Brett Myers was overpowering, in his two-inning rehab stint on Wednesday night. On one hand, Myers was facing AA hitters. On the other hand, Myers pitched two scoreless innings, threw seventeen of twenty-four pitches for strikes, utilized a 92 MPH fastball to whiff five (of seven) batters, and will be appearing in both the R-Phils' and P-Phils' Championship Parades.
Myers needs to pitch on consecutive days this weekend, and then he should be ready to join the P-Phils' bullpen on Tuesday, Roster Expansion Day!
GM Ruben Amaro indicated that the Phillies wouldn't be make any more acquisitions, prior to Sept. 1st. The cagey Amaro is, definitely, going to pick up a bench bat.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) pounded the Rochester Red Wings on Thursday, 11-2. With the game tied 2-2, heading into the eighth inning, the FeHogs exploded for a three-run eighth, and a six-run ninth. Starter Kyle Kendrick pitched seven and two-thirds innings, permitting only two runs (seven hits, zero walks/one whiff).
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost an epic game to the rival Erie Seawolves, 9-6, in thirteen innings. Four hours and twenty-nine minutes, in front of 6915 rabid fans, against the team chasing them for the final playoff spot. The R-Phils trailed 6-2, after three innings, but scored single runs in the fourth, fifth, eighth, and ninth innings. Neil Sellers had four hits, including a homer and a double. Kevin Nelson had (another!) home run, and four RBI.
Starter Mike Stutes surrendered six runs, in only five innings (seven hits, two walks/four whiffs). The R-Phils' bullpen (Alex Concepcion, Pat Overholt, Mike Zagurski, Sergio Escalona) combined for seven scoreless innings, until Escalona was touched for three runs (two earned) in his third inning of work.
The R-Phils lead Erie by a game and a half. Bowie is three games behind Reading, with a four-game series between the two scheduled this weekend. Vance Worley, Yohan Flande, Kyle Drabek, and Mike Cisco are lined up to make the starts, and Brett Myers may be available out of the bullpen.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Brevard County Manatees on Thursday, 7-2. Those Sea Cows are too tough. Clearwater had five hits...and five errors. Starter Darren Byrd permitted five runs (four hits, six walks/two walks), in five innings. The Threshers, like the IronPigs, are pretty much playing out the string. All of our minor league focus should be on Reading right now.
Showing posts with label Kyle Kendrick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kyle Kendrick. Show all posts
Friday, August 28, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Bunts and Balks (8/21)
Brett Myers' first (non-simulated) rehab appearance was a successful one, as he threw a scoreless inning for Clearwater (A). Myers allowed two singles, but struck out the side, throwing in the low 90s. Barring any unforeseen occurrences, Myers is expected to make four (or five) more minor league appearances. He should be recalled in early September, when rosters expand, and is eligible to be added to the postseason roster. His final pre-recall test should be a simulated game, against MLB stalwarts Eric Bruntlett, Matt Stairs, and Paul Bako.
Billy Wagner was placed on waivers by the Mets, and was, reportedly, claimed by the Red Sox. As a team in the same league as the Mets, the Phillies could have claimed Wagner, before the Red Sox. However, GM Ruben Amaro indicated that the Phillies "don't have $3 million to pull out of a tree." (Wagner would have cost $2.7 million in salary for the remainder of 2009, plus a $1 million buyout for 2010.) Even if the Phillies did have $3.7 million in a tree, Wagner is no less of a gamble than rehabbing sunk costs Brett Myers and J.C. Romero. Wagner will probably be back at home with the llamas, before the Phillies are done with their postseason run.
There has been talk on the internets about Jamie Moyer as an offseason trade piece. Moyer will, depending on attained incentives, make between $6.5 million and $8 million.
The Phillies would, likely, have to eat the majority of that, in order to deal Moyer, who will be 47 next season. Even at $1 million, it doesn't seem like their would be a huge market for a veteran with an ERA over 5.5. The Phillies will, probably, allow Moyer to compete for the fifth spot in the 2010 rotation, and DFA him during Spring Training. (Probably after only a couple of appearances, so that there is plenty of time for him to compete for a roster spot on another team.) Washington or Seattle might take him, for the MLB minimum.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) defeated the Scranton/WB Yankees on Friday night, 9-1. Kyle Kendrick pitched six innings, allowing a run, on three hits (two walks/one strikeout). Kendrick has had some good results in AAA, over the past two months. He has a 2.80 ERA, with a 1.02 WHIP. But he has only 20 strikeouts, and 12 walks, in 60 innings. He'll probably be in the parent club's bullpen in September, by virtue of his experience/spot on the 40-Man roster, but doesn't seem to fit in the team's long-term MLB plans.
The Reading Phillies (AA) fell to the New Britain Rock Cats on Friday, 6-3. Mike Cisco continued to not baffle AA hitters, falling to 0-3, with a 6.33 ERA at the level. Cisco surrendered six runs on six hits (three walks/one whiff), in five innings. Catcher Kevin Nelson, recently sent down from AAA, had his third homer, in his last five games. DomOnic Brown had a pair of hits, improving his average to .320. Quintin Berry stole two more bases, increasing his league-leading total to 47. Could he be pinch-running for the parent club in September?
The Clearwater Threshers (A) scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth, to beat the Dunedin Blue Jays, 5-4. The hero? Gus Milner, with a two-out, walkoff single. Starter Darren Byrd pitched five scoreless innings, working around four hits and three walks, and striking out five batters. Byrd bounced back nicely, from consecutive poor outings.
Billy Wagner was placed on waivers by the Mets, and was, reportedly, claimed by the Red Sox. As a team in the same league as the Mets, the Phillies could have claimed Wagner, before the Red Sox. However, GM Ruben Amaro indicated that the Phillies "don't have $3 million to pull out of a tree." (Wagner would have cost $2.7 million in salary for the remainder of 2009, plus a $1 million buyout for 2010.) Even if the Phillies did have $3.7 million in a tree, Wagner is no less of a gamble than rehabbing sunk costs Brett Myers and J.C. Romero. Wagner will probably be back at home with the llamas, before the Phillies are done with their postseason run.
There has been talk on the internets about Jamie Moyer as an offseason trade piece. Moyer will, depending on attained incentives, make between $6.5 million and $8 million.
The Phillies would, likely, have to eat the majority of that, in order to deal Moyer, who will be 47 next season. Even at $1 million, it doesn't seem like their would be a huge market for a veteran with an ERA over 5.5. The Phillies will, probably, allow Moyer to compete for the fifth spot in the 2010 rotation, and DFA him during Spring Training. (Probably after only a couple of appearances, so that there is plenty of time for him to compete for a roster spot on another team.) Washington or Seattle might take him, for the MLB minimum.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) defeated the Scranton/WB Yankees on Friday night, 9-1. Kyle Kendrick pitched six innings, allowing a run, on three hits (two walks/one strikeout). Kendrick has had some good results in AAA, over the past two months. He has a 2.80 ERA, with a 1.02 WHIP. But he has only 20 strikeouts, and 12 walks, in 60 innings. He'll probably be in the parent club's bullpen in September, by virtue of his experience/spot on the 40-Man roster, but doesn't seem to fit in the team's long-term MLB plans.
The Reading Phillies (AA) fell to the New Britain Rock Cats on Friday, 6-3. Mike Cisco continued to not baffle AA hitters, falling to 0-3, with a 6.33 ERA at the level. Cisco surrendered six runs on six hits (three walks/one whiff), in five innings. Catcher Kevin Nelson, recently sent down from AAA, had his third homer, in his last five games. DomOnic Brown had a pair of hits, improving his average to .320. Quintin Berry stole two more bases, increasing his league-leading total to 47. Could he be pinch-running for the parent club in September?
The Clearwater Threshers (A) scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth, to beat the Dunedin Blue Jays, 5-4. The hero? Gus Milner, with a two-out, walkoff single. Starter Darren Byrd pitched five scoreless innings, working around four hits and three walks, and striking out five batters. Byrd bounced back nicely, from consecutive poor outings.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Bunts and Balks (8/16)
The removal of Jamie Moyer from the rotation continues to be a hot topic around the internets. The Phillies removed the worst of their starters, in the hopes that the replacement would produce better results. There are more crucial issues right now. Will Brad Lidge get his act together? Will Matt Stairs start to get hits again? What really happened to Brett Myers on Friday night?
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) were held to only five hits, in Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Buffalo Bisons. Kyle Kendrick allowed three runs (one earned) in four innings (six hits, zero walks/one whiff). After spending the last couple of weeks buried in the parent club's bullpen, the game-rusty Kendrick was removed after throwing fifty-nine pitches. Tuffy Gosewisch had his first hit, since his promotion from AA, improving his average to .125.
The Reading Phillies (AA) won a remarkable pitcher's duel, walking off with a 1-0 win over the Binghampton Mets. Choosing to listen to the R-Phils internet broadcast, over the IronPigs internet broadcast, was the correct move today. DomOnic Brown sparked the rally in the ninth, blasting a double, and scoring the winning run on an error. Mike Stutes threw seven scoreless frames for the R-Phils, retiring thirteen consecutive Mets, and nineteen of twenty.
Stutes only surrendered two hits and one walk, while striking out nine. Sergio Escalona followed with two scoreless innings (one walk/one whiff), picked up his first win, and lowered his ERA to 1.82. Quintin Berry had two hits, and three stolen bases. Berry now has a league-leading forty-five thefts.
The R-Phils are locked in a tight battle with Erie and Bowie, for second place in the Southern Division, and a playoff berth.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) scored six runs, on eleven hits, but were outscored by the Tampa Yankees, 9-6. Matt Rizzotti was 4 for 5, with a homer, a pair of doubles, and three RBI. Rizzotti has hit .316 over his last ten games, improving his slash line to .257/.342/.468. Threshers' starter Darren Byrd survived only four and two-thirds innings, permitting four runs (eleven hits, three walks/two whiffs).
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) were held to only five hits, in Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Buffalo Bisons. Kyle Kendrick allowed three runs (one earned) in four innings (six hits, zero walks/one whiff). After spending the last couple of weeks buried in the parent club's bullpen, the game-rusty Kendrick was removed after throwing fifty-nine pitches. Tuffy Gosewisch had his first hit, since his promotion from AA, improving his average to .125.
