Charlie Manuel Watch - 2009 Addition

[bluehenbillk]

Cole Hamels looks back in dominating ace form, shutting out the Dodgers in La-La land. Seven in a row for the World Champs!!!

[93henfan]

Hamels gets through the complete game on 97 pitches. xthumbsupx

[GannonFan]

You can feel the Phils starting to hit a groove. Hamels looks like he did back in October, and the Phils just get clutch hit after clutch hit. Kershaw looked dominating, then Utley strokes the double. Utley on 3rd and Howard fights a 2 strike pitch for a deep sac fly. Later, Ibanez, who looked awful in 2 strikeouts before, comes back and strokes a double with runners on 1st and 2nd, plating another run. And then Werth comes up big with Ruiz on 2nd, poking a seeing eye single back through the middle. And all of this with Victorino out of the lineup (hey, how about Bruntlett's arm from right field??).

Flat out, this team is just good. World #!&%$%# Champion good.

On another note, does anyone ever remember the Phils farm system being this good and this full with good prospects? Happ looked great last year and this year, obviously the core guys of Howard, Rollins, and Utley are all farm products, and now you have the names of Marson, Drabek, Carrasco, Escalona, Bastardo, Carpenter, Kendrick (okay, not so much with him), Mayberry, Donald, Michael Taylor in Reading, Savery, and Zagurski. And that's just the AA and AAA guys. Two good things about that - we have a lot of talent coming our way over the next 2-4 years, and we can make a significant trade this year (Oswalt???) and still be in good shape prospect-wise.

[89Hen]

Easy now GF, let's take it slow. :)

[GannonFan]

Easy now GF, let's take it slow. :)

Forget slow - it's a glory time for a long suffering franchise - defending World Series Champs, sitting 12 games above .500 in early June, sporting probably the best lineup in baseball with one of the better bullpens and an underrated starting rotation. If you can't sit back and revel in this right now, you may have to wait another 120 years for it to happen again. We're not 20 seasons below .500 as a franchise by accident. xthumbsupx

[93henfan]

Easy now GF, let's take it slow. :)

Yeah, I can't start in on Kumbaya just yet, seeing as how it's the first week of June.

I think some guy named Garcia once said, "When life seems life easy street, there is danger at your door."

The best thing the Phils have going right now is that the rest of the division just stinks. The Mutts are piling up a DL.

[89Hen]

Forget slow - it's a glory time for a long suffering franchise - defending World Series Champs, sitting 12 games above .500 in early June, sporting probably the best lineup in baseball with one of the better bullpens and an underrated starting rotation. If you can't sit back and revel in this right now, you may have to wait another 120 years for it to happen again. We're not 20 seasons below .500 as a franchise by accident. xthumbsupx
Certainly enjoy it, but the talk of prolonged winning is folly at this point. I know you know how Philly teams love to rip the heart out of us. The Phils could be a great team for several more years, but until they win another WS, they are no different than the early 80's team. xeyebrowx

[GannonFan]

Certainly enjoy it, but the talk of prolonged winning is folly at this point. I know you know how Philly teams love to rip the heart out of us. The Phils could be a great team for several more years, but until they win another WS, they are no different than the early 80's team. xeyebrowx


If you don't talk about it now, you'll never get to talk about it - except when it's over. You have to revel in the glory when it happens because it is fleeting. Enjoy the moment rather than waiting for the inevitable other shoe to drop (weird expression, btw). xthumbsupx

[93henfan]

Another stat that escaped me was that last night was the Phils first win when scoring less than four runs this year.

[bluehenbillk]

Hey this is the time you definitely talk about things 89. The World Champs are set-up for the next half decade to be at least in the conversation for the crown in October. You look at what was question marks or weaknesses going into this year & their turning into solid areas: Pedro Feliz, Carlos Ruiz, way better LF production. Happ has more than made up for Park, Hamels is Hamels, Blanton is Blanton, just have to not have Moyer crap the bed & the whole bullpen is rounding out. Enjoy the summer boys.

"World Champions, World #@!&$ Champions"

[GannonFan]

Hey this is the time you definitely talk about things 89. The World Champs are set-up for the next half decade to be at least in the conversation for the crown in October. You look at what was question marks or weaknesses going into this year & their turning into solid areas: Pedro Feliz, Carlos Ruiz, way better LF production. Happ has more than made up for Park, Hamels is Hamels, Blanton is Blanton, just have to not have Moyer crap the bed & the whole bullpen is rounding out. Enjoy the summer boys.

"World Champions, World #@!&$ Champions"

That's the attitude!!!!!!! Read and learn, guys, read and learn!!! xthumbsupxxthumbsupxxthumbsupx

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Let's not forget that the Phils have been one of the better franchises in baseball starting in 2001. Larry Bowa may be a little insane but he helped to change the culture of the orginazation. The Phils went 86-76 in 2001 and since then have only had one losing season, 80-81 in 2002, since. Florida had the Phils number in a big way in 2003. The Phils completely choked against them and the last 10 days of the season otherwise they were on pace for 90+ wins.

[93henfan]

Lidge loses the game last night and blows the save today for his sixth blown save of the year.

Just not a very effective pitcher this year.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lidge loses the game last night and blows the save today. Rough year for Brad.

They should have never signed him to that big contract. 99% of closers are head cases, Lidge is no different.

[Go...gate]

Phils are pulling away. xbawlingx

[93henfan]

The season string of road series won comes to an end. Let's hope they can salvage a series tie tomorrow with Old Dirty Bastardo.

[blukeys]

Lidge loses the game last night and blows the save today for his sixth blown save of the year.

Just not a very effective pitcher this year.

Agreed!! Just look at Mitch Williams!!!

[bluehenbillk]

2 for 2 with Tony the Bastard.

[89Hen]

Should/could have won all four in this series. xoopsx

[93henfan]

Since I (and many here) have ripped him all year, gotta give some props to Chan Ho yesterday. Good long relief effort last night.

ODB looked good again too! He's got the fastball down, that's for sure! Now he just needs to get some pointers from Cole Hamels on a decent change-up.

[Ivytalk]

And the best news is...Lidge didn't pitch!:p

[GannonFan]

Of course it would've been nice to take all 4 from the Dodgers, but things happen. And really, if Feliz fields that ball well on Friday, which should've been the 3rd out, people are only talking about Lidge blowing the save on Saturday. And remember, this is the Dodgers, currently the best team in the league - leading them, in LA, in the 9th inning of all 4 games is a good sign that the Phils are playing some real good ball.

Nice little 5-2 swing on the West Coast part of the trip. Nice to see the bats return yesterday after being stymied for a few days. Winning the series against the Mets would be a nice way to come back and hopefully start playing some real winning baseball at home - eventually they need to remember how to win at home.

[bluehenbillk]

It'd be real nice to win the series in Citi & put some distance between the World Champs & the riff-raff in the NL East. They throw Santana Tuesday night, but the lineup is really hurting.

[Touchdown Yosef]

It'd be real nice to win the series in Citi & put some distance between the World Champs & the riff-raff in the NL East. They throw Santana Tuesday night, but the lineup is really hurting.

Is Hammel's matching up with Santanna? If so another gem like he threw against LA will make for some great baseball.

[bluehenbillk]

Happ vs Santana on Tuesday, Hamels goes Wednesday.

[GannonFan]

For the series it's:

Happ vs. Santana Tuesday
Hamels vs. Pelfrey Wednesday
Moyer vs. Redding on Thursday

[GannonFan]

Well, the Phils one real glaring problem of late is now solved, at least for 15 days - Lidge goes to the 15 day DL with a sprained knee, opening up the chance to see Madson pitch the 9th inning now. Figure that with Romero back and looking very good, he can be the 8th inning guy while Madson closes. Retroactive to June 7, means Lidge will be out of the lineup through the Met series and then the 9 game interleague home stand.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20090609_Lidge_goes_on_disabled_list.html?cmpid=16 339736

Odd about the move as well - they brought up Paul Bako from Reading to replace Lidge on the 25 man roster (they'll carry 12 pitchers now). Bako's a left handed bat and a catcher, meaning the Phils are carrying 3 catchers with Ruiz and Coste. Could this be an indication that Coste is on the way out? And if you're going to bring up a catcher, why Bako and not Marson? Bako's certainly got the experience, but he's never been anything special at the major league level. Just interesting.

[93henfan]

For the series it's:

Happ vs. Santana Tuesday
Hamels vs. Pelfrey Wednesday
Moyer vs. Redding on Thursday

I'd say Game 1 is a tossup, Game 2 is a win, and Game 3 is a tossup. I'd be happy with 2-1.

[Ivytalk]

I'd say Game 1 is a tossup, Game 2 is a win, and Game 3 is a tossup. I'd be happy with 2-1.

I'd have to favor the Mutts in games 1 and 3. Santana should win if he gets any run support, and Redding always seems to pitch well against us -- even in his Nats days.

[Dukie95]

I'd say Game 1 is a tossup, Game 2 is a win, and Game 3 is a tossup. I'd be happy with 2-1.

Are you kidding me? Game 3 is a more likely Phillies win than game 2. Tim Redding has just been awful, awful, awful... I know Moyer's had his problems, but It's TIM REDDING.

I say game 1- toss up, game 2 - Phillies win, game 3 - Phillies blowout.

Because of injuries, the Mets have no offense right now. The philles don't even have to pitch to Wright and Beltran.

[GannonFan]

What's nice about these games is they are all in CitiField - Hamels has run into issues when guys take him deep, and of course Moyer, when he's been bombed this year, has been victimized by the long ball. If these games were in the Whiffle Ball Field over in the Bronx, I'd be more worried, but in the cavernous CitiField, Moyer should be able to throw almost anything and keep it in the yard, and he has looked better of late so that's encouraging too.

The Phils bats need to show up and the Phils will be fine. Score more than 3 runs in any of these games and I like our chances a whole lot. Not a lot of pop from the Mets right now, although they tend to show up for the Phillies (and disappear against the rest of the league).

Nothing's ever decided in early June, but it would be nice to build a little lead in the division. xthumbsupx

[93henfan]

Are you kidding me? Game 3 is a more likely Phillies win than game 2. Tim Redding has just been awful, awful, awful... I know Moyer's had his problems, but It's TIM REDDING.

I say game 1- toss up, game 2 - Phillies win, game 3 - Phillies blowout.

Because of injuries, the Mets have no offense right now. The philles don't even have to pitch to Wright and Beltran.

So you agree with two out of my three predictions and lead with "are you kidding me"?

Are you kidding me?

[whitey]

Not a lot of pop from the Mets right now, although they tend to show up for the Phillies (and disappear against the rest of the league).


Yep, the Mets lineup is really banged up and hurting. If the Mets can keep these games low scoring they have a chance. With Redding pitching on Thursday that's not likely. I'm just hoping the Mets can go 3-3 this week against the Yanks and Phillies and I don't care how they do it. They don't really disappear against the rest of the league (I think they are about .500 against everyone except NL East opponents). But yeah, the Mets do need to improve on their record out of the division. Easier said then done with all these injuries.

