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

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: Dissecting the Dodgers

Last night the Phillies failed to dodge the ball on the first game in a four game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  The Phightins lost 8-6 in a ball game that was not determined until the last out by Ryan Howard in the top of the 9th inning.  The Phils had two on base with Ryan Howard being the go ahead run at bat.  Howard grounded out into the overshift ending the comeback that the Phillies were waging.  Kyle Kendrick was removed from the game in 3 1/3 innings while accruing 7 earned runs on 9 hits within that time.  Kendrick failed to strikeout any batters, but managed to walk 3 while administering a homerun to the former Indian Casey Blake.  The Phils then replaced Kendrick with the newbie lefthander Les Walrond which pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings with Clay Condrey finishing the game by allowing 1 run over 2 innings.

The Phillies offense started off slow, but was able to accumulate 10 hits over 9 innings.  Chase Utley was in rare form by amassing 3 hits on 5 opportunities.  Jimmy Rollins was able to hit another triple against Lowe which is his 8th of the year.

Tonight Cole “hard luck” Hamels takes the mound with hopes and aspirations that his team with mount another offensive strike.  Cole has recently been diagnosed with the Johann Sanatana disease and is on a day to day regiment of lack of offense.  Hamels (3.35 ERA) is searching for his 10th win this year against LA’s southpaw Clayton Kershaw (3.71 ERA).  On a side note Brad Lidge says he is ready to begin closing again since his recent right shoulder tendinitis left over from the All Star game in which he was repeatedly abused due to the lengthy game and multiple warm-up sessions.

 

Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG Rollins, SS 5 1 2 1 0 0 2 .276 Victorino, CF 4 1 2 0 1 1 1 .289 Utley, 2B 5 0 3 2 0 1 2 .290 Howard, 1B 5 0 0 2 0 0 5 .237 Burrell, LF 3 0 0 0 1 0 2 .265 Werth, RF 4 1 1 0 0 3 2 .266 Dobbs, 3B 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 .307 Ruiz, C 3 1 0 0 1 1 1 .217 Kendrick, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .116   Walrond, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000   a-Jenkins, PH 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 .244   Condrey, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000   b-Cervenak, M, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 .200 Totals 37 6 10 6 3 8 18     image from phillies.com

Philadelphia Phillies: De-boning The Fish

Tonight the Philadelphia Phillies scaled the Marlins in a 5-0 shut out by hands of Kyle Kendrick.  Kendrick pitch 6 scoreless innings to gain his 10th win of the season while only allowing 4 hits, 5 BB and striking out 4 batsmen.  Chad Durbin came in in the 7th inning only allowing 1 hit over 2 innings with the game being finished off by Ryan Madson pitching another hitless and scoreless inning in the 9th.

The Phillies’ offense were able to accrue 9 hits and 5 walks including Ryan Howard’s 32nd homerun of the season tying him with Adam Dunn for MLB most HR’s of the year to date.  Mike Cervenak had his first major league hit tonight as well as his first RBI.  The Phils had 5 doubles hit tonight as well as Eric Bruntlett’s 9th stolen base of the year.

The Phightins will meet up at the bank tomorrow to close the door on the Marlins as Cole Hamels takes the mound in search of his 10th win.  Hamels (3.37 ERA) has struggled as of late, but intends to right the ship against the Fish’s Chris “farfignugen” Volstad (3.25 ERA).  The Phillies will then roll right into the series against the Bucs for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Series.

