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).
Showing posts with label Sergio Escalona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sergio Escalona. Show all posts
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Transaction Action
Pedro Martinez will make his first (non-simulated) rehab start on Sunday, for the Clearwater Threshers (A). Game time is scheduled for 4:00pm, and can be followed via the visiting St. Lucie Mets' internet broadcast. Martinez' appearance should increase attendance at Clearwater's Bright House Field, on an afternoon when Wet N' Wacky Day was already expected to lead to large crowds. If you are fortunate enough to attend, please refrain from hurling water balloons at Martinez. Thanks in advance.
The Roy Halladay Deal hasn't been officially consummated, and Halladay is expected to make the start for Toronto on Friday night. The probability of Halladay being traded has ranged between 0 and 100%, over the past few days. Numerous teams are, reportedly, involved in trade talks, and countless top minor league prospects have been mentioned. Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi tried to impose an arbitrary, pre-trade deadline, deadline of July 28th, but that doesn't seem to have panned out.
The Phillies still appear to be among the frontrunners, and the names Kyle Drabek, J.A. Happ, Lou Marson, Michael Taylor, Jason Donald, and Dominic Brown have all been bandied about.
If Amaro could get Halladay for Happ, Marson, and Donald, he should do the deal in a millisecond. Halladay turns the Phillies from World Series contender, to World Series favorite.
Phillies' reliever Chad Durbin was placed on the 15-day DL, after experiencing muscle pain in his lower back. Durbin has felt pain for the past month, but told neither his wife, nor pitching coach Rich Dubee. Over that time, Durbin had been responsible for five runs, over eight and two-thirds innings, including a scoreless, three-inning appearance on Monday. It appears injury, in addition to regression, has affected Durbin's recent results. Durbin is expected to return immediately, when the DL stint ends.
Phillies' reliever J.C. Romero was placed on the 15-day DL, with a strained left forearm. Romero will be eligible to return on August 4th. He made both his wife, and Rich Dubee, aware of the injury in a timely manner. Between this injury setback, his fifty-game suspension, and the fan incident in Tampa, this has not been the most successful season for Romero.
The Phillies recalled IronPigs (AAA) reliever Tyler Walker, and starter Andrew Carpenter, to fill the bullpen holes. Carpenter is stretched out, so it appears he will work in long relief, with Chan Ho Park pitching in late innings/high leverage situations. Park has pitched extremely well as a reliever. He would have been a great free agent pickup, if he had been signed as a $1-1.5 million/year reliever.
Walker is still not a good pitcher, and will probably be designated for assignment again, on August 4th.
The moves leave Scott Eyre as the only southpaw in the bullpen. Minor league lefties Sergio Escalona and Jack Taschner were considered for recall, but Escalona has pitched poorly recently, and Taschner has pitched like Taschner, all season.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) recalled reliever Pat Overholt from Reading (AA), and demoted Sergio Escalona to Reading. Escalona had a 10.50 ERA in six July innings. BABIP was not kind to him, as he allowed nine hits, and a .333 OBA. The right-handed Overholt, who has pitched in two AAA games this season, had a 2.16 ERA in eight and one-third July innings with the R-Phils.
Kyle Kendrick had a AAA start pushed by a day, for reasons that were not announced. There has been speculation that Kendrick was involved in a trade for Nationals' OF Josh Willingham, which fell through. My theory is that he was involved in a trade that fell through, but Arizona D-Backs' northpaw Doug Davis was the Phillies' intended target.
Scott Mathieson continues his attempt to return to MLB, with the Clearwater Threshers (A). Mathieson has made three appearances for the Threshers, throwing four scoreless innings, with four strikeouts (three hits, one walk.) He could be a cost-effective competitor for a Phillies bullpen spot, in 2010.
The Roy Halladay Deal hasn't been officially consummated, and Halladay is expected to make the start for Toronto on Friday night. The probability of Halladay being traded has ranged between 0 and 100%, over the past few days. Numerous teams are, reportedly, involved in trade talks, and countless top minor league prospects have been mentioned. Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi tried to impose an arbitrary, pre-trade deadline, deadline of July 28th, but that doesn't seem to have panned out.
The Phillies still appear to be among the frontrunners, and the names Kyle Drabek, J.A. Happ, Lou Marson, Michael Taylor, Jason Donald, and Dominic Brown have all been bandied about.