[GannonFan]

Yep, the Mets lineup is really banged up and hurting. If the Mets can keep these games low scoring they have a chance. With Redding pitching on Thursday that's not likely. I'm just hoping the Mets can go 3-3 this week against the Yanks and Phillies and I don't care how they do it. They don't really disappear against the rest of the league (I think they are about .500 against everyone except NL East opponents). But yeah, the Mets do need to improve on their record out of the division. Easier said then done with all these injuries.

Reyes is the only causualty they should've been relying on. Delgado was due for a breakdown and the other guys are pretty much non factors (Pagan, Martinez, etc). The Mets haven't done themselves any favors by not getting a stick in the off-season (other than Sheffield but that was just a gamble and they've been fortunate to get what they have from him) and not having anything on the farm to bring up.

[bluehenbillk]

The Lidge move doesn't surprise me, especially with Romero back to naturally take over the 8th & Madson pitching lights out moving to the 9th.

Think Sweep!!!!

[whitey]

Reyes is the only causualty they should've been relying on. Delgado was due for a breakdown and the other guys are pretty much non factors (Pagan, Martinez, etc). The Mets haven't done themselves any favors by not getting a stick in the off-season (other than Sheffield but that was just a gamble and they've been fortunate to get what they have from him) and not having anything on the farm to bring up.

Losing Church for a couple weeks there didn't help matters, even though he's having a bit of a down year. Reyes is obviously a big loss, but I have to disagree with you on Delgado. Nobody was expecting him to repeat his .875 OPS of last season but I think most were hoping for an .825 OPS from him (half way between his 07 & 08 numbers). That's still a pretty big hole to fill in the lineup. The Mets had been playing for 2+ weeks with three starters out of the lineup.

And yeah, Sheffield has been a Godsend. If it weren't for him the Mets would likely be sitting at .500 right now and not 5 games over.

I think the Mets were counting on Nick Evans to play 1B should Delgado get hurt this season (because they included Carp in the deal for Putz). Evans had an awesome spring but as soon as he got to Buffalo its like he forgot how to hit. Now he's trying to get his swing back in AA.

Just bad timing and a bit of bad luck all around this season for the Mets. No excuses though. I don't blame Omar for not bringing in a bat during the offseason. Really there weren't many bats that would have both fit in the lineup and kept the Mets under the luxury tax threshold. I do blame Minaya for leaving the organization so thin at AAA. These types of situations are when the team's depth is tested and I can't say Minaya is grading very well in this department.

Good luck tonight fellas. Looks like the t-storms should move through NY around midnight-ish so I think they'll get this game in.

[Ivytalk]

Well, the Mutts win game 1, 6-5. K-Rod gets another save. Hope Hamels saved some magic for tomorrow.

[93henfan]

Nice takeout my J-Roll. Too bad it didn't matter.

[bulldog10jw]

Think Sweep!!!!

It would be nice, but I don't see the Mets sweeping anybody. :D

[bulldog10jw]

Because of injuries, the Mets have no offense right now. The philles don't even have to pitch to Wright and Beltran.

And yet, they did pitch to Wright and Beltran, thank goodness.

[ngineer]

FOUR dingers tonight....but only one with anyone on.xsmhx The humid, moist air must have really been effective tonight. Liked the way Happ fought back for two more innings after the disastorious third, and then Condrey, who's been "Mr. Reliable" this year, gets lit up like a Christmas tree.xsmhx Would have been real nice to steal this one against Santana. Now need to focus on winning the series.

Gonna be watching tomorrow night at the CBP at the "Picnic in the Park" the Phillies have for season ticket holders in the HOF. We get down on the field, hit off the tees in the cages underneath, do the bases, play catch in the bullpen, and dinner in the Diamond Club...while the game is shown on Phanavision. Lookin' forward to it.xthumbsupx

[bluehenbillk]

Frustrating loss last night, one the Phils definitely could've taken but didn't get the pitching from either Happ, Condrey or Durbin to do it. Giving up that double to Santana was a crusher.

Let's hope Cole is lights out tonight.

[93henfan]

Jason Werth catch in the bottom of the 10th:

xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx

[93henfan]

Put another one in the win column for the Fightin' Phils!

What an exciting game tonight. After a shaky start by Cole Hamels, the Phils took advantage of some bad pitching and fielding by the Mets in the 7th to score three runs and tie the game. Chan Ho Park pitched two solid innings of relief in the 9th and 10th with Werth making an ESPN highlight reel catch in the bottom of the 10th, followed by the go ahead solo shot by Chase Utley in the top of the 11th, and a 1-2-3 save by Ryan Madson in the bottom. :D :D :D

[bulldog10jw]

Put another one in the win column for the Fightin' Phils!

What an exciting game tonight. After a shaky start by Cole Hamels, the Phils took advantage of some bad pitching and fielding by the Mets in the 7th to tie the game. Chan Ho Park pitched two solid innings of relief in the 9th and 10th with Werth making an ESPN highlight reel catch in the bottom of the 10th, followed by the go ahead solo shot by Chase Utley in the top of the 11th, and a 1-2-3 save by Ryan Madson in the 11th. :D :D :D

YUUUUUUUCH! xmadx

[bluehenbillk]

Chase Utley would like to remind everyone "World Champions...World #@!$* Champions".

Stick that down your throats ChokeArtists!

[ngineer]

That was a great game. Was at CBP last evening for the Picnic and listened to Hamels getting hammered all the way home, and then....:D

Park did another nice long relief job, so maybe he has his niche, and Madson looked very confident out there as the closer. Werth had three excellent defensive plays during the night, including the gamesaver.

[Ivytalk]

Gotta rely on Old Man Moyer to take the series!xwhistlex

[GannonFan]

Great game, and, in the immortal words of Harry Kalas (may he rest in peace), "Chase Utley, you are the man".

Hamels didn't have it tonight, couldn't throw enough strikes, but the bullpen pitched solidly and the Phils just made the plays and hits they had to to win.

Gotta question Uncle Charlie a little bit though - in the 7th when the Phils had the bases loaded and no one out, he puts Paul Bako in to pinch hit. Really, Bako??? Matt Stairs, the league's active career and season leader in PH HR's is available, as is Greg Dobbs, who only was the league's best PH last season, and we go with Bako, who's basically a journeyman catcher who's best attribute is his defense? Just an odd decision, reinforced by the particularly poor strikeout that Bako gave us. I thought Bako was here as a defensive player only, if we wanted yet another lefthanded bat on the bench (because you know, you just can't have too many of them apparently) there had to be someone other than him to bring up.

But hey, minor point as long as they get the W. 22-9 on the road now - not too shabby at all. xthumbsupx

[foghorn]

That was just a great win by the Phils. While Hamels didn't pitch particularly well, some of those hits he gave up were weak bleeders and pop-ups that had eyes. Werth's catch looked uncatchable; I thought the game was over. Great job Jason.
The two guys who worry me on the Phils' staff are Romero and Durbin. IMO, Romero should pitch in middle relief and not when the game's on the line because he has contol issues. Seems like he's always behind in the count. Eitrher throw strikes or get 'mop up' duty. And Durbin belongs in AA IMO.
All in all though, yesterday's game was this year's best so far. I wrote that game off about a half-dozen times, only to have the Fighten's come back. Utley, 'you da man' ! xnodx

[93henfan]

RAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUL!!! !

[93henfan]

Put another one in the win column for the Fightin' Phils.

Boy did the Mets fans clear out of there in the middle of the 10th after the Ibañez shot! xlolx No faith in their team whatsoever.

Great series win over the Mets. Four-game division lead. No road series lost on the year. Bullpen = money. Hitting = clutch.

[blukeys]

Put another one in the win column for the Fightin' Phils.

Boy did the Mets fans clear out of there in the middle of the 10th after the Ibañez shot! xlolx No faith in their team whatsoever.


And with good reason!!!xlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxx lolxxlolx

[MR. CHICKEN]

METS FANS...WERE LEFT IN UH FOG..........xnodx..........BRAWK/OBAMA!!

[Ivytalk]

Takahashi's pitch was ground into sushi by ALL-STAR RAUL "THE GOD" IBANEZ!!xbowxxbowxxbowxxthumbsupxxthumbsupxxnodx

[GannonFan]

Phils go 7-3 on a 10 game road trip that included 3 in San Diego (where the Pads had won 10 in a row), 4 in LA (where the Dodgers had the best record in baseball and the Phils had the lead in the 9th inning in all 4 games while getting a split), and then take 2 out of 3 from the Mets, winning both in extra innings. Best road team in the majors, bar none.

Hopefully, coming home doesn't ruin the Phils current vibe.

[foghorn]

Another great win by the Phils; they just refused to lose the last 2 games. IMO
, the key factor in the Phils taking the last 2 games, was better defense by the Fighten's. Ibenez throwing out the runner at second after getting the ricochet off the wall, probably decided tonight's outcome.

[ngineer]

This team never quits. Last two nights behind going into the last third of the game...noooooooooo problem. Every night a different star.xrotatehx:D

[blukeys]

Brutal home stand coming up with the Sox, Yanks, Rays and Jays coming to town. When do we get to see the Nats again??????

[MR. CHICKEN]

YEAH...BUT GREASE UP FO' DUH BOSOX.......DEY EAT YANKEES FO' BREAKFAST...DIS SQWAD....IS NOT DUH D/RAYS.....xeekx...AWK!

[ngineer]

Was expecting Foghorn Leghorn to be at Citi tonight with all the pea soup in the air....;):D

[GannonFan]

Brutal home stand coming up with the Sox, Yanks, Rays and Jays coming to town. When do we get to see the Nats again??????

We're done playing the Yanks. Next 3 teams for the home stand are Boston, Toronto, and Baltimore. The Orioles are like the Nats, just a little more North. xthumbsupx

[blukeys]

We're done playing the Yanks. Next 3 teams for the home stand are Boston, Toronto, and Baltimore. The Orioles are like the Nats, just a little more North. xthumbsupx

Thanks for the correction GF. I don't know if the O's are quite as bad as the Nats. The Nats defense is unreal. I think Adam Dunn is as bad an outfielder as I have ever seen. The guy makes Dick Stuart look like a good fielder.

[bluehenbillk]

RRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUUUULLL!!

Great road trip & great way to finish against the ChokeArtists!

Now we see the AL East for a while.

[ngineer]

Thanks for the correction GF. I don't know if the O's are quite as bad as the Nats. The Nats defense is unreal. I think Adam Dunn is as bad an outfielder as I have ever seen. The guy makes Dick Stuart look like a good fielder.


Ah, what memories of "Dr. Strangeglove"...xrolleyesx:D

[MR. CHICKEN]

BRUNTLETT......BUNTS...LIKE UH GIRL......xsmhx........AWK!

SLUMP DAWG.......J-RO........GROUNDS INTA DP.....LIKE UH PITCHERAH........BAWK!

