No game wrap here. Instead....
The Twins blew a ten run lead in losing to Oakland. ESPN noted [former Phillie prospect] Gio Gonzalez allowed 11 ER in 2 2/3 IP. Since the A's moved to Oakland in 1968, he's the third A's pitcher to allow 11 ER in a start. However, he's the first pitcher in the major leagues since Zack Greinke in June 2005 to give up 11 ER and get a no-decision. Ouch.
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Jimmy may be back but he isn't talking to the press about it. Hard to imagine how one of the most talkative guys in MLB can stop talking to anyone, but Jimmy must be harboring some resentment to have cut off the press.
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I wouldn't be so fast to drop Rodrigo Lopez from the rotation, Pedro Martinez notwithstanding. Lopez has done a very credible job in his three starts with the Phils. If they try to send him down he is going to have to clear waivers first and that simply ain't gonna' happen.
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Bill Conlin wrote a column on Pete Rose yesterday suggesting that the Commissioner should allow his name to appear on the HOF ballot this coming year in order to allow writers to snub him. Disengenuous of One Chair to say the least. Once Rose's ban is lifted anything can happen including induction to the Hall. I don't trust the writers to do the right thing. Sure, the Hall is filled with all sorts of outside-the-lines riff-raff and worse, but Rose committed one of THE cardinal sins and then spent years lying about it. He should never appear on the ballot.
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Much has been written about the rising Baltimore Orioles, who in their most recent local appearance swept the home team. The O's have a lot of young promising position players to go along with some productive veterans. Up until now the big problem has been pitching and now that, too, looks more hopeful. But if they run the bases like they did last night, having two consecutive batters thrown out at home plate in a 1-1 game with the Yankees, their rise is going to be shortcircuited. Frankly, I blame the coaching staff for the poor base-running.
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To trade or not to trade for Matt Halladay, that is the burning question locally and around MLB. In the end, if the Phils package the kind of prospects and current major league players the Blue Jays want, the trade is going to happen because Halladay wants to pitch for a real contender and the Phils, already a contender without him, will be a serious threat to go deep into the playoffs if the big righthander comes here. The other big factor that will motivate the Phillies is the conviction that winning now will always trump hoping for the future.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Who's Washed Up?
I made a pre-season bet with a wine and beer enthusiast I know. The bet was this: Jamie Moyer doesn't win eight games this season. If I lost, he gets a six pack of his choosing. To tell the truth, I cannot recall what I would have won had Moyer failed to win eight games, but as all the world now knows it no longer matters.
Moyer just won't go away...fortunately...especially against the Florida Marlins. Much has been written about how he is particularly successful against free-swingers and the Marlins are nothing if not that, but you'd think they would have become more patient after so much futility against the Ancient One. Moyer is now 8-0 vs. Florida with a 1.38 ERA. Marlins' shortstop Hanley Ramirez thinks much of Moyer's latest success against them was due to the number of calls the lefthander was getting. Ah, yes, Hanley, but if he is getting those calls you have to adjust. It isn't as though he just started getting them. If Carlos Ruiz is setting up outside and Moyer is hitting the target the umps are going to give him that pitch all night.
Moyer now leads the staff with 9-6 record. Not bad for a guy this blogger called washed up. Shows what I know.
Moyer and the bullpen held the Marlins to a lone single last night in winning 4-0. With the victory the Phils topsy-turvy season against the Fish continues. Each team has dominated the other on the road. Don't stop now, guys.
Moyer just won't go away...fortunately...especially against the Florida Marlins. Much has been written about how he is particularly successful against free-swingers and the Marlins are nothing if not that, but you'd think they would have become more patient after so much futility against the Ancient One. Moyer is now 8-0 vs. Florida with a 1.38 ERA. Marlins' shortstop Hanley Ramirez thinks much of Moyer's latest success against them was due to the number of calls the lefthander was getting. Ah, yes, Hanley, but if he is getting those calls you have to adjust. It isn't as though he just started getting them. If Carlos Ruiz is setting up outside and Moyer is hitting the target the umps are going to give him that pitch all night.
Moyer now leads the staff with 9-6 record. Not bad for a guy this blogger called washed up. Shows what I know.
Moyer and the bullpen held the Marlins to a lone single last night in winning 4-0. With the victory the Phils topsy-turvy season against the Fish continues. Each team has dominated the other on the road. Don't stop now, guys.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Pedro The Disabled
The signing of Pedro Martinez isn't exactly a pig-in-a-poke; after all, the Phils watched two auditions by the former Cy Young winner. Still, one has to ask, are the Phillies the only team which needs pitching? If not, the line at Martinez' door didn't seem all that long.