If Amaro could get Halladay for Happ, Marson, and Donald, he should do the deal in a millisecond. Halladay turns the Phillies from World Series contender, to World Series favorite.
Phillies' reliever Chad Durbin was placed on the 15-day DL, after experiencing muscle pain in his lower back. Durbin has felt pain for the past month, but told neither his wife, nor pitching coach Rich Dubee. Over that time, Durbin had been responsible for five runs, over eight and two-thirds innings, including a scoreless, three-inning appearance on Monday. It appears injury, in addition to regression, has affected Durbin's recent results. Durbin is expected to return immediately, when the DL stint ends.
Phillies' reliever J.C. Romero was placed on the 15-day DL, with a strained left forearm. Romero will be eligible to return on August 4th. He made both his wife, and Rich Dubee, aware of the injury in a timely manner. Between this injury setback, his fifty-game suspension, and the fan incident in Tampa, this has not been the most successful season for Romero.
The Phillies recalled IronPigs (AAA) reliever Tyler Walker, and starter Andrew Carpenter, to fill the bullpen holes. Carpenter is stretched out, so it appears he will work in long relief, with Chan Ho Park pitching in late innings/high leverage situations. Park has pitched extremely well as a reliever. He would have been a great free agent pickup, if he had been signed as a $1-1.5 million/year reliever.
Walker is still not a good pitcher, and will probably be designated for assignment again, on August 4th.
The moves leave Scott Eyre as the only southpaw in the bullpen. Minor league lefties Sergio Escalona and Jack Taschner were considered for recall, but Escalona has pitched poorly recently, and Taschner has pitched like Taschner, all season.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) recalled reliever Pat Overholt from Reading (AA), and demoted Sergio Escalona to Reading. Escalona had a 10.50 ERA in six July innings. BABIP was not kind to him, as he allowed nine hits, and a .333 OBA. The right-handed Overholt, who has pitched in two AAA games this season, had a 2.16 ERA in eight and one-third July innings with the R-Phils.
Kyle Kendrick had a AAA start pushed by a day, for reasons that were not announced. There has been speculation that Kendrick was involved in a trade for Nationals' OF Josh Willingham, which fell through. My theory is that he was involved in a trade that fell through, but Arizona D-Backs' northpaw Doug Davis was the Phillies' intended target.
Scott Mathieson continues his attempt to return to MLB, with the Clearwater Threshers (A). Mathieson has made three appearances for the Threshers, throwing four scoreless innings, with four strikeouts (three hits, one walk.) He could be a cost-effective competitor for a Phillies bullpen spot, in 2010.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/24)
Brad Lidge has been activated by the P-Phils, after completing his rehabilitation tour through Reading (AA) and Clearwater (A). Hopefully, Lidge will return to form as the closer, and Ryan Madson will return to form, back in the setup role.
Sergio Escalona was sent down to Lehigh Valley (AAA) to clear a spot for Lidge. The correct choice for this roster move was "Jack Taschner." (We would also have accepted "Paul Bako.") Escalona was only on the roster for a few days, having taken Clay Condrey's spot, when Everyday Clay went on the DL.
Scott Eyre is expected to return next week, hopefully Taschner or Bako will go at that point. (Preferably Bako, as that would reinstate the eight-man bullpen.)
I fear that reliever Tyler Walker will be the choice to vacate the roster for Eyre. Walker would have to pass through waivers to return to Lehigh Valley, and would probably be scooped up by the Nationals. (Or perhaps join reliever Mike Koplove in the Pirates' organization?)
Cole Hamels and J.A. Happ have been swapped in this weekend's rotation, and Hamels will start on Friday night in Toronto.
This move costs Hamels an appearance in the upcoming Mets series (July 3-5), but gains him an extra start, as well as a quick return from the All-Star break. It also swaps him out of a daytime start; Hamels has struggled during the day. Good move.
In an effort to resuscitate Jimmy Rollins and his ailing bat, Charlie Manuel will keep Rollins out of the starting lineup on Thursday and Friday.
It might have been preferable to just keep Rollins batting sixth for an extended period. (Or perhaps ninth in interleague road games?) Any move that puts Eric Bruntlett in the starting lineup on consecutive days is a bit questionable, but Manuel is looking at the long-term here. Given Bruntlett's mediocrity afield, and uselessness at the plate, maybe Pedro Feliz at short, and Greg Dobbs (or Chris Coste, if Dobbs plays 1B, for a DH-ing Ryan Howard?) at 3B, would have been preferable.