ONLY THING SAVIN' DIS....X-TRA INNIN'.....YAWNER...........SEVERALAH...HOT BLONDES...WHIFF-IN....DUH CAMERA SHOTS O' BATTERS BOX...xthumbsupx...AWK!

[93henfan]

ONLY THING SAVIN' DIS......YAWNER...........SEVERALAH...HOT BLONDES...WHIFF-IN....DUH CAMERA SHOTS O' BATTERS BOX.....AWK!

Are you sure you aren't a hawk?

[MR. CHICKEN]

KENDRICK GETS OUTTAH DIS MESS....AH'M SENDIN' WINE/ROSES/CANDY......AWK!

NEVERAH MIND.....xsmhx

ONLY 35 MINUTES.....TA TA-NITE SHOW......:(.....DOODLE-DOO!

[93henfan]

KENDRICK GETS OUTTAH DIS MESS....AH'M SENDIN' WINE/ROSES/CANDY......AWK!

NEVERAH MIND.....xsmhx

ONLY 35 MINUTES.....TA TA-NITE SHOW......:(.....DOODLE-DOO!

Kyle Kendrick needs to disappear again for a while.

[MR. CHICKEN]

KYLE.......SHOULD BE PUSHIN'.......RED-HOTS........IN...LEFT FIELD...UPPERAH DECK...AWK!

[MR. CHICKEN]

3 PHILS PLUNKED......TIME TA LOAD DUH I-POD...WHIFF CHIN MUSIC....FO' SATURDAY........xnodx........BRAWK!

BOSTON BEANERS........xeekx..........AWQ!

[GannonFan]

Gotta admit - the callups lately have been strange - first they bring up Paul Backo when Lidge goes on the DL - Backo's a left handed bat (have plenty of those) and is a 3rd catcher, so not exactly a need. And now they bring Kendrick back up when he fell apart at this level last year and hasn't looked good in Lehigh since then. What about Escalano?

[bluehenbillk]

The good news is Halladay won't pitch against the World Champs. Let's hope the boys can figure out over the next 6 games how to win at home.

[93henfan]

Next Series:

Toronto 34-31, Road: 13-18, L10 4-6, 3rd AL East @
Philadelphia 36-25, Home: 13-16, L10 5-5, 1st NL East


Game 1 - Tues 7:05pm
TOR: R. Romero (3-3, 3.71)
PHI: C. Hamels (4-2, 4.62)

Game 2 - Wed 7:05pm ESPN
TOR: S. Richmond (4-3, 3.90)
PHI: J. Moyer (4-5, 6.11)

Game 3 - Thurs 1:05pm
TOR: C. Janssen (2-3, 6.23)
PHI: J. Blanton (4-3, 5.17)


I won't even wager a guess on how this series will go. The Phillies are just plain sloppy playing at home and the Phils' starting pitching is so bad that you just have to hope the offense can bail them out.

[GannonFan]

Next Series:

Toronto 34-31, Road: 13-18, L10 4-6, 3rd AL East @
Philadelphia 36-25, Home: 13-16, L10 5-5, 1st NL East


Game 1 - Tues 7:05pm
TOR: R. Romero (3-3, 3.71)
PHI: C. Hamels (4-2, 4.62)

Game 2 - Wed 7:05pm ESPN
TOR: S. Richmond (4-3, 3.90)
PHI: J. Moyer (4-5, 6.11)

Game 3 - Thurs 1:05pm
TOR: C. Janssen (2-3, 6.23)
PHI: J. Blanton (4-3, 5.17)


I won't even wager a guess on how this series will go. The Phillies are just plain sloppy playing at home and the Phils' starting pitching is so bad that you just have to hope the offense can bail them out.

Obviously, the Phils are jusst weird at home, but I like the prospects for this series. The Jays are reeling right now after getting thumped by the Marlins, and now they have to go on the road and there's no Halladay to hide behind for a game. The Phils have Hamels and Blanton going in this series, and despite their numbers, both have been impressive of late, especially Blanton. With this serie and with the O's coming up for the weekend, this is the time for the Phils to start playing better at home.

[ngineer]

Obviously, the Phils are jusst weird at home, but I like the prospects for this series. The Jays are reeling right now after getting thumped by the Marlins, and now they have to go on the road and there's no Halladay to hide behind for a game. The Phils have Hamels and Blanton going in this series, and despite their numbers, both have been impressive of late, especially Blanton. With this serie and with the O's coming up for the weekend, this is the time for the Phils to start playing better at home.

So long as the usual two dingers are solos...xsmhx

[93henfan]

Has anyone else noticed how Blanton's pitching motion is all arm? If you watch the guy, and he's fairly big, you scratch your head as to why he doesn't use his body more to get some leverage on the pitch. Granted, he pitches from the stretch all the time, but he could still get some more hip into his throws, IMO. His step to the plate has to be one of the shortest in the majors too. I don't recall it being that short last year. He had mentioned in the papers a few weeks back when he was really struggling that he had worked on his motion to come over top more and get his arm in a better slot, but it seems like he is throwing with a very awkward motion to me and I was just wondering if anybody else was seeing it the same way. I may have to dig out my World Series DVD and see if he was doing that last year and I just missed it.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Gotta admit - the callups lately have been strange - first they bring up Paul Backo when Lidge goes on the DL - Backo's a left handed bat (have plenty of those) and is a 3rd catcher, so not exactly a need. And now they bring Kendrick back up when he fell apart at this level last year and hasn't looked good in Lehigh since then. What about Escalano?

My guess is they're trying to see what these guys and maybe create some excitement around them for future benefit. If they show some promise they could be used in a potential trade situation down the road.

[ngineer]

My guess is they're trying to see what these guys and maybe create some excitement around them for future benefit. If they show some promise they could be used in a potential trade situation down the road.

I think the primary reason was that they needed some 'fresh arms' as the bull pen was overworked the past week or so. Engaged in a revolving door to give the regulars a bit of a rest.

[93henfan]

Alrighty boys. It's 7pm. Let's get some paypack for the Joe Carter incident. I still hate Toronto.

[ngineer]

Now the bull pen implodes....:(

[93henfan]

The year of the blown save.

JC Romero and Ryan Madson need some coaching on how to find the strike zone.

[bluehenbillk]

AAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Yea the bullpen didn't so well, but friggin hit the ball!!!! The Phils score 3 damn runs in 10 innings, sorry that ain't good enough. J-Roll is hovering around .220, so much for him coming out of his slump huh? The Phils are averaging less than 5 runs per game at CBP this year, that's why their home record sucks. Cmon Charlie throw a chair or two!

[GannonFan]

Yup, the bullpen can't be afraid to throw some strikes and the Phils need to score more at home. Heck, the 3 runs came on basically two hits. I understand the lack of offense when we face guys like Kurada or Santana or Beckett (of course those last two we managed to score more against) but last night was not a night where we faced a tough pitcher. You can't score just 3 runs in games and expect to win a lot in this league. As far as I see, there's just no reason to take Rollins out of the 6th spot in the lineup - he has no business seeing the top of the lineup for quite some time.

[foghorn]

The year of the blown save.

JC Romero and Ryan Madson need some coaching on how to find the strike zone.

As I posted before, Romero has control problems, always did. He shouldn't be pitching in pressure situations. Put him in middle relief or AA ball.
Madson usually throws strikes; I think last night was an anomoly. No question, we need Lidge to close with Madson as set up. Until then, I'd put in Ayre against lefties before Romero.

[GannonFan]

As I posted before, Romero has control problems, always did. He shouldn't be pitching in pressure situations. Put him in middle relief or AA ball.
Madson usually throws strikes; I think last night was an anomoly. No question, we need Lidge to close with Madson as set up. Until then, I'd put in Ayre against lefties before Romero.


Well, first of all, Ayre is on the DL, so he's not going up against anyone. And Romero should be in AA ball? Where did that come from. Look at Romero's stats against lefties over the past 3 years - you'll be hard pressed to find anyone in the majors who's much better than he is, and that includes walks. AA ball - that's just crazy talk. :p

[foghorn]

Well, first of all, Ayre is on the DL, so he's not going up against anyone. And Romero should be in AA ball? Where did that come from. Look at Romero's stats against lefties over the past 3 years - you'll be hard pressed to find anyone in the majors who's much better than he is, and that includes walks. AA ball - that's just crazy talk. :p
Obviously, I don't like Romero. A pitcher who's counted on to throw strikes in the late innings can not be successful by constantly getting behind in the count. He doesn't do any good for my blood pressure. Did he ever, in recent memory, have a 1-2-3 inning?
I forgot Eyre was on the DL. Let's say a healthy Eyre should be counted on to throw strikes than an 'out of control' Romero. He walked the bases loaded yesterday and was lucky to get out of it. Not what you want in a late reliever. Yes, send him to Reading and work on his control, or pitch him in 'mop-up'. xcoffeex

[GannonFan]

Obviously, I don't like Romero. A pitcher who's counted on to throw strikes in the late innings can not be successful by constantly getting behind in the count. He doesn't do any good for my blood pressure. Did he ever, in recent memory, have a 1-2-3 inning?
I forgot Eyre was on the DL. Let's say a healthy Eyre should be counted on to throw strikes than an 'out of control' Romero. He walked the bases loaded yesterday and was lucky to get out of it. Not what you want in a late reliever. Yes, send him to Reading and work on his control, or pitch him in 'mop-up'. xcoffeex

There's no denying that Romero, this year, has been more wild than normal. But you make it sound like Romero's always been this was and isn't a major league pitcher. That all flies in the face of the fact that Romero's been one of the best lefty relievers in the game since he came to the Phils. The past two years his WHIPs been 1.10 and 1.34, so his current WHIP of 1.80 could just be an aberration. And he's still got a 1.08 ERA this year so he's not letting guys score, which is the most important thing. And I like Scott Eyre, but come on, he's not much different control-wise than Romero. Eyre's got a lifetime BB/9innings of 4.6 - Romero's is 5.0. Not exactly a lot of difference there.

And Romero pitched a 1-2-3 inning just last Tuesday, June 9th, against the Mets.

[foghorn]

There's no denying that Romero, this year, has been more wild than normal. But you make it sound like Romero's always been this was and isn't a major league pitcher. That all flies in the face of the fact that Romero's been one of the best lefty relievers in the game since he came to the Phils. The past two years his WHIPs been 1.10 and 1.34, so his current WHIP of 1.80 could just be an aberration. And he's still got a 1.08 ERA this year so he's not letting guys score, which is the most important thing. And I like Scott Eyre, but come on, he's not much different control-wise than Romero. Eyre's got a lifetime BB/9innings of 4.6 - Romero's is 5.0. Not exactly a lot of difference there.

And Romero pitched a 1-2-3 inning just last Tuesday, June 9th, against the Mets.

