Game Recap:
Cliff Lee pitched his third complete game for the Phillies to power them past Washington and move their magic number to just 12 games.
What went right?
Jimmy Rollins went 2-4 with an RBI.
Chase Utley was 1-4 with an RBI.
Jayson Werth was 3-4 and scored a run.
Carlos Ruiz was 2-4 with two doubles and three RBI.
Raul Ibanez went 1-3 and scored once.
Cliff Lee pitched a complete game shutout, giving up six hits. He walked three and struck out nine.
What went wrong?
Ryan Howard went 0-3.
That's it.
Game Analysis:
That's the Cliff Lee I remembered from the first five starts he had with the Phillies. After struggling in his last three appearances, Lee came out tonight and was dealing. After he struck out the side in the first inning, it was clear that this wasn't the same guy that didn't have his best stuff the last three times he pitched. This was the Cliff Lee the Phillies had traded for, and man did he look good tonight.
It helped that the Phils got out to a good start on offense tonight, too. Chase Utley brought Jimmy Rollins home in the first inning, and Carlos Ruiz cleared the bases with a three run double in the second, and that would be all she wrote for the Nationals on this night. The Phillies wouldn't score again after the second inning, but they wouldn't need to.
So, where do the Phils stand now? As of me writing this, their magic number has slipped down to 12 games, and they have a 7.5 game lead over the Braves and Marlins. That number means nothing right now, not with a series against Atlanta, then one against Florida coming up. However, the way the starting pitching has been going lately, I like the Phillies' chances. When you can get Kyle freaking Kendrick to pitch well, things are going right for your starting rotation. The Phillies haven't allowed a run in the last 18 innings, and their starters have thrown 17 of those innings. This is what good playoff teams are made out of. Starting pitchers this time of year need to go deep into games to save the bullpen, and that's what the Phillies have working for them right now. They've still got 19 games left, and anything could happen, but right now, I'm cautiously optimistic.
Tomorrow, Joe Blanton (9-7, 4.11 ERA) tries once again for win number ten on the season as he goes against Livan Hernandez (8-10, 5.30 ERA).
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Eagles add Jeff Garcia back to the mix, do so by putting Shawn Andrews on IR
Well, the saga that is Shawn Andrews just keeps getting more and more depressing (no pun intended). After trying to deal either Reggie Brown or Hank Baskett to make room for Jeff Garcia, the team instead was forced to put Shawn Andrews on injured reserve, ending his 2009 season. Andrews only played in two games last year with a back injury, and now he's going to miss all of this season with the same problem. Meanwhile, Jeff Garcia has been brought in as a short term insurance policy for Kevin Kolb, if Donovan McNabb's injury is worse than expected.
It's certainly the right move, since A.J. Feely signed with the Panthers earlier on Monday. Garcia already knows the offense from the 2006 season, and could step in fairly easily if Kolb struggles. I'm not too concerned about the quarterback position right now then. Garcia knows what he's doing and got the Eagles to the playoffs in his one season here, so having him, even for just the short term, is a sound investment.
What I am worried about is where Shawn Andrews goes from here. It's pretty obvious now that his career in Philadelphia has just about reached its end. The Eagles did everything they could to make his life easier this offseason by bringing in his brother and college roommate to play next to him on the offensive line. Instead, Andrews continued to have problems with his back, cut his hair into a mohawk and made Youtube videos. It's a shame to see him fall so far after looking like he was going to be one of the best linemen in the NFL for about a decade. I don't know what's going to come for him next, but I think I would be safe in saying that it's not going to come as a member of the Eagles.
Andy Reid had better get Jon Runyan on the phone, and quick. That depth on the offensive line is a little thin now.
ESPN: Shawn Andrews of Philadelphia put on IR to make room for Jeff Garcia
It's certainly the right move, since A.J. Feely signed with the Panthers earlier on Monday. Garcia already knows the offense from the 2006 season, and could step in fairly easily if Kolb struggles. I'm not too concerned about the quarterback position right now then. Garcia knows what he's doing and got the Eagles to the playoffs in his one season here, so having him, even for just the short term, is a sound investment.
What I am worried about is where Shawn Andrews goes from here. It's pretty obvious now that his career in Philadelphia has just about reached its end. The Eagles did everything they could to make his life easier this offseason by bringing in his brother and college roommate to play next to him on the offensive line. Instead, Andrews continued to have problems with his back, cut his hair into a mohawk and made Youtube videos. It's a shame to see him fall so far after looking like he was going to be one of the best linemen in the NFL for about a decade. I don't know what's going to come for him next, but I think I would be safe in saying that it's not going to come as a member of the Eagles.