Then there is the matter of signing Martinez and immediately putting him on the 15-day DL. That move was probably done to give the Phillies time to figure out some roster moves and to allow Martinez to make a couple of rehab starts in the minors. There is probably something in his contract as well that allows the Phillies an out. Strange albeit legal use of the DL.
Finally, Martinez came to Philadelphia and underwent some sort of medical exam by the Phillies' doctor(s). Such a precondition to signing him hardly inspires confidence.
In conclusion, the Phillies are willing to risk a few dollars in an era in which some players make over $2000 an at-bat. Pedro might make ten starts if all goes well. That's $100 K per.
Then there is the matter of signing Martinez and immediately putting him on the 15-day DL. That move was probably done to give the Phillies time to figure out some roster moves and to allow Martinez to make a couple of rehab starts in the minors. There is probably something in his contract as well that allows the Phillies an out. Strange albeit legal use of the DL.
Finally, Martinez came to Philadelphia and underwent some sort of medical exam by the Phillies' doctor(s). Such a precondition to signing him hardly inspires confidence.
In conclusion, the Phillies are willing to risk a few dollars in an era in which some players make over $2000 an at-bat. Pedro might make ten starts if all goes well. That's $100 K per.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
.300
There are plenty of characteristics that define the true baseball fan and as the mid-summer classic approaches one of them is surely this:
Within a week or so of the game itself, the true fan closely studies the batting average of his favorite player(s) who made the roster calculating as these regular season games dwindle before the break the likelihood that his star(s) will maintain a batting average of .300 or better.
It's always looks so nice during the player introductions to see that magic threshold surpassed, no matter how many home runs and rbi's an individual has. After all, the power numbers at mid-season are not the ones we remember. Sixty, then sixty-one, then seventy and finally seventy-three are the only totals that count. Who knows where 26 home runs at the All Star break break stand in the scheme of things, but a .300 average, no matter the time of year, remains a clear demarcation between good and very good?
At the break this year the Phils will send five players to the All Star game and three of them, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez and Shane Victorino, will all sport better than .300 averages. That's very good indeed.
Within a week or so of the game itself, the true fan closely studies the batting average of his favorite player(s) who made the roster calculating as these regular season games dwindle before the break the likelihood that his star(s) will maintain a batting average of .300 or better.
It's always looks so nice during the player introductions to see that magic threshold surpassed, no matter how many home runs and rbi's an individual has. After all, the power numbers at mid-season are not the ones we remember. Sixty, then sixty-one, then seventy and finally seventy-three are the only totals that count. Who knows where 26 home runs at the All Star break break stand in the scheme of things, but a .300 average, no matter the time of year, remains a clear demarcation between good and very good?
At the break this year the Phils will send five players to the All Star game and three of them, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez and Shane Victorino, will all sport better than .300 averages. That's very good indeed.
Friday, July 10, 2009
The Stars Come Out
Watching Chase Utley lately I reminded myself for the umpteenth time to never take him for granted. I don't want to look back ten years from now and not have a clear image of him doing what he does better than virtually any other player of his generation -- play the game in every facet with astonishing determination, concentration, commitment and achievement.
They say the great players never take an at-bat off. I recall this notion every time he comes to the plate.
Utley arrived in the big leagues with an excellent reputation for his bat but a lot of question marks about his fielding. No one knew this better than he did so, naturally, he set out to make himself a fine fielder. While he may never be the most graceful or acrobatic fielder, he will always be a smart one who makes every play.
We are very lucky to see him play every day.
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Before the rest of the baseball world draws itself up in collective indignation over Charlie Manuel's naming Jayson Werth to the NL All Star roster, just remember many of those carping the loudest probably took advantage of MLB's offer to vote early and often. End of story.
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I know absolutely nothing about the strategies and intricacies of professional bike racing...nor do I want to. How can one ever hope to understand an event such as the Tour de France, which takes over two weeks to complete and covers several thousand miles, when a contender begins the day a split second behind the leader then "loses ground" according to all newspaper reports when he falls eight seconds behind the leader. EIGHT seconds, two weeks, thousands of miles. Why doesn't that seem to compute to losing a lot of ground in my untutored estimation??? [Please, no emails from those of you who know. It was a rhetorical question and I don't really want an answer.]
