Charlie Manuel Watch - 2009 Addition

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Well the Phils are 0-1, I figured there was no reason to wait to start this thread.

:p

[UNHWildCats]

A World Championship gets you a complete one year pass....


/end thread

[andy7171]

BLOW IT UP!!!!!

[whitey]

LOL. I love these thread titles.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

At least Whitey has a sense of humor...

xsmiley_wix

[bluehenbillk]

Agreed with UNHWildcats, Chollie could have the single worst managerial year ever & still wouldn't get canned this year - end thread.

[UMass922]

Agreed with UNHWildcats, Chollie could have the single worst managerial year ever & still wouldn't get canned this year - end thread.

There's only one NL East manager named Manuel who might need a "watch" thread this year, and his name ain't Charlie! ;)

[whitey]

There's only one NL East manager named Manuel who might need a "watch" thread this year, and his name ain't Charlie! ;)

Ha. I think Jerry will be fine through September. Now depending on what happens in September he might not be... xnonono2x

[whitey]

Hey Phillies fans...is Charlie gonna put Utley - Howard - Ibanez 3-4-5 in the lineup all year? Why not put Werth behind Howard and bat Ibanez 6th?

[89Hen]

If Cholie starts better than 5-15 we know the Phils won't be a factor come September. :p

[GannonFan]

A World Championship gets you a complete one year pass....


/end thread

I coulda sworn Danny Ainge wasn't given that kind of latitude....hmmmmmmmmm. :p

[GannonFan]

Hey Phillies fans...is Charlie gonna put Utley - Howard - Ibanez 3-4-5 in the lineup all year? Why not put Werth behind Howard and bat Ibanez 6th?

Never know - have to see if it really hurts them. I know there's already media speculation that Pat Burrell is already missed because of last night (Howard and Ibanez striking out in the 9th to the Braves LH closer) but Atlanta would've pitched that guy regardless of the lineup and pointing to Ibanez striking out as indication of a problem forgets the fact that Burrell had his share of clutch, game ending K's.

As for putting someone there, depends on how well Ibanez does. He's been a better batter career-wise than Werth so sliding Werth in there could mean you lose protection of Howard. I'm sure Charlie will experiment, though, so I wouldn't count on that lineup being a 162 game straight lineup.

[UNHWildCats]

I coulda sworn Danny Ainge wasn't given that kind of latitude....hmmmmmmmmm. :p
xlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolx

[gmoney55]

Never know - have to see if it really hurts them. I know there's already media speculation that Pat Burrell is already missed because of last night (Howard and Ibanez striking out in the 9th to the Braves LH closer) but Atlanta would've pitched that guy regardless of the lineup and pointing to Ibanez striking out as indication of a problem forgets the fact that Burrell had his share of clutch, game ending K's.

As for putting someone there, depends on how well Ibanez does. He's been a better batter career-wise than Werth so sliding Werth in there could mean you lose protection of Howard. I'm sure Charlie will experiment, though, so I wouldn't count on that lineup being a 162 game straight lineup.

Nice to see the World Series title bought them eight innings free from the typical Philly media scrutinyxlolx

[UNHWildCats]

i cant find my die danny die thread :(

[whitey]

Never know - have to see if it really hurts them. I know there's already media speculation that Pat Burrell is already missed because of last night (Howard and Ibanez striking out in the 9th to the Braves LH closer) but Atlanta would've pitched that guy regardless of the lineup and pointing to Ibanez striking out as indication of a problem forgets the fact that Burrell had his share of clutch, game ending K's.

As for putting someone there, depends on how well Ibanez does. He's been a better batter career-wise than Werth so sliding Werth in there could mean you lose protection of Howard. I'm sure Charlie will experiment, though, so I wouldn't count on that lineup being a 162 game straight lineup.

Oh yeah I'm not buying into the media hype. I kind of figured before the season started that Manuel should split those lefties up. Those three (especially Howard and Ibanez to an extent) have had a tough time hitting lefties during there career. It does make things easier for opposing teams who have a good LOOGY late in games. Personally I don't think the lineup would suffer a bit if you moved Victorino to the 2-hole and put Werth at 5 and slide Ibanez to 6th. Just my two cents.

[GannonFan]

Nice to see the World Series title bought them eight innings free from the typical Philly media scrutinyxlolx


Actually, it has nothing to do with Philly media scrutiny, I think they're mostly fine with lefty-lefty-lefty in the middle of the lineup. The media criticism I was referring to was national media, and namely Tom Verducci (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tom_verducci/04/06/phillies.opener/index.html) - heck, Verducci even went as far as to say Pat Burrell, somewhere watching the game, was probably laughing. Again, having watched Pat Burrell his whole career, if anything, he was probably thankful he didn't have to be in that spot last night trying to hit that guy.

[GannonFan]

Oh yeah I'm not buying into the media hype. I kind of figured before the season started that Manuel should split those lefties up. Those three (especially Howard and Ibanez to an extent) have had a tough time hitting lefties during there career. It does make things easier for opposing teams who have a good LOOGY late in games. Personally I don't think the lineup would suffer a bit if you moved Victorino to the 2-hole and put Werth at 5 and slide Ibanez to 6th. Just my two cents.


Manuel has also favored having some speed later in the lineup, and he's liked using Victorino or Werth as the 6th batter just for that purpose. If you put Werth at 5th and bat Ibanez 6th, you might be less likely to run Werth because you wouldn't want them to pitch around Ibanez. When it comes to closers, like I said, the closer is going to pitch regardless of who's up to bat, so last night Cox would've stayed with the lefty no matter who was in the 5 hole. But the point is certainly valid in the later innings when a closer is not involved as you can certainly use a lefty specialist longer with 3 guys in a row. Alll of it will have to depend on how well Ibanez hits LHP - last year he hit them just fine, and better than what a guy like Burrell did. Time will tell.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

0-2? One run in two games? Uncle Charlie is not getting these guys enough batting practice...

xrotatehx

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Skipper Chuck orchestrated a nice comeback today.

:D

[Mr. C]

Charlie must have put a hex on the Brave bullpen. It was funny watching the folks in the crowd during that game.

[ngineer]

I suspect there will be some experimentation with the batting order when it comes to LH pitching. Nice to see Ibanez come through big today. Should certainly help get into a comfort zone.

[GannonFan]

I suspect there will be some experimentation with the batting order when it comes to LH pitching. Nice to see Ibanez come through big today. Should certainly help get into a comfort zone.

Ibanez just looks like a complete hitter out there. May not have the power that Burrell had, but the guy looks like he can hit anything he wants wherever he wants. I'll take a few less HR's for a lot more hits.

[Ivytalk]

Good to get that first W last night. It would have sucked getting swept by Bobby Cox in the very first series of the year.

[Thunderstruck84]

Ibanez just looks like a complete hitter out there. May not have the power that Burrell had, but the guy looks like he can hit anything he wants wherever he wants. I'll take a few less HR's for a lot more hits.
Ibanez is a very good major league hitter, I watched him many times with the Royals and Mariners when he played against the Twins and he has to be one of the best hitters in baseball with runners on base. If he stays healthy and plays the whole year he'll put up marginal numbers for average and power but he'll pile up the RBIs because he's a professional hitter. Think .280 with 18 HRs and 100 RBIs.

[Go...gate]

Ha. I think Jerry will be fine through September. Now depending on what happens in September he might not be... xnonono2x

Geez, I hope the Mets at least MAKE the play-offs after the last two years.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

So far, I'm kinda liking this Ibanez guy. :D

[GannonFan]

So far, I'm kinda liking this Ibanez guy. :D

Nah, come on, the guy is a complete bust, and a huge step down from Burrell. Sure, he covers the field much better, he hits for a better average, he has more power, he's clutch, he's a pretty speedy baserunner who can actually go from 1st to 3rd on a single to center, but besides all that, this guy can't hold a candle to Burrell. xrolleyesx

[whitey]

I have a feeling this post ^ was somewhat directed at me. :) After all, I didn't hide the fact that I didn't like the Ibanez signing from a Phillies perspective prior to the season. While he's gotten off to a good start I still don't like the deal. Notice, deal is bolded because I want to make it clear that I didn't like the deal they gave him, not that I think Ibanez sucks...because he certainly doesn't.

His numbers at the plate have been awesome through his first 50 PAs. I'm glad you guys are happy with him. But that still doesn't change the fact that the Phillies gave up a first round draft pick and overpaid for a 37 year outfielder. He's off to a hot start and he'll probably put up good numbers the rest out this year. My main point I guess is that at some point next season and almost certainly in year 3 of that deal he will start to decline. It happens to everyone not named Barry Bonds. For a team like the Phillies who've been spending a lot and seem to have the resources this might not matter to much in the end.

xpeacex

[GannonFan]

I have a feeling this post ^ was somewhat directed at me. :) After all, I didn't hide the fact that I didn't like the Ibanez signing from a Phillies perspective prior to the season. While he's gotten off to a good start I still don't like the deal. Notice, deal is bolded because I want to make it clear that I didn't like the deal they gave him, not that I think Ibanez sucks...because he certainly doesn't.

His numbers at the plate have been awesome through his first 50 PAs. I'm glad you guys are happy with him. But that still doesn't change the fact that the Phillies gave up a first round draft pick and overpaid for a 37 year outfielder. He's off to a hot start and he'll probably put up good numbers the rest out this year. My main point I guess is that at some point next season and almost certainly in year 3 of that deal he will start to decline. It happens to everyone not named Barry Bonds. For a team like the Phillies who've been spending a lot and seem to have the resources this might not matter to much in the end.

xpeacex

Of course it was directed at you, but that's the fun of message boards. xlolx

But you weren't just against the deal itself, you were of the opinion that straight up, this year, Burrell was better than Ibanez. No one's going to argue that the Phillies didn't end up overpaying for Ibanez, of course they did, but that's what happens when you go after a player and sign him just before the nation swoons into the biggest recession in our memory. But hey, it's the Phillies money, not mine, and you're right, obviously they can afford it.

But at this point, this year, I don't see how Ibanez isn't better than Burrell. Again, I wonder how much you saw Burrell play - great guy and all, but he was an Abreu-like statue in the field and had zero range, he could barely go one base at a time running the bases, and he was terribly inconsitent at the plate, prone to long periods of dreadful performance. Ibanez already has shown to be an incredibly superior fielder, he's an above average baserunner, and he's got a great approach at the plate. And if Ibanez continues this slugging, the only thing Burrell had over him, power, may very well be a moot point. All indications are, so far, that this is far from one of the biggest busts ever that you contended it was going to be.

