Jayson Werth strode to the plate, with the opportunity to do some serious damage. In the first half-frame of Sunday's game against the Mets, the Phillies' first two batters had reached base. Jimmy Rollins had left off the game with a double, on the eighth pitch from Mets' starter Oliver Perez. Shane Victorino had followed with another eight pitch at bat, working the erratic Mets' hurler for a walk. In recent games, the Phillies had often struggled to convert these early opportunities into runs. Werth fouled off six consecutive Perez offerings, in another epic at bat. On the twelfth pitch to Werth, Perez tried a four-seam fastball. Werth drove the 90 MPH pitch into the stands in left, a tremendous blast that gave the Phils an early 3-0 advantage.
Carlos Ruiz was just hoping to turn the lineup over. Pedro Feliz had worked a two-out walk, and Eric Bruntlett, starting at second base to give Chase Utley the day off, followed with a seeing-eye single. Ruiz was the eighth Phillies' batter to face Oliver Perez in the first inning. Perez was laboring, and Ruiz would have been happy to take a walk. Perez' second pitch, an 89 MPH four-seam fastball, got a little too much of the plate. Ruiz deposited the pitch over the fence in left. The Phillies had two homers, in the span of six batters, at homer-unfriendly Citi Field. The embattled Perez threw three balls to the opposing pitcher, Pedro Martinez. The third ball, his forty-seventh pitch, was his last, as Mets' Manager Jerry Manuel had seen enough. Martinez went down on strikes, but the Phillies had taken a 6-0 lead, before the Mets could even bat.
Brad Lidge was in trouble. It certainly wasn't the first time he had encountered difficulties converting a save opportunity. However, this time, Lidge had been the unlucky victim of a series of unfortunate, defense-deficient, events. The Phillies' closer had entered the ninth inning with a 9-6 lead, and had induced routine ground balls to the first three batters. Ryan Howard turned the first grounder into a three-base error, and Eric Bruntlett had converted the second grounder into a run-scoring, one-base error. The third grounder seemed destined to be a 4-6 fielder's choice, but Bruntlett had muffed it into a single. With the lead down to 9-7, the tying run on first base, and still no outs, Lidge wondered what more he could have done. Phillies' fans hoped Eric Bruntlett would be replaced by Chase Utley's Golden Glove. With the runners off on the pitch, Lidge delivered a slider to the Mets' Jeff Francoeur. The Mets' outfielder hit a hard line drive up the middle...for a GAME-ENDING UNASSISTED TRIPLE PLAY BY ERIC BRUNTLETT!!
Bruntlett's game-ending play, only the fifteenth triplet killing in MLB history, and only the second to end a ballgame, might not have been the strangest of the game's unlikely events. It wasn't even the most unlikely event involving Eric Bruntlett. The weak-hitting (on his best days) utility player not only had THREE HITS IN THE SAME GAME, but he came within a reversed call of a four-hit game. The three hits elevated Bruntlett's season average to .154, and the unassisted triple play placed the scraggly infielder in the same exalted corner of Phillies' history as the inimitable Mickey Morandini.
Phils' starter Pedro Martinez, in his third start with the team, picked up the 216th regular season win of his memorable career. But the future HOFer didn't do anything to merit installment in an exalted corner of Phillies' history. He looked very good at times, but the overall stats were rather, well, Moyeresque. Six innings, seven hits, four runs- this is the type of unimpressive line that Moyer produced on a regular basis. The glimpses of the talented Martinez were overshadowed by the replacement level results. Martinez needs to do better. Fortunately, the offense provided enough for Martinez to win on Sunday.
The Phillies will send Cliff Lee to the mound on Monday afternoon, as they try to win three of four from the Mets. Given that Lee has been pitching like Pedro Martinez, circa 2005, and that Eric Bruntlett's hot bat and glove will be in the lineup again, another Phils' win seems likely.
Showing posts with label Jayson Werth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jayson Werth. Show all posts
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
(Don't) Blame Rapuano, For Phillies' Loss
It was, mostly, a great weekend around Citizens Bank Park. A tearful ceremony celebrating Harry Kalas, in which a Kalas plaque was added to Ashburn Alley. Guest appearances by such Phillies' luminaries as Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Ricky Jordan, Bob Boone, Tony Taylor, Juan Samuel, and Garry Maddox. Mickey Morandini and Gene Garber each paid visits to the broadcast booth. A home-run hitting contest included the bats of Jim Eisenreich and Mitch Williams. Muffin's birthday was celebrated on Sunday, and the occasion was marked with the presentation of a Muffin-topped cake, by the Phillie Phanatic and Sarge Matthews. The Phils had high hopes for a successful...WAIT! Is that Paul Bako's Music???
Cole Hamels (sung to the tune of "Blame Canada"): Should we blame BABIP?
Paul Bako: Or blame my absent bat?
Joe Blanton: Or should we blame Coghlan, that Floridian rat?
Charlie Manuel: No, blame Rapuano
Everyone: Blame Rapuano
Shane Victorino: We need to form a full assault
Everyone: It's Rapuano's fault!
Jamie Moyer: It seems like everything's gone wrong, since Rapuano came along
Everyone: Blame Rapuano!
OK. Sunday's 12-3 sweep-ensuring loss to the Marlins wasn't the fault of the home plate umpire. Starter Jamie Moyer, in what might be the last time in 2009 that he is referred to as a "starter", was roughed up for eleven hits (all singles) and a walk, in only five innings. Moyer surrendered mostly bloops and bleeders, but he was fortunate to escape with only two earned runs charged to his record, after permitting such an unhealthy number of baserunners.
The bullpen's performance was horrific. Long reliever Rodrigo Lopez, saved on Saturday, in order to back up Moyer on Sunday, came on to begin the seventh inning. Pitching on four days' rest, Lopez faced eight batters. Three got hits, three were walked, and all of the aforementioned six crossed the plate. Brad Lidge, pitching the ninth inning with a six-run deficit, got his ERA back over seven (now 7.24), by allowing three more runs. The Phillies' offense did little with Florida ace Josh Johnson, and the Marlins bullpen, getting out-hit by a 19-6 margin. The two-through-five hitters in the Phils' lineup combined for a 1 for 13 afternoon. No matter how bad the umpires were, the Phils have only themselves to blame for Sunday's loss.
That said, the tide seemed to turn Florida's way, when some umpire-infused idiocy cost the Phillies their starting centerfielder. Rodrigo Lopez threw what looked like a third strike, but home plate umpire Ed Rapuano called a ball. Centerfielder Shane Victorino put up his arms in disbelief, and Rapuano put up his arm, tossing the All-Star from the game! It was a surprising overreaction by the veteran umpire, who was immediately engaged in an unpleasant conversation with Charlie Manuel. Manuel may not have seen a player more than 350 ft. away from the umpire ejected, either. Victorino sprinted in from his position, also eager to engage the home plate umpire. However, Victorino seemed inclined to utilize some of the behaviors he had observed from watching UFC action, at the Wachovia Center on Saturday. Fortunately, Paul Bako and Ryan Howard interceded, keeping the irate and ill-intentioned Hawaiian away from the controversy-sparking official, and a subsequent suspension. Fellow UFC attendee Jayson Werth took over in center field, and the Marlins took over the ballgame.
Charlie Manuel held a team meeting after the game, an unusual move for the aggravated leader, but a prudent one after the lost weekend. Hopefully, Manuel got his point across, and the club will use their day off to put Sunday's events behind them. The Phillies divisional lead has fallen to four games, and a difficult Cubs/Braves road trip lies ahead. On the plus side, the Phils have "TBA" scheduled to toe the slab, in each of the next three games. With non-Moyer hurlers on the mound, the Phils just need to get their offense back in gear.
Cole Hamels (sung to the tune of "Blame Canada"): Should we blame BABIP?
Paul Bako: Or blame my absent bat?
Joe Blanton: Or should we blame Coghlan, that Floridian rat?
Charlie Manuel: No, blame Rapuano
Everyone: Blame Rapuano
Shane Victorino: We need to form a full assault
Everyone: It's Rapuano's fault!
