J.A. Happ was on his way to his eleventh win, Thursday night in Pittsburgh. The rookie southpaw had a 2-1 lead, with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, and the Phils were on their way to winning two of three from the Pirates. Happ delivered a 1-1 pitch to Pittsburgh's Garrett Jones, attempting to throw a fastball away. Happ's offering was near the center of the plate, Jones drove it over the center field fence, and the Pirates went on to win, 3-2. Happ's one-hundred and fourteen pitch masterpiece resulted in the rookie's third loss of the season.
Cole Hamels was Cole Hamels on Wednesday night, in Pittsburgh. Hurling eight scoreless innings, throwing mid-90s velocity on the fastball, firing one-hundred and twenty-three masterful pitches, this was the Hamels we've been waiting to see. It's been almost a month, since Hamels last posted these kinds of results, in a victory over Arizona (July 28th). Chase Utley had provided all of the offense necessary, with a solo home run in the first inning. Ryan Madson, with closer Brad Lidge having the night off (after pitching four consecutive days), came on to close out the 1-0 Phillies' win. After striking out the Pirates' leadoff batter in the ninth, Madson got two strikes on the second batter, Brandon Moss. The Phils' reliever threw a changeup that caught too much of the plate, and Moss hit a game-tying homer. Fortunately, Ryan Howard hit a three-run homer in the top of the tenth, and Madson held Pittsburgh scoreless in the bottom of the frame. It would prove to be the only win of the series for the Phillies.
What did the glaring errors made by Madson and Happ have in common? Well, the fact that they never should have happened because they never should have been in position for them to happen. Each respective hurler's bad pitch, certainly, never should have been so glaring. On Wednesday night, the Phillies' offense was 1 for 9, with runners in scoring position. They scored only one run, on a solo home run, in the first nine innings. Madson should have been provided with a greater margin for error. Madson performed well, retiring six of the seven batters he faced. But all of the attention is focused on Madson's one bad pitch.
On Thursday night, the Phillies left another eight men on base, courtesy of an 0 for 5 performance with runners in scoring position. Two starts ago, Pittsburgh northpaw Charlie Morton allowed ten runs to the Cubs, while acquiring only three outs. Yet he survived six innings against the Phillies, permitting only a pair of runs. The Phils were then held scoreless for the final three frames, by journeyman Denny Bautista and erratic closer Matt Capps. Considering that the Phillies' bullpen was well-rested, perhaps Happ should not have even been in the game for one-hundred and fourteen pitches. After throwing so many pitches, even the physically-tough Happ must have been fatigued, at that point. The Phillies' hitters (and Manager) should have done better to support Happ.
The Phillies still lead the division by seven games. They still have a good shot at the best record in the National League. Their bats are too proficient to continue slumping with runners in scoring position, and their propensity for hitting homers without runners in scoring position may be enough to provide sufficient scoring. However, losing two of three to Pittsburgh is rather frustrating. With the bullpen getting rusty from being underworked, the starting pitchers (likely) getting fatigued from overwork, and some of the position players showing signs of needing some rest (Raul Ibanez, Pedro Feliz), Charlie Manuel needs to start making some adjustments. The Phillies are the best team in their division, but they need their players to have something left for the postseason. Manuel needs to reduce the physical drain on his charges, as well as the mental drain caused by so many close games, and difficult defeats. The Phillies need to stop putting themselves in the position where a single poorly-located pitch can cost them a victory. They are much too talented to be losing two of three to the Pittsburghs of MLB.
Showing posts with label Ryan Madson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ryan Madson. Show all posts
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Another Hero Helps Phils to Thursday Matinee Win
Cliff Lee's first CBP start as a Phillie was a successful one, as he permitted only a single run in seven innings, on Thursday afternoon. Lee has allowed four runners to advance past first base, in his two starts, but only a pair have successfully completed the full circuit. Jimmy Rollins was batting .205 on July 1st, but with his 3 for 4 effort, his average had climbed to a relatively lofty .245. Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge pitched the final two innings, shutting down the Rockies, as they had so many teams in 2008. There was another hero, however, who deserves a considerable amount of credit for the Phils' 3-1 win.
When the Phillies signed journeyman catcher Paul Bako in mid-March, any Phillies' fans who had an awareness of his immemorable career, hoped Bako would never actually wear the Phils' stylish alternate game jersey. Perhaps he would play in the minors for awhile, before starting a career as a coach. He would give the Phillies another alternative in their system, should Lakewood coach Tim Gradoville need to be activated as a player, leaving the low-A squad short a coach. As for AA, AAA, and MLB, the Phillies had superior, replacement-level (or better), backstop options. Only under the unlikeliest circumstances, would Bako's presence have any more than a minimal impact on the organization.
Bako was, inexplicably, recalled in mid-June. It was surmised that he would serve as the third catcher, freeing up backup catcher Chris Coste to serve as a much-needed, non-Bruntlett, right-handed pinch-hitter. Coste would cover starter Carlos Ruiz' days off, and Bako could just borrow a bat from a pitcher, in the unlikely event that the weak-hitting veteran ever needed to make a plate appearance. Not the most efficacious use of a roster spot, but certainly preferable to having Eric Bruntlett and his .400 OPS, as the first the first man off the bench.
In mid-July, the Phillies needed a roster spot, with All-Star outfielder Raul Ibanez returning from the DL. The obvious, necessary solution was to remove one of the two backup catchers. Considering Coste's ability to also play 1B, as well as his far superior OPS, the Phillies made the obvious choice and... designated Coste for assignment. Bako's, alleged, defensive prowess was lauded as one of the reasons behind the decision. Whether ANY catcher is strong enough defensively, to overcome such a chasm of offensive inferiority, seems unlikely. If such a backstop exists, he's certainly not named Gabor Paul Bako.
After consistently providing with the Phillies with a black hole at the bottom of the lineup, Bako performed like a MLB catcher on Thursday. He helped Cliff Lee determine the approach that was used to control the Colorado offense. Offensively, Bako started the bottom of the third inning with a single. Then, leading off the fifth inning, the catcher shocked the world, depositing an 85 MPH changeup over the wall in center. It was Bako's first home run, in two-hundred and twenty-three at bats. Without Bako's contributions on Thursday, the game could have had a very different result.
With the trading deadline passed, no catching upgrades seemingly available, and fellow journeyman Paul Hoover starting for AAA Lehigh Valley, it looks like Bako will be joining the Phillies for the length of their postseason run. The best we can hope for is a few more games like Thursday's. And that Bako's Phillies' career won't be long enough to include another two-hundred and twenty-three at bats.
When the Phillies signed journeyman catcher Paul Bako in mid-March, any Phillies' fans who had an awareness of his immemorable career, hoped Bako would never actually wear the Phils' stylish alternate game jersey. Perhaps he would play in the minors for awhile, before starting a career as a coach. He would give the Phillies another alternative in their system, should Lakewood coach Tim Gradoville need to be activated as a player, leaving the low-A squad short a coach. As for AA, AAA, and MLB, the Phillies had superior, replacement-level (or better), backstop options. Only under the unlikeliest circumstances, would Bako's presence have any more than a minimal impact on the organization.
Bako was, inexplicably, recalled in mid-June. It was surmised that he would serve as the third catcher, freeing up backup catcher Chris Coste to serve as a much-needed, non-Bruntlett, right-handed pinch-hitter. Coste would cover starter Carlos Ruiz' days off, and Bako could just borrow a bat from a pitcher, in the unlikely event that the weak-hitting veteran ever needed to make a plate appearance. Not the most efficacious use of a roster spot, but certainly preferable to having Eric Bruntlett and his .400 OPS, as the first the first man off the bench.
In mid-July, the Phillies needed a roster spot, with All-Star outfielder Raul Ibanez returning from the DL. The obvious, necessary solution was to remove one of the two backup catchers. Considering Coste's ability to also play 1B, as well as his far superior OPS, the Phillies made the obvious choice and... designated Coste for assignment. Bako's, alleged, defensive prowess was lauded as one of the reasons behind the decision. Whether ANY catcher is strong enough defensively, to overcome such a chasm of offensive inferiority, seems unlikely. If such a backstop exists, he's certainly not named Gabor Paul Bako.
After consistently providing with the Phillies with a black hole at the bottom of the lineup, Bako performed like a MLB catcher on Thursday. He helped Cliff Lee determine the approach that was used to control the Colorado offense. Offensively, Bako started the bottom of the third inning with a single. Then, leading off the fifth inning, the catcher shocked the world, depositing an 85 MPH changeup over the wall in center. It was Bako's first home run, in two-hundred and twenty-three at bats. Without Bako's contributions on Thursday, the game could have had a very different result.
With the trading deadline passed, no catching upgrades seemingly available, and fellow journeyman Paul Hoover starting for AAA Lehigh Valley, it looks like Bako will be joining the Phillies for the length of their postseason run. The best we can hope for is a few more games like Thursday's. And that Bako's Phillies' career won't be long enough to include another two-hundred and twenty-three at bats.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Moyer Escapes Arizona with Win #256
Jamie Moyer was in trouble. Again. In the first inning of Monday night's game in Arizona, Moyer had stranded D-Back baserunners on first and second. In the second frame, Moyer allowed the first three batters to reach base, but escaped unscathed, striking out the opposing pitcher, and inducing an inning-ending twin-killing. This time, Moyer had begun the third inning by surrendering a leadoff single, followed by a walk. With Arizona slugger Mark Reynolds due to bat, it appeared that Moyer's early-inning fortune was about to run out.
Fortunately for Moyer and the Phillies, Reynolds' ability to hit for power is coupled by a propensity for whiffing. A strikeout, and two infield pops later, Moyer had escaped another potential rally. Ryan Howard gave the Phils a 2-0 lead in the fourth, with a long drive over the fence in center. Moyer settled down, shutting out the D-Backs through six and two-thirds innings, while the Phillies took advantage of some shoddy Arizona fielding, and took a 6-0 advantage. Ryan Madson, pitching with a 6-0 lead, surrendered two runs in the eighth, one on a Reynolds home run. Brad Lidge came on in the ninth, retiring the side in order, in a non-save situation.