[whitey]

LOL. I never said he was going to be the biggest bust ever. My point all along and maybe I did a bad job at explaining this was that Burrell's value in terms of contract dollars to production is better than Ibanez's. Again, that shouldn't matter so much in that the Phillies seem to have the resources to overpay for players. And yes, at this point this year, Ibanez is >>> Burrell. But they've both have less than 50 plate appearances each. Talk about a small sample size.

[whitey]

Oh and I said this on 12/13:


I really kind of feel the Phillies will like this deal next year. But not-so-much in years 2 and 3.

[ngineer]

Of course it was directed at you, but that's the fun of message boards. xlolx

But you weren't just against the deal itself, you were of the opinion that straight up, this year, Burrell was better than Ibanez. No one's going to argue that the Phillies didn't end up overpaying for Ibanez, of course they did, but that's what happens when you go after a player and sign him just before the nation swoons into the biggest recession in our memory. But hey, it's the Phillies money, not mine, and you're right, obviously they can afford it.

But at this point, this year, I don't see how Ibanez isn't better than Burrell. Again, I wonder how much you saw Burrell play - great guy and all, but he was an Abreu-like statue in the field and had zero range, he could barely go one base at a time running the bases, and he was terribly inconsitent at the plate, prone to long periods of dreadful performance. Ibanez already has shown to be an incredibly superior fielder, he's an above average baserunner, and he's got a great approach at the plate. And if Ibanez continues this slugging, the only thing Burrell had over him, power, may very well be a moot point. All indications are, so far, that this is far from one of the biggest busts ever that you contended it was going to be.

Uncle Chollie noted that he filet Ibanez's hitting would be even better at CBP compared to what he had in Seattle. So far this move is looking very good. Now if the pitchers can just leave the bottle rockets at home......xsmhx

[Ivytalk]

Phils climb back to .500 with an 11-4 beating of the Brew Crew, but that pitching is worrisome!xeekx

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Phils climb back to .500 with an 11-4 beating of the Brew Crew, but that pitching is worrisome!xeekx

Yes it is. I fear there is something very wrong with Cole Hamels beyond just a slow start. His fastball has only been in the 86 - 88 MPH range as compared to his usual low 90's when healthy. Obviously, his change-up and other off speed stuff becomes less effective when his velocity is off like that.

[93henfan]

Yes it is. I fear there is something very wrong with Cole Hamels beyond just a slow start. His fastball has only been in the 86 - 88 MPH range as compared to his usual low 90's when healthy. Obviously, his change-up and other off speed stuff becomes less effective when his velocity is off like that.

There was a story in the Inquirer (I think) yesterday where he discussed how the post-championship appearances completely screwed up his normal offseason routine. He usually begins in earnest in January, but the appearances basically pushed this backa month and he said he overworked on the days that he did get to work out. He says he is going to be fine, just a few weeks behind schedule.

I watched Friday night's game and he was up to 91 on his fastball, so I think he's coming around.

[whitey]

Could be the Verducci Effect (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tom_verducci/04/07/yearafter.effect/index.html?eref=writers).

It's a very interesting and good read. Some of the pitchers he pointed out that need watching have already struggled (while others have been pretty good). Maybe it's just early season stuff, or maybe he's on to something:

- Lester (5.50 ERA)
- Hamels (11+ ERA)
- Eveland (7.36 ERA)
- Pelfrey (forearm injury ~ already missed one start)

[blukeys]

Nah, come on, the guy is a complete bust, and a huge step down from Burrell. Sure, he covers the field much better, he hits for a better average, he has more power, he's clutch, he's a pretty speedy baserunner who can actually go from 1st to 3rd on a single to center, but besides all that, this guy can't hold a candle to Burrell. xrolleyesx

No one could swing and miss at a two strike, low outside, out of the strike zone pitch, with less than 2 outs, and runners at the corners, like Burrell.

This Ibanez guy has a lot more big inning ruining strikeouts to pile up before he gets into Burrell's category.

[GannonFan]

LOL. I never said he was going to be the biggest bust ever. My point all along and maybe I did a bad job at explaining this was that Burrell's value in terms of contract dollars to production is better than Ibanez's. Again, that shouldn't matter so much in that the Phillies seem to have the resources to overpay for players. And yes, at this point this year, Ibanez is >>> Burrell. But they've both have less than 50 plate appearances each. Talk about a small sample size.

Well, you did say this...


...Then he signed Ibanez over Burrell which is a huge mistake in money, years and player ability. Not to mention he gave up his first round pick to do so. That's going to be an "absolute disaster" of a deal. Mark my words...

The Moyer deal was terrible because a) the guy is 40 something ...

Basically his problems have to do with money and not necessarily the players (except for Ibanez...that was just terrible).

I added the bold, and I kept the ripping of signing Moyer because of his age (not that he hasn't been old for years now, yet strangely effective). You didn't say biggest bust ever, but "huge mistake", "absolute disaster", and "terrible" aren't really far from that sentiment. xpeacex

[whitey]

Yeah, I guess my wording was strong with that post. Ha. :-) Anyway, huge mistake as in there is a higher probability that he gets injured in years 2 or 3 of the deal. Either that or his production has a significant drop off next year or the year after. While Burrell's production probably won't decline as significantly in that same time span. Thus, making the deal a disaster. Labeling it a huge disaster as gospel on my part is obviously a bit premature. I'm just playing probabilities here based on age and the amount of money paid out to the two players, respectively. Of course it might not happen, but if I had to put money down one way or the other I think you know where I'd place my bet. And you continue to ignore the loss of a first round draft pick, which is very valuable. This must be taken into account when you discuss Ibanez.

Basically I'm looking at this from the point of view that the Phillies gave up their first round pick + paid more in years and money for a very comparable player. I don't think that's a good move. You, as a Phillies fan, are probably looking at this as this guy is a breath of fresh air from Burrell who obviously wore out his welcome. I get it. xpeacex

[Ivytalk]

Another good comeback win for the Phils against the Fish yesterday. Nail-biter save for Lidge, and Uncle Cholly got tossed in the 10th for arguing balls and strikes!

[ngineer]

Phils finally go from 1st inning lead to a solid win, 13-2. Moyer was his crafty old self today.xnodx

[bluehenbillk]

Moyer has an awesome lifetime record at Dolphins Stadium, nice to see the Phillies finish off the broom with the Fish, that's why they're the World Champs.

[GannonFan]

Phils are right where they need to be. Starting pitching looks solid, especially now with Hamels looking like his old self. The offense is much more consistent, and Ibanez has been a huge upgrade all around (offensively, defensively, and on the bases). It would be nice if Rollins could get started sometime soon, but you figure he's been terrible with the bat and Ruiz has been on the DL and the Phils still look good. No reason why this team won't be in it again come late September, just a real well put together team.

[whitey]

It'll take a couple of major injuries to keep the Phillies out of the NL East mix.

[ngineer]

Resilience to a T tonight. The bats kept pounding away---TWO Grand Slams by Howard and Ibanez!

[93henfan]

Resilience to a T tonight. The bats kept pounding away---TWO Grand Slams by Howard and Ibanez!


Rauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuul!


Didn't somebody say we'd miss our last LF? Pat somebody, I forget his name.

[93henfan]

I wonder what's up with Lidge's knee? Phils trotted out Madson last night for the 9th inning 2-run save. Gotta hope it's just Charlie being cautious.

[bluehenbillk]

RRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UULLLLLL!!!!

Man this guy is awesome! Good to see Jimmy hitting again last night too, now they just have to get Lidge healthy & back in form, but Madson closed the door well last night, he's really stepped up his game since the All-Star break last year.

[93henfan]

Stats through April 28th:

Pat Burrell - .238 AVG, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB

Raul Ibañez - .342 AVG, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 18 R, 3 SB

[whitey]

Yes, I've been wrong....so far. There is still 90% of the season left to be played and 2 more years on Ibanez' deal left. I'll start preparing to eat crow in 2011. Happy now? xthumbsupx xpeacex

P.S. How terrible are the Nationals (or is it Natinals)?

[ngineer]

I wonder what's up with Lidge's knee? Phils trotted out Madson last night for the 9th inning 2-run save. Gotta hope it's just Charlie being cautious.

Paper reported inflammation. They're resting him while he's taking anti-inflammatories. Started aggravating in Colorado series.

[whitey]

Paper reported inflammation. They're resting him while he's taking anti-inflammatories. Started aggravating in Colorado series.

Not good for my fantasy team!

[Ivytalk]

Paper reported inflammation. They're resting him while he's taking anti-inflammatories. Started aggravating in Colorado series.

Too many 35-pitch 9th innings.xrolleyesx

[blukeys]

Stats through April 28th:

Pat Burrell - .238 AVG, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB

Raul Ibañez - .342 AVG, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 18 R, 3 SB

Does Burrell know that you can steal a base???;);)

[bluehenbillk]

Let's be fair to Burrell, we need to include walks, he must swing at just every tenth pitch trown to him nowadays.

[93henfan]

Phils with two more long balls in the third inning tonight (Utley 2-run and Ruiz 3-run) to lead 5-0.

Cole Hamels just turned his ankle trying to field a pop-up bunt in front of the mound and had to leave the game. He was throwing a 4-hitter in the 5th and was in total command. Scary stuff. He was in a fair amount of pain. This Verducci stuff is becoming believable at this point.

[GannonFan]

This Verducci stuff is becoming believable at this point.

Well, Verducci actually said he was worried about Hamels' elbow. I don't think Verducci was worried about Hamels being beaned by a line drive and then turning an ankle in the next game. Arm-wise, Hamels is looking pretty good. He's just turned into a comedy of pitfalls. The Phils need to assign this guy a bodyguard to cross the street at this point.

[ngineer]

Hamels appears to be okay. 'Mild sprain" and Hamels said after the game he does not expect to miss his next term.
The homers tonight were by Utley (2), Feliz (not Ruiz), and Ibanez..Both Raul and Chase are tied for NL HR lead with 7. Phils have now scored 45 runs in 5 games.xnodx

[bluehenbillk]

Get out the brooms tonight.

[93henfan]

Get out the brooms tonight.

Hopefully not the umbrellas (unless you're a mummer).

[Ivytalk]

Hamels appears to be okay. 'Mild sprain" and Hamels said after the game he does not expect to miss his next term.
The homers tonight were by Utley (2), Feliz (not Ruiz), and Ibanez..Both Raul and Chase are tied for NL HR lead with 7. Phils have now scored 45 runs in 5 games.xnodx

As the saying goes, if it weren't for bad luck, Hamels would have no luck at all. That's two straight starts with an injury.