Jamie Moyer: It seems like everything's gone wrong, since Rapuano came along
Everyone: Blame Rapuano!
OK. Sunday's 12-3 sweep-ensuring loss to the Marlins wasn't the fault of the home plate umpire. Starter Jamie Moyer, in what might be the last time in 2009 that he is referred to as a "starter", was roughed up for eleven hits (all singles) and a walk, in only five innings. Moyer surrendered mostly bloops and bleeders, but he was fortunate to escape with only two earned runs charged to his record, after permitting such an unhealthy number of baserunners.
The bullpen's performance was horrific. Long reliever Rodrigo Lopez, saved on Saturday, in order to back up Moyer on Sunday, came on to begin the seventh inning. Pitching on four days' rest, Lopez faced eight batters. Three got hits, three were walked, and all of the aforementioned six crossed the plate. Brad Lidge, pitching the ninth inning with a six-run deficit, got his ERA back over seven (now 7.24), by allowing three more runs. The Phillies' offense did little with Florida ace Josh Johnson, and the Marlins bullpen, getting out-hit by a 19-6 margin. The two-through-five hitters in the Phils' lineup combined for a 1 for 13 afternoon. No matter how bad the umpires were, the Phils have only themselves to blame for Sunday's loss.
That said, the tide seemed to turn Florida's way, when some umpire-infused idiocy cost the Phillies their starting centerfielder. Rodrigo Lopez threw what looked like a third strike, but home plate umpire Ed Rapuano called a ball. Centerfielder Shane Victorino put up his arms in disbelief, and Rapuano put up his arm, tossing the All-Star from the game! It was a surprising overreaction by the veteran umpire, who was immediately engaged in an unpleasant conversation with Charlie Manuel. Manuel may not have seen a player more than 350 ft. away from the umpire ejected, either. Victorino sprinted in from his position, also eager to engage the home plate umpire. However, Victorino seemed inclined to utilize some of the behaviors he had observed from watching UFC action, at the Wachovia Center on Saturday. Fortunately, Paul Bako and Ryan Howard interceded, keeping the irate and ill-intentioned Hawaiian away from the controversy-sparking official, and a subsequent suspension. Fellow UFC attendee Jayson Werth took over in center field, and the Marlins took over the ballgame.
Charlie Manuel held a team meeting after the game, an unusual move for the aggravated leader, but a prudent one after the lost weekend. Hopefully, Manuel got his point across, and the club will use their day off to put Sunday's events behind them. The Phillies divisional lead has fallen to four games, and a difficult Cubs/Braves road trip lies ahead. On the plus side, the Phils have "TBA" scheduled to toe the slab, in each of the next three games. With non-Moyer hurlers on the mound, the Phils just need to get their offense back in gear.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Cliff Lee's Debut Goes Pretty Well
When the week started, it looked like the Phillies' big trade deadline acquisition would be Toronto's Roy Halladay. There weren't too many who thought that Cleveland's Cliff Lee would become the new Phillies' ace, scooped up by GM Ruben Amaro for four lower-ranked prospects. Lee finishing July, tied for the Phillies' team lead in complete games, with twice as many July hits than Eric Bruntlett, and as many as Bruntlett and John Mayberry combined? You probably could have paid The Gnome's salary in full, if you had gotten someone to take your bet on that particular trifecta. Many Phillies fans, including this one, were disappointed when Lee was acquired, rather than Halladay. One game, and one-hundred and nine pitches, into Lee's Phillies' career, that disappointment has dissipated as quickly as San Francisco's Win Expectancy did on Friday night.
Lee was just masterful. It took five and one-third innings, before Lee even permitted a hit. (Yes, Lee had a hit before the Giants did.) Lee worked quickly, and was in control at all times, throwing seventy-six of his one-hundred and nine pitches for strikes. Lee only required thirty-one batters, to record the twenty-seven outs. He surrendered a pair of singles, a pair of doubles, and a pair of walks. As if his dominant pitching wasn't enough, he showed strong agility in the field, bouncing off the mound to adeptly field his position. But the best, and most surprising, part? Definitely, the 2 for 4 night at the plate, with a double, and a run scored. It would be difficult to imagine a more well-rounded Phillies' debut.
The Phillies' offense took awhile to start showing Lee some support. Jayson Werth's second-inning solo homer had accounted for all of the game's scoring, until the Phils finally took advantage of the Giants' bullpen, in a three-run eighth. Werth finished 2 for 5, with 3 of the 4 RBI. Werth and Lee combined for half of the Phillies' eight hits. The Phils' continued to struggle with runners in scoring position, going 2 for 14, and stranding eleven runners. Disco Ben Francisco hit in bad luck, going only 1 for 4, despite hitting the ball hard in each of his five plate appearances. Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez, and Gabor Paul Bako IV combined for zero hits, in eleven at bats, leaving a combined thirteen runners on base. Thanks to Lee's outstanding pitching effort, the offense provided by Werth, and the Phillies' two acquisitions from Cleveland, was enough to secure the victory.
The Phillies send a hot Joe Blanton the mound on Saturday night. Unfortunately, he is opposed by Giants' ace Tim Lincecum, one of MLB's best. With Lincecum on the mound, the Phils will need to be much more effective with runners in scoring position. This could be difficult, as Lee will only be available as a pinch-hitter. The Phillies need Blanton to pitch like Cliff Lee, and their batters to hit like Cliff Lee. If they can do that, and display the patient approach they used to beat Dan Haren on Wednesday, the Phils can put themselves in position to win three games this weekend. Three wins in San Francisco, and three victories by the top three in the rotation (Lee, Blanton, Hamels on Sunday)? That should be more than enough to forget about that Toronto guy.
Lee was just masterful. It took five and one-third innings, before Lee even permitted a hit. (Yes, Lee had a hit before the Giants did.) Lee worked quickly, and was in control at all times, throwing seventy-six of his one-hundred and nine pitches for strikes. Lee only required thirty-one batters, to record the twenty-seven outs. He surrendered a pair of singles, a pair of doubles, and a pair of walks. As if his dominant pitching wasn't enough, he showed strong agility in the field, bouncing off the mound to adeptly field his position. But the best, and most surprising, part? Definitely, the 2 for 4 night at the plate, with a double, and a run scored. It would be difficult to imagine a more well-rounded Phillies' debut.
The Phillies' offense took awhile to start showing Lee some support. Jayson Werth's second-inning solo homer had accounted for all of the game's scoring, until the Phils finally took advantage of the Giants' bullpen, in a three-run eighth. Werth finished 2 for 5, with 3 of the 4 RBI. Werth and Lee combined for half of the Phillies' eight hits. The Phils' continued to struggle with runners in scoring position, going 2 for 14, and stranding eleven runners. Disco Ben Francisco hit in bad luck, going only 1 for 4, despite hitting the ball hard in each of his five plate appearances. Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez, and Gabor Paul Bako IV combined for zero hits, in eleven at bats, leaving a combined thirteen runners on base. Thanks to Lee's outstanding pitching effort, the offense provided by Werth, and the Phillies' two acquisitions from Cleveland, was enough to secure the victory.
The Phillies send a hot Joe Blanton the mound on Saturday night. Unfortunately, he is opposed by Giants' ace Tim Lincecum, one of MLB's best. With Lincecum on the mound, the Phils will need to be much more effective with runners in scoring position. This could be difficult, as Lee will only be available as a pinch-hitter. The Phillies need Blanton to pitch like Cliff Lee, and their batters to hit like Cliff Lee. If they can do that, and display the patient approach they used to beat Dan Haren on Wednesday, the Phils can put themselves in position to win three games this weekend. Three wins in San Francisco, and three victories by the top three in the rotation (Lee, Blanton, Hamels on Sunday)? That should be more than enough to forget about that Toronto guy.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Cardinals' Series Preview
(On some blogs, an upcoming weekend series will be previewed, with potential matchups examined. Here, we go ahead and tell you what is going to happen, so that you can plan your weekend accordingly. The upcoming results are to be USED FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY, and contain spoilers.)
