Game Recap:
Brad Lidge blew his second save of the season, but the Phillies rallied for three tenth inning runs to give them the win over the Reds.
What went right?
Ryan Howard went 1-4 with a walk and two runs scored.
Jayson Werth was a run scoring machine, crossing the plate three times to go along with a hit and two walks.
Raul Ibanez had the biggest hit of the game with his RBI double in the tenth inning. He finished the game 1-5 with an RBI.
Brian freaking Schneider was 3-4 with a three run home run and two runs scored.
Wilson freaking Valdez went 2-4 with a three run home run and four RBI.
Joe Blanton had another solid start, allowing three runs on eight hits in 7.2 innings of work. He walked two and struck out two.
What went wrong?
Greg Dobbs started at third base, and went 0-3.
Brad Lidge blew his second save of the season, giving up a three run home run to Joey Votto with two outs in the ninth inning. In fact, the Reds managed a walk, a single and then the home run all with two outs. Lidge still ended up with the win, though.
Game Analysis:
On a day when both Chase Utley and Placido Polanco headed to the disabled list, the Phillies needed their bench players to step up. They did that on this day, with Brian Schneider and Wilson Valdez hitting three run home runs, and then they got the big at bats from their remaining stars, as Raul Ibanez drove in the game winning run with an RBI double in the top of the tenth inning to give the Phils the win.
After a poor showing last night against Cincinnati, the Phils needed to come out tonight and make a statement, and they did that off of Mike Leake. The rookie was hit for seven hits and six runs in six innings as the Phils were able to jump on him for two three run shots from the bottom of their lineup. Both Brian Schneider and Wilson Valdez stepped up big tonight, with Schneider picking up three hits, and Valdez driving in four runs. These are the players that the Phillies are going to need to have step up over the next few weeks. With both Chase Utley and Placido Polanco headed to the disabled list for a while, the Phillies are thin in the infield all of a sudden. They've gone from having one of the best infields in the National League to having just Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard playing with a bunch of career backups. That's not necessarily a good thing, since most teams can pitch around Rollins and Howard to get to the weak links in the lineup now. The big bats still need to get their hits, and tonight, they did that when it mattered the most.
In the tenth inning, after Brad Lidge had blown a three run lead, the Phillies had the heart of their lineup coming up against Arthur Rhodes, a man who had given up all of one earned run this entire season coming into tonight. Ryan Howard promptly doubled, and was followed up with a Jayson Werth walk. After Charlie Manuel was ejected for arguing balls and strikes, Raul Ibanez launched a double that was almost caught, but ended up scoring Howard. After a single by Ben Francisco and a safety squeeze from Wilson Valdez, the Phillies had tagged Rhodes for three runs in a single inning and had their three run lead back. It was exactly what this team needed to do tonight. They needed to make a statement, and they did just that.
Of course, it never should have come to the tenth inning tonight. Joe Blanton pitched his third straight solid start, and should have had his fourth win of the season if not for Brad Lidge. Blanton pitched into the eighth inning, giving up just three runs on eight hits. It was another typical Joe Blanton start, and it looks like he's getting himself back into form after a rough start to his season. He looks like he's back in game shape, and he threw 117 pitches tonight, which is the most he's thrown this season. With Blanton getting back to where he needs to be, the starting rotation is fairly solid at the moment. Plus, J.A. Happ threw 100 pitches tonight down in Triple A in a rehab start, so he looks like he's back on track right now. I hope Kyle Kendrick likes the bullpen.
Then, there's Brad Lidge. Tonight, he brought back all the memories from last season. After retiring the first two Reds in the ninth inning without a problem, he walked Brandon Phillips and gave up a single to Orlando Cabrera. The one batter everyone wanted Lidge to avoid was up at the plate in the form of Joey Votto, and Lidge hung a slider across the plate. Sure enough, Votto took it to right-center field for a three run home run, and the game was tied. It was Lidge's second blown save of the season, and this one never should have happened. When there are two outs in an inning, the opposing team should never be able to mount a comeback like the one the Reds staged tonight. Lidge didn't have his best stuff tonight, and it showed. He couldn't find the zone on several sliders, and the one he threw to Votto was hung on a line. Hopefully, this is just a one time deal with Lidge, but you can never tell with him. He could bounce back and pick up several saves in a row, or he could end up looking like he did last year. For the sake of the Phils right now, it had better be the former.
Not only that, but the injuries are really starting to pile up for the Phillies at the moment. Today, both Chase Utley and Placido Polanco were placed on the disabled list, leaving the Phils with holes at second and third base. Greg Dobbs and Brian Bocock were called up from Triple A, but they're not going to be able to replace either man. For the time being, it looks like the Phillies are going to have to go with a Juan Castro/Wilson Valdez/Greg Dobbs tandem at both positions, but it's just another two injuries to add to what has been a frustrating year in that department. As of today, the Phils have suffered injuries to Brad Lidge, J.C. Romero, Joe Blanton, Jimmy Rollins (twice), J.A. Happ, Carlos Ruiz, Chad Durbin, Ryan Madson, Antonio Bastardo, Placido Polanco and Chase Utley at some point during this season. That is a lot of injuries for a team to overcome, but I'm not going to make excuses. The Phillies are still a good team, even without some of those players, but losing Utley and Polanco on the same day hurts. This is going to be the biggest stretch for this team this year. If they can overcome this, then they can get through anything. Only time will tell, however.
Tomorrow, the Phillies wrap up their three game set with Cincinnati. Roy Halladay (9-6, 2.29 ERA) goes for Philadelphia, while Aaron Harang (6-7, 5.07 ERA) gets the call for the Reds.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Phillie of the Week: June 20-26
The Phillies had another solid week this time out, going 4-2 with a sweep over the Cleveland Indians. The offense is back on track, and the pitching is just as solid as it was before, which is where the Phillie of the Week is coming from this time out. This week's Phillie of the Week is:
Jamie Moyer
The old man continues to amaze people this season, and he did so this week as well, pitching eight innings of one run baseball to shut down the Indians on Tuesday night. Moyer struck out five, walked one and allowed just three hits in one of his best outings of the season. If he can continue with his showings like this, he could stick around for a few more years, as far as I'm concerned.
Jamie Moyer
The old man continues to amaze people this season, and he did so this week as well, pitching eight innings of one run baseball to shut down the Indians on Tuesday night. Moyer struck out five, walked one and allowed just three hits in one of his best outings of the season. If he can continue with his showings like this, he could stick around for a few more years, as far as I'm concerned.
Phillies Recap: Blue Jays-5, Phillies-1
Game Recap:
Cole Hamels had one of his roughest outings of the season, and the Phils could only manage five hits and a run off of Shaun Marcum as their four game winning streak came to an end.
What went right?
Chase Utley was 2-4.
Ryan Howard had the only RBI of the game for the Phils with a solo home run in the sixth inning.
What went wrong?
Aside from Utley and Howard, the Phillies had only two other hits. Only Jimmy Rollins and Ross Gload reached base.
Jayson Werth had a rough day, going 0-4 with three strikeouts.
Cole Hamels had one of his worst starts of the season, going just four innings and allowing five runs on seven hits. He walked three and struck out three.
Game Analysis:
Sometimes, a loss is just a loss. That's what yesterday's game for the Phillies was: just a loss. There's nothing particularly bad that happened during the game, but no one was at their best yesterday afternoon. Cole Hamels looked off, and the offense couldn't generate anything to help back him up, which resulted in a 5-1 loss.
After reaching the seventh inning or later in his last three starts, Hamels couldn't get out of the fifth inning against Toronto, giving up three home runs and five runs overall. He also didn't have his best stuff on the mound, and looked wild out there in the heat. His three walks allowed yesterday were the most he'd given up in a game since May 16, so it doesn't seem like there's much to worry about. The Blue Jays are a power hitting team, and playing in this heat, in that stadium, there are going to be some pitches that leave the yard. That's just how these things work. Hamels wasn't horrible yesterday, but he just couldn't get outs when he needed to, and that's what cost him.
Of course, the offense didn't help him much, either. Shaun Marcum shut the Phillies down yesterday, and it didn't look like there was much the Phils could do about it. Ryan Howard provided the only run for the Phils with his sixth inning home run, but other than that, the Phillies had just four hits and one walk. The team has been hitting much, much better since their slump came to an end, so this too just seems like a little bump in the road compared to everything that's gone on this season. It's nothing to really worry about, not yet anyway.
Overall, the Phillies just had a bad day yesterday. Nothing went right for them, and they were up against a good pitcher who had his stuff working for him. It wasn't pretty to watch, but hopefully they can get back on track today.
Jamie Moyer (8-6, 4.43 ERA) goes for his ninth win of the season against Brett Cecil (7-4, 4.06 ERA).
Cole Hamels had one of his roughest outings of the season, and the Phils could only manage five hits and a run off of Shaun Marcum as their four game winning streak came to an end.
What went right?
Chase Utley was 2-4.
Ryan Howard had the only RBI of the game for the Phils with a solo home run in the sixth inning.
What went wrong?
Aside from Utley and Howard, the Phillies had only two other hits. Only Jimmy Rollins and Ross Gload reached base.
Jayson Werth had a rough day, going 0-4 with three strikeouts.
Cole Hamels had one of his worst starts of the season, going just four innings and allowing five runs on seven hits. He walked three and struck out three.
Game Analysis:
Sometimes, a loss is just a loss. That's what yesterday's game for the Phillies was: just a loss. There's nothing particularly bad that happened during the game, but no one was at their best yesterday afternoon. Cole Hamels looked off, and the offense couldn't generate anything to help back him up, which resulted in a 5-1 loss.
After reaching the seventh inning or later in his last three starts, Hamels couldn't get out of the fifth inning against Toronto, giving up three home runs and five runs overall. He also didn't have his best stuff on the mound, and looked wild out there in the heat. His three walks allowed yesterday were the most he'd given up in a game since May 16, so it doesn't seem like there's much to worry about. The Blue Jays are a power hitting team, and playing in this heat, in that stadium, there are going to be some pitches that leave the yard. That's just how these things work. Hamels wasn't horrible yesterday, but he just couldn't get outs when he needed to, and that's what cost him.
Of course, the offense didn't help him much, either. Shaun Marcum shut the Phillies down yesterday, and it didn't look like there was much the Phils could do about it. Ryan Howard provided the only run for the Phils with his sixth inning home run, but other than that, the Phillies had just four hits and one walk. The team has been hitting much, much better since their slump came to an end, so this too just seems like a little bump in the road compared to everything that's gone on this season. It's nothing to really worry about, not yet anyway.
Overall, the Phillies just had a bad day yesterday. Nothing went right for them, and they were up against a good pitcher who had his stuff working for him. It wasn't pretty to watch, but hopefully they can get back on track today.
Jamie Moyer (8-6, 4.43 ERA) goes for his ninth win of the season against Brett Cecil (7-4, 4.06 ERA).
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Phillies Recap: Phillies-9, Blue Jays-0
Game Recap:
Behind seven strong innings from Roy Halladay, the Phillies were able to take out Toronto in the first of their three game "road" series against the Blue Jays.
What went right?
Jimmy Rollins only had one official at bat, but he walked four times and scored a run.
Chase Utley was 1-5 with two RBI and a run scored.
Ryan Howard went 1-5 with a run scored and an RBI.
Jayson Werth was 2-3 with two walks and three runs scored.
Shane Victorino was 1-3 with a home run and two RBI.
Ross freaking Gload went 3-4 with four RBI.
Roy Halladay pitched seven innings against his old team, allowing no runs on six hits. He walked one and struck out four.
What went wrong?
Tonight? Nothing. Nothing went wrong.
Game Analysis:
Even after three straight losses, this is what Roy Halladay can do. Behind another great effort from the Philadelphia offense, Halladay pitched seven scoreless innings, and Jose Contreras and David Hearndon kept Toronto from scoring and helped save a big win for the Phils and Halladay.
For the Phils, it was their fourth win in a row, and they're starting to look like the two time National League East champions again. The offense is hitting well, driving Toronto starter Jesse Litsch out of the game within four innings, and the pitching has been great of late. Today, Halladay had his best stuff, and while it might have been because he's facing his old team, he's had great stuff for most of his starts.
With Halladay on the mound, the Phils had to reach back and find something, and they did just that. The offense had their second straight solid game in a row, as they scored nine runs and looked more in shape than ever so far this season. Every starter, save for Jimmy Rollins, who had four walks, had at least one hit. Ross Gload somehow came up with three hits, and even had a ten pitch at bat late in the game that helped Toronto basically surrender in the later innings.