Big Mutts series starts on Friday, with Chan Ho "Keep it in the" Park!:p

[bluehenbillk]

Hopefully not the umbrellas (unless you're a mummer).

Actaully I was a Mummer for 3 years - fancy division.

[whitey]

Big Mutts series starts on Friday, with Chan Ho "Keep it in the" Park!:p

Don't worry because on Saturday we have Oliver Perez going for us. That should even things out a bit.

[Ivytalk]

Don't worry because on Saturday we have Oliver Perez going for us. That should even things out a bit.

Perez always seems to save his best stuff for us. He'll walk 6 and give up a few hits, but we can't score many. "Effectively wild."

[gmoney55]

Perez always seems to save his best stuff for us. He'll walk 6 and give up a few hits, but we can't score many. "Effectively wild."

Usually that's true, but his "stuff" hasn't been hitting 90 MPH this year. Something's wrong beyond his usual good one day bad the next routine.

[bluehenbillk]

I'll take the blame for prematurely bringing up the broom comment. The Mutts come into town with yet another reeling bullpen. No Santana so the bats should be ready to pounce.

[93henfan]

I'll take the blame for prematurely bringing up the broom comment. The Mutts come into town with yet another reeling bullpen. No Santana so the bats should be ready to pounce.

If Chris Coste hadn't pulled the ball 5 ft left of the LF pole, it would have been a sweep (and an unbelievable amount of grand slams in less than a week).

[gmoney55]

I'll take the blame for prematurely bringing up the broom comment. The Mutts come into town with yet another reeling bullpen. No Santana so the bats should be ready to pounce.

The bullpen is the least of the Mets problems....I'd be SHOCKED if they win more than one game this weekend.

[bluehenbillk]

Yea I read the NY papers this morning, sounds like David Wright isn't Mr. Popularity currently.

[Ivytalk]

If Chris Coste hadn't pulled the ball 5 ft left of the LF pole, it would have been a sweep (and an unbelievable amount of grand slams in less than a week).

It will be good to get Ruiz back. Coste is "toast" -- nice rhyme, no? -- once Marson gets broken in. Well, at least we finally won a home series.:o

[whitey]

Yea I read the NY papers this morning, sounds like David Wright isn't Mr. Popularity currently.

He's just going through a rough patch. It happens to him once or twice a season. Hopefully he's just getting it out of his system early. The number of Ks he's taking is alarming though. I blame the WBC (only because there really isn't any other good reason for it).

[93henfan]

I wouldn't write off the Mets. They do get up for the Phillies and they usually don't completely fall apart until September. Rollins truly gets under their skin, so they'll be motivated.

[93henfan]

Thanks Mutts for walking in the winning run. xthumbsupx xlolx

[ngineer]

Thanks Mutts for walking in the winning run. xthumbsupx xlolx

Phils walk to win today after running out of win yesterday....xrotatehx

[bulldog10jw]

Thanks Mutts for walking in the winning run. xthumbsupx xlolx


Typical Mets. Hell, they lost a playoff series to the Braves when Kenny Rogers walked in the winning run.

I've hated Rogers ever since. xsmhx

[whitey]

Typical Mets. Hell, they lost a playoff series to the Braves when Kenny Rogers walked in the winning run.

I've hated Rogers ever since. xsmhx

Uggh. I thought I had mentally blocked that memory out forever. xnonono2x

[bluehenbillk]

Park goes back vs the Mutts this week, this time against Santana. Either improve or yank the guy out.

[ngineer]

Park goes back vs the Mutts this week, this time against Santana. Either improve or yank the guy out.

Yes, if Park doesn't throw a good game this time, I go with Happ the next time his slot comes up.

[GannonFan]

Yes, if Park doesn't throw a good game this time, I go with Happ the next time his slot comes up.

Yup, Happ is basically just sitting there as the long relief lefthander - not exactly a prime bullpen position. Park is afraid to through the ball over the plate and hence, gets stuck behind in the counts a lot. Let Happ pitch - he's younger and certainly more of the future than Park ever would be. Heck, Happ pitched fine against the Mets last year too.

[bluehenbillk]

Chicks dig the long ball, & Ryan Howard hits long balls.

[93henfan]

Chicks dig the long ball

That's what John Kruk said.

[GannonFan]

Phils are continuing a trend from last year and are again a very, very good road team. 7-2 so far in the early going and that's with trips to Florida and St. Louis. Blanton looked good again last night. Hopefully Myers continues the trend tonight before Park ruins the good run of starting pitching on Wednesday.

[93henfan]

Philly.com reports Chase Utley will not be in the lineup tonight, for the second time in three games. Apparently he's still sore from being hit in the foot by a pitch on Saturday. They said he should be back for the Mutts tomorrow. Let's hope it heals nicely.

[93henfan]

Back in first, but you have to wonder how long the hitting is going to be able to disguise this pitching staff.

Chan Ho Where's The Plate Park vs Santana tonight at credit card stadium. This one could get ugly early.

[bluehenbillk]

I think the Phils could surprise tonight, the bats are doing well & they'll be pumped to play in NYC.

[ngineer]

The bats sure are coming alive. Every night one or two different leaders. You 'got to believe' that sooner than later the starting rotation is going to improve. I think this is Park's last shot to prove himself worthy of the 5 spot in the rotation. Season is about 15% over, and unless he can come up with a quality start, I start Happ the next time around.

[Ivytalk]

The bats sure are coming alive. Every night one or two different leaders. You 'got to believe' that sooner than later the starting rotation is going to improve. I think this is Park's last shot to prove himself worthy of the 5 spot in the rotation. Season is about 15% over, and unless he can come up with a quality start, I start Happ the next time around.

Well said, as usual! Park has had his problems -- I think he's better suited for long relief and spot starts, personally -- but I don't hear anyone wishing we had Adam Eaton back!xpeacex

[GannonFan]

People have gotten to Santana early in games, and there's every reason to think the Phils could do that tonight and give Park a lead. The Mets aren't a team that routinely claws their way back into games and they have a tendency to not support Santana. I like the way the Phils are playing and the lineup is just loaded top to bottom with guys who can deliver a big hit. Bullpen's looking good as well these days. At this point in the season, gotta love what the Phils are doing. xthumbsupx

[93henfan]

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a pitcher's duel on our hands. Park and Santana both working 1-hit shutouts in the 6th! I think Chan Ho has earned his 5th slot finally. xpeacex

C'mon Phils and get Ibanez home. It's about to start pouring.

[bulldog10jw]

C'mon Phils and get Ibanez home. It's about to start pouring.

Sorry. ;)

[ngineer]

Damn shame to lose that game on a horrendous error and a brain cramp.xsmhx Phillies leading the MLB in fielding and make 3 errors tonight. Feliz should never have tried the throw, and Werth double-clutched on his throw or Delgado is out at home. Still, Santana was Santana and Park was....Park? Let's hope so and that this will get his mojo back.

[93henfan]

Is it just me or does it look like the Mets have a Sam's Club logo on their right sleeves? I know it's for their inaugural season and all, but it looks heinous.

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090507/capt.47b4ab40a41f4d48a3edab9cd021b5cf.phillies_met s_baseball_nym111.jpg

http://www.medgadget.com/archives/img/Sam%27s%20Club%20Logo.jpg

[whitey]

Looks more like Dominos to me. Haha. Mets fans hate that patch, with a passion. It's completely awful.

[93henfan]

Looks more like Dominos to me. Haha. Mets fans hate that patch, with a passion. It's completely awful.

Btw, Citi Field first impressions from TV only: I give it a solid B, pretty much the same as I'd give CBP. It's certainly a step up from Shea, but that's not saying a whole lot. I give them credit for avoiding the bandbox dimensions of CBP. The big field is going to be a decided advantage for the speedier Mets over the more powerful Phillies. I think the outfield is a bit too enclosed with all the scoreboards and such. It's very busy. Overall though, it looks like a nice venue. I may have to make a trip up there this summer. It looked like there were a ton of empty seats, so I assume tickets won't be a problem, other than the New York pricing.

[gmoney55]

Btw, Citi Field first impressions from TV only: I give it a solid B, pretty much the same as I'd give CBP. It's certainly a step up from Shea, but that's not saying a whole lot. I give them credit for avoiding the bandbox dimensions of CBP. The big field is going to be a decided advantage for the speedier Mets over the more powerful Phillies. I think the outfield is a bit too enclosed with all the scoreboards and such. It's very busy. Overall though, it looks like a nice venue. I may have to make a trip up there this summer. It looked like there were a ton of empty seats, so I assume tickets won't be a problem, other than the New York pricing.

Makes sense, from what I've heard they are similar parks except for the dimensions and more food options at Citi. Don't be so sure on tickets, there were 37,600 sold last night and that was during a week of rain.

[whitey]

Yeah the stadium holds about 42,000. Having almost 38,000 on hand is actually pretty good considering it was a Wednesday night and the weather report was not good. I'm sure tickets will be harder to get once the weather warms up. I can't wait to get up there and see the stadium in person. I think it looks great on TV however, like you, I have a similar gripe: too much over-sized advertising. It does make it look a little cluttered. The other thing I don't like is the black outfield walls. I think they should be blue.

[bluehenbillk]

Seven games with the Dodgers between next week & 1st weekend in June suddenly look more winnable today. xlolx

And he'll be back in time for the Dodgers visit to Citi Field.

[bluehenbillk]

Danny Ozark dead at 85 today. RIP.

[ngineer]

Good Ol' Danny. Had a heck of run with the Phils, but I still don't forgive him for not taking Luzinski out of the playoff game against the Dodgers way back when...

AS for the Mets, I agree on the shoulder patch. Looked like some peel-off coupon you see on the Sunday Supplements in the newspaper! When I looked closer I couldn't believe what it was. Not very well designed.

[93henfan]

The hitters just couldn't hide the bad pitching tonight. Still nice to claw back from 7-1 to make it a ballgame at least.

To get back on thread title topic...

That's two losses in a row. Charlie must go!

[bluehenbillk]

To play the part of Chase Utley, Cole Hamels needs to be Cole @!#$&in Hamels tonight.