Minor League pitchers Kyle Drabek (Reading) and Yohan Flande (Clearwater)have been chosen to appear in the Futures Game.
A well-deserved honor for two of the organization's top hurlers. (It should be noted that Flande is 23, and, possibly, should be competing at a higher level. It seems that he should be promoted to Reading in the near future.)
It's a shame that the Phillies didn't have any position players worthy of selection. Michael Taylor (Reading) has a .978 OPS, with 13 HR, but that apparently isn't good enough for inclusion.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs fell behind 4-0, after two and a half innings, and lost to the Indianopolis Indians, 4-1. The FeHogs were held to only three hits, and starter Gustavo Chacin (five innings, four runs, nine hits, three walks/two strikeouts) did not have a strong outing.
The Reading Phillies lost to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 4-3.
Michael Taylor went 3 for 4, but starter Tyson Brummett was ineffective (five innings, four runs, eight hits, four walks/zero strikeouts.)
The Clearwater Threshers defeated the Tampa Yankees, 7-6, on Wednesday.
The Threshers lead 6-0, after four and a half innings, and held on for the win. Yohan Flande won his seventh game, in eight decisions, but his performance was rather pedestrian (five innings, two runs, four hits, two walks/three strikeouts).
Sergio Escalona was sent down to Lehigh Valley (AAA) to clear a spot for Lidge. The correct choice for this roster move was "Jack Taschner." (We would also have accepted "Paul Bako.") Escalona was only on the roster for a few days, having taken Clay Condrey's spot, when Everyday Clay went on the DL.
Scott Eyre is expected to return next week, hopefully Taschner or Bako will go at that point. (Preferably Bako, as that would reinstate the eight-man bullpen.)
I fear that reliever Tyler Walker will be the choice to vacate the roster for Eyre. Walker would have to pass through waivers to return to Lehigh Valley, and would probably be scooped up by the Nationals. (Or perhaps join reliever Mike Koplove in the Pirates' organization?)
Cole Hamels and J.A. Happ have been swapped in this weekend's rotation, and Hamels will start on Friday night in Toronto.
This move costs Hamels an appearance in the upcoming Mets series (July 3-5), but gains him an extra start, as well as a quick return from the All-Star break. It also swaps him out of a daytime start; Hamels has struggled during the day. Good move.
In an effort to resuscitate Jimmy Rollins and his ailing bat, Charlie Manuel will keep Rollins out of the starting lineup on Thursday and Friday.
It might have been preferable to just keep Rollins batting sixth for an extended period. (Or perhaps ninth in interleague road games?) Any move that puts Eric Bruntlett in the starting lineup on consecutive days is a bit questionable, but Manuel is looking at the long-term here. Given Bruntlett's mediocrity afield, and uselessness at the plate, maybe Pedro Feliz at short, and Greg Dobbs (or Chris Coste, if Dobbs plays 1B, for a DH-ing Ryan Howard?) at 3B, would have been preferable.
Minor League pitchers Kyle Drabek (Reading) and Yohan Flande (Clearwater)have been chosen to appear in the Futures Game.
A well-deserved honor for two of the organization's top hurlers. (It should be noted that Flande is 23, and, possibly, should be competing at a higher level. It seems that he should be promoted to Reading in the near future.)
It's a shame that the Phillies didn't have any position players worthy of selection. Michael Taylor (Reading) has a .978 OPS, with 13 HR, but that apparently isn't good enough for inclusion.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs fell behind 4-0, after two and a half innings, and lost to the Indianopolis Indians, 4-1. The FeHogs were held to only three hits, and starter Gustavo Chacin (five innings, four runs, nine hits, three walks/two strikeouts) did not have a strong outing.
The Reading Phillies lost to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 4-3.
Michael Taylor went 3 for 4, but starter Tyson Brummett was ineffective (five innings, four runs, eight hits, four walks/zero strikeouts.)
The Clearwater Threshers defeated the Tampa Yankees, 7-6, on Wednesday.
The Threshers lead 6-0, after four and a half innings, and held on for the win. Yohan Flande won his seventh game, in eight decisions, but his performance was rather pedestrian (five innings, two runs, four hits, two walks/three strikeouts).
