Schmidt Invokes Last September – Inspires Phillies

Phillies’ Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt wrote an inspirational letter to Charlie Manuel.  He had asked Charlie to post it on locker room door for all of the players to read prior to the game against the Mets.  I have it posted below:

Guys,
One pitch, one at-bat, one play, one situation, think ’small’ and ‘big’ things result. Tough at-bats, stay up the middle with men on base, whatever it takes to keep the line moving. Hot offense. 27 outs on defense. The Mets know you’re better than they are. They remember last year. You guys are never out of the game. Welcome the challenge that confronts you this weekend. You guys are the best.
Good luck,
#20

The Phightins took the 1st game of the series last night with Brett Myers shutting down the Mets’ offense.  Myers pitched a full 8 innings while allowing 3 hits and 2 walks and no earned runs.  Myers was dominating on the mound by striking out 10 hitters by having excellent control with his fastball and knockout punch of the curveball.  Brad Lidge entered in the 9th inning accruing his 34th consecutive save with a less than smooth outing.

Offensively the Phillies were stagnant against Mike Pelfrey after the 1st inning.  Then clutch hitter Greg Dobbs came up to the plate in the 7th inning.  Dobbs smoked a pitch off of Pelfrey into right field with Ryan Church just missing a snow cone catch as the ball continued over the outfield wall for a 2 run homer.

The game scheduled for Saturday was postponed due to Tropical Storm Hanna coming to town.  The Phillies will play a day / night double header on Sunday with the 1st game beginning at 2:15pm E.T. and the 2nd game starting at 8:05 pm E.T. being televised on ESPN.

 

Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG Rollins, SS 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 .273 Victorino, CF 4 1 1 0 0 1 0 .281 Utley, 2B 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 .291 Howard, 1B 2 1 0 0 2 1 0 .235 Burrell, LF 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 .255   Bruntlett, LF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .217 Werth, RF 3 0 0 0 0 2 2 .276 Dobbs, 3B 3 1 2 2 0 0 0 .297   Feliz, 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250 Coste, C 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 .272   Ruiz, C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .221 Myers, P 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .039   Lidge, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Totals 30 3 4 3 2 6 5

image from phillies.com

Phillies and Mets Collide at Shea Stadium

To say that this upcoming series with the New York Mets at Shea Stadium is important is an understatement.  The Phillies need to win at least 2 out of 3 from the Mets to bring them within 1 game of taking over the N.L. East.  If they faulter from this they mine as well consider their reign of the Eastern Division over.  They could still be in contention with the wildcard position in which they are currently 4.5 games back from Milwaukee.  However, the Phillies sights are on the Division and taking out the Mets in probably one of the last meaningful series to take place in Shea Stadium before it’s demolition.

Friday, September 5th:

Brett Myers, RHP (8-10, 4.40)
Mike Pelfrey, RHP (13-8, 3.66)

Saturday, September 6th:

Jamie Moyer, LHP (12-7, 3.80)
Pedro Martinez, RHP (5-3, 5.07)

Sunday, September 7th:

Cole Hamels, LHP (12-8, 3.01)
Johan Santana, LHP (12-7, 2.71)

Philadelphia Phillies – 4 Out Of 7 Ain’t Bad

The Phillies wrapped up the 4 game series against the Chicago Cubs today.  This places the Phillies 1 game up on the Cubbies for the year.  The Phightins took 2 out of 3 games at the Bank and then split the 4 game series at Wrigley.  That’s not too bad for going against the team in baseball with the best record.  Sort of makes you think that there could be a post season in our near future. 

Jamie Moyer once again bedazzled the hitters by pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing 2 runs on 8 hits.  Moreover, the bullpen was solid once again by picking up 3 2/3 innings while giving up 1 run on 3 hits.  This gave the 12th win to Jamie Moyer and the lead on all of the Phillies starters for the most wins of the season.  Brad Lidge was solid by striking out 1 hitter and forcing the other 2 to fly out and accruing his 33 save in 33 opportunities.

The Phillies are heading into a 3 game series with the Nationals in DC while the Mets are headed off to play the Brew Crew.  This could put the Phillies back on top of the N.L. East prior to both teams facing off in Shea Stadium for the last time ever unless one of them claim the wild card.

Tomorrow Kyle Kendrick (4.83 ERA) pitches against Tim Redding (4.54 ERA) in search of his 12th win of the season.

 

Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG Rollins, SS 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 .270 Utley, 2B 4 1 2 0 1 1 0 .293 Burrell, LF 5 0 1 0 0 3 3 .257   1-Bruntlett, PR-LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .221 Howard, 1B 5 1 3 1 0 1 2 .234 Victorino, CF 5 1 2 0 0 0 3 .283 Werth, RF 4 1 2 3 0 0 3 .282 Feliz, 3B 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 .251 Ruiz, C 4 1 1 0 0 0 3 .221 Moyer, P 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 .095   Durbin, C, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .111   Romero, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000   Madson, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000   Lidge, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Totals 37 5 12 5 2 6 18 image from phillies.com

Como Esta? Say Hello to My Little Friend . . .