[GannonFan]

Eh, still early, can't get upset about going 2-2 over 4 games at St. Louis and NY. Back home tonight, and as long as someone escorts Hamels to and from the pitching mound he shouldn't get hurt by tripping over the foul line. Good news that the Dodgers will be Manny-less for all 7 games against the Phils this year - May just ended up looking like an easy month. Lineup still looks great, and the bullpen is coming along nicely. Get Hamels to actually win a game here and there and the Phils will be fine - nothing terribly scary to worry about in the division this year as the Marlins' early start is apparently kaput.

[93henfan]

Eh, still early, can't get upset about going 2-2 over 4 games at St. Louis and NY. Back home tonight, and as long as someone escorts Hamels to and from the pitching mound he shouldn't get hurt by tripping over the foul line. Good news that the Dodgers will be Manny-less for all 7 games against the Phils this year - May just ended up looking like an easy month. Lineup still looks great, and the bullpen is coming along nicely. Get Hamels to actually win a game here and there and the Phils will be fine - nothing terribly scary to worry about in the division this year as the Marlins' early start is apparently kaput.

I don't want to be chicken little, but I think you're being a bit optimistic GF. The starters still worry the hell out of me. Hamels is Hamels, barring injury. But the other 80% of the lineup...

Moyer is only effective with an ump that has a huge strike zone, Myers is back to his early '08 form, Blanton has only had one game where he was able to keep the ball down, and Chan Ho has zero control, even in a good last outing.

If it weren't for a rock solid bullpen and bonkers hitting, this team could be somewhere between the Braves and Nationals in the standings. You don't want to go through the year having to come back to win every game. I'll start singing your tune if I can see Myers regain his confidence and Blanton pitch a few consistent games. Park is a lost cause I fear.

[Ivytalk]

Hamels had quality start tonight in 10-6 win over Bravos tonight. But what's with Lidge? Gives up a 3-run bomb to the immortal Casey Kotchman and has ERA of almost 9?!xconfusedx

[93henfan]

Hamels had quality start tonight in 10-6 win over Bravos tonight. But what's with Lidge? Gives up a 3-run bomb to the immortal Casey Kotchman and has ERA of almost 9?!xconfusedx

Just have to hope it was a non-save situation mentality. Better to do it with a 7-run lead.

[ngineer]

Just have to hope it was a non-save situation mentality. Better to do it with a 7-run lead.

I agree. Lidge did not throw one slider to the first three hitters he saw. I think it was a 'here it is, hit mentality' figuring his defense would gobble up whatever got hit. Unfortunately, the defense can't get up into the stands. Once that happened, he buckled down and started thrown the 'nasty' and it was 1-2-3. I'm feeling real good about this team--so long as no serious injuries crop up.

[93henfan]

Blanton was back to throwing lollipops again. The starting rotation's ERA is now 6.47. The staff has given up 38 HRs in 28 games. The team is 0-10 when scoring less than four runs. And the Mets are in first place.

[93henfan]

Phillies' home woes continue with the 4-2 loss to the Braves on Mom's Day.

Brett Myers was shaky again, starting the game by loading the bases, throwing 67 pitches in the first three innings, and keeping the game close only because of the Braves' futility with LOB. The only thing Myers did well was avoid giving up the long ball. Taschner came in and gave up two quick runs, valiantly earning the loss. Brad Lidge got smacked all over the field again. Rollins drops his average to .198. Utley looked like he was golfing. Victorino went 0-13 for the series.

The early May swoon continues. Mets win to extend their lead.

All joking aside, it's time for Charlie to get these boys motivated.

[ngineer]

Yes, the season is almost 20% in. Time for people to stop playing the 'it's a long season card' and start buckling down. Penants are won and lost all season long, not just September.

[bluehenbillk]

Just gonna throw this out there but, J-Roll was the MVP in '07, he can't hit now to save his life, keeping in mind the issues hurting the Dodgers currently, anyone else starting to think that J-Roll wasn't clean??? And unfortunately he is now?

[93henfan]

Just gonna throw this out there but, J-Roll was the MVP in '07, he can't hit now to save his life, keeping in mind the issues hurting the Dodgers currently, anyone else starting to think that J-Roll wasn't clean??? And unfortunately he is now?

Unfortunately, in this day and age, anyone could have been juicing. Some are more obvious than others. J-Roll never looked like he was juicing to me. Our lead-off hitter from '93, on the other hand, was an obvious juicer. He was a pencil neck when he played for the Mets and then looked like a short Hulk Hogan with us, then he had all the typical 'roid injuries and was retired a couple years later.

[whitey]

I doubt Rollins was juicing in 2007 but I guess anything is possible. My personal philosophy is that guys should be allowed to have career years without being held suspect...especially when they are 28 years old. Rollins was just sick that year batting nearly .300 with an .875 OPS. His career average in those two categories is .275/.768.

Last year he played back down to his normal career average type numbers. He's started awfully slow this year but there is no way he continues to hit under .200 the rest of the way out. I'd expect him, when all is said and done, to have numbers similar to last year....but not his 2007 numbers. Which is really all you guys need since your lineup is pretty stacked.

[ngineer]

J-Roll hasn't shown the symptoms of juicing. His defense, at least, is still stellar. I just think he needs a different approach to hitting. Too many routine fly outs and swinging at the first pitch. Not the 'mo' of lead off man.

[GannonFan]

Come on, JRoll didn't juice. The guy just made better decisions 2 years ago and got better pitches to swing at. These days, he's flailing at a lot of stuff no one can hit and his average is in line with that.

Frankly, I think this idea of JRoll juicing is just a smoke-screen to keep questions away from why so many Dominican ballplayers have been found guilty of juicing and to keep the speculation away from one of the more famous, clear abusers of steroids to come out of the Dominican Republic - none other than Julio "part of the 5 for 1 trade" Franco.

http://www.joesportsfan.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/1988scorefranco.jpg
Before

http://espn.go.com/photo/2006/0809/060809_franco_195.jpg
After - heck, almost Bonds-like in the differences. xnonono2x

[whitey]

Well you are comparing a picture of a 20 year old to a 48 year old. That's 25+ years of being a professional athlete and weight training. Surely you can come up with a better example from the DR. Besides....Franco juiced up on Jesus, not steroids. :D

[GannonFan]

Well you are comparing a picture of a 20 year old to a 48 year old. That's 25+ years of being a professional athlete and weight training. Surely you can come up with a better example from the DR. Besides....Franco juiced up on Jesus, not steroids. :D

Wasn't even a slight at a Met - different target in mind.

But come on, that's the Barry Bonds defense - "he just got better at weight training as he got older". The guy was almost 50 and had muscles he couldn't dream of when he was 25. Notice he left the game just as the new testing policy came into effect, coincidental I'm sure. xrolleyesx

[bluehenbillk]

Come on, JRoll didn't juice. The guy just made better decisions 2 years ago and got better pitches to swing at. These days, he's flailing at a lot of stuff no one can hit and his average is in line with that.

Frankly, I think this idea of JRoll juicing is just a smoke-screen to keep questions away from why so many Dominican ballplayers have been found guilty of juicing and to keep the speculation away from one of the more famous, clear abusers of steroids to come out of the Dominican Republic - none other than Julio "part of the 5 for 1 trade" Franco.

http://www.joesportsfan.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/1988scorefranco.jpg
Before

http://espn.go.com/photo/2006/0809/060809_franco_195.jpg
After - heck, almost Bonds-like in the differences. xnonono2x

To quote Keith Jackson " Whoa Nellie", what a low blow!!!

It's one thing to tell me J-Roll has always been clean, but to then throw Franco under the bus, cmon you don't have an ounce of things to go on other than 2 baseball cards. Franco's health & wellness regimen has been well documented, just google it & you'll find plenty on it.

Again, low blow GF.

[bluehenbillk]

DISCLAIMER:

GF doesn't believe one ounce of the above Franco "accusation". It was purely meant to get a reaction, nothing more, nothing less>

[whitey]

Wasn't even a slight at a Met - different target in mind.

But come on, that's the Barry Bonds defense - "he just got better at weight training as he got older". The guy was almost 50 and had muscles he couldn't dream of when he was 25. Notice he left the game just as the new testing policy came into effect, coincidental I'm sure. xrolleyesx

I know it's not a slight at a Met. Franco was barely a Met (although now he's a Mets coach in the minor league system). I could care less. Like bluehen just said, google for Franco's workout & dieting habits. Yeah maybe he was using, but maybe he's just a freak of nature. If he was using though don't you think he would have spent more time in the majors and less time in Japan?

The reason he left the game was because he lost all his bat speed but I'm sure you'll blame that on not being able to take steroids anymore. xoopsx

[GannonFan]

I know it's not a slight at a Met. Franco was barely a Met (although now he's a Mets coach in the minor league system). I could care less. Like bluehen just said, google for Franco's workout & dieting habits. Yeah maybe he was using, but maybe he's just a freak of nature. If he was using though don't you think he would have spent more time in the majors and less time in Japan?

The reason he left the game was because he lost all his bat speed but I'm sure you'll blame that on not being able to take steroids anymore. xoopsx

Yup, and all that bat speed returned, several years later as he approached age 50, after an extended stay out of the US while toiling his trade in the Mexican leagues. Not exactly some tough testing south of the border. xreadx

[93henfan]

Yup, and all that bat speed returned, several years later as he approached age 50, after an extended stay out of the US while toiling his trade in the Mexican leagues. Not exactly some tough testing south of the border. xreadx

Wasn't Jose Canseco from Mexico?

Edit: Doh! He's Cuban.

[whitey]

Yup, and all that bat speed returned, several years later as he approached age 50, after an extended stay out of the US while toiling his trade in the Mexican leagues. Not exactly some tough testing south of the border. xreadx

He was like 40 when the Braves signed him from the Mexican League FWIW.

[Ivytalk]

How about that Jayson Werth? 4 stolen bases, including a key steal of home! Phils beat Dodgers for Park's first win as a Phillie. Another shaky save for Lidge.

[93henfan]

How about that Jayson Werth? 4 stolen bases, including a key steal of home! Phils beat Dodgers for Park's first win as a Phillie. Another shaky save for Lidge.

Does anyone have the stat on how many players in MLB history have stolen every base after a single plate appearance? I think the only thing that could have topped that would have been reaching first on a passed ball third strike!

[bluehenbillk]

Lidge looks a little better, but he still scares me right now. Great to see Chan Ho pitch 2 good games in a row. Watching Werth last night making the Dodgers look like a Little League team was priceless.

[Ivytalk]

Lidge looks a little better, but he still scares me right now. Great to see Chan Ho pitch 2 good games in a row. Watching Werth last night making the Dodgers look like a Little League team was priceless.

