The Phils looked poised for a sweep, but couldn’t finish the job on Sunday. Instead, they took 2 of 3 and sit 1 game behind the Braves and 2 games ahead of the Giants in the respective playoff races.
2010: 78-59
2009: 79-58
2008: 75-62
2007: 72-65
Don’t have a lot of time today, so I’m just going to bullet point my thoughts…
- Very interested to see what Vance Worley looks like today. With the way Kendrick is struggling, you hope Worley can step up and earn a 2nd start. The Phillies also brought up Nate Robertson, who might get a chance at that 5th spot for the rest of the year.
- What to expect from Worley? I think he’s got a low-90s fastball, good slider, not sure what his 3rd pitch is. OK stuff from what I’ve read. In his 8 Lehigh Valley starts, he had a 3.77 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 7.2 K/9 and 1.9 BB/9. By comparison, when Kendrick was down in AAA last year, he had a 3.34 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 3.9 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9. While Kendrick’s ERA and WHIP are better, it’s that K/9 rate that kills him. Worley’s is good enough to make me think he could replace Kendrick.
- I think it’s Halladay’s Cy Young to lose. There are a ton of pitchers having great seasons with very similar numbers. But Halladay is first in the NL in W (tied), K’s and is way ahead in IP. The difference in ERA between the leaders is negligible.
- I assume everyone has read about the possibility of the Phillies tweaking their rotation to make sure that Halladay, Hamels and Oswalt pitch against the Braves in both match-ups. I haven’t heard any confirmation that this is happening, but it really, really should.
Series Preview: Marlins at Phillies
Monday (Game 1, 1pm): Worley vs. RHP Aldalberto Mendez (1st start)
Monday (Game 2, 7pm): Oswalt vs. RHP Anibal Sanchez (11-8, 3.14 ERA)
Tuesday (7pm): Blanton vs. RHP Chris Volstad (9-9, 4.82 ERA)
Wednesday (7pm): Hamels vs. LHP Andrew Miller (1-0, 3.60 ERA)
Three Questions for the Series
- How will Vance Worley do in his first start?
- Will we make our move to the top of the division?
- Can Domonic Brown get a start?
Series Prediction
I think the Phils will take 3 of 4 from the Marlins. We miss Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco, both of whom have given us trouble. The Braves head to Pittsburgh, so it might be tough to overtake them here. The Giants are in Arizona, who has been playing well lately and the Padres will try to stop their ridiculous 10-game losing streak against the Dodgers.
Pete: >>> I assume everyone has read about the possibility of the Phillies tweaking their rotation to make sure that Halladay, Hamels and Oswalt pitch against the Braves in both match-ups. I haven’t heard any confirmation that this is happening, but it really, really should.
i agree with you, i think it would be a bad mistake to underestimate the Braves in any way. better throw everything we have at em and make chance of victory higher. they seem the strongest challenge we’ve had in the division since we started making noise back then.
I have to say, I’m a big fan of playing the last 25 games in the division. That’s a hell of a thing and I’ve thought for a while it would be very cool to keep teams in their own division down the stretch. Imagine how this month would play out if the Yanks/Rays, Phils/Braves, Giants/Padres, White Sox/Twins and Red/Cards races would be like if everyone was playing division rivals for three weeks at the end of the season.
Unrelated, I absolutely can not believe that Logan Morrison is in the starting lineup for the Marlins today. How’d that foul ball he took to the face not give him a concussion?
Not to rush to judgement on VW so far, but he’s having a hard time keeping the ball down.
Mendez, on the other hand, looks pretty good, even though the Phils have hit some non productive hard ones. Mendez’s minore league record and age (28) suggest he’s more taking advantage of 15 minutes of fame than a great prospect.
In order to afford Werth, the Phils need to find a sponsor that would pay for an in game insta poll. Text your vote to so and so, like that. Charge the sponsor for poll results in the 7th.
Today’s instapoll question would be who do you want back in 2011,
a/ Kyle Kendrick
b/ Tom McCarthy
Boy, are we digging in the pen early now.
hey, a baserunner. whatever it takes.
Coming into this series, Heyward was hitting .476 (10-for-21) vs. the Pirates with two doubles, two HRs and six RBIs >>
DOB, AJC
To really appreciate the year Buster Posey has had, all you have to do is realize how much more his year has been than the impactful one that J-Hey has put together. Very nice rookie class.
Since we’re gonna score 12 runs on 15 hits in the 8th inning to even the season out, and make everyone forget the inconsistency that’s been, I’ll suggest now that make it matters what the batting order is against the Braves, and not who pitches.
Another unbelievable performance to this point. Even Pittsburgh has 2 hits today.
And the lead swells to 4. Unreal.
Today’s instapoll question would be who do you want back in 2011,
a/ Kyle Kendrick
b/ Tom McCarthy
I’ll take c/ Turk Wendell.
I’ll take c/ Turk Wendell.>>
good option!
Jayson Stark tweeted a similar comment to your Logan Morrision comment.
And here’s some Werthy questions from Ken Rosenthal.
ASSESSING HIS WERTH
A rival general manager with potential interest in Phillies right fielder Jayson Werth as a free agent is skeptical about how the right-handed slugger would fare in a lesser lineup.
“Is he a big bat without other big bats around him?” the GM asks. “Can he carry a team? Can he be the guy when he’s Ryan Howard, when he’s Chase Utley?”
Another question: How would Werth perform if he were not playing half of his games at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park?
In his first three seasons with the Phillies, Werth’s home-road splits were practically even. This season his OPS is 1.006 at home and a still-respectable .821 on the road.
ah, life!
On the hardly important rehab beat, courteousy Brookover (Inky)…
Baez coming into 2-2 game in the 7th
Eric Bruntlett vs. Danys Baez…matchup for the ages. Bruntlett wins on a bloop single
.
Baez gives up go ahead run on another bloop single. >>
So Eric Bruntlett has matched the Phils hit total for the day.
Finally. This one really came apart. If the Phillies score 8 in the ninth and win this thing I think i’ll be as frustrated as anything else.
I don’t see how the Pirates hold on. Derreck Lee led off with 8th with a walk, Natt Diaz is next. It just has typical Braves game written all over the script. Here’s to hope.
I wonder at what point we have a shot here. The Fish pen is a nightmare. Yaneverknow as Joaquin used to say.
Oh well, at least Meek held the Braves in the 8th, too, so maybe we still end the day .5 out.
terrible game 1.
The boys are looking a bit gassed. Not too surprising with the recent schedule/travels. Need pitching to come through. May need to tread water for a week with SP’s keeping us in games to win 2-1, 3-2 until regulars catch their breath. Interested to see if Utley and Howard are in the lineup tonight. At least Braves seem to look gassed too.
22-14 through the first 36 of the final 60 games – need to get to 37 wins. We need to go 15-9 rest of way to assure a playoff spot. Halladay (9-3) (5-2)
Hamels (8-4) (3-4)
Oswalt (8-4) (6-1)
Blanton (6-6) (5-2)
Kendrick (6-6) (3-4)
Other: (.500) (0-1)
What else I’m hearing: the front runner is Scott Boras, with whom Werth is “way down the road,” according to my sources, and it’s looking like he will sign with him.
>>
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/top-posts/jayson-werth-may-soon-sign-with-scott-boras.php
Boras’ clients always hit the open market. He might as well put his house on the market the same day he signs with SB.
Game 2 wow!
Victorino 8, Polanco 5, Utley 4, Howard 3, Rollins 6, Ibanez 7, Brown 9, Ruiz 2, Oswalt 1
Mat Latos scratched. Heard he’s ill. Tim Stauffer gets a spot start. >>
That’s against the Dodgers tonight.
Heyman
D Brown showing an improved batting eye earning that walk. Not easy when you bat 1-2 times a week of late. God AB.
funny inning for right button Charlie. He lets Roy O hit away with em loaded and 0 out, and he at least avoids the couble play. Then, he sends Vic on a steal, key to getting at least 4 out of a bases loaded 0 out.
His usual nice work.
Guess who’s batting 5th the rest of the year?
Well, until the next slump.
The irony of that 5 run blitz was that JRoll led the inning off. Out of the 5 hole. Best of both worlds that time.
ok so assuming the phillies can hang on for this one, what change in the standings would take place? would they move closer to the braves by splitting the DH?
boy, what outstanding programming. In game interview for a full half inning with hardest of the hard core baseball man Davey Lopes. What a solid addition to the coachigg staff.
would they move closer to the braves by splitting the DH?>>
sure cause the Braves lost. We’d gain .5, and we’d lose .5 to the Rox, Giants, and Cards.
Yes, they should move to within a 1/2 game of ATL. There wins would be the same at 78 but they would still have 1 more loss than ATL with 60 to ATL’s 59.
If we do win, people will be excited by 1st place prospects immediate term, but Hudson at the Pirates tomorrow, and we throw Blanton. Pretty iffy stuff.
Hudson at the Pirates tomorrow, and we throw Blanton. >>
not liking those odds much
Hudson at the Pirates tomorrow, and we throw Blanton>>
well, I’ll throw some half full stuff at you for the heck of it. Joe’s okay at home, and last Thursday was interruption of a nice little comeback.