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Bunts and Balks (6/14)
The Phillies optioned reliever Sergio Escalona back to the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs(AAA). Tyler Walker was placed on the Phillies' 40-Man Roster, and recalled from the IronPigs.
Escalona was ineffective on Saturday, but might have been demoted on Sunday, even with a strong performance. The Phillies' bullpen needed reinforcements. Escalona's option, combined with the fact that he wouldn't be available on Sunday, made him a good choice for demotion.
He could return to the roster, if one of the Phillies' current bullpenners needs to go on the DL, even it is within the next ten days. (Without an "emergency" situation, Escalona can't be recalled for a minimum of ten days. I prefer the NHL method, where you can send players up and down, on a daily basis. I'm guessing the MLBPA would not be in favor of that payroll-reducing maneuver.)
Walker has been outstanding in AAA, pairing a 1.40 ERA with a 0.57 WHIP. However, he was pitching on a minor-league contract, and does not have any options remaining. The Phillies resisted promoting him sooner because they would have to try to pass him through waivers, if they wanted to send him back to AAA. (Putting him in one of the open slots in the Phils' 40-Man Roster was not an issue.) By recalling him now, it seems that the Phils figure they can carve out a roster spot for Walker, for an extended period. (Brad Lidge and Scott Eyre are on the DL, Jack Taschner is hanging by a thread, and third-string catcher Paul Bako could be easily replaced, increasing the bullpen to a "Plus Eight.")
The Phils could also open up a (short-term) roster spot, by sending Antonio Bastardo back to AAA. Bastardo seems overmatched at the MLB level, and needs to work on his repertoire. The Phillies would need a starter on Friday, but could add an extra relief arm, in the interim. (Lefty Mike Zagurski, pitching in AA, is on the 40-Man Roster, has options remaining, and might be a fit. Righty Gary Majewski, pitching in AAA, would not be a good fit for a short-term promotion, as he would need to pass through waivers to be sent back to Lehigh Valley.)
Andrew Carpenter and Carlos Carrasco could be considered for recall from AAA, to make the Friday start. (Also worthy of consideration would be the impact of good (or bad) starts on the two starters' respective trade values.) After Saturday night's debacle, it does seem that the Phils need to try a non-Bastardo rotation option. But the fact that they didn't demote him for an available arm today, may signal that they expect to give the rookie another start at the MLB level.
The IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 6-3. Mike Cervenak, a better Phillies' roster option than Gabor Paul Bako II, had a pair of hits (including a home run), and knocked in three runs. Starter Gustavo Chacin picked up the win, with six innings of two-run ball. He allowed five hits and zero walks, striking out six. In the absence of recently-promoted Tyler Walker, Cedric Bowers worked the ninth, for his first save. Gary Majewski may also see some future save opportunities for Lehigh Valley.
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost the completion of their suspended game from Saturday, 2-1. The game was suspended after nine innings on Saturday, with the R-Phils and the Harrisburg Senators tied at one. The R-Phils lost Sunday, prior to their regularly-scheduled game, on an 11th inning run.
The Reading Phillies won their regularly-scheduled game, 6-5. The R-Phils trailed 5-3 in the eighth, but came back to tie the game at 5. CF Quintin Berry, coming to the plate to the somber tones of "For the Love of Money", by the BulletBoys, had a crucial double in the inning. Jeremy Slayden went 4 for 4. Brad Harman, who had 1 hit in his last 35 ABs, had the walk-off hit in the ninth. Top prospect Kyle Drabek starter for the R-Phils, and lasted six innings. Drabek allowed four runs, on eight hits and four walks. Not a good outing by Drabek, but the offense bailed him out for an exciting victory. (I turned on the broadcast with the score 5-3, Harrisburg, and caught the best parts of the game. The Reading crowd sounded quite raucous. Am I the only one that imagines the between-innings music being played by the Mascot Band? Never mind.)
The Reading Phillies play their annual "Morning Game" on Monday. Game time is 9:35 AM. Listen live, via the internets!
The Clearwater Threshers (A) won a pitcher's duel against the Jupiter Hammerheads, 2-0. Yohan Flande pitched a complete-game shutout, improving to 6-1, with a 2.45 ERA. Flande allowed six hits and a walk, striking out six. Flande might be ready to join the R-Phils. The game was played in only 1:56, as each team had just six hits, and a walk.