Moyer has posted a 3.30 ERA in July, in thirty innings (five starts). As a whole, the Phillies' starting pitchers have posted a 2.80 July ERA. With that kind of starting pitching, the Phillies hardly need Roy Halladay, right? Well, no. Moyer has pitched well in three July starts, against weak teams (Mets, Marlins, D-Backs), and very poorly in two July starts, against the Reds and Cubs. Moyer should be on the sidelines in the postseason, unless the Phils happen to face the Florida Marlins in the NLCS. The non-Moyer components of the rotation have done well recently, particularly Joe Blanton, but those gaudy numbers have been posted (for the most part) at the expense of some very weak competition. While the timing has been good, as the starters have eaten innings that otherwise would have been forced down the throats of overworked Chan Ho Park and Ryan Madson, not to mention helping minimize the appearances of the likes of Tyler Walker and Steven Register, the Phils still need to upgrade their postseason rotation. The difference between a Halladay-Hamels-Blanton top three, and a Hamels-Blanton-Happ combo, is rather sizeable, and could be the difference between WFC II, and a loss in the NL playoffs.
Cole Hamels takes the mound on Tuesday night in Arizona, opposed by D-Backs' ace Dan Haren (2.14 ERA/.84 WHIP!). A few years from now, the Phillies could be looking to acquire Haren at the deadline, in order to bolster their playoff rotation. Tonight, the Phils will probably just be looking to get Haren's pitch count up, so that they can take their chances against the Arizona bullpen.
Fortunately for Moyer and the Phillies, Reynolds' ability to hit for power is coupled by a propensity for whiffing. A strikeout, and two infield pops later, Moyer had escaped another potential rally. Ryan Howard gave the Phils a 2-0 lead in the fourth, with a long drive over the fence in center. Moyer settled down, shutting out the D-Backs through six and two-thirds innings, while the Phillies took advantage of some shoddy Arizona fielding, and took a 6-0 advantage. Ryan Madson, pitching with a 6-0 lead, surrendered two runs in the eighth, one on a Reynolds home run. Brad Lidge came on in the ninth, retiring the side in order, in a non-save situation.
Moyer has posted a 3.30 ERA in July, in thirty innings (five starts). As a whole, the Phillies' starting pitchers have posted a 2.80 July ERA. With that kind of starting pitching, the Phillies hardly need Roy Halladay, right? Well, no. Moyer has pitched well in three July starts, against weak teams (Mets, Marlins, D-Backs), and very poorly in two July starts, against the Reds and Cubs. Moyer should be on the sidelines in the postseason, unless the Phils happen to face the Florida Marlins in the NLCS. The non-Moyer components of the rotation have done well recently, particularly Joe Blanton, but those gaudy numbers have been posted (for the most part) at the expense of some very weak competition. While the timing has been good, as the starters have eaten innings that otherwise would have been forced down the throats of overworked Chan Ho Park and Ryan Madson, not to mention helping minimize the appearances of the likes of Tyler Walker and Steven Register, the Phils still need to upgrade their postseason rotation. The difference between a Halladay-Hamels-Blanton top three, and a Hamels-Blanton-Happ combo, is rather sizeable, and could be the difference between WFC II, and a loss in the NL playoffs.
Cole Hamels takes the mound on Tuesday night in Arizona, opposed by D-Backs' ace Dan Haren (2.14 ERA/.84 WHIP!). A few years from now, the Phillies could be looking to acquire Haren at the deadline, in order to bolster their playoff rotation. Tonight, the Phils will probably just be looking to get Haren's pitch count up, so that they can take their chances against the Arizona bullpen.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Holliday, BABIP, Staches, and J-Bros Combine to Defeat Happ and Phils, 8-1
It took an unfortunate, and unlikely, confluence of events to serve Phillies' starter J.A. Happ his first loss. Matt Holliday in the Cardinals' lineup. The Jonas Brothers in dangerously close proximity to Citizens Bank Park. St.Louis' porn stache-heavy lineup. But, as easy as it is to blame the aforementioned horrors for Happ's defeat, it was one treacherous, malevolent entity, above all others, that caused the rookie southpaw's downfall. Happ, for perhaps the first time as a major leaguer, felt the cold, cruel effects of BABIP.
Through five innings, it was a typical Happ outing. The rookie had allowed only a single run, as it seemed every hard-hit ball he conceded found the leather of a teammate's, often acrobatic, glove. Happ trailed 1-0, as play entered the sixth inning, but a one-run deficit is nothing for the vaunted Phillies' offense. The Phils' bats would regress (progress?) to their vociferous mean, and the runs would flow, as does the mighty Schuylkill.
There was regression to the mean for the Phillies, but not the good, winning-baseball-games, type. Often, we observe BABIP as an incremental change in a pitcher's statline, over a number of games. On Friday night, BABIP opted to ravage Happ's once-pristine numbers in a savage sixth inning. Six hits, and four runs later, the Cardinals had blooped and dunked their way to a victory. Happ's ERA increased to 2.97 (from 2.68), and the lefty was fortunate that the ten hits charged to his record only resulted in five runs.
Tyler Walker relieved to start the seventh. In the absence of inherited runners who could be permitted to score, the sweat-drenched right-hander's ineffectiveness lead to the sullying of his own, personal ERA. Walker surrendered three hits and two walks in his inning of work, but somehow managed to allow only two runs. Andrew Carpenter made his return to MLB in the eighth, and gave up a flukish solo homer to Boston-reject Julio Lugo. Trailing by a score of 8-1 in the top of the ninth, with a Win Expectancy of a lofty .1%, Phils' Manager Charlie Manuel summoned setup man Ryan Madson. It was an inexplicable move to end an inexplicable game, as the Phillies' offense (10 LOB, 0 for 13 w/RISP) was never quite able to match the Cardinals' level of BABIP proficiency. With the Jonas Brothers in Pittsburgh, and Rodrigo Lopez on the mound on Saturday, the Phillies should have a better chance in the second game of the three-game series. Unless the Cardinals grow some more porn staches prior to the 4:05pm start time.
Through five innings, it was a typical Happ outing. The rookie had allowed only a single run, as it seemed every hard-hit ball he conceded found the leather of a teammate's, often acrobatic, glove. Happ trailed 1-0, as play entered the sixth inning, but a one-run deficit is nothing for the vaunted Phillies' offense. The Phils' bats would regress (progress?) to their vociferous mean, and the runs would flow, as does the mighty Schuylkill.
There was regression to the mean for the Phillies, but not the good, winning-baseball-games, type. Often, we observe BABIP as an incremental change in a pitcher's statline, over a number of games. On Friday night, BABIP opted to ravage Happ's once-pristine numbers in a savage sixth inning. Six hits, and four runs later, the Cardinals had blooped and dunked their way to a victory. Happ's ERA increased to 2.97 (from 2.68), and the lefty was fortunate that the ten hits charged to his record only resulted in five runs.
Tyler Walker relieved to start the seventh. In the absence of inherited runners who could be permitted to score, the sweat-drenched right-hander's ineffectiveness lead to the sullying of his own, personal ERA. Walker surrendered three hits and two walks in his inning of work, but somehow managed to allow only two runs. Andrew Carpenter made his return to MLB in the eighth, and gave up a flukish solo homer to Boston-reject Julio Lugo. Trailing by a score of 8-1 in the top of the ninth, with a Win Expectancy of a lofty .1%, Phils' Manager Charlie Manuel summoned setup man Ryan Madson. It was an inexplicable move to end an inexplicable game, as the Phillies' offense (10 LOB, 0 for 13 w/RISP) was never quite able to match the Cardinals' level of BABIP proficiency. With the Jonas Brothers in Pittsburgh, and Rodrigo Lopez on the mound on Saturday, the Phillies should have a better chance in the second game of the three-game series. Unless the Cardinals grow some more porn staches prior to the 4:05pm start time.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Moyer and 'Pen Silence Marlins, 4-0
Part of the job of a Manager is to put his charges in position to succeed. Perhaps Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel was partially to blame for Jamie Moyer's 5.99 first-half ERA. Manuel has persisted in starting Moyer every fifth day, rather than simply once per series, every time the Phils match up with the Washington Nationals and Florida Marlins. That plan would net Moyer about a dozen starts, which would be a bit pricey at $6.5 million/season. But at least we could skip the steady procession of six-inning, four-run starts posted by the veteran hurler. Luckily for the Phillies, the Marlins were on the schedule for Thursday night.
Moyer was simply brilliant, surrendering just a single hit, in seven innings. Moyer required only ninety-four pitches (sixty-seven strikes), retiring all but two of the twenty-three batters he faced. It was easily Moyer's best performance of the season, as well as one of the best by a Phillies' starting pitcher. Moyer reduced his ERA from 5.99 to 5.58, and had little problem shutting down the Florida bats, as usual. The veteran is now 13-2 against the Marlins, including 8-0 on the road.
Moyer got some support from the bullpen, as Ryan Madson (eighth inning) and J.C. Romero (ninth) each retired the side in order. The bats also came through, with all of the runs coming on home runs. Raul Ibanez hit a pair of homers, giving him twenty-four for the season. Ryan Howard hit his twenty-third homer of the season, and the two-hundredth of his career. The Howard homer set an MLB record, as the slugger became the fastest to reach the two-hundred home run mark, attaining the level in a mere six hundred and fifty-eight games. Charlie Manuel kept Gabor Paul Bako II and Eric Bruntlett off the field, and the Phillies had an easy, relaxing victory.