Braves are not so good on the road, and not hitting again. Prado said after the loss today that he thought they were pressing Maybe they do that again tomorrow.
Huddy’s been very good of late, but short of spectacular, as he was early. He did strike out 14 a couple games back, that’s pretty spectacular.
That said, I wouldn’t plan on gaining ground tomorrow, but you know how this game goes.
I hope McCarthy gets laryngitis tomorrow. Defending the DH position. Good grief, Tom.
the florida announcers aren’t much better if thats any consolation.
I listened to them 1 game about a week ago. Half listened, I guess. Didn’t catch their names. Sounded homerish, but what else is new? But they sounded decent enough that night. Maybe it was cause the Fish were playing the Braves and winning or something.
I know one of the announcers is Tommy Hutton but I don’t know the other announcer’s name.
You know, I said the Braves aren’t hitting, and they did score 5 to tie yesterday, but its like us tonight. We get 5 in 1 inning after that first game no show, and now we go 6 up, 6 down. Lotsa clubs aren’t hitting in this pitching driven year, but it drives me nuts the way we struggle to sustain from inning to inning and game to game.
Right, you don’t care for Tommy? Ex-Phil from the 70s, been with the Fish forever.
I wasn’t around for the 70′s (or 80′s or technically 90′s), but Tommy is ok; it’s his partner that I find annoying at times. He often overreacts and yells loudly, etc.
He often overreacts and yells loudly, etc.>>
Imagine him and McCarthy in the same booth.
all the Fish homers are with 2 outs. Doc’s 4 in 1 game was a personal high. I would guess Roy is the same, but that’s a guess.
i dont know about anyone else but i would love to see what goes on inside the clubhouse and dugout of the phillies. i would love to just spend a game sitting in the dugout next to Dom Brown
sitting in the dugout next to Dom Brown>>
why DB as opposed to others?
zero reason not to score 3-4 more and get to their pen here.
seems like a nice, humble guy. and he’s pretty young too compared to sitting next to chase or ryan in comparison. i think before long, werth will be all but a memory in RF.
Brandon, just so you know, anytime a team wins a game, they gain a half game in the standings. Lose, and they lose a half. Tht’s why the Phils would gain half a game on the Braves today. Easiest way to make up ground on a team is beat them, and gain a full game.
seems like a nice, humble guy>>
strikes me as humble in a way, but he is not short of confidence in his ability. Not cocky, or ego maniacal, but that might come in time. That’s the impression I get.
seems like most athletes nowadays have a confidence that often grows to arrogance, but i dont think it has gotten to Domonic yet
kinda funny to see somebody walk a hitter to get to Chooch.
bad pitch to swing at. disappointing on a very selective hitter.
John Mayberry, hitting .350 on the year against lefties, stole his 20th base of the season today for Lehigh Valley >>
Maybe right hand protection next year? Depending on which way they want to dpend extra money. Only figure to get so much protection from Fransisco.
Worley would go on full rest on Saturday if he replaces KK. That’s against the Mets.
Madson and Lidge, 1 more time.
.5 and counting.
I HATE KK. I would rather have Savery start then KK.
Pete: re: #204 – Confusing Phils, Pads post - I think I get what you meant now.
.5 – it may not seem like much but on Oct 1st it just may be the difference.
still wondering why Werth wasn’t in the lineup for the 2nd game
If Werth does leave next year, amd DB takes over in RF, I hope they have him work in the off season on his fielding. I think were going to missJW there alot. DB routes to balls need work and even though it was a tough play. JW would have caught that foul ball in the 9th.
I’m not that upset about Werth leaving – Brown has some work to do but he’ll learn quickly. His potential is incredible. Meanwhile, for someone looking for a big payday most of the seaon, Werth has just looked lazy.
I don’t think we’ll see Kendrick start any more games this season – not based on anything but my feeling and that they now have a couple of options to play with for the remainder.
I knew that 2 writers from each city that are BBWAA members voted on the CY award. But I thought they voted for 10 places, not 3 as it turns out. Not that this is the first year that there weren’t multiple candidates, but certainly for this year, and seeminglly for others, the number of candidates is such that a quantity of decent to worthy candidates can easily get left off a ballot if you only vote for 3. I would think that Doc and Hudson currently head the field, but not even by such a margin that 1 of them might not get left off a ballot. Hard to believe Doc could get left off one, but it’s not like his year has been unblemished. I’d think he’d be on everybody’s top 5, but top 3 might be considered a leap of faith. Assuming individual voter’s decisions in a close race can be dangerous. I suspect that of the leaders, Doc, AW, Hudson, Ubaldo, and maybe I left a name or two out, the easiest way to win it is to be named on all ballots. I’m not at all sure that Doc has done enough to get enough first place votes to offset any voter that might not vote for him. Perhaps the imagery of the whole thing will be clearer after Doc and Hudson face their respective clubs, not to mention the remainders in the field, but being on each ballot could be key.
Meanwhile, for someone looking for a big payday most of the seaon, Werth has just looked lazy.>>
You make it sound as if that’s unique to this year. At most, I’d say maybe that’s the case. He’s not the most heady player I’ve ever seen, but not to turn semantic on you, but I’d use sloppy instead of lazy to describe him, if there is a differnece in those qualities.
lazy – habitual condition. sloppy - temporal one.
lazy, the modifier for those fed up with J Dub.
sloppy, the modifier for those with a soft spot for J Dub.
I say lazy for the number of plate appearances where the bat didn’t leave his shoulders. Sloppy for his base running this year.
I wouldn’t say I’m fed up – I hold out hope on every one of them bringing out their best play for the stretch – Jayson included. To me, he just doesn’t seem as interested this year.
jayson was moved from orioles to jays after AA mgr and former ml-er andy etchebarren deemed him uncoachable. years later, at lease traces of that predilection remain.
correction: least, not “lease” (though he shall soon be leasing his services)
Is 15 to 20 mil per annum the going rate for a skilled but bumpily performing rightfielder with a chip on his shoulder? If so, there’ll be a line of suitors for Jayson.
This season’s NL CY Young race is coming down to the wire. Worthy candidates abound. It’s like the ’67 Best Motion Picture Award in which In The Heat Of The Night beat out Bonnie & Clyde, The Graduate and Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner.
I didn’t realize Mike Stanton is only 20 years old. His 17 homers since being called up is part of a 38 home run season, MLB and MILB combined. Pretty impressive. 21 in November.
I once had a Briggs & Stanton lawnmower. Returned it on account of misspelling.
Despite presence of whoosh-masters Howard and Werth, Phils’ 911 KOs is bettered only by St. Louis and Houston, 853. Good things can happen when you put the ball in play. Arizona has notched 1,269 “sit-downs” … one reason why they’re 22 games off the pace in the West.
I hope McCarthy gets laryngitis tomorrow. Defending the DH position. Good grief, Tom.>>
I hope McCarthy gets eaten by a mountain lion. I’d rather listen to Kermit and Fozzie Bear call the game.
Sarge’s style is a cut above his partners. Wheels & Tommy Mac – yapdogs unwittingly begging for Comcast euthanasia.
Opportunity knocked, door partially opened. Braves have lost 10 of last 18, but only 2 games in NL East standings.
Hudson vs. 46-91 Pirates; Blanton vs. 70-67 Marlins. Tonight, not a strong bet for Phillies gaining ground.
Well, hopefully they won’t lose any ground either. Until the Phils get their offense moving forward consistantly, its going to be back and forth.
Yep, most likely some “see-saw” action to come. One disadvantage:
Phils 11-12 H/A split; Braves 13-11. One advantage: 1st Braves series at CBP (Braves on road – 30-40, .429).
wow the writer to post # 55 must have lost some common sense…
I double checked to make sure this wasn’t an old piece of news from last night. It’s not.
Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Rollins SS, Ibanez LF, Brown RF, Ruiz C, Blanton P
Now Zoelecki is reporting that QWerth is “back in” the lineup, and he’s waiting for a reason why. DB is out.
well gelb says that werth is 1-17 against volstad so he probably would have had a useless 0-4 night anyways. good choice sitting werth
well i would have rather seen gload then. it looks like his rust is building up rapidly…
DB has a sore quad, nothing serious per Amaro (Murphy). Jayson is hitting 7th.
Anyone want to guess Werth’s batting average on 2 out RISP situations? He’s faced that 60 times.
You wpn’t see Kyle Drabek getting an early (we’re past that anyway, I guess) call up from the Blue Jays. Jim Bowden explains why…
<<Cito Gaston just told us that they want Drabek to pitch in minor league playoffs to learn to win….and might not get call-up due to innings >>
Kyle is 14-9 on the season.
Someone at SI.com wrote a piece on the 10 callups to watch in September. Number 8 was Michael Taylor. That’s good if the A’s do tat, which, to my knowledge, has not happened. And I looked into it 2 days ago. Taylor did not have a particularly good year. He did recoop in H2, after being at .227 somewhere around June. He was at .270 as of a couple days ago. 6 dingers (yuck) and I wanna say his OPS was pretty anemic, maybe upper 7′s or so. Hopefully, he gets a chance, and plays well.
