gary Majewski blew a two-inning save opportunity, wasting Gustavo Chacin's strong start (seven and one-third innings, seven hits, one run, one walk/five strikeouts).
The FeHogs fell to four games under .500, after their historic ascent to the .500 mark, for the first time ever, ended last week.
The Reading Phillies (AA) won in eleven innings on Friday, 4-3 over the Altoona Curve. The R-Phils only needed nine inning on Saturday, defeating the Connecticut Defenders, 7-5. On Friday, Mike Stutes permitted three runs (seven hits, zero walks/five strikeouts) over six innings, and the bullpen (rehabbing Scott Eyre, Mike Zagurski, Alex Concepcion, and Jason Mackintosh) followed with five scoreless frames. In Saturday's win, Joe Savery was touched for five runs over seven innings (ten hits, two walks/four strikeouts), but still recorded his eleventh win.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Dunedin Blue Jays, 10-5 on Friday, and 8-1 on Saturday. Friday night's starter, Julian Sampson, was bombed for seven earned runs, in only three and two-thirds innings (seven hits, four walks/four strikeouts). Saturday's starter, Tyler Cloyd surrendered five runs (two earned) over five and two-thirds innings (eight hits, three walks/one strikeout). Cloyd obtained two outs on the ground, and fourteen through the air, not a very CBP-viable ratio.
Taschner thanked the Phillies for doing him a solid, and designating him for assignment, rather than simply optioning him to Lehigh Valley (AAA). But the Phillies may be hopeful of at least getting off the hook for a portion of his salary, if another team picks him up for the MLB minimum. (It doesn't seem likely that another team will pick him up within ten days, and pay him his full MLB salary. It wouldn't be surprising if no team picks him up, and he joins the IronPigs.)
Paul Bako started behind the plate Saturday, for the third time in four games. This is rather puzzling. Is the slumping Carlos Ruiz injured? Chris Coste, also? Are they showcasing Bako for a trade, hoping that the increased time at the MLB level will help them acquire a mediocre A-ball reliever, rather than a terrible A-ball reliever, for the offensively-challenged receiver? Bako has done about as well as expected at the plate, with a .214 BA/.278 wOBA.
Scott Eyre returns to the Phillies on Sunday. Sergio Escalona was optioned to the IronPigs (again) to open a roster spot. Eyre's presence should push reliever Tyler Walker into Jack Taschner's ultra-low leverage role.
At least Escalona is making MLB money, and accumulating MLB service time, during his abbreviated appearances on the Phils' roster.
Raul Ibanez has returned to Philadelphia, as his minor league rehab has been postponed. The Phils hope Ibanez will be able to return to his rehab assignment this week. It's a bit disconcerting that he was sent to Reading for rehab, and then returned to Philly without any game action.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs lost their third game in a row on Saturday, blowing a 2-1 ninth-inning lead, in a 3-2 twelve-inning loss. On Friday, the FeHogs lost both games of their First Ever Day-Night Doubleheader. Starter Brian Mazone, on a low pitch count, pitched two innings in Friday's 12:35pm loss, 4-0, to the Syracuse SkyChiefs. In the second game, a 7-1 loss, Andrew Carpenter permitted seven runs (five earned), on ten hits (three walks/six strikeouts), in five and two-thirds innings.
In Saturday night's come-from-ahead loss, Gary Majewski blew a two-inning save opportunity, wasting Gustavo Chacin's strong start (seven and one-third innings, seven hits, one run, one walk/five strikeouts).
The FeHogs fell to four games under .500, after their historic ascent to the .500 mark, for the first time ever, ended last week.
The Reading Phillies (AA) won in eleven innings on Friday, 4-3 over the Altoona Curve. The R-Phils only needed nine inning on Saturday, defeating the Connecticut Defenders, 7-5. On Friday, Mike Stutes permitted three runs (seven hits, zero walks/five strikeouts) over six innings, and the bullpen (rehabbing Scott Eyre, Mike Zagurski, Alex Concepcion, and Jason Mackintosh) followed with five scoreless frames. In Saturday's win, Joe Savery was touched for five runs over seven innings (ten hits, two walks/four strikeouts), but still recorded his eleventh win.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Dunedin Blue Jays, 10-5 on Friday, and 8-1 on Saturday. Friday night's starter, Julian Sampson, was bombed for seven earned runs, in only three and two-thirds innings (seven hits, four walks/four strikeouts). Saturday's starter, Tyler Cloyd surrendered five runs (two earned) over five and two-thirds innings (eight hits, three walks/one strikeout). Cloyd obtained two outs on the ground, and fourteen through the air, not a very CBP-viable ratio.