The Phillies will pursue their third consecutive win of the "easy, relaxing" variety, with ace Cole Hamels facing the Marlins on Friday. Thursday's win increased the Phils' division lead over the second place Marlins to five games. With Pedro Martinez (and Roy Halladay?) soon to bolster the Phillies' rotation, and the Phils' offense continuing to produce, the division advantage should reach double digits in the near future. Especially if Manuel is able to keep Bako out of the lineup.
Moyer was simply brilliant, surrendering just a single hit, in seven innings. Moyer required only ninety-four pitches (sixty-seven strikes), retiring all but two of the twenty-three batters he faced. It was easily Moyer's best performance of the season, as well as one of the best by a Phillies' starting pitcher. Moyer reduced his ERA from 5.99 to 5.58, and had little problem shutting down the Florida bats, as usual. The veteran is now 13-2 against the Marlins, including 8-0 on the road.
Moyer got some support from the bullpen, as Ryan Madson (eighth inning) and J.C. Romero (ninth) each retired the side in order. The bats also came through, with all of the runs coming on home runs. Raul Ibanez hit a pair of homers, giving him twenty-four for the season. Ryan Howard hit his twenty-third homer of the season, and the two-hundredth of his career. The Howard homer set an MLB record, as the slugger became the fastest to reach the two-hundred home run mark, attaining the level in a mere six hundred and fifty-eight games. Charlie Manuel kept Gabor Paul Bako II and Eric Bruntlett off the field, and the Phillies had an easy, relaxing victory.
The Phillies will pursue their third consecutive win of the "easy, relaxing" variety, with ace Cole Hamels facing the Marlins on Friday. Thursday's win increased the Phils' division lead over the second place Marlins to five games. With Pedro Martinez (and Roy Halladay?) soon to bolster the Phillies' rotation, and the Phils' offense continuing to produce, the division advantage should reach double digits in the near future. Especially if Manuel is able to keep Bako out of the lineup.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Season in Review/Preview- Pitchers Edition (Now with Arbitrary Grades!)
Welcome to the Season in Review/Preview- Pitchers Edition!
Starting Pitchers
Joe Blanton
Some numbers: 103.1 IP, 4.44 ERA, 2.76 K/BB, .310 BABIP, 79.4% LOB, 4.74 FIP
Some commentary: Blanton has improved substantially, after a horrific start. BABIP is starting to work in his favor. His first half was mediocre, at best, but he could have a much better second half.
Arbitrary Grade: C-
Cole Hamels
Some numbers: 98 IP, 4.87 ERA, 4.72 K/BB, .348 BABIP, 71.3% LOB, 3.90 FIP
Some commentary: Hamels wasn't mentally/physically ready at the beginning of the season, and got off to a bad start. He has only shown glimpses of his aceability, and has also been unlucky, at times. He might be feeling the effects of the 269 innings he pitched in 2008. He should improve, but not to the levels the Phillies expect from their top starter.
Arbitrary Grade: C+
Jamie Moyer
Some numbers: 94.2 IP, 5.99 ERA, 2.12 K/BB, .307 BABIP, 71.7% LOB, 5.84 FIP
Some commentary: Moyer has been terrible. Signing him for two years looks like a very poor decision by the Phillies. His results indicate that he should be removed from the rotation, but his contract situation, and his poor suitability for a relief role, have kept him in the rotation. He seems unlikely to remain in the rotation all season, and seems unlikely to be on the postseason roster.
Arbitrary Grade: D-
J. A. Happ
Some numbers: 87 IP, 2.90 ERA, 1.91 K/BB, .242 BABIP, 85.9% LOB, 4.51 FIP
Some commentary: Happ has been the Phillies' most effective starter. If Happ had started the season in the rotation, the Phillies' record would, likely, have been better. Happ threw 166 innings in 2008, so the Phillies should try to keep him under 190 innings for the 2009 season. (Starting the season in the bullpen helped, in that area.) Happ's peripheral stats (K/BB, FIP, BABIP, LOB%) indicate that he has been very fortunate, and a sizeable regression may be impending. But Happ is graded based on his results, which have been superb.
Arbitrary Grade: A-
Brett Myers (injured, likely out for season- may return as a reliever in Sept.)
Some numbers: 63.2 IP, 4.66 ERA, 2.30 K/BB, .268 BABIP, 86.1% LOB, 6.22 FIP
Some commentary: Myers was surrendering homers by the bushel, before his injury. As mediocre as his numbers were, his peripherals indicated that they were likely to get worse. Re-signing Myers as a free agent would not be advisable.
Arbitrary Grade: D+
Chan Ho Park
Some numbers: (25 appearances, 7 starts) 59.0 IP, 5.49 ERA, 1.92 K/BB, .336 BABIP, 65.5% LOB, 4.00 FIP
Some commentary: Signing Park for $2.5 million, and giving him a spot in the starting rotation, was ill-conceived. After a horrendous performance as a starter (7.29 ERA), Park has been satisfactory (3.16 ERA) as a reliever. He has had some poor luck, which appears to be starting to even out. If the Phillies' bats hadn't saved them from several losses in Park's starts, the Phils would not be in first place.
Arbitrary Grade: C- (overall), F (as a starter)
Antonio Bastardo (currently on DL)
Some numbers: (5 starts) 22.2 IP, 6.75 ERA, 2.38 K/BB, .329 BABIP, 59.2% LOB, 5.01 FIP
Some commentary: Bastardo may have been promoted before he was ready. He was overpowering at times, unlucky at times, and out of control at times.
Arbitrary Grade: C-
Rodrigo Lopez (currently on DL)
Some numbers: (2 starts) 11.1 IP, 3.18 ERA, 4.00 K/BB, .315 BABIP, 69.2% LOB, 2.18 FIP
Some commentary: A journeyman northpaw, Lopez looked good in his two starts. He might put up better numbers than Jamie Moyer, if given an extended chance in the rotation. He probably won't get that chance, now that Pedro Martinez has been signed, Lopez may be used out of the bullpen, where he might be a better option than Tyler Walker.
Arbitrary Grade: INC
Relievers
Ryan Madson
Some numbers: 44.2 IP, 3.02 ERA, 2.75 K/BB, .293 BABIP, 79.0% LOB, 3.40 FIP
Some commentary: Madson struggled when used in the closer role, but has excelled as a setup man.
Arbitrary Grade: B+
Chad Durbin
Some numbers: 44.1 IP, 4.47 ERA, 1.54 K/BB, .268 BABIP, 73.5% LOB, 5.25 FIP
Some commentary: Durbin has been lucky to put up mediocre numbers. He needs to be the fifth option in the bullpen, but was forced into too many higher leverage situations.
Arbitrary Grade: D+
Clay Condrey (currently on DL)
Some numbers: 34 IP, 3.71 ERA, 1.57 K/BB, .268 BABIP, 76.1% LOB, 4.54 FIP
Some commentary: Condrey has also been lucky, and may be bound for regression. He needs to be used in low leverage situations.
Arbitrary Grade: C-
Brad Lidge
Some numbers: 32 IP, 7.03 ERA, 1.95 K/BB, .375 BABIP, 67.6 % LOB, 5.88 FIP, 2.25 HR/9 (career: .86), 19.5% HR/FB (career: 10.9%)
Some commentary: Lidge has struggled with injury problems. Lidge has struggled with horribly bad luck, particularly with home run balls. His fortune seems bound to improve. But he is graded on his results, and there is only one possible grade for those results.
Arbitrary Grade: F
Jack Taschner (was optioned to AAA)
Some numbers: 27.2 IP, 5.20 ERA, .85 K/BB, .337 BABIP, 73.4% LOB, 5.63 FIP
Some commentary: If Taschner was signed at the major league minimum, it would have been a poor move. Taschner's salary was 835K, and he cost the Phillies a suitable backup catcher (Ronny Paulino, ot Jason Jaramillo) in trade. Taschner was so ineffective that Charlie Manuel barely used him. It was inexplicable that he consumed a roster spot for as long as he did. His ability to put baserunners on was evidenced by his 1.95 WHIP. He did a lot of damage to the ERAs of his bullpen mates.
Arbitrary Grade: F
Scott Eyre
Some numbers: (27 games) 16.2 IP, 2.16 ERA, 1.20 K/BB, .239 BABIP, 89.6% LOB, 5.17 FIP
Some commentary: Eyre has been extremely lucky, and regression seems inevitable. The Phillies need to be certain to keep Eyre in LOOGY situations.
Arbitrary Grade: B+
J.C. Romero (suspended for first 50 games of season)
Some numbers: (17 games) 14.1 IP, 3.14 ERA, .92 K/BB, .234 BABIP, 85.6% LOB, 6.27 FIP
Some commentary: Romero has been luckier, than good. Allowing so many baserunners may catch up to him, as it did in his time with Boston. The Phillies need him to split the 8th inning with Madson, and to pitch in mid-high leverage situations. His peripherals indicate those situations may prove dangerous.
Arbitrary Grade: B
Tyler Walker
Some numbers: (9 games) 11 IP, 1.64 ERA, 5.00 K/BB, .235 BABIP, 100% LOB, 4.79 FIP
Some commentary: Walker should have taken Taschner's roster spot early in the season. Walker has been rather lucky, and has regularly damaged the ERAs of his teammates. He should be the least-used member of the bullpen.
Arbitrary Grade: C
Sergio Escalona (currently in AAA)
Some numbers: (6 games) 6.1 IP, 2.84 ERA, 2.00 K/BB, .265 BABIP, 75% LOB, 3.22 FIP
Some commentary: Escalona is performed well in his brief MLB opportunities. He could be on the postseason roster. If he didn't have options remaining, he might be on the MLB roster, rather than Walker.
Arbitrary Grade: INC
The Phillies' pitchers have struggled with injuries and poor luck. As a whole, their results have been rather putrid. If they had performed at an average level, the Phillies would have a sizeable division lead. It is no secret that the Phillies need to upgrade their pitching staff, in order to be a viable World Series contender. (Though they may be able to ride their offense to win a weak division.)
