Game Recap:
The Marlins jumped on Joe Blanton early and held on for a win in the first game of the last series before the playoffs.
What went right?
Ryan Howard went 3-4 with a two run home run.
Miguel Cairo went 1-4 and scored a run.
Aside from Sergio Escalona, the bullpen was solid last night, giving up two hits and no runs in two innings.
What went wrong?
Joe Blanton didn't look that sharp, giving up five runs on nine hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out three.
Sergio Escalona didn't do himself any favors, giving up two runs on three hits in an inning of work.
Aside from Howard and Cairo, the Phillies managed just three more hits as a team.
Game Anaylsis:
Once again, it wasn't the best effort from the Phillies last night, but there still isn't that much to worry about in terms of playoff seeding. As of this moment, the Phillies basically have the two spot wrapped up. All they need to do is win one game, or have the Cardinals lose a game, and that's it. I'd be happy with home field in the first round and hope for an upset in the other series, just like what happened last year. It's not the cleanest way to go about the playoffs, but I'll take whatever works.
Joe Blanton looked off last night, as the Marlins got to him early for four runs in the first two innings. After that, he settled down for a bit, but did get charged with another run in the seventh inning. The main problem last night was Sergio Escalona getting hit for two runs in the eighth inning. For someone who is playing for a spot on the playoff roster, that is not how you get it done. The Marlins have hit him both times he's pitched against them, though, so it might just be that they see something in his delivery, since he's only given up runs to one other team in his time in the majors. Either way, he's going to be looking at some extended time in the rest of this series, so he's going to have to get his act together quickly.
I'm not too concerned with the way the offense played last night. Ryan Howard was great again, but this was not the playoff lineup that was out there. Raul Ibanez, Pedro Feliz and Jimmy Rollins were given the night off, and I'm sure it's going to be more of the same today and tomorrow. This isn't like the last two years. This time, the Phillies can actually afford to rest players before the postseason starts, since the race is already over. Like I said, they've got the number two seed all but locked up, and if they can somehow stumble into homefield throughout the rest of the NL playoffs, then I won't complain.
Today, Cole Hamels (10-10, 4.25 ERA) makes his last start of the regular season against Anibal Sanchez (3-8, 4.10 ERA). You might remember him from his recent Cy Young type performance against the Phillies the last time these two teams played. Hopefully, it doesn't go so well for him today.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Not so good news for the Phils...the bullpen's starting to look a little thin.
Now that the celebratory period of a third straight NL East title has passed, there is some bad news coming from Phillies camp. First, the news came out while the Phillies were winning the National League East that Jamie Moyer is going to need surgery on his torn groin muscles and will miss the playoffs. If that wasn't bad enough, J.C. Romero is apparently telling reporters today that he is done for the season. Romero has had his fair share of crap piled on him this year, and this is just the cherry on top of the 2009 season for him. He hasn't been able to pitch on back to back days for months, and it really doesn't come as a shock to me that he isn't going to be around this year for the playoffs.
Of course, that doesn't make either one of these losses feel any better. Moyer was actually pitching well out of the bullpen and was a solid long relief man. There's a good chance that he'll be back for Spring Training, but a 47 year old coming off of surgery doesn't exactly look good for the Phillies. I'm sure Ruben Amaro is going to give him a chance to prove that he's still got it, but if not, perhaps Pedro Martinez or one of the young arms that the Phillies have will be ready to take Jamie's spot. I've said it a few times this year, and I'll say it again now: I will always love Jamie Moyer for what he did last year in getting the Phillies to the playoffs and then what he did in the World Series. I don't know if this is the last time he's going to pitch as a Phillie, or ever, but if it is, we Phillies fans owe him for what he's done since he came here.
As for Romero, I honestly think that not having him around helped contribute to the car wreck that was Brad Lidge's regular season. Ryan Madson did all he could, but without Romero there to help in the seventh and eighth innings, it made things more interesting for Lidge and the bullpen, and the cracks showed. Now, this probably means that Sergio Escalona ends up with a spot in the bullpen for the playoffs, since the Phils have very few other options, but at this point, I'll take whatever the Phillies can get. Escalona isn't horrible, and while he isn't Romero, he can hopefully do whatever he has to do when called upon.