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.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Blame Bako
The Phillies lost the first game of their three-game series in Atlanta, 5-4, in ten innings. Starter Joe Blanton was mediocre, allowing three runs (eight hits, three walks/three strikeouts, ninety-three pitches), as the Phils fell behind, 3-2. Pinch-hitter John Mayberry and 3B Pedro Feliz (three hits) hit back-to-back homers in the eighth, giving the Phillies a 4-3 lead. But setup man Ryan Madson combined shoddy fielding, and poor pitching (two walks, one hit), to allow a game-tying unearned run. Chan Ho Park gave up the game-winning run to the Braves, acquiring two outs in the tenth, but three hits, which proved to be one too many.
Blanton, Madson, and Park certainly did enough to be blamed for the loss. Jimmy Rollins (0 for 5), Jayson Werth (0 for 4, error), and Carlos Ruiz (0 for 4, 6 LOB) also contributed heavily to the losing effort. However, Gabor Paul Bako II, also deserves a large portion of the pie of accountability. Charlie Manuel inserted Bako into the game, after burning backup C Chris Coste as a sixth-inning pinch-hitter, as part of a double-switch. This move put the pitcher in the eighth spot in the lineup, Bako in the ninth spot, and starting catcher Carlos Ruiz on the bench. This move was actually designed so that Bako would be allowed to bat. Given the veteran catcher's dexterity with the bat, the Phils might have been better-served by keeping Ruiz in the game, and allowing a pitcher to bat. Bako was retired in his only AB, and his questionable pitch-calling in the tenth was a factor in the defeat. With two outs, two strikes, the winning run on base, and a base open, Bako calling for a Park fastball lead to the Phils' loss. IN. EXPLICABLE.
The Phillies try to start another nine-game Turner Field winning streak Wednesday night, with ace Cole Hamels on the mound. I'm predicting that JIMMY ROLLINS WILL GET A HIT IN THE GAME!
Blanton, Madson, and Park certainly did enough to be blamed for the loss. Jimmy Rollins (0 for 5), Jayson Werth (0 for 4, error), and Carlos Ruiz (0 for 4, 6 LOB) also contributed heavily to the losing effort. However, Gabor Paul Bako II, also deserves a large portion of the pie of accountability. Charlie Manuel inserted Bako into the game, after burning backup C Chris Coste as a sixth-inning pinch-hitter, as part of a double-switch. This move put the pitcher in the eighth spot in the lineup, Bako in the ninth spot, and starting catcher Carlos Ruiz on the bench. This move was actually designed so that Bako would be allowed to bat. Given the veteran catcher's dexterity with the bat, the Phils might have been better-served by keeping Ruiz in the game, and allowing a pitcher to bat. Bako was retired in his only AB, and his questionable pitch-calling in the tenth was a factor in the defeat. With two outs, two strikes, the winning run on base, and a base open, Bako calling for a Park fastball lead to the Phils' loss. IN. EXPLICABLE.
The Phillies try to start another nine-game Turner Field winning streak Wednesday night, with ace Cole Hamels on the mound. I'm predicting that JIMMY ROLLINS WILL GET A HIT IN THE GAME!
Bunts and Balks (6/30)
Jimmy Rollins returned to the lineup on Tuesday, and increased his hitless streak to 24 AB, with an 0 for 5 effort. The Braves fans mocked him, chanting .208 (his batting average). Still better than Gnome Bruntlett...
Paul Bako played in the field, and was allowed to bat (!), in Tuesday night's loss to Atlanta. These events should only be permitted to occur under emergency circumstances, or in blowouts. This may have been our last chance to see Bako on the field, however, if he is removed from the roster on Friday.