They say the great players never take an at-bat off. I recall this notion every time he comes to the plate.
Utley arrived in the big leagues with an excellent reputation for his bat but a lot of question marks about his fielding. No one knew this better than he did so, naturally, he set out to make himself a fine fielder. While he may never be the most graceful or acrobatic fielder, he will always be a smart one who makes every play.
We are very lucky to see him play every day.
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Before the rest of the baseball world draws itself up in collective indignation over Charlie Manuel's naming Jayson Werth to the NL All Star roster, just remember many of those carping the loudest probably took advantage of MLB's offer to vote early and often. End of story.
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I know absolutely nothing about the strategies and intricacies of professional bike racing...nor do I want to. How can one ever hope to understand an event such as the Tour de France, which takes over two weeks to complete and covers several thousand miles, when a contender begins the day a split second behind the leader then "loses ground" according to all newspaper reports when he falls eight seconds behind the leader. EIGHT seconds, two weeks, thousands of miles. Why doesn't that seem to compute to losing a lot of ground in my untutored estimation??? [Please, no emails from those of you who know. It was a rhetorical question and I don't really want an answer.]
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Returning To Earth
So much for Monday night's 22-1 rout in which the Phils capitalized on every opportunity presented. Last night, reality returned as the Phils jumped to a 3-0 lead only to squander numerous golden opportunities -- bases loaded and none out and a leadoff triple -- and lost late. The defeat raised once again the specter of an inconsistent and eminently beatable Brad Lidge, who took the loss. Those two saves versus the Norfolk Mets didn't really impress this observer.
J.A. Happ produced a quality start, surrendering three runs on two home runs by Brandon Philips. Other than the Reds' second baseman, Happ stymied Cincinnati and pitched well. Had his teammates produced one long fly ball to the outfield on two separate occasions, Happ would have departed with a lead.
Ah, well, that's baseball. Twenty-two seemlingly effortless runs one night and three runs bunched together the next.
J.A. Happ produced a quality start, surrendering three runs on two home runs by Brandon Philips. Other than the Reds' second baseman, Happ stymied Cincinnati and pitched well. Had his teammates produced one long fly ball to the outfield on two separate occasions, Happ would have departed with a lead.
Ah, well, that's baseball. Twenty-two seemlingly effortless runs one night and three runs bunched together the next.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Home Sweet Home?
In this topsy turvy season three straight victories at home trumps a weekend sweep of a team impersonating the New York Mets every time.
As Chris Wheeler (and thousands others) pointed out in his wrap-up, the team the Phillies knocked off hardly resembles the one at the start of the season but the whole point is to beat up on teams who are down because injured players do come back.
The home team got excellent starting pitching for the entire series especially when such charter members of the Phillies-killers society as Carlos Delgado remained on the shelf. Still, the Mets were able to trot out a few other members of that far-from-exclusive club including Fernando Tatis and Luis Castillo. The Mets scored three runs all weekend.
Meanwhile, back at the suddenly friendly environs of Citizens Bank Park, one James Rollins continued to show signs of finding his stroke as produced key hits throughout the series, not the least of which was a home run on Johann Santana's second pitch of the finale. Chase Utley added a solo shot to account for two of the team's three hits, but Joe Blanton and the bullpen were stingier.
We'll see how friendly the confines remain when the Cincinnati Reds arrive for four games. Cole Hamels, who has struggled mightily his last three times out, gets the ball. A quality start from him just might make this new-found success at home something more than an anomaly.
As Chris Wheeler (and thousands others) pointed out in his wrap-up, the team the Phillies knocked off hardly resembles the one at the start of the season but the whole point is to beat up on teams who are down because injured players do come back.
The home team got excellent starting pitching for the entire series especially when such charter members of the Phillies-killers society as Carlos Delgado remained on the shelf. Still, the Mets were able to trot out a few other members of that far-from-exclusive club including Fernando Tatis and Luis Castillo. The Mets scored three runs all weekend.
Meanwhile, back at the suddenly friendly environs of Citizens Bank Park, one James Rollins continued to show signs of finding his stroke as produced key hits throughout the series, not the least of which was a home run on Johann Santana's second pitch of the finale. Chase Utley added a solo shot to account for two of the team's three hits, but Joe Blanton and the bullpen were stingier.
We'll see how friendly the confines remain when the Cincinnati Reds arrive for four games. Cole Hamels, who has struggled mightily his last three times out, gets the ball. A quality start from him just might make this new-found success at home something more than an anomaly.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Watch Out Below
The Phils limped home last night following a third straight loss to the Braves at Turner Field and for the first time in more than a month find they are no longer in sole possession of first place. While still atop the standings in the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News, they are no doubt listed second in the Miami Herald.