The Reading Phillies (AA) won a remarkable pitcher's duel, walking off with a 1-0 win over the Binghampton Mets. Choosing to listen to the R-Phils internet broadcast, over the IronPigs internet broadcast, was the correct move today. DomOnic Brown sparked the rally in the ninth, blasting a double, and scoring the winning run on an error. Mike Stutes threw seven scoreless frames for the R-Phils, retiring thirteen consecutive Mets, and nineteen of twenty.
Stutes only surrendered two hits and one walk, while striking out nine. Sergio Escalona followed with two scoreless innings (one walk/one whiff), picked up his first win, and lowered his ERA to 1.82. Quintin Berry had two hits, and three stolen bases. Berry now has a league-leading forty-five thefts.
The R-Phils are locked in a tight battle with Erie and Bowie, for second place in the Southern Division, and a playoff berth.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) scored six runs, on eleven hits, but were outscored by the Tampa Yankees, 9-6. Matt Rizzotti was 4 for 5, with a homer, a pair of doubles, and three RBI. Rizzotti has hit .316 over his last ten games, improving his slash line to .257/.342/.468. Threshers' starter Darren Byrd survived only four and two-thirds innings, permitting four runs (eleven hits, three walks/two whiffs).
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Bunts and Balks (8/11)
The Phillies removed Jamie Moyer from the fifth starter's role, and moved him to the bullpen. Pedro Martinez will join the rotation, starting Wednesday night, against the Cubs.
With future HOFer Pedro Martinez having, satisfactorily, completed his minor league rehab, the Phillies removed their rotation's weakest starter. Moyer pitched 123.1 innings, posting a 5.47 ERA/5.40 FIP. Moyer will, likely, be used as a long reliever/in low leverage situations. With two doubleheaders scheduled in September, Moyer could be considered (along with Drew Carpenter, Kyle Kendrick, and Rodrigo Lopez) for spot starting assignments, later in the season.
Kyle Kendrick was optioned to Lehigh Valley (AAA), t,o open a spot for Martinez on the active roster. Kendrick will, likely, return to the IronPigs rotation. Joe Savery, recently promoted from AA, would seem the most likely option to be demoted to Reading (AA). But, it is possible that Lehigh Valley could, instead, jettison Brian Mazone or Gustavo Chacin, both minor league journeyman who may be unlikely to return to the organization in 2010.
Chad Durbin was activated from the DL. Rodrigo Lopez was optioned to Lehigh Valley. Durbin has a month to make a case for a postseason roster spot. However, if the rest of the bullpen options are healthy for the playoffs, it may not matter how well Durbin pitches in August/September.
Lopez was able to be optioned to AAA, despite having more than five years of MLB experience, because it was written into his contract when he agreed to terms with the Phillies.
J.C. Romero had another rehab setback, and is scheduled for an MRI. It is starting to look like a lost season for Romero.
Brett Myers pitched in his second simulated game, and may make an appearance in an un-simulated game shortly. Expect him to be ready for a relief role with the Phillies, in September.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost to the Louisville Bats on Tuesday, 2-1. Michael Taylor had two outfield assists, at second base, and at home plate. Alex Concepcion pitched two scoreless innings of relief.
The Reading Phillies (AA) came from behind to defeat the Trenton Thunder, 6-5.
The R-Phils trailed 3-1, after six innings, but pulled ahead 6-3, in the top of the ninth. Despite some shaky fielding (the R-Phils made four errors), leading to two unearned runs in the bottom of the ninth, the R-Phils held on for the win. Reading starter Mike Stutes pitched well, allowing three runs (only one earned), in six innings (seven hits, two walks/six strikeouts). B.J. Rosenberg got the final out, for his first AA save. Behind the plate for the final out was Tim Gradoville. A week ago, who would have predicted a low-A reliever, and a low-A coach, would be the battery in a AA game?
The Philadelphia Inquirer continues to spell DomOnic Brown's name incorrectly. Very disappointing.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were bombed by the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Tuesday, 9-3. It was a very successing mission for the Flying Tigers. The Threshers took a 3-0 lead, in the top of the first inning, but never scored again. Threshers starter Darren Byrd pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs (only two earned), on eleven hits (zero walks/seven whiffs). The box score seems to indicate that Byrd had some BABIP issues...
With future HOFer Pedro Martinez having, satisfactorily, completed his minor league rehab, the Phillies removed their rotation's weakest starter. Moyer pitched 123.1 innings, posting a 5.47 ERA/5.40 FIP. Moyer will, likely, be used as a long reliever/in low leverage situations. With two doubleheaders scheduled in September, Moyer could be considered (along with Drew Carpenter, Kyle Kendrick, and Rodrigo Lopez) for spot starting assignments, later in the season.
Kyle Kendrick was optioned to Lehigh Valley (AAA), t,o open a spot for Martinez on the active roster. Kendrick will, likely, return to the IronPigs rotation. Joe Savery, recently promoted from AA, would seem the most likely option to be demoted to Reading (AA). But, it is possible that Lehigh Valley could, instead, jettison Brian Mazone or Gustavo Chacin, both minor league journeyman who may be unlikely to return to the organization in 2010.
Chad Durbin was activated from the DL. Rodrigo Lopez was optioned to Lehigh Valley. Durbin has a month to make a case for a postseason roster spot. However, if the rest of the bullpen options are healthy for the playoffs, it may not matter how well Durbin pitches in August/September.
Lopez was able to be optioned to AAA, despite having more than five years of MLB experience, because it was written into his contract when he agreed to terms with the Phillies.
J.C. Romero had another rehab setback, and is scheduled for an MRI. It is starting to look like a lost season for Romero.
Brett Myers pitched in his second simulated game, and may make an appearance in an un-simulated game shortly. Expect him to be ready for a relief role with the Phillies, in September.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost to the Louisville Bats on Tuesday, 2-1. Michael Taylor had two outfield assists, at second base, and at home plate. Alex Concepcion pitched two scoreless innings of relief.
The Reading Phillies (AA) came from behind to defeat the Trenton Thunder, 6-5.
The R-Phils trailed 3-1, after six innings, but pulled ahead 6-3, in the top of the ninth. Despite some shaky fielding (the R-Phils made four errors), leading to two unearned runs in the bottom of the ninth, the R-Phils held on for the win. Reading starter Mike Stutes pitched well, allowing three runs (only one earned), in six innings (seven hits, two walks/six strikeouts). B.J. Rosenberg got the final out, for his first AA save. Behind the plate for the final out was Tim Gradoville. A week ago, who would have predicted a low-A reliever, and a low-A coach, would be the battery in a AA game?
The Philadelphia Inquirer continues to spell DomOnic Brown's name incorrectly. Very disappointing.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were bombed by the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Tuesday, 9-3. It was a very successing mission for the Flying Tigers. The Threshers took a 3-0 lead, in the top of the first inning, but never scored again. Threshers starter Darren Byrd pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs (only two earned), on eleven hits (zero walks/seven whiffs). The box score seems to indicate that Byrd had some BABIP issues...
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Transaction Action (7/25)
The Roy Halladay Watch continues, as the Phillies (reportedly) turned down the Blue Jays' offer of Halladay for Kyle Drabek, J.A. Happ, and Dominic Brown. The Phillies, reportedly, countered by offering a combination of players, including Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson. The Phillies seem to be averse to dealing Drabek and Brown, as they should be.
RHP Clay Condrey was placed on the 15-Day DL, as his left oblique issues have returned. RHP Steven Register was recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA).
Condrey would likely be available only every third game, if he stayed on the roster, and pitched through the pain. Is it better to have Condrey available every third game, or Register available every other game? Probably the former, but the Phils have to get Condrey in Every-Day Clay condition for the playoff/postseason run.
Register has a 2.88 ERA, in 25 AAA innings. In his last ten appearances for the FeHogs, he has only allowed one run (charged to his own record), in thirteen innings. But he's been supported by a .288 BABIP, and a LOB% of 83.3. His FIP is an unsightly 4.16. Register is a minor league journeyman, and is not a viable long-term option. (Not exactly a viable short-term option, either.
RHP Andrew Carpenter was optioned to Lehigh Valley. RHP Kyle Kendrick was recalled from Lehigh Valley. Carpenter has been a starter all season, and threw a combined thirty-seven pitches, in appearing in consecutive games. He would, likely, have been unavailable to pitch on Saturday and Sunday. The Phillies needed an available arm, with Rodrigo Lopez and Jamie Moyer getting the weekend starts, so Kendrick replaced Carpenter.
The Phillies should try to use this "opportunity" to see if Kendrick (and his change-up) are MLB-ready. He might not be a fit for the Phils' rotation, but he could gain some trade value, if he can start to get some MLB hitters out.
Will Gary Majewski ever be recalled from AAA?
When he starts outpitching mediocre journeymen, like Stephen Register. In his last ten AAA appearances, Majewski has pitched twelve and one-third innings. He has surrendered fifteen hits, seven walks (nine strikeouts), and six earned runs. Not impressive.
Why wasn't Cedrick Bowers recalled from AAA, rather than Register? Bowers would have been my choice, over Register. He hasn't pitched since July 22, so he would have been available on Saturday and Sunday. He has struggled a bit in his last three appearances, allowing five hits, four runs, and three walks (two strikeouts) in three and two-thirds innings. Bowers also has a 1.99 ERA/3.55 FIP, though he has been helped by a low .260 BABIP/82.8 LOB%.
The current combination of Phillies' bullpenners is not very impressive. Chan Ho Park and Ryan Madson might be the only trusted members of the current bullpen crew. Scott Eyre is best-suited for a LOOGY role, and closer Brad Lidge has struggled for much of the season. Tyler Walker, Steven Register, and Kyle Kendrick? Yikes. At least there are plenty of options for low leverage situations, though Manager Charlie Manuel uses Madson in that role a bit too frequently.
On the plus side, it's only late July, and all of the top relievers are expected to return in a few weeks. Injured starter Brett Myers could also return as a reliever, late in the regular season. The Phils need their starters to eat some serious innings, over the next couple of weeks.
Is the MLB Network's "The Pen" to blame for the vast number of injuries to Phillies' relievers this season? Probably not. But it might be prudent to allow the Mets to star in MLBN's 2010 production of "The Infield."