The Phillies acquired Brian Mazone, a soft-tossing journeyman, to bolster the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) staff. With a day-night doubleheader looming on Friday, and the probable promotion of a member of their starting rotation to the parent club, the Phils just wanted another arm for AAA. They may not want to promote any of their AA starters, at this point, though Joe Savery could be an option late in the season. (Kyle Drabek, coming off TJ surgery, should probably stay at AA for the season, and keep his innings down.)
J.A. Happ has been named as the starter for Thursday night, so the Friday night starter (against the Mets) will, likely, be a pitcher currently in AAA. This move keeps Happ on his regular day, and gives him the start in the final game before the All-Star break. It also enables the Phillies to wait another game, before opening up a roster spot, with the optioning of (Sergio Escalona? Jack Taschner?) or the DFA'ing of Paul Bako.
The starter for Friday still has not been announced. It could be Andrew Carpenter, Carlos Carrasco, Rodrigo Lopez, or Roy Halladay. Carrasco and Carpenter have options remaining, while the veteran Lopez would have to pass waivers to return to the LV. Halladay is a bit of a darkhorse here, as he would be on three days' rest, and is currently in the Blue Jays' organization. My money is on Carrasco making the start (or Arizona RHP Doug Davis, who would be on full rest).
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) fell to two games under .500, with a 3-1 loss to the Norfolk Tides. The Tides scored two eighth-inning runs to break the tie. Kyle Kendrick pitched a bullpen-saving complete game (106 pitches, 70 strikes), allowing only two earned runs (six hits, two walks/one strikeout) in the nine-inning effort. The FeHogs were held to only five hits.
The Reading Phillies (AA) trailed the Altoona Curve, 5-4, in the bottom of the ninth. They tied it in the ninth, and won on a 12th inning walkoff HR by Kevin Mahar. In Yohan Flande's long-awaited R-Phils debut, the lefty allowed five runs in the second inning. In the other five innings he pitched, he held the Curve scoreless. Flande permitted only four hits, with three walks/four strikeouts.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were rained out on Tuesday night. They will play a doubleheader on Wednesday, against the Palm Beach Cardinals.
Paul Bako played in the field, and was allowed to bat (!), in Tuesday night's loss to Atlanta. These events should only be permitted to occur under emergency circumstances, or in blowouts. This may have been our last chance to see Bako on the field, however, if he is removed from the roster on Friday.
The Phillies acquired Brian Mazone, a soft-tossing journeyman, to bolster the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) staff. With a day-night doubleheader looming on Friday, and the probable promotion of a member of their starting rotation to the parent club, the Phils just wanted another arm for AAA. They may not want to promote any of their AA starters, at this point, though Joe Savery could be an option late in the season. (Kyle Drabek, coming off TJ surgery, should probably stay at AA for the season, and keep his innings down.)
J.A. Happ has been named as the starter for Thursday night, so the Friday night starter (against the Mets) will, likely, be a pitcher currently in AAA. This move keeps Happ on his regular day, and gives him the start in the final game before the All-Star break. It also enables the Phillies to wait another game, before opening up a roster spot, with the optioning of (Sergio Escalona? Jack Taschner?) or the DFA'ing of Paul Bako.
The starter for Friday still has not been announced. It could be Andrew Carpenter, Carlos Carrasco, Rodrigo Lopez, or Roy Halladay. Carrasco and Carpenter have options remaining, while the veteran Lopez would have to pass waivers to return to the LV. Halladay is a bit of a darkhorse here, as he would be on three days' rest, and is currently in the Blue Jays' organization. My money is on Carrasco making the start (or Arizona RHP Doug Davis, who would be on full rest).
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) fell to two games under .500, with a 3-1 loss to the Norfolk Tides. The Tides scored two eighth-inning runs to break the tie. Kyle Kendrick pitched a bullpen-saving complete game (106 pitches, 70 strikes), allowing only two earned runs (six hits, two walks/one strikeout) in the nine-inning effort. The FeHogs were held to only five hits.