This last stretch is exactly what the Phillies have needed. In their last four games, the Phils have once again shown that they can outplay and outscore the elders of their groups. If they can keep this up, then things are going to turn around ever faster for the Phils.
Tomorrow, Cole Hamels (6-5, 3.75 ERA) makes his first road start in Philadelphia. He'll face off against Shaun Marcum ((6-3, 3.24 ERA).
Behind seven strong innings from Roy Halladay, the Phillies were able to take out Toronto in the first of their three game "road" series against the Blue Jays.
What went right?
Jimmy Rollins only had one official at bat, but he walked four times and scored a run.
Chase Utley was 1-5 with two RBI and a run scored.
Ryan Howard went 1-5 with a run scored and an RBI.
Jayson Werth was 2-3 with two walks and three runs scored.
Shane Victorino was 1-3 with a home run and two RBI.
Ross freaking Gload went 3-4 with four RBI.
Roy Halladay pitched seven innings against his old team, allowing no runs on six hits. He walked one and struck out four.
What went wrong?
Tonight? Nothing. Nothing went wrong.
Game Analysis:
Even after three straight losses, this is what Roy Halladay can do. Behind another great effort from the Philadelphia offense, Halladay pitched seven scoreless innings, and Jose Contreras and David Hearndon kept Toronto from scoring and helped save a big win for the Phils and Halladay.
For the Phils, it was their fourth win in a row, and they're starting to look like the two time National League East champions again. The offense is hitting well, driving Toronto starter Jesse Litsch out of the game within four innings, and the pitching has been great of late. Today, Halladay had his best stuff, and while it might have been because he's facing his old team, he's had great stuff for most of his starts.
With Halladay on the mound, the Phils had to reach back and find something, and they did just that. The offense had their second straight solid game in a row, as they scored nine runs and looked more in shape than ever so far this season. Every starter, save for Jimmy Rollins, who had four walks, had at least one hit. Ross Gload somehow came up with three hits, and even had a ten pitch at bat late in the game that helped Toronto basically surrender in the later innings.
This last stretch is exactly what the Phillies have needed. In their last four games, the Phils have once again shown that they can outplay and outscore the elders of their groups. If they can keep this up, then things are going to turn around ever faster for the Phils.
Tomorrow, Cole Hamels (6-5, 3.75 ERA) makes his first road start in Philadelphia. He'll face off against Shaun Marcum ((6-3, 3.24 ERA).
Friday, June 25, 2010
Evan Turner is a Sixer
Ever since the Sixers somehow ended up with the second overall pick in tonight's NBA Draft, people were asking questions about who they would take. After a little talk about trading the pick, it seemed like the talk had settled between two players: Evan Turner, the best player in college basketball last season, or Derrick Favors, the big man from Georgia Tech with possibly the biggest upside of any pick in the draft. There were fans of both men, but most people wanted Turner to be the pick. Well, tonight their hopes were answered. With the second pick in the NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Evan Turner.
Now, what does this mean for the players that the Sixers already have in place? For starters, it means that Andre Iguodala is more than likely on his way out of town, and that should be sooner, rather than later. Iguodala has been a solid player for this team, but he's never developed into that be all, end all player that the Sixers wanted and needed him to be. Philadelphia drafted him to be the successor to Allen Iverson, and it just never happened. He could never develop that killer jump shot, and there were times when he would just take plays off. That didn't fly with other coaches, and it's not going to fly with Doug Collins, either. If anyone expects Iguodala to be with the Sixers when the season starts, they're either crazy, or dead right because the Sixers couldn't find anyone willing to take his contract. Then again, they did manage to find someone to take Samuel Dalmbert's expiring contract, so maybe they can find some help with Iguodala, too. Turner will step into Iguodala's spot and form a young, but potentially solid backcourt duo with Jrue Holiday.
The biggest issue that the Sixers have now is the lack of a solid big man to run the middle of the offensive attack. Elton Brand still doesn't fit, and while Spencer Hawes is a decent talent, he lacks the physical attack to intimidate a Dwight Howard type player. That would have been the only reason why the Sixers would have taken Favors, but after his workout in Philadelphia, it seemed like even Doug Collins had soured on him a little bit. Favors may end up being one of the best players in this draft, but he's very raw, and is going to take some time to even get into NBA ready shape. Meanwhile, Turner is big for a shooting guard, with a good wingspan and solid ability already. He's got to work on his outside shooting, but he's already acknowledged that. He's going to have time to work on that aspect of his game with the Sixers, and if they can get him working on that 16 to 18 foot jump shot, then they're going to have something very good with this pick.
Turner is already a solid defensive player, and is aggressive as well. With him and Holiday running things in the backcourt, the Sixers should have a good young developing tandem there for a few years, at least. Holiday is never going to be a huge, Allen Iverson type star, but if Turner can even get close to that level, then the Sixers clearly made the right pick here. Best of all, Turner seems genuinely excited to be coming to Philadelphia, and that makes this pick even better. Though he doesn't have the franchise-changing ability that John Wall potentially has, the Sixers couldn't go wrong with Evan Turner. At this point, anything is still possible of course, but it seems like at least on this night, the Sixers made the right pick and have excited a fan base that needed something to get excited about. I haven't said this much lately, but well done, Sixers.
Now, what does this mean for the players that the Sixers already have in place? For starters, it means that Andre Iguodala is more than likely on his way out of town, and that should be sooner, rather than later. Iguodala has been a solid player for this team, but he's never developed into that be all, end all player that the Sixers wanted and needed him to be. Philadelphia drafted him to be the successor to Allen Iverson, and it just never happened. He could never develop that killer jump shot, and there were times when he would just take plays off. That didn't fly with other coaches, and it's not going to fly with Doug Collins, either. If anyone expects Iguodala to be with the Sixers when the season starts, they're either crazy, or dead right because the Sixers couldn't find anyone willing to take his contract. Then again, they did manage to find someone to take Samuel Dalmbert's expiring contract, so maybe they can find some help with Iguodala, too. Turner will step into Iguodala's spot and form a young, but potentially solid backcourt duo with Jrue Holiday.
The biggest issue that the Sixers have now is the lack of a solid big man to run the middle of the offensive attack. Elton Brand still doesn't fit, and while Spencer Hawes is a decent talent, he lacks the physical attack to intimidate a Dwight Howard type player. That would have been the only reason why the Sixers would have taken Favors, but after his workout in Philadelphia, it seemed like even Doug Collins had soured on him a little bit. Favors may end up being one of the best players in this draft, but he's very raw, and is going to take some time to even get into NBA ready shape. Meanwhile, Turner is big for a shooting guard, with a good wingspan and solid ability already. He's got to work on his outside shooting, but he's already acknowledged that. He's going to have time to work on that aspect of his game with the Sixers, and if they can get him working on that 16 to 18 foot jump shot, then they're going to have something very good with this pick.
Turner is already a solid defensive player, and is aggressive as well. With him and Holiday running things in the backcourt, the Sixers should have a good young developing tandem there for a few years, at least. Holiday is never going to be a huge, Allen Iverson type star, but if Turner can even get close to that level, then the Sixers clearly made the right pick here. Best of all, Turner seems genuinely excited to be coming to Philadelphia, and that makes this pick even better. Though he doesn't have the franchise-changing ability that John Wall potentially has, the Sixers couldn't go wrong with Evan Turner. At this point, anything is still possible of course, but it seems like at least on this night, the Sixers made the right pick and have excited a fan base that needed something to get excited about. I haven't said this much lately, but well done, Sixers.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Phillies Recap: Phillies-12, Indians-3
Game Recap:
Every starter scored a run and reached base as the Phillies finished their three game sweep of Cleveland behind a strong offensive effort and a good outing from Joe Blanton.
What went right?
Shane Victorino went 1-5 with an RBI and a run scored.
Placido Polanco was 4-5 with two runs scored and two RBI.
Chase Utley continued his upswing, going 3-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.
Jayson Werth was 3-4 with two RBI and a run scored.
Wilson freaking Valdez even went 2-4 with two runs batted in and a run scored.
In his first start with the Phillies, Dane Sardinha went 1-4 with his first major league home run and two runs scored.
Joe Blanton had his best game of the year, allowing three runs on six hits in 7.2 innings. He didn't walk a batter and struck out six and would have gone for the complete game, had the city of Philadelphia not been hit by a monsoon in the top of the eighth inning.
What went wrong?
Nothing, unless you want to count the horrible storm that came through and kept Joe Blanton from completing his start.
Game Analysis:
Now, this is much, much more like it. After two bad games to finish up their series with the Minnesota Twins, and two one run games to start this series, the Phillies came out today and looked like the team that was playing at the top of the National League about a month and a half ago. Today, the Phils blasted Fausto Carmona for seven runs in four innings, and Joe Blanton looked better than he has all season to help back a 12-3 victory that gave the Phillies a sweep over Cleveland.
The offensive showing today proved that this team can swing with the top teams in baseball, and it's so good to see the bats waking up again. In the last two games, the Phillies have scored 19 runs, and are getting support up and down the lineup. Chase Utley has his average back up over .270, and Jayson Werth is getting close to .300 again. With those two coming back, and Ryan Howard continuing his solid play, the heart of the lineup is back in action and right where they need to be. They showed that today as well, blasting Fausto Carmona with a five run second inning that put the Indians down for the count early. The Phils batted around in the second, and even though Charlie Manuel got tossed for the second time in three games, it didn't have any effect on the game. The Phils had sent their message early, and this time, they kept their boot on Cleveland's neck, scoring twice more in the fifth and five more times in the sixth. From that point on, it was all about the pitching, and today, Joe Blanton was more than up to the task.
For the second straight start, Blanton looked solid. Today, he went into the eighth inning, and more than likely would have gone for the complete game had that thunderstorm not come through at the worst possible time. As good as it is to see the offense picking things back up again, it's even better to see Joe Blanton getting back on track after a horrible start to the season. Though it wasn't good for anyone for him to be getting shelled out on the mound for his first few starts, it seems like that was what he needed to get back into game shape again. Remember, he missed most of Spring Training with his injury, and needed to get himself going again. After pitching six innings in his last start and coming just short of a complete game today, it looks like he's back in game shape now. He's allowed just 13 hits and six runs in his last two starts, which are both wins. While those might not look like great numbers, compared to what he was putting up before, they're excellent. Those numbers are what people expect from Joe Blanton, to be honest. They don't expect him to go out and be Roy Halladay or Cole Hamels each time he pitches. As long as he does enough to keep the Phillies in the game, then everything is just fine. Today, he did that. Now, he just needs to keep it up.
It took a month of painful losses, but the Phillies look like they're on the right track again. They've won six out of eight games, and have closed to within two and a half games of the Braves for first place in the National League East. The offense is clicking again with Jimmy Rollins back at the top of the lineup, and the pitching, for the most part, has been better than advertised. As long as they can keep this play up for a sustained period of time, they should have no problem getting back to the top of the division. This is why the Braves and Mets wanted to get as big of a lead as possible before the Phillies woke back up. They both knew what this team could do, and it seems like the Phillies know now, too.
Tomorrow, the Phils kick off a three game "road" series against Toronto in Philadelphia. Roy Halladay (8-6, 2.43 ERA) makes his first start against his old team, as he faces off against Jesse Litsch (0-1, 6.75 ERA).
Every starter scored a run and reached base as the Phillies finished their three game sweep of Cleveland behind a strong offensive effort and a good outing from Joe Blanton.
What went right?
Shane Victorino went 1-5 with an RBI and a run scored.
Placido Polanco was 4-5 with two runs scored and two RBI.
Chase Utley continued his upswing, going 3-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.
Jayson Werth was 3-4 with two RBI and a run scored.
Wilson freaking Valdez even went 2-4 with two runs batted in and a run scored.
In his first start with the Phillies, Dane Sardinha went 1-4 with his first major league home run and two runs scored.
Joe Blanton had his best game of the year, allowing three runs on six hits in 7.2 innings. He didn't walk a batter and struck out six and would have gone for the complete game, had the city of Philadelphia not been hit by a monsoon in the top of the eighth inning.
What went wrong?
Nothing, unless you want to count the horrible storm that came through and kept Joe Blanton from completing his start.
Game Analysis:
Now, this is much, much more like it. After two bad games to finish up their series with the Minnesota Twins, and two one run games to start this series, the Phillies came out today and looked like the team that was playing at the top of the National League about a month and a half ago. Today, the Phils blasted Fausto Carmona for seven runs in four innings, and Joe Blanton looked better than he has all season to help back a 12-3 victory that gave the Phillies a sweep over Cleveland.