Exactly. When Lidge comes in, I act like Schilling did back in '93 when Mitch came in. Cover my eyes!

[Thunderstruck84]

Does anyone have the stat on how many players in MLB history have stolen every base after a single plate appearance? I think the only thing that could have topped that would have been reaching first on a passed ball third strike!
Wille Mays Hayes did it!

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/steel22shades/williemayshays.jpg

The American Express Card... don't steal home without it!

[GannonFan]

Werth certainly does continue to impress. Was never sure before last year that he could really hold down the starting job, but his defense is tremendous, he hits pretty decently, and he has speed to burn. Terrific game last night for him.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Moyer needs to be put out to pasture. That is all. xoopsx

[ngineer]

Does anyone have the stat on how many players in MLB history have stolen every base after a single plate appearance? I think the only thing that could have topped that would have been reaching first on a passed ball third strike!

I think I read that about 43 players in MLB history had stolen 2nd, 3rd, and Home in succession before Werth did last night. The last time was by Eric Young for Detroit in 1995. Last Phillie to do was Pete Rose in 1980. Carlos Ruiz stole home last year, but that was the tail end of a double steal.

Only two Phillies had stolen 4 bases in one game before. Garry Maddox in 1979 in an extra inning game, and a guy named Sherry Magee who did it twice in 1906!

[93henfan]

Another night, another Phils starter gets rocked.

[ngineer]

Moyer was fine for 3 innings, then he started leaving pitches in the middle of the plate. At his speed, location is everything. Although Hamels and Park have shown recent improvement, the starters have really been wanting so far and need to pick it up. Can't continue to rely on the offense to score 6 or more runs every night.

[bluehenbillk]

The dilemna that is Jamie Moyer. You don't send a 46-yr old to the minors do you? They said they won't send him to the bullpen. You can't continue to have him throw BP out there. Happ is starting one of the games in Washington on Saturday (hopefully the night game since I'll be there), if he pitches well can you hold him out of the rotation any longer???

[Ivytalk]

Phils lose yet another home series with a 5-3 extra-inning loss to Dodgers. Hamels pitched very well, but bullpen (Lidge and Durbin) sucked. I'm getting tired of this crap. The only home series they've won all year was against the Nats.xmadxxnonono2x

[93henfan]

NOW HEAR THIS: The U.S.S. Uncle Chollie is taking on water and starting to list.

[ngineer]

Phillies rallied twice tonight. First from a 4-1 deficit to take a 6-4 lead into the ninth on the Howard 3-run dinger. However, Lidge blew another save giving up two runs in the ninth to send the game into extra innings, won by the Phils with a 4-run 12th inning highlighted by an Ibanez bases loaded single. Happ got the win, striking out Dunn, Zimmerman and Kearns in order in the 10th. He's supposed to start the second game Saturday of a day/night DH. While Lidge's BS is bothersome, it was also slightly flukey with Zimmerman get on a swinging bunt that Feliz just missed getting him on a bare hand attempt. Then Utley made a horrendous throw to the plate where Dunn would have been a dead duck with anything decent.
Tomorrow's DH will be a bear after tonight's long game. Both teams used everyone.

[93henfan]

Beating the Nats wasn't the only thing the Phils did in DC yesterday:

http://media.philly.com/images/20090516_dn_0kjp5n6l.jpg

[93henfan]

Two HRs in first two plate appearances in game 1 today by RAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUL!

Seven strong innings (2 runs) from Brett Myers were a welcome improvement. Madson coughed up three runs in the 8th but Lidge got a nice save in the 9th.

[blukeys]

Two HRs in first two plate appearances in game 1 today by RAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUL!

Seven strong innings (2 runs) from Brett Myers were a welcome improvement. Madson coughed up three runs in the 8th but Lidge got a nice save in the 9th.

Yeah We sure miss Pat the Batxeyebrowxxrolleyesxxeyebrowxxsmiley_wixxsmiley_ wixxrolleyesx;)xeyebrowx

[ngineer]

RAAAAAUUUUULLLLLLL is on fire! 13th HR in the nightcap today as Phils have won 3 straight.. Ryan is starting to swat the long flies, too.

[93henfan]

RAAAAAUUUUULLLLLLL is on fire! 13th HR in the nightcap today as Phils have won 3 straight.. Ryan is starting to swat the long flies, too.

And the pitching was serviceable. That's all we really need.

Andrew Carpenter didn't set the world on fire, but he settled down and stopped throwing beach balls after the first inning. He may be a consideration if Moyer, Blanton, or Park completely implode during the year.

I'm convinced Myers is back. He looked great in the afternoon.

[93henfan]

Congratulations Chan Ho Park on lasting 1.1 innings today. Way to save the bullpen, pal. xnonono2x

[GannonFan]

Congratulations Chan Ho Park on lasting 1.1 innings today. Way to save the bullpen, pal. xnonono2x

There's no reason why Happ shouldn't be put into the starting rotation come June 3rd when Romero comes back off of suspension. Park should be a permanent bullpen (long, long relief) from this point on.

[93henfan]

Gotta love a four game series with the Nats. Just what the doctor ordered.

http://rompstore.com/images/products/big/dust_broom1_lg.jpg

[Ivytalk]

On to Cincinnati, where the Reds don't play as well as they do when on the road. Sound familiar?xsmiley_wix

[blukeys]

did anyone see the matador impression the Nats' 2nd basemen did on the throw to first in the 8th inning?

The Nats are fundamentally horrible.

Phils got the job done against a weak defensive team with a really bad bullpen. You can actually win pennants beating up on really bad teams. Glad to see the Phils doing what is required.

[ngineer]

Congratulations Chan Ho Park on lasting 1.1 innings today. Way to save the bullpen, pal. xnonono2x

What saved the Phils was the shortened game Saturday night. Didn't have to use the pen to preserve the win, Mother Nature did.
:D

[bluehenbillk]

Great weekend in Washington, I was down there on Saturday. The stadium is pretty nice, very convenient with the Metro, but man, there's no Nats fans, the place was 80% Phillies fans.

[93henfan]

Great weekend in Washington, I was down there on Saturday. The stadium is pretty nice, very convenient with the Metro, but man, there's no Nats fans, the place was 80% Phillies fans.

So you're saying about 8,000 Phils fans and about 2,000 Nats fans? xlolx

Chris Wheeler (I think it was) had a good line. He said it must be blue chair giveaway day here at Nats Stadium.

[bluehenbillk]

So you're saying about 8,000 Phils fans and about 2,000 Nats fans? xlolx

Chris Wheeler (I think it was) had a good line. He said it must be blue chair giveaway day here at Nats Stadium.


The Saturday afternoon game looked that way, keep in mind it was a make-up game. We went to the night game & it was absolutely a Phillies crowd there. Was funny to hear the stadium when Ibanez went yard.

RRRRAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUUULL!

[Dukie95]

Great weekend in Washington, I was down there on Saturday. The stadium is pretty nice, very convenient with the Metro, but man, there's no Nats fans, the place was 80% Phillies fans.


I was at the game yesterday and yeah, it's the same thing when the Mets come to town. The Nationals have been very convenient for the fans of other teams living in DC. ;)

[93henfan]

5 wins in a row for the Fightin's to move them half a game ahead of the Mets who play later in LA.

Hamel looked strong for 5 innings and then got a bit sloppy in the 6th as his pitch count got past 110 and gave up two runs.

A solid win. Glad to see Chan Ho got demoted too.

[GannonFan]

Hamels looked fine, the bullpen is getting better (and really it was just Lidge that was "off" so far and the Phils have only lost one game because of that), and the bats continue to look good. Heck, if Rollins actually is back on track this team is going to be very good. Looking forward to this weekend and the launching pad that is the new Yankee Stadium. And good to see that Happ has finally gotten his chance to get out of the bullpen - I imagine Romero coming back in 2 weeks was part of that decision too. So far so good for the 'Fightins.

[bluehenbillk]

Phils pitching looking much better with:

1- Hamels regaining top notch form
2- Happ replacing Park in the rotation
3- Romero baiscally a 15-day DL stint from returning.

In other news....Moyer & Blanton next two games.......

[blukeys]

Phils pitching looking much better with:

1- Hamels regaining top notch form
2- Happ replacing Park in the rotation
3- Romero baiscally a 15-day DL stint from returning.

In other news....Moyer & Blanton next two games.......

I agree with the above. Moyer unfortunately needs a Maddox type of strike zone. If MLB is decreeing a tight strike zone to get more offense then Moyer's days are numbered.

[Ivytalk]

Phils pitching looking much better with:

1- Hamels regaining top notch form
2- Happ replacing Park in the rotation
3- Romero baiscally a 15-day DL stint from returning.

In other news....Moyer & Blanton next two games.......


xeekxxeekxxeekx

What's the "over" on total runs scored by the Reds?:p

[blukeys]

xeekxxeekxxeekx

What's the "over" on total runs scored by the Reds?:p

Yet another reason for sports betting in Delaware!!!!!xsmiley_wixxsmiley_wixxsmiley_wix

[Ivytalk]

Yet another reason for sports betting in Delaware!!!!!xsmiley_wixxsmiley_wixxsmiley_wix

We ought to get together in Harrington, hoist a few, and run some numbers!:p

[SunCoastBlueHen]

xeekxxeekxxeekx

What's the "over" on total runs scored by the Reds?:p

Well, Moyer and Blanton have a combined ERA of over 15 and average a little over 5 innings per outing. That's about nine runs we can attribute to those two guys. I'll say the Phillies pen has an average ERA somewhere in the 3.50 range, meaning they would be expected to give up about three runs between the two games. Cinci's run production has been a bit below the league average, so we'll dock them a run on the over / under and set it at 11 for the two games combined.

FWIW - I'll take the over. :p

[Touchdown Yosef]

Why won't the phils make a serious move to improve their starting pitching? Make the move to go and get Peavy! Now I say this as a casual fan and here is my reasoning. Give up your prospects and go and get the guy, you have a small window with this amazing line up and defense and now is the time to have 2 solid 1-2 pitchers. The ERA of the Phils starters in laughable at best and the decision to sign Moyer for 2 years looks dumber now than what I though it would. (and i thought it was a god awful move when they should have signed Lowe)


Bottom line lets make a move to help out the bullpen and take advantage of having 3 legitimate MVP candidates in the infield. I don't care about losing a few prospects or draft picks this team will not be together forever and it would be a crime to kill another shot at a series b/c your starting pitching is the worst in baseball.