That's OK; they weren't in first place at this juncture of the 2008 season either. What's not OK is the way they are playing. As Charlie Manuel pointed out yesterday, they are consistently losing late, something they avoided in the first part of the season when, truth be told, they needed more than a few Houdini routines to win some games late. Back then I wrote they couldn't keep up their high wire act. It didn't take a genius to come to that conclusion!
J.A. Happ pitched well enough to keep his mates in the game, but what little is left of Ryan Madson's ego melted down even further when he surrendered three runs to the Braves in the bottom of the eighth inning. That was all she wrote.
Manuel can be excused if he tries to avoid handing the ball to Madson or Lidge henceforth, but what is he going to do? J.C. Romero is hardly a closer and no one else on this roster is either.
The only good news last night is that Jimmy Rollins stroked two base hits to break an o for 28 slump, the worst of his career. Jimmy didn't ask for the ball on his first hit, a soft ground ball in the hole between first and second.; however, the camera showed him chatting up Braves first baseman Casey Kotchman in classic J-Roll fashion. Glad to see someone was happy.
That's OK; they weren't in first place at this juncture of the 2008 season either. What's not OK is the way they are playing. As Charlie Manuel pointed out yesterday, they are consistently losing late, something they avoided in the first part of the season when, truth be told, they needed more than a few Houdini routines to win some games late. Back then I wrote they couldn't keep up their high wire act. It didn't take a genius to come to that conclusion!
J.A. Happ pitched well enough to keep his mates in the game, but what little is left of Ryan Madson's ego melted down even further when he surrendered three runs to the Braves in the bottom of the eighth inning. That was all she wrote.
Manuel can be excused if he tries to avoid handing the ball to Madson or Lidge henceforth, but what is he going to do? J.C. Romero is hardly a closer and no one else on this roster is either.
The only good news last night is that Jimmy Rollins stroked two base hits to break an o for 28 slump, the worst of his career. Jimmy didn't ask for the ball on his first hit, a soft ground ball in the hole between first and second.; however, the camera showed him chatting up Braves first baseman Casey Kotchman in classic J-Roll fashion. Glad to see someone was happy.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Cooked By The 4th Of July
You've heard it before, including in this very space.... The Phillies may be crashing and burning but fortunately they play in the weak NL East division where everyone else is muddling along. Don't tell the Florida Marlins. That's right, those pesky Marlins are baaaccck...again. Sure, they play in the worst stadium in America in front of more vendors than fans. Yes, the weather is horrible. OK, they're grossly underpaid by today's standards and their miserly owners sell off players whenever any of them are about to cash in. But, they're always tough. They must have the best scouting department in all of baseball because they trade wisely and develop talent within their system at an astonishing rate, especially pitching. For good measure they've won two World Series titles in their relatively short existence.
Meanwhile, the Phillies look cooked. They cannot pitch and now they cannot hit except for the occasional breakout game sandwiched between futile flailing. Last night they made a good but hardly great Atanta starter, Jair Jurrgens, look like another Cy Young candidate, failing to get a single base hit until the seventh inning when reserve catcher Paul Bako, making his first start of the season, singled.
No one looks good at the plate. Jimmy Rollins hasn't had a base hit in 27 at bats. His four day respite from the rigors of playing baseball didn't do him any good. Ryan Howard is back to his old ways, reaching for balls low and away and doing his best pained expression after the third strike. Even Chase Utley is looking back at the umpire these days.
When J.A. Happ may be your most reliable starter the end is nigh. Don't get me wrong, Happ looks like a solid middle to back of the rotation guy who should be productive for a long time with his easy delivery, but there are a few other guys who, frankly, were being counted on more than he. The biggest mystery is Cole Hamels. Hamels' changeup has always been his bread and butter pitch, but without that good fastball to keep hitters honest and the occasional breaking ball, the change doesn't represent...well...change! Hamels' velocity is apparently down. He rarely throws the hook. He is throwing more pitches up in the zone. And he's always been vulnerable to the long ball. Who would have guessed he'd have a losing record by July and only four wins or that opposing batters were hitting a lofty .312 against him?
Not I.