The offensive showing today proved that this team can swing with the top teams in baseball, and it's so good to see the bats waking up again. In the last two games, the Phillies have scored 19 runs, and are getting support up and down the lineup. Chase Utley has his average back up over .270, and Jayson Werth is getting close to .300 again. With those two coming back, and Ryan Howard continuing his solid play, the heart of the lineup is back in action and right where they need to be. They showed that today as well, blasting Fausto Carmona with a five run second inning that put the Indians down for the count early. The Phils batted around in the second, and even though Charlie Manuel got tossed for the second time in three games, it didn't have any effect on the game. The Phils had sent their message early, and this time, they kept their boot on Cleveland's neck, scoring twice more in the fifth and five more times in the sixth. From that point on, it was all about the pitching, and today, Joe Blanton was more than up to the task.
For the second straight start, Blanton looked solid. Today, he went into the eighth inning, and more than likely would have gone for the complete game had that thunderstorm not come through at the worst possible time. As good as it is to see the offense picking things back up again, it's even better to see Joe Blanton getting back on track after a horrible start to the season. Though it wasn't good for anyone for him to be getting shelled out on the mound for his first few starts, it seems like that was what he needed to get back into game shape again. Remember, he missed most of Spring Training with his injury, and needed to get himself going again. After pitching six innings in his last start and coming just short of a complete game today, it looks like he's back in game shape now. He's allowed just 13 hits and six runs in his last two starts, which are both wins. While those might not look like great numbers, compared to what he was putting up before, they're excellent. Those numbers are what people expect from Joe Blanton, to be honest. They don't expect him to go out and be Roy Halladay or Cole Hamels each time he pitches. As long as he does enough to keep the Phillies in the game, then everything is just fine. Today, he did that. Now, he just needs to keep it up.
It took a month of painful losses, but the Phillies look like they're on the right track again. They've won six out of eight games, and have closed to within two and a half games of the Braves for first place in the National League East. The offense is clicking again with Jimmy Rollins back at the top of the lineup, and the pitching, for the most part, has been better than advertised. As long as they can keep this play up for a sustained period of time, they should have no problem getting back to the top of the division. This is why the Braves and Mets wanted to get as big of a lead as possible before the Phillies woke back up. They both knew what this team could do, and it seems like the Phillies know now, too.
Tomorrow, the Phils kick off a three game "road" series against Toronto in Philadelphia. Roy Halladay (8-6, 2.43 ERA) makes his first start against his old team, as he faces off against Jesse Litsch (0-1, 6.75 ERA).
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Phillies Recap: Phillies-7, Indians-6
Game Recap:
Jimmy Rollins hit a walk off two run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Phillies their second straight win over Cleveland and helped salvage a poor pitching performance from Kyle Kendrick.
What went right?
Might as well start at the top. Jimmy Rollins went 1-5 with his game winning home run, which helped erase his error in the top of the ninth inning that allowed the Indians to take the lead.
Ryan Howard went 2-4 with a run scored.
Jayson Werth was on fire, going 3-3 with home run and two runs scored. He finished a triple short of the cycle.
Raul Ibanez went 1-4 with a two run double. He also nailed Carlos Santana at home in the top of the fifth inning.
Brian Schneider went 1-2 with two walks and a home run in the bottom of the seventh inning.
What went wrong?
Kyle Kendrick had a poor start, allowing five runs (four earned) in just four plus innings of work. He gave up six hits, walked two and struck out one.
Chad Durbin left the game in the top of the ninth inning with a strained right hamstring. He was on the hook for the loss before Rollins saved the day, allowing a run on two hits in an inning of work.
Game Analysis:
Welcome back, Jimmy Rollins. It took until the bottom of the ninth inning in a game that the Phillies should have lost, but Rollins made his impact known, launching a Kerry Wood pitch down the right field line for a walk off two run home run. The home run helped make up for his error in the top of the ninth inning that allowed the Indians to take the lead, but to be fair, it wasn't entirely his fault. The pitching tonight for the Phillies wasn't great, and the offense wasted chances in several innings. Just like last night, it wasn't a pretty win by any stretch, but the Phils will take it right now.
Despite 11 hits and seven runs for the Phillies tonight, they could and should have had more. They left runners on base in the fourth, seventh and eighth innings, and Ryan Howard's double play in the first inning killed what could have been a big inning to start things off. It hasn't been pretty for the offense against the Indians, but they are getting the job done when they have to. In the end, that's what matters, but it would be nice if they could get back on track like they were at this point last week. There were base running mistakes tonight, like Howard getting caught trying to steal home in the bottom of the sixth inning with runners on the corners. There's a time, a place and base runner for that situation, and Ryan Howard just doesn't fit any of those specifics. Trying a double steal with Howard on third and Brian Schneider at the plate is just asking for trouble, and that's what the Phillies got. However, they won, so you can't really complain.
The one thing I will harp on tonight was the pitching. Kyle Kendrick was off again tonight, just one start after shutting down the Yankees in New York. I don't know what to expect from Kendrick when he goes out there, but it would be nice if it was something other than this. However, this is what Kendrick does. He can go out there one night and dominate, like he did against the Yankees, or he can come out and struggle, like he did against Cleveland tonight. Kendrick started out the game in trouble, allowing a double and home run to the first two batters of the game. Before people had even found their seats tonight, the Phils were down 2-0, and it was that kind of night for Kendrick, who didn't make it out of the fifth inning.
Luckily, the bullpen was able to pick up most of the slack for the Phils, allowing just five hits and a single run for the rest of the game. David Hearndon, Mike Zagurski, Danys Baez, Chad Durbin and J.C. Romero did their jobs tonight, though Durbin had to leave the game in the top of the ninth with a strained right hamstring. Hopefully, it's not too bad, because Durbin has basically been one of the most consistant pitchers out of the bullpen for the Phillies this year, and they need him to keep coming out of the pen and looking sharp. If he's out for an extended period of time, it's going to be a problem, especially with some of the issues that this bullpen can have. They need at least one or two solid pitchers that they know can come out and get the job done in the middle innings. I don't think anyone has much faith in Mike Zagurski, and Danys Baez has been less than, well, just about anything so far this season. That leaves Durbin and Jose Contreras, and while Contreras has been good this year, you never know how many pitches he has left in his 38 or so year old arm. Durbin has to be able to keep going, or this bullpen might be in a bit of trouble.
Regardless, it was another win for the Phillies tonight, and one that can hopefully help them turn the corner on this horrid stretch that they've been on. Jimmy Rollins is back at the top of the lineup, and if he can get back to doing what he did at the start of the year, then this offense will pick up it's game each and every night. Everyone knows that the talent and the skill is there, it's just a matter of putting it all together again. Hopefully, they can make it happen on a regular basis again.
Tomorrow afternoon, the Phillies go for the sweep of Cleveland. Joe Blanton (2-5, 6.96 ERA) looks for his second straight win, as he faces off against Fausto Carmona (6-5, 3.31 ERA).
Jimmy Rollins hit a walk off two run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Phillies their second straight win over Cleveland and helped salvage a poor pitching performance from Kyle Kendrick.
What went right?
Might as well start at the top. Jimmy Rollins went 1-5 with his game winning home run, which helped erase his error in the top of the ninth inning that allowed the Indians to take the lead.
Ryan Howard went 2-4 with a run scored.
Jayson Werth was on fire, going 3-3 with home run and two runs scored. He finished a triple short of the cycle.
Raul Ibanez went 1-4 with a two run double. He also nailed Carlos Santana at home in the top of the fifth inning.
Brian Schneider went 1-2 with two walks and a home run in the bottom of the seventh inning.
What went wrong?
Kyle Kendrick had a poor start, allowing five runs (four earned) in just four plus innings of work. He gave up six hits, walked two and struck out one.
Chad Durbin left the game in the top of the ninth inning with a strained right hamstring. He was on the hook for the loss before Rollins saved the day, allowing a run on two hits in an inning of work.
Game Analysis:
Welcome back, Jimmy Rollins. It took until the bottom of the ninth inning in a game that the Phillies should have lost, but Rollins made his impact known, launching a Kerry Wood pitch down the right field line for a walk off two run home run. The home run helped make up for his error in the top of the ninth inning that allowed the Indians to take the lead, but to be fair, it wasn't entirely his fault. The pitching tonight for the Phillies wasn't great, and the offense wasted chances in several innings. Just like last night, it wasn't a pretty win by any stretch, but the Phils will take it right now.
Despite 11 hits and seven runs for the Phillies tonight, they could and should have had more. They left runners on base in the fourth, seventh and eighth innings, and Ryan Howard's double play in the first inning killed what could have been a big inning to start things off. It hasn't been pretty for the offense against the Indians, but they are getting the job done when they have to. In the end, that's what matters, but it would be nice if they could get back on track like they were at this point last week. There were base running mistakes tonight, like Howard getting caught trying to steal home in the bottom of the sixth inning with runners on the corners. There's a time, a place and base runner for that situation, and Ryan Howard just doesn't fit any of those specifics. Trying a double steal with Howard on third and Brian Schneider at the plate is just asking for trouble, and that's what the Phillies got. However, they won, so you can't really complain.
The one thing I will harp on tonight was the pitching. Kyle Kendrick was off again tonight, just one start after shutting down the Yankees in New York. I don't know what to expect from Kendrick when he goes out there, but it would be nice if it was something other than this. However, this is what Kendrick does. He can go out there one night and dominate, like he did against the Yankees, or he can come out and struggle, like he did against Cleveland tonight. Kendrick started out the game in trouble, allowing a double and home run to the first two batters of the game. Before people had even found their seats tonight, the Phils were down 2-0, and it was that kind of night for Kendrick, who didn't make it out of the fifth inning.
Luckily, the bullpen was able to pick up most of the slack for the Phils, allowing just five hits and a single run for the rest of the game. David Hearndon, Mike Zagurski, Danys Baez, Chad Durbin and J.C. Romero did their jobs tonight, though Durbin had to leave the game in the top of the ninth with a strained right hamstring. Hopefully, it's not too bad, because Durbin has basically been one of the most consistant pitchers out of the bullpen for the Phillies this year, and they need him to keep coming out of the pen and looking sharp. If he's out for an extended period of time, it's going to be a problem, especially with some of the issues that this bullpen can have. They need at least one or two solid pitchers that they know can come out and get the job done in the middle innings. I don't think anyone has much faith in Mike Zagurski, and Danys Baez has been less than, well, just about anything so far this season. That leaves Durbin and Jose Contreras, and while Contreras has been good this year, you never know how many pitches he has left in his 38 or so year old arm. Durbin has to be able to keep going, or this bullpen might be in a bit of trouble.
Regardless, it was another win for the Phillies tonight, and one that can hopefully help them turn the corner on this horrid stretch that they've been on. Jimmy Rollins is back at the top of the lineup, and if he can get back to doing what he did at the start of the year, then this offense will pick up it's game each and every night. Everyone knows that the talent and the skill is there, it's just a matter of putting it all together again. Hopefully, they can make it happen on a regular basis again.
Tomorrow afternoon, the Phillies go for the sweep of Cleveland. Joe Blanton (2-5, 6.96 ERA) looks for his second straight win, as he faces off against Fausto Carmona (6-5, 3.31 ERA).
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Phillies Recap: Phillies-2, Indians-1
Game Recap:
Jamie Moyer allowed just one run in eight innings of work, picking up his 266th career win as the Phillies took the first game of their series against the Cleveland Indians.
What went right?
Ryan Howard went 2-3 with an RBI.
Jamie Moyer pitched eight innings of two hit baseball, allowing just a home run in the second inning. He walked one and struck out five.
Brad Lidge recorded the final two outs by strikeout to get his fifth save of the season.
What went wrong?
Jimmy Rollins made his return to the lineup, and went 0-4.
Aside from Ryan Howard, the Phillies managed just two other hits, with the team going a combined 2-22.
J.C. Romero attempted to save the game in the ninth, but got into trouble, allowing two runners to reach on a walk and a base hit.
Game Analysis:
It certainly wasn't the prettiest win in the world tonight, but after the last two Phillies games, a win is a win, and it should be left at that. While the offense could get very little going against Mitch Talbot, Jamie Moyer was on fire once again on the mound, picking up his third win of the month and tying Roy Halladay for the team lead in wins.
Did anyone really think that Jamie Moyer would be able to pitch like he has this season? Coming into the year, there wasn't really that much to like about him. He was 47, and was coming off of maybe the worst injury of his career that caused him to miss the playoffs. At most, people expected him to be the fifth starter until Joe Blanton came back from the disabled list or the Phillies signed someone else, but no one thought that he would be able to pitch this well this season. Now, the Phillies should be thankful that Moyer stuck around, as he won his eighth game of the year tonight, and looked better than most of the pitchers that the Phillies have started recently.