Starting Pitchers
Joe Blanton
Some numbers: 103.1 IP, 4.44 ERA, 2.76 K/BB, .310 BABIP, 79.4% LOB, 4.74 FIP
Some commentary: Blanton has improved substantially, after a horrific start. BABIP is starting to work in his favor. His first half was mediocre, at best, but he could have a much better second half.
Arbitrary Grade: C-
Cole Hamels
Some numbers: 98 IP, 4.87 ERA, 4.72 K/BB, .348 BABIP, 71.3% LOB, 3.90 FIP
Some commentary: Hamels wasn't mentally/physically ready at the beginning of the season, and got off to a bad start. He has only shown glimpses of his aceability, and has also been unlucky, at times. He might be feeling the effects of the 269 innings he pitched in 2008. He should improve, but not to the levels the Phillies expect from their top starter.
Arbitrary Grade: C+
Jamie Moyer
Some numbers: 94.2 IP, 5.99 ERA, 2.12 K/BB, .307 BABIP, 71.7% LOB, 5.84 FIP
Some commentary: Moyer has been terrible. Signing him for two years looks like a very poor decision by the Phillies. His results indicate that he should be removed from the rotation, but his contract situation, and his poor suitability for a relief role, have kept him in the rotation. He seems unlikely to remain in the rotation all season, and seems unlikely to be on the postseason roster.
Arbitrary Grade: D-
J. A. Happ
Some numbers: 87 IP, 2.90 ERA, 1.91 K/BB, .242 BABIP, 85.9% LOB, 4.51 FIP
Some commentary: Happ has been the Phillies' most effective starter. If Happ had started the season in the rotation, the Phillies' record would, likely, have been better. Happ threw 166 innings in 2008, so the Phillies should try to keep him under 190 innings for the 2009 season. (Starting the season in the bullpen helped, in that area.) Happ's peripheral stats (K/BB, FIP, BABIP, LOB%) indicate that he has been very fortunate, and a sizeable regression may be impending. But Happ is graded based on his results, which have been superb.
Arbitrary Grade: A-
Brett Myers (injured, likely out for season- may return as a reliever in Sept.)
Some numbers: 63.2 IP, 4.66 ERA, 2.30 K/BB, .268 BABIP, 86.1% LOB, 6.22 FIP
Some commentary: Myers was surrendering homers by the bushel, before his injury. As mediocre as his numbers were, his peripherals indicated that they were likely to get worse. Re-signing Myers as a free agent would not be advisable.
Arbitrary Grade: D+
Chan Ho Park
Some numbers: (25 appearances, 7 starts) 59.0 IP, 5.49 ERA, 1.92 K/BB, .336 BABIP, 65.5% LOB, 4.00 FIP
Some commentary: Signing Park for $2.5 million, and giving him a spot in the starting rotation, was ill-conceived. After a horrendous performance as a starter (7.29 ERA), Park has been satisfactory (3.16 ERA) as a reliever. He has had some poor luck, which appears to be starting to even out. If the Phillies' bats hadn't saved them from several losses in Park's starts, the Phils would not be in first place.
Arbitrary Grade: C- (overall), F (as a starter)
Antonio Bastardo (currently on DL)
Some numbers: (5 starts) 22.2 IP, 6.75 ERA, 2.38 K/BB, .329 BABIP, 59.2% LOB, 5.01 FIP
Some commentary: Bastardo may have been promoted before he was ready. He was overpowering at times, unlucky at times, and out of control at times.
Arbitrary Grade: C-
Rodrigo Lopez (currently on DL)
Some numbers: (2 starts) 11.1 IP, 3.18 ERA, 4.00 K/BB, .315 BABIP, 69.2% LOB, 2.18 FIP
Some commentary: A journeyman northpaw, Lopez looked good in his two starts. He might put up better numbers than Jamie Moyer, if given an extended chance in the rotation. He probably won't get that chance, now that Pedro Martinez has been signed, Lopez may be used out of the bullpen, where he might be a better option than Tyler Walker.
Arbitrary Grade: INC
Relievers
Ryan Madson
Some numbers: 44.2 IP, 3.02 ERA, 2.75 K/BB, .293 BABIP, 79.0% LOB, 3.40 FIP
Some commentary: Madson struggled when used in the closer role, but has excelled as a setup man.
Arbitrary Grade: B+
Chad Durbin
Some numbers: 44.1 IP, 4.47 ERA, 1.54 K/BB, .268 BABIP, 73.5% LOB, 5.25 FIP
Some commentary: Durbin has been lucky to put up mediocre numbers. He needs to be the fifth option in the bullpen, but was forced into too many higher leverage situations.
Arbitrary Grade: D+
Clay Condrey (currently on DL)
Some numbers: 34 IP, 3.71 ERA, 1.57 K/BB, .268 BABIP, 76.1% LOB, 4.54 FIP
Some commentary: Condrey has also been lucky, and may be bound for regression. He needs to be used in low leverage situations.
Arbitrary Grade: C-
Brad Lidge
Some numbers: 32 IP, 7.03 ERA, 1.95 K/BB, .375 BABIP, 67.6 % LOB, 5.88 FIP, 2.25 HR/9 (career: .86), 19.5% HR/FB (career: 10.9%)
Some commentary: Lidge has struggled with injury problems. Lidge has struggled with horribly bad luck, particularly with home run balls. His fortune seems bound to improve. But he is graded on his results, and there is only one possible grade for those results.
Arbitrary Grade: F
Jack Taschner (was optioned to AAA)
Some numbers: 27.2 IP, 5.20 ERA, .85 K/BB, .337 BABIP, 73.4% LOB, 5.63 FIP
Some commentary: If Taschner was signed at the major league minimum, it would have been a poor move. Taschner's salary was 835K, and he cost the Phillies a suitable backup catcher (Ronny Paulino, ot Jason Jaramillo) in trade. Taschner was so ineffective that Charlie Manuel barely used him. It was inexplicable that he consumed a roster spot for as long as he did. His ability to put baserunners on was evidenced by his 1.95 WHIP. He did a lot of damage to the ERAs of his bullpen mates.
Arbitrary Grade: F
Scott Eyre
Some numbers: (27 games) 16.2 IP, 2.16 ERA, 1.20 K/BB, .239 BABIP, 89.6% LOB, 5.17 FIP
Some commentary: Eyre has been extremely lucky, and regression seems inevitable. The Phillies need to be certain to keep Eyre in LOOGY situations.
Arbitrary Grade: B+
J.C. Romero (suspended for first 50 games of season)
Some numbers: (17 games) 14.1 IP, 3.14 ERA, .92 K/BB, .234 BABIP, 85.6% LOB, 6.27 FIP
Some commentary: Romero has been luckier, than good. Allowing so many baserunners may catch up to him, as it did in his time with Boston. The Phillies need him to split the 8th inning with Madson, and to pitch in mid-high leverage situations. His peripherals indicate those situations may prove dangerous.
Arbitrary Grade: B
Tyler Walker
Some numbers: (9 games) 11 IP, 1.64 ERA, 5.00 K/BB, .235 BABIP, 100% LOB, 4.79 FIP
Some commentary: Walker should have taken Taschner's roster spot early in the season. Walker has been rather lucky, and has regularly damaged the ERAs of his teammates. He should be the least-used member of the bullpen.
Arbitrary Grade: C
Sergio Escalona (currently in AAA)
Some numbers: (6 games) 6.1 IP, 2.84 ERA, 2.00 K/BB, .265 BABIP, 75% LOB, 3.22 FIP
Some commentary: Escalona is performed well in his brief MLB opportunities. He could be on the postseason roster. If he didn't have options remaining, he might be on the MLB roster, rather than Walker.
Arbitrary Grade: INC
The Phillies' pitchers have struggled with injuries and poor luck. As a whole, their results have been rather putrid. If they had performed at an average level, the Phillies would have a sizeable division lead. It is no secret that the Phillies need to upgrade their pitching staff, in order to be a viable World Series contender. (Though they may be able to ride their offense to win a weak division.)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
The WFCs Are Back!(?)
Decades from now, the digital pages of The Phillies Encyclopedia will remember this weekend as a turning point in the 2009 World Championship season. The declaration of independence from Jack Taschner's 5.61 FIP, followed by the imperial destruction of the rival New York Mets, 7-2 on Friday, and 4-1 on Saturday, returned the Phils to the path towards a sequel, and continued the Mets on the road to oblivion. Or, maybe, two games is a negligible sample size, and the injury-plagued Mets were well on their way towards oblivion already. Either way, the Phillies have had their share of positives, so far this weekend.
On Friday, newly-promoted starter Rodrigo Lopez held the Mets to only two runs over six and one-third innings. If Lopez can provide a satisfactory back-of-the-rotation arm, the Phils can stay in the race, without dealing prospects for a mediocre hurler. Chan Ho Park followed Lopez with one and two-thirds scoreless frames, and once-slumping Ryan Madson retired the side in order in the ninth. The Phils won with an eleven-hit attack, including a homer by Jayson Werth, a three-hit game from Shane Victorino, and two hits from Chase Utley. Jimmy Rollins had a pair of doubles, as he tries to escape his slump/unlucky streak.
In Saturday's victory, Jamie Moyer won his third straight start, with six and one-third innings of one-run ball. Moyer's command was excellent, and BABIP was favorable, steering a number of hard-hit balls into Philadelphia gloves. The bullpen performed as it had in 2008, with Chad Durbin and J.C. Romero bridging the game to the Mighty Madson-Lidge Duo. Madson retired both batters he faced in the eighth. A newly-bearded Brad Lidge set the side down in order in the ninth, picking up a pair of strikeouts, and his fifteenth save. Jimmy Rollins had a double, and two walks, sparking the Phils from the top of the lineup. Shane Victorino and Pedro Feliz each contributed three-hit games. If the Phils continue to perform in this manner, they could run away with the NL East.