Werth has 6 hits in those 60 instances. That’s .100 for those with match skills equal to my typing capacity.
KB
I guess .037 on Werth’s average with 2out and RISP
I’m pretty sure Werth has the lowest average in the majors with RISP. All you have to do is throw a 93 or greater MPH fastball above his waste. Insta K
Nice honor for Shane today. Nominated for the prestigious Roberto Clemente award as the Phils entry in the one per club MLB award. Cole was nominated last year. Jeter won it.
I guess .037 on Werth’s average with 2out and RISP>>
question wasn’t what will it be in 2 weeks. It was what is it. Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
6-60 is absolutely terrible. that has to be the worst in the league out of 50 or more AB’s
he’s at .327 with nobody on, and overall, the average with RISP is still under .160.
Far as your worst in the League, I bet it’s one of the worst first 60 ABs in baseball history.
All that said, it’s yesterday’s news. Like Joe B’s first inning troubles. At least for his last 2 starts.
You know Aroldis was a free agent this past winter, and the Fish were rumored to be favorites to sign him. I’m not annointing the guy, but had the Fish signed him, and had they moved him up earlier, the landscape of the East might be at least fairly different if not big time.
Nice work by Joe. Looks like he brought his B game tonight. When Joe has an A game to even bring, I will happily convey that opinion. Bucs are at least hanging. 0-0 B2.
alright, alright, now just keep this going, didnt take too long this time to score
I suspect Charlie didn’t send Jimmy to let Jayson concentrate on the pitcher he struggles against. Too much chance of a swing and a miss. A couple good counts to run on earlier in the count.
sarge…is my choice for the answer to the trivia question.
what was the ? I heard something about Marlins first year, I think?
why wouldnt rollins throw home on the play with the man on third when he was already breaking for home? i dont get how that’s a ‘risky’ play.
He looked, thought he couldn’t get him. Judgement call by the fielder.
good ballgame in Pitt. 0-0 T5, Hudson perfect through 4, dropping ERA to League best 2.25
The question asked which player did a certain knuckleballer strike out in 1980 in a blowout game. The knuckleballer is apparently friends with Chris Wheeler.
I couldt tell who the actual player was bc I’m having a hard time watching philies games bc of the weak signal.
I figured the player that struck out had to be someone nearby, and sarge was playing at that time.
well, they’ll tell us in the 7th, I thinkg they were just playing with the question when it was asked. Sarge was actually not with the Phils in 80 (fairly sure). He was on the 83 squad. I believe they were having fun with Tommy Hutton’s name when discussing the question.
Using Sarge as the answer to a trivia question would be uncommon. But it is usually someone topical that night. Man, this Fish club is pesky. Anyway, Hutton might have been gone by 80 (again, airly plus sure this time).
Bottom line is hell if I know.
is there a stat or something that can tell us how we play against certain pitchers? it seems against bad pitchers we don’t do as well as against good or average pitchers. and as im typing this ibanez blasts one over the fence in LF.
we really have rediscovered the home run ball lately. Quick way to cut a deficit, and mask not hitting. Nice work by Raul.
* it seems against bad pitchers we dont do as well as we do against good or even average pitchers
Bring the DH to the NL already!! or just cut it out from MLB
a lot of people say that, Brandon. Sure seems that way. Don’t know exactly where you probably find it in these sites, but all 3 are excellent statisticl references. We have some stat followers on the board, maybe they can help better. Highly recommend favorite placing all 3.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/
http://espn.go.com/mlb/
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=mlb/scores/real/scoreboard.aspx?date=
Really like our chances of winning this game. Tight and into the Fish pen, andlast at bat all bode pretty well. Fish offense is challenging, but their pitching staff is a mess with Nolasco gone, and Josh doubtful for his next start with the back issue. We keep plugging away, should be okay. Volstad isn’t that good.
i also think fangraphs.com is a great site for the advanced sabermetric stats as well as basically any piece of baseball information for anyone who has ever played the game in its history. they literally have so much info and they record every pitch too
ca ching
and right back in this thing. braves update?
you’re right on fangraphs. The stat experts use that all the time. I’m not as familiar with that site. It well might, but I’m not sure it’s as into team stuff, but I could well be wrong. Excellet site, though.
B6 scoreless, read this last to 1st for B6 progress report
- Andrew McCutchen doubled to left. Runner on second with two outs and Jose Tabata due up.
- James McDonald grounded out pitcher to first. None on with two outs and Andrew McCutchen due up.
- Chris Snyder struck out swinging. None on with one out and James McDonald due up.
gone! opposite field jack for the big piece!
ah, the greedy get greedier…now, can we win this sparing Ryan and Brad a night off?
Phils may be catching that long ball fever.
Bucs didn’t score. T7
2 bagels through 6 innings in the steel city. hudson with 73 pitches
Phils may be catching that long ball fever.>>
May be? Good morning!
they should definately give madson a day off, he’s been greatly overused recently. and now its 5-3 phightin’s
He’s 11 for 23 (.478) with 6 homers against Volstad. >>
He is Ryan
from Zoelecki
Let’s see if Joe can play off last inning when he got em 3 in a row. That’d be 6, but I jut don’t know if we can go to the 7th with him. But we do have extra bodies in the pen at least. Not to mention that we could score more.
Braves are definitely pressing. Guess of course, not inside their heads, but scoreless again the 7th. And they took an hour of extra BP today.
I believe Charlie will go 1 more with Joe, but that’s without looking to see who’s up for the Fish, and how they’ve done tonight. But he’s found a groove, so barring anything major from prior at bats, I think he goes with him. hat would seem the right call, and Charlie is always, usually, and more often than not right. Occasionally, anyway.
Pittsburgh Bottom 7th
- Garrett Jones doubled to center. Runner on second with one out and Pedro Alvarez due up.
he looked good the last 2 innings
go Bucs.
bucs up 1-0
Brandon why do you want the DH out of the NL?
all right!!
but no lead is safe from Bravos, need to score more…
Brandon why do you want the DH out of the NL?>>
i just want the two leagues to be the same. i think it isnt fair to expect the pitchers to bat and so i favor the DH instead
Keystone state coming up huge v. the south tonite.
I must say that I’m shocked that the phils may actually be in 1st place after the yr they had. I’ve been shocked by the team almost every yr since 2007.
Im used to the late 80′s early 90′s teams. 93 was magic, but the yrs that follwed were not.
The team really has a special character. Nothing will ever match 93, but this team on the whole has really worked through things year after year.
Keystone state coming up huge v. the south tonite.>>
good breakdown! Long live the north!
TH finishes his night squared with Doc at 2.36 on the ERA.
Needless to say, the Braves have been down this many several 1000 times this year. We’ll see how it plays out, but this would be a very sweet, and logic driven unexpected help. So we hope for the Bucs, and continue doing our part.
I think the DH takes something away from the game. There’s more strategy and intracentries (sp) when the 9th batter has to bunt, bat or be pinch hit for.
All I pitcher being a DH is a bunch of semi retired barry Bonds, Jose Canseco and Cecil Fielders batting in the 7 hole.
Plus, some of the greatest moments is sports have come from the pitchers spot. I can think of 2 moments that are etched in my memory.
“picture”
Rox lead the Reds 3-0, we win, Braves lose, Reds lose we are .5 out of home field at most.
I know how little that means with so much time left, but it’d be a helluvan achievement.
1 of those 2 moments is Blanton’s homer joof?
sweet, that should be enough for the win.
now we gotta take care of our own business.
sweet, that should be enough for the win.<<
Man, jkay, how many times have we stayed on after Phils finals only to watch those damned Braves come back.
I agree it should, but I want out 27.
I guess we’re gionna see Ryan and Lidge, and I hope we hold it here to get them in.
huge
Durbin redeeming himself for yesterday’s guffaw.
The Durbinator. Outstanding work.
We win, reds lose, they lead by percentage points. They have 2 extra games to make up.
Guess I was way off track on the trivia question
I didnt even incluude blantons HM. Mitch Williams at 4 am and Myers squaring off against Sabathia for a 13 pitch walk. That was a fierce at bat. I think he also got a basehit after the walk.
I’m mixing up the progression of Myers’ at bat, but I’m sure someone else would remember exactly how many pitches he battled Sabathia and what he did for an encore.
hope the Bucs have watched video of ATL late inning voodoo and they get in Meek or whoever their closer is.
who was the answer to the trivia question? The screen is completely blank, again ‘)
and that game 2 against the dodgers where he went 3-3 or 3-4. that was amazing. it gives me goosebumps as i was at the game
Myers squaring off against Sabathia for a 13 pitch walk. That was a fierce at bat.>>
Not overstating it to call that one of the biggest ABs in Phils history. Highly dramatic.
Leon Durham. I must have misunderstoof the question. Hutton pitched in a 16-0 blowout, and they wanted to know which hitter he did whatever he did to. I was way off thinking they were looking for a Phil.
sound execution.
earlier in the year, that would have been an infield fly or sumthin ridiculous.
unreal, how many XBH do we have tonight?
how many hard hit balls too.
on a quick count, 6 of the 11 hits are extras. hard hit balls, a lot.