How Moyer is doing this is beyond me, but I won't complain. Tonight, he just looked sharp, getting his strikeouts and ground ball outs that have worked so well for him throughout his career. The Indians are a bit of a younger team, so Moyer does normally perform better against the younger hitters, but this was something else tonight. Save for a Russell Brayan home run in the second inning, Moyer was on point all night long. It's the kind of outing that makes me think that he could pitch for a few more years, at least. This is what the Phillies needed after their last two losses, and just like up in New York against the Yankees, Moyer delivered. That makes two straight games that Moyer has pitched through the eighth inning, and save for his disaster in Boston, Moyer has pitched into the sixth inning of every one of his starts this year, with two complete games to his credit. If you take out the Boston start, Moyer has pitched 25 innings in June, allowing five runs on 12 hits. That's not just good, that's excellent. He's just been on another level for most of this year compared to how he pitched last season, and he's well on his way to his fourth straight season with ten or more wins as a member of the Phillies.
On the other hand, the offense had another bad night, making it two games in a row that they've scored two runs or less. Jimmy Rollins made his much anticipated return and promptly swung at the first pitch of the game. Of course, that's what Jimmy does, so it shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone. Regardless, the offense has gotten back off track in two straight games, though tonight they at least showed signs of life early, scoring two runs in the first inning before going back into their shell again. Rollins was 0-4, and if not for those two first inning runs, the Phillies might have ended up costing a starting pitcher another great outing. Sure, there was the bogus interference call in the bottom of the fourth inning that cost the Phillies a run, but even if that went the other way, all that the Phils would have done was tie Cleveland. This offense is better than how they played tonight. They need to get back to how they were playing last week against the Yankees and their first two games against the Twins. That's the team that people want to see.
Either way, they managed a win tonight, no matter how ugly it was. Jamie Moyer pitched great, and Brad Lidge looked solid in the ninth during his emergency save situation. The Indians are not a good team, and if the Phillies don't take at least one of the next two games, it's going to be very upsetting.
Tomorrow, Kyle Kendrick (4-2, 4.48 ERA) goes for the Phillies. He'll be facing off against Jake Westbrook (4-4, 4.76 ERA).
Jamie Moyer allowed just one run in eight innings of work, picking up his 266th career win as the Phillies took the first game of their series against the Cleveland Indians.
What went right?
Ryan Howard went 2-3 with an RBI.
Jamie Moyer pitched eight innings of two hit baseball, allowing just a home run in the second inning. He walked one and struck out five.
Brad Lidge recorded the final two outs by strikeout to get his fifth save of the season.
What went wrong?
Jimmy Rollins made his return to the lineup, and went 0-4.
Aside from Ryan Howard, the Phillies managed just two other hits, with the team going a combined 2-22.
J.C. Romero attempted to save the game in the ninth, but got into trouble, allowing two runners to reach on a walk and a base hit.
Game Analysis:
It certainly wasn't the prettiest win in the world tonight, but after the last two Phillies games, a win is a win, and it should be left at that. While the offense could get very little going against Mitch Talbot, Jamie Moyer was on fire once again on the mound, picking up his third win of the month and tying Roy Halladay for the team lead in wins.
Did anyone really think that Jamie Moyer would be able to pitch like he has this season? Coming into the year, there wasn't really that much to like about him. He was 47, and was coming off of maybe the worst injury of his career that caused him to miss the playoffs. At most, people expected him to be the fifth starter until Joe Blanton came back from the disabled list or the Phillies signed someone else, but no one thought that he would be able to pitch this well this season. Now, the Phillies should be thankful that Moyer stuck around, as he won his eighth game of the year tonight, and looked better than most of the pitchers that the Phillies have started recently.
How Moyer is doing this is beyond me, but I won't complain. Tonight, he just looked sharp, getting his strikeouts and ground ball outs that have worked so well for him throughout his career. The Indians are a bit of a younger team, so Moyer does normally perform better against the younger hitters, but this was something else tonight. Save for a Russell Brayan home run in the second inning, Moyer was on point all night long. It's the kind of outing that makes me think that he could pitch for a few more years, at least. This is what the Phillies needed after their last two losses, and just like up in New York against the Yankees, Moyer delivered. That makes two straight games that Moyer has pitched through the eighth inning, and save for his disaster in Boston, Moyer has pitched into the sixth inning of every one of his starts this year, with two complete games to his credit. If you take out the Boston start, Moyer has pitched 25 innings in June, allowing five runs on 12 hits. That's not just good, that's excellent. He's just been on another level for most of this year compared to how he pitched last season, and he's well on his way to his fourth straight season with ten or more wins as a member of the Phillies.
On the other hand, the offense had another bad night, making it two games in a row that they've scored two runs or less. Jimmy Rollins made his much anticipated return and promptly swung at the first pitch of the game. Of course, that's what Jimmy does, so it shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone. Regardless, the offense has gotten back off track in two straight games, though tonight they at least showed signs of life early, scoring two runs in the first inning before going back into their shell again. Rollins was 0-4, and if not for those two first inning runs, the Phillies might have ended up costing a starting pitcher another great outing. Sure, there was the bogus interference call in the bottom of the fourth inning that cost the Phillies a run, but even if that went the other way, all that the Phils would have done was tie Cleveland. This offense is better than how they played tonight. They need to get back to how they were playing last week against the Yankees and their first two games against the Twins. That's the team that people want to see.
Either way, they managed a win tonight, no matter how ugly it was. Jamie Moyer pitched great, and Brad Lidge looked solid in the ninth during his emergency save situation. The Indians are not a good team, and if the Phillies don't take at least one of the next two games, it's going to be very upsetting.
Tomorrow, Kyle Kendrick (4-2, 4.48 ERA) goes for the Phillies. He'll be facing off against Jake Westbrook (4-4, 4.76 ERA).
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Phillies Recap: Twins-4, Phillies-1
Game Recap:
With Roy Halladay on the mound, the Phillies could only manage four hits and a run off of Carl Pavano, who pitched a complete game victory for Minnesota.
What went right?
We might as well start at the bottom.
Wilson Valdez went 1-4 with his second home run in as many games.
What went wrong?
Shane Victorino was 0-3.
Jayson Werth went 0-4.
Raul Ibanez went 0-3.
Brian Schneider went 0-3.
Roy Halladay didn't pitch badly, but did give up a career high 11 hits in picking up his sixth loss of the season. He allowed four runs on those 11 hits while striking out eight and walking none.
Game Analysis:
A day after the worst loss that the Phillies had experienced all season long, the team managed to turn a Roy Halladay start into another poor offensive showing, as they let Carl freaking Pavano pitch a complete game against them in a 4-1 loss.
It's hard to say what's gotten into Roy Halladay right now, but part of it can't just be blamed on a poor offensive showing. Ever since he started the year 6-1, Halladay has gone 2-5. Sure, there's a perfect game thrown in there, but that's not the point right now. The Phillies traded for Halladay for him to win games that Cliff Lee and the other pitchers on this team couldn't win, and he's not doing that right now. In the month of June, Halladay has given up 35 hits in four starts, which is far too many for any starting pitcher, let alone one that's supposed to be the ace of a pitching staff. Halladay has always given up hits, because that's what kind of pitcher he is, but the fact of the matter is that he should be pitching better than he is right now. The offense, and the number of hits that he gives up, shouldn't matter as much as his success on the mound. Most people didn't think that he would lose six games all season, but now he's done it before the All Star break. This isn't a good thing for the Phillies or Roy Halladay.
After four straight good games, it was expected that the offense would calm down a little bit, but against Carl Pavano? That seemed unlikely. Either way, Pavano shut down the Phils on offense today, holding them without a hit for three innings and keeping them from mounting any sort of offensive attack all day long. Pavano pitched a complete game and had the Phils guessing for most of the day. When the big bats did manage to find the ball, it seemed like it was locked onto a Minnesota glove, but that's just the way things go some days. On other days, all of those fly balls and line drives would have found open space, but not today. The Twins had a good plan against the Phillies, and they worked it to perfection for their second straight win.
Considering everything that the Phillies had going for them before the ninth inning yesterday, to have back to back losses like this hurts. It's not even funny to say that. Blowing a five run lead in the ninth inning is one thing, and having your best pitcher lose to Carl Pavano, who was once considered good when he was traded for Pedro Martinez back in 1998, is something else. It's nothing to worry about yet, but Roy Halladay needs to get himself back to where he was a month ago, when he was dominating National League lineups with the best pitchers in the league. Now, he's lost his last three games, and doesn't look anything like the pitcher he was at the start of the year. Hopefully, he can pick things back up, because this 5.5 game hole that the Phils are in right now isn't going to take care of itself.
The Phillies have an off day tomorrow, which is followed by a three game series against the Cleveland Indians. Jamie Moyer (7-6, 4.76 ERA) goes for the Phillies, and he'll face off against Mitch Talbot (7-5, 4.21 ERA).
With Roy Halladay on the mound, the Phillies could only manage four hits and a run off of Carl Pavano, who pitched a complete game victory for Minnesota.
What went right?
We might as well start at the bottom.
Wilson Valdez went 1-4 with his second home run in as many games.
What went wrong?
Shane Victorino was 0-3.
Jayson Werth went 0-4.
Raul Ibanez went 0-3.
Brian Schneider went 0-3.
Roy Halladay didn't pitch badly, but did give up a career high 11 hits in picking up his sixth loss of the season. He allowed four runs on those 11 hits while striking out eight and walking none.
Game Analysis:
A day after the worst loss that the Phillies had experienced all season long, the team managed to turn a Roy Halladay start into another poor offensive showing, as they let Carl freaking Pavano pitch a complete game against them in a 4-1 loss.
It's hard to say what's gotten into Roy Halladay right now, but part of it can't just be blamed on a poor offensive showing. Ever since he started the year 6-1, Halladay has gone 2-5. Sure, there's a perfect game thrown in there, but that's not the point right now. The Phillies traded for Halladay for him to win games that Cliff Lee and the other pitchers on this team couldn't win, and he's not doing that right now. In the month of June, Halladay has given up 35 hits in four starts, which is far too many for any starting pitcher, let alone one that's supposed to be the ace of a pitching staff. Halladay has always given up hits, because that's what kind of pitcher he is, but the fact of the matter is that he should be pitching better than he is right now. The offense, and the number of hits that he gives up, shouldn't matter as much as his success on the mound. Most people didn't think that he would lose six games all season, but now he's done it before the All Star break. This isn't a good thing for the Phillies or Roy Halladay.
After four straight good games, it was expected that the offense would calm down a little bit, but against Carl Pavano? That seemed unlikely. Either way, Pavano shut down the Phils on offense today, holding them without a hit for three innings and keeping them from mounting any sort of offensive attack all day long. Pavano pitched a complete game and had the Phils guessing for most of the day. When the big bats did manage to find the ball, it seemed like it was locked onto a Minnesota glove, but that's just the way things go some days. On other days, all of those fly balls and line drives would have found open space, but not today. The Twins had a good plan against the Phillies, and they worked it to perfection for their second straight win.
Considering everything that the Phillies had going for them before the ninth inning yesterday, to have back to back losses like this hurts. It's not even funny to say that. Blowing a five run lead in the ninth inning is one thing, and having your best pitcher lose to Carl Pavano, who was once considered good when he was traded for Pedro Martinez back in 1998, is something else. It's nothing to worry about yet, but Roy Halladay needs to get himself back to where he was a month ago, when he was dominating National League lineups with the best pitchers in the league. Now, he's lost his last three games, and doesn't look anything like the pitcher he was at the start of the year. Hopefully, he can pick things back up, because this 5.5 game hole that the Phils are in right now isn't going to take care of itself.
The Phillies have an off day tomorrow, which is followed by a three game series against the Cleveland Indians. Jamie Moyer (7-6, 4.76 ERA) goes for the Phillies, and he'll face off against Mitch Talbot (7-5, 4.21 ERA).
Manute Bol: 1962-2010
Sad news from yesterday, as former Sixers big man and shot-blocking attraction Manute Bol died in Virginia from complications from kidney problems and a skin disease. Manute played in the NBA for ten years, where his 3.3 blocked shots per game still is second in NBA history. He played for the Sixers from 1990-1993 and helped mentor Shawn Bradley when the rookie was just getting his feet wet in the NBA.