As impressive as the Phillies have been this weekend, the biggest story in baseball, as well as the entire world, has been Manny Ramirez. The noted philanthropist, who has pledged the rest of his career earnings to various charitable organizations, returned the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night. Ramirez had spent the first fifty games of the MLB season solving the issues in Iraq, and ending that pesky recession in the U.S. Ramirez only agreed to return to the Dodgers, when the club (and MLB) each agreed to match his donation of future salary. FOX Television celebrated Ramirez' heroic return, by broadcasting the Saturday game (the historic second game of his return) to 99.91% of the United States. The .09% of the country that did not have the privilege of watching the entire broadcast, was treated to Ramirez'at-bats, as well as his fielding exploits. FOX Television really dropped the ball here, as they, obviously, should have permitted 100% of the country to watch Ramirez. Ideally, they would have simply positioned a camera on Ramirez at all times, with all commentary solely Ramirez-in-nature. All of the events of that game, as well as every other game, were immaterial, in comparison to the momentous (second day of the) return of Ramirez.
The Phillies go for the sweep Sunday, with Joe the Lumber facing Mets' ace Johan Santana. Beating Santana really shouldn't be a problem for the Phils, winners of two-in-a-row, and two of their last five. But most eyes will be turned to San Diego on Sunday, where Manny Ramirez will play for the historic third time this season.
On Friday, newly-promoted starter Rodrigo Lopez held the Mets to only two runs over six and one-third innings. If Lopez can provide a satisfactory back-of-the-rotation arm, the Phils can stay in the race, without dealing prospects for a mediocre hurler. Chan Ho Park followed Lopez with one and two-thirds scoreless frames, and once-slumping Ryan Madson retired the side in order in the ninth. The Phils won with an eleven-hit attack, including a homer by Jayson Werth, a three-hit game from Shane Victorino, and two hits from Chase Utley. Jimmy Rollins had a pair of doubles, as he tries to escape his slump/unlucky streak.
In Saturday's victory, Jamie Moyer won his third straight start, with six and one-third innings of one-run ball. Moyer's command was excellent, and BABIP was favorable, steering a number of hard-hit balls into Philadelphia gloves. The bullpen performed as it had in 2008, with Chad Durbin and J.C. Romero bridging the game to the Mighty Madson-Lidge Duo. Madson retired both batters he faced in the eighth. A newly-bearded Brad Lidge set the side down in order in the ninth, picking up a pair of strikeouts, and his fifteenth save. Jimmy Rollins had a double, and two walks, sparking the Phils from the top of the lineup. Shane Victorino and Pedro Feliz each contributed three-hit games. If the Phils continue to perform in this manner, they could run away with the NL East.
As impressive as the Phillies have been this weekend, the biggest story in baseball, as well as the entire world, has been Manny Ramirez. The noted philanthropist, who has pledged the rest of his career earnings to various charitable organizations, returned the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night. Ramirez had spent the first fifty games of the MLB season solving the issues in Iraq, and ending that pesky recession in the U.S. Ramirez only agreed to return to the Dodgers, when the club (and MLB) each agreed to match his donation of future salary. FOX Television celebrated Ramirez' heroic return, by broadcasting the Saturday game (the historic second game of his return) to 99.91% of the United States. The .09% of the country that did not have the privilege of watching the entire broadcast, was treated to Ramirez'at-bats, as well as his fielding exploits. FOX Television really dropped the ball here, as they, obviously, should have permitted 100% of the country to watch Ramirez. Ideally, they would have simply positioned a camera on Ramirez at all times, with all commentary solely Ramirez-in-nature. All of the events of that game, as well as every other game, were immaterial, in comparison to the momentous (second day of the) return of Ramirez.
The Phillies go for the sweep Sunday, with Joe the Lumber facing Mets' ace Johan Santana. Beating Santana really shouldn't be a problem for the Phils, winners of two-in-a-row, and two of their last five. But most eyes will be turned to San Diego on Sunday, where Manny Ramirez will play for the historic third time this season.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Rollins Reaches Milestone in Loss
The greatest Phillies moment in 2009 would have to be when the WFCs received their World Series rings. The second greatest moment of the season occurred in the third inning of Thursday night's game in Atlanta. With one out, and northpaw Javier Vazquez on the mound, Jimmy Rollins grounded a single into right field. Rollins' hitless streak had been snapped, after twenty-eight fruitless at bats. The game was stopped, as the bat, ball, and first base bag were removed from play. The historic artifacts are en route to Cooperstown, for future generations to enjoy. The crowd of over 38,000 rose to cheer the shortstop/Red Bull spokesman, as even Kotchman's Crotchmen realized the significance of the moment.
The Phillies seemed energized by the momentous event, and recovered from an early deficit, to tie the score at two. The Phils finished with eight hits on the night, quadrupling their output in a single day. Stopper J.A. Happ got in on the offensive explosion, blasting his first MLB hit, a fifth-inning single. Happ continued to excel on the mound, surrendering only two runs over seven innings. Happ's ERA fell to 2.96, in the one-hundred and four pitch, seven hit, effort. The young southpaw has pitched like a #2 starter over the past month, in fronting a rotation performing like #7 starters. When Happ left the game, the Phillies were tied 2-2, had a Win Probability of 50%, and were primed to extend their winning streak to one game.
Former interim closer Ryan Madson entered the game in the bottom of the eighth. Four batters later, the Phils trailed, 5-2. It was the second three-run implosion for Madson, in his last five appearances. The Phillies went down meekly in the top of the ninth. Adding insult to injury, Paul Bako was used as a pinch-hitter, popping out in what will, hopefully, be his last appearance as a Phillie. The sweep at the hands of the Braves dropped the Phillies into a first place tie, with Florida.
The Phillies host the Mets Friday, in the opener of a crucial three-game series. The Mets have the misfortune of having to face newly-promoted northpaw Rodrigo Lopez. With Jimmy Rollins heating up, and the Lopez-Madson-Brad Lidge trio armed and at-the-ready, the Phillies won't be in a first place tie for long. (They will soon be ahead of the other NL East teams, if that wasn't clear.)
The Phillies seemed energized by the momentous event, and recovered from an early deficit, to tie the score at two. The Phils finished with eight hits on the night, quadrupling their output in a single day. Stopper J.A. Happ got in on the offensive explosion, blasting his first MLB hit, a fifth-inning single. Happ continued to excel on the mound, surrendering only two runs over seven innings. Happ's ERA fell to 2.96, in the one-hundred and four pitch, seven hit, effort. The young southpaw has pitched like a #2 starter over the past month, in fronting a rotation performing like #7 starters. When Happ left the game, the Phillies were tied 2-2, had a Win Probability of 50%, and were primed to extend their winning streak to one game.
Former interim closer Ryan Madson entered the game in the bottom of the eighth. Four batters later, the Phils trailed, 5-2. It was the second three-run implosion for Madson, in his last five appearances. The Phillies went down meekly in the top of the ninth. Adding insult to injury, Paul Bako was used as a pinch-hitter, popping out in what will, hopefully, be his last appearance as a Phillie. The sweep at the hands of the Braves dropped the Phillies into a first place tie, with Florida.
The Phillies host the Mets Friday, in the opener of a crucial three-game series. The Mets have the misfortune of having to face newly-promoted northpaw Rodrigo Lopez. With Jimmy Rollins heating up, and the Lopez-Madson-Brad Lidge trio armed and at-the-ready, the Phillies won't be in a first place tie for long. (They will soon be ahead of the other NL East teams, if that wasn't clear.)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Blame Bako
The Phillies lost the first game of their three-game series in Atlanta, 5-4, in ten innings. Starter Joe Blanton was mediocre, allowing three runs (eight hits, three walks/three strikeouts, ninety-three pitches), as the Phils fell behind, 3-2. Pinch-hitter John Mayberry and 3B Pedro Feliz (three hits) hit back-to-back homers in the eighth, giving the Phillies a 4-3 lead. But setup man Ryan Madson combined shoddy fielding, and poor pitching (two walks, one hit), to allow a game-tying unearned run. Chan Ho Park gave up the game-winning run to the Braves, acquiring two outs in the tenth, but three hits, which proved to be one too many.
Blanton, Madson, and Park certainly did enough to be blamed for the loss. Jimmy Rollins (0 for 5), Jayson Werth (0 for 4, error), and Carlos Ruiz (0 for 4, 6 LOB) also contributed heavily to the losing effort. However, Gabor Paul Bako II, also deserves a large portion of the pie of accountability. Charlie Manuel inserted Bako into the game, after burning backup C Chris Coste as a sixth-inning pinch-hitter, as part of a double-switch. This move put the pitcher in the eighth spot in the lineup, Bako in the ninth spot, and starting catcher Carlos Ruiz on the bench. This move was actually designed so that Bako would be allowed to bat. Given the veteran catcher's dexterity with the bat, the Phils might have been better-served by keeping Ruiz in the game, and allowing a pitcher to bat. Bako was retired in his only AB, and his questionable pitch-calling in the tenth was a factor in the defeat. With two outs, two strikes, the winning run on base, and a base open, Bako calling for a Park fastball lead to the Phils' loss. IN. EXPLICABLE.
The Phillies try to start another nine-game Turner Field winning streak Wednesday night, with ace Cole Hamels on the mound. I'm predicting that JIMMY ROLLINS WILL GET A HIT IN THE GAME!