The other option is moving J.A. Happ back into the bullpen and putting Pedro Martinez in as the fourth starter in the playoff rotation. At this point, I think it might have to be done, though Kyle Kendrick, or whoever this is that looks like Kyle Kendrick, has done well since being called up again. While I'd like to see Happ in the playoff rotation, I'll take him wherever Charlie thinks he can do the most good for the Phillies during the playoffs. One thing's sure: the Phillies still have a lot of questions to answer as they get ready for the playoffs.
Philly.com: Moyer to undergo surgery, could be back by spring.
Todd Zolecki: J.C. Romero done
Of course, that doesn't make either one of these losses feel any better. Moyer was actually pitching well out of the bullpen and was a solid long relief man. There's a good chance that he'll be back for Spring Training, but a 47 year old coming off of surgery doesn't exactly look good for the Phillies. I'm sure Ruben Amaro is going to give him a chance to prove that he's still got it, but if not, perhaps Pedro Martinez or one of the young arms that the Phillies have will be ready to take Jamie's spot. I've said it a few times this year, and I'll say it again now: I will always love Jamie Moyer for what he did last year in getting the Phillies to the playoffs and then what he did in the World Series. I don't know if this is the last time he's going to pitch as a Phillie, or ever, but if it is, we Phillies fans owe him for what he's done since he came here.
As for Romero, I honestly think that not having him around helped contribute to the car wreck that was Brad Lidge's regular season. Ryan Madson did all he could, but without Romero there to help in the seventh and eighth innings, it made things more interesting for Lidge and the bullpen, and the cracks showed. Now, this probably means that Sergio Escalona ends up with a spot in the bullpen for the playoffs, since the Phils have very few other options, but at this point, I'll take whatever the Phillies can get. Escalona isn't horrible, and while he isn't Romero, he can hopefully do whatever he has to do when called upon.
The other option is moving J.A. Happ back into the bullpen and putting Pedro Martinez in as the fourth starter in the playoff rotation. At this point, I think it might have to be done, though Kyle Kendrick, or whoever this is that looks like Kyle Kendrick, has done well since being called up again. While I'd like to see Happ in the playoff rotation, I'll take him wherever Charlie thinks he can do the most good for the Phillies during the playoffs. One thing's sure: the Phillies still have a lot of questions to answer as they get ready for the playoffs.
Philly.com: Moyer to undergo surgery, could be back by spring.
Todd Zolecki: J.C. Romero done
Oh, it's time...Hockey's back!
In a little less than two hours, the Philadelphia Flyers will start their 2009-10 season against the Carolina Hurricanes. While last season didn't end the way the Flyers wanted it to, there is once again hope this year. Chris Pronger arrived from Anaheim in the biggest deal of the offseason, and Ray Emery is replacing Marty Biron in net. The Flyers still have Jeff Carter, Claude Giroux, Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, Scott Hartnell and a hopefully healthy Danny Briere. Even with the losses of Mike Knuble and Joffrey Lupul, the Flyers still have a very strong team.
The main question is, as it has been for as long as I can remember, the goaltending. Martin Biron is a New York Islander, so the Flyers brought in Ray Emery and former Flyer Brian Boucher to take his place. Emrey helped get the Ottawa Senators to the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals, but didn't play in the NHL last year and has a reputation of being a bit of a short fuse. If he starts out poorly, it's going to be interesting to see how the Flyers handle things this year. Boucher is a retread, and there are no other options at this point. The goalie situation could turn a bit ugly if things go south.
I'm feeling good about the Flyers this year. If anything, they're in for at least another trip to the playoffs, if not an extended stay. Chris Pronger upgrades the defense to a level that it hasn't been in ages, and the majority of the goal scorers are still here. James VanRiemsdyk will be seeing some playing time at the start of the year, and hopefully he can take advantage of it. The health of Gagne and Briere is a question, but if the Flyers can deal with that and the goalie situation doesn't go to hell in a hand basket, this could be a very good team.
Enough with the talking now...it's time to play some hockey!
The main question is, as it has been for as long as I can remember, the goaltending. Martin Biron is a New York Islander, so the Flyers brought in Ray Emery and former Flyer Brian Boucher to take his place. Emrey helped get the Ottawa Senators to the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals, but didn't play in the NHL last year and has a reputation of being a bit of a short fuse. If he starts out poorly, it's going to be interesting to see how the Flyers handle things this year. Boucher is a retread, and there are no other options at this point. The goalie situation could turn a bit ugly if things go south.