FRI: Phillies 3, Cardinals 1
Eventually, MLB is going to catch up with Phillies' starter J.A. Happ. His BABIP and LOB % will likely regress to the norm, and Happ will likely regress to fourth-starter numbers. But the inevitable downward spiral didn't begin on Friday, as Happ held St. Louis scoreless, in his eight-inning stint. In a brisk two-hour and twenty-two minute game, which left plenty of time to catch the set by The Jonas Brothers across the street, Happ scattered five hits. Home runs by Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez were enough to secure the victory.
SAT: Phillies 5, Cardinals 2
Not much was expected of veteran starter Rodrigo Lopez by the Phillies. A few six-inning, three-run outings, providing a satisfactory bridge to Pedro Martinez' ascension to the rotation, was all that the Phillies desired. However, Lopez has continued to be more-than-satisfactory, twirling his fourth consecutive strong start, in the Phillies' 5-1 victory. Shane Victorino paced the offense, with a three-hit performance, including a two-run, first-inning homer.
SUN: Phillies 6, Cardinals 5 (10)
With Paul Bako and Eric Bruntlett both in the starting lineup, and shaky starter Jamie Moyer on the mound, the signs for a Phillies' sweep seemed as ominous as the cloudy skies over CBP. The game started as expected, with an ineffective Moyer permitting five runs through five innings, and the Killer B's each contributing a pair of strikeouts. When the rains delayed proceedings in the bottom of the fifth, many teams would have accepted the loss, and cleared the bench for the remainder of the game. But not the WFCs.
Recently-recalled AAA starter-turned-MLB-reliever Andrew Carpenter took the ball, when play resumed after a fifty-eight minute rain delay. He refused to surrender the mound, pitching a startingly-impressive five scoreless innings. Carpenter's first major league victory came in an ineffective, rain-shortened outing against the Nationals. His second major league win was something of which Carpenter could be a little more proud.
The Phillies tied things up in the seventh, with a five-run rally, keyed by four two-out hits. A walk-off single in the tenth, by emergency catcher Jayson Werth, completed the Phils' sweep. Of course, the heroics by Carpenter and Werth, as well as the Moyer-induced ugliness, were all-but-forgotten, when the Phillies announced their newest trade acquisition after the win.
FRI: Phillies 3, Cardinals 1
Eventually, MLB is going to catch up with Phillies' starter J.A. Happ. His BABIP and LOB % will likely regress to the norm, and Happ will likely regress to fourth-starter numbers. But the inevitable downward spiral didn't begin on Friday, as Happ held St. Louis scoreless, in his eight-inning stint. In a brisk two-hour and twenty-two minute game, which left plenty of time to catch the set by The Jonas Brothers across the street, Happ scattered five hits. Home runs by Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez were enough to secure the victory.
SAT: Phillies 5, Cardinals 2
Not much was expected of veteran starter Rodrigo Lopez by the Phillies. A few six-inning, three-run outings, providing a satisfactory bridge to Pedro Martinez' ascension to the rotation, was all that the Phillies desired. However, Lopez has continued to be more-than-satisfactory, twirling his fourth consecutive strong start, in the Phillies' 5-1 victory. Shane Victorino paced the offense, with a three-hit performance, including a two-run, first-inning homer.
SUN: Phillies 6, Cardinals 5 (10)
With Paul Bako and Eric Bruntlett both in the starting lineup, and shaky starter Jamie Moyer on the mound, the signs for a Phillies' sweep seemed as ominous as the cloudy skies over CBP. The game started as expected, with an ineffective Moyer permitting five runs through five innings, and the Killer B's each contributing a pair of strikeouts. When the rains delayed proceedings in the bottom of the fifth, many teams would have accepted the loss, and cleared the bench for the remainder of the game. But not the WFCs.
Recently-recalled AAA starter-turned-MLB-reliever Andrew Carpenter took the ball, when play resumed after a fifty-eight minute rain delay. He refused to surrender the mound, pitching a startingly-impressive five scoreless innings. Carpenter's first major league victory came in an ineffective, rain-shortened outing against the Nationals. His second major league win was something of which Carpenter could be a little more proud.
The Phillies tied things up in the seventh, with a five-run rally, keyed by four two-out hits. A walk-off single in the tenth, by emergency catcher Jayson Werth, completed the Phils' sweep. Of course, the heroics by Carpenter and Werth, as well as the Moyer-induced ugliness, were all-but-forgotten, when the Phillies announced their newest trade acquisition after the win.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Season Review/Preview- Position Players (Now with Arbitrary Grades!)
Welcome to the 2009 Phillies Season in Review/Preview, Position Players Edition!
Catchers
Carlos Ruiz
Some numbers: .235 AVG, .703 OPS, .310 wOBA, .257 BABIP (.262 career)
Some commentary: Ruiz has been (mostly) a serviceable catcher, which is all the Phils need. He has struggled mightily in June/July (.482 OPS/.488 OPS). Ruiz has been putting up Bakoey offensive numbers, after a strong offensive May.
Arbitrary Grade: C
Paul Bako
Some numbers: .214 AVG, .517 OPS, .238 wOBA, .286 BABIP (.305 career)
Some commentary: Bako is not a major league-quality player, but he has hit as well as Ruiz, since June. "Gabor" is one of my favorite baseball names, but that is not enough to merit a roster spot.
Arbitrary Grade: F
Chris Coste (no longer with organization)
Some numbers: .240 AVG, .711 OPS, .317 wOBA, .307 BABIP (.316 career)
Some commentary: Coste is weak defensively, but far superior with the bat to Bako. Does Bako make up the offensive difference, with his defensive prowess? Probably not. Coste should still be on the roster, Bako should not be in the organization.
Arbitrary Grade: C-
Lou Marson
Some numbers: (AAA) .298 AVG, .748 OPS, .343 wOBA, .363 BABIP
Some commentary: Marson has done well at AAA, and is a far superior hitter to Bako (as are most players). Hopefully, Marson will replace Bako as the backup catcher, for the postseason (if not sooner).
Arbitrary Grade: INC
1B
Ryan Howard
Some numbers: .257 AVG, 22 HR, .870 OPS, .373 wOBA, .306 BABIP (.330 career), 4.9 UZR/150
Some commentary: Howard has improved, substantially, as a fielder (2nd among NL 1B in UZR/150). His low batting average could improve a bit, if his luck improves a bit. Ugly .574 OPS against lefties (139 AB) brings down his numbers, and his overall grade.
Arbitrary Grade: A-
2B
Chase Utley
Some numbers: .313 AVG, 20 HR, 1.004 OPS, .436 wOBA, .330 BABIP (.326 career), 2.6 UZR/150
Some commentary: Utley was expected to miss the first month of the season, but hasn't missed any time at all. In a non-Pujols World, he would be under MVP consideration. Ranks 5th among NL 2B in UZR/150.
Arbitrary Grade: A+
SS
Jimmy Rollins
Some numbers: .229 AVG, 7 HR, .642 OPS, .287 wOBA, .242 BABIP (.297 career), 3.7 UZR/150
Some commentary: Rollins has had a brutal season. His BABIP, and his July numbers (1.078 OPS, 45 AB), indicate that things could be getting better. Ranks 5th among NL SS in UZR/150.
Arbitrary Grade: D
3B
Pedro Feliz
Some numbers: .293 AVG, 6 HR, .756 OPS, .329 wOBA, .317 BABIP (.274 career), 9.3 UZR/150
Some commentary: The slick-fielding Feliz is second among NL 3B in UZR. Feliz' high BABIP indicates that his AVG may regress a bit. Feliz has a .338 OBP in 2009, after struggling to exceed .300 in previous seasons.
Arbitrary Grade: B
LF
Raul Ibanez
Some numbers: .309 AVG. 22 HR, 1.015 OPS, .426 wOBA, .314 BABIP (.311 career), HR/FB: 24.2% (12.9% career), -1.2 UZR/150
Some commentary: The Ibanez signing might be questionable a year from now, but it has been a great move at this point. His counting stats could be higher, if he hadn't missed time with a groin injury. His fielding has been surprisingly adequate. His HR rate should regress, as his HR/FB rate of 24.2% is rather aberrant. Ibanez has fattened up his stats against the woeful Nationals (57 AB, 6 HR, .440 AVG, 1.389 OPS). He won't (likely) put up the same numbers in the second half, but he has been one of the Phils' first half MVPs.