Blanton, Madson, and Park certainly did enough to be blamed for the loss. Jimmy Rollins (0 for 5), Jayson Werth (0 for 4, error), and Carlos Ruiz (0 for 4, 6 LOB) also contributed heavily to the losing effort. However, Gabor Paul Bako II, also deserves a large portion of the pie of accountability. Charlie Manuel inserted Bako into the game, after burning backup C Chris Coste as a sixth-inning pinch-hitter, as part of a double-switch. This move put the pitcher in the eighth spot in the lineup, Bako in the ninth spot, and starting catcher Carlos Ruiz on the bench. This move was actually designed so that Bako would be allowed to bat. Given the veteran catcher's dexterity with the bat, the Phils might have been better-served by keeping Ruiz in the game, and allowing a pitcher to bat. Bako was retired in his only AB, and his questionable pitch-calling in the tenth was a factor in the defeat. With two outs, two strikes, the winning run on base, and a base open, Bako calling for a Park fastball lead to the Phils' loss. IN. EXPLICABLE.
The Phillies try to start another nine-game Turner Field winning streak Wednesday night, with ace Cole Hamels on the mound. I'm predicting that JIMMY ROLLINS WILL GET A HIT IN THE GAME!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Phils Come-From-Behind to Win Game, Series
With a 4-1 deficit after three innings, it looked as if another mediocre Jamie Moyer start would end the Phils' winning streak at a single game. But The Power of the Closed-Door Meeting overcame poor starting pitching, and the fourth consecutive start by Eric Bruntlett, in a 5-4 series-winning victory in Toronto. A two-run fourth-inning triple by Chase Utley keyed a four-run outburst, Jayson Werth reached base in all five plate appearances (four walks and a single), and the Phils never trailed after the fourth inning.
Jamie Moyer survived five innings, and managed to keep the Blue Jays off the scoreboard in his final two frames. In his first three frames, Moyer surrendered four runs, all scoring on the three home runs allowed by the soft-tossing veteran. Moyer got the win, the 252nd of his career, but the lefty has the Phils' offense, and the bullpen, to thank. Moyer was victimized for five hits and two walks, before being pulled after throwing only eight-two pitches.
The Phils, with a slim 5-4 lead, needed four innings from their bullpen. Fortunately, with J.A. Happ's complete-game shutout on Saturday, the relief corps was rested. Chan Ho Park had left Friday night's game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter. Park returned Sunday, and retired all six batters he faced, bridging the game to the Mighty Madson-Lidge Duo. Two Jays reached base on Madson in the eighth, but he pitched out of trouble. Lidge, in his first save opportunity since his return from a knee injury, also allowed two baserunners. One of those baserunners reached first on a bunt single, as Lidge handled the play with the agility of a pitcher with a knee injury. Lidge escaped further damage for the save, and the Phils had a one-run interleague victory, a series win, and a two-game winning streak.
The entire Phillies' pitching staff will get Monday off, as the Phils travel to Atlanta. Cole Hamels will get the start on Tuesday, and will outpitch Derek Lowe, extending the Phils' streak to three consecutive wins. Eric Bruntlett will be the second right-handed pinch-hitting option, and will remain in the dugout, along with third-string backstop Gabor Paul Bako II. Jack Taschner will observe the victory from the bullpen. Jimmy Rollins will be back in the leadoff spot, and all will be right again for the WFCs.
Jamie Moyer survived five innings, and managed to keep the Blue Jays off the scoreboard in his final two frames. In his first three frames, Moyer surrendered four runs, all scoring on the three home runs allowed by the soft-tossing veteran. Moyer got the win, the 252nd of his career, but the lefty has the Phils' offense, and the bullpen, to thank. Moyer was victimized for five hits and two walks, before being pulled after throwing only eight-two pitches.
The Phils, with a slim 5-4 lead, needed four innings from their bullpen. Fortunately, with J.A. Happ's complete-game shutout on Saturday, the relief corps was rested. Chan Ho Park had left Friday night's game with a knee injury, after facing only one batter. Park returned Sunday, and retired all six batters he faced, bridging the game to the Mighty Madson-Lidge Duo. Two Jays reached base on Madson in the eighth, but he pitched out of trouble. Lidge, in his first save opportunity since his return from a knee injury, also allowed two baserunners. One of those baserunners reached first on a bunt single, as Lidge handled the play with the agility of a pitcher with a knee injury. Lidge escaped further damage for the save, and the Phils had a one-run interleague victory, a series win, and a two-game winning streak.
The entire Phillies' pitching staff will get Monday off, as the Phils travel to Atlanta. Cole Hamels will get the start on Tuesday, and will outpitch Derek Lowe, extending the Phils' streak to three consecutive wins. Eric Bruntlett will be the second right-handed pinch-hitting option, and will remain in the dugout, along with third-string backstop Gabor Paul Bako II. Jack Taschner will observe the victory from the bullpen. Jimmy Rollins will be back in the leadoff spot, and all will be right again for the WFCs.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Excruciating
On Saturday night, the Phillies should have ended their losing streak at four games. The victory would have put the Phils in position to win their weekend series against Baltimore. The game would have had a prominent place in the Season In Review section of the 2009 World Series Champions DVD. Ryan Howard's heroism on this fateful night would have merited a mention in Chase Utley's Cooperstown speech, in which he welcomed Howard as the second (of three) member of the 2008 Phillies to enter the Hall. One Ryan Madson offering, wholly devoid of command, sent the Phils to a painful loss, and made Howard's heroics almost an afterthought.
J.A. Happ started for the Phillies, and managed to allow ten hits AND four walks, in only six innings. Somehow, those fourteen baserunners were converted into only two runs. The Phillies' lineup featured reserve Matt Stairs batting cleanup, reserve Greg Dobbs in the sixth spot, and (should-be-minor-league) reserve Paul Bako, inexplicably, in the lineup. Yet, as play entered the bottom of the seventh, the Phils only trailed 3-0.
Ryan Howard had been hospitalized with flu-like symptoms prior to the game, and it appeared that he would be unavailable. The Phillies had closed to within 3-2 in the seventh, with two runners on base for...Paul Bako. However, Ryan Howard was, surprisingly, amazingly, sent in to face Orioles right-hander Danys Baez. The Orioles did not have a southpaw ready to face the flu-stricken slugger, and Howard made them pay. The three-run homer gave the Phillies a 5-3 lead, and added another highlight to Howard's Cooperstown application.
The two-run lead remained into the ninth, with interim closer Ryan Madson summoned from the bullpen to close out the victory. Surely, the Phils would snap their losing streak, and Madson would snap his save-less streak? Well, no. Madson surrendered a three-run homer, decreasing the Phillies' Win Expectancy from 91.9% to only 19.6%. Chris Coste, Pedro Feliz, and Eric Bruntlett (yes, Bruntlett batted in the ninth inning of a one-run game) were retired in order, and the Phillies' fifth consecutive loss was, easily, their most excruciating one.
The Phillies will try to avoid another sweep, and a six-game losing streak, on Sunday afternoon. With ace Cole Hamels in the stopper role, and Paul Bako back on the bench, you have to like the Phils' chances. They are certainly due for a win.
J.A. Happ started for the Phillies, and managed to allow ten hits AND four walks, in only six innings. Somehow, those fourteen baserunners were converted into only two runs. The Phillies' lineup featured reserve Matt Stairs batting cleanup, reserve Greg Dobbs in the sixth spot, and (should-be-minor-league) reserve Paul Bako, inexplicably, in the lineup. Yet, as play entered the bottom of the seventh, the Phils only trailed 3-0.
Ryan Howard had been hospitalized with flu-like symptoms prior to the game, and it appeared that he would be unavailable. The Phillies had closed to within 3-2 in the seventh, with two runners on base for...Paul Bako. However, Ryan Howard was, surprisingly, amazingly, sent in to face Orioles right-hander Danys Baez. The Orioles did not have a southpaw ready to face the flu-stricken slugger, and Howard made them pay. The three-run homer gave the Phillies a 5-3 lead, and added another highlight to Howard's Cooperstown application.
The two-run lead remained into the ninth, with interim closer Ryan Madson summoned from the bullpen to close out the victory. Surely, the Phils would snap their losing streak, and Madson would snap his save-less streak? Well, no. Madson surrendered a three-run homer, decreasing the Phillies' Win Expectancy from 91.9% to only 19.6%. Chris Coste, Pedro Feliz, and Eric Bruntlett (yes, Bruntlett batted in the ninth inning of a one-run game) were retired in order, and the Phillies' fifth consecutive loss was, easily, their most excruciating one.
The Phillies will try to avoid another sweep, and a six-game losing streak, on Sunday afternoon. With ace Cole Hamels in the stopper role, and Paul Bako back on the bench, you have to like the Phils' chances. They are certainly due for a win.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Phils Surprise Sox, Avoid Sweep
The Phillies were on the verge of being swept, in their three-game series against Boston. The Phillies had an exhausted bullpen. MVP candidate Raul Ibanez, and starting catcher Carlos Ruiz, were out of the lineup, both given the day off. (Fortunately, Charlie Manuel resisted the temptation to use third-string catcher Paul Bako, despite the fact that starting the right-handed hitting Chris Coste likely affected Manuel's managerial sensibilities.) The Red Sox, winners of five in a row, had their overpowering bullpen in near-mint condition, and right-handed ace Josh Beckett on the mound. The Phils' starter, J.A. Happ, has held his own this season, but lacks the pedigree of a Beckett. About the only thing the Phillies had going for them was Sox Manager Terry Francona's decision to rest four of his usual starters (2B Dustin Pedroia, C Jason Varitek, DH David Ortiz, and RF J.D. Drew). Well, that, and the fact that reliever Jack Taschner would be unavailable to pitch.
The Phillies fell behind, 4-1, in the top of the second inning. Though the scoreline remained unchanged for the next three innings, J.A. Happ's pitch count was rising perilously, and the Phillies' weakened bullpen was poised to be exposed. Josh Beckett was poised to achieve his eighth victory, as he had the Phillies' bats under control.