Of course, Manute's biggest impact was in his charity work after his career in the NBA came to an end. Up until his death, Manute donated time and money to improving his home country of Sudan. For someone like him to give back so much to a country that needs it speaks volumes of what kind of man he was. He might not have been the greatest basketball player ever, but what he did off the court made him one of the better men on Earth.
Rest in peace, Manute.
Of course, Manute's biggest impact was in his charity work after his career in the NBA came to an end. Up until his death, Manute donated time and money to improving his home country of Sudan. For someone like him to give back so much to a country that needs it speaks volumes of what kind of man he was. He might not have been the greatest basketball player ever, but what he did off the court made him one of the better men on Earth.
Rest in peace, Manute.
Phillie of the Week: June 13-19
Despite a crushing lost yesterday, the Phillies had the best week in about a month, going 4-2 against some of the top teams in the American League. Not only that, but their offense has picked up the pace again and looks more and more like one of the best offenses in baseball. With that in mind, it's no surprise that one of the big bats won the honor this time out. This week's Phillie of the Week is:
Ryan Howard
The big man has been red hot this week, hitting .333 with four home runs and eight RBI. His solid play has been one of the biggest reasons why the Phillies are starting to turn things around. It's good to see Howard hitting as well as he is, and hopefully he can keep it up.
Ryan Howard
The big man has been red hot this week, hitting .333 with four home runs and eight RBI. His solid play has been one of the biggest reasons why the Phillies are starting to turn things around. It's good to see Howard hitting as well as he is, and hopefully he can keep it up.
Phillies Recap: Twins-13, Phillies-10
Game Recap:
The Phillies allowed five runs in the ninth inning to Minnesota before giving up four more in extra innings to fall to the Twins in a gut punch of a game.
What went right?
Chase Utley went 3-5 with a run scored and three RBI.
Ryan Howard continued his hot streak, even though he only went 1-6. The one was a two run home run.
Jayson Werth went 1-4 with a home run.
Raul Ibanez was 2-3 with a home run and a run scored.
Wilson freaking Valdez was 1-4 with a home run. Lots of home runs yesterday.
Ross Gload kept the game alive for another inning with a two out, pinch hit, solo home run in the tenth.
Cole Hamels deserved a win, allowing four runs (three earned), in seven innings of work. He gave up five hits, walked two and struck out seven.
What went wrong?
Ryan Howard also struck out three times, including in the ninth inning with two on and one out and again to end the game.
The bullpen was horrible yesterday, allowing nine runs in four innings. Jose Contreras gave up three, Brad Lidge blew his first save of the year and allowed two runs, Chad Durbin gave up one, and Danys Baez continued to perplex me with his being on this team by allowing three.
Game Analysis:
There is no way that this game yesterday should have ended the way that it did. Up 9-4 going into the ninth inning, the Phillies looked like they were putting the wraps on another solid showing. For the fourth straight game, the Phils had taken it to an American League division leader, and things were still looking up.
Then, the ninth inning started. Jose Contreras gave up a single to Delmon Young, and then Jim Thome nailed a 3-2 pitch deep into the Minnesota bullpen. Ok, that wasn't too bad, the fans got to see Thome take one last trip around the bases in Philadelphia, but everything after that was torture. Brad Lidge came in after Contreras walked Nick Punto, and suddenly, that five run lead didn't look so solid. Lidge did his job at first, getting Jason Kubel to pop up, but then a wild pitch and a single allowed Punto to score, and the heart of the Minnesota lineup was coming up to bat. Lidge managed to strike out Orlando Hudson, but then Joe Mauer stepped up. Mauer did what reigning MVPs do, hit a pitch just over the shorter right centerfield porch for a game tying home run, and the rest, as they say, is history. The Twins got a run in the tenth and then three in the 11th to outslug the Phillies in a game that should have been over an hour before it actually was.
This loss falls totally on the bullpen. After a three game stretch where the team looked like they were going to start playing like the 2008 Phils again, the bullpen did their best to channel the 2009 team once again. Aside from J.C. Romero, each and every relief pitcher that came into the game allowed at least two hits and a run. I don't care how many runs a team is up by, when a bullpen is pitching that badly, there is no way you're going to win. Not only that, but it wasted another great effort by Cole Hamels, who looked solid on the mound once again. His 6-5 record may not show it, but Hamels is putting up quality start after quality start. He looks more focused than ever, and he's keeping the team in the game now and not letting the little mistakes get to him anymore. It's exactly what the Phillies needed from him this year to back up Roy Halladay.
I don't think there's anything to worry about with the offense any more. Whatever happened while they were up in New York seems to have carried over with them back to Philadelphia. For the second straight game, the Phils scored eight runs in the first two innings and chased a Minnesota starter from the game. That's what this team can do, but they can't allow themselves to stop there. Against the Minnesota bullpen, the Phillies have only scored three runs, despite dominating the starters that the Twins have brought out there. It might be the matchups, or it could be something else, but the Phillies have got to finish teams when they have a big early lead. Keep up with the offensive pressure, don't let them get back into the game. It's what this team has done well over the past three years, and they need to get that part back.
It was a tough loss to swallow yesterday, no doubt about it, but that's why a baseball season is 162 games long. There are going to be some tough losses thrown in there, but you just have to suck it up and go out and play the next day. The Phillies are a mentally tough team, and they should be able to put that loss behind them and move on today.
Right now, Roy Halladay (8-5, 2.35 ERA) is on the mound for the Phillies, looking for the series win. Carl Pavano (7-6, 3.92 ERA) is going today for the Twins.
The Phillies allowed five runs in the ninth inning to Minnesota before giving up four more in extra innings to fall to the Twins in a gut punch of a game.
What went right?
Chase Utley went 3-5 with a run scored and three RBI.
Ryan Howard continued his hot streak, even though he only went 1-6. The one was a two run home run.
Jayson Werth went 1-4 with a home run.
Raul Ibanez was 2-3 with a home run and a run scored.
Wilson freaking Valdez was 1-4 with a home run. Lots of home runs yesterday.
Ross Gload kept the game alive for another inning with a two out, pinch hit, solo home run in the tenth.
Cole Hamels deserved a win, allowing four runs (three earned), in seven innings of work. He gave up five hits, walked two and struck out seven.
What went wrong?
Ryan Howard also struck out three times, including in the ninth inning with two on and one out and again to end the game.
The bullpen was horrible yesterday, allowing nine runs in four innings. Jose Contreras gave up three, Brad Lidge blew his first save of the year and allowed two runs, Chad Durbin gave up one, and Danys Baez continued to perplex me with his being on this team by allowing three.
Game Analysis:
There is no way that this game yesterday should have ended the way that it did. Up 9-4 going into the ninth inning, the Phillies looked like they were putting the wraps on another solid showing. For the fourth straight game, the Phils had taken it to an American League division leader, and things were still looking up.
Then, the ninth inning started. Jose Contreras gave up a single to Delmon Young, and then Jim Thome nailed a 3-2 pitch deep into the Minnesota bullpen. Ok, that wasn't too bad, the fans got to see Thome take one last trip around the bases in Philadelphia, but everything after that was torture. Brad Lidge came in after Contreras walked Nick Punto, and suddenly, that five run lead didn't look so solid. Lidge did his job at first, getting Jason Kubel to pop up, but then a wild pitch and a single allowed Punto to score, and the heart of the Minnesota lineup was coming up to bat. Lidge managed to strike out Orlando Hudson, but then Joe Mauer stepped up. Mauer did what reigning MVPs do, hit a pitch just over the shorter right centerfield porch for a game tying home run, and the rest, as they say, is history. The Twins got a run in the tenth and then three in the 11th to outslug the Phillies in a game that should have been over an hour before it actually was.
This loss falls totally on the bullpen. After a three game stretch where the team looked like they were going to start playing like the 2008 Phils again, the bullpen did their best to channel the 2009 team once again. Aside from J.C. Romero, each and every relief pitcher that came into the game allowed at least two hits and a run. I don't care how many runs a team is up by, when a bullpen is pitching that badly, there is no way you're going to win. Not only that, but it wasted another great effort by Cole Hamels, who looked solid on the mound once again. His 6-5 record may not show it, but Hamels is putting up quality start after quality start. He looks more focused than ever, and he's keeping the team in the game now and not letting the little mistakes get to him anymore. It's exactly what the Phillies needed from him this year to back up Roy Halladay.
I don't think there's anything to worry about with the offense any more. Whatever happened while they were up in New York seems to have carried over with them back to Philadelphia. For the second straight game, the Phils scored eight runs in the first two innings and chased a Minnesota starter from the game. That's what this team can do, but they can't allow themselves to stop there. Against the Minnesota bullpen, the Phillies have only scored three runs, despite dominating the starters that the Twins have brought out there. It might be the matchups, or it could be something else, but the Phillies have got to finish teams when they have a big early lead. Keep up with the offensive pressure, don't let them get back into the game. It's what this team has done well over the past three years, and they need to get that part back.
It was a tough loss to swallow yesterday, no doubt about it, but that's why a baseball season is 162 games long. There are going to be some tough losses thrown in there, but you just have to suck it up and go out and play the next day. The Phillies are a mentally tough team, and they should be able to put that loss behind them and move on today.
Right now, Roy Halladay (8-5, 2.35 ERA) is on the mound for the Phillies, looking for the series win. Carl Pavano (7-6, 3.92 ERA) is going today for the Twins.
Flyers start to shake things up a bit
Not even two weeks after their season ended at the hands of the Chicago Blackhawks, the Philadelphia Flyers are already making moves to improve their team heading into next season. Yesterday, they took the first step in improving their defense, trading Ryan Parent to Nashville for Dan Hamhuis and a conditional pick in the 2011 NHL Draft.
This was almost a necessary move, as Parent was seen as more of a burden during the later rounds of the playoffs, especially the Stanley Cup Final against Chicago. He only saw the ice once against the Blackhawks, and that was onyl for 41 seconds, as the Flyers didn't see him as someone that could skate with the stronger faster Blackhawks. Now, they have Hamhuis, who is a great step in the right direction, but it comes with a price as well.
Rather than having Hamhuis already under contract, the Flyers have the rights to negotiate with him before he becomes a free agent this summer. I doubt that Paul Holmgren would have traded for him if he didn't think that they could work out a deal, but the fact remains that he could never see the ice as a member of the Flyers. Any Philadelphia fan worth his salt wants to see Hamhuis with this team for quite a few years, as a grouping of Chris Pronger, Kimo Timmonen and Hamhuis would make one of the better defensive units in the Eastern Conference. They still have to get him signed, though, and make room under the salary cap in order to do that.
Regardless, this is a step in the right direction for a team that needs to make a few more. Let's be honest now: that run to the Stanley Cup Finals was one of the most improbable of all time. To have Washington and Pittsburgh both knocked out before the Conference Finals played directly into the hands of the Flyers being able to make it as far as they did. Next year, they likely won't be as lucky, and are going to have to face at least one of them in the postseason. In order to get past them, they're going to need players like Hamhuis to be on this team. It's not that the Flyers are a bad team, it's far from that. It's just that they need to keep making adjustments, like this one, in order to ensure that they can remain near or at the top of the Eastern Conference for the next few seasons.
This isn't going to be the last move the Flyers make this offseason. I expect a few more deals to free up some more cap room so that they can make a run at a solid goalie, which is one of, if not the biggest weakness that this team has right now. If they can do that, and continue to tinker with what they have, this is going to be an even better team next season. It's shaping up to be a fun offseason.
ESPN.com: Flyers trade Parent to Nashville
This was almost a necessary move, as Parent was seen as more of a burden during the later rounds of the playoffs, especially the Stanley Cup Final against Chicago. He only saw the ice once against the Blackhawks, and that was onyl for 41 seconds, as the Flyers didn't see him as someone that could skate with the stronger faster Blackhawks. Now, they have Hamhuis, who is a great step in the right direction, but it comes with a price as well.
Rather than having Hamhuis already under contract, the Flyers have the rights to negotiate with him before he becomes a free agent this summer. I doubt that Paul Holmgren would have traded for him if he didn't think that they could work out a deal, but the fact remains that he could never see the ice as a member of the Flyers. Any Philadelphia fan worth his salt wants to see Hamhuis with this team for quite a few years, as a grouping of Chris Pronger, Kimo Timmonen and Hamhuis would make one of the better defensive units in the Eastern Conference. They still have to get him signed, though, and make room under the salary cap in order to do that.