Arbitrary Grade: A+
CF
Shane Victorino
Some numbers: .309 AVG, 6 HR, .839 OPS, .368 wOBA, .338 BABIP (.312 career), -12.6 UZR/150
Some commentary: Victorino's NL-worst UZR/150 is disconcerting. Ibanez had UZR/150s of -23.3 and -10.4 in the past two seasons. It seems possible that, somehow, UZR/150 is understating Victorino's defensive skill, while overstating Ibanez'? Victorino's AVG may regress a bit in the second half, but he was a deserving All-Star.
Arbitrary Grade: A-
RF
Jayson Werth
Some numbers: .263 AVG, 20 HR, .884 OPS, .384 wOBA, .290 BABIP (.330 career), 7.1 UZR/150
Some commentary: Werth has 40 HR potential. His AVG could improve, if his luck improves. Werth ranks 3rd in NL UZR/150. Another deserving All-Star.
Arbitrary Grade: A
Reserves
Matt Stairs (OF)
Some numbers: (76 PA), .283 AVG, 4 HR, .951 OPS, .415 wOBA, .333 BABIP (.291 career)
Some commentary: Stairs has done a superb job as a pinch-hitter. He is almost useless in the field.
Arbitrary Grade: B
Greg Dobbs (OF/IF)
Some numbers: (119 PA), .269 AVG, 5 HR, .774 OPS, .330 wOBA, .293 BABIP (.316 career)
Some commentary: Dobbs performs much better when he plays more regularly. Manuel needs to do a better job getting Dobbs PAs.
Arbitrary Grade: B
John Mayberry (OF)
Some numbers: (AAA) .257 AVG, 8 HR, .808 OPS, .362 wOBA, .328 BABIP
Some commentary: Mayberry has struggled at the MLB level this season (.297 in 52 PAs). He needs to play regularly at AAA, but the Phillies' lack of a satisfactory right-handed pinch-hitter/outfielder may keep him with the parent club.
Arbitrary Grade: INC
Eric Bruntlett (IF/OF)
Some numbers: (84 PAs) .139 AVG, .416 OPS, .192 wOBA, .185 BABIP (.273 career)
Some commentary: It is disturbing that Bruntlett has more PAs than Stairs. Bruntlett has not been lucky at the plate, but he also hasn't been good. His offensive stats are historically bad. If he was a "25th Man", who rarely played (and didn't have a 800K salary, 500K perhaps?), and helped clean up around the clubhouse, he might not hurt the Phils as much. But Manuel giving him 150 PAs is a disaster.
Arbitrary Grade: F
With the exception of Jimmy Rollins, and the catchers, the Phillies' position players have performed very well. Their bench has been a glaring weakness, with only two useful players (Greg Dobbs, Matt Stairs), only one of whom (Dobbs) is adequate defensively. The Phils desperately need a right-handed hitting outfielder/pinch-hitter, and would be in bad shape if any of their starting position players were injured. However, there may not be another MLB team that can match the ability of the Phillies' starting lineup.
Catchers
Carlos Ruiz
Some numbers: .235 AVG, .703 OPS, .310 wOBA, .257 BABIP (.262 career)
Some commentary: Ruiz has been (mostly) a serviceable catcher, which is all the Phils need. He has struggled mightily in June/July (.482 OPS/.488 OPS). Ruiz has been putting up Bakoey offensive numbers, after a strong offensive May.
Arbitrary Grade: C
Paul Bako
Some numbers: .214 AVG, .517 OPS, .238 wOBA, .286 BABIP (.305 career)
Some commentary: Bako is not a major league-quality player, but he has hit as well as Ruiz, since June. "Gabor" is one of my favorite baseball names, but that is not enough to merit a roster spot.
Arbitrary Grade: F
Chris Coste (no longer with organization)
Some numbers: .240 AVG, .711 OPS, .317 wOBA, .307 BABIP (.316 career)
Some commentary: Coste is weak defensively, but far superior with the bat to Bako. Does Bako make up the offensive difference, with his defensive prowess? Probably not. Coste should still be on the roster, Bako should not be in the organization.
Arbitrary Grade: C-
Lou Marson
Some numbers: (AAA) .298 AVG, .748 OPS, .343 wOBA, .363 BABIP
Some commentary: Marson has done well at AAA, and is a far superior hitter to Bako (as are most players). Hopefully, Marson will replace Bako as the backup catcher, for the postseason (if not sooner).
Arbitrary Grade: INC
1B
Ryan Howard
Some numbers: .257 AVG, 22 HR, .870 OPS, .373 wOBA, .306 BABIP (.330 career), 4.9 UZR/150
Some commentary: Howard has improved, substantially, as a fielder (2nd among NL 1B in UZR/150). His low batting average could improve a bit, if his luck improves a bit. Ugly .574 OPS against lefties (139 AB) brings down his numbers, and his overall grade.
Arbitrary Grade: A-
2B
Chase Utley
Some numbers: .313 AVG, 20 HR, 1.004 OPS, .436 wOBA, .330 BABIP (.326 career), 2.6 UZR/150
Some commentary: Utley was expected to miss the first month of the season, but hasn't missed any time at all. In a non-Pujols World, he would be under MVP consideration. Ranks 5th among NL 2B in UZR/150.
Arbitrary Grade: A+
SS
Jimmy Rollins
Some numbers: .229 AVG, 7 HR, .642 OPS, .287 wOBA, .242 BABIP (.297 career), 3.7 UZR/150
Some commentary: Rollins has had a brutal season. His BABIP, and his July numbers (1.078 OPS, 45 AB), indicate that things could be getting better. Ranks 5th among NL SS in UZR/150.
Arbitrary Grade: D
3B
Pedro Feliz
Some numbers: .293 AVG, 6 HR, .756 OPS, .329 wOBA, .317 BABIP (.274 career), 9.3 UZR/150
Some commentary: The slick-fielding Feliz is second among NL 3B in UZR. Feliz' high BABIP indicates that his AVG may regress a bit. Feliz has a .338 OBP in 2009, after struggling to exceed .300 in previous seasons.
Arbitrary Grade: B
LF
Raul Ibanez
Some numbers: .309 AVG. 22 HR, 1.015 OPS, .426 wOBA, .314 BABIP (.311 career), HR/FB: 24.2% (12.9% career), -1.2 UZR/150
Some commentary: The Ibanez signing might be questionable a year from now, but it has been a great move at this point. His counting stats could be higher, if he hadn't missed time with a groin injury. His fielding has been surprisingly adequate. His HR rate should regress, as his HR/FB rate of 24.2% is rather aberrant. Ibanez has fattened up his stats against the woeful Nationals (57 AB, 6 HR, .440 AVG, 1.389 OPS). He won't (likely) put up the same numbers in the second half, but he has been one of the Phils' first half MVPs.
Arbitrary Grade: A+
CF
Shane Victorino
Some numbers: .309 AVG, 6 HR, .839 OPS, .368 wOBA, .338 BABIP (.312 career), -12.6 UZR/150
Some commentary: Victorino's NL-worst UZR/150 is disconcerting. Ibanez had UZR/150s of -23.3 and -10.4 in the past two seasons. It seems possible that, somehow, UZR/150 is understating Victorino's defensive skill, while overstating Ibanez'? Victorino's AVG may regress a bit in the second half, but he was a deserving All-Star.
Arbitrary Grade: A-
RF
Jayson Werth
Some numbers: .263 AVG, 20 HR, .884 OPS, .384 wOBA, .290 BABIP (.330 career), 7.1 UZR/150
Some commentary: Werth has 40 HR potential. His AVG could improve, if his luck improves. Werth ranks 3rd in NL UZR/150. Another deserving All-Star.
Arbitrary Grade: A
Reserves
Matt Stairs (OF)
Some numbers: (76 PA), .283 AVG, 4 HR, .951 OPS, .415 wOBA, .333 BABIP (.291 career)
Some commentary: Stairs has done a superb job as a pinch-hitter. He is almost useless in the field.