Andy Reid had better get Jon Runyan on the phone, and quick. That depth on the offensive line is a little thin now.
ESPN: Shawn Andrews of Philadelphia put on IR to make room for Jeff Garcia
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Phillies Recap Part 2: Phillies-1, Mets-0
Game Recap:
One run was all the Phillies needed, as Pedro Martinez pitched eight shutout innings to help the Phillies sweep the doubleheader against New York.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 1-4.
Chase Utley went 1-3 with an RBI.
Pedro Feliz went 1-3.
Pedro Martinez pitched eight shutout innings, giving up just six hits. He walked two and struck out seven.
What went wrong?
The Phillies only had three hits.
Game Analysis:
With a prime time game and a chance to move 6.5 games up on Florida on the line, Pedro Martinez stepped back into a time machine and pitched like it was 1999 again. Eight shutout innings, seven strikeouts and just having a great feel for the game. It was vintage Pedro tonight, and my God, I was glad he was wearing a Phillies uniform tonight.
Tim Redding did what he normally does against the Phillies, but the first three batters of the game managed to reach base, and that would be all that was needed tonight. Chase Utley drove home Jimmy Rollins, and from there, it was all Pedro. I can't even begin to tell you how great he pitched tonight, you had to see it to fully enjoy it. The Mets just couldn't get anything going, and when they did, Pedro was able to get out of it without giving up anything. It was the exact kind of showing the Phillies needed tonight.
If you had told me before he started the season that Pedro Martinez would be 5-0 with an ERA under 3.00 in his first seven starts, I would have laughed in your face and asked for some of the drugs that you had. However, that's what has actually happened, and bringing him in might even be a better decision than trading for Cliff Lee. In the span of two weeks, the Phillies managed to bring in two former Cy Young winners, and they've both pitched like it. All of a sudden, the starting rotation that was such a question midway through the season has become one hell of a strength.
The Phillies have an off day tomorrow, then welcome the Nationals in for three games. Cliff Lee (13-11, 3.13 ERA) takes the ball for the Phils, going against Garrett Mock (3-7, 5.75 ERA).
One run was all the Phillies needed, as Pedro Martinez pitched eight shutout innings to help the Phillies sweep the doubleheader against New York.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 1-4.
Chase Utley went 1-3 with an RBI.
Pedro Feliz went 1-3.
Pedro Martinez pitched eight shutout innings, giving up just six hits. He walked two and struck out seven.
What went wrong?
The Phillies only had three hits.
Game Analysis:
With a prime time game and a chance to move 6.5 games up on Florida on the line, Pedro Martinez stepped back into a time machine and pitched like it was 1999 again. Eight shutout innings, seven strikeouts and just having a great feel for the game. It was vintage Pedro tonight, and my God, I was glad he was wearing a Phillies uniform tonight.
Tim Redding did what he normally does against the Phillies, but the first three batters of the game managed to reach base, and that would be all that was needed tonight. Chase Utley drove home Jimmy Rollins, and from there, it was all Pedro. I can't even begin to tell you how great he pitched tonight, you had to see it to fully enjoy it. The Mets just couldn't get anything going, and when they did, Pedro was able to get out of it without giving up anything. It was the exact kind of showing the Phillies needed tonight.
If you had told me before he started the season that Pedro Martinez would be 5-0 with an ERA under 3.00 in his first seven starts, I would have laughed in your face and asked for some of the drugs that you had. However, that's what has actually happened, and bringing him in might even be a better decision than trading for Cliff Lee. In the span of two weeks, the Phillies managed to bring in two former Cy Young winners, and they've both pitched like it. All of a sudden, the starting rotation that was such a question midway through the season has become one hell of a strength.
The Phillies have an off day tomorrow, then welcome the Nationals in for three games. Cliff Lee (13-11, 3.13 ERA) takes the ball for the Phils, going against Garrett Mock (3-7, 5.75 ERA).
Phillies Recap: Phillies-5, Mets-4
Game Recap:
Kyle Kendrick looked very sharp, handling the Mets for 7.1 innings as the Phillies took the first game of a day-night doubleheader.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 2-4 with a two run home run. He also scored a run.
Ryan Howard was 1-3 with an RBI double.