"The Pen" debuts tonight! MLB Network, 8:00pm, an hour of behind-the-scenes Phils' bullpen action!
The P-Phils, and their top three affiliates, were all victorious on Sunday. What are the chances of that? (I calculate the probability to be about 7.21%, but feel free to do your own calculations.)
Escalona was ineffective on Saturday, but might have been demoted on Sunday, even with a strong performance. The Phillies' bullpen needed reinforcements. Escalona's option, combined with the fact that he wouldn't be available on Sunday, made him a good choice for demotion.
He could return to the roster, if one of the Phillies' current bullpenners needs to go on the DL, even it is within the next ten days. (Without an "emergency" situation, Escalona can't be recalled for a minimum of ten days. I prefer the NHL method, where you can send players up and down, on a daily basis. I'm guessing the MLBPA would not be in favor of that payroll-reducing maneuver.)
Walker has been outstanding in AAA, pairing a 1.40 ERA with a 0.57 WHIP. However, he was pitching on a minor-league contract, and does not have any options remaining. The Phillies resisted promoting him sooner because they would have to try to pass him through waivers, if they wanted to send him back to AAA. (Putting him in one of the open slots in the Phils' 40-Man Roster was not an issue.) By recalling him now, it seems that the Phils figure they can carve out a roster spot for Walker, for an extended period. (Brad Lidge and Scott Eyre are on the DL, Jack Taschner is hanging by a thread, and third-string catcher Paul Bako could be easily replaced, increasing the bullpen to a "Plus Eight.")
The Phils could also open up a (short-term) roster spot, by sending Antonio Bastardo back to AAA. Bastardo seems overmatched at the MLB level, and needs to work on his repertoire. The Phillies would need a starter on Friday, but could add an extra relief arm, in the interim. (Lefty Mike Zagurski, pitching in AA, is on the 40-Man Roster, has options remaining, and might be a fit. Righty Gary Majewski, pitching in AAA, would not be a good fit for a short-term promotion, as he would need to pass through waivers to be sent back to Lehigh Valley.)
Andrew Carpenter and Carlos Carrasco could be considered for recall from AAA, to make the Friday start. (Also worthy of consideration would be the impact of good (or bad) starts on the two starters' respective trade values.) After Saturday night's debacle, it does seem that the Phils need to try a non-Bastardo rotation option. But the fact that they didn't demote him for an available arm today, may signal that they expect to give the rookie another start at the MLB level.
The IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights, 6-3. Mike Cervenak, a better Phillies' roster option than Gabor Paul Bako II, had a pair of hits (including a home run), and knocked in three runs. Starter Gustavo Chacin picked up the win, with six innings of two-run ball. He allowed five hits and zero walks, striking out six. In the absence of recently-promoted Tyler Walker, Cedric Bowers worked the ninth, for his first save. Gary Majewski may also see some future save opportunities for Lehigh Valley.
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost the completion of their suspended game from Saturday, 2-1. The game was suspended after nine innings on Saturday, with the R-Phils and the Harrisburg Senators tied at one. The R-Phils lost Sunday, prior to their regularly-scheduled game, on an 11th inning run.
The Reading Phillies won their regularly-scheduled game, 6-5. The R-Phils trailed 5-3 in the eighth, but came back to tie the game at 5. CF Quintin Berry, coming to the plate to the somber tones of "For the Love of Money", by the BulletBoys, had a crucial double in the inning. Jeremy Slayden went 4 for 4. Brad Harman, who had 1 hit in his last 35 ABs, had the walk-off hit in the ninth. Top prospect Kyle Drabek starter for the R-Phils, and lasted six innings. Drabek allowed four runs, on eight hits and four walks. Not a good outing by Drabek, but the offense bailed him out for an exciting victory. (I turned on the broadcast with the score 5-3, Harrisburg, and caught the best parts of the game. The Reading crowd sounded quite raucous. Am I the only one that imagines the between-innings music being played by the Mascot Band? Never mind.)
The Reading Phillies play their annual "Morning Game" on Monday. Game time is 9:35 AM. Listen live, via the internets!
The Clearwater Threshers (A) won a pitcher's duel against the Jupiter Hammerheads, 2-0. Yohan Flande pitched a complete-game shutout, improving to 6-1, with a 2.45 ERA. Flande allowed six hits and a walk, striking out six. Flande might be ready to join the R-Phils. The game was played in only 1:56, as each team had just six hits, and a walk.