Regardless, this is a step in the right direction for a team that needs to make a few more. Let's be honest now: that run to the Stanley Cup Finals was one of the most improbable of all time. To have Washington and Pittsburgh both knocked out before the Conference Finals played directly into the hands of the Flyers being able to make it as far as they did. Next year, they likely won't be as lucky, and are going to have to face at least one of them in the postseason. In order to get past them, they're going to need players like Hamhuis to be on this team. It's not that the Flyers are a bad team, it's far from that. It's just that they need to keep making adjustments, like this one, in order to ensure that they can remain near or at the top of the Eastern Conference for the next few seasons.
This isn't going to be the last move the Flyers make this offseason. I expect a few more deals to free up some more cap room so that they can make a run at a solid goalie, which is one of, if not the biggest weakness that this team has right now. If they can do that, and continue to tinker with what they have, this is going to be an even better team next season. It's shaping up to be a fun offseason.
ESPN.com: Flyers trade Parent to Nashville
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Phillies Recap: Phillies-9, Twins-5
Game Recap:
Chase Utley and Ryan Howard broke out the big bats last night, driving in seven runs by themselves as Joe Blanton won his second game of the season and the Phillies won their third game in a row.
What went right?
Placido Polanco went 2-5 with a run scored and an RBI.
Shane Victorino may have gone 0-3, but he also walked and scored twice.
Chase Utley went 2-5 with a home run, four RBI and two runs scored.
Ryan Howard finished a single short of hitting for the cycle, going 4-4 with a double, a triple, two home runs, three RBI and three runs scored.
Jayson Werth went 1-2 with an RBI and a walk.
Joe Blanton got his second win of the season, allowing three runs on seven hits in six innings of work. He walked three and struck out one.
What went wrong?
Raul Ibanez went 0-3 with a walk.
Scott Mathieson made things more interesting in his first major league appearance of the season, allowing two runs to score in the ninth inning while recording just two outs. He gave up three hits and didn't walk or strike out anyone.
Game Analysis:
Now this is what this Phillies team is capable of. In three straight games against American League division leading opponents, the Phils have outscored the Yankees and Twins by a combined 22-9 score, all while getting good outings from the back end of their rotation as well. It's only a three game winning streak, but compared to what this team was putting out a week ago, these games have been a step in the right direction, and it looks like the offense is starting to wake back up again.
Against Nick Blackburn last night, the Phillies did what they had done during the start of the season, which was to jump on an opposing pitcher early and often. The Phils scored three runs in the first inning, and then chased Blackburn from the game with a five run second inning that featured back to back home runs from Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. For the first time in over a month, it looked like Utley was back in form, and hopefully he can stay that way. His home run last night ended a run of 88 at-bats without a longball, which was the third longest of his career. After rumors came out yesterday about a knee injury, it was even better to see Utley put them to bed quickly with a great showing at the plate, but even he was upstaged last night by Ryan Howard.
The big man has been one of the few Phils still hitting during this poor stretch, but last night, he took it to another level. Howard went 4-4 with two home runs and looked every bit like one of the most feared batters in the National League last night. Somehow, he finished just a single short of hitting for the cycle, having drilled a triple in the first inning, followed by two home runs and then a double. Regardless of what he finished short of last night, Howard's performance was one of the best signs that this team might be coming back together once again. For the past month, the heart of the lineup has been doing very little at the plate, but over the last few games, it looks like things are starting to come together. Howard and Jayson Werth hit back to back home runs in a win against the Yankees, and now Howard and Chase Utley did the same last night. The best part about this little run is that the Phillies are doing it against top competition, so they know that they can play with these teams. This isn't the Phillies playing down to another level. This is the Phillies playing right where they know they can play. It's just taken them a while to find it again.
Plus, the pitching is starting to come around at the back end of the rotation as well. First, Jamie Moyer shut down the Yankees, and then Kyle Kendrick did the same. It couldn't happen with Joe Blanton against the Twins, could it? After all, Blanton has been horrible since coming back, winning just one game and having an ERA closer to his shoe size than anything else. Well, last night, Blanton looked more like the pitcher that's helped the Phils to back to back World Series appearances. Though you can argue that Charlie Manuel should have never let him come out for the seventh inning, Blanton still looked sharper than at any point during his season so far. Having an eight run lead in the third inning helps, too, but a lot of this was on Blanton last night. After one of his worst outings as a Phillie against Boston, Blanton needed a good showing, and that's what he got against the Twins. It wasn't as pretty as some of his efforts in the past, but it got the job done. He was backed up well by his defense, and Minnesota was taken out of the game early by the Philadelphia offense. It was a perfect mix for a pitcher trying to get back on his feet after being rocked several times this year.
This might be the start of something much better after a horrible end to May and start of June for this team, but they still need to take things one game at a time. If they start looking ahead, then they can end up right back where they were two weeks ago, and no one wants that. Instead, if they can keep focusing on what's going right again instead of what was going wrong, then they should be able to keep up a solid run, even with the tough schedule that they have going into the All Star break.
Today, Cole Hamels (6-5, 3.74 ERA) will try and keep things going for the Phils and pick up his seventh win. He'll be facing off against Kevin Slowey (7-4, 3.84 ERA).
Chase Utley and Ryan Howard broke out the big bats last night, driving in seven runs by themselves as Joe Blanton won his second game of the season and the Phillies won their third game in a row.
What went right?
Placido Polanco went 2-5 with a run scored and an RBI.
Shane Victorino may have gone 0-3, but he also walked and scored twice.
Chase Utley went 2-5 with a home run, four RBI and two runs scored.
Ryan Howard finished a single short of hitting for the cycle, going 4-4 with a double, a triple, two home runs, three RBI and three runs scored.
Jayson Werth went 1-2 with an RBI and a walk.
Joe Blanton got his second win of the season, allowing three runs on seven hits in six innings of work. He walked three and struck out one.
What went wrong?
Raul Ibanez went 0-3 with a walk.
Scott Mathieson made things more interesting in his first major league appearance of the season, allowing two runs to score in the ninth inning while recording just two outs. He gave up three hits and didn't walk or strike out anyone.
Game Analysis:
Now this is what this Phillies team is capable of. In three straight games against American League division leading opponents, the Phils have outscored the Yankees and Twins by a combined 22-9 score, all while getting good outings from the back end of their rotation as well. It's only a three game winning streak, but compared to what this team was putting out a week ago, these games have been a step in the right direction, and it looks like the offense is starting to wake back up again.
Against Nick Blackburn last night, the Phillies did what they had done during the start of the season, which was to jump on an opposing pitcher early and often. The Phils scored three runs in the first inning, and then chased Blackburn from the game with a five run second inning that featured back to back home runs from Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. For the first time in over a month, it looked like Utley was back in form, and hopefully he can stay that way. His home run last night ended a run of 88 at-bats without a longball, which was the third longest of his career. After rumors came out yesterday about a knee injury, it was even better to see Utley put them to bed quickly with a great showing at the plate, but even he was upstaged last night by Ryan Howard.
The big man has been one of the few Phils still hitting during this poor stretch, but last night, he took it to another level. Howard went 4-4 with two home runs and looked every bit like one of the most feared batters in the National League last night. Somehow, he finished just a single short of hitting for the cycle, having drilled a triple in the first inning, followed by two home runs and then a double. Regardless of what he finished short of last night, Howard's performance was one of the best signs that this team might be coming back together once again. For the past month, the heart of the lineup has been doing very little at the plate, but over the last few games, it looks like things are starting to come together. Howard and Jayson Werth hit back to back home runs in a win against the Yankees, and now Howard and Chase Utley did the same last night. The best part about this little run is that the Phillies are doing it against top competition, so they know that they can play with these teams. This isn't the Phillies playing down to another level. This is the Phillies playing right where they know they can play. It's just taken them a while to find it again.
Plus, the pitching is starting to come around at the back end of the rotation as well. First, Jamie Moyer shut down the Yankees, and then Kyle Kendrick did the same. It couldn't happen with Joe Blanton against the Twins, could it? After all, Blanton has been horrible since coming back, winning just one game and having an ERA closer to his shoe size than anything else. Well, last night, Blanton looked more like the pitcher that's helped the Phils to back to back World Series appearances. Though you can argue that Charlie Manuel should have never let him come out for the seventh inning, Blanton still looked sharper than at any point during his season so far. Having an eight run lead in the third inning helps, too, but a lot of this was on Blanton last night. After one of his worst outings as a Phillie against Boston, Blanton needed a good showing, and that's what he got against the Twins. It wasn't as pretty as some of his efforts in the past, but it got the job done. He was backed up well by his defense, and Minnesota was taken out of the game early by the Philadelphia offense. It was a perfect mix for a pitcher trying to get back on his feet after being rocked several times this year.
This might be the start of something much better after a horrible end to May and start of June for this team, but they still need to take things one game at a time. If they start looking ahead, then they can end up right back where they were two weeks ago, and no one wants that. Instead, if they can keep focusing on what's going right again instead of what was going wrong, then they should be able to keep up a solid run, even with the tough schedule that they have going into the All Star break.
Today, Cole Hamels (6-5, 3.74 ERA) will try and keep things going for the Phils and pick up his seventh win. He'll be facing off against Kevin Slowey (7-4, 3.84 ERA).
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Phillies Recap: Phillies-7, Yankees-1
Game Recap:
Kyle Kendrick pitched seven innings of one run baseball and the Phillies worked seven runs on ten hits to take their series against the Yankees.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 2-3 with three runs scored, two RBI and two walks.
Placido Polanco was 1-4 with an RBI.
Ryan Howard went 1-4 with two RBI.
Raul Ibanez went 1-5 with an RBI double.
Carlos Ruiz was 2-3 with a walk and two runs scored.
Wilson Valdez went 1-3 with a run scored and an RBI.
Kyle Kendrick pitched seven innings and allowed one run on four hits. He walked two and struc out three.
What went wrong?
Honestly, nothing went wrong tonight. The Celtics and Lakers are playing in the NBA Finals again, but that's not baseball related.
Oh, the Phillies left nine men on base, so they could have won by more.
Game Analysis:
Two days ago, I literally had written a piece that said the Phillies season may rest on their next two games against the Yankees, and Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick were pitching those two games. The odds of winning both games were slim to none, and slim was about to hop in a car and leave town. Now, two days later, the Phillies are sitting with wins in each of their last two games against the New York Yankees, with the bottom of their rotation doing the job that the top of it could not.
Two days ago, Roy Halladay was beaten badly against New York. Phillies fans were looking for some sort of hope, but with the 47 year old Moyer and Kyle Kendrick pitching the next two games, hope wasn't something that a lot of Phils fans had. The offense hadn't been clicking for a month, and the Phillies were staring a .500 record and a deeper hole in the National League East in the face. Instead, this team rallied with their bats and great efforts from both starting pitchers to earn a 3-3 record on their road trip to Boston and New York. Considering everything that the Phils have gone through in the last month, that split might be the best thing that could have happened to them.
There's only so much that can be said about Kyle Kendrick, just for the fact that he's Kyle Kendrick, but he pitched well tonight. He's usually hit or miss, but against one of the best lineups in baseball tonight, he did what he had to do. Kendrick had good movement on his pitches, and the Yankees just didn't have an answer for him through the game. For seven innings, Kendrick was solid, keeping New York from taking the lead, while the Phillies did what they needed to do on the offensive side of the ball.
The offense looks like it might be coming back to life after just a bad month of baseball. Over the last two games, the Phils have scored 13 runs, and finally look like a quality team once again. Last night, they came through with clutch hits, and tonight, they did the same, even with leaving nine players on base. That came through in the ninth inning, when the Phils scored four runs against a bullpen that dominated them the night before. Even against Andy Pettitte, who had only lost a single game this season, the Phillies looked better than they had in a month. The Phils worked out three runs on six hits and three walks against Pettitte, who didn't have his best stuff tonight, but still looked every bit like the pitcher who had shut down the Phils in Game 6 of the World Series last year. Save for Chase Utley, every starter had a base hit, and five Phils had RBI to go along with two stolen bases. The last two games haven't been that pretty, but the Phillies have done what they've had to do to win, and that's what matters.
Somehow, even with Roy Halladay losing the first game of this series, the Phillies took two of three from the Yankees. Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick pitched very well, and the Phils finally looked back at home at the plate as well. I don't know if this is the start to the turn-around that this season needs, but at the moment, I'll take it. Any time you can win two of three on the road against the defending champs while they're one of the best teams in baseball, it's a good thing.
Now, if only the Braves and Mets would lose.
Tomorrow night, the Phils return home for a series against the Minnesota Twins. Joe Blanton (1-5, 7.28 ERA) will try his best not to suck again tomorrow as he goes against Nick Blackburn (6-3, 4.96 ERA).