Ben Francisco went 2-4 with a solo home run.
Jimmy Rollins was 1-5 with a run scored.
Andy Tracy had a huge pinch hit RBI that proved to be the difference maker in the game.
Kyle Kendrick allowed two runs on seven hits in 7.1 innings. He walked one and struck out three.
What went wrong?
Paul Bako continued to exist and went 0-3.
Brad Lidge saved the game in the ninth, but allowed two runs on three hits to make it close. He didn't walk a batter and struck out one.
Game Analysis:
Who was that guy pitching today, and what did he do with the real Kyle Kendrick? I'm not going to complain, though, since Kendrick looked lights out in a very nice spot start for the Phillies this afternoon. Kendrick had the Mets guessing all day, and had a very nice sinker working for him. Any time a pitcher can record 15 groundball outs, his sinker is working, and Kendrick had his on the money today.
The offense also did just enough to get by today, but it was fine. Shane Victorino hit his tenth home run of the season, and Ryan Howard just keeps doing what he does this time of the year with an RBI double in the first inning that gave Kendrick the early lead. Ben Francisco added another homer as well, but the story today was how good Kyle Kendrick looked.
Of course, it almost all fell apart in the ninth inning when Brad Lidge came in to pitch, but fortunately he could hold a three run lead, and only allowed two runs to score. He didn't look that good, but Charlie Manuel didn't have any other options out there for this game. Lidge had to come in and pitch, that was all there was to it. Luckily, he did just enough to save the game, despite a few nerve racking moments. I'm not happy with Lidge in the closer role right now, but he did his job today, and that's what matters. The good news is, if the Washington/Florida game stays the same, the Phillies will have their six game lead back with another game to play tonight. I'd love to see the Phils up 6.5 games with Washington coming to town for three more games this week.
Tonight, Pedro Martinez (4-0, 3.64 ERA) looks to close out the doubleheader with a win. Tim Redding (2-5, 5.78 ERA) will go for the Mets.
Kyle Kendrick looked very sharp, handling the Mets for 7.1 innings as the Phillies took the first game of a day-night doubleheader.
What went right?
Shane Victorino was 2-4 with a two run home run. He also scored a run.
Ryan Howard was 1-3 with an RBI double.
Ben Francisco went 2-4 with a solo home run.
Jimmy Rollins was 1-5 with a run scored.
Andy Tracy had a huge pinch hit RBI that proved to be the difference maker in the game.
Kyle Kendrick allowed two runs on seven hits in 7.1 innings. He walked one and struck out three.
What went wrong?
Paul Bako continued to exist and went 0-3.
Brad Lidge saved the game in the ninth, but allowed two runs on three hits to make it close. He didn't walk a batter and struck out one.
Game Analysis:
Who was that guy pitching today, and what did he do with the real Kyle Kendrick? I'm not going to complain, though, since Kendrick looked lights out in a very nice spot start for the Phillies this afternoon. Kendrick had the Mets guessing all day, and had a very nice sinker working for him. Any time a pitcher can record 15 groundball outs, his sinker is working, and Kendrick had his on the money today.
The offense also did just enough to get by today, but it was fine. Shane Victorino hit his tenth home run of the season, and Ryan Howard just keeps doing what he does this time of the year with an RBI double in the first inning that gave Kendrick the early lead. Ben Francisco added another homer as well, but the story today was how good Kyle Kendrick looked.
Of course, it almost all fell apart in the ninth inning when Brad Lidge came in to pitch, but fortunately he could hold a three run lead, and only allowed two runs to score. He didn't look that good, but Charlie Manuel didn't have any other options out there for this game. Lidge had to come in and pitch, that was all there was to it. Luckily, he did just enough to save the game, despite a few nerve racking moments. I'm not happy with Lidge in the closer role right now, but he did his job today, and that's what matters. The good news is, if the Washington/Florida game stays the same, the Phillies will have their six game lead back with another game to play tonight. I'd love to see the Phils up 6.5 games with Washington coming to town for three more games this week.
Tonight, Pedro Martinez (4-0, 3.64 ERA) looks to close out the doubleheader with a win. Tim Redding (2-5, 5.78 ERA) will go for the Mets.
Eagles Aftermath: Eagles-38, Panthers-10
What happened?
The Eagles allowed a long scoring drive to start the game, but then forced Jake Delhomme out of the game and dominated the next three and a half quarters. Of course, not all the news was good, as Donovan McNabb was injured on a touchdown run in the third quarter.