(this is of course assuming the padres would still deal him)

[Ivytalk]

Why won't the phils make a serious move to improve their starting pitching? Make the move to go and get Peavy! Now I say this as a casual fan and here is my reasoning. Give up your prospects and go and get the guy, you have a small window with this amazing line up and defense and now is the time to have 2 solid 1-2 pitchers. The ERA of the Phils starters in laughable at best and the decision to sign Moyer for 2 years looks dumber now than what I though it would. (and i thought it was a god awful move when they should have signed Lowe)


Bottom line lets make a move to help out the bullpen and take advantage of having 3 legitimate MVP candidates in the infield. I don't care about losing a few prospects or draft picks this team will not be together forever and it would be a crime to kill another shot at a series b/c your starting pitching is the worst in baseball.

(this is of course assuming the padres would still deal him)

Good thought, TD Yosef, but I don't think Dave Montgomery et al. will drain the farm system and open their checkbooks now that the season has started. Those powerhouse Reds teams of the 70s didn't have much starting pitching, either, but they outscored everyone else and played good D.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Why won't the phils make a serious move to improve their starting pitching? Make the move to go and get Peavy! (this is of course assuming the padres would still deal him)


Peavy has been traded to the White Sox...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/05/21/peavy.trade/index.html

[gmoney55]

Why won't the phils make a serious move to improve their starting pitching? Make the move to go and get Peavy! Now I say this as a casual fan and here is my reasoning. Give up your prospects and go and get the guy, you have a small window with this amazing line up and defense and now is the time to have 2 solid 1-2 pitchers. The ERA of the Phils starters in laughable at best and the decision to sign Moyer for 2 years looks dumber now than what I though it would. (and i thought it was a god awful move when they should have signed Lowe)


Bottom line lets make a move to help out the bullpen and take advantage of having 3 legitimate MVP candidates in the infield. I don't care about losing a few prospects or draft picks this team will not be together forever and it would be a crime to kill another shot at a series b/c your starting pitching is the worst in baseball.

(this is of course assuming the padres would still deal him)

I love how easy you make that all sound, but Peavy had a no-trade and said all along he wouldn't go to the east coast.

To me the Phillies are fine....the Marlins are falling apart, the Braves look like a .500 team, and the Mets have Delgado and now probably Reyes on the DL and are a terrible fundamental team anyway. That gets you to the playoffs, and no one looks that great in the NL anyway. I could really see the Phils taking off when Carrasco gets in the rotation for Moyer/Park.

[GannonFan]

Why won't the phils make a serious move to improve their starting pitching? Make the move to go and get Peavy! Now I say this as a casual fan and here is my reasoning. Give up your prospects and go and get the guy, you have a small window with this amazing line up and defense and now is the time to have 2 solid 1-2 pitchers. The ERA of the Phils starters in laughable at best and the decision to sign Moyer for 2 years looks dumber now than what I though it would. (and i thought it was a god awful move when they should have signed Lowe)


Bottom line lets make a move to help out the bullpen and take advantage of having 3 legitimate MVP candidates in the infield. I don't care about losing a few prospects or draft picks this team will not be together forever and it would be a crime to kill another shot at a series b/c your starting pitching is the worst in baseball.

(this is of course assuming the padres would still deal him)

As other have said, Peavy has a full no trade clause and he's been adamant about not wanting to play on the East Coast, so there's just about zero chance that the Phillies could get Peavy.

And as for the bullpen, the Phils had the best bullpen in the league last year, and one of the best in two decades. They've played all year without Romero and now he comes back in 2 weeks. What are we missing in the bullpen that we need?

Let's see how Happ does, Myers has looked better, and Hamels pretty much missed the first month of the year with the slow Spring training and then the freak accidents. Moyer looked fine last night so I'm not sure two or three awful starts over 30 starts is the end of the world. The Phillies did win a World Series just a few months ago with this starting rotation.

And as for the window closing, where's everyone going? Howard is now locked up for 3 years, and Rollins and Utley have long term deals. Heck, after locking up Werth and Victorino in the off-season as well, and landing Ibanez, is anyone's contract up after this year? And this is a pretty young team with only Ibanez in his mid-30's in the lineup. This team's going to be in contention every year for quite some time. I don't see the window even threatening to come down.

[whitey]

Agreed with everything GF and gmoney just said. Peavy was never going to agree to come to an East Coast team. And now he'll likely go to the White Sox. The Phillies window isn't closing. That window should be up for at least 3-5 more years which is when the Phillies key players will start hitting their mid-30's. I think all the key players on the Phills are 30 or younger sans Ibanez and Lidge. And even in a few years who knows who they'll have in the system or bring in via FA or trade by then.

[whitey]

is anyone's contract up after this year? .

Bookmark this site for MLB contract information: Cot's Baseball Contracts. (http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/philadelphia-phillies_18.html) The "2009-2013 Payroll Obligations" spreadsheet link is pretty awesome for reference purposes.

Looks like Myers, CHP, Eyre, and Stairs are Free Agents. And they have an option on Feliz.

[GannonFan]

Bookmark this site for MLB contract information: Cot's Baseball Contracts. (http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/philadelphia-phillies_18.html) The "2009-2013 Payroll Obligations" spreadsheet link is pretty awesome for reference purposes.

Looks like Myers, CHP, Eyre, and Stairs are Free Agents. And they have an option on Feliz.

Thanks. Wouldn't expect Myers to go anywhere. Eyre and Stairs could go, but I think Stairs stays here - in his 40's and he gets to play with a contender. Keeping CHP at this point doesn't look likely. Feliz is interesting, if they think Donald can play in the majors they could eventually let Feliz go, but I don't see that happening before the end of next year.

[Ivytalk]

Bookmark this site for MLB contract information: Cot's Baseball Contracts. (http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/philadelphia-phillies_18.html) The "2009-2013 Payroll Obligations" spreadsheet link is pretty awesome for reference purposes.

Looks like Myers, CHP, Eyre, and Stairs are Free Agents. And they have an option on Feliz.

I think they'll make a new deal with Myers and exercise the option on Feliz. The rest will go.

Although the Phils are fundamentally sound, I'd still keep my eyes open for a decent starter.

[ngineer]

I think they'll make a new deal with Myers and exercise the option on Feliz. The rest will go.

Although the Phils are fundamentally sound, I'd still keep my eyes open for a decent starter.

I agree. Meyers stays as does Pedro--who IMO is becoming a very good reliable man at the hot corner.

[gmoney55]

How high do the Phillies plan on taking the payroll though? Myers can get 10-12 million on the open market, and I imagine all of the players they locked up recently get raises next year.

[whitey]

How high do the Phillies plan on taking the payroll though? Myers can get 10-12 million on the open market, and I imagine all of the players they locked up recently get raises next year.

Cot's SS has them at $128M (including salary + prorated bonuses) for 2009. 2010 has them at $96M so I think they'll have room to bring back Myers and take the option on Feliz and still have room to bring in a few more role players without increasing their payroll too much.

[93henfan]

Why won't the phils make a serious move to improve their starting pitching? Make the move to go and get Peavy! Now I say this as a casual fan and here is my reasoning. Give up your prospects...

What prospects? The Phils' farm system is pretty darn weak.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Well, Moyer and Blanton have a combined ERA of over 15 and average a little over 5 innings per outing. That's about nine runs we can attribute to those two guys. I'll say the Phillies pen has an average ERA somewhere in the 3.50 range, meaning they would be expected to give up about three runs between the two games. Cinci's run production has been a bit below the league average, so we'll dock them a run on the over / under and set it at 11 for the two games combined.

I over estimated the Red's offense by a run...

Phils win the final game of the series 12-5 as Ibanez, Utley, Howard and Dobbs all go deep.

:)

[Ivytalk]

I over estimated the Red's offense by a run...

Phils win the final game of the series 12-5 as Ibanez, Utley, Howard and Dobbs all go deep.

:)

Another rocky start by Blanton, but the bullpen threw 4 shutout innings to close it out. I really like this Escalona kid!xnodx

[foghorn]

Actually, Blanton pitched 4 shut-out innings until the Reds got 5 in the 5th.
I'm not that concerned about Blanton, as he's been pretty much of an innings eater in the past and I think he'll be OK the rest of the season
The main concern, IMO, is Jamie Moyer. You just can't keep allowing him to get his brains beaten out every game. I'm sick and tired of spotting the opponents 3 or 4 runs before the 4th inning with ol' Jamie on the mound. Heck, bring back Kendrick and take your chances. xcoffeex

[GannonFan]

How high do the Phillies plan on taking the payroll though? Myers can get 10-12 million on the open market, and I imagine all of the players they locked up recently get raises next year.

Myers is already getting $12M this year - even if the Phils need to give him a little extra, it wouldn't impact the total salary very much. Plus, the Phils are still on the hook for Eaton and Jenkins this year - those salaries pretty much fade to nothing next year so that's another $15M that comes off the books. Even signing Myers and Feliz and all the other raises and the Phils' payroll probably goes down.

[93henfan]

Another rocky start by Blanton, but the bullpen threw 4 shutout innings to close it out. I really like this Escalona kid!xnodx

Blanton looked fine through four innings, and even though it all went to hell in the 5th, most of the hits were very soft and just blooped over or threaded between an infielder. The inning was inches from being 1-2-3 and ultimately turned into a bloodbath when he made the fatal error of serving up a high offspeed pitch. That's been his Achilles this year. He can't keep the ball down. I still think Blanton can get it together. Moyer is just done. If Happ can be a starter, we'll be OK. And yeah, Escalona looks sharp.

EVERYBODY HITS! WOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ngineer]

glad to see the Phils bounce right back after yesterday. Now on to the 'new' Yankee Stadium and 'break that sucker in' but good!!xthumbsupx

[GannonFan]

ESPN had a great term for the new Yankee Stadium - "That Wiffle-Ball Park in the Bronx".

[93henfan]

ESPN had a great term for the new Yankee Stadium - "That Wiffle-Ball Park in the Bronx".

I went on Ticketmaster to see about taking the wife and boys up to see Hamels v Sabathia on Sunday. Could someone loan me the $3,693.80 so we can go?



Your Ticket(s)

Section Row Type Ticket Price Convenience Charge Description
20 8 Full Price Ticket US $900.00 US $23.45
Legends Seating
Legends Seating $900
4
PRICE LEVEL 3

20 8 Full Price Ticket US $900.00 US $23.45

20 8 Full Price Ticket US $900.00 US $23.45

20 8 Full Price Ticket US $900.00 US $23.45

20 8 Full Price Ticket US $900.00 US $23.45

[bluehenbillk]

The Yankees & the new Yankee Wiffle Ball Park are both bad for baseball.