The Phillies' Win Expectancy was only 19.6%, as they batted in the bottom of the fifth. Five hits later, including two-out, RBI hits from Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard, the Phillies lead 5-4. Beckett took matters into his own hands in the sixth, tying the game with a solo home run. With the score tied at 5, the game was about to become a battle of bullpens. Not a battle the Phillies seemed likely to win.
In the seventh inning, with Josh Beckett still on the mound, Phillies' SS Jimmy Rollins hit a go-ahead home run. Beckett turned the game over to the Sox' more-than-capable bullpen, after allowing a single to Shane Victorino. Sox relievers Daniel Bard and Takashi Saito combined to escape the inning. "Escaping", that is, after ten more Phillies had come to the plate, and a 6-5 lead had become 11-5. The sudden rally was keyed by four walks, a HBP, and a pair of doubles (by Jayson Werth and Pedro Feliz). Four of the six runs were scored with two outs.
J.A. Happ struggled on Sunday, permitting five runs in his five and two-third inning, one-hundred and eight pitch outing. Happ surrendered seven hits and six walks, and was fortunate not to damage his ERA any more than he did. However, the Phillies' bullpen out-pitched their more highly-regarded Soxian counterparts. By "bullpen", I mostly mean "Chan Ho Park." Pitching out of the bullpen seems to be a good fit for Park, as his increased velocity in shorter appearances has made him a rather effective pitcher. Park pitched two and a third innings for the win, permitting only an unearned run.
With an 11-6 lead in the top of the ninth, Charlie Manuel summoned newly-recalled reliever Tyler Walker. It was a good opportunity to avoid burning another reliever, and ideal circumstances for Walker to make a non-pressure return to MLB. Well, perhaps not. Manuel actually called in closer Ryan Madson to protect a five-run lead, and a 99.3% WE. While Madson had Saturday off, and won't pitch on Monday's off day, there was no reason to use Madson. (Well, Manuel probably had reasons like "we needed that one" and other baseball platitudes.) Madson threw twenty-eight pitches in the scoreless ninth, more unecessary wear and tear on the bullpen's most important arm.
Manuel's puzzling usage of Madson aside, Sunday's sweep-avoiding victory was a big one. It will be interesting to see both teams face off again in October, with the front of each rotation on the mound, and all starting positional players in their respective lineups. With a week's slate of designated hitter-less interleague games, against the Blue Jays (.523 winning percentage), and the Baltimore Orioles (.429), the Phils can continue to increase their, currently four-game, lead over the fading New York Mets.
The Phillies fell behind, 4-1, in the top of the second inning. Though the scoreline remained unchanged for the next three innings, J.A. Happ's pitch count was rising perilously, and the Phillies' weakened bullpen was poised to be exposed. Josh Beckett was poised to achieve his eighth victory, as he had the Phillies' bats under control.
The Phillies' Win Expectancy was only 19.6%, as they batted in the bottom of the fifth. Five hits later, including two-out, RBI hits from Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard, the Phillies lead 5-4. Beckett took matters into his own hands in the sixth, tying the game with a solo home run. With the score tied at 5, the game was about to become a battle of bullpens. Not a battle the Phillies seemed likely to win.
In the seventh inning, with Josh Beckett still on the mound, Phillies' SS Jimmy Rollins hit a go-ahead home run. Beckett turned the game over to the Sox' more-than-capable bullpen, after allowing a single to Shane Victorino. Sox relievers Daniel Bard and Takashi Saito combined to escape the inning. "Escaping", that is, after ten more Phillies had come to the plate, and a 6-5 lead had become 11-5. The sudden rally was keyed by four walks, a HBP, and a pair of doubles (by Jayson Werth and Pedro Feliz). Four of the six runs were scored with two outs.
J.A. Happ struggled on Sunday, permitting five runs in his five and two-third inning, one-hundred and eight pitch outing. Happ surrendered seven hits and six walks, and was fortunate not to damage his ERA any more than he did. However, the Phillies' bullpen out-pitched their more highly-regarded Soxian counterparts. By "bullpen", I mostly mean "Chan Ho Park." Pitching out of the bullpen seems to be a good fit for Park, as his increased velocity in shorter appearances has made him a rather effective pitcher. Park pitched two and a third innings for the win, permitting only an unearned run.
With an 11-6 lead in the top of the ninth, Charlie Manuel summoned newly-recalled reliever Tyler Walker. It was a good opportunity to avoid burning another reliever, and ideal circumstances for Walker to make a non-pressure return to MLB. Well, perhaps not. Manuel actually called in closer Ryan Madson to protect a five-run lead, and a 99.3% WE. While Madson had Saturday off, and won't pitch on Monday's off day, there was no reason to use Madson. (Well, Manuel probably had reasons like "we needed that one" and other baseball platitudes.) Madson threw twenty-eight pitches in the scoreless ninth, more unecessary wear and tear on the bullpen's most important arm.
Manuel's puzzling usage of Madson aside, Sunday's sweep-avoiding victory was a big one. It will be interesting to see both teams face off again in October, with the front of each rotation on the mound, and all starting positional players in their respective lineups. With a week's slate of designated hitter-less interleague games, against the Blue Jays (.523 winning percentage), and the Baltimore Orioles (.429), the Phils can continue to increase their, currently four-game, lead over the fading New York Mets.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Phils Beat Mets in Battle of Bullpens
Phillies' ace Cole Hamels had some serious BABIP issues on Wednesday night, in New York. In five innings, Hamels surrendered ELEVEN hits, but only one (a double) was for extra bases. The Phillies trailed 4-1, after six innings, and it didn't appear to be their night. But they capitalized on several Mets' mistakes in a three-run seventh, and the Phils' bullpen contributed six scoreless innings. Jayson Werth made a game-saving catch in the tenth, Chase Utley hit his second home run of the game in the eleventh, and closer Ryan Madson saved a 5-4 victory. The Mets had sixteen hits in the game, fifteen of which were singles, but left sixteen on base. Not even BABIP could defeat the Phillies on Wednesday night.
With the Phillies trailing 4-1, in the bottom of the sixth, they needed to call upon a reliever who could keep them in this crucial game. Charlie Manuel summoned...Jack Taschner! The lefty had not pitched in a game since May 27th. But Taschner made quick work of the Mets, in a scoreless, hitless inning. (This move reminded me of a memorable move in hockey history, by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974. Bernie Parent was the Flyers' star goalie, and played the large majority of the games. His backup, Bobby Taylor, spent most games opening the door to the bench, and trying not to get hit by stray pucks. One Sunday afternoon, the Flyers had a nationally-televised game against their rivals, the Boston Bruins. The Flyers' coach, Fred Shero, decided to start Taylor in goal, even though he hadn't played in eight weeks. When asked about the decision, Shero said, "It was his turn.") I guess Wednesday night, it was Taschner's turn.
Charlie Manuel made another interesting decision, in the top of the seventh inning. The Phillies trailed 4-3, but had the bases loaded, with no outs. They had the opportunity to break the game open. With the pitcher's spot due, pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs already out of the game, and Mets' right-hander Sean Green on the mound, Manuel had to choose a pinch-hitter. If he used his best remaining pinch-hitter, lefty Matt Stairs, the Mets would likely counter with southpaw Pedro Feliciano. Manuel would either have to let Stairs face Feliciano, an unfavorable matchup, or pinch-hit for Stairs with righty Chris Coste. Not wanting to waste Stairs, Manuel went directly to Coste. Right? Well, no. Manuel went directly to lefty Paul Bako, the weak-hitting third-string catcher. I envisioned a 5-2-3 DP. Fortunately, Bako merely struck out. Two groundouts later, the Phillies had tied the game, but had also wasted a huge opportunity.
After relievers Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and J.C. Romero had taken the tied game into the bottom of the ninth, Manuel had to choose which pitcher to send out for the bottom of the ninth. With Clay Condrey seemingly unavailable (Condrey had thrown nineteen pitches Tuesday night, but had only faced three batters in the previous week. Could Condrey be having injury concerns/a dead arm period, from overwork earlier in the season?), Manuel had two options. He could use his ace closer, Ryan Madson, or long reliever, Chan Ho Park. On one hand, a run would give the Mets an immediate win, and Park was much more likely to surrender a run. On the other hand, Park was a better choice to pitch multiple innings, and Madson was a better choice to convert a save opportunity. Manuel risked the possibility that the Phils could lose, as their best reliever watched from the bullpen. He put Park on the mound, and Park put the tying run on second. I prepared for a Mets walk-off win. But Park escaped the inning, and also pitched a scoreless tenth inning. Park got the win, with Madson retiring the side, in order, in the bottom of the eleventh. The Phillies' bullpen, and Manuel's adept bullpen usage, had helped the Phils secure a huge victory.
The Phillies will try to win the rubber game on Thursday, with Jamie Moyer, coming off consecutive effective starts, on the mound. The Mets will use Phillie-killer Tim Redding. Redding pitched twenty-nine innings against the Phils in 2008, and held them to a .594 OPS. Hopefully, the Phils will have more success with Redding, this season.
With the Phillies trailing 4-1, in the bottom of the sixth, they needed to call upon a reliever who could keep them in this crucial game. Charlie Manuel summoned...Jack Taschner! The lefty had not pitched in a game since May 27th. But Taschner made quick work of the Mets, in a scoreless, hitless inning. (This move reminded me of a memorable move in hockey history, by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974. Bernie Parent was the Flyers' star goalie, and played the large majority of the games. His backup, Bobby Taylor, spent most games opening the door to the bench, and trying not to get hit by stray pucks. One Sunday afternoon, the Flyers had a nationally-televised game against their rivals, the Boston Bruins. The Flyers' coach, Fred Shero, decided to start Taylor in goal, even though he hadn't played in eight weeks. When asked about the decision, Shero said, "It was his turn.") I guess Wednesday night, it was Taschner's turn.