Yesterday the Phillies unleashed some of their best pitching to date against the Chicago Cubs.  Brett Myers was dominant on the mound once again since his return to the majors.  Myers pitched 7 innings while allowing 2 earned runs on 11 hits.  He also struck out 8 batters and walked none.  The Phillies’ bullpen did not disappoint their fan base yesterday while they pitched 2 scoreless and hitless innings.  The pinnacle of the game was when J.C. Romero entered in the 8th inning with 2 base runners.   He stuckout the 1st two hitters then he allowed a walk to load the bases.  Romero then attacked Geovany Soto for the 3rd strikeout and retiring the side with a little Spanish flare.  This set-up closer Brad Lidge to enter the game in the 9th and strikout 2 of the 3 hitters and acquiring his 32nd save of the year.

The Phightins offense was alive as well yesterday with 10 hits accrued with and no walks.  There were 3 longballs unleashed that were administered by Ryan Howard and 2 by Jayson Werth.  Rollins also went 3 for 5 as well as Werth 3 for 5 with both Utley and Howard getting 2 hits over 9 innings.

Today Jamie Moyer (3.81 ERA) will take the mound against Sean Marshall (3.52 ERA) in search of his 12th win of the season.

 

Philadelphia	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rollins, SS	5	0	3	0	0	1	0	.270
Utley, 2B	4	1	2	0	0	1	1	.291
Burrell, LF	4	0	0	0	0	1	3	.258
Bruntlett, LF	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.221
Howard, 1B	5	2	2	1	0	2	4	.230
Victorino, CF	3	0	0	0	0	0	2	.282
Werth, RF	4	2	3	4	0	1	0	.279
Feliz, 3B	4	0	0	0	0	0	2	.253
Coste, C	4	0	0	0	0	1	1	.280
Ruiz, C	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.221
Myers, P	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.042
Romero, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
a-Dobbs, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.296
Lidge, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Totals	38	5	10	5	0	7	15
image from phillies.com

Philadelphia Phillies – Dodging The Ball

The Philadelphia Phillies are playing for a sweep tonight against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  This follows an earlier sweep of the Phillies administered by the Dodgers in the middle of August.  The Phils are currently sitting 1/2 game out of 1st behind the New York Mets.  So, with tonight’s finalization of the sweep we would have the potential to take control back of the N.L. East.

Brett Myers (4.17 ERA) is taking the mound against Chad Billingsley (3.10 ERA) in search of his 7th win.

Philadelphia Phillies – Road To The Unknown

Tonight the Phillies are going into the 3rd game of a 3 game series against the Washington Nationals in which they will intend for a sweep.  More importantly than the Nats are the uncoming series against some of the Phightins toughest competitors.  The Phils start off with another 4 game series against the Dodgers, but this time it is at home on our turf at Citizen Bank Park.  Next we have a 2 game series with the Mets at home and then we go on the road to Chicago.  In Chicago we face off against the Cubs in Wrigley Field which is one of the toughest divisions this year.  However, if we can remain close to the Mets for the remainder of August we have a chance at taking over 1st place in September.  The Phillies have an extremely weak schedule in September except for a series with the Mets and Brewers.  The remainder  of the month consists of mostly the Marlins, Nationals, and Braves.

The Pitching match-up tonight is Jamie “the ace” Moyer against Tim Redding.  Redding a pitcher whom is usually lethal against the Phillies line-up was waxed last time against the Phightins in DC.  Redding allowed 7 runs in just 4 innings against the Phillies on July 30th.

On a side note catcher David Ross will not be joining the Phillies for the division run.  He has decided to accept an offer from Boston.  Pat Gillick remains optimistic that they will be able to acquire another bat.  He had said it would more likely be a bench player as opposed to a position player.  Gillick said that they feel comfortable with Jayson Werth in right field.  In addition, I would expect to see Lou Marson in the wing when they are allowed expand on their roster.

Philadelphia Phillies – Soul Searching

Jimmy Rollins finally confessed to the Padres last night that his lack of offense was due directly to the Philadelphia Phans negative demeanor.  Shortly after receiving that message the Padres proceeded to back hand Rollins until he began crying in the fetal position.  Post beating Rollins decided to show retribution by going 0-4 once again just to prove his point.

Kyle Kendrick has taken his turn stinking up the rotation after Myers and Eaton completed that task ealier this year.  Kendrick pitched 3 2/3 innings while allowing 6 runs on 6 hits and walking 5 batters.  This is Kendrick’s 2nd consecutive non quality start.  After the game it was heard that Kendrick will need a visit to see Rod Nichols at the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs soon.

The Phillies offense was slightly more than stagnent tonight while accruing 6 hits.  Shane Victorino was the only light at the end of a long, long tunnel going 2-4.

Tonight Cole”I can’t buy a win” Hamels will take the mound in search of his 10th win.  Hamels (3.32 ERA) will take the hill against Cha Seung Baek (5.20 ERA) on ESPN at 8pm eastern.