I’m tellin ya, that kid is gonna be something special. He may lead both JHey and DB down the path to greatness. As he develops as a hitter, and betters his strike zone, watch out.
Jose was a helluva signing. I kinda doubt Chan Ho would have pitched as well as he has.
oh boy
man, Werth has done so many stupid things this year…
well, Jose didn’t get it done tonight. As usual, you just don’t know what JW is thinking. Sure hope JC has it tonight.
great Madson’s coming in for more work.
Lidge will too.
this is starting to remind me of the game Lidge baliked in SD, gave up the lead but we held them ad won in 12 or so. At least they hand Ryan a lead.
KB: extra innings? you called it?
lmfao…….. what a joke. Strike out after a wwild pitch.
good regrouping at least. We still have nultiple advantages. Onjects to win, not style.
And if the situation dictates that we need Brad, it’d only be 2 nights in a row (I think).
It’s bad, but I like our position.
you called it?>>
no, maye you mean the SD reference, what I was saying was we failed, but held where we need to. Ryan gives up a hit to Hanley, and its 8-7, its a lot different. I’ve felt since we were down 3-2 in about the 5th that we had an excellent chance to win.
Still do.
Bonafacio advances on an error, balk, and scores on a wild pitch.
Unreal.
wow…and i called the 0-4 from werth today.
Honestly, I don’t see us going extras. Unless Ryan is just really tired. Fastballs were a little off from the other night, we’ll see what he’s got, and their pen is a mess.
We’ll have serious wood up in the 9th.
Charlie should sit Werth tomorrow just on principle. I’m tired of this guy’s lack of concentration. Costing us games.
Anybody’s game now. whoever scores first will probably win. Big hit by shane. got to capitalize now.
what inning are we in?
bot 8th
Just in case Ryan is not sharp, I’d love some insurance, but barring Stanton, we should be okay, even with the 1 run.
ATL loss now official.
I’m tired of this guy’s lack of concentration.>>
So far today, on this site alone, Werth has been called lazy, sloppy, accused of making numerous stupid plays this year, and now not concentrating.
I hope for the Dude’s mental anity that when he gets home, his wife at least has kind words for him. Although we’re speaking closer to the truth here.
Uggla is no picnic either, we’ll earn this one.
Gotta stay focussed still. No complacency.
What a hitter standing in the way of first place.
fully confident in Madson.
all Charlie needs to do is to trick him into thinking its not a save situation.
It’s okay, nothing good to hit.
So much in our favor on this matchup. 0-9, and 4-35 as a PH.
ex Phillie revenge again?
where we belong biatch!
suck on that Bravos, HFA NL, we coming now.
Ken – You’ll notice that other people said most of the things you’re getting on me about. Chill out. Beyond that, its not mean spirited to say that his lack of concentration is hurting us – its true. Hes been picked off too much, & ill advised throws (not just this one) have hurt us as well. Hes a good player in some respects, but hes got to keep his head in the game.
Good win tonite though, especially with Blanton on the mound. Got to make some hay over the next couple games. I’ll be there tomorrow praying they give Cole some runs.
One reason I checked the amount of places a CY voter votes for this morning was I wondered how many Phils could finish with votes. Maye a record amount? Thinking it was 10, I thought Doc, Cole, Madson, and Lidge might all get votes. I mean Lidge being 8-10th on a ballot or 2, after his recovery in H2 wasn’t unthinkable.
Anyway, it wasn’t the 10 per writer I thought, its only 3. So you can’t see Madson getting any votes. Doc, Huddy, Ubaldo, AW, any voter stays with 1 of them, maybe 1 or 2 others And of the relievers, Brian Wilson has had a fine year, as has Heath Bell.
But I’ll tell you what. Ryan Madson is the man. He may get no votes, but his H2 performance ia about as Cy as it gets.
And on that note, words that I didn’t think I’d say again this season, and wasn’t confident enough to really think differently about as we drove closer, even though I can see so many ways that we’re gonna win it all, GOOD NIGHT FROM FIRST PLACE!
Wow, so much for worrying about Madson being overworked, huh?
Since August 1st through yesterday we have played 35 games in 37 days. Madson has pitched in 22 of them, throwing 22 innings over that stretch (our record is 19-3 in those 22 games, btw). So, what do we do tonight? Bring Madson in to get 4 outs tonight, of course.
First team in the NL to 80 wins and back in 1st place to boot. Whodathunkit a few weeks ago?
You’ll notice that other people said most of the things you’re getting on me about. >>
I was one of them. That wasn’t meant as picking on you.
b.ski: you forgot to mention Madson’s stats in that time period. July 31 to present: 24.1 IP, 14 hits, 2 earned runs, 3 walks, 35 strikeouts. 10 holds, a save, and a win. 2 blown saves, one of which came on a broken bat bloop hit (which accounted for both the runs in that time period) and the other of which came tonight, when it was about 10% his fault. That dominance is unreal; let’s hope he doesn‘t get overworked between now and the end of the season …
GREAT WIN FOR THE PHILS (DESPITE THE SHAKY DEFENSE)!!! KEEP IT UP!!
I’m Going To McDonald’s (Thank You McDOnald)–I’m Lovin’ IT!
Lidge– I hope you feel better!
Wonder who closes out tomorrows game?
Having experienced the joy of refamiliarizing myself with looking at the NL East standings the way they should be, the question now is how do some things look in terms of defending it.
I flip to the Wild Card standings, and I see that sport must have expanded. New team in town, Atlanta.
Cards have won 2 in a row for the first time since Stan Musial was in 3rd grade and are actually 5 games behind ATL. They play 4 at Turner this weekend, so despite all the bleeding the redbirds have done, they are very alive for the wildcard for at least the next few days. Cards somehow kick some butt, and at least the possibility of the 6 against the Braves being less meaningless grows.
Lidge– I hope you feel better!>>
>>
Wonder who closes out tomorrows game?>>
I wondered what you guys were talking about. Sad to say I checked David Murphy had it.
<<Lidge has elbow tenderness. Was unavailable tonite
Well, we’ll hope for the best.
Brad Lidge said he hyperextended his elbow two appearances ago. Said he “definitely” will be ready to pitch Friday. less than 20 seconds ago via web
Lidge unavailable tonight because of a sore elbow. Manuel hopes he could be back Friday. Lidge had elbow surgey in offseason.
_________________________________________________________________
Those are from Zoelecki.
Repeating Ruben’s question…who will close tomorrow..
Would they possibly use Mathieson? That’d be awfully interesting. That would be one fascinating move. Clearly, it’d be a great night for Cole to go the route.
Lidge: I’m just hoping that a few days rest is all he needs. Even though he’s overworked, I can’t believe they’d use anyone but Madson in the 9th tonight if it comes down to a save situation.
Let’s go Cole!
i wonder what Werth’s starting status is gonna be for the rest of the season. now that Charlie is no longer reluctant to start DB.
getting pulled in the 8th for Ben Francisco (a defensive replacement??). was he just getting his due off day yesterday or is Charlie getting tired of his counter-productive tendencies?
They pulled Werth last night so Madson could pitch in the 9th without having to bat (pitchers spot was due up 2nd). Having said that, they face a lefty tonight so we may see Francisco start in place of Werth.
First team in the NL to 80 wins and back in 1st place to boot. Whodathunkit a few weeks ago?>>
24-12 since August 1, already at 6 wins for September. Even, with the sporadic offense, they are finding their way to W’s when the pressure is on. And, I wouldn’t even consider categorizing this team as hot, yet. If they hit a rhythm offensively, nobody in the NL is safe.
Can’t say I know the skinny from the “mountaintop” of West Virginny regarding RF plans for remainder of season, but last night’s benching was clearly an attempt to establish some order in Werth’s meandering mind.
With young, tall (6’7″) lefty Andrew Miller throwing tonight, both Jayson and Ben would fit the line-up card. My guess: jolly Manuel, who loves the smell of 1st place in the morning, softens and gives his wayward, hacking son a chance at quick redemption before the CBP home folks harden into RF corner catcalls, caterwauls, hissing matches and dogfights as it pertains to the lanky, hirsute heretic-to-be.
In other words, flip a coin.
Commendations of batting to ”the big money” … stars of a ragged game.
Ken – Fair enough, misunderstood.
More generally, I think we see Madson in a lidge-less close situation. Charlie goes with his guys, and Madson is one of them. I know he makes a lot of people nervous(including me) based on some rough outings in the past, but he’s got closer stuff and i think its in Charlie’s character to keep throwing him out there. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Matheison get a 7th or 8th inning call, though.
Guest & Chris McC,
Thanks to both of you for following up on my initial comment about Madson.
My first thought was to find out just how hard we have been using him (it’s now 23 appearances in 36 games over 38 days) so I didn’t take the time to compile his stats throughout the stretch.
As I was adding up Madson’s appearances I noticed our record in those games, which now stands at 20-3. I knew that the team obviously must have had a good record through the entire stretch as a result, and 24-12 is very good (especially considering the 4 game sweep by the Astros). It also means that we have a 4-9 record in the games in which Madson has not pitched. Anyway, if we can keep winning at this pace over the final 3 weeks we should be in good shape.
it seems we have more and more commenters on this site than we had before.