Arbitrary Grade: B
Greg Dobbs (OF/IF)
Some numbers: (119 PA), .269 AVG, 5 HR, .774 OPS, .330 wOBA, .293 BABIP (.316 career)
Some commentary: Dobbs performs much better when he plays more regularly. Manuel needs to do a better job getting Dobbs PAs.
Arbitrary Grade: B
John Mayberry (OF)
Some numbers: (AAA) .257 AVG, 8 HR, .808 OPS, .362 wOBA, .328 BABIP
Some commentary: Mayberry has struggled at the MLB level this season (.297 in 52 PAs). He needs to play regularly at AAA, but the Phillies' lack of a satisfactory right-handed pinch-hitter/outfielder may keep him with the parent club.
Arbitrary Grade: INC
Eric Bruntlett (IF/OF)
Some numbers: (84 PAs) .139 AVG, .416 OPS, .192 wOBA, .185 BABIP (.273 career)
Some commentary: It is disturbing that Bruntlett has more PAs than Stairs. Bruntlett has not been lucky at the plate, but he also hasn't been good. His offensive stats are historically bad. If he was a "25th Man", who rarely played (and didn't have a 800K salary, 500K perhaps?), and helped clean up around the clubhouse, he might not hurt the Phils as much. But Manuel giving him 150 PAs is a disaster.
Arbitrary Grade: F
With the exception of Jimmy Rollins, and the catchers, the Phillies' position players have performed very well. Their bench has been a glaring weakness, with only two useful players (Greg Dobbs, Matt Stairs), only one of whom (Dobbs) is adequate defensively. The Phils desperately need a right-handed hitting outfielder/pinch-hitter, and would be in bad shape if any of their starting position players were injured. However, there may not be another MLB team that can match the ability of the Phillies' starting lineup.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
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.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Phils Come-From-Behind to Win Game, Series
With a 4-1 deficit after three innings, it looked as if another mediocre Jamie Moyer start would end the Phils' winning streak at a single game. But The Power of the Closed-Door Meeting overcame poor starting pitching, and the fourth consecutive start by Eric Bruntlett, in a 5-4 series-winning victory in Toronto. A two-run fourth-inning triple by Chase Utley keyed a four-run outburst, Jayson Werth reached base in all five plate appearances (four walks and a single), and the Phils never trailed after the fourth inning.
Jamie Moyer survived five innings, and managed to keep the Blue Jays off the scoreboard in his final two frames. In his first three frames, Moyer surrendered four runs, all scoring on the three home runs allowed by the soft-tossing veteran. Moyer got the win, the 252nd of his career, but the lefty has the Phils' offense, and the bullpen, to thank. Moyer was victimized for five hits and two walks, before being pulled after throwing only eight-two pitches.
The Phils, with a slim 5-4 lead, needed four innings from their bullpen. Fortunately, with J.A. Happ's complete-game shutout on Saturday, the relief corps was rested. Chan Ho Park had left Friday night's game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter. Park returned Sunday, and retired all six batters he faced, bridging the game to the Mighty Madson-Lidge Duo. Two Jays reached base on Madson in the eighth, but he pitched out of trouble. Lidge, in his first save opportunity since his return from a knee injury, also allowed two baserunners. One of those baserunners reached first on a bunt single, as Lidge handled the play with the agility of a pitcher with a knee injury. Lidge escaped further damage for the save, and the Phils had a one-run interleague victory, a series win, and a two-game winning streak.
The entire Phillies' pitching staff will get Monday off, as the Phils travel to Atlanta. Cole Hamels will get the start on Tuesday, and will outpitch Derek Lowe, extending the Phils' streak to three consecutive wins. Eric Bruntlett will be the second right-handed pinch-hitting option, and will remain in the dugout, along with third-string backstop Gabor Paul Bako II. Jack Taschner will observe the victory from the bullpen. Jimmy Rollins will be back in the leadoff spot, and all will be right again for the WFCs.
Jamie Moyer survived five innings, and managed to keep the Blue Jays off the scoreboard in his final two frames. In his first three frames, Moyer surrendered four runs, all scoring on the three home runs allowed by the soft-tossing veteran. Moyer got the win, the 252nd of his career, but the lefty has the Phils' offense, and the bullpen, to thank. Moyer was victimized for five hits and two walks, before being pulled after throwing only eight-two pitches.
The Phils, with a slim 5-4 lead, needed four innings from their bullpen. Fortunately, with J.A. Happ's complete-game shutout on Saturday, the relief corps was rested. Chan Ho Park had left Friday night's game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter. Park returned Sunday, and retired all six batters he faced, bridging the game to the Mighty Madson-Lidge Duo. Two Jays reached base on Madson in the eighth, but he pitched out of trouble. Lidge, in his first save opportunity since his return from a knee injury, also allowed two baserunners. One of those baserunners reached first on a bunt single, as Lidge handled the play with the agility of a pitcher with a knee injury. Lidge escaped further damage for the save, and the Phils had a one-run interleague victory, a series win, and a two-game winning streak.
The entire Phillies' pitching staff will get Monday off, as the Phils travel to Atlanta. Cole Hamels will get the start on Tuesday, and will outpitch Derek Lowe, extending the Phils' streak to three consecutive wins. Eric Bruntlett will be the second right-handed pinch-hitting option, and will remain in the dugout, along with third-string backstop Gabor Paul Bako II. Jack Taschner will observe the victory from the bullpen. Jimmy Rollins will be back in the leadoff spot, and all will be right again for the WFCs.
Happ Twirls Gem, Phils Finally Win
Maybe Charlie Manuel should have a team meeting after every game? The tactic paid immediate dividends, as the Phillies destroyed the host Blue Jays, 10-0, on Saturday. Rookie southpaw J.A. Happ, making his eleventh career start, pitched a complete-game shutout. Jayson Werth went 4 for 4, with a pair of home runs, one of which landed in the United States. Ryan Howard, Pedro Feliz, Chris Coste, and Carlos Ruiz contributed two hits apiece. It might have been the Phils' most dominant effort of the season, and was the kind of victory the team can build upon. Hopefully, this game will be spotlighted as a turning point, in the 2009 World Series Champion Phillies DVD.
Happ was incredible, requiring only 100 pitches to procure the 27 outs. Happ permitted only five hits, and did not walk a single batter. His performance allowed the Phillies to rest their embattled bullpen, which is always a good thing. I could complain that, with the Phillies leading 10-0 after seven innings, the dreg (Jack Taschner) of the bullpen could have finished up, saving some bullets in Happ's young arm. (Happ pitched 167 innings, in AAA and MLB last season, and should be kept below 200 (including postseason) in 2009.) Also worthy of complaint was Eric Bruntlett's third consecutive start, in which he contributed another zero hits. But let's focus on the brilliance of Happ sand Werth, savor this victory, and hope that the Phils can gather some momentum. The bullpen is rested, Sunday's starter Jamie Moyer has pitched better as of late, and a series win is within the Phils' grasp.
Happ was incredible, requiring only 100 pitches to procure the 27 outs. Happ permitted only five hits, and did not walk a single batter. His performance allowed the Phillies to rest their embattled bullpen, which is always a good thing. I could complain that, with the Phillies leading 10-0 after seven innings, the dreg (Jack Taschner) of the bullpen could have finished up, saving some bullets in Happ's young arm. (Happ pitched 167 innings, in AAA and MLB last season, and should be kept below 200 (including postseason) in 2009.) Also worthy of complaint was Eric Bruntlett's third consecutive start, in which he contributed another zero hits. But let's focus on the brilliance of Happ sand Werth, savor this victory, and hope that the Phils can gather some momentum. The bullpen is rested, Sunday's starter Jamie Moyer has pitched better as of late, and a series win is within the Phils' grasp.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Phils Lose Fourth Straight
The Phillies continued to stumble around in one of the valleys of their 2009 season, losing their fourth straight game, 7-2 to Baltimore, on Friday night. In their 8-6 loss to Toronto on Thursday, the Phils' offense could not counter the destruction caused by their pitching counterparts (Joe Blanton, et al.), combined with some mental midgetry afield (ex. Marco Scutaro stealing second base on a walk, as the oblivious Phillies lost focus.) On Friday, their offense was non-existent, while their pitching and defense displayed destructive tendencies. It was still a winnable game for the Phils, heading into the ninth, when a familiar, command-deficient reliever put one in the win column for the Fightin O's.