The Reading Phillies (AA) trailed the Altoona Curve, 5-4, in the bottom of the ninth. They tied it in the ninth, and won on a 12th inning walkoff HR by Kevin Mahar. In Yohan Flande's long-awaited R-Phils debut, the lefty allowed five runs in the second inning. In the other five innings he pitched, he held the Curve scoreless. Flande permitted only four hits, with three walks/four strikeouts.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were rained out on Tuesday night. They will play a doubleheader on Wednesday, against the Palm Beach Cardinals.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/25)
Jack Taschner surrendered a triple, a double, and a walk in one inning on Thursday. Taschner was fortunate to only allow one run. His ERA is a crisp 5.40, which understates the level of his ineptitude. (His 5.82 FIP and 1.87 WHIP, prior to Thursday's debacle, are better indicators.) How is he even still on this team? Gary Majewski, Mike Zagurski, Sergio Escalona, and (insert rotating cast of fungible, DFA'd relievers here) would all be superior options. Ugh.
Paul Bako is still on the P-Phils roster. Even less useful than Taschner...If the Phils trade Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste, and Lou Marson, they should take their chances with Lehigh Valley (AAA) backup Paul Hoover over Gabor Paul Bako II.
How did Pedro Feliz and 1st Base Coach Davey Lopes combine to not make Feliz aware of the number of outs? Since when do the WFCs make mental errors, costing them extra outs and extra runs? Being doubled off first, before Matt Stairs could score on a one-out sacrifice fly, is unacceptable.
Jimmy Rollins watched the P-Phils lose to Tampa from the dugout. Hope the day off helped, as even Bad Rollins would have been an upgrade over his replacement, Eric Bruntlett.
Eric Bruntlett went 0 for 4 with a strikeout (and 3 LOB, now batting a gaudy .145), in Thursday night's loss.
Bruntlett made an outstanding defensive play on a first-inning pickoff of B.J. Upton. The rest of the night he killed the team on offense and defense. As Bruntlett is fairly useless, why not try Pedro Feliz at SS, with Greg Dobbs at 3B, and Chris Coste at 1B? Things couldn't go much worse...
Starter Antonio Bastardo left the game with shoulder stiffness. Hopefully, he won't miss any time. If he does, is it Carlos Carrasco's turn?
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) broke an eighth inning tie, beating the Indianapolis Indians, 5-4.
Kyle Kendrick had a mediocre outing, allowing four runs over six innings (five hits, three walks/three strikeouts). Kendrick was victimized by a pair of solo home runs. Jake Woods got the win, with two scoreless, and Steven Register finished for the save. Andy Tracy, Miguel Cairo, and Lou Marson had two hits apiece, as the FeHogs totaled ten hits.
The Reading Phillies (AA) drabeked the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 9-3.
Kyle Drabek permitted three runs, all in the sixth inning, in his seven and one-third inning start.
Drabek allowed six hits, and had an outstanding 9:1 K/BB ratio. Mike Zagurski got the final five outs for the save, allowing only one hit. Zagurski should replace Jack Taschner (or Paul Bako) on the P-Phils roster last week. Jeremy Slayden was three for five, improving his AA average to a tidy .467.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) beat the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-6, in twelve innings.
Drew Naylor pitched poorly (six and one-third innings, six runs (four earned), nine hits, two walks/two strikeouts), but the bullpen (Christopher Kissock, Walter Tejeda, Santo Hernandez) held Jupiter scoreless the rest of the way. Matt Rizzotti had a homer and three RBIs, including the game-winner.
The big question raised by tonight's four-hour plus battle was "Why don't the Threshers have their own internet broadcasts available?" Listening to the extra innings, as interpreted by the Jupiter Hammerheads' announcer, was about as pleasurable as watching Jack Taschner pitch.
Paul Bako is still on the P-Phils roster. Even less useful than Taschner...If the Phils trade Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste, and Lou Marson, they should take their chances with Lehigh Valley (AAA) backup Paul Hoover over Gabor Paul Bako II.
How did Pedro Feliz and 1st Base Coach Davey Lopes combine to not make Feliz aware of the number of outs? Since when do the WFCs make mental errors, costing them extra outs and extra runs? Being doubled off first, before Matt Stairs could score on a one-out sacrifice fly, is unacceptable.
Jimmy Rollins watched the P-Phils lose to Tampa from the dugout. Hope the day off helped, as even Bad Rollins would have been an upgrade over his replacement, Eric Bruntlett.