Meanwhile, the Phillies look cooked. They cannot pitch and now they cannot hit except for the occasional breakout game sandwiched between futile flailing. Last night they made a good but hardly great Atanta starter, Jair Jurrgens, look like another Cy Young candidate, failing to get a single base hit until the seventh inning when reserve catcher Paul Bako, making his first start of the season, singled.
No one looks good at the plate. Jimmy Rollins hasn't had a base hit in 27 at bats. His four day respite from the rigors of playing baseball didn't do him any good. Ryan Howard is back to his old ways, reaching for balls low and away and doing his best pained expression after the third strike. Even Chase Utley is looking back at the umpire these days.
When J.A. Happ may be your most reliable starter the end is nigh. Don't get me wrong, Happ looks like a solid middle to back of the rotation guy who should be productive for a long time with his easy delivery, but there are a few other guys who, frankly, were being counted on more than he. The biggest mystery is Cole Hamels. Hamels' changeup has always been his bread and butter pitch, but without that good fastball to keep hitters honest and the occasional breaking ball, the change doesn't represent...well...change! Hamels' velocity is apparently down. He rarely throws the hook. He is throwing more pitches up in the zone. And he's always been vulnerable to the long ball. Who would have guessed he'd have a losing record by July and only four wins or that opposing batters were hitting a lofty .312 against him?
Not I.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Shattered Confidence
A month or so ago Ryan Madson was on top of the world. The lanky righthander had signed a big off-season contract. His fastball was in the mid-nineties and his change-up was much improved. Most important, he was getting guys out.
Today his confidence has been shaken to its roots if not shattered altogether as he blew a lead last night a half inning after the Phils moved ahead of Atlanta on back-to-back home runs. C0upled with two blown saves recently as he temporarily stepped into the closer's job while Brad Lidge was on the shelf, Madson must be wondering how did everything go south so fast.
Lidge has blown numerous saves himself this season and despite protestations that he's healthy again, one has to wonder about his self-confidence. Even when he manages to hold a lead or save a game, Lidge invariably makes each appearance an adventure. As for his tender knee, it's hard to take anyone's word on this club when it comes to health matters.
The starting pitching may remain woefully inconsistent, but relief pitching has been the biggest culprit in many of the recent losses.
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Somebody should tell Jayson Werth to stay on his feet when chasing balls hit to the wall. He's been going into a slide especially on balls hit to his left, trying to smother rebounds like a hockey goalie. It ain't working. Indeed, Werth doesn't go back on balls over his head to either side particularly well. When is the last time the Phillies had a rightfielder who could go back on a ball?
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Raul Ibanez will test his injured groin in some rehab games at Reading. Is it really all that surprising that a 37-year old guy is suffering injuries to muscles and tendons? Before the groin injury he was limping around with an Achilles heel problem.
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Speaking of confidence, Carlos Ruiz' may not have lost his at the plate but he's reverted to his old habits and is the closest thing to a sure out in the lineup other than the current version of Jimmy Rollins. Ruiz will remain the starter for his glove, handling of pitchers and extraordinary ability to block balls in the plate, none of which Chris Coste does well. And after all, it isn't as though Coste represents such a big offensive upgrade.
Today his confidence has been shaken to its roots if not shattered altogether as he blew a lead last night a half inning after the Phils moved ahead of Atlanta on back-to-back home runs. C0upled with two blown saves recently as he temporarily stepped into the closer's job while Brad Lidge was on the shelf, Madson must be wondering how did everything go south so fast.
Lidge has blown numerous saves himself this season and despite protestations that he's healthy again, one has to wonder about his self-confidence. Even when he manages to hold a lead or save a game, Lidge invariably makes each appearance an adventure. As for his tender knee, it's hard to take anyone's word on this club when it comes to health matters.
The starting pitching may remain woefully inconsistent, but relief pitching has been the biggest culprit in many of the recent losses.
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Somebody should tell Jayson Werth to stay on his feet when chasing balls hit to the wall. He's been going into a slide especially on balls hit to his left, trying to smother rebounds like a hockey goalie. It ain't working. Indeed, Werth doesn't go back on balls over his head to either side particularly well. When is the last time the Phillies had a rightfielder who could go back on a ball?
* * * * * * * *
Raul Ibanez will test his injured groin in some rehab games at Reading. Is it really all that surprising that a 37-year old guy is suffering injuries to muscles and tendons? Before the groin injury he was limping around with an Achilles heel problem.