Phillies' rookie starter Antonio Bastardo deserved a better fate. Bastardo consumed seven innings, leaving only two to the embattled Phils' relief corps. The southpaw permitted four runs in those seven innings, but his performance was far better than the eventual results. Bastardo had five separate innings, in which he retired the side in order. He surrendered only five hits, striking out five, and walking none. Seventy-three of his one-hundred eight pitches were strikes. If it wasn't for defensive miscues by Chase Utley, John Mayberry, and Ryan Howard, none of whom were penalized with an error for their trangressions, Bastardo's ERA would have been significantly less scarred. Rightfielder Jayson Werth's two-run, two-out, first inning double might have been enough to earn Bastardo his third win. The rookie was a hard luck loser, but he has certainly earned another turn in the rotation. (Unless the Phils acquire Doug Davis, or Clay Buchholz, before that turn comes up.)
Manager Charlie Manuel, at the suggestion of coach Davey Lopes, started Jayson Werth in his familiar right field, moving John Mayberry to left field. Mayberry is more comfortable in right, and his stronger throwing arm makes him more suited to right than Jayson Werth. Mayberry made a crucial misplay, but it is hard to fault Manuel for this. Werth has been one of the few players contributing offensively as of late, and Manuel is trying to make him comfortable defensively, so he can perform better offensively. In the seventh inning, with the Phillies trailing only 4-2, the Phillies' manager brought Eric Bruntlett out to pinch-"hit", leaving Chris Coste on the bench. But it is hard to fault Manuel for this move, as the Orioles have a left-handed closer (George Sherrill), and Manuel was saving Coste's right-handed bat for later in the game. Coste's pinch-hitting appearance against Sherrill in the ninth inning would have been significant, if it wasn't for questionable bullpen deployment by Manuel.
In the eighth inning, with the Phillies only trailing by two, Manuel brought reliever Jack Taschner into the game. Given the exhausted status of his bullpenners, using the typically-ineffective Taschner may have been necessary. Taschner shocked the world, working around a hit and a walk, keeping the O's off the scoreboard. Unfortunately, Manuel tempted the Baseball Fates, and kept Taschner in for a second inning. Taschner permitted four hits and three runs in the ninth, reducing the Phils' Win Expectancy from 7.8% to 0.8%. Taschner pitching multiple innings in an un-winnable game is an event that we should see more of, but multiple Taschner innings in a winnable game shouldn't happen.
The Phillies will try to snap their losing streak Saturday, with J.A. Happ on the mound. Ace Cole Hamels gets the ball on Sunday. Against the cellar-dwelling Orioles, these are home games that the Phillies need to win.
Phillies' rookie starter Antonio Bastardo deserved a better fate. Bastardo consumed seven innings, leaving only two to the embattled Phils' relief corps. The southpaw permitted four runs in those seven innings, but his performance was far better than the eventual results. Bastardo had five separate innings, in which he retired the side in order. He surrendered only five hits, striking out five, and walking none. Seventy-three of his one-hundred eight pitches were strikes. If it wasn't for defensive miscues by Chase Utley, John Mayberry, and Ryan Howard, none of whom were penalized with an error for their trangressions, Bastardo's ERA would have been significantly less scarred. Rightfielder Jayson Werth's two-run, two-out, first inning double might have been enough to earn Bastardo his third win. The rookie was a hard luck loser, but he has certainly earned another turn in the rotation. (Unless the Phils acquire Doug Davis, or Clay Buchholz, before that turn comes up.)
Manager Charlie Manuel, at the suggestion of coach Davey Lopes, started Jayson Werth in his familiar right field, moving John Mayberry to left field. Mayberry is more comfortable in right, and his stronger throwing arm makes him more suited to right than Jayson Werth. Mayberry made a crucial misplay, but it is hard to fault Manuel for this. Werth has been one of the few players contributing offensively as of late, and Manuel is trying to make him comfortable defensively, so he can perform better offensively. In the seventh inning, with the Phillies trailing only 4-2, the Phillies' manager brought Eric Bruntlett out to pinch-"hit", leaving Chris Coste on the bench. But it is hard to fault Manuel for this move, as the Orioles have a left-handed closer (George Sherrill), and Manuel was saving Coste's right-handed bat for later in the game. Coste's pinch-hitting appearance against Sherrill in the ninth inning would have been significant, if it wasn't for questionable bullpen deployment by Manuel.
In the eighth inning, with the Phillies only trailing by two, Manuel brought reliever Jack Taschner into the game. Given the exhausted status of his bullpenners, using the typically-ineffective Taschner may have been necessary. Taschner shocked the world, working around a hit and a walk, keeping the O's off the scoreboard. Unfortunately, Manuel tempted the Baseball Fates, and kept Taschner in for a second inning. Taschner permitted four hits and three runs in the ninth, reducing the Phils' Win Expectancy from 7.8% to 0.8%. Taschner pitching multiple innings in an un-winnable game is an event that we should see more of, but multiple Taschner innings in a winnable game shouldn't happen.
The Phillies will try to snap their losing streak Saturday, with J.A. Happ on the mound. Ace Cole Hamels gets the ball on Sunday. Against the cellar-dwelling Orioles, these are home games that the Phillies need to win.
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.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
More Often Than Not, Manuel's Hunches Always Pay Off
Chan Ho Park was allowed to remain in the rotation, and delivered six strong innings. Jimmy Rollins was dropped to the fifth spot in the order, and reached base twice, scoring and knocking in runs. Jayson Werth was given the green light to steal some bases, and he went ahead and stole all of them. Brad Lidge was brought in for the save, and, well, it wasn't pretty, but he did pick up his fifth save. Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel's fingerprints were all over the team's 5-3 win over the Dodgers on Tuesday night.
Some have been calling for Park's removal from the rotation, ever since it was announced that he had won the fifth starter's job. (This replacement-level blogger was part of this rather unruly mob.) When Park got off to a slow start, others called for his ejection from the rotation, or, even better, from the team. Manuel showed confidence in Park, and kept sending him out for starts. Park rewarded his manager with his second consecutive strong start, evening his record at 1-1. Park held the Manny-less Dodgers to a pair of runs, and only seven hits. Park struck out three batters, without walking any, reminiscent of his magical 25:2 ratio in Spring Training. It was an outstanding performance by Park.
Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and Ryan Madson were also outstanding, constructing a scoreless bridge spanning between Park and Lidge. Lidge was sloppy, allowing three hits, and a run in the ninth inning. He required twenty-four pitches to get through the inning, which ended with the tying run on base. Yikes.
Jimmy Rollins was, finally, dropped out of the leadoff spot, as his inability to reach base was proving problematic in that role. Some believe that the shortstop's poor performance, after some very strong offensive seasons, could be performance enhancer-related. I think it is much more likely that he was injured filming that Dick's Sporting goods commercial. (Look at his expression. IMPERVIOUS. TO. PAIN.) Rollins is just in a bit of a slump. It's just more apparent, as his slump started when the season did, resulting in hideous season stats. He has also been unlucky, as his BABIP of .217 is well below his career average of .298. Rollins will get better, and luckier. That said, Manuel moved him to the perfect spot in the lineup for his success, as batting between Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez should guarantee him some good pitches to hit. Jayson Werth batted third in Tuesday's lineup configuration, which is fine, as Werth is kind of awesome. wOBA of .413 worth of awesome.