The Good:
The defense was awesome, allowing just ten points for the game. They recorded five sacks, intercepted five passes, recovered two fumbles and scored a touchdown. Jake Delhomme was pulled midway through the third quarter, and his replacements didn't do much better.
DeSean Jackson scored on an 85 yard punt return, the second longest in Eagles history.
LeSean McCoy looked good, picking up 46 yards on nine carries.
Brian Westbrook has 64 yards on 13 carries, and also had three catches and a touchdown.
The offensive line looked great, giving up just two sacks on the day.
Donovan McNabb went 10/18 for 78 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 27 rushing yards and a touchdown.
The Bad:
On the touchdown run, McNabb was injured. According to Andy Reid, he's got a cracked rib, and while he might play next week, odds are he's going to miss 2-4 weeks.
Kevin Kolb was not that impressive in relief of McNabb, completing 7/11 passes for just 23 yards.
The Ugly:
Did I mention that Kevin Kolb is probably going to start next week against the Saints?
Kevin...Kolb.
The Breakdown:
Ugh. This game against Carolina was looking like a great way to start the regular season after an interesting preseason. Aside from the opening drive of the game, the defense locked the Panthers down and kept them away from the end zone, and the makeshift offensive line was great, aside from a few false start calls. That's not what matters right now, though.
What matters is the health of Donovan McNabb, especially for next week. On the last scoring drive the Eagles had, McNabb ran for a three yard touchdown run, but Jon Beason hit him late, after he had scored. McNabb broke a rib on that play and didn't return to the game. I didn't want him to come back in, but that's not important. What is important is whether or not McNabb is even going to be close to playing next Sunday in the home opener against the Saints. I've heard conflicting reports right now that he could play next week, or he could miss 2-4 weeks. If the latter is the case, I want A.J. Feeley on the next plane to Philadelphia before this day is over.
I don't trust Kevin Kolb to run this offense. I never have. If McNabb can't start next week, odds are the Kolb is going to get his first career start, then things will get interesting, since Michael Vick can play in Week 3. Do the Eagles let Vick start that game if McNabb can't go? I don't even want to think about that right now. All I care about right now is the health of #5. We're not going to know more until tomorrow, when he gets looked at back at the NovaCare Complex, so it's going to be an anxious night for Eagles fans.
Big ups to the defense, who looked leaps and bounds better than they did at any point during the preseason. Any time you can get the opposing quarterback booed off the field, during the season opener, you're doing something right. Jake Delhomme had no time to throw all day, and ended up throwing four interceptions and fumbling once. By the time the dust had settled in the second quarter, the Eagles were up 31-7, and Delhomme was looking for the license plate of the truck that ran him over.
The offense was solid, too. I was thrilled with the way LeSean McCoy looked, and Brian Westbrook didn't seem to have any ill effects from missing all of preseason. DeSean Jackson was sharp on punt returns, taking one back in the second quarter that really turned things around for the Eagles. If this is what this offense can do, and McNabb doesn't miss much time, you had better look out.
Dammit, this game was so good, too...it's just that one injury that the Eagles couldn't afford to have happen did.
The Eagles allowed a long scoring drive to start the game, but then forced Jake Delhomme out of the game and dominated the next three and a half quarters. Of course, not all the news was good, as Donovan McNabb was injured on a touchdown run in the third quarter.
The Good:
The defense was awesome, allowing just ten points for the game. They recorded five sacks, intercepted five passes, recovered two fumbles and scored a touchdown. Jake Delhomme was pulled midway through the third quarter, and his replacements didn't do much better.
DeSean Jackson scored on an 85 yard punt return, the second longest in Eagles history.
LeSean McCoy looked good, picking up 46 yards on nine carries.
Brian Westbrook has 64 yards on 13 carries, and also had three catches and a touchdown.
The offensive line looked great, giving up just two sacks on the day.
Donovan McNabb went 10/18 for 78 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 27 rushing yards and a touchdown.
The Bad:
On the touchdown run, McNabb was injured. According to Andy Reid, he's got a cracked rib, and while he might play next week, odds are he's going to miss 2-4 weeks.
Kevin Kolb was not that impressive in relief of McNabb, completing 7/11 passes for just 23 yards.
The Ugly:
Did I mention that Kevin Kolb is probably going to start next week against the Saints?
Kevin...Kolb.