Eric Bruntlett went 0 for 4 with a strikeout (and 3 LOB, now batting a gaudy .145), in Thursday night's loss.
Bruntlett made an outstanding defensive play on a first-inning pickoff of B.J. Upton. The rest of the night he killed the team on offense and defense. As Bruntlett is fairly useless, why not try Pedro Feliz at SS, with Greg Dobbs at 3B, and Chris Coste at 1B? Things couldn't go much worse...
Starter Antonio Bastardo left the game with shoulder stiffness. Hopefully, he won't miss any time. If he does, is it Carlos Carrasco's turn?
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) broke an eighth inning tie, beating the Indianapolis Indians, 5-4.
Kyle Kendrick had a mediocre outing, allowing four runs over six innings (five hits, three walks/three strikeouts). Kendrick was victimized by a pair of solo home runs. Jake Woods got the win, with two scoreless, and Steven Register finished for the save. Andy Tracy, Miguel Cairo, and Lou Marson had two hits apiece, as the FeHogs totaled ten hits.
The Reading Phillies (AA) drabeked the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 9-3.
Kyle Drabek permitted three runs, all in the sixth inning, in his seven and one-third inning start.
Drabek allowed six hits, and had an outstanding 9:1 K/BB ratio. Mike Zagurski got the final five outs for the save, allowing only one hit. Zagurski should replace Jack Taschner (or Paul Bako) on the P-Phils roster last week. Jeremy Slayden was three for five, improving his AA average to a tidy .467.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) beat the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-6, in twelve innings.
Drew Naylor pitched poorly (six and one-third innings, six runs (four earned), nine hits, two walks/two strikeouts), but the bullpen (Christopher Kissock, Walter Tejeda, Santo Hernandez) held Jupiter scoreless the rest of the way. Matt Rizzotti had a homer and three RBIs, including the game-winner.
The big question raised by tonight's four-hour plus battle was "Why don't the Threshers have their own internet broadcasts available?" Listening to the extra innings, as interpreted by the Jupiter Hammerheads' announcer, was about as pleasurable as watching Jack Taschner pitch.
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.
Bunts and Balks (6/20)
Brad Lidge pitched a scoreless inning for Reading (AA) on Saturday night, and indicates that his knee feels "fine." Lidge has been indicating that his knee feels "fine" for most of the season. A good defensive play saved Lidge a run. Lidge is expected to return to the P-Phils this week, moving Ryan Madson back to the eighth inning, and (hopefully) Jack Taschner or Paul Bako to Lehigh Valley (AAA).
Ryan Howard was hospitalized with the flu, but left his hospital bed to hit a pinch-hit home run in Saturday's game. The blast would have been a game-winner, if interim closer Ryan Madson had been able to hold the lead. Howard returned to the hospital after the game, and was replaced in the lineup by Greg Dobbs on Saturday and Sunday. Howard's health is a huge concern.
Paul Bako started behind the plate for the Phillies on Saturday night. This never should have been permitted to happen.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) won their seventh game in a row on Saturday, 5-3, over the Norfolk Tides. The FeHogs are now only ten games out of first place. Carlos Carrasco pitched very well, permitting a single run, in seven strong innings. Carrasco surrendered five hits and two walks (five strikeouts). Recently-promoted outfielder Mike Spidale had three singles, in four plate appearances, increasing his average to .364. Listening to Jason Anderson close out the Tides in the ninth mitigated some of the pain from the P-Phils' crushing loss. (About .23% of the pain was mitigated.)
The Reading Phillies (AA) defeated the Harrisburg Senators, 6-2. Top outfield prospect Michael Taylor hit a grand slam. Top pitching prospect Joe Savery pitched five scoreless innings for his ninth win.
The FSL North squad, which included four members of the Clearwater Threshers (A), beat the FSL South, 6-4. Threshers Yohan Flande and Carlos Monasterios pitched scoreless innings. Tim Kennelly started at 1B, and went 0 for 4.
Ryan Howard was hospitalized with the flu, but left his hospital bed to hit a pinch-hit home run in Saturday's game. The blast would have been a game-winner, if interim closer Ryan Madson had been able to hold the lead. Howard returned to the hospital after the game, and was replaced in the lineup by Greg Dobbs on Saturday and Sunday. Howard's health is a huge concern.