RHP Alex Concepcion was promoted to Lehigh Valley, to fill one of the recently-created bullpen openings. Concepcion had a 3.16 ERA, and a .96 WHIP, in 62.2 AA innings for Reading. He also had a .239 BABIP, and a 4.43 FIP. He's been more lucky, than good.
Chance Chapman has had a 3.29 ERA, and a 3.31 FIP, in 27.1 AA innings. He would also have been a good choice for the promotion to AAA.
RHP Tristan Crawford was promoted to Reading (AA), to replace Concepcion. Crawford joined the Phillies organization on July 22nd, the northpaw's 27th birthday, and only spen two days with Clearwater (A). He is a bit old for the A/AA level. Crawford was sold to the Phillies by the Grand Prairie AirHogs (Independent Leagues). In 2008, he pitched at AA for Washington, posting a 5.40 ERA, in 35 innings. However, he was plagued by a .392 BABIP, and posted a 3.40 FIP. Definitely worth giving a chance in the minors.
Pedro Martinez will start for the Clearwater Threshers (A), in his first rehab start as a member of the Phillies. Martinez faces the St. Lucie Mets, in a 4:05pm start. Tune in!
RHP Clay Condrey was placed on the 15-Day DL, as his left oblique issues have returned. RHP Steven Register was recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA).
Condrey would likely be available only every third game, if he stayed on the roster, and pitched through the pain. Is it better to have Condrey available every third game, or Register available every other game? Probably the former, but the Phils have to get Condrey in Every-Day Clay condition for the playoff/postseason run.
Register has a 2.88 ERA, in 25 AAA innings. In his last ten appearances for the FeHogs, he has only allowed one run (charged to his own record), in thirteen innings. But he's been supported by a .288 BABIP, and a LOB% of 83.3. His FIP is an unsightly 4.16. Register is a minor league journeyman, and is not a viable long-term option. (Not exactly a viable short-term option, either.
RHP Andrew Carpenter was optioned to Lehigh Valley. RHP Kyle Kendrick was recalled from Lehigh Valley. Carpenter has been a starter all season, and threw a combined thirty-seven pitches, in appearing in consecutive games. He would, likely, have been unavailable to pitch on Saturday and Sunday. The Phillies needed an available arm, with Rodrigo Lopez and Jamie Moyer getting the weekend starts, so Kendrick replaced Carpenter.
The Phillies should try to use this "opportunity" to see if Kendrick (and his change-up) are MLB-ready. He might not be a fit for the Phils' rotation, but he could gain some trade value, if he can start to get some MLB hitters out.
Will Gary Majewski ever be recalled from AAA?
When he starts outpitching mediocre journeymen, like Stephen Register. In his last ten AAA appearances, Majewski has pitched twelve and one-third innings. He has surrendered fifteen hits, seven walks (nine strikeouts), and six earned runs. Not impressive.
Why wasn't Cedrick Bowers recalled from AAA, rather than Register? Bowers would have been my choice, over Register. He hasn't pitched since July 22, so he would have been available on Saturday and Sunday. He has struggled a bit in his last three appearances, allowing five hits, four runs, and three walks (two strikeouts) in three and two-thirds innings. Bowers also has a 1.99 ERA/3.55 FIP, though he has been helped by a low .260 BABIP/82.8 LOB%.
The current combination of Phillies' bullpenners is not very impressive. Chan Ho Park and Ryan Madson might be the only trusted members of the current bullpen crew. Scott Eyre is best-suited for a LOOGY role, and closer Brad Lidge has struggled for much of the season. Tyler Walker, Steven Register, and Kyle Kendrick? Yikes. At least there are plenty of options for low leverage situations, though Manager Charlie Manuel uses Madson in that role a bit too frequently.
On the plus side, it's only late July, and all of the top relievers are expected to return in a few weeks. Injured starter Brett Myers could also return as a reliever, late in the regular season. The Phils need their starters to eat some serious innings, over the next couple of weeks.
Is the MLB Network's "The Pen" to blame for the vast number of injuries to Phillies' relievers this season? Probably not. But it might be prudent to allow the Mets to star in MLBN's 2010 production of "The Infield."
RHP Alex Concepcion was promoted to Lehigh Valley, to fill one of the recently-created bullpen openings. Concepcion had a 3.16 ERA, and a .96 WHIP, in 62.2 AA innings for Reading. He also had a .239 BABIP, and a 4.43 FIP. He's been more lucky, than good.
Chance Chapman has had a 3.29 ERA, and a 3.31 FIP, in 27.1 AA innings. He would also have been a good choice for the promotion to AAA.
RHP Tristan Crawford was promoted to Reading (AA), to replace Concepcion. Crawford joined the Phillies organization on July 22nd, the northpaw's 27th birthday, and only spen two days with Clearwater (A). He is a bit old for the A/AA level. Crawford was sold to the Phillies by the Grand Prairie AirHogs (Independent Leagues). In 2008, he pitched at AA for Washington, posting a 5.40 ERA, in 35 innings. However, he was plagued by a .392 BABIP, and posted a 3.40 FIP. Definitely worth giving a chance in the minors.
Pedro Martinez will start for the Clearwater Threshers (A), in his first rehab start as a member of the Phillies. Martinez faces the St. Lucie Mets, in a 4:05pm start. Tune in!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/16)
Pedro Martinez will begin his minor league rehab on Monday, when he reports to the Clearwater Threshers (A). There isn't a set plan for his rehab journey, but he should be with the Phillies by August, barring setbacks.
Rodrigo Lopez is expected to make his next start, on Monday. Lopez is a few starts away from being replaced by Martinez. If Lopez pitches well, he could stay in the rotation (at Jamie Moyer's expense?), or be moved to the Phils' bullpen (much more likely).
Clay Condrey is ready to return to the Phillies. Condrey will, probably, be activated by the end of the week. The Phillies could option John Mayberry back to AAA, to free up a spot for Condrey, and return to an eight-man bullpen. Or they could designate reliever Tyler Walker for assignment. Given the Phils' wish to rest Raul Ibanez more frequently, and their need for as right-handed bench bat, Walker's DFAing seems more likely. Walker has a 1.64 ERA with the Phils, but his 4.79 FIP is more indicative of his performance.
On 80's Night in Lehigh Valley, the IronPigs (AAA) defeated the Rochester Red Wings, 5-4. Kyle Kendrick pitched eight strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits (zero walks/four whiffs). Kendrick remained undefeated, when wearing a tuxedo jersey, and improved his overall record to 6-5 (3.42 ERA). LF Michael Taylor, in his AAA debut, batted third, and went 0 for 3 (walk, run scored).
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the New Britain Rock Cats, 5-2. The Rock Cats, not to be confused with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, had 14 hits. The R-Phils were fortunate that the Felines of Stone had 15 LOB. R-Phils' starter Yohan Flande continued to struggle at the AA level, losing for the second time, in two decisions. Flande surrendered five runs, in five innings (nine hits, zero walks/three strikeouts), and raised his ERA to 7.58. DH Jeremy Slayden went 2 for 4, with a solo homer, improving his average to .368.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were defeated by the Brevard County Manatees, 4-3.
Without Dominic Brown, the Threshers don't match up well with the Sea Cows. Steve Susdorf went 1 for 3, dropping his average to .410. Threshers' starter Tyler Cloyd, who took Yohan Flande's spot in the Clearwater rotation, fell to 0-3, with a 5.48 ERA. Cloyd permitted three earned runs (one unearned), in six and two-thirds innings (seven hits, three walks/two whiffs).
Rodrigo Lopez is expected to make his next start, on Monday. Lopez is a few starts away from being replaced by Martinez. If Lopez pitches well, he could stay in the rotation (at Jamie Moyer's expense?), or be moved to the Phils' bullpen (much more likely).
Clay Condrey is ready to return to the Phillies. Condrey will, probably, be activated by the end of the week. The Phillies could option John Mayberry back to AAA, to free up a spot for Condrey, and return to an eight-man bullpen. Or they could designate reliever Tyler Walker for assignment. Given the Phils' wish to rest Raul Ibanez more frequently, and their need for as right-handed bench bat, Walker's DFAing seems more likely. Walker has a 1.64 ERA with the Phils, but his 4.79 FIP is more indicative of his performance.
On 80's Night in Lehigh Valley, the IronPigs (AAA) defeated the Rochester Red Wings, 5-4. Kyle Kendrick pitched eight strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits (zero walks/four whiffs). Kendrick remained undefeated, when wearing a tuxedo jersey, and improved his overall record to 6-5 (3.42 ERA). LF Michael Taylor, in his AAA debut, batted third, and went 0 for 3 (walk, run scored).
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the New Britain Rock Cats, 5-2. The Rock Cats, not to be confused with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, had 14 hits. The R-Phils were fortunate that the Felines of Stone had 15 LOB. R-Phils' starter Yohan Flande continued to struggle at the AA level, losing for the second time, in two decisions. Flande surrendered five runs, in five innings (nine hits, zero walks/three strikeouts), and raised his ERA to 7.58. DH Jeremy Slayden went 2 for 4, with a solo homer, improving his average to .368.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were defeated by the Brevard County Manatees, 4-3.
Without Dominic Brown, the Threshers don't match up well with the Sea Cows. Steve Susdorf went 1 for 3, dropping his average to .410. Threshers' starter Tyler Cloyd, who took Yohan Flande's spot in the Clearwater rotation, fell to 0-3, with a 5.48 ERA. Cloyd permitted three earned runs (one unearned), in six and two-thirds innings (seven hits, three walks/two whiffs).
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/10)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) suffered a massive bullpen implosion on Friday, in a 5-4 home loss to the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees. When you read the words "bullpen implosion", the names "Jack" and "Taschner" immediately popped into your membrane, didn't they? Taschner relieved starter Kyle Kendrick in the seventh inning, with two runners on, and the FeHogs ahead by a run. Unsurprisingly, Taschner allowed an inherited runner to score. Gary Majewski relieved Taschner, and allowed the other inherited runner to score. Kendrick's final line showed three runs permitted, in six and a third innings, but his ERA deserved much better. (Taschner's ERA for LV, of course, is still 0.00.)