Charlie Manuel made another interesting decision, in the top of the seventh inning. The Phillies trailed 4-3, but had the bases loaded, with no outs. They had the opportunity to break the game open. With the pitcher's spot due, pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs already out of the game, and Mets' right-hander Sean Green on the mound, Manuel had to choose a pinch-hitter. If he used his best remaining pinch-hitter, lefty Matt Stairs, the Mets would likely counter with southpaw Pedro Feliciano. Manuel would either have to let Stairs face Feliciano, an unfavorable matchup, or pinch-hit for Stairs with righty Chris Coste. Not wanting to waste Stairs, Manuel went directly to Coste. Right? Well, no. Manuel went directly to lefty Paul Bako, the weak-hitting third-string catcher. I envisioned a 5-2-3 DP. Fortunately, Bako merely struck out. Two groundouts later, the Phillies had tied the game, but had also wasted a huge opportunity.
After relievers Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and J.C. Romero had taken the tied game into the bottom of the ninth, Manuel had to choose which pitcher to send out for the bottom of the ninth. With Clay Condrey seemingly unavailable (Condrey had thrown nineteen pitches Tuesday night, but had only faced three batters in the previous week. Could Condrey be having injury concerns/a dead arm period, from overwork earlier in the season?), Manuel had two options. He could use his ace closer, Ryan Madson, or long reliever, Chan Ho Park. On one hand, a run would give the Mets an immediate win, and Park was much more likely to surrender a run. On the other hand, Park was a better choice to pitch multiple innings, and Madson was a better choice to convert a save opportunity. Manuel risked the possibility that the Phils could lose, as their best reliever watched from the bullpen. He put Park on the mound, and Park put the tying run on second. I prepared for a Mets walk-off win. But Park escaped the inning, and also pitched a scoreless tenth inning. Park got the win, with Madson retiring the side, in order, in the bottom of the eleventh. The Phillies' bullpen, and Manuel's adept bullpen usage, had helped the Phils secure a huge victory.
The Phillies will try to win the rubber game on Thursday, with Jamie Moyer, coming off consecutive effective starts, on the mound. The Mets will use Phillie-killer Tim Redding. Redding pitched twenty-nine innings against the Phils in 2008, and held them to a .594 OPS. Hopefully, the Phils will have more success with Redding, this season.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Phils Beat Yanks, Complete 8-2 Road Trip
Phillies' closer Brad Lidge showed improved results on Sunday. Rather than blowing the game against the Yankees, he merely blew the lead. Phillies' ace Cole Hamels outpitched his Yankee counterpart, C.C. Sabathia, allowing only two runs over six innings. The Phils lead the entire game, relying on more strong defense, particularly an outfield assist from Jayson Werth to plate-blocking catcher Carlos Ruiz, and more strong middle relief (Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, Ryan Madson). Closer Brad Lidge was brought in to protect a 3-2 lead in the ninth, and two seeing-eye singles later, the game was headed to extra innings. However, the non-Lidgeian components of the bullpen continued to excel, as Clay Condrey pitched two scoreless innings. Condrey got the Hamels-deserved win, when Ruiz (3-4, hitting .302, take that Rob Neyer!) hit an eleventh-inning double. The win completed a very successful 8-2 road trip for the Phillies.
The Phillies combined strong starts from Brett Myers, J.A. Happ, and Cole Hamels, with strong defense, and plenty of hitting, this weekend. Out of the seven-man bullpen, four relievers (Durbin, Eyre, Madson, and Condrey) performed well, and two (Chan Ho Park and Jack Taschner) were (perhaps, wisely) not permitted to perform at all. This made the struggles of closer Brad Lidge all the more glaring. (The fact that Lidge is being used in the highest leverage role doesn't help with that glare factor, either.)
Lidge blew his third and fourth saves on the season this weekend, which is four more than he blew last season. His ERA is at 9.15, with a FIP of 6.96. He has been a bit unlucky, with a BABIP of .400 (career: .326). Lidge's troubles have lead to the consideration of many different options. Lidge could be DL'd, he could be moved to a lower-leverage role, he could be asked to accept a minor league assignment (this seems least likely), or he could be kept in the closer's role.
On Sunday, his blown save was a result of two ground balls that snuck into the outfield. A little luck and those balls would have found the gloves of infielders. Lidge looked a lot better than he did on the previous day. The Phillies are a better team with (an effective) Lidge closing, which allows Madson and J.C. Romero to be used in setup roles. I'd keep Lidge in the closer's role, for now, and give him a little more time to recover his form. But, on June 3rd, when Romero is eligible to return, a roster move will need to be made. Taschner could be DFA'd, or John Mayberry could be sent to AAA, in order to free up that spot. However, Romero might take Lidge's roster spot, instead, with Lidge spending some time on the DL. The Phils can't afford to keep putting Lidge in position to blow saves.
The other major personnel decision facing the Phillies is whether to keep John Mayberry, Jr. with the parent club, or to send him back to AAA Lehigh Valley. On numerous occasions this season, the Phillies' lack of a satisfactory right-handed bench bat has been exploited. Too many PH at bats have featured the stylings of .118 hitter Eric Bruntlett, or Miguel Cairo, who aspires to be a .118 hitter. The need is glaring, but is Mayberry the appropriate choice for the role?
Mayberry needs to get regular at bats, so he can continue his development. If Mayberry got regular at bats with the Phillies, which may be possible if he is used to give Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth (Werth covers CF for Victorino's off-days) days off, the at bats would come at the expense of bench players Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs. Dobbs has been used sparingly this season, and it has adversely affected his performance. In interleague play, with a lineup of nine non-pitchers, Mayberry might be the best choice for the roster. But, against National League opponents, particularly given the struggles of starting pitchers Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton, it might be better to have an extra arm (Sergio Escalona?). Later in the season (August?), Mayberry might be a better option, than an extra bullpen arm, or another possibility may become available on the trade market (Mark DeRosa?). Until then, it would be good if Manuel considered using backup catcher Chris Coste to pinch-hit more frequently. (Or slugging "pitcher" Chan Ho Park?)
The Phillies return home to face the Marlins on Monday night. Jamie Moyer gets the start for the Phils, as he continues to pursue his two-hundred and fiftieth career win, against the one team he still seems to pitch well against. Florida counters with Chris Volstad. The starting pitcher matchup certainly favors the Marlins, but you can't count out the ability of the Phillies' offense and bullpen to overcome poor starting pitching.
Postgame Texts
(54) Sorry, I cost you the win, Cole.
(35) No worries, I'll still get my 300.
(40) 0-5 today pop. :(
(28) Did you ask Cervelli if he would sign my WBC Italy jersey?
The Phillies combined strong starts from Brett Myers, J.A. Happ, and Cole Hamels, with strong defense, and plenty of hitting, this weekend. Out of the seven-man bullpen, four relievers (Durbin, Eyre, Madson, and Condrey) performed well, and two (Chan Ho Park and Jack Taschner) were (perhaps, wisely) not permitted to perform at all. This made the struggles of closer Brad Lidge all the more glaring. (The fact that Lidge is being used in the highest leverage role doesn't help with that glare factor, either.)
Lidge blew his third and fourth saves on the season this weekend, which is four more than he blew last season. His ERA is at 9.15, with a FIP of 6.96. He has been a bit unlucky, with a BABIP of .400 (career: .326). Lidge's troubles have lead to the consideration of many different options. Lidge could be DL'd, he could be moved to a lower-leverage role, he could be asked to accept a minor league assignment (this seems least likely), or he could be kept in the closer's role.
On Sunday, his blown save was a result of two ground balls that snuck into the outfield. A little luck and those balls would have found the gloves of infielders. Lidge looked a lot better than he did on the previous day. The Phillies are a better team with (an effective) Lidge closing, which allows Madson and J.C. Romero to be used in setup roles. I'd keep Lidge in the closer's role, for now, and give him a little more time to recover his form. But, on June 3rd, when Romero is eligible to return, a roster move will need to be made. Taschner could be DFA'd, or John Mayberry could be sent to AAA, in order to free up that spot. However, Romero might take Lidge's roster spot, instead, with Lidge spending some time on the DL. The Phils can't afford to keep putting Lidge in position to blow saves.
The other major personnel decision facing the Phillies is whether to keep John Mayberry, Jr. with the parent club, or to send him back to AAA Lehigh Valley. On numerous occasions this season, the Phillies' lack of a satisfactory right-handed bench bat has been exploited. Too many PH at bats have featured the stylings of .118 hitter Eric Bruntlett, or Miguel Cairo, who aspires to be a .118 hitter. The need is glaring, but is Mayberry the appropriate choice for the role?
Mayberry needs to get regular at bats, so he can continue his development. If Mayberry got regular at bats with the Phillies, which may be possible if he is used to give Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth (Werth covers CF for Victorino's off-days) days off, the at bats would come at the expense of bench players Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs. Dobbs has been used sparingly this season, and it has adversely affected his performance. In interleague play, with a lineup of nine non-pitchers, Mayberry might be the best choice for the roster. But, against National League opponents, particularly given the struggles of starting pitchers Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton, it might be better to have an extra arm (Sergio Escalona?). Later in the season (August?), Mayberry might be a better option, than an extra bullpen arm, or another possibility may become available on the trade market (Mark DeRosa?). Until then, it would be good if Manuel considered using backup catcher Chris Coste to pinch-hit more frequently. (Or slugging "pitcher" Chan Ho Park?)
The Phillies return home to face the Marlins on Monday night. Jamie Moyer gets the start for the Phils, as he continues to pursue his two-hundred and fiftieth career win, against the one team he still seems to pitch well against. Florida counters with Chris Volstad. The starting pitcher matchup certainly favors the Marlins, but you can't count out the ability of the Phillies' offense and bullpen to overcome poor starting pitching.
Postgame Texts
(54) Sorry, I cost you the win, Cole.
(35) No worries, I'll still get my 300.
(40) 0-5 today pop. :(
(28) Did you ask Cervelli if he would sign my WBC Italy jersey?
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