Having said that, they face a lefty tonight so we may see Francisco start in place of Werth…
i don’t think werth would be benched when there is a left-handed pitcher. ibanez would be the player i would sit. also, howard is 2-13 in his career against miller. i would let the ankle rest 2 consecutive days, while also giving sweeney at bats instead of howard probably going 0-4.
Phils do not make the playoffs if Lidge is done for the year or not effective. With Lidge effective, Phils have the best setup and closer combo in the league. Madsen is the best setup man in baseball and Lidge has been…well 2008 perfect the last 6 weeks. But Madsen will fall apart in the closer role and we have no setup guy with him gone. The recipe will be the big three go 7 innings and Madsen and Lidge for the wins.
I think/hope Lidge will be back and it is a tossup whether Braves or Padres lose out. As I thought, Braves just don’t have enough bats over the long haul and Padres are feeling the long season with those young arms. I still am not counting the Cards out from overtaking the reds, as expect the reds to feel the heat and young pitchers to feel the long season as we wind down. Would love to draw either the reds or Padres in the playoffs. Bright lights will be too much for this veteran bunch.
24-14 through 38 of the final 60 games – need to get to 37 wins. We need to go 13-9 rest of way to assure a playoff spot.
Halladay (9-3) (5-2)
Hamels (8-4) (3-4)
Oswalt (8-4) (7-1)
Blanton (6-6) (6-2)
Kendrick (6-6) (3-4)
Other: (.500) (0-1)
Yes, Ryan and Brad are on a nice roll, but if one looks at the entire season, Adams/Bell and Venters/Wagner have been much more consistent.
I’m not ready to write off madson yet. his problems in the closer’s role were mental, and he’s closed at least two games recently without much of a hiccup. He’s got the stuff to do it, hopefully he’s settled down enough to just go out there & throw.
The setup man does become a problem if you bump him up. Contreras was pretty good most of the year, but he’s prone to inconsistency. I have zero confidence in Romero anymore. I would be fine with Durbin, but he already has an important role too. Hopefully Mathieson or someone else can set up.
“Hopefully Mathieson or someone else can set up. ”
Meant to say “step up”, not set up. typo completely changes meaning of sentence.
also, howard is 2-13 in his career against miller. i would let the ankle rest 2 consecutive days, while also giving sweeney at bats instead of howard probably going 0-4.>>>
Howard has 4 homers in last 7 games, with a homer and double last night after playing a doubleheader. How bad can the ankle be? These are all playoffs games now. Would you sit Howard for Sweeney in a playoff game? What is the love affair with Sweeney anyway? He hasn’t done jack really since coming here. I think he is borderline to make the playoff roster at this point.
The Mayfair section of the city loves Michael John Sweeney, a two-fisted Irish lad who makes his presence known.
by the way, madson wasn’t terrible when he was closing, he does have the so called ‘mental capacity’ to handle closing and his problem wasn’t mental, it was Batting Average on Balls In Play (BABIP for short). I forget what his BABIP is in closing situations but i know it was well over .400, where its .329 in non save situations. also interesting is his K/9 rate in high leverage innings compared to low or mid level innings; 10.38 to 10.29 to 13.79 from low to high. his K/BB rate in high leverage situations is also a whopping 12.00 and his FIP in high leverage is a sparkling .82…pretty good numbers all around, technically better numbers than lidge, so if anything him closing is a good thing
and his strikeout rate is at an all time high this season.
Brandon: if memory serves me well, he was susceptible to the long ball. he seemed to be doing ok, throwing strikes but when he got hit, the balls flew really high. the mental thing is speculation but its the only way to describe the ridiculous disparity between his performance as a setup man as opposed to the closer role.
But his HPPM (heart palpatations per minute) in high leverage situations rises to 87 from 65 RBPPM (resting bullpen palpatations per minute). Last night was blown save #5. Has good stuff for a rabbit.
Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Werth RF, Rollins SS, Ibanez LF, Ruiz C and Hamels P.
jkay – somewhere above here, you wondered about Werth’s role or status the rest of the year. My take is that last night was a unique circumstance. Double switch might well have been a good spot based on the order at the time (didn’t double check, and don’t remember, but it could have been.
Adams/Bell and Venters/Wagner have been much more consistent.>> September baseball is about current events. History is a sidebar.
>>it seems we have more and more commenters on this site than we had before.>>
ya think? 16 more and the lonliness factor leaves town maybe?
Fair enough, misunderstood. >>
Glad you said that, Dude. Thanks. Only point I was making was that JW was getting decimated in public view, but still had the wife to go home to and hopefully get an I love you out of her. Perspective, brother, perspective. Hole you enjoy (ed the Bank visit tonight.
All I can say about Lidge is the guy tortured us for over a year constantly saying he was healthy. I love the attitude, and willingness to take take the heat. Clearly, there was either a mental and or physical health problemma, avoided of late. But pitching is hard, and unnatural, and sliders are up there on the danger the arm list. So its a list minus me that buys the he’ll be okay in a day or two, even though it was the doc that said it. I respect the Doc’s view, but color me cautious.
On Madson, I think people have a tendency to adopt the attitude that he looked good last night, so he must be okay for tonight. Hopefully, I’m worried about nothing, but I semi cringe when they tell us he’s warming up in the pen. If Brad goes down, I strongly believe Charlie uses him as the closer, and knowing he’s the man versus I’m the man tonight might make a difference, but I feel pretty good about going to war with him the rest of the way. I believe Contreras is capable of stepping it up. It seems Charlie hasn’t given him steady work for a while Getting that helps. knock on wood. Mathieson, I’d apply the word hope to. Not a knock, just not obviously suited to assume an important load.
The Mayfair section of the city loves Michael John Sweeney, a two-fisted Irish lad who makes his presence known.>>
As a native of the cultural kaleidoscope that is Mayfair, I must stand squarely behind this statement. Also a member of a local AOH division, we are considering him for an honorary membership and plaque – for really no reason whatsoever.
HAmels is 0-6 in his last 10 starts against the fish. The way he is going lately hopefully he can reverse it.
Last I looked the other 2 relief combo men haven’t missed a beat in the first week of September, and they are healthy and well rested. The salaries of those 4 combined are about equal to Lidge’s. Looking through Philly red glasses doesn’t help one’s objectivity.
totally love the aggressivness
a 25 yr old sporting a moustache. very renaissance.
said Jayson Werth; ‘that’s how it’s done DB’.
Cole with a lead. Sometimes things just go exactly what you want.
site Howard for Sweeney? Uh…maybe not. Howard owns September folks…
spare the ankle. spoil the run.
fair enough
Howard has 4 homers in last 7 games, with a homer and double last night after playing a doubleheader. How bad can the ankle be? These are all playoffs games now. Would you sit Howard for Sweeney in a playoff game? What is the love affair with Sweeney anyway? He hasn’t done jack really since coming here. I think he is borderline to make the playoff roster at this point.
i agree howard has been doing well lately. seriously, i just didn’t want to jinx it. anyways, i don’t get why every game is already a playoff game. can someone explain that to me? is there a difference in magnitude between today’s game and game 1 of the NLDS? i think so. also, we all know what happened to greg dobbs. i have rust-phobia and would like to see the bench players get some at bats. has gload cooled off? not only because of the injury, but he has done nothing the last week or 2. sweeney filled in admirably when howard was out. even valdez played better than expected. all of the bench players stepped up because of playing time. will we have a dependable bench on october? at this pace, the answer will be no
spare the ankle. spoil the run.
fair enough>>
good point, I forgot about that.
One thing the early lead does, and paves the way for more of the same. If we can add to it, it completely enables Cole to relax, and use his defense rather than feeling the need to pitch every toss with intensity. That would increase the liklihood of a longer effort, and 2 days off for most if not all the pen would be a huge benefit.
meant to separate a line between the 6th and 7th line
i hope they leave Miller in for another 2-3 innings.
we could make some hay off this guy.
good 4 run lead for hamels
i hope they leave Miller in for another 2-3 innings.we could make some hay off this guy.
i mean 3 run lead…hopefully a 4 run lead soon?
1 run was disappointing, but 3 is a good start. Rock solid batting order tonight with hitters in all 8 spots, and Jimmy 6, batting righty is good. We’ll score more.
Barner, good stuff, but wrong day to ask. Easily defensible lineup tonight with the day off tomorrow. 2 days in a row might be too much rest, no? But that’s Charlie.
It’s not gonna change.
guess on the trivia. Hawk and Conine. Doubtful, but that’s the guess.
anyways, i don’t get why every game is already a playoff game. can someone explain that to me? is there a difference in magnitude between today’s game and game 1 of the NLDS?>>
We are 1.5 games from not making the playoffs at all with 22 left. You don’t just try to “give bench players some work to keep fresh” in September. And I know the games in April and June count as much as those in September but it just isn’t the same. Players can’t maintain the same high intensity for 162 games. Just not possible. Players are more apt to play their way into the season or suffer ups and downs. But now they are gearing up for the stretch run and can maintain high intensity for next 5 weeks. Maybe sit Utley but not Howard when he is a proven September guy.