"The Pen" debuts tonight! MLB Network, 8:00pm, an hour of behind-the-scenes Phils' bullpen action!
The P-Phils, and their top three affiliates, were all victorious on Sunday. What are the chances of that? (I calculate the probability to be about 7.21%, but feel free to do your own calculations.)
Phils' Pitching Implodes, in Ugly Loss
Saturday would have been a good night for a rain out. With the Phils' bullpen exhausted from consecutive marathon games, and rookie Antonio Bastardo slated to start against the powerful Boston Red Sox, the Phillies' signs were as ominous as the dark sky over CBP. Rescheduling the game to Monday, a mutual off-day for the two teams, would have been advantageous. (At least for the Phillies, which is the priority, obviously.) Actually, anything would have been better than the ugliness that would soon follow.
The top of the first inning may have been the worst half-frame of the 2009 season. Antonio Bastardo was horrid, permitting three hits and three walks. The usually-brilliant Phils' defense was even more repugnant, making three physical errors, and a number of mental ones. The Phillies trailed 5-0, after an inning, when the rains caused the game to be halted.
With a 5-0 deficit, and eight innings of Phillies' Bullpen Excitement on tap, I hoped for a rain cancellation. I didn't have much confidence that the Phils could come back to win, as some of their available relievers (Jack Taschner, Sergio Escalona) hardly inspire confidence. With eight innings to fill, Taschner and Escalona would have to be used, unless Charlie Manuel opted to have Eric Bruntlett eat innings. The Phils would also have to use some of their good relievers (Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey), who really needed some time off, which would hurt the team's chances in Sunday's finale. The game probably should have been delayed from the start, as the teams barely got an inning in, before the field was unplayable.
After a ninety-five minute rain delay, the Phillies took the field to continue the game, with Chad Durbin on the mound. Durbin had a great outing, throwing THREE scoreless innings. In the fourth inning, Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz homered. The Phillies closed to within 5-4, and Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was driven from the game. Maybe the Phils had a chance in this one?
Nope. The Red Sox trotted out Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima, Ramon Ramirez, and closer Jonathan Papelbon, and their sub-2.50 ERAs, to cover the final five innings. (Daniel Bard, and his 98 MPH fastball is the team's SEVENTH option!) The Sox' pen held the Phils to a pair of runs. The Phillies responded with Jack Taschner, who packed five hits and a walk, into a 37-pitch inning. Taschner was fortunate to allow only three runs, as a great inning-ending catch by Shane Victorino saved the team three more. Sergio Escalona followed, surrendering "only" two runs, over two innings. Escalona was also fortunate, as he permitted three hits and two walks, in his forty-one pitch appearance. The Phils would never challenge again, falling 11-6.
Prior to Sunday's game, Escalona was optioned back to Lehigh Valley, and replaced by Tyler Walker. Escalona would not have been available on Sunday, and can be recalled in ten days, or fewer if the Phillies place a pitcher on the DL. Walker has been outstanding in AAA, but wasn't recalled earlier, due to his lack of options. (If the Phillies recall him, they can't send him back to AAA, without exposing him to waivers. Another team would definitely grab him.) I would have liked to have seen Taschner optioned for a Sunday-available replacement, as well.
J.A. Happ starts for the Phils on Sunday, hoping to halt the Sox' five-game winning streak. The Sox send another ace, Josh Beckett, to the mound. Happ needs to go deep into the game, to help the embattled 'pen. Avoiding a sweep will be quite difficult for the Phillies. But, on the plus side, maybe the Sox will be over-confident, when the teams meet again in the World Series. With Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, and Doug Davis available to start the first three Series games for the Phils, the Fall Classic should yield better results.
The top of the first inning may have been the worst half-frame of the 2009 season. Antonio Bastardo was horrid, permitting three hits and three walks. The usually-brilliant Phils' defense was even more repugnant, making three physical errors, and a number of mental ones. The Phillies trailed 5-0, after an inning, when the rains caused the game to be halted.
With a 5-0 deficit, and eight innings of Phillies' Bullpen Excitement on tap, I hoped for a rain cancellation. I didn't have much confidence that the Phils could come back to win, as some of their available relievers (Jack Taschner, Sergio Escalona) hardly inspire confidence. With eight innings to fill, Taschner and Escalona would have to be used, unless Charlie Manuel opted to have Eric Bruntlett eat innings. The Phils would also have to use some of their good relievers (Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey), who really needed some time off, which would hurt the team's chances in Sunday's finale. The game probably should have been delayed from the start, as the teams barely got an inning in, before the field was unplayable.