Romero has pitched all of 8.1 innings this year, so I think his ERA is rather irrelevent. However, in those 8.1 innings, he's given up 9 walks !
And he's consistant in those walks. Last year he walked 38 in 59 innings pitched. I don't want that in a late inning pressure situation. Reading needs him more than the Phillies. :(

[GannonFan]

Romero has pitched all of 8.1 innings this year, so I think his ERA is rather irrelevent. However, in those 8.1 innings, he's given up 9 walks !
And he's consistant in those walks. Last year he walked 38 in 59 innings pitched. I don't want that in a late inning pressure situation. Reading needs him more than the Phillies. :(

So, 8.1 innings is too small of a sample size to judge how many runs you let it, but it's more than enough of a sample size to judge how many walks you give up?

And how is this year anywhere consistent to last year? This year Romero's walking people, in that small sample size, at a clip of 9.72 per 9 innings. Last year, he walked them at a clip of 5.80 per 9 innings. So, according to your math, 9.72=5.80??? And what's even more interesting, is that you think 5.80 walks per 9 inning is too much. Interesting because Eyre's walks per 9 innings this year is 5.79. So, 5.80 BB/9 last year = bad. 5.79 BB/9 this year = good?

Gotta say, you're blind dislike of Romero, in the face of stats that say otherwise, is amusing!!! xlolxxlolxxlolx

[foghorn]

So, 8.1 innings is too small of a sample size to judge how many runs you let it, but it's more than enough of a sample size to judge how many walks you give up?

And how is this year anywhere consistent to last year? This year Romero's walking people, in that small sample size, at a clip of 9.72 per 9 innings. Last year, he walked them at a clip of 5.80 per 9 innings. So, according to your math, 9.72=5.80??? And what's even more interesting, is that you think 5.80 walks per 9 inning is too much. Interesting because Eyre's walks per 9 innings this year is 5.79. So, 5.80 BB/9 last year = bad. 5.79 BB/9 this year = good?

Gotta say, you're blind dislike of Romero, in the face of stats that say otherwise, is amusing!!! xlolxxlolxxlolx
GF, I thought you were more profound in your basesball knowledge. 5.8 walks per 9 innings is horrible! I yanked Little League pitchers with better percentages than that. You need a course in Baseball 101. xrolleyesx BTW, I used Ayres because he's the only other left-handed alternative that I know anything about. Not familiar enough with Taschner.

[93henfan]

Jamie Moyer. Love ya, but it's time buddy.


http://www.boom2bust.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/retirement.jpg

[foghorn]

Couldn't agree more. Good guy, but Sayonara. xwhistlex

[ngineer]

Phils have now lost 4 of last 5...and at home. Every season has it's dulldrum/stumble period, but is this deeper? Too early to pick up a quality pitcher right now. Too many teams still 'sniffing' division possibilities...

[GannonFan]

All the best pitching in the world can't erase the fact that this team can't hit at home right now. The past 2 nights the Jays have thrown absolute nobodies and the Phils have managed all of 4 runs through 19 innings, have 14 hits in 19 innings, and have struck out 22 times in 19 innings.

Moyer could've thrown a complete game, 2 run gem last night and still would've lost. The fact that he got to the 7th with the Phils only down 3 (and only giving up 4 runs) is fine - Moyer's the 4th starter, not the ace.

And now Ibanez has hit the DL. Gotta start hitting somewhere.

http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090618&content_id=5393172&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi

[GannonFan]

GF, I thought you were more profound in your basesball knowledge. 5.8 walks per 9 innings is horrible! I yanked Little League pitchers with better percentages than that. You need a course in Baseball 101. xrolleyesx BTW, I used Ayres because he's the only other left-handed alternative that I know anything about. Not familiar enough with Taschner.

So now 5.8 walks per 9 innings is horrible, yet you were just touting how much of a control pitcher a guy was who had those numbers? You're all over the place, foggy. And in MLB right now, the average BB/9 innings for all pitchers stands around 4.5-5.0. Granted, we can talk all day about how baseball is so over expanded that guys pitching today would never sniff the majors way back when, but the fact of the matter is, Romero is pretty much average in the BB/9 innings department, career-wise, versus the rest of the majors. Of course, he's well above average when it comes to ERA and opponents batting average and the such, but those silly stats don't matter much, do they? :p

[foghorn]

So now 5.8 walks per 9 innings is horrible, yet you were just touting how much of a control pitcher a guy was who had those numbers? You're all over the place, foggy. And in MLB right now, the average BB/9 innings for all pitchers stands around 4.5-5.0. Granted, we can talk all day about how baseball is so over expanded that guys pitching today would never sniff the majors way back when, but the fact of the matter is, Romero is pretty much average in the BB/9 innings department, career-wise, versus the rest of the majors. Of course, he's well above average when it comes to ERA and opponents batting average and the such, but those silly stats don't matter much, do they? :p
Look, I'm not crazy about Eyre either, and I never critized Romero's ERA. He has a very strong arm with good stuff, he just has command issues which I don't want to put up with in late, close games. From Little League on, the old axiom that 'walks kill you' is certainly true; they inevitably lose games for you. Pitch him when the game's not on the line.
This is only my opinion, and I don't want to belabor the point All I know is that when Romero comes in the late innings I pop in a blood pressure pill. If you're not a nail-biter, and you enjoy edge-of-your seat suspense, bring on Romero. :p

[Seahawks Fan]

Check out the article in this week's SI about Charlie Manuel. Great piece.

[bluehenbillk]

I think the World Champs are playing bored. I think they think they can turn it on & turn it off at will. What can you blame it on, the pitching is inconsistent, the hitting is inconsistent, they now lost their best player so far this year. Thankfully the rest of the division is garbage.

[foghorn]

So who replaces Ibanez, a Dobbs/Mayberry platoon?xconfusedx

[89Hen]

So who replaces Ibanez, a Dobbs/Mayberry platoon?xconfusedx
I haven't seen any sports... what happened?! xeekx

[foghorn]

Ibenez diagnosed with a groin strain and will undergo an MRI. Placed on the 15 day DL. Hope it's not a tear. :(

[GannonFan]

I haven't seen any sports... what happened?! xeekx


Ibanez is on the 15 day DL with a strained groin (the left groing apparently). He's looked hobbled the past few games.

Mayberry got called up and is playing RF today (Werth is in LF - Mayberry's got a better arm).

[GannonFan]

I think the World Champs are playing bored. I think they think they can turn it on & turn it off at will. What can you blame it on, the pitching is inconsistent, the hitting is inconsistent, they now lost their best player so far this year. Thankfully the rest of the division is garbage.

I kinda agree with that - there's no pressure in this division. The Mets are struggling and there's always the knowledge that come September they'll play themselves out of it. The Braves are just several players away, the Marlins are up and down, and the Nats are historically awful.

And really, there are only a few teams here and there in the majors in general that are great, and the Phils are done for the year playing the Dodgers and the Red Sox.

Granted, the Phils need to land one big starting pitcher before the playoffs - you won't win in the playoffs with Hamels, Blanton, and then pray for rain. One more guy would do it.

[GannonFan]

Man, can Werth hit the Blue Jays or what? Phils down 2-1 in the 2nd but Werth just hit another HR, 3rd in 3 days. Granted, he's the only guy who hits against the Jays, but what can you do?

Mayberry with a single in his first AB. xthumbsupx

[GannonFan]

Mayberry's 2 for 3 with a solo HR so far - Phils up 5-4 in the 6th.

[GannonFan]

Foggy must be going crazy - Romero's given up a walk and 2 hits after Chan Ho got in trouble. xlolxxlolx

[GannonFan]

Romero struck out the last guy with the bases loaded, after going 3-0 on him. xlolxxlolxxlolx Still didn't give up an earned run (Rolen was Park's run). xlolx

[foghorn]

Foggy must be going crazy - Romero's given up a walk and 2 hits after Chan Ho got in trouble. xlolxxlolx
Took my last prozac pill after Romero's smooth performance.xeekx

[GannonFan]

Took my last prozac pill after Romero's smooth performance.xeekx

Should've saved it for Condrey - he gets shelled in the 8th - 0.0 innings, 3 hits, 2 runs, 1 earned (Feliz with another error), and a walk, leaves with the bases loaded, nobody out. Figure to add to his line before all is said and done.

[GannonFan]

Spoke too soon - fly out to right, and Mayberry guns the guy tagging from 3rd. Not a bad day for the youngster - still 1st and 3rd 2 outs, Phils down 7-5.

[GannonFan]

Phils down 7-6 now - Dobbs with a pinch hit HR.

[GannonFan]

Phils tie it up 7-7 - Rollins with a double (3 for 4 today) with 2 outs, and then Victorino drives him in with a single.

[GannonFan]

Madson gets tagged for a HR in the 9th by Barajas - seriously, Rolen and Barajas have been just killing the Phils this series - where was this when they were Phils??? Down 8-7 going into the bottom of the 9th - Utley to lead off.

[GannonFan]

Phils get the tying run in scoring position and leave him there, completing the 3 game sweep by the Blue Jays. Phils just can't play at home, plain and simple. Phils apparently need to get the Wild Card and hope the AL wins the All-Star game again. xlolx

[foghorn]

Phils apparently need to get the Wild Card and hope the AL wins the All-Star game again.
Since Charlie's gonna run the All-Star team maybe he can get some pointers on how to 'throw' the game. Is Charlie friends with Pete Rose?
Or, name Romero as a reliever and put him in when the game is on the line. AL gets bases loaded, just don't swing. xsmiley_wix

[93henfan]

Well GF, they got those runs you were hoping for!


(and still lost :o )


I did like the fact that Uncle Chollie seemed to put the past week in perspective in his post-game presser. No need to panic.... yet.

[GannonFan]

Since Charlie's gonna run the All-Star team maybe he can get some pointers on how to 'throw' the game. Is Charlie friends with Pete Rose?
Or, name Romero as a reliever and put him in when the game is on the line. AL gets bases loaded, just don't swing. xsmiley_wix

Romero was one of only 2 relievers not to be tagged with an earned run today - his ERA is down to 1.00. Not bad for a guy who should be in Reading, if that high!! :p

[foghorn]

Romero was one of only 2 relievers not to be tagged with an earned run today - his ERA is down to 1.00. Not bad for a guy who should be in Reading, if that high!! :p
He sure gave it the ol' college try though. He loads the bases, 2 hits and the inevitable walk, then goes 3 and 0 in the count. The batter then watches 3 strikes, the last one very questionable. If that's what you want in a late inning reliever, then enjoy. Not my kind of guy! Don't want pitchers who put you in a position to lose. xsmhx

[GannonFan]

He sure gave it the ol' college try though. He loads the bases, 2 hits and the inevitable walk, then goes 3 and 0 in the count. The batter then watches 3 strikes, the last one very questionable. If that's what you want in a late inning reliever, then enjoy. Not my kind of guy! Don't want pitchers who put you in a position to lose. xsmhx

Maybe he reads these boards and just wanted to stick it to you??? :p

[ngineer]

This past homestand seemed to show a lackadaisical attitude. When you have these many errors, physical and mental, some needs to kick over the buffet table ala Gene Mauch in 1964. That stolen base, off of a WALK, was a Little League trick. xsmhxxsmhx

[foghorn]

kick over the buffet table ala Gene Mauch in 1964.
Yeah, that really did a lot of good. That famous Phillies phlop will remain in the 'caverns of my mind' (a popular phrase then), forever. Damm them and the so-called genius, Gene Mauch, the most adulated manager for never winning anything. Give me good ol' Uncle Chollie anyday!xthumbsupx

[blukeys]

Yeah, that really did a lot of good. That famous Phillies phlop will remain in the 'caverns of my mind' (a popular phrase then), forever. Damm them and the so-called genius, Gene Mauch, the most adulated manager for never winning anything. Give me good ol' Uncle Chollie anyday!xthumbsupx

Well we agree on Mauch. It was sportswriters who dubbed Gene as the baseball genius as he was quick and articulate and smarter than the writers. (The last of which is not a difficult thing to be. )

Gene however, did not have good control of his own emotions and did not have a handle on the emotional situation of his own players. In short Gene could not read his own players.