Paul Bako started behind the plate for the Phillies on Saturday night. This never should have been permitted to happen.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) won their seventh game in a row on Saturday, 5-3, over the Norfolk Tides. The FeHogs are now only ten games out of first place. Carlos Carrasco pitched very well, permitting a single run, in seven strong innings. Carrasco surrendered five hits and two walks (five strikeouts). Recently-promoted outfielder Mike Spidale had three singles, in four plate appearances, increasing his average to .364. Listening to Jason Anderson close out the Tides in the ninth mitigated some of the pain from the P-Phils' crushing loss. (About .23% of the pain was mitigated.)
The Reading Phillies (AA) defeated the Harrisburg Senators, 6-2. Top outfield prospect Michael Taylor hit a grand slam. Top pitching prospect Joe Savery pitched five scoreless innings for his ninth win.
The FSL North squad, which included four members of the Clearwater Threshers (A), beat the FSL South, 6-4. Threshers Yohan Flande and Carlos Monasterios pitched scoreless innings. Tim Kennelly started at 1B, and went 0 for 4.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Lidge to DL, Gabor Paul Bako II Recalled
The Phillies placed reliever Brad Lidge on the 15-Day Disabled List on Tuesday, retroactive to Sunday, June 7th. Veteran catcher Paul Bako was recalled from Reading (AA) to take Lidge's roster spot. These moves are very intriguing, both in terms of timing, and in how the construction of the MLB roster has been affected. There are many unanswered questions, and we can only speculate as to the true thinking behind the roster adjustments.
Why place Lidge on the DL now, as opposed to before he blew six save opportunities?
Given that this move occurred shortly after the return of J.C. Romero to the bullpen, it seems that the Phillies didn't feel comfortable with a 'pen missing both Romero and Lidge. So they had Lidge continue, despite physical pain, until Romero's return. Perhaps Lidge's knee has been bothering him, despite his comments to the contrary, and the Phillies think this is the best time to give him a rest. Lidge has been more effective in recent weeks, but maybe the Phillies are concerned about his long-term health. It is better to have him out of the lineup now, than in September/October.
It is also possible that the recent blown saves have had an effect on Lidge, mentally, and that this break is as much (or more) for his mental health, as it is for his physical health.
Who closes during Lidge's absence?
Ryan Madson. No questions asked.
Why not recall a pitcher (Sergio Escalona? Gary Majewski?) to take Lidge's spot?
Swapping a pitcher, for a position player, reduces the Phillies' bullpen to a more conventional seven relievers, and gives Charlie Manuel five position players (Matt Stairs, Greg Dobbs, Eric Bruntlett, Chris Coste, Paul Bako) off the bench. But, given Manuel's reticence to use relievers Chan Ho Park and Jack Taschner, the Phils' have only five trusted relievers. The Phillies must have decided that they are better off with the extra bench bat, at least during the timeframe they are considering. (I would expect more roster moves when they play with a designated hitter, in Toronto, in less than two weeks.)
If they wanted an extra bat, why not recall right-handed hitting outfielder John Mayberry, Jr. from Lehigh Valley (AAA)?
Though Mayberry was sent back to AAA fewer than fifteen days ago, he was eligible for recall, as he would have replaced a disabled player. Eric Bruntlett should not be a team's top right-handed hitting bench option. (At least not a MLB team.) Mayberry would be a huge upgrade over Bruntlett as a hitter, and as an outfielder. At the MLB level, Mayberry would not be playing every day. Getting regular plate appearances at AAA would be best for Mayberry's development as a prospect, and as a potential trade piece. Unless other moves are made in the interim, he could be recalled for the Toronto series.
Why Paul Bako? How does he help?
The role the Phillies will be expecting Bako to play is, probably, a minor one. He will likely start one day a week, if at all. He is a strong defensive catcher, and could be used to give starter Carlos Ruiz some innings off. Current backup catcher Chris Coste is not good defensively. Coste, however, has a good right-handed bat. Manuel rarely used Coste as a pinch-hitter because he wouldn't have had another catching option,if Ruiz had to leave the game. Bako's presence frees up Coste to be used as a pinch-hitter on a regular basis.