The IronPigs came back to tie the game at three, heading into the bottom of the eighth, but Majewski retired zero of the four batters he faced in that inning, and the Yankees took a 5-3 lead. (Note: S-WB batted in the bottom of each inning, as the game was scheduled as a home game for the Yankees, but was moved to Lehigh Valley, due to field issues in S-WB.)
Lou Marson had three singles for LV, raising his batting average to .303.
The Reading Phillies (AA) scored a run in the sixth, four in the seventh, and five in the eighth, in a 10-2 win over the Harrisburg Senators. The game was tied at one, after six innings. Yohan Flande only lasted two innings, permitting a run, on three hits. (Don't worry, the abridged start was planned, as Flande will be appearing in Sunday's Futures Game. The trade value is still strong in this one.)
Alex Concepcion followed Flande with four scoreless innings, evening his record at 2-2. Michael Taylor went 3 for 5 (.340), Kevin Mahar went 2 for 2 (3 RBI, .313), and Neil Sellers went 2 for 4 (.317), in the R-Phils' fifteen-hit effort.
Reliever Pat Overholt was returned from Lehigh Valley, after spending four exciting days in AAA. Reliever Francisco Butto was also returned from the FeHogs, after little more than a month at the next level.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) had their game against the Brevard County Manatees rained out. Thank Hamels! The Threshers want no part of those Sea Cows right now. The Manatees should probably be promoted, en masse, to AA. The Threshers will take their chances against the sub-.500 Daytona Cubs, on Saturday night.
The IronPigs came back to tie the game at three, heading into the bottom of the eighth, but Majewski retired zero of the four batters he faced in that inning, and the Yankees took a 5-3 lead. (Note: S-WB batted in the bottom of each inning, as the game was scheduled as a home game for the Yankees, but was moved to Lehigh Valley, due to field issues in S-WB.)
Lou Marson had three singles for LV, raising his batting average to .303.
The Reading Phillies (AA) scored a run in the sixth, four in the seventh, and five in the eighth, in a 10-2 win over the Harrisburg Senators. The game was tied at one, after six innings. Yohan Flande only lasted two innings, permitting a run, on three hits. (Don't worry, the abridged start was planned, as Flande will be appearing in Sunday's Futures Game. The trade value is still strong in this one.)
Alex Concepcion followed Flande with four scoreless innings, evening his record at 2-2. Michael Taylor went 3 for 5 (.340), Kevin Mahar went 2 for 2 (3 RBI, .313), and Neil Sellers went 2 for 4 (.317), in the R-Phils' fifteen-hit effort.
Reliever Pat Overholt was returned from Lehigh Valley, after spending four exciting days in AAA. Reliever Francisco Butto was also returned from the FeHogs, after little more than a month at the next level.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) had their game against the Brevard County Manatees rained out. Thank Hamels! The Threshers want no part of those Sea Cows right now. The Manatees should probably be promoted, en masse, to AA. The Threshers will take their chances against the sub-.500 Daytona Cubs, on Saturday night.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/6)
Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez were voted as All-Star starters, and Ryan Howard was selected as a reserve. Utley, Ibanez, and Howard were all very deserving, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Howard in the Home Run Derby. Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, Ryan Madson, and Brad Lidge would have been worthy based on their successes in 2008, but not so much for their numbers in 2009. It is probably for the best that they will get the extra days off, particularly the pitchers.
Shane Victorino was chosen to be part of the Final Vote, for the last NL roster spot. Statistically, Victorino might be the fourth best, out of the five candidates. Considering the market sizes of the five players' home cities, Victorino and LA's Matt Kemp could be the top two in the voting. If some NL outfielders (Ibanez? Carlos Beltran?) cannot play, a spot might open for Victorino, regardless of the results of the voting. (I'll abstain, rather than voting against Victorino, but my vote would go to SF's Pablo Sandoval, over ARI's Mark Reynolds.)
Raul Ibanez is scheduled to rehab in Reading (AA), starting on Monday. Hopefully, he'll actually play in games this time. If he can get a few games in, he could get some MLB action prior to the All-Star game.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) held on in the ninth, for a 2-0 victory over the Syracuse SkyChiefs. Kyle Kendrick pitched brilliantly, with eight scoreless (six hits, one walk/three strikeouts) innings. He was removed after throwing ninety-three pitches.
Cedrick Bowers, with ten and two-thirds consecutive scoreless relief innings entering the game, made things very interesting in the ninth. He permitted a double and a pair of walks, to load the bases with two outs. Fortunately, Syracuse ran out of viable batters, and had to bat .125-hitting catcher Jhonatan Solano (with pitcher Logan Kensing on deck), with the game on the line. Solano drove the ball 380 ft. ... where it was tracked down by FeHogs CF Jason Ellison. A bit too close for comfort...
In related news, the name "SkyChiefs" always reminds me of this song, for some reason.
The Reading Phillies (AA) were tied with the Connecticut Defenders, 3-3 after six innings, but went on to lose, 12-5. Clearwater Threshers (A) ace Yohan Flande continued to struggle with the R-Phils. Flande surrendered ten hits and six runs (five earned), in six innings. Connecticut stole six bases against Flande, including two steals of home (as parts of double steals). Flande might need to work on holding runners a bit. Jeremy Slayden had a homer, and Neil Sellers went three-for-three, in the losing effort.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) took a 8-0 lead after three innings, and held on to beat the Lakeland Flying Tigers , 10-6. Starter Michael Galen Cisco held Lakeland to a solo homer, pitching five strong innings (five hits, one walk/four strikeouts) for his fifth win (in six decisions). Steve Susdorf went three-for-five, with his first homer. Susdorf is now batting .434, OBPing .483, and slugging .547, for an OPS of 1.030.
The motto of the Lakeland Flying Tigers is "Every Game is a Mission." Lakeland has succeeded in only three of their ten second-half missions.
Shane Victorino was chosen to be part of the Final Vote, for the last NL roster spot. Statistically, Victorino might be the fourth best, out of the five candidates. Considering the market sizes of the five players' home cities, Victorino and LA's Matt Kemp could be the top two in the voting. If some NL outfielders (Ibanez? Carlos Beltran?) cannot play, a spot might open for Victorino, regardless of the results of the voting. (I'll abstain, rather than voting against Victorino, but my vote would go to SF's Pablo Sandoval, over ARI's Mark Reynolds.)
Raul Ibanez is scheduled to rehab in Reading (AA), starting on Monday. Hopefully, he'll actually play in games this time. If he can get a few games in, he could get some MLB action prior to the All-Star game.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) held on in the ninth, for a 2-0 victory over the Syracuse SkyChiefs. Kyle Kendrick pitched brilliantly, with eight scoreless (six hits, one walk/three strikeouts) innings. He was removed after throwing ninety-three pitches.
Cedrick Bowers, with ten and two-thirds consecutive scoreless relief innings entering the game, made things very interesting in the ninth. He permitted a double and a pair of walks, to load the bases with two outs. Fortunately, Syracuse ran out of viable batters, and had to bat .125-hitting catcher Jhonatan Solano (with pitcher Logan Kensing on deck), with the game on the line. Solano drove the ball 380 ft. ... where it was tracked down by FeHogs CF Jason Ellison. A bit too close for comfort...
In related news, the name "SkyChiefs" always reminds me of this song, for some reason.
The Reading Phillies (AA) were tied with the Connecticut Defenders, 3-3 after six innings, but went on to lose, 12-5. Clearwater Threshers (A) ace Yohan Flande continued to struggle with the R-Phils. Flande surrendered ten hits and six runs (five earned), in six innings. Connecticut stole six bases against Flande, including two steals of home (as parts of double steals). Flande might need to work on holding runners a bit. Jeremy Slayden had a homer, and Neil Sellers went three-for-three, in the losing effort.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) took a 8-0 lead after three innings, and held on to beat the Lakeland Flying Tigers , 10-6. Starter Michael Galen Cisco held Lakeland to a solo homer, pitching five strong innings (five hits, one walk/four strikeouts) for his fifth win (in six decisions). Steve Susdorf went three-for-five, with his first homer. Susdorf is now batting .434, OBPing .483, and slugging .547, for an OPS of 1.030.
The motto of the Lakeland Flying Tigers is "Every Game is a Mission." Lakeland has succeeded in only three of their ten second-half missions.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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 14, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/13)
The Phillies sent Kyle Kendrick back to Lehigh Valley (AAA), recalling lefty Sergio Escalona. Escalona is a better direct replacement for LOOGY Scott Eyre. (Mike Zagurski, currently a AA southpaw, is on the 40-Man Roster, has options remaining, and could also have been considered.)
The Phillies likely will have more personnel moves in the near future, as their bullpen has been overworked, and has some injury concerns. Tyler Walker or Gary Majewski, both exiled in AAA, may finally get the call to the Phils. Walker and Majewski, both MLB veterans, would be exposed to waivers, if the Phillies tried to return them to AAA after an MLB stint. So the Phils have held off recalling them, until it appears that there will be a longer-term opening. (The right-handed Walker, probably, should have replaced Jack Taschner, the lefty who pitches like an ineffective righty, months ago.)
The Phils could also dump catcher Paul Bako, and return to the "Plus Eight" bullpen, but I doubt that they would give up the veteran catcher after such a short time. Escalona (41 pitches on Saturday) and Taschner (37 pitches) both would be unavailable on Sunday, and could be in danger of immediate demotion. (Both can be optioned, without passing through waivers, and could be recalled in fewer than ten days, if a pitcher goes to the DL.) The Phils are fortunate to have an off-day on Monday.
Kyle Kendrick was demoted after one really bad outing. Was recalling him a mistake?
On Friday, the Phillies needed to recall a pitcher, from their 40-Man roster, who could eat some innings. The bullpen was gassed, and Kendrick, a starter who hadn't pitched for a week, was the best candidate. Kendrick could have pitched for a long time, in Friday's extra-inning game, if the Phillies' offense had just been able to offset the damage Kendrick did to the scoreline each inning.
After his ineffective stint on Friday, he would have been unavailable to the Phils for the rest of the weekend, so he was sent back to Lehigh Valley. (The best possible MLB role for Kendrick this weekend, would have been to relieve Antonio Bastardo in the second inning of Saturday's rain-delayed disaster. The Phillies would have had multiple innings to counterract Kendrick's ineffectiveness, rather than just one. Unfortunately, Kendrick was needed on Friday.)