Since the start of the ’08 season, Chase Utley has the 16th-best OBP in MLB. Werth is 25th, Chooch is 81st, and Ryan Howard is 101st.
I’d guess Conine and Sheff
If Utley continues his mediocre year is it time to consider moving him in the offseason while his value is high? More than any of our star players I think he seems like he is aging the quickest and has always been injury prone. If we could get a good young 2nd base prospect or one with 1 year or two MJ experience and stud relief pitcher, I may do it.
Shefff……….hmmm, had I thought of him…..that’s definitely as good a guess as mine. But I’d say it’s unlikely he played there as long as 93-97. I’m really not sure about Hawk, I think he signed with the Cubs in 87, so I figured after 6 years, he was grabbed in the expansion.
phillyfan: are you hitting the pipe tonight?
looked like the calf one more time. That is not good at all.
Keith Law’s opinion on NL CY as of today…
Doc, Johnson, Wainwright, Ubaldo top 4.
i’m worried about rollins…..
Oh boy – Rollins. Triple not good…
Atlanta laying the wood tonight.
This team will be major deflated if it is the quad again. If quad he won’t be back till playoffs. if that. And then will be rusty.
Cole’s at 3.11 on the season ERA count. Guessing a 9 inning shutout’d drop him to 3.04 by night’s end. Outstanding work, if it happens.
Ken, he has 66 pitches after 4 innings. Lucky to get a full 7 tonight.
I could see Charlie stretching him to 120 maybe. So that’s 55 pitches, 11 per inning. But what I do think he can do is just pitch strikes and use the defense now with the RyHo blowout shot. He easily could have a couple fast innings. Just use the defense.
Kaboom – another September to remember in the making for the big piece. Glad he is on our team.
yeah who wanted to sit him again??
<just messing>
120 RBI not out of the question for Big Man.
And remember how there was so much overreaction when he came back from the ankle? Not to say it wasn’t frustrating, but this from TZ shows the month is right on schedule…
Ryan Howard is hitting .313 (10-for-32) with 3 doubles, 4 homers and 9 RBIs in 9 games in September. He’s got 5 RBIs tonight.
Are you kdding me? You would trade Utley for a relief pitchers and a 2nd base prospect? Your crazy. More than crazy cus you would do it for a relief pitcher. Not an ace and some blue chip prospects, but a relief pitcher. A relief pitcher………..
164 cAreer September games for Howard
308 ave
53 bonbs
140 RBI
THAT IS NUTTY STUFFFFFF!!!!
Only better month is October where he has a .438 ave.
Ryan Howard is awesome
Pujols hit 36, killing Cargo’s shot at the Triple Crown, particularly alive with the heavy home schedule the rest of the way for the Rox. 36-32, I believe.
in response to comment #227, your argument is fair. it’s just my point was that howard had something like a .150 BA in his career against miller before today. therefore, i thought he was going to have an unproductive night. obviously, my prediction was wrong
I would trade him to the Nationals for Espinoza and Storen. I just think we have seen his best. Nationals need some marquee to go with their talented youth. I just think we have seen Utley’s best, his power seems to be dwindling, and he is only good for 130 games a year anyway.
I’d rather have Vern Law’s opinion. Or Keith Foulke’s.
What does Keith Law have in common with pitching awards? They’ve never met.
No Hudson in top 4? Holy baseball maven gone wild!
Ken I don’t think Cargo can win MVP with his home/away splits. Too much there to overlook.
Barner, I just don’t thnk you sit superstars in September in a race. Rest Ibanez? Yes. Rest Werth? Yes. Howard lives for September.
I would trade Utley for King Felix and Ackley….. and others.
in two years.
Ruben – you wouldn’t get King Felix straightup. We would need to throw in D. Brown.
What is the game record for RBI? Howard may put up a 10 spot tonight.
You would think Charlie could at least get Gload a couple at bats now. That part of the statement carried validity for sure.
poor Chris Leroux
One thing for sure. Ryan Madson is gettin consecutive days off. This is a game for Mathieson, Nate Robertson, those guys. And it is good to see.
polish Dannys Baez and bring him out too.
Rollins right hamstring tightness. Day to day
Murph
Would be nice to see San Fran cooperate tonight. Need to hear about Rollins
Of course we can’t get Felix and plus with just Utley, but my point was that it is crazy to trade him, even for a “good” 2nd base prospect. Phils would have to get a ridiculous offer, like the one I mentioned earlier, for them to part ways with Utley.
Baez threw a simulated game at the Bank today.
It would be nice if he made Charlie feel confident.
agree with phillyfan on chase utley. i mentioned it a couple weeks ago and opposing teams fear him too much based on his 2006 and 2007 seasons, especially in 2007 when utley probably would have won the MVP if he didn’t get hit by a pitch. after the phillies got swept by the rockies, we have not seen the same utley, in which people thought it was a matter of time before he won an MVP
I may even take out Hamels after the 6th
another AB with an out with RISP for Werth.
Despite flying out to LF in the 5th, Howard already has five RBIs. He’s done that 9 times in his career. (Career-high 7 vs. NYY 6/20/06)
Zoelecki
Good beat guys to draw stuff from in the Phily market. Always was. Outstanding baseball journalism town.
i really hope DB gets the next righty start.
well at least the offense came to play today. too bad atlanta’s did too…
Rueben, I am hoping your namesake feels differently. If course he can change my mind with a super Sept/Oct but if not. I say trade him if a decent deal comes up. Another year or two of this and we get nothing for him.
>> Rollins right hamstring tightness. Day to day
Murph
am always cautious with the Phils and their injury reports or tweets but if thats the case then its like the best case scenario.
i really hope DB gets the next righty start>>
Meaning what? 1 start, or a platoon the rest of the way? Pretty sure the numbers against rightys are wholly better against righties this year. I know he’s only got 3-4 dingers against lefties.
good news on the farm front tonight
Lakewood up 7-0…Treor May 11K’s…SIngleton, Valle, Schoenberger with HR’s
preferably a platoon a la Dobbs/Feliz in 08. I like Werth but I am not sure how much more I can take anymore. he’s just not playing well. has not been for a while really but its just masked by the occasional XBH.
preferably a platoon a la Dobbs/Feliz in 08. >>
Not a chance, as you probably know, which is simply predicting the manager’s action.
But I keep things how they are on the level of opinion on who should be playing. For his defensive lapses, DB is far from Gold Glove material on his entire game, and I would bet that soem of Werth’s anemic numbers include at least a representative of hard hit balls that it suggests at least a degree of bad luck. If you had a glaringly ready talent to step in, I might not consider that luck part, which is just a guess, but I just don’t see DB as quite ready just yet. Everyday next year? Probably. Now? Not quite.
I’m wondering how long Hamels stays in-over 100 pitches now
should put a wrap on a night ending 3.06 season’s ERA. And the best is yeat to come.
very good work on Sheffield, Ryan.
I’m wondering how long Hamels stays in-over 100 pitches now….
106 should be the final number. no point going any further in a 9 run game
10-0, and he leaves Howard in when he could pinch run for him.
The man has his own style, for sure.
god I love Chase Utley. did anyone else see the intense stare down chase was giving the pitcher that hit him? then he gave up another RBI to the big piece
I love Chase Utley. did anyone else see the intense stare down chase was giving the pitcher that hit him? then he gave up another RBI to the big piece>>
You, young man know something about the inatangibles of the game. Consider that absolutely as far as I choose to dive into some of the discussion that goes on here about Chase Utley.
scott mathieson has some soreness in his latissimus dorsi and is unavailable tonight
-dubee before the game
and a “hit” from werth with RISP. is it the apocalypse already? i thought that was 2012
You, young man know something about the inatangibles of the game. Consider that absolutely as far as I choose to dive into some of the discussion that goes on here about Chase Utley. >>
his world f’in champions quote just…sealed my man-love for him, i hope noone takes that the wrong way.
I don’t think it’s unrealistic to assess tonight, and the series as a whole as one that might lead people to believe the offense is back on track. There’s perhaps a good deal of truth to that, but this Marlin squad is just decimated by injuries on the pitching front. Sure, we get some credit, but perhaps a better measure of progress wil show this weekend when we play the Mets, who have had some terrific success keeping our hitters down.
his world f’in champions quote just…sealed my man-love for him, i hope noone takes that the wrong way.>>
Well, the way I took it is that you are a religious fanatic that was upset with Chase’s fuckin language.
No right thinking Phillies fan would ever trade that moment.
i think the only player i can love more than him is Dom Brown. He’s gonna be great or atleast pretty good
is that feedburners thing on the top left of the page accurate? if so that keeps going up everyday, which is pretty awesome
seems like its mostly me and KB tonight
Never noticed the feedburner feature before. Don’t know anything about it. JKay is usually here til the end. I’m sure some of those here earlier put this one in the win column and moved on to other activities.
doesnt seem so safe now, does it?
Hoover sucks
The pen is still a major liability
Does anyone see that asshole Eskin behind home plate? Step in to my office
hoover is the 3rd catcher for a reason guys….
Does anyone see that asshole Eskin behind home plate? Step in to my office>>
way too generic, Phil. Could be Spike, could be Howard.