After a ninety-five minute rain delay, the Phillies took the field to continue the game, with Chad Durbin on the mound. Durbin had a great outing, throwing THREE scoreless innings. In the fourth inning, Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz homered. The Phillies closed to within 5-4, and Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was driven from the game. Maybe the Phils had a chance in this one?
Nope. The Red Sox trotted out Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima, Ramon Ramirez, and closer Jonathan Papelbon, and their sub-2.50 ERAs, to cover the final five innings. (Daniel Bard, and his 98 MPH fastball is the team's SEVENTH option!) The Sox' pen held the Phils to a pair of runs. The Phillies responded with Jack Taschner, who packed five hits and a walk, into a 37-pitch inning. Taschner was fortunate to allow only three runs, as a great inning-ending catch by Shane Victorino saved the team three more. Sergio Escalona followed, surrendering "only" two runs, over two innings. Escalona was also fortunate, as he permitted three hits and two walks, in his forty-one pitch appearance. The Phils would never challenge again, falling 11-6.
Prior to Sunday's game, Escalona was optioned back to Lehigh Valley, and replaced by Tyler Walker. Escalona would not have been available on Sunday, and can be recalled in ten days, or fewer if the Phillies place a pitcher on the DL. Walker has been outstanding in AAA, but wasn't recalled earlier, due to his lack of options. (If the Phillies recall him, they can't send him back to AAA, without exposing him to waivers. Another team would definitely grab him.) I would have liked to have seen Taschner optioned for a Sunday-available replacement, as well.
J.A. Happ starts for the Phils on Sunday, hoping to halt the Sox' five-game winning streak. The Sox send another ace, Josh Beckett, to the mound. Happ needs to go deep into the game, to help the embattled 'pen. Avoiding a sweep will be quite difficult for the Phillies. But, on the plus side, maybe the Sox will be over-confident, when the teams meet again in the World Series. With Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, and Doug Davis available to start the first three Series games for the Phils, the Fall Classic should yield better results.
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.)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Phils Win Rain-Shortened Second Game
Phillies' Manager Charlie Manuel controls time, space, and the elements. Or at least one of the three. Fueled by Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez home runs, the Phillies jumped to a 7-5 sixth-inning lead, in the second game of their double-dip in Washington. With the bases loaded, and Ryan Howard at the plate, the rains came. The Nationals' grounds crew struggled mightily with the tarp, and could have used Adam Eaton's proficiency in that area, which in his one true talent. After a ninety-minute rain delay, the game was called, and the Phils had swept the day. In the context of a rain-shortened second game, Manuel's decision to use his originally-planned starter for the second game, J.A. Happ, in relief on Friday night, made more sense. As did using Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge in relief, during the first game of the day. As well as playing the Saturday's first game down a player (DFA'd Miguel Cairo), instead of starting Andrew Carpenter in the day game, and replacing him for the nightcap. Obviously, Manuel knew something that we didn't.
Andrew Carpenter, making his first MLB start for the Phillies, pitched adequately, and was not helped by a tight, inconsistent strike zone. Though Carpenter did pick up his first major league win, as a result of the shortened game, it was a quotation-marks-worthy "win." He survived four and a third innings, allowing five runs on eight hits/three walks. He threw ninety-nine pitches. Fortunately for the Phils, Nats' starter Daniel Cabrera was atrocious, particularly against the top of their left-handed heavy lineup. Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and Ryan Howard combined to go 9-12, with two home runs, three doubles, a triple, seven runs scored, and six of the seven RBI. (The rest of the Phils' lineup was a combined 0-12, with three walks.) Cabrera permitted all seven Phillies' runs, in five innings of eight-hit, four-walk ball. He pitched like a minor leaguer with serious command issues. His rotation spot should be in jeopardy, but given an injury to rotation-mate Scott Olsen, Cabrera might stick around a while longer. (Note: The Nats are calling up ace minor leaguer Ross Detwiler from AA to start on Monday night, might be worth watching as the Phillies have Monday off.)