With promotions, injuries, and a suspension (Pablo Ozuna) gutting their roster, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) reinforced their club via some personnel moves.
RHP Jason Anderson was recalled from AA. (Anderson, who has some MLB experience, is a minor league journeyman.) Carlos Guevara, a catcher, was recalled to take the injured Lou Marson's spot. (Guevara is also minor league roster filler, and shouldn't be in AAA for long. Marson is expected to return in a week, or two.) Jorge Velandia (infielder/non-prospect) returned from the DL, helping cover for the longer-term loss of Jason Donald. Donald is expected to be out for a couple of months.
Reinforcements like these should help enable the IronPigs to remain near the bottom of the standings.
The IronPigs fell to the Charlotte Knights, 6-4, on Saturday. The IronPigs had trailed 6-1, after five innings, but pulled to within 6-4. The game was rained out after seven innings, before the IronPigs could complete their impending comeback. Non-prospect/minor league journeyman Rodrigo Lopez had the IronPigs well-positioned for an exciting comeback, by allowing all six runs (five earned) in his five-innings start.
The Reading Phillies (AA) had their game against the Harrisburg Senators suspended, due to rain. The game was tied, 1-1, after nine innings. The R-Phils could have won in the bottom of the ninth, but couldn't get a runner in from third, with only one out. (They failed on a suicide squeeze, rather than trying for a walk-off fly ball.) Tyson Brummett started for the R-Phils, allowing Harrisburg's only run, in a strong, seven-inning outing.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Jupiter Hammerheads, 2-0, on a pair of eighth inning runs. Michael Galen Cisco pitched five scoreless innings, but the Threshers were held to only four hits (one extra-base hit, a double.)
The Pen is almost here! The MLB Network's reality show on the Phillies' bullpen premieres Sunday night, at 8pm. If Jack Taschner isn't well-received in his reality-show debut, he might no longer be in a Phillies uniform, come Tuesday. The first episode may also reveal why Taschner was selected over Mike Koplove and Tyler Walker, in the first place. Perhaps it was the fear of spoilers that has kept Taschner with the parent club this season? (But I am much more interested to learn more about the mysterious, and possibly sinister, J.A. Happ.)
The Phillies likely will have more personnel moves in the near future, as their bullpen has been overworked, and has some injury concerns. Tyler Walker or Gary Majewski, both exiled in AAA, may finally get the call to the Phils. Walker and Majewski, both MLB veterans, would be exposed to waivers, if the Phillies tried to return them to AAA after an MLB stint. So the Phils have held off recalling them, until it appears that there will be a longer-term opening. (The right-handed Walker, probably, should have replaced Jack Taschner, the lefty who pitches like an ineffective righty, months ago.)
The Phils could also dump catcher Paul Bako, and return to the "Plus Eight" bullpen, but I doubt that they would give up the veteran catcher after such a short time. Escalona (41 pitches on Saturday) and Taschner (37 pitches) both would be unavailable on Sunday, and could be in danger of immediate demotion. (Both can be optioned, without passing through waivers, and could be recalled in fewer than ten days, if a pitcher goes to the DL.) The Phils are fortunate to have an off-day on Monday.
Kyle Kendrick was demoted after one really bad outing. Was recalling him a mistake?
On Friday, the Phillies needed to recall a pitcher, from their 40-Man roster, who could eat some innings. The bullpen was gassed, and Kendrick, a starter who hadn't pitched for a week, was the best candidate. Kendrick could have pitched for a long time, in Friday's extra-inning game, if the Phillies' offense had just been able to offset the damage Kendrick did to the scoreline each inning.
After his ineffective stint on Friday, he would have been unavailable to the Phils for the rest of the weekend, so he was sent back to Lehigh Valley. (The best possible MLB role for Kendrick this weekend, would have been to relieve Antonio Bastardo in the second inning of Saturday's rain-delayed disaster. The Phillies would have had multiple innings to counterract Kendrick's ineffectiveness, rather than just one. Unfortunately, Kendrick was needed on Friday.)
With promotions, injuries, and a suspension (Pablo Ozuna) gutting their roster, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) reinforced their club via some personnel moves.
RHP Jason Anderson was recalled from AA. (Anderson, who has some MLB experience, is a minor league journeyman.) Carlos Guevara, a catcher, was recalled to take the injured Lou Marson's spot. (Guevara is also minor league roster filler, and shouldn't be in AAA for long. Marson is expected to return in a week, or two.) Jorge Velandia (infielder/non-prospect) returned from the DL, helping cover for the longer-term loss of Jason Donald. Donald is expected to be out for a couple of months.
Reinforcements like these should help enable the IronPigs to remain near the bottom of the standings.
The IronPigs fell to the Charlotte Knights, 6-4, on Saturday. The IronPigs had trailed 6-1, after five innings, but pulled to within 6-4. The game was rained out after seven innings, before the IronPigs could complete their impending comeback. Non-prospect/minor league journeyman Rodrigo Lopez had the IronPigs well-positioned for an exciting comeback, by allowing all six runs (five earned) in his five-innings start.
The Reading Phillies (AA) had their game against the Harrisburg Senators suspended, due to rain. The game was tied, 1-1, after nine innings. The R-Phils could have won in the bottom of the ninth, but couldn't get a runner in from third, with only one out. (They failed on a suicide squeeze, rather than trying for a walk-off fly ball.) Tyson Brummett started for the R-Phils, allowing Harrisburg's only run, in a strong, seven-inning outing.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost to the Jupiter Hammerheads, 2-0, on a pair of eighth inning runs. Michael Galen Cisco pitched five scoreless innings, but the Threshers were held to only four hits (one extra-base hit, a double.)
The Pen is almost here! The MLB Network's reality show on the Phillies' bullpen premieres Sunday night, at 8pm. If Jack Taschner isn't well-received in his reality-show debut, he might no longer be in a Phillies uniform, come Tuesday. The first episode may also reveal why Taschner was selected over Mike Koplove and Tyler Walker, in the first place. Perhaps it was the fear of spoilers that has kept Taschner with the parent club this season? (But I am much more interested to learn more about the mysterious, and possibly sinister, J.A. Happ.)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Phils Lose to Boston in 13
The Phillies had plenty of chances to win on Friday night, but their five-hit, twenty-strikeout "offense" did not do enough to earn the victory. The team wasn't helped by some questionable decisions by Manager Charlie Manuel, and the umpiring crew. Over thirteen innings, and four interminable hours, the Phillies transitioned from losers in a pitcher's duel, to walk-off winners, to inevitable, brutal defeat. The Phillies tied, won, and lost on Friday night, but only the 5-2 loss will count in the standings.
Phillies' starter Joe Blanton had a tremendous outing, limiting the powerful Red Sox' offense to a pair of solo homers, over seven innings. But the Red Sox' starter, Jon Lester, was even better. Lester allowed only one run (on two hits), in his seven innings, striking out eleven Phillies in the process. The Phillies have a good bullpen, but it pales in comparison to the Boston bullpen, which is likely MLB's best. Ace Closer Jonathan Papelbon was not available to close out the 2-1 Sox win, so Boston was "forced" to go to reliever Ramon Ramirez (1.89 ERA, .173 opponents' batting average) to end the Phils' hopes. However, with one out in the ninth, the Phillies came up with yet another late-inning miracle. Ryan Howard, who finished the game with one hit, and four strikeouts, in six plate appearances, made his one hit count. His solo homer tied the game at 2, sending the Phils into extra innings, once again.
The two bullpens matched zeroes, as play entered the bottom of the eleventh. With two outs, and two on, the Phillies called upon Greg Dobbs to pinch-hit. Dobbs responded by slamming a game-winning, walk-off homer directly over the foul pole...which was called a foul ball. With the other major sports having adopted the use of instant replay, it is certainly time that MLB followed suit. Available technology should be utilized to make sure that the correct calls are made, at least in boundary calls such as this one. Wait. MLB does have instant replay available, for this exact type of situation. Why didn't they use it, especially considering the importance of this particular call? Why didn't the umpires at least try to see if a helpful replay angle was available? A reversal of the call would have given the Phillies an immediate win. Dobbs proceeded to go down on strikes, and play entered the twelfth inning.
Earlier in the day, Kyle Kendrick was recalled from AAA, as a bullpen reinforcement. Kendrick can have some value as a reliever in two scenarios. If the starting pitcher is knocked out early, Kendrick can pitch multiple innings. In those multiple innings, Kendrick will strike out no one, and surrender a handful of hits and runs. But he could help save the other relievers from being used. The other scenario he can help is as the last man out of the pen. Again, he will pitch multiple innings, at the cost of multiple runs. But that multiple innings part could be valuable.
When Kendrick was called into a tie game, in the twelfth inning, it was neither of these scenarios. Jack Taschner was available, and could have been used for at least an inning, before Kendrick entered the game. It was just a question of how soon Kendrick's propensity for giving up hits would lead to runs, and how many runs he would cost them. Kendrick pitched a scoreless twelfth, but the three runs he allowed in the thirteenth were too much for the Phils to overcome.
Kendrick was the most obvious goat in Friday's loss, but he had some company. The top four batters (Rollins, Utley, Werth, and Howard) in the Phillies' lineup went a combined 1 for 21, with
ten strikeouts. Manuel's usage of Kendrick was situationally-questionable, but even more questionable was his use of the Phils' five-man bench. In the eighth inning, Manuel (correctly) double-switched, so he could use reliever J.C. Romero, for multiple innings. However, he chose to use offensively-inept Eric Bruntlett at 3B, instead of Greg Dobbs. (Given just how bad Bruntlett has been at the plate, Dobbs is a better choice at this point, no matter the handed-ness of the opposing pitcher.) Bruntlett wound up coming to the plate three times in the game, twice before Dobbs had his single plate appearance. With Paul Bako available as an emergency catcher, right-handed backup catcher Chris Coste was available to pinch-hit, but Manuel never used him. Given that Bako's presence hasn't really freed up Coste, maybe the Phils would be better-served by reverting to their "Plus Eight" bullpen format, and replacing Bako with reliever Sergio Escalona.