Gene tried to manage players and ball games as if they were chess pieces on a chess board. He never could quite figure out the human component at any of his stops in the majors. Gene always played small ball and his decisions could be predicted innings in advance.

Gene's decision to only pitch Short and Bunning at the end of the '64 season cost the Phils the pennant. One wonders how these 2 would have done in the Series had the Phil's made it.

[ngineer]

Yeah, that really did a lot of good. That famous Phillies phlop will remain in the 'caverns of my mind' (a popular phrase then), forever. Damm them and the so-called genius, Gene Mauch, the most adulated manager for never winning anything. Give me good ol' Uncle Chollie anyday!xthumbsupx

I am not adulating Gene Mauch. I cursed the man in '64. But what I am saying is that there is a time a place for laying some wood on the butt, or some shoe leather to the ass, and I think Uncle Chollie, himself, acknowledged yesterday post-game that he is approaching that point. For me, the point was yesterday.

[foghorn]

I am not adulating Gene Mauch. I cursed the man in '64. But what I am saying is that there is a time a place for laying some wood on the butt, or some shoe leather to the ass, and I think Uncle Chollie, himself, acknowledged yesterday post-game that he is approaching that point. For me, the point was yesterday.
Just had to make the comment on Mauch because his supposed sainthood by the press was nauseating.
Charlie should come down on allowing Scutaro getting second on a freakin walk and rookie Mayberry for being non-chalant fielding Rolen's single into a double. Mental mistakes cannot be tolerated. Both mental blunders allowed a run to score. If the Phils played 'heads up' they most likely would've won. xbawlingx

[93henfan]

Put another one in the loss column. Four in a row; 1-6 on the homestand. This team is dreadful right now. I haven't heard the fans boo like they did in the top of the ninth in quite a while.

Only the Nationals have less home wins than the Phils. Phils drop to 13-20 at CBP. xnonono2x

[Seahawks Fan]

How do you explain the Phils home winning percentage? Doesn't make much sense.

[ngineer]

No it doesn't. Other than thinking that they 'press' too much at home. They've had about 27 sellouts already this year! Trying to please the home fans too much? The dichotomy is indeed strange.

[93henfan]

The June swoon continues. 1-7 on the homestand w/ a 5-game losing streak.

Phils get 2-hit and shut out through six innings, then come alive with two runs of their own to make it 3-2 Balt. The Phils get two more men on base and bring in Ryan Howard (who was out of the lineup after being hospitalized with dehydration) and he promptly blasts a dramatic three-run shot to put the Phils up 5-3.

Then it happened. Ryan Madson earns his third blown save of the year by giving up a solo shot and then the loss by giving up a 2 run shot for good measure.

The good news? The sorry Mets lost too. :p

[ngineer]

Can't get them out of Dodge fast enough....

[Ivytalk]

xmadxxnonono2xxsmhx

Disgraceful. They played like crap all week. And the injuries are no excuse.

Now off to Tampa, Toronto and Atlanta. I say a 3-6 road trip and the continuation of suckitude.

[gmoney55]

[QUOTE=Ivytalk;1359857]xmadxxnonono2xxsmhx

Disgraceful. They played like crap all week. And the injuries are no excuse.

Now off to Tampa, Toronto and Atlanta. I say a 3-6 road trip and the continuation of suckitude.[QUOTE]

Even with that record, they'd still be in first place in the division of suckitude.

[bluehenbillk]

Can the World Champs get back to playing NL teams this week instead of next week???

J-Roll at a .217BA has zero biz batting leadoff, move him down Chollie. Maybe batting him 8th would be a wakeup call??

[Seahawks Fan]

The Mets suck and they are two games out of first place! xeekx

[93henfan]

The Mets suck and they are two games out of first place! xeekx

The more humorous thing is how bad the Phillies have played, having lost six in a row, and the Mets can't close the gap.

[GannonFan]

The more humorous thing is how bad the Phillies have played, having lost six in a row, and the Mets can't close the gap.

Agreed - who'da thunk you can have a 1-8 homestand and not have to worry about losing the grip on first place? What an awful division, thankfully, for the Phils. They may never have to win a home game again and they could still win this division. xlolx

[Seahawks Fan]

Three of the four Mets core are now on the disabled list. And they win last night! Go figure. xconfusedx

[93henfan]

Speaking of the DL does not draw sympathy from Phils fans at this point, with Lidge and Ibanez on it and Ryan Howard missing multiple games due to sinitus. Everyone has to deal with injuries, so they are no excuse.

[Seahawks Fan]

Now things are really getting bad. Mr. Met went down with an injury last night.



http://api.ning.com/files/hUUAm0-R0VgRD3bT8x9XzjBGUFAMo4ldeIuAyBcfaXlpeO0MoiHYXT0Wl 3ufbbqutcJOXEplERit9jyp3AGr*yY9d5GczcaA/MrMettakenawayinAmbulance.jpg

[Seahawks Fan]

Now things are really getting bad. Mr. Met went down with an injury last night.


http://thebiglead.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/mrmet.jpg

[Seahawks Fan]

Try this DL on for size:

Carlos Delgado

Jose Reyes

Carlos Beltran

Oliver Perez

John Maine

J J Putz

[whitey]

While not even close to being in the same class you forget Angel Pagan and Ramon Martinez. Billy Wagner is also on the DL too if you want to make it a complete list. Not to mention Church, Schneider, Cora & Redding all spent some time on the DL earlier. What a disaster. xoopsx

Is it weird if I'm finding it more fun to root for this Mets team than the one on the DL?

[Ivytalk]

The way this division is going, those Marlins with their young pitching could sneak in and take it.xwhistlex

[GannonFan]

Try this DL on for size:

Carlos Delgado

Jose Reyes

Carlos Beltran

Oliver Perez

John Maine

J J Putz


While not even close to being in the same class you forget Angel Pagan and Ramon Martinez. Billy Wagner is also on the DL too if you want to make it a complete list. Not to mention Church, Schneider, Cora & Redding all spent some time on the DL earlier. What a disaster. xoopsx

Is it weird if I'm finding it more fun to root for this Mets team than the one on the DL?


The saving grace for the Mets is that some of those guys are on the DL - imagine how far back the Mets would be if they had Perez, and Putz, and Wagner, and Church, and Redding all healthy??? Sounds like addition by subtraction - kinda like how the Phillies got better once they got rid of Abreu. xnodx

[whitey]

The saving grace for the Mets is that some of those guys are on the DL - imagine how far back the Mets would be if they had Perez, and Putz, and Wagner, and Church, and Redding all healthy??? Sounds like addition by subtraction - kinda like how the Phillies got better once they got rid of Abreu. xnodx

Maybe that's the case with Perez and Redding who have been pretty awful. If Redding wasn't injured to start the season that might have meant Livan Hernandez gets cut in Spring Training. And old Livan has pitched surprisingly well.

Putz wasn't good but he certainly was no worse than Sean Green. No one was counting on Wagner for anything this year so I'd rather just leave him out of the discussion. I only added him to the list because he's still on the Mets and currently on the DL. Any innings he gives us is simply a bonus. At least that's how I look at it. Church started off slow and then got hurt but has been pretty damn good since he got back from the DL with his .833 OPS. Plus his defense is good so I don't think he fits the addition by subtraction mold.

[blueballs]

[QUOTE=Ivytalk;1359857]xmadxxnonono2xxsmhx

Disgraceful. They played like crap all week. And the injuries are no excuse.

Now off to Tampa, Toronto and Atlanta. I say a 3-6 road trip and the continuation of suckitude.[QUOTE]

Even with that record, they'd still be in first place in the division of suckitude.

When was the last time Philly lost a game in Atlanta? last year I thought they were going to change the name of Turner Field to Phillies' Bitches' Ballpark.

[Seahawks Fan]

Beltran is the biggest loss of the group. He can't be replaced.

[gmoney55]

I continue to be amazed the Phils haven't put this division away yet.

[93henfan]

ROAD SWEET ROAD

Phils lead 10-0 in the 4th at Tampa. xlolx

Go figure.

Mayberry with a 3-run dinger and Utley with a 2-run dinger and 4 RBI so far. Moyer looking crafty again.

[Ivytalk]

ROAD SWEET ROAD

Phils lead 10-0 in the 4th at Tampa. xlolx

Go figure.

Mayberry with a 3-run dinger and Utley with a 2-run dinger and 4 RBI so far. Moyer looking crafty again.

Moyer loves those Florida teams! LIKE IT'S TIME FOR RETIREMENT!!!:p:p

[foghorn]

Before the game, I was wondering if we could just spot the Rays 3 runs and start with the 4th inning. Is that allowed?xsmiley_wix

[bluehenbillk]

The good news: The World Champs get back on the right track & blow the Rays away. David Price is supposed to be soooo good? He can't throw a breaking ball.

The bad news: We still have the worst leadoff hitter in baseball. BA now .214 & dropping fast. Please alert the Mendoza line!!!!

[GannonFan]

The quote last night from Victorino summed up this team - he said something about how the Phils know they are still the World Champs and that they'll certainly start playing at home like they play on the road and no one's even a little bit worried - and despite all their problems they're still firmly in first place.

Basically, they know they're good, they know they can turn it on when it matters (i.e. September), and they know the rest of the division blows, so no worries.

While I would certainly want them to start winning some home games, I can't really argue with Victorino's senitment - this team is probably the second best team in the NL and probably the 3rd or 4th best team in baseball - they're merely coasting right now and are still 3 games up in the lost column. Still need to get another starting pitcher if they want to make noise in October, but can't see any reason why they won't be playing well past the Oct 4 end of the season.