That’s the worst Phils defensive inning since 1903.
But it’s still safe. Within a slam, but we’ll be okay.
i think its still very safe
ok, Gload has his swing back. Put Howard back in now, Charlie.
Howard. How can you miss him?
Spike?? Come on, who cares about him. Dont even know what he looks like
Thought saying “step in to my office” would clarify its Howard. Guess that one went over your head a bit there KB
it went over my head. i dont know what it’s inferring or trying to imply
It did, I don’t listen to Howard much anymore, but I guess that was reference to when Charlie wanted to kick his ass?
Charlie told Eskin to step in to his office a few years back after Charlie had enough of getting ripped by him. inferring if Eskin had a problem he would be more than glad to settle it man to man
nobody listens to him anymore
I do remember that. Howard was all over the club for not hiring Leyland, and at one time called Charlie the worst NL Manager in 30 years. Eventually, and this was a while ago, I haven’t listened to him in quite a while, he would typically drop comments that suggested he was uniquely close to Charlie. Sorry to have given Howard far more attention than you intended, Phil.
Let’s end this sucker. 81 wins, and lead in the home field edge race with the Reds losing.
really? lead in the NL home field? thats great news. i had no idea we were that close already
Just a guess, but Nate Robertson won’t be taking Kyle Kendrick’s spot in the rotation. (Dubee said he was a candidate before the game.) >>
Telling Zoelecki tweet. If Dubee actually said that, then it seems pretty fair to say Vance starts Saturday. But why Nate would have been a candidate is surprising, period. I figured it was Vance or Kendrick the rest of the way.
Geez, Madson. Unreal.
i had no idea we were that close already>>
Cincy by a pct. point at the start of the day. We’d be for simple purposes a full game ahead. But Cincy has a pretty soft schedule the rest of the way. I won’t say we won’t finish with a better record, but its not a given.
Madson is a horse.
speaking of horses has anyone seen some guy named “Doc” this year? Dominating the NL one start at a time.
so what? did everybody leave right after the game ended?
“Doc” Halladay has never pitched in a Major League playoff game. Charles Hudson has 1 playoff victory in the book. Pirate Bruce Kison knew how to get it done in prime time. As did Dodger Johnny Podres.
KB, Brandon: >> Never noticed the feedburner feature before. Don’t know anything about it. JKay is usually here til the end. I’m sure some of those here earlier put this one in the win column and moved on to other activities.
i called this one a night early and went to attend to better things, only to check the boxscore later and find out we gave up 6 runs in 2/3 of an inning (thanks Roberson) and ended up giving Madson another outing. as Chase Utley would say; “Fucking Phillies!!”.
Chase Utley, having seen the error of his ’08 ways, having renounced vulgarisms to his adopted, beloved dogs, would now say “fluffing Phillies.”
Howard has a .436 BA in October ? Don’t think that is anywhere near accurate. His BA in DS is .282; LCS .314 and WS is .227
Editorial on the Phils broadcasters. Perhaps not as influential as a key sponsor voicing similar reactions, but pieces like this don’t help a Tom McCarthy’s cause.
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/09/philadelphia_phillies_broadcas_1.html
There’s not much wrong with judging a pitcher’s long term body of work by numbers to a large degree, maybe just short of entirely. For whatever reason, certainly a positve one, some guys just have a way of coming up big at the right time that maybe makes their career look even better in the rear view mirror.
But some guys just are really, really good, and for whatever reason, a lot of games you see them pitch just don’t total out as Hall of Fame results. In modern terms, I’ve almost always thought Andy Pettite was like that. He’s almost always really good, and shows a real knack for knowing how to pitch. Even on a bad night, he’ll keep his team in the game by gutting it out, or showing unique pitching expertise for a stretch of the game.
Two others like that were David Cone, and Oral Hershiser. Cone it seems, did at least 3 stints in New York, multi ball club city that it is. Strong in his relationship with the press not hurting his cause, by career end, “borderline Hall of Famer” worked its way next to his name in a vast majoroty of the articles and game stories written about him.
Hershiser, getting to the point, was nicknamed “Bulldog”, referencing his character on the mound, not personality or look. Still pitching at a time when complete games were fashionable, his resume included besting Don Drysdale’s ever so slightly impressive mark of 55 or so consecutive scoreless innings.
Even when Pete Rose’s hit streak was at 44, in reality, he was light years from Joltin Joe’s 56 all timer. So to mention that Cole Hamels, at 25 consecutive scoreless innings at least conjures up memory of the likes of Orel and Drysdale’s work is as premature as thinking the Phils could have called up Trevor May instead of signing Nate Robertson. Young is young, and 25 is not 55.
But when you think about Cole’s 25, impressive as it is related to last year, and the very early part of this year, and think about how far he is from Orelland, its mind boggling. Starting lengths back then would suggest that Oreal did it in maybe 7 or so appearances. Cole, now a little under halfway there, with the 7 inning effort that these days define as really good, considering that 6 innings is a quality start would still figure to have to go still another 5 starts by that standard to surpass Hershiser. Perhaps in a sense, when and if that record is ever broken, it will be even a superior achievement to Hershiser’s because it would represent mastery over a longer period of calendar time. Heck, Iron Joe McGinnity could have broken that record in 2 starts.
But it really shows you how terrific the Hershiser streak was. Cole is pitching nothing short of outstanding baseball, and is still less than halfway there. Not a bad season ending achievement for a guy back on track. But that Cole needs fairly close to the entire amount of starts that Orel had despite having already been great speaks highly to the impact that Hershiser and Drysdale’s pitching streaks contained.
I actually don’t mind them the broadcasters so much. At least they are fans of the team and don’t spend every second spewing anti-Phillies sentiment like we suffer thru when the games are on TBS, ESPN and especially Fox. No matter how well the Phils are playing we get stupid comments like “if (the opposition) would score 10 more runs then they are right back in this” or “if Hamels didn’t throw 8 scoreless innings (the opposition) would be winning this game”.
Gelb…Press box mate @ryanlawrence21 makes a valid point: Look for the #Phillies to add Cody Ransom somehow. No other SS besides Valdez.
>>
Bye, Nate. Have a good winter.
I was wondering what they would do to back up Valdez – I forgot all about Cody. Hopefully Rollins will recover sooner than later.
Apparently, Rollins was under the weather and therefore, was dehydrated. If David Murphy is right, hopefully Rollins will miss no time. After yesterday’s game, Robertson should be taken off the 40 man roster. Drew Carpenter, who is already on the 40 man roster should be called up as the long man and Ransom could have his contract purchased from AAA. If anyone hasn’t noticed, there are no more roster spots for speedsters (Rich Thompson)
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=phi
Orel’s scoreless innings streak was and is an impressive feat. I suppose
his record will be broken someday by an arm from Mt. Olympus, so long as it’s directed by a poised temperament & tenacious spirit as exemplified by the likes of Whitey Ford and the late Eddie Feigner.
One post-1900 record which is at least as likely to remain intact is most HBP, season: Ron Hunt, 50 (’71 Expos). Runner-up, Don Baylor, 35 (’86 Red Sox). As a local point of comparison, ever-angling Chase Utley’s top “bruise” number is 27 (’08).
Nate was cut. I can’t wait to see his WS share, presumptuous though it may be. Detroit once gave him 21 million. Oooooeeeee.
Mr. Mathieson, seemingly destined for short MLB career is on the DL again.
Phils claimed Cesar Carillo off waivers from the Pads. In 27 Triple A starts this year, Carrillo has a 5.60 ERA with 5.7 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9.
So I guess Cody Ransom is headed back to the roster one way or another.
<<One post-1900 record which is at least as likely to remain intact is most HBP, season: Ron Hunt, 50 (’71 Expos). Runner-up, Don Baylor, 35 (’86 Red Sox). >>
Did anyone else read that, and let it go in 1 eye and out the other at first? That’s a difference of 15. That’s as dominant as Babe Ruth’s power stats were compared to runner ups, and to a lesser extent, Barry Bonds in more current times. As it took nowhere near the skill of hitting pitchesm but still served a definite purpose I did some quick looking around and found this blurb.
Ron Hunt, who held the career record immediately before Baylor (243) and still holds the modern single-season record with 50, sometimes wore a wetsuit underneath his uniform to deaden the pain from being hit by pitches. The record for HBP in one game is 3, shared by several players. Frank Chance of the Chicago Cubs, on May 30, 1904 was hit by the pitch 4 times in one doubleheader.
It runs against the grain of education to dismiss profferings of jjg, if I may say so myself.
Wetsuit: Determined leadoff man in doublebreasted sharkskin.
Thre’s a piece somewhere with ESPN’s Rumors Central that I don’t have access to that I thought I’d offer a few thoughts and information on.
It’s appoximately titled are Jimmy Rollins days in Philly numbered.
Jimmy’s contract status is his contract is complete at the end of next year, the option already exercised for 8.5 million.
8.5 mil isn’t too bad for a .250 hitting, clutch shortstop who provides leadership and Gold Glove level defense.