Friday night's tough loss is best forgotten. Saturday night brings an interesting pitching matchup, with rookie southpaw Antonio Bastardo making his third start for the Phillies. Against the patient Red Sox, Bastardo could be in for a tough, and short, day. The Red Sox send Daisuke Matsuzaka to the mound. Matsuzaka, typically, throws 100 pitches by about the fifth inning, while surrendering many hits, walks, and runs. Especially, the walks (4.33 BB/9). Matsuzaka has a remarkably unlucky .453 BABIP in 2009. Hopefully, luck will continue to work against him. It could very well be another battle of bullpens on Saturday night. Until then, I'll be monitoring the Twittersphere, hoping to read that Escalona is replacing Kendrick on the Phils. (And that IronPigs reliever Tyler Walker is replacing Gabor Paul Bako II.)
Phillies' starter Joe Blanton had a tremendous outing, limiting the powerful Red Sox' offense to a pair of solo homers, over seven innings. But the Red Sox' starter, Jon Lester, was even better. Lester allowed only one run (on two hits), in his seven innings, striking out eleven Phillies in the process. The Phillies have a good bullpen, but it pales in comparison to the Boston bullpen, which is likely MLB's best. Ace Closer Jonathan Papelbon was not available to close out the 2-1 Sox win, so Boston was "forced" to go to reliever Ramon Ramirez (1.89 ERA, .173 opponents' batting average) to end the Phils' hopes. However, with one out in the ninth, the Phillies came up with yet another late-inning miracle. Ryan Howard, who finished the game with one hit, and four strikeouts, in six plate appearances, made his one hit count. His solo homer tied the game at 2, sending the Phils into extra innings, once again.
The two bullpens matched zeroes, as play entered the bottom of the eleventh. With two outs, and two on, the Phillies called upon Greg Dobbs to pinch-hit. Dobbs responded by slamming a game-winning, walk-off homer directly over the foul pole...which was called a foul ball. With the other major sports having adopted the use of instant replay, it is certainly time that MLB followed suit. Available technology should be utilized to make sure that the correct calls are made, at least in boundary calls such as this one. Wait. MLB does have instant replay available, for this exact type of situation. Why didn't they use it, especially considering the importance of this particular call? Why didn't the umpires at least try to see if a helpful replay angle was available? A reversal of the call would have given the Phillies an immediate win. Dobbs proceeded to go down on strikes, and play entered the twelfth inning.
Earlier in the day, Kyle Kendrick was recalled from AAA, as a bullpen reinforcement. Kendrick can have some value as a reliever in two scenarios. If the starting pitcher is knocked out early, Kendrick can pitch multiple innings. In those multiple innings, Kendrick will strike out no one, and surrender a handful of hits and runs. But he could help save the other relievers from being used. The other scenario he can help is as the last man out of the pen. Again, he will pitch multiple innings, at the cost of multiple runs. But that multiple innings part could be valuable.
When Kendrick was called into a tie game, in the twelfth inning, it was neither of these scenarios. Jack Taschner was available, and could have been used for at least an inning, before Kendrick entered the game. It was just a question of how soon Kendrick's propensity for giving up hits would lead to runs, and how many runs he would cost them. Kendrick pitched a scoreless twelfth, but the three runs he allowed in the thirteenth were too much for the Phils to overcome.
Kendrick was the most obvious goat in Friday's loss, but he had some company. The top four batters (Rollins, Utley, Werth, and Howard) in the Phillies' lineup went a combined 1 for 21, with
ten strikeouts. Manuel's usage of Kendrick was situationally-questionable, but even more questionable was his use of the Phils' five-man bench. In the eighth inning, Manuel (correctly) double-switched, so he could use reliever J.C. Romero, for multiple innings. However, he chose to use offensively-inept Eric Bruntlett at 3B, instead of Greg Dobbs. (Given just how bad Bruntlett has been at the plate, Dobbs is a better choice at this point, no matter the handed-ness of the opposing pitcher.) Bruntlett wound up coming to the plate three times in the game, twice before Dobbs had his single plate appearance. With Paul Bako available as an emergency catcher, right-handed backup catcher Chris Coste was available to pinch-hit, but Manuel never used him. Given that Bako's presence hasn't really freed up Coste, maybe the Phils would be better-served by reverting to their "Plus Eight" bullpen format, and replacing Bako with reliever Sergio Escalona.
Friday night's tough loss is best forgotten. Saturday night brings an interesting pitching matchup, with rookie southpaw Antonio Bastardo making his third start for the Phillies. Against the patient Red Sox, Bastardo could be in for a tough, and short, day. The Red Sox send Daisuke Matsuzaka to the mound. Matsuzaka, typically, throws 100 pitches by about the fifth inning, while surrendering many hits, walks, and runs. Especially, the walks (4.33 BB/9). Matsuzaka has a remarkably unlucky .453 BABIP in 2009. Hopefully, luck will continue to work against him. It could very well be another battle of bullpens on Saturday night. Until then, I'll be monitoring the Twittersphere, hoping to read that Escalona is replacing Kendrick on the Phils. (And that IronPigs reliever Tyler Walker is replacing Gabor Paul Bako II.)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/12)
The Phillies placed LOOGY Scott Eyre on the 15-day DL, with a strained left calf. As predicted in my previous post, Eyre was replaced on the roster by IronPigs LOOGY Sergio Escalona. Or, not. The Phillies recalled right-handed starter Kyle Kendrick from AAA, to take Eyre's place on the roster. Kendrick will work as a long reliever, for the time being.
(Another possibility would be to move Bastardo into the pen, send Kendrick back to AAA, and promote Andrew Carpenter into the rotation. Carpenter has been pitching much better for Lehigh Valley than Kendrick has, but he wasn't a good recall choice for Friday/the weekend, as he had started for the IronPigs on Thursday.)
Southpaw reliever Jack Taschner will take over the LOOGY role during Eyre's absence. (Egads, no! Taschner has reverse splits, and is more viable as a ROOGY. Taschner will, likely, remain in the "Taschner" role, pitching irregularly, and at inexplicable times.)
The Phils' don't, currently, have a viable LOOGY, as lefty J.C. Romero is the primary eighth-inning option, in Brad Lidge's absence. I'd expect to see Kendrick replaced by Escalona, or Bastardo replaced by Carpenter, to add a second lefty to the pen, in the near future.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost two more key players, as catcher Lou Marson and infielder Jason Donald hit the DL, on Friday. Donald is expected to miss a month, and Marson should return in two weeks. (Guess they won't be traded for Roy Oswalt, for at least a few more weeks.) It wasn't immediately clear what roster moves Lehigh Valley will make to cover for these losses.
The short-handed IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 3-2, in ten innings. The IronPigs had 12 hits, and 6 walks, but left 14 on base. The bullpen pitched six scoreless innings, with closer Tyler Walker getting the victory.
The Reading Phillies (AA) got demolished by the Harrisburg Senators, 11-0. Two R-Phils fans got married at home plate prior to the game, and the Senators ruined their memorable day with sixteen hits, and six home runs.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were destroyed by the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-2. It was a 3-2 game in the ninth, when Jupiter scored four runs. The Threshers had four hits, and made three errors. Not an ideal ratio.
San Diego Padres' starter Jake Peavy is expected to miss a month, with an injured right ankle. Toronto Blue Jays' starter Roy Halladay left Friday night's game against Florida, with a strained right groin.
Looks like the Phils will have to wait on a Halladay trade, or just go ahead and trade for Houston's Roy Oswalt.
The debut of "The Pen" is less than 48 hours away...
(Another possibility would be to move Bastardo into the pen, send Kendrick back to AAA, and promote Andrew Carpenter into the rotation. Carpenter has been pitching much better for Lehigh Valley than Kendrick has, but he wasn't a good recall choice for Friday/the weekend, as he had started for the IronPigs on Thursday.)
Southpaw reliever Jack Taschner will take over the LOOGY role during Eyre's absence. (Egads, no! Taschner has reverse splits, and is more viable as a ROOGY. Taschner will, likely, remain in the "Taschner" role, pitching irregularly, and at inexplicable times.)
The Phils' don't, currently, have a viable LOOGY, as lefty J.C. Romero is the primary eighth-inning option, in Brad Lidge's absence. I'd expect to see Kendrick replaced by Escalona, or Bastardo replaced by Carpenter, to add a second lefty to the pen, in the near future.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) lost two more key players, as catcher Lou Marson and infielder Jason Donald hit the DL, on Friday. Donald is expected to miss a month, and Marson should return in two weeks. (Guess they won't be traded for Roy Oswalt, for at least a few more weeks.) It wasn't immediately clear what roster moves Lehigh Valley will make to cover for these losses.
The short-handed IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 3-2, in ten innings. The IronPigs had 12 hits, and 6 walks, but left 14 on base. The bullpen pitched six scoreless innings, with closer Tyler Walker getting the victory.
The Reading Phillies (AA) got demolished by the Harrisburg Senators, 11-0. Two R-Phils fans got married at home plate prior to the game, and the Senators ruined their memorable day with sixteen hits, and six home runs.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) were destroyed by the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-2. It was a 3-2 game in the ninth, when Jupiter scored four runs. The Threshers had four hits, and made three errors. Not an ideal ratio.
San Diego Padres' starter Jake Peavy is expected to miss a month, with an injured right ankle. Toronto Blue Jays' starter Roy Halladay left Friday night's game against Florida, with a strained right groin.
Looks like the Phils will have to wait on a Halladay trade, or just go ahead and trade for Houston's Roy Oswalt.
The debut of "The Pen" is less than 48 hours away...
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Myers Enters Hall
(Spoiler Alert: The following was originally posted on July 24th, 2028. It may contain spoilers if read prior to that date.)Brett Myers never suffered from a shortage of confidence. Whether as a boxer at the age of eleven, or as a forty-year-old pitcher, he was always very certain of his ability. But not even Myers expected to be honored with induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Let alone being chosen to enter Cooperstown in his first year of eligibilty.
The majority of the mainstream blogosphere was also quite surprised at Myers' induction. Well, maybe "surprised" isn't the best word. "Enraged" might be a more appropriate word choice. There were posts arguing that Myers' 232 career wins and 3.62 career ERA weren't Hall-worthy. "A reflection of longevity, not superiority," they claimed. They noted that Myers spent the last decade of his career as the third-best pitcher, on his own team. (Behind aces Cole Hamels and Carlos Carrasco.) An excellent pitcher, yes, but not a Hall of Famer.