 

Philadelphia	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rollins, SS	4	0	0	0	1	2	2	.266
Werth, RF	3	1	1	0	1	0	1	.264
Utley, 2B	4	1	1	0	0	1	1	.285
Howard, 1B	3	0	0	1	1	2	2	.233
Burrell, LF	2	0	0	0	2	1	2	.263
Victorino, CF	4	1	2	1	0	2	1	.285
Dobbs, 3B	4	0	1	1	0	2	2	.309
Coste, C	4	0	1	0	0	1	1	.270
Kendrick, P	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.111
Condrey, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Eyre, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
a-Taguchi, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.212
Walrond, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
b-Jenkins, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	.241
Totals	32	3	6	3	5	13	14

image from phillies.com

Philadelphia Phillies – Endorsing The Diaper Genie

The Phillies have officially shit their pants by being swept by the Dodgers on a 4 game series.  Out of everything I know about the Phillies the offense is the one thing that I could always say is a constant.  Well, that time has come and gone . . . .   It used to be the starting pitching and then it was the shabby defense.  Oh, yes let’s not forget the bullpen and the base running.  It has finally come to a head when you say it is the Phils offense that is losing games.  The next thing will be the bat boy is not pulling his own weight on the team.  Maybe we should trade our bat boy and get Matt Holliday who knows how to make contact with a ball.  On the upside of things the Phillies are going against the Padres and then the Nationals.  We maybe be able to win a couple of games against the two worst teams in the National League.

Philadelphia Phillies – Offensive Death

I could not bring myself to write about last night’s game.  So, I’ve taken this opportunity to channel my feelings into teaching others.  Below I have posted Merriam-Webster’s online version of the definition of offense in hopes that some of the members from the Phillies will read and learn.  I will just sit back the rest of the day and think about the rally towels from last year and Pat Gillick’s failure to re-sign Kyle Lohse and Aaron Rowand . . . . .  Oh, yeah and Jimmy Rollins whiner baby comments yesterday about the awesome Phillies Phans that he can no longer handle.  He just doesn’t like having to work for his millions!  Don’t worry Jimmy I feel the same way about you.  Maybe this is a wake-up call and a time for a change in the short stop position?

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offense

Offense

Main Entry: of·fense   Variant(s): or of·fence   \ə-ˈfen(t)s, especially for 3 ˈä-ˌfen(t)s, ˈȯ-\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin offensa, from feminine of offensus, past participle of offendere Date: 14th century 1 aobsolete : an act of stumbling barchaic : a cause or occasion of sin : stumbling block2: something that outrages the moral or physical senses3 a: the act of attacking : assault b: the means or method of attacking or of attempting to score c: the offensive team or members of a team playing offensive positions d: scoring ability4 a: the act of displeasing or affronting b: the state of being insulted or morally outraged <takes offense at the slightest criticism>5 a: a breach of a moral or social code : sin, misdeed b: an infraction of law; especially : misdemeanor — of·fense·less  \-ləs\ adjective synonyms offense, resentment, umbrage, pique, dudgeon, huff mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity. offense implies hurt displeasure <takes deep offense at racial slurs>. resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will <harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother>. umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another’s motives <took umbrage at the offer of advice>. pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity <in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation>. dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation <stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon>. huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause <in a huff he slammed the door>. synonyms offense, sin, vice, crime, scandal mean a transgression of law. offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code <at that school no offense went unpunished>. sin implies an offense against moral or religious law <the sin of blasphemy>. vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts <regarded gambling as a vice>. crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state <the crime of murder>. scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience <a career ruined by a sex scandal>.

Cole “Hardluck” Hamels – Slippery Slope

Last night Cole Hamels suffered another devastating loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers increasing his non winning streak to seven games.  This was only one in a string of many losses from Hamels as of late which is very similiar to the issues that the Mets’ ace Johann Santana is facing this season.  You can view his recent loss as a failure of the Phillies bullpen to sustain the lead or as a failure of the offense to put more runs on the board.  If you ask the Phillies’ skipper Charlie Manuel he would say the biggest need right now is to have a break in their offensive woes.  You cannot rely that heavily on just pitching to take you to the post season.  The Phillies started the season with one of the most feared offensive line-ups with very little weaknesses other than the 8th and 9th hole.  They were on a tear last year beating up their opponents with hopes of stacking up the runs to cover over any poor pitching efforts.  This year’s line-up is even more lethal as the early high scoring games of the season proved that theory.  However, the bats have silenced as of late and are still building the momentum.  Greg Dobbs has been quoted as saying ” the team is on the verge of busting out of this offensive slump, it’s just waiting on that one hit”.  Well as a diehard Philadelphia Phillies Phan I am also waiting for that one hit.  Hopefully it shows up before October . . . . . .   Go Phightins !!

I have posted Cole Hamels stats for the last 7 consecutive non winning streak games below: