Adding to the mountain of proof that the Phillies’ players and brass are frequent visitors to ReclinerGM, the mere mention of missing the playoffs in last series’ post inspired them to get going to sweep the Indians. That or Jimmy Rollins’ return and the fact that the Indians kind of suck.
2010: 38-32
2009: 37-33
2008: 41-29
2007: 36-34
The Good News
- Jimmy’s back! And in style (of course).
- Ryan Howard has had an excellent June, hitting .325 with a 1.018 OPS. Still waiting for the power binge, but that will likely come.
- Jayson Werth, one of the worst slumpers, appears to be coming out of it as well, hitting .394 in his last 12 games.
- Placido Polanco is very quietly hitting .320, 4th best in the NL.
- Ibanez is hitting .302 in his last 16 games, though I still don’t quite know what to expect the rest of the way. He might break out, might stay average the rest of the year.
- Cole Hamels has a 2.91 ERA in his last 9 starts and has not allowed more than 3 ER in any of them. He has quietly averaged almost 7 innings per start (if you exclude his rain-shortened 0.2 IP outing) and continues to show a lot more life on his fastball. He still has room to improve, as his BB/9 rate is still high for him at 3.0 and his WHIP is actually higher than last year, but he seems to be doing a better job of getting out of trouble and also doesn’t have the bad luck he experienced last year.
- Mike Zagurski looks like a very good relief prospect (as he did in 2007 prior to surgery). Any time a lefty can hit 94mph on the gun, it’s a good thing. As with most young pitchers, it’s all about location for him.
- I’m enjoying that fact that Jamie Moyer has been getting so much national press recently. He deserves it. Take out his Boston start and he has a 3.56 ERA in 13 starts. Not a hall-of-famer, but they should put some sort of memento in there from his final start (whenever that takes place).
- Joe Blanton’s velocity is climbing and location is improving. He would really stabilize the rotation if he gets back to normal.
The Bad News
- 2 is a coincidence, 3 is a trend, right? Well – this is the 3rd straight season that Chase Utley has been roaring towards his signature/MVP like season in the early going, only to crash and burn. On May 23rd, he had a 1.016 OPS, it’s dropped all the way to .861 during this slump. In 2009, his OPS topped out at 1.025 on June 16th, but he finished the season at .905. In 2008, he had a 1.092 OPS on June 3rd, and dropped all the way to .913 once the season was over. Is he wearing himself out? Is playing too hard? Is Bobby Abreu laughing hysterically somewhere as he continues to have productive seasons? What’s frustrating to the fans is that we won’t get an answer.
- A really underrated cause of our recent slump has been the absence of Carlos Ruiz. Ruiz was insanely efficient in the early going, with a .481 OBP on May 10th. Since then, he’s missed 14 games, and has hit just .183 when he’s played. We are 18-20 since May 10th, and lack of line-up depth (Ruiz, Rollins, Polanco, etc…) has played a big part.
- Time for Shane to get going. He’s currently hitting .246. His lowest batting average for the Phils is .281. It could be that he’s trying to hit too many HR’s (he has 11 already), a problem that Rollins’ has had from time to time.
Prospect Watch
1st round pick Jesse Biddle is scheduled to make his professional debut tonight. I’m sure he’s not nervous at all. Trevor May is showing some signs of reigning in his serious control problems. He’s given up just 2 runs in his last 3 starts (1.10 ERA). He still had 12 walks in those 3 starts (and only 6 hits), but that’s still an improvement over the 18 walks he had in his 3 prior starts (10.09 ERA). Look for my updated top-20 prospects list around the all-star break. Also, if you haven’t heard, Domonic Brown is one step closer to the majors, as he is being promoted to AAA.
Series Preview: Blue Jays at Phillies at Blue Jays (or something like that)
Friday (7:05): Halladay vs. RHP Jesse Litsch (0-1, 6.75 ERA)
Saturday (405): Hamels vs. RHP Shawn Marcum (6-3, 3.24 ERA)
Sunday (1:35): Moyer vs. LHP Brett Cecil (7-4, 4.06 ERA)
3 Questions for the Series
- Can the Phillies starters keep the Blue Jays (#1 in MLB in HR) in the yard?
- Will the strange format (1st games in CBP ever with a DH) have any affect?
- Will I be able to buy Poutine at the park tonight?
Series Prediction
The Blue Jays are an interesting team. They are 29th in the majors in BA, but 1st in HR. Talk about an all or nothing squad. It makes me a little nervous to see a team like that come in to our park when it’s hot out and face Hamels and Moyer, who rank 5th and 7th in the NL in HR’s allowed. We might see some high scoring games. On the flip side, the Jays will be a little discombobulated after a night game last night and an unplanned trip down to Philadelphia and haven’t been playing as well after a hot start (14-17 in their last 31). Look for the Phillies to take 2 of 3 in a high-scoring series.
re: chase utley – well technically its just two seasons; he got hurt in 2008 with the broken bone from lanaan.
blue jays must be taking notes from 08 marlins.
would be awesome if blanton could get on track. would put less pressure on Happ to rush back.
jkay -
no, its 3 – broken bone was in 2007
2 of 3 to Jays, based on use of DH and a Phils’ letdown after running Red Sox, Yankees, Twins, Indians gauntlet [OK, scratch Indians]. CBP = CCN: Cape Canaveral North. Canadian teammates remember Roy’s tricks; may jump him tonight.
I want them to break up Halladay and Hamels, hopefully before the all-star break – but definitely after. Moyer, Kendrick, Blanton in succession is asking a bit much.
Please leave Chase alone … he’s a World Fuggin’ Champion … and he pets dogs … and he practices voodoo … and he simulates Charlie Chaplin … what’s not to like?
2 out of 3 for the Phils – starting to hit, hot weather, losses by the Braves and Mets – 1st place is back in their sights.
and lol at buying poutine - ugh
Pete,
I liked your point about Carlos Ruiz. I think it’s important.
‘MLB Player X,’ on ESPN, (a feature where an anonymous baseball star keeps a blog) recently wrote about how catchers are underrated and how some of the best pitching coaches and managers are former catchers. (something i would have known if i were older and had watched them play)
Ruiz’s importance to this team is definitely something that is constantly over looked with the star power they have. But he deserves (and occasionally recieves) more credit for this team’s success. His absence and inconsistant play have undoubtably played a role in the Phil’s recent struggles. I hope he comes back from the concussion well rested because he is surely missed.
Utley is injury prone. (i said it) There is really no argument against it. He’s a tough SOB but the dude gets hurt too much.
Anyone think he isn’t actually playing hurt right now?
Is pedro the answer to the pitching issues? The only names i’ve heard tied to Phillies is Pedro. I don’t really see how this helps…
If they do pull a trade off, who/what/when/where/why?
Pete I agree with you on everything except Utley. Yes, he was atrocious as was Werth for that extended slump the Phils were in, but I have seen signs of him coming out of that this last week or so. He and Werth both look like they are back. Plus you can’t say enough about Utley’s defense and more importantly his “heads up” play whether it be on the bases or throwing the ball around. People don’t realize that little plays like the other night against cleveland Polanco was on third with one out, Utley was on first, Howard hits it to Branyan, and Utley recognizes that if he holds up just long enough that polanco’s run counts because its no longer a force at 2nd. We won that game by one run. Sometimes it’s the little things like that that matter most. Victorino drives me crazy with the blunders he makes either on the bases or elsewhere.
I’m not saying Utley will be bad the rest of the year. Simply saying that he has come out like gangbusters the last 3 years and looked like an MVP candidate only to drop off to just all-star level. Not bad – but when I do my top-20 phillies seasons of all-time, he’s still not on it.
I’m pretty sick about the fact that the writing is pretty much on the wall for Werth being gone with Brown going to AAA and probably gets a September call up and then starts next year in right. If I am Ruben I am hoping that Ibanez goes on a tear and we can somehow trade him by the all star break, pay for the rest of his contract this year and half of next year’s and sign Werth. Werth, Vic and Brown sound much better than Ibanez at age 40. We also soon forget we have an everyday player riding the bench in Francisco. I almost rather have Vic, Francisco and Brown next year instead of Ibanez.
Okay fair enough, but when I first read your last statement I thought it said when I do my top 20 Phillies of all time he won’t be on it. I would have to disagree there. When he is done his career I think he will be top 5 phillies of all time.
Jake-
Per your trade question.
I would absolutely shocked if we got a starter. We already have 6 (if Happ can get back) and even if Happ doesn’t, Pedro would probably be the 1st option.
I do think we will make a trade for a bullpen arm, a quality bench guy or both. We have a bunch of mid-range prospects we could deal. As to who will be available, I really don’t know at this point.
no, just individual seasons.
we’ll have to see where he would end up on that overall list.
If you are going to make any changes in the rotation order, you might credit some of Moyer’s success to following Doc. That seems to be working. Contrasting styles 2 days in a row might make for a bit of an adjustment.
One thing about this Blue Jay club, they can hit for power. I’ll be particularly concerned if we see a lot of runners on. Their about 45 homeruns ahead of the Phils, let alone the aforementioned first in the bigs. But at least we don’t have to watch Joe Carter at the plate this time.
I’d agree about Carlos Ruiz, except I think it might be overstated a bit considering Brian Schneider has done a nice job here. The record might not back me up on this, but I think Charlie used Schneider a little more earlier in the season than the last couple years even excluding Carlos’s injuries this year. But Ruiz is missed.
ok – so I had to do my top-20 phillies of all-time after you said that (not an official list, since it only took me 15 minutes to compile)… discuss amongst yourselves…
YO, PETE!
No Johnny Callison? Although I don’t really see anyone I’d take off at first glance.
I doubt Ibanez can do enough by the All-Star break to make himself tradeable…maybe by the trade deadline but its doubtful…no one will want to pay him next year….
Larry Bowa belongs over Scott Rolen for reasons of longevity (12 yrs to 7 yrs) and Bowa’s steady individual growth path coinciding with team’s, though I strongly appreciated both players.
Um, poutine is a French Canadian thing. It’s a Quebec/Montreal thing.
Jesse Biddle with a positive pro debut. 3 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3K.
Also, J.C. Ramirez was promoted to Reading (a week ago, I missed it), made his 2nd start tonight. Hit or miss so far.
Callison and Bowa, both good choices who could easily be on the list.
I might have to develop a system to rank the all-time Phillies players.
Longevity, production, the team’s record, defense all would be factors.
Longevity…
Most plate appearances in a Phillies uniform:
Ryan Howard is damn near 2nd on the Phillies all-time HR list already (only 23 behind Del Ennis).
But – to justify his contract, he’s really gotta make a run at 2 numbers.
548 – Mike Schmidt HR’s
1,595 – Mike Schmidt RBI’s
He’s got 6 1/2 years left under contract with the team. Let’s assume they even pick up his option and give him 7 1/2 years with the team.
He would need to average 41 HR and 120 RBI over those 7.5 seasons to catch Schmidt. That’s a very tall order, but considering the salary he’s going to get, it’s really what should be expected from him.
You know, Pete, you speak reasonable truth when you say Howard might do well to match Schmidt’s career totals to justify the contract.
But from a different perspective, RyHo has already done a lot of justifying with a trait that Mike Schmidt didn’t seem as adept. Carrying the club on his shoulders.
I’d say that justification of the contract will be measured by the timing and importance of the power stats more than the quantity. And that ties in with winning.
The slow walks back to the dugout that both took many times after striking out bear a lot of resemblance. An outward cool that you just know carried some type of burning within. And even though Howard strikes out more, when there is contact, it’s more impactful than Scmidt’s was.
Assuming Howard continues to demonstrate that trait for the duration,
even to lesser extents as he ages, if the Phils win 2 more World Series, it will be less of a crime to have been paid 25 mil than Michael Jack offended by with his 560k first time big deal that I have no idea where it peaked, but a whole lot less for sure.
I knew I was incredibly lucky to be watching Crash Allen at 3rd when I was a kid. I knew I’d never see another like him. Scmitty killed that thinking. Then I knew I’d never see another power driven superstar like Mike play for the Phils. Ryan has killed that. And for all I know, Jonathan Singleton might be the one to kill thoughts of never seeing a guy carry a club like RyHo has.
Some other top 20 contenders who probably don’t belong on the list, but are worth mention…
Granny Hamner
Bob Boone
Frank Edwin McGraw
Peter Edwatd Rose
I wonder if Eddie Waitkus would have wound up on the list had he not been shot by a fan.
However he has done it, Ken Rosenthal has established himself as the one baseball journalist to pay the most attention to. The guy that broke the in essense Lee for Halladay trade has come up with a trade rumor for the forthcoming trade deadline that makes a whole lot of sense, and will effect division races and potential post season matchups.
The deal is Matt Kemp to the Braves for a starting pitcher. Kemp, off a mediocore first half is a proven offensive talent. Long range hard feelings may have emerged from early season GM Ned Coletti’s criticis of Kemp, and he’s part of a talented 2012 free agent Dodger class that may well make him a lesser choice to keep around.
The Braves, meanwhile, should get Jurgens back soon, and you have to assume Tim Hudson will be the old Tim Hudson the rest of the way. The Braves offensive shortcomings live on, and a change of scenery might be good for Kemp. And by the way, if you think the Braves have tarting pitching depth now, they are said to have some excellent starting pitching youth in the minors.
Phils’ top 20: Honorable mentions:
Dave Cash for 3 great years (’74-’76; 608 hits, 292 runs; MVP votes in each year) of optimism, hitting leadoff, stealing bases and playing a competent 2nd base. Spiritual forefather of Jimmy Rollins. A true catalyst to Phillies’ 70s extended success. Took off for Montreal after ’76 for free agent greenbacks. Yes he could.
Don Demeter* another 3 year (’61-’63) stalwart. A tall, lean, versatile player (3rd base, outfield, 1st base; 266 game errorless streak) who averaged 23 HRs & 86 RBIs on 1 bad team and 2 ‘ beginning to see the light’ ones during his brief Phillies tenure. Was traded along with RHP Jack Hamilton to Detroit for RHP Jim Bunning and C Gus Triandos, 12/63. Had a productive 11 year career at Brooklyn/LA, Philly, Detroit, Boston & Cleveland. ’18 & 70′ centerfielder for ’59 World Champion Dodgers. A true gentleman and a credit to the game. Became a pastor at a Baptist church in OKC, OK. A member of Oklahoma’s Sports Hall Of Fame.
*His son Todd was a 2nd round, $208,000 Yankees’ ”bonus baby” in ’79; 7 years in minor leagues (NY, STL), never made ‘the show’; died from Hodgkin’s Disease in 1996.
if the US soccer team beats ghana, does it get a story? ‘)
I knmow this is a philly based site, but the world cup is something that ppl are paying attentuion to in philly.
The flyers post was cool, esp when it was more for observations instead of analysis. there’s a lot to observe while watyching the world cup game.s
I’m pretty sure Pete hates the vuvuzellas ( whatever there called) so I don’t know if he could watch a whole US soccer game. ( as i just type this I myself contemplate or watching the game) I obviously do not speak for Pete or for any other readers, but barring a World Cup appearance i doubt we will see a WC post anytime soon.
Angelo - Pete actually has the vuvuzela Iphone app on his phone!
I personally hate the horns and am not at all into soccer, though I am going to passively watch the game.
I am sure Pete is watching. I did a post after the U.S. Basketball team won the Gold medal so there’s a chance Pete writes something if the U.S. does something special.
Well, I guess there goes any chance of a World Cup post. In other news, I think were gonna have a tough time today against Marcum. Lefties are only batting .169 against him (yikes!). I know Heat like Hamels is pitching today but it just looks like a tough matchup with Marcum’s dirty change. Also why is PP sitting today? I understand he needs rest, but the Blue Jays are no team to be resting against.
My grandfather, a British World War I vet and club soccer player in England, told me in early 60s soccer was gonna catch fire in the States.
He meant well by his enthusiasm, but he miscalculated on the game’s lack of telegenics, a requirement for American translation and commercial success. Fans aren’t hard to find on special occasions like the World Cup. But the habit of soccer rabidity hasn’t found the grain of the American lifesyle. Good competition is good competition, however. I’m glad some are finding joy in the current international events.
Angelo, Nice call on Marcum. Was only solved on a “hit this” fastball to Howard.
Hamels: the lanky stud threw his occasional dud. 6-6, 4.08. Wanting stats for a number 2 in rotation.
Braves win, Mets lose. Phils 3.5 & 2.0 behind. Injuries continue to nag.
Good news: ‘Gramps’ Moyer tomorrow. Bad news: ‘Gramps’ Moyer tomorrow.
As fascinating as Jamie Moyer’s recent comeback has been, there might be a better one going on in Minnesota. How’d you like to be Carl Pavano tonight. Upping his on pace to win 20 mark to 9-6, dropping his ERA to 3.33 (in the AL, no less), the one time target of the New York press is celebrating victories this week over Roy Halladay and Johan Santana.
Last year, the Twins pulled off a mid season acquisition from Cleveland for Pavano. Now, it looks quite possible that Pavano and Cliff Lee might cross midwestern paths again as early as this week via the trade route.
That could make for a very formidable pitching tandem against an AL East foe or strong Texas lineup in the AL playoffs.
I would guess that one of the reasons Pavano has succeeded as been his flying under the radar. Sometime soon, his comeback should get a lot more attention, and we’ll see how it effects his concentration.
I’m pretty sure the Yanks handled him with ease in last year’s playoffs.
I would think it will be significantly harder this time.
Phils’ top 20: Honorable mentions:
Dave Cash>>
Somewhere, you have to draw the line on assembling a top 20 team. That Cash only played here for 3 years is a probable indicator.
But if you did a list of the 20 most influential players in Phils history, guys like Cash and Pete Rose join many of the players who have been discussed among the 25-30 or so.
That guy was as much the soul of the 70s turnaround as anyone can imagine. I don’t know what his deal was off the field that he got shoved off to Montreal and lost his job to Rodney Scott before his prime would seem to have ended, but I seriously doubt it was coincidence that his first full year here (74) was Schmid’ts breakout season (.282, 36, 116, and only after a season end weak finish). Cash was replaced in Pittsburgh, where he came from by Rennie Stennet, so he was replaced twice by decent enough players, but at least here, he was critical to the emotional maturity of the club.
He later managed the Utica Blue Sox, but even that level never went the way my image was of him.
followup on Cash.
I did some hecking on Cash. I remember he wasn’t known for his defense. He had 22 errors one season. So I checked on Manny Trillo who hit a triple in the NLCS that would make most of the past 2 post seasons boring. Most, I said. Anyway, Trillo had 2 seasons of 29 and 25 errors, and Manny was a good defensive 2B. That was earlier in his career. I’m pretty sure Cash was affiailated with the Utica Blue Sox, although Baseball reference has him listed as managing 2 different places. Maybe he coached there, or I’m just wrong.
Cash was out as a player by 32. And done as a regular by 30.
“Somewhere, you have to draw the line on assembling a top 20 team.” > Thus, “honorable mention”
“That Cash only played here 3 years is a probable indicator” > snarky
“I remember he wasn’t known for his defense.” > You misremember.
Cash was a good, quick, compact athlete; made all the plays (48th all-time fielding percentage – .984 - among 2nd sackers, ahead of Jackie Robinson, Red Schoendienst, Bill Mazeroski, Joe Morgan, Manny Trillo, Chase Utley and many other name players). Cash’s ‘competent’ (as I originally stated) fielding was a winning factor, though not his preeminent one.
“Cash was replaced in Pittsburgh, where he came from by Rennie Stennet” > Sort of. Cash was traded to Phillies for LHP Ken Brett (who was coming off a strong season and filled a Pirate need in rotation for the next 2 seasons … 22-14, 3.32, 14 CG) due to 2nd base depth/redundancy; Willie Randolph was in minor league pipeline, waiting for his shot. History shows Cash (12 yrs) to have been the superior player to Stennet (11 yrs) – both had many fine moments. Rodney Scott is not even close, though the ‘youthful flash’ replaced the veteran Cash, who got the Expos SS Billy Almon and 1B/OF Dan Briggs from Padres in return, even then at the end of his line.
Dave Cash: 6057 career at-bats. 424 BBs. Only 309 Ks. NOW THERE WAS A CONTACT HITTER!
In contrast, Utley: 3567 career at-bats. 400 BBs. 642 Ks.
Rollins: 5996 career at-bats. 484 BBs. 775 Ks.
Nice win. Jamie Moyer continues to amaze. Kept them off balance for 7 efficient innings and was throwing strikes to the tune of 7 Ks and no walks. The all-or-nothing, free-swinging Jays lineup played right to his strength and he was able to pull a “Marcum” on them.
The Jay’s sloppiness was an added bonus. It was mentioned during the tv broadcast that the last time the Jays made 4 errors in a game was on June 27th 2007 (against the Twins in Minnesota—a game the Jays won, btw). How about that for a coincidence? Makes me wonder which team will be the lucky recipient of the 4 errors they will commit in the game to be played on June 27th 2013.
Team is playing well. One good omen is that the PHils are over 500 home and away. This is in contrast to the Mets and Atlanta, which are highly dependent on home-field. Atlanta is an amazing 26-8 at home. If you consider that are only up 2.5 games on the Phils, that is not a good omen from Atlanta. I see more of a long summer fighting the Mets than the Braves. Mets have a more balanced team while Atlanta relying exclusively on pitching. They just won’t score enough.
I have been anti-Moyer for a aweful long time. What can I say. Nothing at the moment, he has shut me up. But I sure hope he doesn’t dupe Charlie or RAJ into thinking this is a guy who could start a game in the playoffs. A am convinced this is smoke and mirrors, perfect storm of battling against mostly young undisciplined lineups. But hey, it is more than HAmels game do.
Moyer continues to impress. I still can’t believe what he is doing. 5/6 is exactly what we are supposed to do to teams like the Indians and Jays. Now that being said are pitching and batting was superb. I liked how everything is going right now, I hope we can keep it going against those pesky Reds.
Cash was a good, quick, compact athlete; made all the plays (48th all-time fielding percentage – .984 - among 2nd sackers, ahead of Jackie Robinson, Red Schoendienst, Bill Mazeroski, Joe Morgan, Manny Trillo, Chase Utley and many other name players). Cash’s ‘competent’ (as I originally stated) fielding was a winning factor, though not his preeminent one. >>
Not a word about Cash’s range. Certainly suffice to say he was an offensive player, and a very good one for the Phils.
Totally forgot about Willie Randolph. Good point.
And Rodney Scott had a couple decent years in Montreal before fading quickly. That’s from memory, so could be wrong. I remember him stealing a lot of bases. That decision was made by Dick Williams, a pretty good manager. I remember thinking it was weird when it went down, but not that bad a decision as it turned out. Cash, for whatever reason faded fast.
<<Atlanta is an amazing 26-8 at home. If you consider that are only up 2.5 games on the Phils, that is not a good omen from Atlanta. >>
The Braves have played several more games on the road so far. In that regard, it’s an accomplishment to be up on the Phils by 2.5 considering their home success. The Mets have played 5 more games at home thn on the road. A good part of the equation may come down to who strengthens themselves by the deadline, and how so.
The Braves have played several more games on the road so far. In that regard, it’s an accomplishment to be up on the Phils by 2.5 considering their home success. >>>
But it doesn’t bode well for a long season. I can see them continuing this road pace, which is probably about right for them, but I can’t see them 56-18 at home after 34 more home games. Again, it is in the context of the PHils really haven’t played very good yet. Of course if the Phils hang around 7 games over 500, Braves would be fine with less home dominance.
I can see them continuing this road pace, which is probably about right for them, but I can’t see them 56-18 at home after 34 more home games.>>
That makes sense. I don’t know about playing poorly on the road the rest of the way, but we’ll see.
Some other top 20 contenders who probably don’t belong on the list, but are worth mention…
Granny Hamner
Bob Boone
Frank Edwin McGraw
Peter Edwatd Rose
>>
add Mike Lieberthal to that list.
And who didn’t try to immitate Martinez at first when they were a kid?
Sorry, meant that awesome snap on the catch by the stylish 1B William (“Willie”) Montanez. How about a top 20 “characters” in Philly history who stuck out not just for skill, but for style.
Looking forward to seeing how Strasburg does against the Brave tonight. Will be fun to see him and Heyward, the two most hyped (for good reason) rookies this year, face off.
OK, then catcher Clay Dalrymple (9 yr Phil, 3 yr Oriole) deserves mention. Lieberthal, clearly the better hitter but wasn’t in Dalrymple’s league as a gunner behind the plate. Clay ranks 18th all-time in ‘caught stealing’ pct.: 48.8%. Lieberthal not in top 400 – 30%. (Bob Boone, #243 – 39.75%) But Lieberthal’s 53 million dollar career earnings topped #11′s by at least 52 million. Was a fine handler of agents.
phillyfan,
Heyward is out with a thumb injury. From today’s Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves rookie Jason Heyward has a strained thumb ligament that will not require surgery, said a person familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak about it before the team makes an announcement later today.
Heyward had an MRI done on his left thumb Monday morning, after soreness that’s plagued him for six weeks worsened to the point where he could no longer grip the bat using the thumb on his top hand.
The MRI exam revealed a strained ligament where it attaches to the bone, and possibly a bruise. While it’s not an injury that requires surgery, it’s possible the soreness could linger until Heyward gets extended rest in the offseason.
In the meantime, it will likely be up to the 20-year-old right fielder to play when he feels comfortable enough to do so. He’s out of the lineup for Monday night’s game, the third consecutive start he’s missed since the soreness.
Heyward initially injured the thumb when he jammed it into third base sliding head-first on May 14.
In the past 24 games in which he batted, Heyward hit .172 (17-for-99) with one homer, seven RBIs, 33 strikeouts, a .274 on-base percentage and a .232 slugging percentage (.506 OPS).
In his first 46 games, he hit .301 (47-for-156) with 10 doubles, three triples, 10 homers, 38 RBIs, 29 walks, 35 strikeouts, and a .421 OBP and .596 slugging percentage (1.017 OPS).
“It’s nothing major because I’ve been on the field for the last two months with it,” he said Sunday. “But it’s something that’s creating a problem as far as being consistent.
“I want to get it taken care of now instead of having to worry about it later.”
(BTW, Can’t forget about Montanez’s stylin’ at the plate either—flipping the bat from the handle to the barrel and back again. I’m in for a top-20 characters list.)
Forgot 1: Michael Brooks, West Catholic ’76, LaSalle, was the equal of his neighborhood rival, the more celebrated Gene Banks. More gifted offensively. Had strong start to NBA career with SD Clippers, knee injury his 4th yr, never the same.
re post 50: oops, wrong thread … sorry baseball fans
William (“Willie”) Montanez. How about a top 20 “characters” in Philly history who stuck out not just for skill, but for style.>>
Guillermo, not William. Bo Belinsky at the top of the list. Married busty Mamie Van Doren. Marriage lasted as long as a Jamie Moyer start used to. Chris Short was always referred to as the stylish lefthander, but seemed pretty normal. Crash Allen certainly had a unique style. Jay Johnstone, one of my faves of all time. Tony Taylor, crossed himself before each at bat. I guess his thought process was its just you , me and the pitcher, Lord Jesus. Rollins has style. Bowa’s temper had style. He went 0-5 one night against the Mets, I think 5ks actually, and drove back from Shea with wife Sheena in the car. Good grief.
Ya know what? Scratch all that. Just chop 5 guys off the 93 club, and there’s your top 20 Phils with “style.”
Clay Dalrymple (9 yr Phil, 3 yr Oriole)>>
We used to call him Clay Dalpimple, he was such a lousy hitter and so slow.
Dalpimple later (maye even now, though I doubt it) did O’d tv. Survived 5 divorces or wives deaths, and beat cancer.
A full life everywhere he walked except to the batter’s box.
A Gene Mauch player to the tee.
I read the same article. Anyone can [google "baseball biography project", go to site, click 'browse', 'D', 'Clay Dalrymple' - presto!].
Recommended: interesting career story, good anecdotes from a ’64 Phillie.
That you used to call him “Dalpimple” says little about him.
Clay didn’t survive cancer, his first wife did – but only for a time.
That he’s been married 5 times is a testament to his grit.
Yes, he was a slow runner; majority of catchers run in sand.
“A full life everywhere he walked except to the batter’s box.” >
That he got pinch-hits off Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver in ’69 WS (Games 3 & 4) tells you he wasn’t feeble with bat in hands, could seize a moment. 2-2, 1.000 WS batting average – can’t be beat. Strong season in batter’s box in ’62. Decent in ’63, ’64. 8 sac flies in ’64 led NL. Of course his great value was behind the plate, as many pitchers of that era would attest.
I liked Clay Dalrymple. He punched the clock; gave honest effort.
Keith Law just updated his top 25 MLB prospects and our boy Dominic Brown is #1. What are the chances of a July-August call up?
Lidge=fail
I don’t know if that is good or bad timing on Charlie’s part?
pick a post, any post, Jurnee!