* * * * * * * *
Speaking of confidence, Carlos Ruiz' may not have lost his at the plate but he's reverted to his old habits and is the closest thing to a sure out in the lineup other than the current version of Jimmy Rollins. Ruiz will remain the starter for his glove, handling of pitchers and extraordinary ability to block balls in the plate, none of which Chris Coste does well. And after all, it isn't as though Coste represents such a big offensive upgrade.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Straigthening Out Themselves & Their Engine
The Phils took two out of three from the Blue Jays in Toronto over the weekend, no mean feat given their futility against AL Eastern division clubs and their sad history in the Dominion over the years. One of the wins was a laugher but the other was of the skin-of-their-teeth variety. No matter, they both count equally.
Coming after losing three straight series and a closed-door meeting, the two wins provided a little breathing room between themselves and the fumbling Mets, hot-and-cold Marlins and Braves. In other words, only the nearly-equal ineptitude of their division rivals has prevented the Phillies dismal journey through interleague play from being a total as opposed to nearly complete disaster. When you lose nine of twelve and only drop 1.5 games in the standings your competition leaves something to be desired.
Luck played a role in yesterday's win. So, too, did the absence of Roy Halladay from the Jays' rotation. You take what they give....
Jimmy Rollins, the engine that hasn't all season, sat for a fourth straight game yesterday marking his longest tenure on the bench as a healthy major leaguer since he took over the starting position. The thinking goes that a guy who is struggling badly needs a few days off to clear his head. The always talkative and approachable Rollins decided to stop speaking to the press during his mini sojourn in the wilderness, which can be interpreted as taking a complete break or merely pouting. Whatever is going on with Jimmy's psyche, his batting average and on-base percentage have been dismal all year and his always sure glove and hands haven't been consistent either. This may be the last chance for him to salvage his personal season. If he continues to struggle the Phillies are going to have to permanently drop him in the order and look to someone like Shane Victorino for a spark. One thing seems certain: the Phils won't be able to wait for the "real" JRoll to show up forever.
Coming after losing three straight series and a closed-door meeting, the two wins provided a little breathing room between themselves and the fumbling Mets, hot-and-cold Marlins and Braves. In other words, only the nearly-equal ineptitude of their division rivals has prevented the Phillies dismal journey through interleague play from being a total as opposed to nearly complete disaster. When you lose nine of twelve and only drop 1.5 games in the standings your competition leaves something to be desired.
Luck played a role in yesterday's win. So, too, did the absence of Roy Halladay from the Jays' rotation. You take what they give....
Jimmy Rollins, the engine that hasn't all season, sat for a fourth straight game yesterday marking his longest tenure on the bench as a healthy major leaguer since he took over the starting position. The thinking goes that a guy who is struggling badly needs a few days off to clear his head. The always talkative and approachable Rollins decided to stop speaking to the press during his mini sojourn in the wilderness, which can be interpreted as taking a complete break or merely pouting. Whatever is going on with Jimmy's psyche, his batting average and on-base percentage have been dismal all year and his always sure glove and hands haven't been consistent either. This may be the last chance for him to salvage his personal season. If he continues to struggle the Phillies are going to have to permanently drop him in the order and look to someone like Shane Victorino for a spark. One thing seems certain: the Phils won't be able to wait for the "real" JRoll to show up forever.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Things Are Looking Down
So, this is what rock bottom looks like.
The Phils dropped their third straight interleague series and eightth of their last nine games last night and now move on to Toronto where they've never had success. In the process, they surrendered their four game lead over the Mets and fell into a tie for first place in the increasingly inept NL East. The Marlins are only a game back. If the trend continues, the Phils could be in third place by the end of the weekend.
The relentless losing is bad enough but the way the Phillies are losing is particularly depressing and, frankly, galling. Runners are getting inexcuably doubled off, ending rallies. Usually reliable fielders are making bonehead plays. Veteran hitters aren't. Relief pitching isn't. For the last month or so the Phillies haven't been fun to watch; in the last ten days they have been painful to watch.
The press keeps waiting for Charlie Manuel to throw a fit. Lot of good that'll do! As the saying goes, he can't pitch or hit for them, especially when they can't hit or pitch for themselves. The few good starts the staff put together over the last week, Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton come to mind, were wasted.
The injury bug has certainly hurt. Any time you take your leading hitter in every offensive category out of the lineup the results are going to suffer. Still, the loss of Raul Ibanez is hardly the whole story. The Phils bullpen just can't get anybody out any more and the alleged brain trust is unable to come up with a solution. Sergio Escalona is the poster child for all that ails them. He's been up and down to AAA Lehigh so many times already he's probably used up half his remaining options.