I'm feeling good about the Flyers this year. If anything, they're in for at least another trip to the playoffs, if not an extended stay. Chris Pronger upgrades the defense to a level that it hasn't been in ages, and the majority of the goal scorers are still here. James VanRiemsdyk will be seeing some playing time at the start of the year, and hopefully he can take advantage of it. The health of Gagne and Briere is a question, but if the Flyers can deal with that and the goalie situation doesn't go to hell in a hand basket, this could be a very good team.
Enough with the talking now...it's time to play some hockey!
Phillies Recap: Astros-5, Phillies-3
Game Recap:
The Phillies' chances to clinch the best record in the National League took a hit with a loss to Houston tonight.
What went right?
Ben Francisco was 3-4 and scored a run.
Jayson Werth was 2-5 with a run scored.
Raul Ibanez went 1-5 with an RBI.
Pedro Feliz was 2-5 with two RBI.
What went wrong?
Eric Bruntlett continued his existence, going 0-5.
Cliff Lee didn't make it through the sixth inning, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 5.2 innings of work. He walked one and struck out six.
The Phillies left 15 men on base.
Game Analysis:
After clinching the NL East last night, the Phillies came out tonight and played like a team that didn't have much left to do this year. Chase Utley and Shane Victorino got much deserved nights off, and while Ben Francisco played well for Victorino, Eric Bruntlett did what Eric Bruntlett does when he's not performing unassisted triple plays. His 0-5 night basically sunk the Phillies on offense, as Ben Francisco only managed to score once on a three hit night.
The main story tonight was how Cliff Lee would pitch in preparation for more than likely starting Game One of the NLDS next week. Well, he didn't do great, but he wasn't that bad, either. He allowed two early runs, then settled down until the sixth inning, when he gave up a two run home run to Miguel Tejada. He still had some issues with location and working the strike zone tonight that concern me a little bit, but he should be ready to go by next week.
The Phillies came out tonight and basically played like this game didn't mean that much, and they still almost pulled it out in the ninth inning. Some late inning heroics by Pedro Feliz pulled the Phils to within two runs, and they got two men on with two outs, but Miguel Cairo flew out to left-center, and that was all she wrote. Now, the Phillies still have a chance at homefield throughout the NL playoffs, but they're going to need to sweep the Marlins and have the Rockies sweep the Dodgers. I'm not too sure about either of those situations happening right now, but if it does, I won't complain. Hell, I'd just settle for the two seed, like they had last year. That worked out pretty well, didn't it?
Tomorrow, the Marlins come into town for the final regular season series of 2009. Joe Blanton (12-7, 3.95 ERA) goes for his 13th win of the year against Rick VandenHurk (2-2, 4.44 ERA).
The Phillies' chances to clinch the best record in the National League took a hit with a loss to Houston tonight.
What went right?
Ben Francisco was 3-4 and scored a run.
Jayson Werth was 2-5 with a run scored.
Raul Ibanez went 1-5 with an RBI.
Pedro Feliz was 2-5 with two RBI.
What went wrong?
Eric Bruntlett continued his existence, going 0-5.
Cliff Lee didn't make it through the sixth inning, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 5.2 innings of work. He walked one and struck out six.
The Phillies left 15 men on base.
Game Analysis:
After clinching the NL East last night, the Phillies came out tonight and played like a team that didn't have much left to do this year. Chase Utley and Shane Victorino got much deserved nights off, and while Ben Francisco played well for Victorino, Eric Bruntlett did what Eric Bruntlett does when he's not performing unassisted triple plays. His 0-5 night basically sunk the Phillies on offense, as Ben Francisco only managed to score once on a three hit night.
The main story tonight was how Cliff Lee would pitch in preparation for more than likely starting Game One of the NLDS next week. Well, he didn't do great, but he wasn't that bad, either. He allowed two early runs, then settled down until the sixth inning, when he gave up a two run home run to Miguel Tejada. He still had some issues with location and working the strike zone tonight that concern me a little bit, but he should be ready to go by next week.