 

Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG Rollins, SS 4 0 2 0 1 0 0 .269 Victorino, CF 4 1 0 0 1 1 5 .285 Utley, 2B 4 0 1 1 1 1 4 .292 Howard, 1B 5 1 2 1 0 1 4 .244 Burrell, LF 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 .275   Werth, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .265 Jenkins, RF 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 .241 Coste, C 3 1 1 0 0 0 2 .278 Bruntlett, 3B 3 1 2 1 1 0 0 .231 Kendrick, P 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 .119   a-Cervenak, M, PH 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 .333   Durbin, C, P 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .143   Madson, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Totals 34 5 9 5 5 4 20

image from phillies.com

Philadelphia Phillies – Overboard

Last night the Phillies were hanging over the side of the S.S. Citizen’s Bank creating their own chum wake.  The Florida Marlins knocked around Jamie Moyer trying to make up for the previous 10 losses and then proceeded to spank young J.A. Happ just to ensure he does not follow in the elder’s footsteps.  The pain staking 8-2 loss was only over shadowed by the fact that Victorino’s 2 run homerun was actually foul.  So, those of you who are following along that means that the Phightins were actually shutout in my book.

The offense was able to accrue 8 hits last night, but it does not help when all of those hits were spread out over 9 innings.  In addition to the offense failure to make it happen was Ryan Howard’s ground ball that went between his legs.  Let’s put this in perspective . . . . .  If you were to fail this much at your normal everyday job you would probably be fired, but he still is able to keep his job and make 10 million a year.  Would someone please tell Ryan Howard that defense is also part of his job description and Philly does not except a doctor’s note to sit out on the defense.  Oh, thank you Geoff Jenkins for your web gem catch !!

Tonight Krazy “K” takes the mound with his mighty sinker ball trying to get his double digit win bringing him to 10 for the season.  Kendrick (4.59 ERA) will face off against Anibal “Anakin” Sanchez (3.18 ERA) trying to bring down the death star known as the Marlins.  Kendrick – Please do not embarass us !!

 

Philadelphia	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rollins, SS	4	1	2	0	1	0	1	.266
Victorino, CF	5	1	2	2	0	0	3	.288
Utley, 2B	3	0	1	0	0	0	2	.292
Howard, 1B	4	0	1	0	0	1	3	.242
Burrell, LF	3	0	1	0	1	2	1	.278
Jenkins, RF	1	0	0	0	2	1	1	.244
d-Werth, PH-RF	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.265
Bruntlett, 3B	2	0	0	0	0	0	3	.224
b-Dobbs, PH-3B	2	0	0	0	0	1	2	.301
Ruiz, C	3	0	1	0	1	1	2	.216
Moyer, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.114
a-Cervenak, M, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Condrey, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Walrond, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Madson, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
c-Taguchi, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.224
Happ, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
e-Coste, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.277
Totals	32	2	8	2	5	7	22

image from phillies.com

Philadelphia Phillies – Cleaning House In The East

The Philadelphia Phillies won last night completing their sweep of the Washington Nationals.  In addition to their victory the Phightins pushed the New York Mets of of their perch that they held temporarily for the Phillies.  Kyle Kendrick pitched 6 2/3 innings while allowing only 7 hits and 2 runs while striking out 4 on his 9th win of the season.  Kendrick also hit 2 batsmen which in turn had the opposition hit Victorino and Utley.  Both benches were warned by the homeplate umpire after Colome struck Chase Utley and began to approach homeplate as though to get into an altercation with Utley.  Lannan who was the starter for the Nationals tonight was responsible for Chase Utley’s broken hand last year at Citizen Bank Park.

The Phillies offense has remained strong through the series accrueing 31 hits over 3 games.  They were once again vibrant last night with 11 hits bringing the final score to 8-4.  The longball was administered last night by Jayson Werth and Jimmy “The MVP” Rollins.  Rollins was able to take advantge of a foul tip that was not contolled by the Nationals catcher and allow Kendrick to make his way onto base due to a throwing error.  This set-up Rollins for a 2 run blast out into the left field seats.  The Phillies’ Fans were out in droves through the series cheering on their team including the bunch known as the “Flying Hawaiians” on the day Victorino hit a homerun.

The Phils are headed off to St. Louis to face off the Cardinals and add to their current 5 game win streak.  Cole “The Ace” Hamels is looking to rebound from last games 9 run disaster inning against the Braves.  Hamels (3.27 ERA) takes the mound in search of his 10 win against the former Philly Kyle Lohse (3.68 ERA).

 

Philadelphia	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rollins, SS	4	2	2	3	1	0	1	.272
Victorino, CF	4	1	2	0	0	0	1	.289
Utley, 2B	3	1	1	0	1	1	2	.293
Howard, 1B	5	0	2	1	0	2	4	.239
Burrell, LF	3	0	1	1	2	0	2	.279
Seanez, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Durbin, C, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.167
Werth, RF-LF	5	1	1	1	0	3	4	.271
Bruntlett, 3B	5	1	1	0	0	1	2	.232
Ruiz, C	4	1	1	0	0	1	1	.217
Kendrick, P	3	1	0	0	0	2	0	.125
Condrey, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Jenkins, RF	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.242
Totals	36	8	11	6	4	10

image from phillies.com

Philadelphia Phillies – Fishing Trip

 

     Last night the ageless Jamie Moyer accrued his 9th win of the season by stringing up the fish.  The Florida Marlins were once again perplexed by Jamie Moyer in which he allowed 4 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk with 3 strikeouts over 6 innings.  Brad Lidge was able to come in last night and toss the anchor over to solidify the Phillies on top of the N.L. East with his 21st consecutive save.

     Ryan Howard picked up where he left off prior to the All Star break by crushing the 2nd pitch of the 2nd inning out of Dolphin Stadium.  Also, Geoff Jenkins was able to connect to a homerun ball that exited in the deepest part of the stadium in center field.  The Phillies offense as a whole looked as the though the 4 day lay-off help to right their ship.  The Phillies strung up 8 hits in their 4-2 win against the Marlins.  Some other offensive notables were Chase Utley going 2-3 and Geoff jenkins hitting 2 out of 3 against the Righty Ricky Nolasco.

     The Phillies were able chum up the Marlins which places them alone ontop of the N.L. East with the Mets succumbing to the Reds ending their 10 game winning streak.  Jimmy Williams the Phillies bench coach received the win last night since Charlie Manuel was ejected after disagreeing with a call which led to Shane Victorino getting plugged at the plate while showing a bunt.

     Tonight the Phillies sinker ball pitcher Kyle Kendrick (4.47 ERA) takes the mound also in search of his 9th win against the Marlins Scott Olsen (3.77 ERA).

 

Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG Rollins, SS 5 1 1 0 0 1 1 .273 Victorino, CF 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 .276 Utley, 2B 3 0 2 1 0 0 0 .294 Howard, 1B 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 .234 Burrell, LF 4 1 1 0 0 1 4 .274   Bruntlett, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .232 Jenkins, RF 3 1 2 2 0 0 0 .243   b-Werth, PH-RF 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .270 Feliz, 3B 4 0 0 0 0 4 1 .266 Ruiz, C 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 .203 Moyer, P 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 .129   a-Taguchi, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .209   Durbin, C, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167   Romero, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000   c-Dobbs, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .319   Lidge, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Totals 35 4 8 4 1 10 13     Image from phillies.com

Philadelphia Phillies – If I Was Pat Gillick For A Day

1.  My starting rotation would look like the following:

1. Cole Hamels
2. Brett Myers
3. Jamie Moyer
4. Kyle Kendrick
5. J.A. Happ

     Trade Adam Eaton or make him another righty in the bullpen to replace Tom Gordon.  Tom Gordon should no longer be in the Phillies future.  He is no Jamie Moyer . . . . .

2.  I would either trade off Carlos Ruiz or reassign him to AA or AAA.  Then bring up Lou Marson as a replacement.  If he is not ready bring up Jason Jaramillo from the Iron Pigs.

3.  Geoff Jenkins needs to be traded off for another lefty to platoon with Jayson Werth in right field.

4.  So Taguchi is an absolute waste and needs to be outright released and can be replaced by Snelling or someone else from the Iron Pigs. (Not T.J. Bohn) !! 

    None of this is rocket science, but all I hear about is getting another starter.  Why?  Okay we do need another lefty in the bullpen, but do not sacrifice our future for it by trading Carrasco or Marson.  If they focus on fixing our current issues like Jenkins, Taguchi, and Ruiz we will be solid enough to go in the post season.  If the front office would not be so proud we could have come back and counter offered Kyle Lohse before he was picked up by the Cardinals.  We would be in excellent shape since we acquired Chad Durbin.  With all of this being taken into consideration I’m sure they will most likely do the exact opposite of everything that I’ve stated.  I’m glad that this is Pat Gillick’s last year with the organization . . . . .

Philadelphia Phillies – Brother In Arms

     The Philadelphia Phillies won last night against the Atlanta Braves in their return to the National League schedule.  Kyle Kendrick pitched his way into the 8th win of the season at Turner Field.  He allowed 3 runs over 6 innings while accruing 6 hits 2 strikeouts and 2 walks.  Kendrick received his usual run support from the Phils with them administering 14 hits and shutting down the Braves on their 1st game of a 3 game homestand.

     Tonight Adam Eaton (4.86 ERA) takes the mound in Atlanta in search of just his 3rd win of the season.  He will face off against the Braves righty Jorge Campillo (2.54 ERA).  With the temporary threat of  4 man rotation Cole Hamels will prepare himself for a early start and the Ace position in the rotation tomorrow.  Meanwhile Brett Myers will pitch tonight in Lehigh Valley in his 1st rehab assignment with the Iron Pigs.  There still is no permanent solution for his replacement, but rather a mish-mosh of AA and AAA pitchers including J.A. Happ and Carlos Carrasco.

 

Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG Rollins, SS 4 1 2 0 1 0 0 .267 Victorino, CF 5 1 2 4 1 1 1 .274 Utley, 2B 6 1 2 0 0 2 6 .298 Howard, 1B 5 1 2 0 0 1 4 .218 Burrell, LF 3 1 2 2 1 0 0 .275   1-Werth, PR-LF 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 .268 Jenkins, RF 5 0 2 1 0 1 4 .243 Feliz, 3B 4 0 0 1 0 3 6 .256 Ruiz, C 2 1 0 0 3 0 2 .213 Kendrick, P 3 0 0 0 0 1 3 .129   Romero, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000   a-Taguchi, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .203   Gordon, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000   b-Dobbs, PH 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 .327   Lidge, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Totals 40 8 14 8 6 9 26   Image from phillies.com

Philadelphia Phillies – Win Self Epic Battle

     Tonight the Phillies broke the 6 game losing streak with a shut out win of 4-0 against the Oakland Athletics.  The Phils were able to get back into their groove with accruing 11 hits over 9 innings and manufacturing run support for Kyle Kendrick’s 7th win of 2008.  Kyle pitched 8 innings while only allowing 4 hits and no earned runs with 1 walk.  J.C. Romero came in to seal the deal in the 9th while striking out 1 and allowing 1 walk.  The most important offensive break out tonight was from Chase Utley who went 4-5 at the plate.  Chase almost went the cycle with 2 singles, 1 double, and a triple.  Some other offensive notables were Pedro Feliz going 2-5 with an RBI triple and Chris Coste hitting 2-3.  Even though the Phightins stranded 11 runners on base they are showing signs of good base running and advancing the runners at the plate.

     With the win tonight the Phillies pull ahead to 2 games in the lead in the N.L. East.  The Florida Marlins’ were the only team in the eastern division to fall tonight with their loss to Tampa Bay.  The Phillies look ahead to gain some ground in their division before the All Star break.

     Tonight Adam Eaton (4.94 ERA) takes the mound in search of his 3rd win against Rich Harden (2.44 ERA) of the Athletics.  Adam has been able to keep his game ERA under 5.0 since May 28th.  If the Phillies offense shows up again tonight we should be ready to take on the Texas Rangers in the upcoming 3 game series.