In a good roster-management move, the Phillies sent Carpenter back down to AAA after the game. (Carpenter would not have been available to pitch again for at least three days, and is best-served starting in AAA. We could see him in the Phillies' pen later in the season, and certainly in September, when rosters increase.) They made an intriguing replacement decision, recalling LHP Sergio Escalona from AA. LHP Jack Taschner, whom Manuel avoided using on Friday and Saturday, may be in danger of losing his spot in the bullpen. With LHP J.C. Romero slated to return on June 3, Taschner would likely have been jettisoned then. But Escalona might have about a week's worth of time to audition for the job of keeping Romero's spot warm.
Andrew Carpenter, making his first MLB start for the Phillies, pitched adequately, and was not helped by a tight, inconsistent strike zone. Though Carpenter did pick up his first major league win, as a result of the shortened game, it was a quotation-marks-worthy "win." He survived four and a third innings, allowing five runs on eight hits/three walks. He threw ninety-nine pitches. Fortunately for the Phils, Nats' starter Daniel Cabrera was atrocious, particularly against the top of their left-handed heavy lineup. Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and Ryan Howard combined to go 9-12, with two home runs, three doubles, a triple, seven runs scored, and six of the seven RBI. (The rest of the Phils' lineup was a combined 0-12, with three walks.) Cabrera permitted all seven Phillies' runs, in five innings of eight-hit, four-walk ball. He pitched like a minor leaguer with serious command issues. His rotation spot should be in jeopardy, but given an injury to rotation-mate Scott Olsen, Cabrera might stick around a while longer. (Note: The Nats are calling up ace minor leaguer Ross Detwiler from AA to start on Monday night, might be worth watching as the Phillies have Monday off.)
In a good roster-management move, the Phillies sent Carpenter back down to AAA after the game. (Carpenter would not have been available to pitch again for at least three days, and is best-served starting in AAA. We could see him in the Phillies' pen later in the season, and certainly in September, when rosters increase.) They made an intriguing replacement decision, recalling LHP Sergio Escalona from AA. LHP Jack Taschner, whom Manuel avoided using on Friday and Saturday, may be in danger of losing his spot in the bullpen. With LHP J.C. Romero slated to return on June 3, Taschner would likely have been jettisoned then. But Escalona might have about a week's worth of time to audition for the job of keeping Romero's spot warm.
With a three-game interleague series looming for next weekend, Escalona or Taschner, might be gone by Friday's game, to be replaced by another position player. Though the use of a designated hitter lessens the need for pinch-hitters, John Mayberry, Jr. may be recalled to play left field, in games that Raul Ibanez DH's. Matt Stairs may also spend some time in the DH role. Hopefully, the Phils won't recall utilityman Pablo Ozuna, instead, as he might make us long for Miguel Cairo. (Cairo will, likely, pass through waivers and go to AAA Lehigh Valley. He could be back up with the Phillies in a couple of weeks. Ugh.)
The decision to promote Escalona may also give us some insight into the time horizon that the Phillies considered. It doesn't seem likely that they will go with an extra bullpen arm for an extended period. As Escalona was already on the 40-Man Roster, and has options remaining, he can easily be sent back down to the minors on Friday. (If he beats out Taschner to be the Romero Placeholder, Taschner will be DFA'd, and won't be a major loss.)
If the Phils thought it likely that the recalled reliever would be up with the team for an extended period of time, they might have recalled Mike Koplove or Gary Majewski from AAA. However, they would need to put either of those two players on the 40-Man Roster, in order to recall them, and either would have to pass through waivers to be sent back to AAA. (Note: With open slots on the current 40-Man Roster, adding them wouldn't be a problem, it's the potential demotion that would be the issue. Neither Koplove nor Majewski has options remaining.) It seems unlikely that either one would make it through waivers without being claimed by another club. (Given that waiver priority starts with the team in the same league with the worst record, the Nationals would likely scoop up either one. I wonder if the Nats would deal RH-hitting OF Josh Willingham for either of them? Or both of them? Plus Cairo?) Recalling Koplove or Majewski, only to be lost on waivers in five days, wouldn't be very good utilization of assets. The Phillies made a good decision here.
On Sunday afternoon, the Phils will try to complete the four-game series sweep of the Nationals. Chan Ho Park, coming off two excellent starts, gets the ball for the Phillies. Jordan Zimmerman, coming off three poor performances, starts for the slumping Nats. The Phillies are in great position to finish off the sweep, and get closer to the top of the NL East.
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