The Phillies came out tonight and basically played like this game didn't mean that much, and they still almost pulled it out in the ninth inning. Some late inning heroics by Pedro Feliz pulled the Phils to within two runs, and they got two men on with two outs, but Miguel Cairo flew out to left-center, and that was all she wrote. Now, the Phillies still have a chance at homefield throughout the NL playoffs, but they're going to need to sweep the Marlins and have the Rockies sweep the Dodgers. I'm not too sure about either of those situations happening right now, but if it does, I won't complain. Hell, I'd just settle for the two seed, like they had last year. That worked out pretty well, didn't it?
Tomorrow, the Marlins come into town for the final regular season series of 2009. Joe Blanton (12-7, 3.95 ERA) goes for his 13th win of the year against Rick VandenHurk (2-2, 4.44 ERA).
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Final Out of the NL East Clinching game...from my seat
Yes, the video is only 41 seconds long, and it's a little choppy, but the thought is there. I'm just ticked at the people in front of me who got in the way, and the person behind me that pushed on my back as Ryan Howard fielded the ball, but what are you going to do?
Phillies Honor Harry Kalas After Clinching NL East
The best part of the night wasn't even the Phillies winning their third straight division title. No, that was sweet, but the best part was what happened afterwords. The Phillies ran out to left field and paid tribute to Harry Kalas by celebrating with his banner. It was an amazing moment to see, especially for anyone who listened to Harry, and would have loved to have heard him call this game tonight. I don't think there's anyone out there that can say anything bad about this team after seeing something like that.
Jimmy Rollins even went and took it a step further. Todd Zolecki quoted Rollins after the game on Twitter, as he said, “We get to Broad Street again, you’ll see HK’s jacket and shoes on my back and feet. There is no doubt ... I will be rocking it.”
Jimmy, you and the boys get another parade, and I'll be there to celebrate again. You guys are the best.
Jimmy Rollins even went and took it a step further. Todd Zolecki quoted Rollins after the game on Twitter, as he said, “We get to Broad Street again, you’ll see HK’s jacket and shoes on my back and feet. There is no doubt ... I will be rocking it.”
Jimmy, you and the boys get another parade, and I'll be there to celebrate again. You guys are the best.
Video footage courtesy of CSNPhilly/The Fightins.
Photo by Drew Hallowell
The Magic Number is....Zero!!! Phillies Clinch the NL East!
Oh yes, it was a wonderful sight in south Philly tonight. The Philadelphia Phillies came into tonight's game against the Houston Astros needing to do just one thing...win one more game. Pedro Martinez made things a little interesting, but after the first four Houston at-bats, it was all Phillies.The Phils scored in the next four innings, with contributions from everyone in the lineup. Raul Ibanez drove in three and had the capper with a two run shot into the second deck in the seventh inning. Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino had back to back triples for the first time since 2006, and Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Pedro Feliz and Carlos Ruiz all drove in runs. It was a perfect game from the offense, and even Kyle Kendrick pitched excellent, shutting down Houston for three scoreless innings in relief of Pedro.
Of course, the night wouldn't have been complete without Brad Lidge coming into the game to finish things off against his former team. Tonight, it would only take one pitch, as he got Lance Berkman to ground out to first base. This time, there would be no dramatic double plays, no catching of the Mets in the final two weeks of the season. In fact, the Florida Marlins had actually beaten the Atlanta Braves about two minutes before Lidge got Berkman out, meaning the Phillies had already clinched the NL East. Of course, none of that mattered to the Phillies. This team had done it on their own the last two years, and they sure as hell didn't want to win the division with a loss this time around. It was the first game I had gone to all season, and it was glorious.
This is your game recap for tonight. Nothing went wrong, everything was absolutely perfect. The Phillies are headed back to the playoffs once again, and have a real chance of clinching homefield throughout the National League playoffs. I could get into how Pedro only pitched four innings, and how Jamie Moyer is going to be out for the playoffs, but that can wait until tomorrow. Tonight, it's all about celebrating. The Phils did it again!
Oh yeah, Cliff Lee (14-12, 3.19 ERA) is scheduled to start tomorrow. Don't expect him to pitch for very long. He'll be going against Felipe Paulino (2-11, 6.19 ERA).
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