Myers did have his share of supporters. His outstanding postseason performances (and who could forget those World Series duels with Buchholz, Guerra, and Hochevar?) were proof that Myers was at his best when the games counted the most. His twenty-eight victory season with the 130-win team of 2011 was one of the best individual seasons in the 21st century. Without Myers' pitching (and his considerable leadership skills), Philadelphia surely wouldn't have been able to run off their streak of seven consecutive World Championships from 2008-2014.
As Myers stood at the podium, the arguments for and against his HoF candidacy no longer mattered. He mopped the sweat from his brow, as he looked into the crowd. So many people to thank, he thought to himself. His wife, Kim, his sons, Kolt and Cole, and his daughter, Kylie, cheered from the front row. He never would have been so successful without their support. His family was flanked by former pitching coaches Tom Filer and Jamie Moyer. They were to thank for his longevity, not to mention being instrumental in his transformation into a team leader, a role model for the younger players.
"I don't know who to thank first, and I really hope I don't forget anybody," Myers began. A murmur arose from the crowd, as a single figure approached the stage. The tall, lanky figure seemed vaguely familiar to Myers, but he couldn't quite place him.
"You can thank me first, Brett, because you've been PUNK'D!," Kyle Kendrick howled.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Phils Swept out of Postseason
(originally posted 10/9/07)
The Phillies had a great season, overcoming a horrific start to win a Division Championship. They saved countless lives with their tarp skills. They killed the playoff hopes of the New York Mets by beating them, approximately, forty-three games in a row. They had the best stolen base percentage in the history of stolen bases. They sent player-after-player to the disabled list, yet they still managed to win 89 games.
Their individual perfomances were impressive. Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins had MVP-type seasons. Ryan Howard missed a month, but still hit 47 homers. Pat Burrell had an incredible second half, Aaron Rowand had two incredible halves. A late-season surge propelled Abe Nunez' OPS to the .600 mark. On the pitching side, Brett Myers went from Opening Day starter to closer, converting 21 of 24 save opportunities. Cole Hamels was 15-5, with a 3.39 ERA. He would have approached 20 wins, and Cy Young consideration, if he had made a few more starts. Kyle Kendrick came from nowhere (i.e. Reading) to win 10 games. Jon Lieber, despite appearing in only 14 games, consumed more donuts than any other NL starting pitcher. Antonio Alfonseca led the league in fingers, and Adam Eaton did a splendid job covering the pitcher's mound with the tarp during that storm in Colorado.
The season-ending postseason sweep at the hands of the Colorado Rockies was frustrating, if only because things could have been so different. Should have been so different. If Cole Hamels had dressed appropriately for Game 1, or if Kyle Kendrick had stayed in Game 2, or if Jayson Werth had caught that ball in Game 3, the Phillies likely would have won at least one of those three games. With the Rockies' Mark Redman and his 7.57 ERA ready for the Game 4 start, and the Phillies' Cole Hamels slated for the Game 5 start, the Phillies could have been preparing for the NLCS right now.
After so many years in which the "if's" kept the Phillies out of the playoffs, I guess it's an improvement that the if's relate to postseason failure this time. But, after the fourteen year wait, it would have been nice to win at least one of the games. The Phillies have a strong nucleus returning for 2008, so a return to the postseason is very possible. While the defeat at the hands of the Rockies stings right now, there is cause for optimism. It won't be a fourteen year wait until the next playoff game. Not with Jimmy, Chase, Cole, Pat, and Ryan in the lineup.
The Phillies had a great season, overcoming a horrific start to win a Division Championship. They saved countless lives with their tarp skills. They killed the playoff hopes of the New York Mets by beating them, approximately, forty-three games in a row. They had the best stolen base percentage in the history of stolen bases. They sent player-after-player to the disabled list, yet they still managed to win 89 games.Their individual perfomances were impressive. Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins had MVP-type seasons. Ryan Howard missed a month, but still hit 47 homers. Pat Burrell had an incredible second half, Aaron Rowand had two incredible halves. A late-season surge propelled Abe Nunez' OPS to the .600 mark. On the pitching side, Brett Myers went from Opening Day starter to closer, converting 21 of 24 save opportunities. Cole Hamels was 15-5, with a 3.39 ERA. He would have approached 20 wins, and Cy Young consideration, if he had made a few more starts. Kyle Kendrick came from nowhere (i.e. Reading) to win 10 games. Jon Lieber, despite appearing in only 14 games, consumed more donuts than any other NL starting pitcher. Antonio Alfonseca led the league in fingers, and Adam Eaton did a splendid job covering the pitcher's mound with the tarp during that storm in Colorado.
The season-ending postseason sweep at the hands of the Colorado Rockies was frustrating, if only because things could have been so different. Should have been so different. If Cole Hamels had dressed appropriately for Game 1, or if Kyle Kendrick had stayed in Game 2, or if Jayson Werth had caught that ball in Game 3, the Phillies likely would have won at least one of those three games. With the Rockies' Mark Redman and his 7.57 ERA ready for the Game 4 start, and the Phillies' Cole Hamels slated for the Game 5 start, the Phillies could have been preparing for the NLCS right now.
After so many years in which the "if's" kept the Phillies out of the playoffs, I guess it's an improvement that the if's relate to postseason failure this time. But, after the fourteen year wait, it would have been nice to win at least one of the games. The Phillies have a strong nucleus returning for 2008, so a return to the postseason is very possible. While the defeat at the hands of the Rockies stings right now, there is cause for optimism. It won't be a fourteen year wait until the next playoff game. Not with Jimmy, Chase, Cole, Pat, and Ryan in the lineup.
Phillies' Hopes Fading
(originally posted 10/4/07)
"Treasures can slip through your fingertips
And sapphires melt in your hands
You turn to me with your jaded eyes
And I'm scared that I know how this ends
And everything fell into place
But now it is falling apart
I'm trying to hold on
But I can see you fading."
-REDEMPTION, "Sapphire"
It's not looking good. When the Phillies had an early 3-2 lead, I just knew they would win and tie the series up. Even when they trailed 10-5, they loaded the bases for Carlos Ruiz. Any kind of hit would have put them right back in the game. But they didn't get any kind of hit, and now they need to win the next three games to avoid elimination.
The turning point was another Charles Fuqua Manuel Special. After Kyle Kendrick was told to intentionally walk the eighth place hitter, he gave up an infield hit to Eli Manning's college backup QB, loading the bases with two outs in the 4th inning. Manuel gave Kendrick an early hook, bringing in starting pitcher Kyle Lohse from the bullpen. Kendrick had pitched in, and out, of trouble all day, but he had only thrown 66 pitches at that point. Given that the Phillies' bullpen consists of three innings worth of useful talent, removing the starting pitcher with (at least) five and two-thirds worth of game left seemed a bit short-sighted. When Lohse allowed a grand slam to Kaz Matsui (four regular season HR in 410 at bats), the pitching move seemed a bit worse.
Jose Mesa and Clay Condrey combined to allow four more Rockie runs in the 6th, and the 10-2 hole was way too much to overcome against the strong Colorado bullpen. The rest of the game mostly involved me trying to refrain from putting my fist through the television set. (Note: Obviously, I would not have put my throwing hand through the screen.) Between the Phillies' "relievers", the idiotic announcers (Not you, Don, it was the other guy. Well, mostly the other guy), the TBS commercials (They really need to stop showing those FrankTV commercials. Like, NOW. Plus no more Mellancamp!), I was reduced to a profanity-spewing ball of fury. But I still expected the Phillies to, somehow, come back to win. At least until Rockies closer Manny Corpas finished up for his second save in as many days.
The Phillies head to Colorado for Saturday night's Game 3. Jamie Moyer takes the hill against Rockies rookie Ubaldo Jimenez. Thankfully, Jimenez is not another lefty. Only seven teams in baseball history have won a five game playoff series, after losing the first two games. Only one of them lost those two games at home. So, it's due to happen again. Probability is on the Phillies' side. Plus the Rockies are due for some losses. Regression to the mean, right? If the Phillies can make it back to CBP, with Cole Hamels on the mound, they have a good shot. Getting there will not be easy. But not impossible.
"Treasures can slip through your fingertipsAnd sapphires melt in your hands
You turn to me with your jaded eyes
And I'm scared that I know how this ends
And everything fell into place
But now it is falling apart
I'm trying to hold on
But I can see you fading."
-REDEMPTION, "Sapphire"
It's not looking good. When the Phillies had an early 3-2 lead, I just knew they would win and tie the series up. Even when they trailed 10-5, they loaded the bases for Carlos Ruiz. Any kind of hit would have put them right back in the game. But they didn't get any kind of hit, and now they need to win the next three games to avoid elimination.
The turning point was another Charles Fuqua Manuel Special. After Kyle Kendrick was told to intentionally walk the eighth place hitter, he gave up an infield hit to Eli Manning's college backup QB, loading the bases with two outs in the 4th inning. Manuel gave Kendrick an early hook, bringing in starting pitcher Kyle Lohse from the bullpen. Kendrick had pitched in, and out, of trouble all day, but he had only thrown 66 pitches at that point. Given that the Phillies' bullpen consists of three innings worth of useful talent, removing the starting pitcher with (at least) five and two-thirds worth of game left seemed a bit short-sighted. When Lohse allowed a grand slam to Kaz Matsui (four regular season HR in 410 at bats), the pitching move seemed a bit worse.
Jose Mesa and Clay Condrey combined to allow four more Rockie runs in the 6th, and the 10-2 hole was way too much to overcome against the strong Colorado bullpen. The rest of the game mostly involved me trying to refrain from putting my fist through the television set. (Note: Obviously, I would not have put my throwing hand through the screen.) Between the Phillies' "relievers", the idiotic announcers (Not you, Don, it was the other guy. Well, mostly the other guy), the TBS commercials (They really need to stop showing those FrankTV commercials. Like, NOW. Plus no more Mellancamp!), I was reduced to a profanity-spewing ball of fury. But I still expected the Phillies to, somehow, come back to win. At least until Rockies closer Manny Corpas finished up for his second save in as many days.