If they bring Kyle Kendrick back we'll know the white flag is next.
The Phils dropped their third straight interleague series and eightth of their last nine games last night and now move on to Toronto where they've never had success. In the process, they surrendered their four game lead over the Mets and fell into a tie for first place in the increasingly inept NL East. The Marlins are only a game back. If the trend continues, the Phils could be in third place by the end of the weekend.
The relentless losing is bad enough but the way the Phillies are losing is particularly depressing and, frankly, galling. Runners are getting inexcuably doubled off, ending rallies. Usually reliable fielders are making bonehead plays. Veteran hitters aren't. Relief pitching isn't. For the last month or so the Phillies haven't been fun to watch; in the last ten days they have been painful to watch.
The press keeps waiting for Charlie Manuel to throw a fit. Lot of good that'll do! As the saying goes, he can't pitch or hit for them, especially when they can't hit or pitch for themselves. The few good starts the staff put together over the last week, Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton come to mind, were wasted.
The injury bug has certainly hurt. Any time you take your leading hitter in every offensive category out of the lineup the results are going to suffer. Still, the loss of Raul Ibanez is hardly the whole story. The Phils bullpen just can't get anybody out any more and the alleged brain trust is unable to come up with a solution. Sergio Escalona is the poster child for all that ails them. He's been up and down to AAA Lehigh so many times already he's probably used up half his remaining options.
If they bring Kyle Kendrick back we'll know the white flag is next.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Still The Name Of The Game
At this point in his career, does anyone really expect more than what we've seen thus far from Brett Myers? His velocity has never consistently returned to its highs prior to his shoulder injury. His command has always been suspect. He falls out of love with a pitch faster than a veteran should. He leads the major leagues in home runs allowed. Ah, but he pitches for a team that knows a thing or two about bringing the lumber.
As of this writing, the Phillies starting rotation remains largely in a state of disarray. Joe Blanton's outing Monday night was one of the soundest efforts of the season for this beleaguered group. Cole Hamels looked to be on the road to recovering his former magic when a couple of freak injuries derailed him, momentarily we hope. The rest of the staff remains mired in less than mediocrity. Myers cannot be honestly regarded as more than a fourth starter and, then, that is only because the Phils continue to run Chan Ho Park out there as the number five.
Tonight the Phillies face a genuine number one in the Mets Johan Santana. A pitcher who inspires a lot of respect and more than just a little bit of anxiety as teams prepare to face him. A starter against whom opposing batters seek extra motivation. The Phillies don't have anyone like that including Hamels.
What they do have is a lot of offense and it was on display again last night. As numerous commentators have pointed out, the big difference between this year's club and last season's is plate discipline. Overall, the Phils are striking out much less, especially but not exclusively,Ryan Howard. They are getting very good production from Pedro Feliz. Shane Victorino, who led the club in average last season, is again hitting well. Utley is Utley only healthier. Jayson Werth is a streaky but dependable hitter. Raul Ibanez is a big upgrade over Pat Burrell. Carlos Ruiz doesn't need to hit for average. Only J-Roll is struggling though over the last week or so he appears to be finding his stroke.
But they will go as far as this group can carry them because right now, they cannot pitch.
* * * * * * * *
A few game notes....
Shane Victorino is sporting a hot bat but he was picked off first base for at least the second time this season I witnessed.
The Phils have been running themselves out of some bigger innings too much this season. Raul Ibanez misjudged a line drive to center last night and was easily doubled off second base.
A month ago I suggested in a comment elsewhere that Jayson Werth's arm was erratic. That play at the plate against the Mets last weekend was a good example of a throw off the mark, up the line. Carlos Ruiz saved Werth's and everyone else's bacon with his great positioning, grab and swipe.
Chase Utley sat again nursing a sore foot. He's got to stop taking ones for the club. The other worry is management's history of less than forthcoming information on injuries. His foot has yet to be imaged properly.
I looked at the box score this AM (having gone to sleep in the eighth inning) and saw Lidge pitched the ninth and gave up a run. Something told me it was going to be deja vu all over again time and, sure enough, he surrendered a home run to old nemesis Albert Pujols. That should do wonders for Lidge's confidence, which has to be shaky at this point no matter how much he says he's found the flaws in his mechanics.