Werth stole four bases in Tuesday night's game, including a rare steal of home. As rare and unlikely this was, it wasn't the most surprising occurrence of the night. Pedro Feliz, known as "Senor Hackmaster" in some circles, has accumulated one-hundred and ninety-one unintentional walks in thirty-five hundred and eighty-six plate appearances. (His fourteen intentional walks have been removed from these counts.) About one in every nineteen plate appearances, Feliz coaxes a walk. (By way of comparison, The Awesome Jayson Werth walks once in about every eight and a half plate appearances.) Feliz rarely sees a pitch he doesn't find worthy of a wild swing, and excels at minimizing the opposition's pitch counts. Feliz came to the plate four times tonight, and walked all four times. (I calculate the probability of this happening to be approximately .000625%, or even less likely than J.C. Romero and Jack Taschner being on the 2009 Phillies' roster at the same time.) Feliz' four-walk game is Reason #5699 that you should always watch the entire game. You never know what's going to happen.
The Phils play the Dodgers again Wednesday, with Dr. Jamie Moyer getting the start. Moyer has been ineffective in five of his six starts in 2009, but all of these starts were prior to his receiving his doctorate from St. Joe's. Moyer will be opposed by former Phillie Randy Wolf. Wolf has a .249 BABIP in 2009, and his good fortune is about to run out.
Some have been calling for Park's removal from the rotation, ever since it was announced that he had won the fifth starter's job. (This replacement-level blogger was part of this rather unruly mob.) When Park got off to a slow start, others called for his ejection from the rotation, or, even better, from the team. Manuel showed confidence in Park, and kept sending him out for starts. Park rewarded his manager with his second consecutive strong start, evening his record at 1-1. Park held the Manny-less Dodgers to a pair of runs, and only seven hits. Park struck out three batters, without walking any, reminiscent of his magical 25:2 ratio in Spring Training. It was an outstanding performance by Park.
Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and Ryan Madson were also outstanding, constructing a scoreless bridge spanning between Park and Lidge. Lidge was sloppy, allowing three hits, and a run in the ninth inning. He required twenty-four pitches to get through the inning, which ended with the tying run on base. Yikes.
Jimmy Rollins was, finally, dropped out of the leadoff spot, as his inability to reach base was proving problematic in that role. Some believe that the shortstop's poor performance, after some very strong offensive seasons, could be performance enhancer-related. I think it is much more likely that he was injured filming that Dick's Sporting goods commercial. (Look at his expression. IMPERVIOUS. TO. PAIN.) Rollins is just in a bit of a slump. It's just more apparent, as his slump started when the season did, resulting in hideous season stats. He has also been unlucky, as his BABIP of .217 is well below his career average of .298. Rollins will get better, and luckier. That said, Manuel moved him to the perfect spot in the lineup for his success, as batting between Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez should guarantee him some good pitches to hit. Jayson Werth batted third in Tuesday's lineup configuration, which is fine, as Werth is kind of awesome. wOBA of .413 worth of awesome.
Werth stole four bases in Tuesday night's game, including a rare steal of home. As rare and unlikely this was, it wasn't the most surprising occurrence of the night. Pedro Feliz, known as "Senor Hackmaster" in some circles, has accumulated one-hundred and ninety-one unintentional walks in thirty-five hundred and eighty-six plate appearances. (His fourteen intentional walks have been removed from these counts.) About one in every nineteen plate appearances, Feliz coaxes a walk. (By way of comparison, The Awesome Jayson Werth walks once in about every eight and a half plate appearances.) Feliz rarely sees a pitch he doesn't find worthy of a wild swing, and excels at minimizing the opposition's pitch counts. Feliz came to the plate four times tonight, and walked all four times. (I calculate the probability of this happening to be approximately .000625%, or even less likely than J.C. Romero and Jack Taschner being on the 2009 Phillies' roster at the same time.) Feliz' four-walk game is Reason #5699 that you should always watch the entire game. You never know what's going to happen.
The Phils play the Dodgers again Wednesday, with Dr. Jamie Moyer getting the start. Moyer has been ineffective in five of his six starts in 2009, but all of these starts were prior to his receiving his doctorate from St. Joe's. Moyer will be opposed by former Phillie Randy Wolf. Wolf has a .249 BABIP in 2009, and his good fortune is about to run out.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Phils Lose Duel, But Park Restores Honor (and Rotation Spot)
On Wednesday night in New York, Phillies' pitcher Chan Ho Park went through the formality of his final start, before his inevitable demotion to the bullpen. Future fifth starter J.A. Happ was ready to take over in the fourth inning, or so, of this encounter against the Mets, before assuming his rightful spot in the rotation. All that was to be determined was just how high Park's FIP would go.
This Phillies team has brought us a number of surprising, unlikely occurrences this season. A comeback win, in a game where their WE was a mere .7% in the seventh inning. A positive UZR from Raul Ibanez. A base hit by Miguel Cairo. Wednesday night, the unimaginable happened. Chan Ho Park pitched brilliantly, matching scoreless innings with Johan Santana. Park pitched six scoreless innings, allowing two walks, and only a single hit. This blogger spent the hours leading up to the game hoping that, somehow, Happ would wind up making the start. (Perhaps Park would take a cab to the new Yankee Stadium, by mistake.) By the seventh inning, I was cursing Charlie Manuel for removing Park from the game, after making only ninety-one pitches. The Phillies lost, 1-0, to Santana and the Mets, as they only managed three hits in the game. In another surprising event, the Mets scored the only run of the game when Pedro Feliz and Jayson Werth, both strong defenders, failed to execute in the field. The best performance by a Phillies' starter in 2009 only netted Park a no-decision. But he saved his spot in the rotation, for at least another turn.
Are the Phillies better off with Park in their rotation? Seasons worth of stats, as well as numerous projections, indicate that they are better off with Park in an opponent's rotation. Park hasn't been that effective in a starting role this century. Some argued that the Phillies would have been better off if Park got bombed Wednesday night, providing them with an excuse to move Park to the bullpen. But, when he's between the white lines, Park deserves our support. If the Phillies want to change his role at any point, they are free to do so. If anyone wants to root for the Mets to beat the Phillies, they are free to do so, futile though it may be. I still think signing Park was a mistake, I still think putting him in the rotation was a mistake, and I think keeping him in the rotation is just compounding their error. He was outstanding Wednesday night, but I don't expect to see many more such performances from Park. However, when he's on the mound for the Phils, I'll be hoping he is successful. As Phillies fans, that's what we should be doing. Supporting our team. (Even Miguel Cairo, at least until he finally gets DFA'd.)
Phillies play the second game of their two-game series in New York Thursday night. Jamie Moyer for the Phillies, Mike Pelfrey for the Mets. Can't wait to see how the Phillies surprise us this time.
This Phillies team has brought us a number of surprising, unlikely occurrences this season. A comeback win, in a game where their WE was a mere .7% in the seventh inning. A positive UZR from Raul Ibanez. A base hit by Miguel Cairo. Wednesday night, the unimaginable happened. Chan Ho Park pitched brilliantly, matching scoreless innings with Johan Santana. Park pitched six scoreless innings, allowing two walks, and only a single hit. This blogger spent the hours leading up to the game hoping that, somehow, Happ would wind up making the start. (Perhaps Park would take a cab to the new Yankee Stadium, by mistake.) By the seventh inning, I was cursing Charlie Manuel for removing Park from the game, after making only ninety-one pitches. The Phillies lost, 1-0, to Santana and the Mets, as they only managed three hits in the game. In another surprising event, the Mets scored the only run of the game when Pedro Feliz and Jayson Werth, both strong defenders, failed to execute in the field. The best performance by a Phillies' starter in 2009 only netted Park a no-decision. But he saved his spot in the rotation, for at least another turn.
Are the Phillies better off with Park in their rotation? Seasons worth of stats, as well as numerous projections, indicate that they are better off with Park in an opponent's rotation. Park hasn't been that effective in a starting role this century. Some argued that the Phillies would have been better off if Park got bombed Wednesday night, providing them with an excuse to move Park to the bullpen. But, when he's between the white lines, Park deserves our support. If the Phillies want to change his role at any point, they are free to do so. If anyone wants to root for the Mets to beat the Phillies, they are free to do so, futile though it may be. I still think signing Park was a mistake, I still think putting him in the rotation was a mistake, and I think keeping him in the rotation is just compounding their error. He was outstanding Wednesday night, but I don't expect to see many more such performances from Park. However, when he's on the mound for the Phils, I'll be hoping he is successful. As Phillies fans, that's what we should be doing. Supporting our team. (Even Miguel Cairo, at least until he finally gets DFA'd.)