The Phillies head to Colorado for Saturday night's Game 3. Jamie Moyer takes the hill against Rockies rookie Ubaldo Jimenez. Thankfully, Jimenez is not another lefty. Only seven teams in baseball history have won a five game playoff series, after losing the first two games. Only one of them lost those two games at home. So, it's due to happen again. Probability is on the Phillies' side. Plus the Rockies are due for some losses. Regression to the mean, right? If the Phillies can make it back to CBP, with Cole Hamels on the mound, they have a good shot. Getting there will not be easy. But not impossible.
Phils Hold On Against Cards, 2.5 Behind Mets
(originally posted 9/18/07)
THAT'S how we do it, Phillies style! Take an 11-0 lead going into the bottom of the sixth on the road, with our second best starter on the mound. Hold on for dear life, as a procession of AA-quality relievers enters the game, and the lead dissipates. Watch as the seventh Phillie pitcher of the game picks up his first career save, and reduces his season ERA to 5.47. A fairly simple formula, and one that takes .04 years/per game off of every Phillies fan's life. But those painful wins are better than the painless losses of yesteryear. And a World Series Championship would probably be worth knocking a year or so off the end of a Phan's lifetime.
It's not too often that a team scores thirteen runs, and squeaks by with a 13-11 victory. But, considering that the Phillies had brutalized the arms of their three MLB-quality relievers (Brett Myers, Tom Gordon, J. C. Romero) in the sweep of the Mets (SWEEP! OF! THE! METS!), I guess it shouldn't have been too surprising. All six relievers used had ERA's over 5.10. Luckily, the Cardinals pitching was also horrible, and Philly capitalized with eleven hits, seven walks and five homers. Phillies SP Kyle Kendrick pitched five scoreless innings, but tired in the sixth. He allowed three runs in his six innings, raising his record to 9-4 (4.05 ERA).
The game got really ugly in the seventh, when Clay Condrey (5.48 ERA) and Jose Mesa (7.66) combined to allow six St. Louis runs. (Jose Mesa's ERA would be worse, but three of the runners he allowed to score were put on base by Condrey. Mesa is quite adept at allowing inherited runners to score.) The game ended with Francisco Rosario on the mound, and J.D. Durbin and Martin Biron as the only remaining bullpen options. (Considering Durbin's recent struggles, I would have called the French-Canadian hockey goalie into the game before "The Real Deal.")
Ace Cole Hamels (2008-2014, 2016-2021 Cy Young Award winner) will make his glorious return in tonight's win over the St.Louis Cardinals. Hamels' time away from the club will prove to be a blessing in disguise, as the rest will enable him to pitch in a two-man rotation (with Kendrick) for the remainder of the season. Myers, Gordon, and Romero should also be available tonight, in the unlikely event that any of them are needed. Hamels will be held to a pitch count of 70, which should be more than sufficient for a complete game victory. With a little help from the Nationals and Pirates, tonight's win will enable the Phillies to move even closer to clinching a spot in the postseason. At which point Hamels and Kendrick will be shut down until the playoffs, with Eaton, Moyer, Lohse, Ennis, and Castro getting the rest of the regular season starts. (I've got it all worked out, just have to convince Charles Fuqua Manuel that this is the way to go...)
Phillies' Stopper Halts Losing Streak
(originally posted 8/26/07)
Things looked bleak for the Phillies of Philadelphia. Consecutive losses to the Padres had brought them to the brink of oblivion. The Philly faithful seemed resigned to counting the days until Eagles football returned. (14 days!)
It was the usual suspects who had delivered the embattled ballclub to the edge of the chasm. Friday night's 14-3 loss featured twelve unanswered runs by the Padres, courtesy of Philly "pitchers" Jamie Moyer (4.2 IP, 6 ER, 5.16 ERA) and Jose Mesa (1 IP, 6 H (!), 4 ER, 7.59 ERA). Saturday night's 4-3 nailbiter included a blown save by Tom Gordon, and a loss by opening day starter-turned-closer Brett Myers. (Perhaps this P.O.D. tune would be a more appropriate entrance song, given Myers' difficulties with keeping the ball in the park. 5.10 ERA? Check the stats, indeed.) A Padres victory would have dropped Philadelphia to four games back in the Wild Card chase.
But the Phillies did have one thing going for them on Sunday. Their stopper. (No, not Cole Hamels. Still hurt.) Kyle Rodney Kendrick. All 6' 3" and 190 lbs. of splendid pitching excellence. The wiry Phillies ace (ACE!) celebrated his 23rd birthday with a stunning performance (6 IP, 1 ER), halting the Phillies' losing streak, and giving Phillies fans a reason to keep their David Akers jerseys in the closet. Kendrick improved to 7-3, with a 3.89 ERA. (His 23 Ks in 63 IP is a bit of a concern, but we are focusing on his ace-osity at the present time.) A few months ago, Kyle Rodney was in AA, and may not have had enough trade value to get the Phillies a Jose Mesa. Now, he is the top (healthy) starting pitcher on a WILD CARD CONTENDER!
Kyle didn't win this one on his own, however. Jayson Werth, playing in right for the restful Shane Victorino, went 5 for 5 (!) with 4 RBI, raising his batting average to a quite satisfactory .294. Ryan Howard broke out of his slump with a 3 for 4 day, including his 34th homer. Pat Burrell went 1 for 3, with a pair of walks, and three runs scored. When the Phillies were done for the day, they had a 14-2 victory, and a mere three game deficit in the Wild Card race. Plus, thanks to newly-promoted reliever John Ennis (last seen in MLB in 2004, with an 8.44 ERA for Detroit), who pitched the final three innings (1 ER allowed and a "save" for protecting a 14-2 lead), the rest of the Phillies bullpen was able to take the day off. (Well, they pretty much took the last two days off also, but this was a welcome breather for the fans.) Special honorary mention goes to Padres starting pitcher Tim Stauffer, who allowed eleven (ELEVEN!) runs on eleven hits (!) in four innings. Stauffer managed to raise his ERA from 17.18 to 21.13.
The Phillies begin a four game series at home against the first place (NL East) New York Mets Monday night, while the Padres start a series against the first place (NL West) Arizona Diamondbacks. Crucial games for all those involved. Hopefully, the Phillies can make up some ground in both races. Kendrick and Hamels won't be available to face the Mets, but MVP candidate Chase Utley will be back in the lineup. Though it would help to have one of their two ace starters in the series, the Phils do have Brett Myers, their calm, cool, and collected closer, ready for action. (Kendrick may be seen as a pinch-hitter, when Phillies MGR Charles Fuqua Manuel depletes his bench in the 4th inning, trying to protect a one-run lead. Hamels will only be involved in the event of a bench clearing brawl. Or brawlS.) It's always fun times when the Phillies host the Mets.
Things looked bleak for the Phillies of Philadelphia. Consecutive losses to the Padres had brought them to the brink of oblivion. The Philly faithful seemed resigned to counting the days until Eagles football returned. (14 days!)It was the usual suspects who had delivered the embattled ballclub to the edge of the chasm. Friday night's 14-3 loss featured twelve unanswered runs by the Padres, courtesy of Philly "pitchers" Jamie Moyer (4.2 IP, 6 ER, 5.16 ERA) and Jose Mesa (1 IP, 6 H (!), 4 ER, 7.59 ERA). Saturday night's 4-3 nailbiter included a blown save by Tom Gordon, and a loss by opening day starter-turned-closer Brett Myers. (Perhaps this P.O.D. tune would be a more appropriate entrance song, given Myers' difficulties with keeping the ball in the park. 5.10 ERA? Check the stats, indeed.) A Padres victory would have dropped Philadelphia to four games back in the Wild Card chase.
But the Phillies did have one thing going for them on Sunday. Their stopper. (No, not Cole Hamels. Still hurt.) Kyle Rodney Kendrick. All 6' 3" and 190 lbs. of splendid pitching excellence. The wiry Phillies ace (ACE!) celebrated his 23rd birthday with a stunning performance (6 IP, 1 ER), halting the Phillies' losing streak, and giving Phillies fans a reason to keep their David Akers jerseys in the closet. Kendrick improved to 7-3, with a 3.89 ERA. (His 23 Ks in 63 IP is a bit of a concern, but we are focusing on his ace-osity at the present time.) A few months ago, Kyle Rodney was in AA, and may not have had enough trade value to get the Phillies a Jose Mesa. Now, he is the top (healthy) starting pitcher on a WILD CARD CONTENDER!
Kyle didn't win this one on his own, however. Jayson Werth, playing in right for the restful Shane Victorino, went 5 for 5 (!) with 4 RBI, raising his batting average to a quite satisfactory .294. Ryan Howard broke out of his slump with a 3 for 4 day, including his 34th homer. Pat Burrell went 1 for 3, with a pair of walks, and three runs scored. When the Phillies were done for the day, they had a 14-2 victory, and a mere three game deficit in the Wild Card race. Plus, thanks to newly-promoted reliever John Ennis (last seen in MLB in 2004, with an 8.44 ERA for Detroit), who pitched the final three innings (1 ER allowed and a "save" for protecting a 14-2 lead), the rest of the Phillies bullpen was able to take the day off. (Well, they pretty much took the last two days off also, but this was a welcome breather for the fans.) Special honorary mention goes to Padres starting pitcher Tim Stauffer, who allowed eleven (ELEVEN!) runs on eleven hits (!) in four innings. Stauffer managed to raise his ERA from 17.18 to 21.13.
The Phillies begin a four game series at home against the first place (NL East) New York Mets Monday night, while the Padres start a series against the first place (NL West) Arizona Diamondbacks. Crucial games for all those involved. Hopefully, the Phillies can make up some ground in both races. Kendrick and Hamels won't be available to face the Mets, but MVP candidate Chase Utley will be back in the lineup. Though it would help to have one of their two ace starters in the series, the Phils do have Brett Myers, their calm, cool, and collected closer, ready for action. (Kendrick may be seen as a pinch-hitter, when Phillies MGR Charles Fuqua Manuel depletes his bench in the 4th inning, trying to protect a one-run lead. Hamels will only be involved in the event of a bench clearing brawl. Or brawlS.) It's always fun times when the Phillies host the Mets.
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