[GannonFan]

Amazing that the Phillies poor home record is heavily impacted by their lack of ability to hit at home compared to the road. On the road the Phils have a 15 point better OBP, a 35 point better SLG%, a 26 point better batting average, and they score almost 1.5 more runs. Apparently Citizens Bank isn't the bandbox it's purported to be - certainly not like the Whiffle Ball Park in the Bronx. xlolx

[Ivytalk]

Amazing that the Phillies poor home record is heavily impacted by their lack of ability to hit at home compared to the road. On the road the Phils have a 15 point better OBP, a 35 point better SLG%, a 26 point better batting average, and they score almost 1.5 more runs. Apparently Citizens Bank isn't the bandbox it's purported to be - certainly not like the Whiffle Ball Park in the Bronx. xlolx

The Phils strike out too damn much. If they were better contact hitters, they'd probably be 8 or 9 games ahead by now.xrolleyesx

[GannonFan]

The Phils strike out too damn much. If they were better contact hitters, they'd probably be 8 or 9 games ahead by now.xrolleyesx

No need to be that far ahead. The Mets will still collapse in September, if not before then, and there's no point trying to take home field advantage away from the Dodgers - obviously, we don't want home field advantage. xlolxxsmhx

[Ivytalk]

Garza shuts the Phils down. Blanton pitched OK. Oh, well. xsmhx

[ngineer]

Really felt sorry for Blanton tonight. He pitched a hell of a game. Unbelieveable meltdown by numerous parties in the 8th inningxsmhxxsmhxxsmhx

[bluehenbillk]

Blanton pitched well, now my beef.

Earth to Charlie, Earth to Charlie: What the hell is Jimmy still doing batting leadoff. Are you the only one not seeing the imminent collision between his batting average & the Mendoza line & it's almost freaking July???? Only 11 points to go, Jimmy should be in the 7 or 8 hole in the lineup, not 1st. Add to that the bonehead play in the field in the 8th last night that costs them 5 runs, ugh.

[GannonFan]

Yup, Rollins needs to be buried in the lineup - he's the spitting image right now of Willie Mays Hayes from "Major League" - he should be doing pushups at the plate every time he reaches out and softly pops up. Brutal.

[93henfan]

Rollins was benched for tonight's game after a ten minute meeting with Uncle Chollie. Flyin' Hawaiin will lead off and Bruntlett (who is actually batting worse than Rollins with a .157 avg) will play shortstop and bat 8th.

[GannonFan]

Rollins was benched for tonight's game after a ten minute meeting with Uncle Chollie. Flyin' Hawaiin will lead off and Bruntlett (who is actually batting worse than Rollins with a .157 avg) will play shortstop and bat 8th.

Long term, Rollins needs to play - he's better in the field than Bruntlett and even as bad as he is at the plate right now, he's better than him too. But no reason why he needs to see the top of the lineup again for a long time. Batting 6th or lower is fine by me until he finds his stroke again.

[bluehenbillk]

What's that Tom Petty song called, Freefalling??

[93henfan]

This is what happens when you have no pitching. The hitters can't win it every night, and when they slump, you lose ten of twelve. This team is headed for .500 in a hurry. 2008 was fun.

[Ivytalk]

This is what happens when you have no pitching. The hitters can't win it every night, and when they slump, you lose ten of twelve. This team is headed for .500 in a hurry. 2008 was fun.

Agreed. My vacation starts in a week, and then I'll have two weeks without cable access to the Red and White!:)

[GannonFan]

The swing through the AL ends on Sunday. Seem to remember last year's team getting their arses handed to them by the AL (well, until October of course). All is not lost.

[ngineer]

Exactly. PHils went 4-11 against AL last year (until World Series). No question that hhis 'rough patch' is one of the toughest in the past couple years now having lost 11 of last 13. First goal is win the division (can't count on a wild card out of the Eastern Division this year). After that, like last year, it's just win each series. Still 91 games to go in regular season, so I think the ship will 'right itself' and they still finish in first.

[93henfan]

Hamels doesn't complete five innings. Phils no-hit into the seventh. Lidge still throwing beachballs. Mets and Marlins within a game now and the Braves only four back. xnonono2x

[Ivytalk]

Hamels doesn't complete five innings. Phils no-hit into the seventh. Lidge still throwing beachballs. Mets and Marlins within a game now and the Braves only four back. xnonono2x

Let's go get drunk! Where does one go to get buzzed in Camden, 93? I'll tell you my favorite Seaford spot... (and it's not the Canton Inn!)xprost2x

[ngineer]

J.A. Happ was stellar today. Complete game shutout on a 5 hitter. A real shot in the arm for the pitching staff. Watzi Werth also delivered 2 bombs.

[Ivytalk]

Feast or famine for those guys. They'll need a few of those runs tomorrow.xrolleyesx

[93henfan]

Let's go get drunk! Where does one go to get buzzed in Camden, 93? I'll tell you my favorite Seaford spot... (and it's not the Canton Inn!)xprost2x

Camden doesn't have a damn thing. I hit up the Dover establishments for a glass of cheer from time to time: Smither's, McGlynn's, or Buffalo Wild Wings usually.

This time of year, I'd probably just head down to Dogfish in Rehoboth. I can crash at my sister's if I imbibe too many IPAs.

I heard the Canton is closing the "club" and returning to being a Chinese restaurant again, due to lewdness complaints and pending legal actions. xeekx

[blukeys]

Camden doesn't have a damn thing. I hit up the Dover establishments for a glass of cheer from time to time: Smither's, McGlynn's, or Buffalo Wild Wings usually.

This time of year, I'd probably just head down to Dogfish in Rehoboth. I can crash at my sister's if I imbibe too many IPAs.

I heard the Canton is closing the "club" and returning to being a Chinese restaurant again, due to lewdness complaints and pending legal actions. xeekx

93 You disappoint me in your preference for the Chain store bars. I have no problem with Smithers but the other two spots are just way too noisy with nothing really going on although I will say that right now McGlynn's has a great view and is the current hot spot.

You are correct that Camden proper has no bar to speak of but you are ignoring a great Kent tradition just 1 mile down the road in Wyoming. The Wyoming Tavern (or Brown's as it is called by the locals) is a traditional pool table and shuffle board down home bar. The bartenders call you honey and if you show up on Ladies Pool night, You just might get lucky (unless your vision fails and then it is coyote time) The drinks are also cheap.

The Happy Hour specials especially the $1.00 mug beers at Frazier's (Lobby House) can't be beat. The view is great and Frazier's is the employer of choice for Wesley coeds. xthumbsupxxthumbsupx

A secret that was too well hidden was the Dirty Beggar in Dover. I don't know if they are still open. Too bad.

Jw's in Dover has the most eclectic clientele of anyplace you will find anywhere. You can find folks who are making the real decisions about the state budget hanging with bikers and construction workers. It also has the most live music of any place outside of the casinos. It also one of only 5 liquor serving public establishments that are west of the north-south railroad in Kent County.

At any rate you need to get out of your rut and find some other places off the beaten path.

[93henfan]

I forgot to list Lobby House. I'm there as often as any of the others, which isn't very often. I'm married and don't really need to hit on the Wesley coeds. Btw, there were a ton of Wesley chicks (and by ton, I mean a couple of them were approaching 1000 lbs) at McGlynns when I went there for MNF last year.

I don't consider Dogfish a chain, even though they have expanded, because I've been headed to the boulevard location since they opened.

I guess I'll admit guilt with Buffalo Wild Wings, but I'm a fan of their wings and they are really close. If I can avoid driving through downtown Dover late on a Friday/Saturday I do.

I hit a couple of bars in Milford last night after my 20 year reunion, but it was so forking loud it was pointless to try to talk to anyone and we left really early.

[ngineer]

"Some" semblance of normalcy today...a one run lead protected over the last five innings. Moyer leaves up the usual dinges, but settles down, Park does a heck of a job for two innings. Madson back in the 'set up' role does the job and Lidge as the 'closer' gets it done, though a blown DP ball by Bruntlett looked like 'another' BS opportunity. Perhaps these last two games in "You Betcha" land is the beginning of the turnaround.

[93henfan]

Perhaps these last two games in "You Betcha" land is the beginning of the turnaround.

The "turnaround" may be aided by the fact that we get back to playing against our familiar foes in the worst division in baseball. The AL teams just threw a three-week long ass-whipping on us. Again.

Amaro had better pick up some pitching before the deadline or this team is toast. Every single pitcher but Park was a charlie hair away from tossing the game.

[Ivytalk]

And now it's on to Atlanta, where we haven't lost since 2007!:D:p

[GannonFan]

The "turnaround" may be aided by the fact that we get back to playing against our familiar foes in the worst division in baseball. The AL teams just threw a three-week long ass-whipping on us. Again.

Amaro had better pick up some pitching before the deadline or this team is toast. Every single pitcher but Park was a charlie hair away from tossing the game.

Hard to say - that NL Central isn't much to write home about either. And really all the NL West has is the Dodgers. And the AL West is pretty meager too. Frankly, there's a decided lack of quality teams in baseball anywhere - it's pretty much the Dodgers and Red Sox and then everyone else.

But, it'll be good to back in the NL - apparently the Phils are only good against the AL when they play the Yanks (especially in Whiffle Ball Stadiums) and when they play those teams in October. Thankfully, the World Series isn't in May/June.

Yeah, the Phils will need to pick up a reliever to spread the load and of course, if they are going to do anything in the post season, they need another starter. Happ's come along nicely, so I don't mind the Hamels/Blanton/Happ part of the rotation. Moyer's clearly not a post season option you want to use and the 5th starter is non-existent. Bastardo has some good upside but he's not ready, if they bring Carpenter up he's just a poor man's Happ, and Carasco is a wild card. What is the story with Brett Myers return? Wasn't he going to be cleared to throw by late August/early September. It's not something anyone want to hear, but is there a chance he's an option to start in the playoffs? If Oswalt and Peavy are not viable trade options, is there anyone other than Penny who's an actual upgrade over what the Phils have? Pretty bare market out there once those 3 names are taken out of the equation.

[gmoney55]

Hard to say - that NL Central isn't much to write home about either. And really all the NL West has is the Dodgers. And the AL West is pretty meager too. Frankly, there's a decided lack of quality teams in baseball anywhere - it's pretty much the Dodgers and Red Sox and then everyone else.

But, it'll be good to back in the NL - apparently the Phils are only good against the AL when they play the Yanks (especially in Whiffle Ball Stadiums) and when they play those teams in October. Thankfully, the World Series isn't in May/June.

Yeah, the Phils will need to pick up a reliever to spread the load and of course, if they are going to do anything in the post season, they need another starter. Happ's come along nicely, so I don't mind the Hamels/Blanton/Happ part of the rotation. Moyer's clearly not a post season option you want to use and the 5th starter is non-existent. Bastardo has some good upside but he's not ready, if they bring Carpenter up he's just a poor man's Happ, and Carasco is a wild card. What is the story with Brett Myers return? Wasn't he going to be cleared to throw by late August/early September. It's not something anyone want to hear, but is there a chance he's an option to start in the playoffs? If Oswalt and Peavy are not viable trade options, is there anyone other than Penny who's an actual upgrade over what the Phils have? Pretty bare market out there once those 3 names are taken out of the equation.

Good point....Phils may need a starter for the postseason, but they will get there with the team they have now barring at least two or three big injuries. And really with the days off you can basically use a three-man rotation.