The Breakdown:
Ugh. This game against Carolina was looking like a great way to start the regular season after an interesting preseason. Aside from the opening drive of the game, the defense locked the Panthers down and kept them away from the end zone, and the makeshift offensive line was great, aside from a few false start calls. That's not what matters right now, though.
What matters is the health of Donovan McNabb, especially for next week. On the last scoring drive the Eagles had, McNabb ran for a three yard touchdown run, but Jon Beason hit him late, after he had scored. McNabb broke a rib on that play and didn't return to the game. I didn't want him to come back in, but that's not important. What is important is whether or not McNabb is even going to be close to playing next Sunday in the home opener against the Saints. I've heard conflicting reports right now that he could play next week, or he could miss 2-4 weeks. If the latter is the case, I want A.J. Feeley on the next plane to Philadelphia before this day is over.
I don't trust Kevin Kolb to run this offense. I never have. If McNabb can't start next week, odds are the Kolb is going to get his first career start, then things will get interesting, since Michael Vick can play in Week 3. Do the Eagles let Vick start that game if McNabb can't go? I don't even want to think about that right now. All I care about right now is the health of #5. We're not going to know more until tomorrow, when he gets looked at back at the NovaCare Complex, so it's going to be an anxious night for Eagles fans.
Big ups to the defense, who looked leaps and bounds better than they did at any point during the preseason. Any time you can get the opposing quarterback booed off the field, during the season opener, you're doing something right. Jake Delhomme had no time to throw all day, and ended up throwing four interceptions and fumbling once. By the time the dust had settled in the second quarter, the Eagles were up 31-7, and Delhomme was looking for the license plate of the truck that ran him over.
The offense was solid, too. I was thrilled with the way LeSean McCoy looked, and Brian Westbrook didn't seem to have any ill effects from missing all of preseason. DeSean Jackson was sharp on punt returns, taking one back in the second quarter that really turned things around for the Eagles. If this is what this offense can do, and McNabb doesn't miss much time, you had better look out.
Dammit, this game was so good, too...it's just that one injury that the Eagles couldn't afford to have happen did.
Phillie of the Week: September 6-12
This week started out poorly for the Phils, as they were in the process of getting swept by the Astros. By the end of the week though, the boys in red were playing more like the defending World Series champs. It's been a while since this guy was named Phillie of the Week, but it's well deserved this time. This week's Phillie of the Week is:
Raul Ibanez
Raul finally snapped out of his slump by hitting .400 with four home runs and seven RBI this week. He also scored six times, and it's a very welcome sight to see him playing well again.
Raul Ibanez
Raul finally snapped out of his slump by hitting .400 with four home runs and seven RBI this week. He also scored six times, and it's a very welcome sight to see him playing well again.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Double dip Phillies Recap: Some good, some bad
So, the first two games against the Mets this weekend are in the books, and while there is some good news, there's also some crappy stuff that went down this afternoon.
First, the good news. Cole Hamels looked good last night as he finally beat the Mets this year. He lasted 6.2 innings and only allowed one run. The offense picked him up when they needed to, and Cole got the win. I know I've said it before, but he has to keep pitching like this if the Phillies want to have a shot in the playoffs. A four man rotation with Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ or Pedro Martinez would be tough to top for any team, even St. Louis, so to see Cole pitching well again is a very, very good thing.
The offense didn't score much yesterday, but they didn't need to. Four runs with Cole on the mound should be more than enough, and it was last night. Shane Victorino dropped three doubles and Pedro Feliz, Carlos Ruiz, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins all drove in runs to give Cole all the support he would need. It was exactly the kind of game the Phillies needed to get the series started.
Then came today's game. Jamie Moyer looked like the guy that had been pulled out of the rotation when Pedro Martinez came up in the first inning, allowing four runs. After that, he settled down, and the Phillies went out and scored eight straight runs. Unfortunately, the bullpen then came into the game, and while the pen has been solid for most of the year, today they just didn't have anything. Brett Myers allowed three runs, and Ryan Madson blew the save, thanks to a two run home run by David freaking Wright, giving the Mets the win and putting the Marlins five games behind the Phils again.
I can't get on the offense today, since they beat up on Mike Pelfrey, who has had the Phillies' number this season. I can, however, get on the bullpen for blowing an 8-4, then a 9-5 lead. If Jamie Moyer has your team in position to win a game with a four run lead, you had better take advantage of it. If the team that is right behind you in the standings is playing the worst team in baseball, you had damn sure be able to win with a four run lead going into the eighth inning. Today, the Phillies couldn't do that, and the Mets made them pay. The Mets aren't going to the playoffs this year, but you can bet they will be happy to play spoiler, especially to the team that knocked them out of the playoffs each of the last two seasons. I've seen the Phillies come back each of the last two years, and I know that a five game lead is not safe, not at this point.