There also might be more moves coming. Chris Coste could have some trade value, as a veteran catcher with a good bat. He could be packaged (with minor league prospect(s) and/or payroll relief) to get a right-handed hitting outfielder (Willingham?) or starting pitcher.
Thinking further outside the box, perhaps starting catcher Carlos Ruiz could be involved in a trade? Ruiz is strong defensively, and hitting very well this season. His trade value may never be higher. He could be the solution to a team's catching troubles for a number of seasons, and could probably net a very good player. (Perhaps a trade to the Red Sox, for starting pitcher Clay Buchholz, would make sense for both teams?)
Trading Ruiz would leave the Phils with Lou Marson, Paul Bako, and Chris Coste as catching options, but another deal could be made later, to upgrade that position.
Why is Jack Taschner still on this team?
I got nothin'.
Why place Lidge on the DL now, as opposed to before he blew six save opportunities?
Given that this move occurred shortly after the return of J.C. Romero to the bullpen, it seems that the Phillies didn't feel comfortable with a 'pen missing both Romero and Lidge. So they had Lidge continue, despite physical pain, until Romero's return. Perhaps Lidge's knee has been bothering him, despite his comments to the contrary, and the Phillies think this is the best time to give him a rest. Lidge has been more effective in recent weeks, but maybe the Phillies are concerned about his long-term health. It is better to have him out of the lineup now, than in September/October.
It is also possible that the recent blown saves have had an effect on Lidge, mentally, and that this break is as much (or more) for his mental health, as it is for his physical health.
Who closes during Lidge's absence?
Ryan Madson. No questions asked.
Why not recall a pitcher (Sergio Escalona? Gary Majewski?) to take Lidge's spot?
Swapping a pitcher, for a position player, reduces the Phillies' bullpen to a more conventional seven relievers, and gives Charlie Manuel five position players (Matt Stairs, Greg Dobbs, Eric Bruntlett, Chris Coste, Paul Bako) off the bench. But, given Manuel's reticence to use relievers Chan Ho Park and Jack Taschner, the Phils' have only five trusted relievers. The Phillies must have decided that they are better off with the extra bench bat, at least during the timeframe they are considering. (I would expect more roster moves when they play with a designated hitter, in Toronto, in less than two weeks.)
If they wanted an extra bat, why not recall right-handed hitting outfielder John Mayberry, Jr. from Lehigh Valley (AAA)?
Though Mayberry was sent back to AAA fewer than fifteen days ago, he was eligible for recall, as he would have replaced a disabled player. Eric Bruntlett should not be a team's top right-handed hitting bench option. (At least not a MLB team.) Mayberry would be a huge upgrade over Bruntlett as a hitter, and as an outfielder. At the MLB level, Mayberry would not be playing every day. Getting regular plate appearances at AAA would be best for Mayberry's development as a prospect, and as a potential trade piece. Unless other moves are made in the interim, he could be recalled for the Toronto series.
Why Paul Bako? How does he help?
The role the Phillies will be expecting Bako to play is, probably, a minor one. He will likely start one day a week, if at all. He is a strong defensive catcher, and could be used to give starter Carlos Ruiz some innings off. Current backup catcher Chris Coste is not good defensively. Coste, however, has a good right-handed bat. Manuel rarely used Coste as a pinch-hitter because he wouldn't have had another catching option,if Ruiz had to leave the game. Bako's presence frees up Coste to be used as a pinch-hitter on a regular basis.
There also might be more moves coming. Chris Coste could have some trade value, as a veteran catcher with a good bat. He could be packaged (with minor league prospect(s) and/or payroll relief) to get a right-handed hitting outfielder (Willingham?) or starting pitcher.
Thinking further outside the box, perhaps starting catcher Carlos Ruiz could be involved in a trade? Ruiz is strong defensively, and hitting very well this season. His trade value may never be higher. He could be the solution to a team's catching troubles for a number of seasons, and could probably net a very good player. (Perhaps a trade to the Red Sox, for starting pitcher Clay Buchholz, would make sense for both teams?)
Trading Ruiz would leave the Phils with Lou Marson, Paul Bako, and Chris Coste as catching options, but another deal could be made later, to upgrade that position.
Why is Jack Taschner still on this team?
I got nothin'.
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