[gmoney55]

I don't say this very often, but let's go Phils this weekend....I can't stand the Yankees and their fans, especially right now.

[bluehenbillk]

BREAKING NEWS:

The New York City Department of Public Health has declared two right field sections of Yankee Stadium unsafe for this weekends games. All ticketholders of these seats will be relocated (not like they sell seats on the other side of the moat).

Looking forward to the World Champions bringing the lumber. Also the 3 starting pitchers I feel most comfortable with too, Myers, Happ & double MVP, err Hamels.

"World Champions, World $#@!&* Champions", Chase Utley.

[ngineer]

BREAKING NEWS:

The New York City Department of Public Health has declared two right field sections of Yankee Stadium unsafe for this weekends games. All ticketholders of these seats will be relocated (not like they sell seats on the other side of the moat).

Looking forward to the World Champions bringing the lumber. Also the 3 starting pitchers I feel most comfortable with too, Myers, Happ & double MVP, err Hamels.

"World Champions, World $#@!&* Champions", Chase Utley.

Love it!! Utley, Howard and RauuuuuuL take dead aim!!!

"You may fire when ready, Gridley"--Adm. Dewey, Battle of Manilla Bay xnodx

[93henfan]

BREAKING NEWS:

The New York City Department of Public Health has declared two right field sections of Yankee Stadium unsafe for this weekends games.

xlolx xlolx xlolx xnodx xnodx xnodx

[93henfan]

Oddly enough, of the three HRs the Phils have hit so far in the first five innings tonight, two were to left field, one in the upper deck.

5-0 Phils, 2 out, top of the 5th.

Exciting game so far. Rollins took the first pitch yard. Burnett threw at Chase Utley on the next at-bat and hit him on the shoulder. Brett Myers threw behind Jeter. Both benches get warnings. Good stuff!

[93henfan]

Good God is this place a bandbox. I've lost count of homers here in the bottom of the 8th. I think there's been seven or eight so far. I certainly don't want to hear any Yankees fans talk about CBP after seeing this stadium.


Phils 7-3, top of the 9th.


EDIT: 7-3 Final (4 HRs for PHI, 3 for NYY)

[blukeys]

"You may fire when ready, Gridley"--Adm. Dewey, Battle of Manilla Bay xnodx

One of the Great Quotes from U.S. Naval History (it earned him a really cool beach in Delaware). It is right up there with David Farragut's "Damn the Torpedoes. Full speed ahead!, or James Lawrence's dyiing quote " Don't give Up the ship" or the legendary words of John Paul Jones as the Bonhommme Richard was sinking beneath his feet" I have not yet begun to fight!!!!!!!!!

[GannonFan]

Granted, the place is a joke when it comes to HR's, but plenty of those home runs were moon shots tonight. Werth's and Ibanez's home runs were massive shots that would've been out of any ballpark.

Phils just look great right now. The lineup is certainly among the best in the game, and they play great defense. And for all the knocks the starting rotation gets, the thing is, as we found out in the playoffs last year, these guys are pretty good clutch pitchers. Myers comes in as one of the worst pitchers when it comes to HR's, pitching in the worst bandbox ever, and throws a gem for 7 innings. Throw in the fact that the Phils bullpen is very good, and it's just a very good team.

[whitey]

82 homers in 21 games at the New Yankee Stadium. That's just unbelievable. If that park continues to favor hitters by such a large margin I'm thinking it could cause the Yankees pitching staff some problems. As the season progresses and the homers continue to be hit the Yanks are going to have to go to their bullpen more frequently, thus overworking them. I'm real bent out of shape over that one. Haha.

[93henfan]

Welcome to the bigs, John Mayberry!

3-run shot in his debut with the Phils. RAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUL with the other HR.

4-1 Phils top of the 5th.

[93henfan]

Way to go Lidge. xnonono2x

[gmoney55]

Typical Yankee Stadium, the Mayberry and ARod home runs were both jokes.

[ngineer]

Way to go Lidge. xnonono2x

While his fastball has a lot of pop--around 94-95 mph, it doesn't seem to have any movement; so if the hitter is guessing fastball and times it, it 's going to go. Tough one to lose after being up by three. Lidge has got to get his act together soon.
Hamels v. Sabathia tomorrow--should be a good one!

[Hoyadestroya85]

Lidge has finally realized that he's actually Brad Lidge and not Mariano Rivera

[foghorn]

Brad Lidge's problem is his recent lack of command. Lidge is effective when he gets ahead in the count and then throws his slider just off the plate to make the batter swing at a ball just outside the strike zone. The only time he was ahead in the count he got a K. His velocity is fine, but he's gotta get that first pitch over the plate. If he can't, then I can see Madson in the closer role.
On the positive side, Happ pitched great, a quality start, and Mayberry looks like a future slugger.

[93henfan]

Lidge blows another.

[93henfan]

But the World Champs still take the series. Brad Lidge owes Carlos Ruiz a case of beer.

Other than Lidge, the Phils looked phenomenal in this series.

[blukeys]

Defense in General is exceptional. Why would anyone run on Jason Werth's arm from left field??? He has a cannon from right field. Damon's attempt to shake the ball from Ruiz was pathetic.

[foghorn]

Lidge had a blown save, but really didn't pitch all that badly. A single through the box that Brad could've fielded, a stolen base, and a ground ball that got through, but not hit particularly hard. He could very well have been 3 up 3 down. Not making excuses because that's how baseball is sometimes. Yesterday they teed off on him; today the ball had eyes. Madson looks great and if Brad falters, I think he'll be moved to closer. I think Lidge will be OK though.
The Phils need a starter to replace Jamie Moyer more than anything. Carlos Ruiz was the player of the game, both offensively and defensively.
First time I ever saw a ball fly out of the park for a homer while the bat was being broken in half (Texeira). Great 3 games. xthumbsupx

[bluehenbillk]

Great series and great roadtrip for the World Champs. They've showed they'll be difficult to beat late in the year. Starters look a whole lot better, now we havew to fix the back part of the pen.

The new Yankee stadium is embarassing. Some of the balls that go out there look bad. How many times in the past decade have you seen a broken bat HR

[93henfan]

OK, Shane. We know you're the Flyin' Hawaiian and all, but when your team is down two runs in the bottom of the 9th and you lead off with a walk, YOU DON'T TRY TO STEAL SECOND!!!

What a bonehead play. I sure hope he or the base coach just missed a sign.

The Phils season-long streak of losing games when scoring 3 runs or less continues. You'd hope pitching could bail them out once this year.

[foghorn]

OK, Shane. We know you're the Flyin' Hawaiian and all, but when your team is down two runs in the bottom of the 9th and you lead off with a walk, YOU DON'T TRY TO STEAL SECOND!!!

What a bonehead play. I sure hope he or the base coach just missed a sign.

The Phils season-long streak of losing games when scoring 3 runs or less continues. You'd hope pitching could bail them out once this year.
Charlie said after the game that Shane has the freeedom to run when he wants and made a mistake.
Shane can't build a rocket ship, but he'll sure try to fly one. Dumbest play of the year.xshakingmadx

[93henfan]

After some recent bashing, gotta give Lidge props for truly earning a save tonight. The Phils were up 5-0 going into the 9th. Chad Durbin promptly walked the bases loaded, then Ryan Howard threw a double play ball into left field, allowing two runs to score. Lidge truly put out the fire tonight.

Blanton was awesome. He said before the game that he had discovered a mechanical flaw in his delivery from the stretch. I guess he fixed it! 11 K's!!! xthumbsupx

[bluehenbillk]

Why is Blanton so friggin inconsistent? The guy can dominate like tonight or like in the NLDS vs Milwaukee last year, and then he can stink it up too....

[GannonFan]

I'd like Blanton to be consistent too, but I like that he's a gamer and when the game's really important he can be a really, really good pitcher. The past few times around the rotation and everyone appears to be settling down. If Happ continues to look like he did last year and in his first start this year, there'll be little to complain about on this team.

[bluehenbillk]

I'd like Blanton to be consistent too, but I like that he's a gamer and when the game's really important he can be a really, really good pitcher. The past few times around the rotation and everyone appears to be settling down. If Happ continues to look like he did last year and in his first start this year, there'll be little to complain about on this team.


Yea but it's public knowledge the Phillies are looking to add a starter, Jason Marquis has been mentioned as has Roy Oswalt. There are a number of good prospects the Phils can trade this year. Look for Moyer to probably be the odd man out by the end of the year.

[GannonFan]

Yea but it's public knowledge the Phillies are looking to add a starter, Jason Marquis has been mentioned as has Roy Oswalt. There are a number of good prospects the Phils can trade this year. Look for Moyer to probably be the odd man out by the end of the year.


I wouldn't be opposed to that - Moyer is the only guy on the staff that I would not really count on come post-season. The other 4, including Happ, I'd be fine going to battle with. And yes, the Phils finally do have some decent prospects that they could use to land even someone like Oswalt. I wouldn't want Marquis, but Oswalt, that's worth getting rid of Carrasco/Marson and company.

[93henfan]

Ruh, roh. Looks like Brett Myers could be done for the year.


http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20090528_Myers_may_need_surgery.html


After having an MRI today, Phillies pitcher Brett Myers was told that there was fraying to the labrum in his right hip, an injury that could require surgery and jeopardize the remainder of his season.

"I don't know what I am going to do," Myers told The Inquirer. "First I am going to get a second opinion."

Myers said that the Phillies doctors told him the injury would likely require surgery.

[bluehenbillk]

Ruh, roh. Looks like Brett Myers could be done for the year.


http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20090528_Myers_may_need_surgery.html

Let the trade talk commence. Chan Ho ain't the answer.

[GannonFan]

Let the trade talk commence. Chan Ho ain't the answer.


Agreed - Oswalt is looking more and more like an option...

[Ivytalk]

Let the trade talk commence. Chan Ho ain't the answer.


Agreed - Oswalt is looking more and more like an option...

it's a bird!

It's a plane!!

It's KYLE KENDRICK!!!xeekx:pxrotatehx

[GannonFan]

Hey, you know, Bastardo looked great again today at Lehigh Valley. xthumbsupx

[ngineer]

Hey, you know, Bastardo looked great again today at Lehigh Valley. xthumbsupx

The guy gets my vote on his name alone! :D

[93henfan]

Gets my vote too ngineer. Bring up the 'Ole Dirty Bastard-o!

[whitey]

What's with all the torn labrums in the hips this year? A-Rod, Delgado...now Myers?

[GannonFan]

What's with all the torn labrums in the hips this year? A-Rod, Delgado...now Myers?


You're not that guy who keeps e-mailing Francessa every time once of these hip injuries come up and blames it on performance enhancing drugs, are you??? xlolx

[whitey]

LOL. I can't stand Mike Francessa. So no.

[GannonFan]

LOL. I can't stand Mike Francessa. So no.

Yes, Francessa is a little anti-Met at times. I actually liked his show better when Mad Dog was on there - gave it a little more balance and humor.

[whitey]

I think he's anti-Mets almost all the time. But that's not why I don't listen to him. I used to be amused by a lot of his Mets hate because I knew that he's wrong on 90% of it. I can only listen to him in small doses and now that Mad Dog is gone I really can't listen to him at all.

[GannonFan]

You know, even with Carrasco's struggles at Lehigh this year, I'd risk bringing him up short term - maybe the pressure and the atmosphere would be beneficial to him. Frankly, his stock can't fall much more than it is now, so see what you have and even if he doesn't work out long term maybe he builds up enough value to be part of a trade.

I wouldn't get rid of Bastardo or Mayberry right now. Maybe not Marson either, unless it's to get Peavy (can't imagine he'd come here) or Oswalt. Anyone else (Donald, Carpenter, bullpen guys other than Madson and Romero) would be fair game.

[93henfan]

What's with all the torn labrums in the hips this year? A-Rod, Delgado...now Myers?

Luckily, Chase Utley was able to play through the Series with his and get surgery in the offseason.

I think I may even be a victim. My right hip has been hurting for about two months after a hard game of racquetball. I thought rest would make it go away, but no dice. I don't do 'roids either, if that helps with the body of research.

[Ivytalk]

Finally! A 1-2-3 9th for Lidge!xbowxxthumbsupx

[93henfan]

Finally! A 1-2-3 9th for Lidge!xbowxxthumbsupx

And another save for Lidge tonight on a beautiful double play turned by Rollins and Utley and a K.

OMG, did anyone see Howard's second homer; the grand slam? Two words: THIRD DECK! xeekx

[foghorn]

The Phils are Phun to watch! Ryan 'The Big Man' Howard is worth the price of admission. On a side note, Adam Dunn is, by far, the worst fielder I've ever seen in the bigs. :p

[93henfan]

Bastardo to start Tuesday.

[Ivytalk]

And another save for Lidge tonight on a beautiful double play turned by Rollins and Utley and a K.

OMG, did anyone see Howard's second homer; the grand slam? Two words: THIRD DECK! xeekx

Good to see it!

I just got back from a fun Blue Rocks game. Remember the name Juan Abreu, who saved Wilmington's 8-6 win (it was 7-4 after one). The kid followed 95 mph hard cheese with an off-speed pitch that was just sick. He'll close in the majors someday.

[MR. CHICKEN]

AH'LL..GIVE YA HOWARD...UTLEY...ROLLINS.....AN' DUH RIGHT FIELD BALL GIRL..FO' HIM ...xlolx...THNX FO' DUH SCOUTIN' REPO'.......xthumbsupx......DOODLES!

[bluehenbillk]

Howard's shot to the 3rd dek, WOW!

Antonio Bastardo debuts Tuesday in San Diego, just over the Mexican border. Have fun with that name out there.

[93henfan]

Good to see RAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUULLLL up to second place in the NL outfielder All-Star voting. Manny the Tranny has dropped to 5th. Utley is leading at 2B and J-Roll is up to second place at SS.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090601&content_id=5084116&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

[Ivytalk]

AH'LL..GIVE YA HOWARD...UTLEY...ROLLINS.....AN' DUH RIGHT FIELD BALL GIRL..FO' HIM ...xlolx...THNX FO' DUH SCOUTIN' REPO'.......xthumbsupx......DOODLES!

Mr. Chicken, I think Jayson Werth has an option on her contract!xsmiley_wix

[whitey]

Good to see RAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUULLLL up to second place in the NL outfielder All-Star voting. Manny the Tranny has dropped to 5th. Utley is leading at 2B and J-Roll is up to second place at SS.


Soriano ahead of Beltran. Sigh. xnonono2x

At least some of those undeserving Brewers have started to drop off.

[93henfan]

Sportscenter had a short blurb today about a Charlie Brown mascot throwing out the first pitch (unsuccessfully) to the Pittsburgh Pirates' parrot mascot yesterday. I had never seen the parrot before. It looks vaguely familiar, but I just can't seem to figure out where the inspiration came from. xwhistlex




http://tjbrown.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/piratesp.jpg

[93henfan]

Wowzers on the one Howard just put over the dead center field fence and onto the batters eye at cavernous Petco Park. Another blast by the big man, immediately after Chase put one in the right field bleachers. 4-1 Phils, top of the 5th. xthumbsupx

[GannonFan]

Another good win by the 'Fightins. Blanton looked solid again so there's certainly good reason to think he's found the form he had late last year. With Myers out, he needs to step up and put in some innings - 7 strong ones last night helps. The lineup still just churns out runs, and the bullpen has looked good all year - and now Lidge appears to have settled down. Nice save last night, having to come in with no one out in the 9th, a man on, and only a two run lead. Nice start to the road trip and even more proof that this team is easily one of the best, if not the best, road team in the league. xthumbsupx

[bluehenbillk]

Tony the Bastard looked awesome last night, he may be a keeper. And hen there is RAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUULL. The man can flat out hit, over 50 RBI's now & 2 more dingers last night. Chan Ho Park will be a throw in when the Phillies finally make a trade for a pitcher later this season.

[93henfan]

The ole' dirty Bastardo was very impressive. Fastball consistently 94-95 mph. He was getting behind hitters early but had no problem reeling them right back in with superb control. The strategy to throw almost exclusively fastballs in the first inning when his debut nerves were high was genius. I'd like to know if that was his, Ruiz's, the pitching coach's or Uncle Chollie's call, but it was a good one.

Peavey should not have made the start. He was throwing beachballs up there before getting yanked after the first. He was nearly yanked after only one out, but was able to clear the bottom of the lineup. I hope Amaro is chatting up the Pads front office while he's out there. Peavey might be had for a tick less with his injury issues of late, and maybe he'd be more willing to waive the no-trade after seeing the offensive support he'd have with the Phils.

I fell asleep in the 7th and haven't checked the stats closely. I saw on CSN this morning that Madson got a save in a 10-5 game? Am I correct in assuming than Chan Ho Park tried to throw another game away?

[foghorn]

The ole' dirty Bastardo was very impressive. Fastball consistently 94-95 mph. He was getting behind hitters early but had no problem reeling them right back in with superb control. The strategy to throw almost exclusively fastballs in the first inning when his debut nerves were high was genius. I'd like to know if that was his, Ruiz's, the pitching coach's or Uncle Chollie's call, but it was a good one.

Peavey should not have made the start. He was throwing beachballs up there before getting yanked after the first. He was nearly yanked after only one out, but was able to clear the bottom of the lineup. I hope Amaro is chatting up the Pads front office while he's out there. Peavey might be had for a tick less with his injury issues of late, and maybe he'd be more willing to waive the no-trade after seeing the offensive support he'd have with the Phils.

I fell asleep in the 7th and haven't checked the stats closely. I saw on CSN this morning that Madson got a save in a 10-5 game? Am I correct in assuming than Chan Ho Park tried to throw another game away?
Madson got the save because bases were loaded when he came in, therefore the possibility of the Padres getting within 3 runs. Funny rule, especially since Madson pitched to only one batter. xrulesx

[gmoney55]

Madson got the save because bases were loaded when he came in, therefore the possibility of the Padres getting within 3 runs. Funny rule, especially since Madson pitched to only one batter. xrulesx

I'm pretty sure the rule is you can get a save if the tying run is on deck when you enter the game....which is true in this case.

[93henfan]

Yes, I am aware of save rules. I was just wondering who screwed the pooch in the 9th to make it a save situation. I see Chan Ho Park gave up all the runs in the 7th right after I fell asleep apparently, and then Durbin was the one who screwed the pooch and made it a save situation for Madson.

[blukeys]

Yes, I am aware of save rules. I was just wondering who screwed the pooch in the 9th to make it a save situation. I see Chan Ho Park gave up all the runs in the 7th right after I fell asleep apparently, and then Durbin was the one who screwed the pooch and made it a save situation for Madson.

I am just grateful we have Madson. He is phenomenally reliable and bails some of the others out more times than not.

[93henfan]

I am just grateful we have Madson. He is phenomenally reliable and bails some of the others out more times than not.

And I'll admit I couldn't stand him two years ago. He's a rock now though. xthumbsupx

[foghorn]

IMO, Madson is just as valuable as Lidge. The guy can just 'bring it'. xbowx

[bluehenbillk]

The homer barrage continues, at Petco of all places. Howard with a dinger to dead center was all they'd need last night. How the hell was Chan Ho "Duck" starting ahead of Happ??

[93henfan]

How the hell was Chan Ho "Duck" starting ahead of Happ??

Fortunately, Uncle Chollie was forced to ask himself that question in mid-May while there was still time to stop the bleeding.

If Happ and Old Dirty Bastardo stay consistent, life is good. xthumbsupx

Moyer is the only real worry at this point.

I didn't watch the game last night. I heard the Flyin' Hawaiian left with a hip problem. Any details?

[bluehenbillk]

I didn't watch the game last night. I heard the Flyin' Hawaiian left with a hip problem. Any details?

Getting looked at today, no word I've heard on severity.
Maybe they'd bring Mayberry back up since they're seeing a slew of lefties.

[blukeys]

And I'll admit I couldn't stand him two years ago. He's a rock now though. xthumbsupx


I agree but Madson has picked up some MPH on his fastball since 2007. That makes his change and breaking stuff much more effective.

[GannonFan]

The run of good outings just continues. With Happ and Bastardo giving good starts, and the look that Blanton's turned a corner, and now with Romero back in the pen, this team just looks set for a long run at the top. Tough roadstand with the Dodgers in front of them, pitting maybe the two best teams in baseball against each other. Should be a great series, considering how the Phils play on the road and how the Dodgers play at home.

[93henfan]

Cole Hamels with the complete game, 5-hit shutout. Phils 3-0 over the Dodgers. Seven wins in a row! Four games up on the Mutts. :D