[ngineer]

Carpenter has been pretty consistent of late up here in the Lehigh Valley. Could give some help if Bastardo is shut down. Oswalt would be a nice addition. I don't think Peavy will agree to the East Coast.

[Ivytalk]

Good point....Phils may need a starter for the postseason, but they will get there with the team they have now barring at least two or three big injuries. And really with the days off you can basically use a three-man rotation.

Bunning and Short! Bunning and Short! Bunning and Short!xeekxxeekxxeekx

[93henfan]

J-Roll comes off his four-game benching and goes 0-5, waving at a ball that bounced in front of the plate for his final K of the night. Gotta love getting nothing out of your lead-off man.

Madson blows the lead in the eighth after the Phils hit two dramatic HRs to take the lead in the top of the inning. Park gets clobbered in the tenth for the loss.

I guess road games against familiar foes aren't even a haven for the Phils right now.

[gmoney55]

J-Roll comes off his four-game benching and goes 0-5, waving at a ball that bounced in front of the plate for his final K of the night. Gotta love getting nothing out of your lead-off man.

Madson blows the lead in the eighth after the Phils hit two dramatic HRs to take the lead in the top of the inning. Park gets clobbered in the tenth for the loss.

I guess road games against familiar foes aren't even a haven for the Phils right now.

Don't worry, just two days until the team everybody beats up on comes to townxsmhxxsmhxxsmhx

[93henfan]

Don't worry, just two days until the team everybody beats up on comes to townxsmhxxsmhxxsmhx

Does Vegas take mid-season bets on what teams will win divisions? What odds are the Marlins getting?

[93henfan]

Hamels was shellacked and pulled after 4 innings of work, charged with 7 earned runs. Who is the ace now? Blanton?

Phils getting no-hit through five. Scored one on an error. 8-1 in the 5th.

Youch.

[ngineer]

The slump is turning into a trough...Luckily mediocrity is everywhere.

[GannonFan]

Hard to say if I've ever seen a team play so badly and still stay in first as long as the Phils have. Incredible.

Gotta love Rollins, after all that rest he comes back with a big 0-5 in the first game and an 0-3 with a walk in the second game. And he's still the leadoff guy. xrotatehx

I'd worry about Hamels but I worry more about the bats - how many times this year has a so-so pitcher taken a no-hitter late into games against the Phils? And it's not like the guy last night was someone they hadn't seen before - they've probably faced him 6-7 times over the past 2 years. The Phils can win even with a crappy Hamels assuming they hit anywhere close to what they are able to. Right now, they ain't hitting.

[Ivytalk]

Ricky Bottalico said last night that the whole Phillies team looks like it's sucking wind, just trying to make it to the all-star break. xsmhx

[Hoyadestroya85]

If I was a phillies fan, I'd want Rich Dubee launched.. I'd also be terrified about Cole, because he's pitched a lot of innings at a very young age.

[93henfan]

Updated NL East Standings


Team ------------W - L -- %-Games Back
Florida ----------41 39 .513 -
Philadelphia----39 37 .513 -
NY Mets---------39 39 .500 1
Atlanta----------38 40 .487 2
Washington----22 54 .289 17

[GannonFan]

If I was a phillies fan, I'd want Rich Dubee launched.. I'd also be terrified about Cole, because he's pitched a lot of innings at a very young age.

No need to worry about Cole - he's making up for it by only pitching 4-5 innings per start these days. xlolxxsmhx

[ngineer]

If I was a phillies fan, I'd want Rich Dubee launched.. I'd also be terrified about Cole, because he's pitched a lot of innings at a very young age.

Huh? These guys are on strict pitch counts all the time. The game is nowhere near it was decades ago when bullpens were an afterthought. They pamper these guys now. I don't see where Hamels has pitch any extraordinary number of innings.xconfusedx

[ngineer]

Ricky Bottalico said last night that the whole Phillies team looks like it's sucking wind, just trying to make it to the all-star break. xsmhx

I agree with that observation. They need a break--more mental than physical. Almost as if they have gotten 'tired' of being the 'hunted' as defending champs. At least it will be 'exciting' with a four team race in the division.xrolleyesx

[Hoyadestroya85]

[/U][/I][/B]

Huh? These guys are on strict pitch counts all the time. The game is nowhere near it was decades ago when bullpens were an afterthought. They pamper these guys now. I don't see where Hamels has pitch any extraordinary number of innings.xconfusedx

Mark Pryor, Kerry Wood, Dwight Gooden, Fernando Valenzuela and a few others can testify to being overworked at a young age.. Not to mention that pitching those extra innings in the playoffs couldn't have helped him

[Seahawks Fan]

I can't believe it. As bad as the Mets are, they are one game out this morning! Hard to believe. xrotatehx

[gmoney55]

So the worst team in baseball in the month of June plays the worst team in the past two weeks....with first-place on the line. Got to love the NL East!!!

[93henfan]

So the worst team in baseball in the month of June plays the worst team in the past two weeks....with first-place on the line. Got to love the NL East!!!

The fans will get to see fireworks tonight... after the game is over.

[Ivytalk]

Big 7-2 win for the Phils tonight over the Mutts, behind Rodrigo Lopez and J-Roll. And Madson pitched a scoreless 9th!xeekxxbowx:D

[ngineer]

Today's game was just according to script....Jamie Moyer pitches into the 7th, bullpen holds, and Lidge nails it down. Maybe we're getting back to normalcy..Phils beat Mets second straight day, 4-1. Moyer ties Carl Hubbell with 253th win.

[93henfan]

The Mutts are just what the Phils needed. xthumbsupx

[93henfan]

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!

Johan who? xlolx

Nice win for Blanton. Rollins breaks out of his slump this weekend and wins today's game in the first Phils at bat.

Boy did the Phils need a series like this. Just when you think the season teeters on the brink, the Mutts come to town and bend over.

[blukeys]

The Mets are at this stage in the season not a solid team. Yesterday's inept defensive display is more than an adequate demonstration. The Mets will be better when Beltran etc. get back. I'm glad the Phils got them this weekend because they needed it. Until we see what the Mets have later the Phils need to worry about the Marlins and Braves.

[blukeys]

Just what did the Phils give up for Blanton???

[foghorn]

Thank the Lord Charlie took out Roamero out after he displayed his usual control and plunks his only hitter. Met's manager really a numbskull for putting in a right-handed batter to force Charlie's hand. If he kept the lefty batter in, Roamero walks him (probably in 4 pitches) and loads the bases.
Please send Roamero down. Great job by Blanton, again!:)

[93henfan]

Just what did the Phils give up for Blanton???

Adrian Cardenas - 2B
Josh Outman - P
Matthew Spencer - OF

Joe has one more World Series home run, one more World Series win, and one more World Series ring than that whole group combined.

Of the group traded to the A's, Outman is the only one who's contributing. His numbers are pretty good actually (4-1, 3.48 ERA, 53 K, 25 BB).

[Go...gate]

Just returned from the game. Blanton was very good and it was a true pitcher's duel - 2:18 in length. Reminded me of a Bob Gibson - Ferguson Jenkins matchup.

[93henfan]

Just returned from the game. Blanton was very good and it was a true pitcher's duel - 2:18 in length. Reminded me of a Bob Gibson - Ferguson Jenkins matchup.

Yeah I was flipping back and forth between the game and the final round of the AT&T and the game was almost through five innings by the time Tiger teed off at 2:20. Amazing.

[GannonFan]

Adrian Cardenas - 2B
Josh Outman - P
Matthew Spencer - OF

Joe has one more World Series home run, one more World Series win, and one more World Series ring than that whole group combined.

Of the group traded to the A's, Outman is the only one who's contributing. His numbers are pretty good actually (4-1, 3.48 ERA, 53 K, 25 BB).

Yeah, Outman was always the shining star in that trade. But, to get someone good you have to often give up a younger guy who's also good. Phils are actually blessed for once with some decent minor league talent so I wouldn't be shocked to see this happen again with another trade.

[ngineer]

Agreed to all the above. Lidge appeared to be his old self. It will be great to see if the Phils keep this mojo for this week and go into the break with a 3 or four game lead.

[93henfan]

People must have Phillies-fatigue. No comments on the 22-1 victory over the Reds last night? I didn't get to watch it.

[GannonFan]

Hey, the Phils look like they have their mojo back - they're getting really good starting pitching, the bullpen has gotten healthier and looks like they've settled down, and the offense picks up whenever the top of the lineup produces, and right now J-Roll and Victorino are just causing havoc with getting big hits and on base as much as they are. Plus they seem to have found a way to win at home again, which is good considering that we're in July.

The good news is, the Phils went through their swoon and a whole rash of injuries and are still comfortably in first place, which is a testament to how poor the rest of the NL East is. Ibanez looks like he'll be back by the weekend, meaning the Phils will be as healthy as they've been for about two months now.

What could be real interesting is if the talk-radio buzz about making a play for Roy Halladay has any legs to it. I wouldn't mind giving up a whole bunch (Carrasco, Savery, Marson, Michael Taylor, and say Roderigo Lopez - maybe you can swing it without including Happ) would be worth it to get Halladay, who still has one year left on the contract. A Hamels/Halladay duo in the playoffs, with this offense, could be very fun to watch come October.

In other pitchers, if they can land Paul Bryd I'd do that too - not sure how much he'd cost for half a year but I'd certainly take him over Pedro. A rotation of Hamels/Halladay/Happ/Blanton/Moyer would be almost too much to hope for.

[GannonFan]

So much for mojo - they have the Reds on the ropes tonight and have opportunity after opportunity to blow the game open, and the offense suddenly gags like a Met with runners in scoring position. Reds end up stealing the game. Just can't let a team like that think they can win the game. Tough loss that shouldn't have been.

[93henfan]

So much for mojo - they have the Reds on the ropes tonight and have opportunity after opportunity to blow the game open, and the offense suddenly gags like a Met with runners in scoring position. Reds end up stealing the game. Just can't let a team like that think they can win the game. Tough loss that shouldn't have been.

They stranded a lot of guys on third with less than two outs tonight. No excuse for that.

[GannonFan]

They stranded a lot of guys on third with less than two outs tonight. No excuse for that.

Agreed - the Reds still had that look of a team that was looking for the way they were going to lose tonight - start stranding guys at 3rd with none or one outs, and all of a sudden they looked more interested.

[ngineer]

Great game tonight with VICTORINO getting the game winning hit with two out in the bottom of the ninth, 3-2! Downside is that Lopez left game after 5 innings with inflammation behind his throwing shoulder. Bullpen did great job with 4 shut out innings (Durbin, Romero, Madson)xthumbsupx

[GannonFan]

Yeah, very good win - Victorino stepped up in a huge spot and delivered big time.

Tough with all these injuries - 3 starters have now been lost (Myers, Bastardo, Lopez), Ibanez is still on the mend, had Romero out for 50 games, had Lidge on the DL, Eyre was on the DL for awhile, Condrey is still on the DL, Hamels came into the season just coming off an injury and had two starts scrubbed due to injury. But hey, we all know only the Mets have injuries. xlolx

Be nice to take 3 out of 4 from the Reds with a win tonight, and then at least 2 of 3 from the Pirates going into the break. Not sure what we'll do with starting pitching (*cough* Halladay *cough*) but Ibanez should be off the DL tomorrow so that'll be a nice boost.