Phillies play the second game of their two-game series in New York Thursday night. Jamie Moyer for the Phillies, Mike Pelfrey for the Mets. Can't wait to see how the Phillies surprise us this time.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
The Real Deal Beats Mets in Chase's Return
(originally posted 8/28/07)
Monday night's 9-2 win over the Mets could not have gone much better for the Phillies. MVP 2B Chase Utley, the NL's leading hitter (.339 BA), returned to action with a 3 for 5 night (including his 18th home run). OF Jayson Werth went 5 for 5, and has now reached base in 10 consecutive plate appearances. LF Pat Burrell, still batting third, was 2 for 4 with his 21 st home run, and Tad Iguchi, displaced by the return of Utley, had a two-run pinch-hit blast. J. D. (The Real Deal) Durbin, the Phillies' #2 starting pitcher, was perfect through four innings, and collected his sixth victory (in nine decisions). Durbin left with a 6-2 lead, the Phils tacked on another three runs in the 7th, and the bullpen shut out the Mets the rest of the way.
The turning point of the game, however, occurred in the bottom of the 1st inning. Jimmy Rollins was called out as he lead off the inning with an infield hit. As he returned from running through the bag, he stood on first base, mentally calculating how the single had impacted his stat line. As he calculated his new OBA, having already determined his BA and SLG, umpire Joe West suddenly called him out on the play. It was disconcerting that Joe West and C.B. Bucknor were assigned to such an important series, and it didn't take long for their ineptitude to hurt the Phillies. But not for long. Phils Manager Charles Fuqua Manuel sprinted gracefully out of the dugout to patiently discuss the unfortunate call. Moments later, Manuel was invited to leave the premises. That, right there, is another (of many) example of why Manuel should be Manager of the Year. He knows his weakness (managing the game as it occurs), and did what was necessary to give his team their best shot at winning. If Manuel can get himself ejected in the first inning on a regular basis, the fine metropolis of Philadelphia could have their first Championship Team, since the 2007 Philadelphia Barrage. The Phils showed what they could do, without Manuel involved, in their dominant performance Monday night.
In game two of the series, Adam Eaton and his 6.36 ERA return from the (possibly fake) DL. If Eaton can pitch decently, the Phils offense could get him his 10th victory of the season. If he pitches as badly as he has in ten of his last eleven starts, he'll be removed from CBP in the same manner in which Mr. Met was removed from the scene on Monday night. Quickly, and with no regard for his well-being. Either way, with Chase Utley and Pat Burrell in the lineup, there's not much of a chance that the Phillies will lose.
Monday night's 9-2 win over the Mets could not have gone much better for the Phillies. MVP 2B Chase Utley, the NL's leading hitter (.339 BA), returned to action with a 3 for 5 night (including his 18th home run). OF Jayson Werth went 5 for 5, and has now reached base in 10 consecutive plate appearances. LF Pat Burrell, still batting third, was 2 for 4 with his 21 st home run, and Tad Iguchi, displaced by the return of Utley, had a two-run pinch-hit blast. J. D. (The Real Deal) Durbin, the Phillies' #2 starting pitcher, was perfect through four innings, and collected his sixth victory (in nine decisions). Durbin left with a 6-2 lead, the Phils tacked on another three runs in the 7th, and the bullpen shut out the Mets the rest of the way.The turning point of the game, however, occurred in the bottom of the 1st inning. Jimmy Rollins was called out as he lead off the inning with an infield hit. As he returned from running through the bag, he stood on first base, mentally calculating how the single had impacted his stat line. As he calculated his new OBA, having already determined his BA and SLG, umpire Joe West suddenly called him out on the play. It was disconcerting that Joe West and C.B. Bucknor were assigned to such an important series, and it didn't take long for their ineptitude to hurt the Phillies. But not for long. Phils Manager Charles Fuqua Manuel sprinted gracefully out of the dugout to patiently discuss the unfortunate call. Moments later, Manuel was invited to leave the premises. That, right there, is another (of many) example of why Manuel should be Manager of the Year. He knows his weakness (managing the game as it occurs), and did what was necessary to give his team their best shot at winning. If Manuel can get himself ejected in the first inning on a regular basis, the fine metropolis of Philadelphia could have their first Championship Team, since the 2007 Philadelphia Barrage. The Phils showed what they could do, without Manuel involved, in their dominant performance Monday night.
In game two of the series, Adam Eaton and his 6.36 ERA return from the (possibly fake) DL. If Eaton can pitch decently, the Phils offense could get him his 10th victory of the season. If he pitches as badly as he has in ten of his last eleven starts, he'll be removed from CBP in the same manner in which Mr. Met was removed from the scene on Monday night. Quickly, and with no regard for his well-being. Either way, with Chase Utley and Pat Burrell in the lineup, there's not much of a chance that the Phillies will lose.
Phils split with Cubs
(originally posted 8/3/07)Finally, some good news on the injury front for the Phillies. No, Utley and Victorino and Madson and Bourn and Lieber and Garcia and Rosario are all still recuperating. Lieber and Garcia will likely never be seen in these parts again. (Actually, that's probably IS good news.)
"Catcher" Rod Barajas was placed on the 15-Day DL. Now, his injury may not even be all that real (the Phillies DESPERATELY needed another reliever this weekend), but Barajas' .528 OPS in July was all too real. Hopefully, Barajas has been placed on the DL, retroactive to the end of the season. This move should give Chris Coste the opportunity to be the regular catcher for awhile, and even if he can't sustain his current OPS (.908), he seems probable to improve upon Carlos Ruiz (.698 OPS, .509 in July).
Replacing Rod Barajas on the roster is reliever Clay Condrey, promoted from AAA Ottawa for the 48th time this season. Condrey has been much improved since his 14.29 ERA May. Since June 2nd, he is 2-0 with only two earned runs allowed in 12.2 innings. He should at least help eat up some relief innings. This gives the Phillies thirteen pitchers on their twenty-five man active roster. On some teams, having only three possible moves off the bench (assuming the backup C will only enter the game in the event of an injury) would be problematic. But Manager Charlie Manuel isn't exactly heralded for his efficacious roster utilization, so minimizing the number of moves he can make may actually be beneficial. Besides, who doesn't want to see SP's Cole Hamels, Adam Eaton, Kyle Kendrick, and Jamie Moyer used as pinch-hitters on a regular basis? Plus, maybe Pat Burrell won't be removed after his 7th inning at-bat every game, only to have his spot in the batting order come up again in the 9th inning. (Actually, the Phillies could have a 17 man pitching staff, and that would probably still happen.)
The Phillies managed to split their four game series against the Cubs at Wrigley, which was quite an accomplishment considering their injury problems, and the Cubs' 33-17 record in their last 50 games going into the series. Sure, there was some extreme ugliness: the loss in the bottom of the 9th Wednesday was too obscene to be chronicled here, and the one inning debut of new acquisiton Kyle Lohse was a bit on the profane side as well. But some lesser-known Phillies, such as Jayson Werth and J. D. (The Real Deal) Durbin, made major contributions in Thursday's 10-6 win. Yet another Manuel Mystery occurred Thursday, when Closer Brett Myers (fresh off the DL) was used for the second day in a row, brought in to close out a 10-6 win. It seems like another bullpenner should have been chosen to finish off the win, but Manuel probably figured Myers had plenty of rest (only 2 IP in July).
The Phillies face the struggling Milwaukee Brewers tonight, with Kyle Kendrick (5-1, 4.04 ERA) facing Yovani Gallardo (3-1, 2.72 ERA) in a battle of talented rookies. The Mets beat the Cubs today (thanks for nothing, Ryan Dempster!), so the Phillies need a win tonight to remain four games behind the division-leading Mets. But a win tonight, combined with LA and SD losses, would pull the Phils into a tie for the Wild Card lead. Brett Myers will have had 29 hours rest by the 9th inning tonight, so he should be available to close out the game.
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