Kyle Kendrick pitched seven innings of one run baseball and the Phillies worked seven runs on ten hits to take their series against the Yankees.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 2-3 with three runs scored, two RBI and two walks.
Placido Polanco was 1-4 with an RBI.
Ryan Howard went 1-4 with two RBI.
Raul Ibanez went 1-5 with an RBI double.
Carlos Ruiz was 2-3 with a walk and two runs scored.
Wilson Valdez went 1-3 with a run scored and an RBI.
Kyle Kendrick pitched seven innings and allowed one run on four hits. He walked two and struc out three.
What went wrong?
Honestly, nothing went wrong tonight. The Celtics and Lakers are playing in the NBA Finals again, but that's not baseball related.
Oh, the Phillies left nine men on base, so they could have won by more.
Game Analysis:
Two days ago, I literally had written a piece that said the Phillies season may rest on their next two games against the Yankees, and Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick were pitching those two games. The odds of winning both games were slim to none, and slim was about to hop in a car and leave town. Now, two days later, the Phillies are sitting with wins in each of their last two games against the New York Yankees, with the bottom of their rotation doing the job that the top of it could not.
Two days ago, Roy Halladay was beaten badly against New York. Phillies fans were looking for some sort of hope, but with the 47 year old Moyer and Kyle Kendrick pitching the next two games, hope wasn't something that a lot of Phils fans had. The offense hadn't been clicking for a month, and the Phillies were staring a .500 record and a deeper hole in the National League East in the face. Instead, this team rallied with their bats and great efforts from both starting pitchers to earn a 3-3 record on their road trip to Boston and New York. Considering everything that the Phils have gone through in the last month, that split might be the best thing that could have happened to them.
There's only so much that can be said about Kyle Kendrick, just for the fact that he's Kyle Kendrick, but he pitched well tonight. He's usually hit or miss, but against one of the best lineups in baseball tonight, he did what he had to do. Kendrick had good movement on his pitches, and the Yankees just didn't have an answer for him through the game. For seven innings, Kendrick was solid, keeping New York from taking the lead, while the Phillies did what they needed to do on the offensive side of the ball.
The offense looks like it might be coming back to life after just a bad month of baseball. Over the last two games, the Phils have scored 13 runs, and finally look like a quality team once again. Last night, they came through with clutch hits, and tonight, they did the same, even with leaving nine players on base. That came through in the ninth inning, when the Phils scored four runs against a bullpen that dominated them the night before. Even against Andy Pettitte, who had only lost a single game this season, the Phillies looked better than they had in a month. The Phils worked out three runs on six hits and three walks against Pettitte, who didn't have his best stuff tonight, but still looked every bit like the pitcher who had shut down the Phils in Game 6 of the World Series last year. Save for Chase Utley, every starter had a base hit, and five Phils had RBI to go along with two stolen bases. The last two games haven't been that pretty, but the Phillies have done what they've had to do to win, and that's what matters.
Somehow, even with Roy Halladay losing the first game of this series, the Phillies took two of three from the Yankees. Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick pitched very well, and the Phils finally looked back at home at the plate as well. I don't know if this is the start to the turn-around that this season needs, but at the moment, I'll take it. Any time you can win two of three on the road against the defending champs while they're one of the best teams in baseball, it's a good thing.
Now, if only the Braves and Mets would lose.
Tomorrow night, the Phils return home for a series against the Minnesota Twins. Joe Blanton (1-5, 7.28 ERA) will try his best not to suck again tomorrow as he goes against Nick Blackburn (6-3, 4.96 ERA).
So Long, Sammy: Sixers Trade Dalembert to Sacramento
It took almost three years longer than most people wanted it to, but today the Sixers managed to trade Samuel Dalembert. Sammy and his $12 million contract for next season is headed to Sacramento for youngster Spencer Hawes and veteran Andres Nocioni. While it's actually a little sad to see Dalembert leave after watching him man the middle of the Sixers backcourt for almost a decade, it was time, and the move does free up some cap space for Philadelphia, but it also comes with a few questions as well.
The first question is how this is going to affect who the Sixers draft with the second overall pick in the NBA Draft next week. While conventional wisdom had the Sixers taking Evan Turner with their pick, the addition of Nocioni gives the Sixers yet another athletic swingman, which is something that they don't need any more of. Trading Dalembert also leaves Philadelphia with a big hole in the middle of their defense, which is going to have to be filled. What that means is that the Sixers may have to pass on Turner and instead go after Derrick Favors from Georgia Tech. Favors is a younger, more raw player, but some people have said that he has Dwight Howard type abilities when it comes to his style of play. That's not to say that Favors is going to be like Howard, but it's something to keep in mind. Regardless, the Sixers do not need someone in the mold of Evan Turner at this point, regardless of how good he is. It just doesn't fit what they need at the moment, and that hurts to say, because Turner really is the second best player in this draft, and should be going to the Sixers.
Of course, the Sixers also have to look at the two players that they got back in exchange for Dalembert. First, Spencer Hawes is a decent inside-out big man, with a good wingspan and a decent shooting touch for someone that's seven feet tall. However, he's also not that strong, and for being seven feet tall, he should have better rebounding numbers than he's had during his career so far. While his shooting touch is something to look forward to, it's nothing to build a team around, as the Kings apparently found out. When a team would rather build around Samuel Dalembert and Jason Thompson down low for at least a season rather than you and Jason Thompson, that's a good sign that they've already given up on you, and considering that Hawes is only going into his third year in the league, that's not necessarily a good thing. Add into that the fact that he might be the player that the Sixers should hold onto in this deal, and he's a free agent after this coming season, and it's not a good thing.
Then, there's Andres Nocioni, who is a strong, tough defender that can shoot from the outside as well. While that doesn't seem like a bad thing, it does come at a price. Dalembert's contract was up after this year, giving the Sixers almost $13 million in cap relief. There was no way that Dalembert was going to come back to Philadelphia after this season, and his huge expiring contract made him a big trade target, but Nocioni is making decent money as well. Nocioni is on the books for at least the next two seasons at $6.8 million a year, and then he has a player option for $7.5 million for the next season after that. It's not a bad thing that the Sixers picked up Nocioni, but his contract is quite large, and is going to limit what Philadelphia can do in next year's offseason. Rather than make a push for one of the bigger free agents that's out there, now the Sixers have to pick from the middle of the pack, because they're actually only going to be cutting about $5 million off the books from Dalembert's contract.
Nocioni is a decent player, but he spent parts of last season coming off the bench in Sacramento, and had worn out his welcome there. He's more than likely going to be a bench player for the Sixers, and his contract is too big for a bench player. Sure, he's tough and is a decent outside shot, but his field goal percentage last year was a poor 39%, which isn't going to get it done when it matters the most. Who knows? Maybe he turns things around with the Sixers, but I wouldn't hold my breath when it comes to that. Nocioni has never been a full-time starter, and Hawes has potential, but isn't a game breaking type of player. While they'll fit in well in their places with the Sixers, they aren't the piece that this team needs to help them get to the next level.
All of the ramifications of this trade will be seen next week when the Sixers step up to the plate with the second pick. There are so many different ways that they could go that it would take a few days to explain everything. They could stand tall and make Evan Turner the pick, adding to their list of swingmen, or they could take Derrick Favors and bet on him being able to develop in a few years and become a dominant big man. Or, they could trade the pick for an established post player, such as one of big men from Minnesota, and go from there. No matter which way the Sixers go with this pick, it's going to help set where this team goes for at least the next few years. It might be a time of success with a younger team, or it might be a time where picking second in the draft becomes far to common. Either way, at this point next week, everyone is going to have a better idea what the Sixers had in mind when they made this trade.
It's not the worst deal in the world that they made, but it's not the best, either. There are still all of those questions that need to be answered, and they will be, eventually. Regardless, this next week is going to be interesting, and it should be fun to at least see what the Sixers are thinking about.
Good luck in Sacramento, Sammy. I'll try and remember the good times you had in Philadelphia.
The first question is how this is going to affect who the Sixers draft with the second overall pick in the NBA Draft next week. While conventional wisdom had the Sixers taking Evan Turner with their pick, the addition of Nocioni gives the Sixers yet another athletic swingman, which is something that they don't need any more of. Trading Dalembert also leaves Philadelphia with a big hole in the middle of their defense, which is going to have to be filled. What that means is that the Sixers may have to pass on Turner and instead go after Derrick Favors from Georgia Tech. Favors is a younger, more raw player, but some people have said that he has Dwight Howard type abilities when it comes to his style of play. That's not to say that Favors is going to be like Howard, but it's something to keep in mind. Regardless, the Sixers do not need someone in the mold of Evan Turner at this point, regardless of how good he is. It just doesn't fit what they need at the moment, and that hurts to say, because Turner really is the second best player in this draft, and should be going to the Sixers.
Of course, the Sixers also have to look at the two players that they got back in exchange for Dalembert. First, Spencer Hawes is a decent inside-out big man, with a good wingspan and a decent shooting touch for someone that's seven feet tall. However, he's also not that strong, and for being seven feet tall, he should have better rebounding numbers than he's had during his career so far. While his shooting touch is something to look forward to, it's nothing to build a team around, as the Kings apparently found out. When a team would rather build around Samuel Dalembert and Jason Thompson down low for at least a season rather than you and Jason Thompson, that's a good sign that they've already given up on you, and considering that Hawes is only going into his third year in the league, that's not necessarily a good thing. Add into that the fact that he might be the player that the Sixers should hold onto in this deal, and he's a free agent after this coming season, and it's not a good thing.
Then, there's Andres Nocioni, who is a strong, tough defender that can shoot from the outside as well. While that doesn't seem like a bad thing, it does come at a price. Dalembert's contract was up after this year, giving the Sixers almost $13 million in cap relief. There was no way that Dalembert was going to come back to Philadelphia after this season, and his huge expiring contract made him a big trade target, but Nocioni is making decent money as well. Nocioni is on the books for at least the next two seasons at $6.8 million a year, and then he has a player option for $7.5 million for the next season after that. It's not a bad thing that the Sixers picked up Nocioni, but his contract is quite large, and is going to limit what Philadelphia can do in next year's offseason. Rather than make a push for one of the bigger free agents that's out there, now the Sixers have to pick from the middle of the pack, because they're actually only going to be cutting about $5 million off the books from Dalembert's contract.
Nocioni is a decent player, but he spent parts of last season coming off the bench in Sacramento, and had worn out his welcome there. He's more than likely going to be a bench player for the Sixers, and his contract is too big for a bench player. Sure, he's tough and is a decent outside shot, but his field goal percentage last year was a poor 39%, which isn't going to get it done when it matters the most. Who knows? Maybe he turns things around with the Sixers, but I wouldn't hold my breath when it comes to that. Nocioni has never been a full-time starter, and Hawes has potential, but isn't a game breaking type of player. While they'll fit in well in their places with the Sixers, they aren't the piece that this team needs to help them get to the next level.
All of the ramifications of this trade will be seen next week when the Sixers step up to the plate with the second pick. There are so many different ways that they could go that it would take a few days to explain everything. They could stand tall and make Evan Turner the pick, adding to their list of swingmen, or they could take Derrick Favors and bet on him being able to develop in a few years and become a dominant big man. Or, they could trade the pick for an established post player, such as one of big men from Minnesota, and go from there. No matter which way the Sixers go with this pick, it's going to help set where this team goes for at least the next few years. It might be a time of success with a younger team, or it might be a time where picking second in the draft becomes far to common. Either way, at this point next week, everyone is going to have a better idea what the Sixers had in mind when they made this trade.
It's not the worst deal in the world that they made, but it's not the best, either. There are still all of those questions that need to be answered, and they will be, eventually. Regardless, this next week is going to be interesting, and it should be fun to at least see what the Sixers are thinking about.
Good luck in Sacramento, Sammy. I'll try and remember the good times you had in Philadelphia.
Phillies Recap: Phillies-6, Yankees-3
Game Recap:
Jamie Moyer pitched eight innings to become the oldest pitcher to beat the Yankees, and Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth came through with back to back home runs as the Phils tied their series with New York.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 1-4 with a bases loaded triple.
Ryan Howard went 1-4 with a home run.
Jayson Werth was 1-3 with a home run.
Greg Dobbs was 1-2 with an RBI and a run scored.
The Phillies walked five times and stole three bases.
Jamie Moyer picked up the win and looked good doing it, allowing just two runs on three hits in eight innings of work. He walked one and struck out five.
What went wrong?
Placido Polanco was 0-5.