[gmoney55]

Yeah, very good win - Victorino stepped up in a huge spot and delivered big time.

Tough with all these injuries - 3 starters have now been lost (Myers, Bastardo, Lopez), Ibanez is still on the mend, had Romero out for 50 games, had Lidge on the DL, Eyre was on the DL for awhile, Condrey is still on the DL, Hamels came into the season just coming off an injury and had two starts scrubbed due to injury. But hey, we all know only the Mets have injuries. xlolx

Be nice to take 3 out of 4 from the Reds with a win tonight, and then at least 2 of 3 from the Pirates going into the break. Not sure what we'll do with starting pitching (*cough* Halladay *cough*) but Ibanez should be off the DL tomorrow so that'll be a nice boost.

Can't complain about that one.

[Hoyadestroya85]

Is Amaro serious about Pedro? I'd rather have Park pitch.

[ngineer]

Is Amaro serious about Pedro? I'd rather have Park pitch.

All depends on what Martinez has been able to show in his tryouts. Park has been quite effective out of the pen as the 'long man'; however, other than one very nice start in NY early in the season, his effectiveness as a starter is very questionable and the reason he landed in the pen. I'd also be inclined to give Carpenter a shot if Lopez cannot go. However, it was reported tonight that Lopez's shoulder was much better today, so with the All-Star break, he may be able to get right back after the break.

[bluehenbillk]

Vote "no" for Pedro.

[blukeys]

All depends on what Martinez has been able to show in his tryouts. Park has been quite effective out of the pen as the 'long man'; however, other than one very nice start in NY early in the season, his effectiveness as a starter is very questionable and the reason he landed in the pen. I'd also be inclined to give Carpenter a shot if Lopez cannot go. However, it was reported tonight that Lopez's shoulder was much better today, so with the All-Star break, he may be able to get right back after the break.

Time to load Lopez up with Celebrex and some rest. He needs some serious warm up, stretching, and then icing with his starts. I trust the pro trainers more than the Minor league care.

I agree that we need to keep Park in the pen. For whatever reason he is much more effective there and I would rather have him available for 3 innings when a starter is in trouble then having him start every 5th day.

Phils pen has only given up 1 run in the Cinncy series.

[Hoyadestroya85]

As a mets fan, I'd strongly advise against Pedro.. he has NOTHING left and he's always injured.

[ngineer]

Another stellar pitching performance tonight from top to pen. Blanton is becoming a stud. Phils manufactured a win tonight with aggressive baserunning that took advantage of a Pirate error.

[blukeys]

I love seeig the 3-2 wins. We know that the Fightin's can bludgeon a team to death but to get to the playoffs they need to keep winning some small ball games.

[Go...gate]

Stay away from Pedro. He is done.

[blukeys]

Any clue how the lineup will look when Ibanez comes back??

With the emergence of Werth, do you keep him in the 5 spot. Ibanez did well in both the 3 and 5 spot. Should Victorino go to 6 and give the Phils another rabbit for the bottom of the lineup. The Phils have a wealth of options.

[ngineer]

Any clue how the lineup will look when Ibanez comes back??

With the emergence of Werth, do you keep him in the 5 spot. Ibanez did well in both the 3 and 5 spot. Should Victorino go to 6 and give the Phils another rabbit for the bottom of the lineup. The Phils have a wealth of options.

Agreed on the number of options. One thing about dropping someone in the order, is possibly taking away another AB for them. At the same time, having speed sprinkled throughout can be good as well, unless you have slower runners ahead...

[blukeys]

Agreed on the number of options. One thing about dropping someone in the order, is possibly taking away another AB for them. At the same time, having speed sprinkled throughout can be good as well, unless you have slower runners ahead...

Yes I agree. The thing about having Werth in the 5 spot is you break up a lefty, lefty, lefty middle of the lineup. (Utley, Howard, Ibanez).

[93henfan]

WOW!

Hamels lays an egg, giving up five runs in six innings.

Phils look dead in the water going into the bottom of the ninth down 7-3, BUT...

Stairs leads off with a homer: 7-4
Howard hits a 3-run shot: 7-7
Ibanez g/r doubles, Werth walks, Feliz infield singles, then
Bako singles to left to WIN 8-7 xthumbsupx xthumbsupx xthumbsupx

8-1 on the homestand with one more to play before the break.

[blukeys]

I had a friend who gave up a ticket for tonite's game due to a death in the family. I hope the recipient was properly appreciative!!!!!

[ngineer]

I just got back from that unbelieveable game!! Driving through massive rainstorm on the NE Extension, but loving every minute of it. A 'never say die' team it is. There was not indication they were going to get it going tonight, but they did. Good to see that a good part of the crowd stayed for the bottom of the ninth, too.

[ngineer]

Five runs in the first on Pedro Feliz's salami! Happ is becoming the 'ace' of the staff. The guy is the epitome of consistency. Hopefully the break does not break up the 'mojo'...10 games over .500..and a 6 game lead in the loss column.xnodx

[blukeys]

Five runs in the first on Pedro Feliz's salami! Happ is becoming the 'ace' of the staff. The guy is the epitome of consistency. Hopefully the break does not break up the 'mojo'...10 games over .500..and a 6 game lead in the loss column.xnodx


How many NL teams have a no. 7 hitter with 40 + RBI's by the All Star break?

[93henfan]

Nothing cures a June swoon like a 9-1 home stand!

All this team needs is slightly below average pitching to win this division going away. It was well below average in mid-June and that's the only rough patch they've hit.

I saw on NBC3 SportsFinal last night that Pedro was headed to Philly for a physical today, so there's no turning back now. They said Phils sources will only agree to a contract that is structured where they can release him with no financial obligation after a month if he's not effective. Smart move. Pretty no-lose deal. My only concern is team chemistry. He's a guy that doesn't stay with the team on off days, in favor of flying to Miami, Dominican, etc for R & R time.

[bluehenbillk]

Great homestand, great pitching, great clutch hitting & they open up a lead again. Gotta get Hamels straightened out for October.

[ngineer]

Signs seem to be showing the Phils have a real shot at Halladay. Jays want some top of the line prospects. As long as we don't give away Happ, I can live with giving up some birds in the bush.

[93henfan]

Just wanted to get the first post-All Star Game

RAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUULLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!! !

chant on the board.


He has two dingers tonight already! xthumbsupx

Don't want to jinx Moyer, so I won't mention what he has going in the 5th. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

[93henfan]

And on cue, Moyer's perfect game is broken up in the 5th. Doh! xoopsx

[ngineer]

Moyer was unbelieveable...A one-hitter in seven innings. Rauuuul with two and big Ryan hits #200--the fastest player to 200 hrs in history--beats Kiner's record by about 60 games. Phils can really blow open this division this weekend.

[blukeys]

To quote the one and only Harry K. "Chase Utley you are the MAN!!"

Ugly but scrappy win by the Firghtins' tonite.

For some unknown reason the fish decided to pitch to Utley in the 12th with Rollins on 2nd. Result; base hit Division lead at 6 games. Not the finest hour for the bull pen. But a win against the 2nd place team in the division is never a bad thing. xnodxxnodxxnodx

[93henfan]

Magic number = 66 :p

http://riot.ieor.berkeley.edu/~baseball/national_league.html

[93henfan]

Put another one in the win column for the Fightin' Phils.

This team is smokin'. Eight wins in a row; twelve wins in thirteen games; seven game lead.

Happ has become the staff ace at 7-0 w/2.68 ERA. Rollins was a HR short of the cycle today and has pulled his average up from the Mendoza line to .236 in just a few short weeks. Raul is back 100%. Utley and Howard are ridonkulous as usual.

June is becoming a distant memory.



Now Ruben, just get us some more pitching!!!

[blukeys]

Only team in the NL east over .500. Rooting for the Mutts to beat the Braves.

[blukeys]

I just got done watching the Mets and Braves and I have to say that right now the Mets are a really bad team. I was pleased with How the Phils handled them over the 4th weekend but the reality is they can't hit and their defense (2 errors tonite) is almost as bad as the Nats. The Phils have to take care of business within the division but the W/L records don't lie. This is a weak division.

[93henfan]

This is a weak division.

Absolutely. The Phils just b-slapped the only team that seemed to want to make a run at them this weekend. Even God is a Phils fan. The one game where the Marlins showed up, and he threw a 3-hour thunderstorm over North Miami last night to snuff out that fire. xthumbsupx

[bluehenbillk]

Running away and hiding, damn this is fun. The pitching keeps getting better and better.

[blukeys]

Absolutely. The Phils just b-slapped the only team that seemed to want to make a run at them this weekend. Even God is a Phils fan. The one game where the Marlins showed up, and he threw a 3-hour thunderstorm over North Miami last night to snuff out that fire. xthumbsupx

93, the Braves and Marlins are the teams to beat, The Mets are not going to be a factor until September if then. The chief Philly rivals as of today are the Braves. They should not be ignored.

The big question for the Phils is how much you give up for Halladay???

I choose to sit this one out. I have heard all of the arguments and I am just too tired to join in the fight.

[93henfan]

The big question for the Phils is how much you give up for Halladay???

I'm of the mindset that you win - NOW! There's no guarantee any of our farm system will ever make it in the bigs, while Halladay is a stud of the highest magnitude (see the Boston demolition yesterday). I give Toronto their pick of four from the litter, even Drabek if they want him. If they want Happ, this is reduced to three minor leagers, not including Drabek. Happ plus Drabek is my only no-deal criteria. We need to keep one of them to pair with Hamels the next five+ years.

Pat Gillick (still a Phils advisor) was at the SkyDome yesterday working his Jays connections (surely not tampering xwhistlex) and the Jays have had a contingent of scouts at Lakewood, Reading, and Lehigh Valley the past several days.

[foghorn]

IMO, the only 'no trade' would be Happ. He's 7 and 0 which translates to 7 over .500, which translates to 35 over .500 if all starters were as effective. Why get rid of an effective starter for another, albeit a better one in the long run? I think Drabek will one day be a winner in the 'bigs', but I emphasize, think. We know Happ is a winner this year; keep him! Taylor, Brown, seem to have all the tools, but they aren't necessary for the immediate future. Don't need Donald with Rollins here for another 6 years.
So, I'd give up a combination of 4 for Halladay: Drabek, Carrasco, Donald, Brown, Marson, Taylor. I'd try to keep Taylor, but if necessary, he goes. IMO, Halladay assures the Phillies of, at least, playoffs for the next three years. xnodx

[bluehenbillk]

I think the way Happ is pitching makes it a Happ or Drabek thing, not both.

I'd offer Happ/or Drabek, along with pick 2 or 3 of the following: Taylor, Brown, Knapp, Marson, Donald, Carrasco, Savery