I want the Phillies to be five games up with five games to play. That is when I think a five game lead will be safe. All that today's game did was raise even more questions about the closer position. Ryan Madson doesn't really have the stomach for it, Brad Lidge has blown ten saves, and Brett Myers has only been back for a week. Who the hell is the closer? Lidge is being paid way too much money to be a setup or mop up guy, but with that many blown saves this season, can the Phillies trust him? Can Madson find a way to get the nerves to move from the eighth inning to the ninth and be the closer that the Phillies need? Can Brett Myers show that he can recapture what he had in 2007 and close for the last month of the season? Out of everything going on with the Phillies right now, the closer spot is the biggest question mark, and something that makes me afraid as the Phils head down the stretch. If they don't have someone that can close out games, they had better be damn confident in that starting pitching, because the bullpen is anything but set right now.
Tomorrow, it's a doubleheader for the Phillies against the Mets. In game one, Kyle Kendrick (0-1, 5.06 ERA) is going against John Maine (5-4, 4.52 ERA). If he doesn't pitch well, I'm driving to Philly to personally trade him to Japan.
First, the good news. Cole Hamels looked good last night as he finally beat the Mets this year. He lasted 6.2 innings and only allowed one run. The offense picked him up when they needed to, and Cole got the win. I know I've said it before, but he has to keep pitching like this if the Phillies want to have a shot in the playoffs. A four man rotation with Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ or Pedro Martinez would be tough to top for any team, even St. Louis, so to see Cole pitching well again is a very, very good thing.
The offense didn't score much yesterday, but they didn't need to. Four runs with Cole on the mound should be more than enough, and it was last night. Shane Victorino dropped three doubles and Pedro Feliz, Carlos Ruiz, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins all drove in runs to give Cole all the support he would need. It was exactly the kind of game the Phillies needed to get the series started.
Then came today's game. Jamie Moyer looked like the guy that had been pulled out of the rotation when Pedro Martinez came up in the first inning, allowing four runs. After that, he settled down, and the Phillies went out and scored eight straight runs. Unfortunately, the bullpen then came into the game, and while the pen has been solid for most of the year, today they just didn't have anything. Brett Myers allowed three runs, and Ryan Madson blew the save, thanks to a two run home run by David freaking Wright, giving the Mets the win and putting the Marlins five games behind the Phils again.
I can't get on the offense today, since they beat up on Mike Pelfrey, who has had the Phillies' number this season. I can, however, get on the bullpen for blowing an 8-4, then a 9-5 lead. If Jamie Moyer has your team in position to win a game with a four run lead, you had better take advantage of it. If the team that is right behind you in the standings is playing the worst team in baseball, you had damn sure be able to win with a four run lead going into the eighth inning. Today, the Phillies couldn't do that, and the Mets made them pay. The Mets aren't going to the playoffs this year, but you can bet they will be happy to play spoiler, especially to the team that knocked them out of the playoffs each of the last two seasons. I've seen the Phillies come back each of the last two years, and I know that a five game lead is not safe, not at this point.
I want the Phillies to be five games up with five games to play. That is when I think a five game lead will be safe. All that today's game did was raise even more questions about the closer position. Ryan Madson doesn't really have the stomach for it, Brad Lidge has blown ten saves, and Brett Myers has only been back for a week. Who the hell is the closer? Lidge is being paid way too much money to be a setup or mop up guy, but with that many blown saves this season, can the Phillies trust him? Can Madson find a way to get the nerves to move from the eighth inning to the ninth and be the closer that the Phillies need? Can Brett Myers show that he can recapture what he had in 2007 and close for the last month of the season? Out of everything going on with the Phillies right now, the closer spot is the biggest question mark, and something that makes me afraid as the Phils head down the stretch. If they don't have someone that can close out games, they had better be damn confident in that starting pitching, because the bullpen is anything but set right now.
Tomorrow, it's a doubleheader for the Phillies against the Mets. In game one, Kyle Kendrick (0-1, 5.06 ERA) is going against John Maine (5-4, 4.52 ERA). If he doesn't pitch well, I'm driving to Philly to personally trade him to Japan.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)