Brad Lidge struck out the side in the ninth inning, but did so while working around two hits, a walk and a run scored. It was vintage Lidge, and not necessarily the good kind.
Game Analysis:
Less than a week removed from the worst start of his career, Jamie Moyer came out last night in Yankee Stadium and pitched like the man that he's been for most of this season. Moyer hit his spots all night long and kept the Yankees from getting any sort of advantage at the plate as the Phillies beat New York 6-3.
Against C.C. Sabathia on Tuesday night, the Phillies let chances slip by, but they did not do the same thing against AJ Burnett last night. Greg Dobbs drove home Raul Ibanez with a single in the second inning after Ibanez stole(!) second base, and then Brian Schneider and Wilson Valdez each reached to load the bases. Shane Victorino's bases clearing triple gave the Phillies more momentum than they've had in about a week, but the offense wasn't done yet in the early going. In the third inning, Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth hit the first back to back home runs for the Phillies this year. It was a great offensive effort from the Phils against Burnett, who never got into a groove and was lifted from the game after just three and a third innings.
The biggest story last night was Jamie Moyer, however. Save for his last start against Boston, Moyer has been solid for most of the season, and last night was more of the same. He did give up two home runs, but only allowed one other hit through eight innings. It was the kind of effort that let you know he still has a little bit left in his tank, even at age 47. When he can hit the outside corner of the plate like he did last night and still not have people able to hit the ball, then he's going to have success. It's how he's done it his entire career, and it's how he's going to keep doing it this year. That's just the way that Moyer works. It's not always pretty, but it gets the job done.
It's a bit early to say that last night's game was a "must win," but the Phillies haven't been playing great baseball of late, and things haven't been looking that good. Last night, the Phils actually looked like the team that's won three straight National League East pennants, and maybe, just maybe, they can start to pull themselves back from the brink and get back into the thick of things in this division. The schedule isn't going to get any easier this month, but this team can beat anyone on any night when they're playing well. Plus, Jimmy Rollins and J.A. Happ are on the road back, so things are finally starting to come together again. You can't complain about that.
Tonight, Kyle Kendrick (3-2, 4.80 ERA) will try and give the Phillies the series win over the Yankees. He'll be facing Andy Pettitte ( 8-1, 2.46 ERA).
Jamie Moyer pitched eight innings to become the oldest pitcher to beat the Yankees, and Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth came through with back to back home runs as the Phils tied their series with New York.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 1-4 with a bases loaded triple.
Ryan Howard went 1-4 with a home run.
Jayson Werth was 1-3 with a home run.
Greg Dobbs was 1-2 with an RBI and a run scored.
The Phillies walked five times and stole three bases.
Jamie Moyer picked up the win and looked good doing it, allowing just two runs on three hits in eight innings of work. He walked one and struck out five.
What went wrong?
Placido Polanco was 0-5.
Brad Lidge struck out the side in the ninth inning, but did so while working around two hits, a walk and a run scored. It was vintage Lidge, and not necessarily the good kind.
Game Analysis:
Less than a week removed from the worst start of his career, Jamie Moyer came out last night in Yankee Stadium and pitched like the man that he's been for most of this season. Moyer hit his spots all night long and kept the Yankees from getting any sort of advantage at the plate as the Phillies beat New York 6-3.
Against C.C. Sabathia on Tuesday night, the Phillies let chances slip by, but they did not do the same thing against AJ Burnett last night. Greg Dobbs drove home Raul Ibanez with a single in the second inning after Ibanez stole(!) second base, and then Brian Schneider and Wilson Valdez each reached to load the bases. Shane Victorino's bases clearing triple gave the Phillies more momentum than they've had in about a week, but the offense wasn't done yet in the early going. In the third inning, Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth hit the first back to back home runs for the Phillies this year. It was a great offensive effort from the Phils against Burnett, who never got into a groove and was lifted from the game after just three and a third innings.
The biggest story last night was Jamie Moyer, however. Save for his last start against Boston, Moyer has been solid for most of the season, and last night was more of the same. He did give up two home runs, but only allowed one other hit through eight innings. It was the kind of effort that let you know he still has a little bit left in his tank, even at age 47. When he can hit the outside corner of the plate like he did last night and still not have people able to hit the ball, then he's going to have success. It's how he's done it his entire career, and it's how he's going to keep doing it this year. That's just the way that Moyer works. It's not always pretty, but it gets the job done.
It's a bit early to say that last night's game was a "must win," but the Phillies haven't been playing great baseball of late, and things haven't been looking that good. Last night, the Phils actually looked like the team that's won three straight National League East pennants, and maybe, just maybe, they can start to pull themselves back from the brink and get back into the thick of things in this division. The schedule isn't going to get any easier this month, but this team can beat anyone on any night when they're playing well. Plus, Jimmy Rollins and J.A. Happ are on the road back, so things are finally starting to come together again. You can't complain about that.
Tonight, Kyle Kendrick (3-2, 4.80 ERA) will try and give the Phillies the series win over the Yankees. He'll be facing Andy Pettitte ( 8-1, 2.46 ERA).
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Phillies Recap: Phillies-5, Red Sox-3
Game Recap:
Cole Hamels pitched seven innings of one run baseball and Raul Ibanez launched a two run home run to push the Phillies past the Red Sox in the last game of their three game series.
What went right?
Placido Polanco went 2-4.
Ryan Howard was 1-4 with a run scored.
Jayson Werth went 1-3 with an RBI, two stolen bases and two runs scored.
Raul Ibanez was 1-4 and had a two run home run.
Ben Francisco managed to be productive, as he was 1-3 with an RBI on a sacrifice fly.
Juan Castro was 1-4 with an RBI.
Cole Hamels pitched seven innings and got the win, allowing one run on five hits. He walked two and struck out eight.
Brad Lidge worked the final two outs of the ninth inning, and though he gave up a hit, he still nailed down his fourth save of the year.
What went wrong?
Shane Victorino was 0-3.
Chase Utley went 0-3.
Carlos Ruiz was 0-3 and had a passed ball in the ninth inning that allowed a run to score.
J.C. Romero got into some trouble in the ninth inning, only recording one out while allowing two runs on two hits and a walk. Neither run was really his fault, but had he recorded the outs, they wouldn't have scored.
Game Analysis:
Nothing like some good pitching to finally end a bad stretch of games. After getting the short end of the stick in his last three starts, Cole Hamels finally got a bit of run support from his offense, and today, that made all the difference. Hamels was lights out through seven innings, and though the bullpen ran into a little trouble in the ninth inning, the Phillies held on for a 5-3 win against the Boston Red Sox.
It is so nice to see Cole Hamels actually pitching like he did back in 2008 again. Aside from his rain shortened start against the Braves in Atlanta, Hamels has gone into the sixth inning or later in every game but one since April 12, and has been getting better as the season has gone on. He's allowed three runs or fewer in every start since April and, if not for lack of run support, would look much better than his 6-5 record shows right now. Today, it was more of the same from Hamels, who took an early shot in the form of an Adrian Beltre home run, and kept going. After giving up the home run, Hamels struck out the next four batters he faced, which is something he wouldn't have been able to do even last season. It seems like his mental output is much better this year than it was back last season, and he's healthier than he's been since the 2008 season as well. All of that is contributing to a solid season so far this year, and a 6-5 record with an ERA under 4.00 is showing people how little support he's getting from the offense.
Luckily, he got that support today, and it came shortly after the home run. After being shut down yesterday and through three innings today, the Phils came up swinging in the fourth inning. Five straight Phils reached base, with Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez and Juan Castro driving in runs. That would end up being all the Phillies needed today, but Werth wasn't done with the show on offense today. Just a few days removed from having questions raised about his play during a contract season, Werth responded with an RBI today, and then he manufactured a big insurance run in the top of the ninth inning. Against Ramon Ramirez, Werth walked and then proceeded to steal second base on a strikeout from Ibanez and third while Ben Francisco was batting. Francisco cashed in on the chance with a sacrifice fly to bring in Werth. That's the kind of play that this team needs right now. The Phillies need players willing to steal two bases to set up runs, and Werth at least sent a message with that play today. If he can keep that up and maybe spur some of his teammates on, maybe this team can get back on the right track again.
It's still far too soon to say if this win is going to end the tailspin that this team has been in, but at least the Phillies came out of Boston with a win and a solid pitching performance from Cole Hamels. The bats looked decent against Tim Wakefield, and Jayson Werth's effort on the basepaths in the ninth inning gets a huge thumbs up. Add to that the fact the Brad Lidge got out of trouble again in the ninth inning, and it was a good day for the Phillies. There haven't been many of these lately for the two time National League champions.
Tomorrow night, it's a World Series rematch as the Phillies head to Yankee Stadium. Roy Halladay (8-4, 1.96 ERA) will get the ball for the Phils, and C.C. Sabathia (6-3, 4.01 ERA) is on the hill for the Yankees.
Cole Hamels pitched seven innings of one run baseball and Raul Ibanez launched a two run home run to push the Phillies past the Red Sox in the last game of their three game series.
What went right?
Placido Polanco went 2-4.
Ryan Howard was 1-4 with a run scored.
Jayson Werth went 1-3 with an RBI, two stolen bases and two runs scored.
Raul Ibanez was 1-4 and had a two run home run.
Ben Francisco managed to be productive, as he was 1-3 with an RBI on a sacrifice fly.
Juan Castro was 1-4 with an RBI.
Cole Hamels pitched seven innings and got the win, allowing one run on five hits. He walked two and struck out eight.
Brad Lidge worked the final two outs of the ninth inning, and though he gave up a hit, he still nailed down his fourth save of the year.
What went wrong?
Shane Victorino was 0-3.
Chase Utley went 0-3.
Carlos Ruiz was 0-3 and had a passed ball in the ninth inning that allowed a run to score.
J.C. Romero got into some trouble in the ninth inning, only recording one out while allowing two runs on two hits and a walk. Neither run was really his fault, but had he recorded the outs, they wouldn't have scored.
Game Analysis:
Nothing like some good pitching to finally end a bad stretch of games. After getting the short end of the stick in his last three starts, Cole Hamels finally got a bit of run support from his offense, and today, that made all the difference. Hamels was lights out through seven innings, and though the bullpen ran into a little trouble in the ninth inning, the Phillies held on for a 5-3 win against the Boston Red Sox.
It is so nice to see Cole Hamels actually pitching like he did back in 2008 again. Aside from his rain shortened start against the Braves in Atlanta, Hamels has gone into the sixth inning or later in every game but one since April 12, and has been getting better as the season has gone on. He's allowed three runs or fewer in every start since April and, if not for lack of run support, would look much better than his 6-5 record shows right now. Today, it was more of the same from Hamels, who took an early shot in the form of an Adrian Beltre home run, and kept going. After giving up the home run, Hamels struck out the next four batters he faced, which is something he wouldn't have been able to do even last season. It seems like his mental output is much better this year than it was back last season, and he's healthier than he's been since the 2008 season as well. All of that is contributing to a solid season so far this year, and a 6-5 record with an ERA under 4.00 is showing people how little support he's getting from the offense.
Luckily, he got that support today, and it came shortly after the home run. After being shut down yesterday and through three innings today, the Phils came up swinging in the fourth inning. Five straight Phils reached base, with Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez and Juan Castro driving in runs. That would end up being all the Phillies needed today, but Werth wasn't done with the show on offense today. Just a few days removed from having questions raised about his play during a contract season, Werth responded with an RBI today, and then he manufactured a big insurance run in the top of the ninth inning. Against Ramon Ramirez, Werth walked and then proceeded to steal second base on a strikeout from Ibanez and third while Ben Francisco was batting. Francisco cashed in on the chance with a sacrifice fly to bring in Werth. That's the kind of play that this team needs right now. The Phillies need players willing to steal two bases to set up runs, and Werth at least sent a message with that play today. If he can keep that up and maybe spur some of his teammates on, maybe this team can get back on the right track again.
It's still far too soon to say if this win is going to end the tailspin that this team has been in, but at least the Phillies came out of Boston with a win and a solid pitching performance from Cole Hamels. The bats looked decent against Tim Wakefield, and Jayson Werth's effort on the basepaths in the ninth inning gets a huge thumbs up. Add to that the fact the Brad Lidge got out of trouble again in the ninth inning, and it was a good day for the Phillies. There haven't been many of these lately for the two time National League champions.
Tomorrow night, it's a World Series rematch as the Phillies head to Yankee Stadium. Roy Halladay (8-4, 1.96 ERA) will get the ball for the Phils, and C.C. Sabathia (6-3, 4.01 ERA) is on the hill for the Yankees.
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