The .250 hitting is out of character, but is becoming more character, as a result of back to back down offensive years. Jimmy was focussed toward a big comeback year and started the year at a blistering pace, but as his, not to mention the club’s age increases, injuries become more risky.
There are no great prospects on the horizon.
The free agent class is not a good source. Top names for long term answers are non exsistent. The only non option shortstop that is at all striking on the list is Juan Uribe, the 31 year old Giant. Striking is a reach.
I guess my first reaction to the topic presented by Rumors Central is that unless Ruben swings a major trade this winter, which I don’t think can be ruled out in attempt to get younger in some areas, JRoll will finish his 5 year deal as a Phil. A lot of money will be at stake for Jimmy in 2011, his free agent year. Still possessive of some very good skills, he’ll still need to show more to earn another 3 year contract here.
Jimmy’s tombstone some day will read we didn’t want to be good, we wanted to be legendary. And we’ve been, maybe as little as a few weeks from officially being legendary. But business being business, it’s not unfair to think of his tradable contract or contract extinction at the end of next year eding the run of the greatest Phillie shortstop ever.
Considering team’s history, that exclamation doesn’t say much. He beats out chief competition banjo hitter Bowa and who else? Solid Granny Hamner? Rifle-armed Bobby Wine? Soft-gloved Ruben Amaro? A game but fading Dick Groat. Bobby Pena? Ivan DeJesus? Dickie Thon? Steve Jeltz? Kevin Stocker? Desi Relaford? Not an illustrious array.
I had a feeling rollins would be gone once his contract runs out. I think he’s become more of a leader then a contributor.
I was disapointed when the phils included SS Donald in the lee trade. I was even more disappointed when they sent SS Villar to the Blue Jays
The only player left that’s a possibility to replace Rollins in 2012 is in AA (Galvis). Galvis seems like a great fielder but poor hitter. I love great fielders like Ozzy smith and rey ordonez, but his hitting might not be enough to even crack the big leagues.
I dont see how the phils will find a shortstop to replace rollins even short term. maybe they can trade one of there extra OF’s to get an older SS prospect.
Here’s a link that touches on the Phills being aware they need some SS in the system. Unfortunately, the prospects they just picked up will not be able to replace rollins in 2012. http://www.thegoodphight.com/2010/8/9/1614249/phillies-sign-another-venezuelan
More leader than contributor = figurehead.
Time to address the position.
anybody that has access to espn insider want to copy and past some important facts to what ken mentioned?
Notes from around the game….
The Braves, whom I didn’t expect to yield much ground this week are choosing to utilize different data than I was aware of. They should have won at least 2 against the Bucs, I mean, the Pirates? But they apparently don’t match up with the Redbirds. Cards are now 5-0 againstAtlanta, outscoring them 27-8 in the last 3.
Keith Law, naming Doc, Josh, AW and Ubaldo as his leading CY candidates yesterday offered this explanation for discounting Tim Hudson today…<<he’s received a lot of help from his defense (or luck). A .249 BABIP reflects more than just pitcher skill. >>
Is Jayson Werth’s lousy RISP result this year something that is written in blood? Delaware Online’s David Hale <<He’s hitting .161 this year, which is bad. For his career though, he’s got an .812 OPS with RISP — just a touch lower than what it is with no one on. So that would lead me to believe this year is a deviation based on small sample size rather than a true indication that Werth has some sort of anti-clutch mentality>>.
Is Brad Lidge still a night by night proposition? Maybe it comes down to this. Before Ryan Zimmerman hit that bomb and announced to the world that Lidge was tipping his pitches: 21.1 IP, 1.59 WHIP, 5.48 ERA
After: 16.1 IP, 0.61 WHIP, 0.55 ERA
Todd Zoelecki offered a detailed description of 1 benefit to HFA. League best has the choice of an 8 day or 7 day first roumd. 8 days offers The Big 3 at full rest. 7 doesn’t. In a 7, Dic would go on short rest 1 game.
To say that Jimmy Rollins is more leader than contributor is underapreciating his defensive work. Not to mention that he has had a retty decent year batting right handed, and has had some big hits, and hot streaks mixed in. I’m quite sure the Phils expect a solid year from him next year. He’s not an automatic keeper beyond next year anymore. But you don’t just write him off as a must go. But exploring the market would make good sense.
Most likely NL playoff field
Cincy (HFA) versus Colorado (wild card)
Phils versus San Fransisco (2 versus 3).
I applied the soft schedule theory to why the Central would grab the wild card earlier this season. Soft schedule didn’t help keep the Cards afloat.
I’ll stick with it in anticipation of the Reds taking advantage of it. Reds lost 4 straight here, we lost 4 straight to Houston, we beat the Rox 4 straight. It’s a strange game, but I respect the on paper advantages.
Playing 3 of 5 with the Giants should be okay. Don’t ask what okay means. Home field wouldn’t hurt. This far away, Cincy-Colorado strikes me as more even.
Last 2 years had at least 2 clubs that proved to be overrated in the field. Chicubs, 08, Dodgers last year. I suppose you could include the Cards, but I felt they just got beat, but what do I know? But I don’t see an overrated club in the field this time around.
Its obvious that rollins is a phenominal fielder.
Based on the way he’s batted he’s not in the category of a Utley, Howard or even Werth. At this point, I don’t think he’s even as important as Ruiz.
I’m too tired to add it up, but Ruiz is probably a more productive 8 hole type hitter then rollins has been as a leadoff type hitter. I’m speaking about rollins post mvp yr and ruiz since he started playing. The SS and C defensive position could be declared a push.
I wonder if Rollins would take a long term deal at 7 mil per.
My main point is that Rollins is not worth what Werth may get (although I’m not a huge Werth fan and feel he may be overpaid). I feel like he’s not a top of the line MVP caliber player. I think he could be more of a great fielding 2 or 6 hole switchhitter.
I wonder if Rollins would take a long term deal at 7 mil per.>>
I don’t see that. He has too much time left to jack up his offensive performance to enhance his value. Guys producing from this point on will quickly erase a lot of bad results to this point, let alone a first half of next year before the negotiating window might close. For a paycut, I’d be inclined to test free agent waters and take my chances. He’ll be 33 in 2012, so I don’t see him lacking confidence, even if he has another less than stellar year. 33 is still reasonably young.
Who you would you rather have in the playoffs: the Braves or the Giants? I would rather have the Braves because of the Giants’ pitching and SF is a tough place to play in where the home runs are tough to get and it is a cold and windy atmosphere over there. But that’s just me. I still think the Phillies would win the series, but I would like it to be less painful if you know what I mean.
GO PHILS!!
I think Rollins needs to stay healthy for a full year (next year – or at least most of it) & hit somewhere close to .300 if he wants a big free agent contract (whether it be from us or someone else). 33 may not be that old as a general matter, but for a guy who missed a good amount of time at 31 and hasn’t really put up good offensive numbers since about 29, i think you’ve got more to prove at 32. Not trying to be harsh, i just think that’s the reality of the game. Having said that, i think you need to try to re-sign him for a reasonable deal unless there is a plan B firmly in place. He’s still better than Wilson Valdez & Cody Ransom.
What’s a reasonable deal? dunno, i’d have to do some research. Fodder for offseason thought. I think its bad luck to talk too much about stuff like this while there are still playoffs to be played.
to chime in on the Rollins thing.
Amaro has shown over and over how much he thinks of loyalty. Almost the opposite of the Eagles.
Rollins has been here from the start. He’s played in 1,488 games for the Phillies since 2000. The 2nd highest on the team is Utley, with 986. For all the stars we have and have had here, Rollins IS the face of the Phillies.
For that reason, I can’t see them not re-signing him.
He’s been average with the bat, still great with the glove the last 2 years. I would prefer we extend him, it’s not like there are huge upgrades available for cheap or anyone in our system worth noting. The only problem would be if he grossly overvalues his worth, or wants more because he’s been underpaid at times. We shall see.
I really don’t think he’s going anywhere, and I’d really prefer he doesn’t.
Pete: >> For all the stars we have and have had here, Rollins IS the face of the Phillies.
Thanks. I felt like I was the only idiot that thought that.
You most certainly are not the only idiot that thought that, jkay. There are at least two of us.
We have talked about it from time to time and I always say the same thing. In Rollins, Utley, and Howard, we have the best SS, 2B, and 1B in franchise history. They also, by virtue of the fact that they were drafted by us, developed by us as they came up through our system, and have become all-star and MVP caliber players for us at the major league level, serve as shining examples of our franchise at every level.
They are the core/face-of-the-franchise guys. As such, they are viewed differently than say someone like Werth. I believe that this was a factor in Howard’s contract and I’m sure it will be a factor for Rollins as well.
Like Pete said, unless Rollins wants a contract that is way out of line I’m sure the Phils will want to keep him here.
KB: if anything, the soft schedlue comes into play more now. its 80% division games for the rest of the way (intentional MLB scheduling?), if SD is not without spine, those 3 in the West are going to beat up on each other. While STL is enjoying 6 games against the Pirates, 6 against the Cubs and you could add a Milwaukee series in there too. Cincinnati might be celebrating soon anyway. but if the Cards can take 3 out of 4 in ATL, watch out wild card.