As of this writing, the Phillies starting rotation remains largely in a state of disarray. Joe Blanton's outing Monday night was one of the soundest efforts of the season for this beleaguered group. Cole Hamels looked to be on the road to recovering his former magic when a couple of freak injuries derailed him, momentarily we hope. The rest of the staff remains mired in less than mediocrity. Myers cannot be honestly regarded as more than a fourth starter and, then, that is only because the Phils continue to run Chan Ho Park out there as the number five.
Tonight the Phillies face a genuine number one in the Mets Johan Santana. A pitcher who inspires a lot of respect and more than just a little bit of anxiety as teams prepare to face him. A starter against whom opposing batters seek extra motivation. The Phillies don't have anyone like that including Hamels.
What they do have is a lot of offense and it was on display again last night. As numerous commentators have pointed out, the big difference between this year's club and last season's is plate discipline. Overall, the Phils are striking out much less, especially but not exclusively,Ryan Howard. They are getting very good production from Pedro Feliz. Shane Victorino, who led the club in average last season, is again hitting well. Utley is Utley only healthier. Jayson Werth is a streaky but dependable hitter. Raul Ibanez is a big upgrade over Pat Burrell. Carlos Ruiz doesn't need to hit for average. Only J-Roll is struggling though over the last week or so he appears to be finding his stroke.
But they will go as far as this group can carry them because right now, they cannot pitch.
* * * * * * * *
A few game notes....
Shane Victorino is sporting a hot bat but he was picked off first base for at least the second time this season I witnessed.
The Phils have been running themselves out of some bigger innings too much this season. Raul Ibanez misjudged a line drive to center last night and was easily doubled off second base.
A month ago I suggested in a comment elsewhere that Jayson Werth's arm was erratic. That play at the plate against the Mets last weekend was a good example of a throw off the mark, up the line. Carlos Ruiz saved Werth's and everyone else's bacon with his great positioning, grab and swipe.
Chase Utley sat again nursing a sore foot. He's got to stop taking ones for the club. The other worry is management's history of less than forthcoming information on injuries. His foot has yet to be imaged properly.
I looked at the box score this AM (having gone to sleep in the eighth inning) and saw Lidge pitched the ninth and gave up a run. Something told me it was going to be deja vu all over again time and, sure enough, he surrendered a home run to old nemesis Albert Pujols. That should do wonders for Lidge's confidence, which has to be shaky at this point no matter how much he says he's found the flaws in his mechanics.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Home Sweet Home Away From Home
Joe Blanton picked a fine time for his best outing of 2009 and Ryan Howard picked up where he left off during his recent visits to his native St. Louis as the Phils beat the Cardinals 6-1 in the opener of a two-game set.
Blanton worked out of a big jam in the sixth inning to post a strong outing. Though he threw a lot of pitches and his strike/ball ratio wasn't impressive, Blanton was around the plate all night (getting squeezed occasionally by Jim Wolfe), especially with his hard sinker. At the risk of beating a dead horse (hey, this is only my third reference to the subject in less than a week) I expect great improvement from the Phils' starting rotation now that first-string catcher Carlos Ruiz is back behind the plate. Right now, no catcher in the big leagues blocks balls better or handles his staff better. Ruiz also came up with another tag at home plate that would probably have been dropped by Chris Coste.
Jayson Werth and Howard provided all of the offensive power with a two-run and grand slam homer respectively. Nothing brings out the best in Howard quite like family and friends in the stands in abundance. While Howard always hits well against the Cards in St. Louis we are witnessing quite an overall maturation of the big fella wherever he plays. Everything about his game has shown marked improvement this season. He is fielding well, swinging well, showing good plate discipline, going with the pitch, and cutting down on the K's. Maybe it's the mouthguard?
Blanton worked out of a big jam in the sixth inning to post a strong outing. Though he threw a lot of pitches and his strike/ball ratio wasn't impressive, Blanton was around the plate all night (getting squeezed occasionally by Jim Wolfe), especially with his hard sinker. At the risk of beating a dead horse (hey, this is only my third reference to the subject in less than a week) I expect great improvement from the Phils' starting rotation now that first-string catcher Carlos Ruiz is back behind the plate. Right now, no catcher in the big leagues blocks balls better or handles his staff better. Ruiz also came up with another tag at home plate that would probably have been dropped by Chris Coste.
Jayson Werth and Howard provided all of the offensive power with a two-run and grand slam homer respectively. Nothing brings out the best in Howard quite like family and friends in the stands in abundance. While Howard always hits well against the Cards in St. Louis we are witnessing quite an overall maturation of the big fella wherever he plays. Everything about his game has shown marked improvement this season. He is fielding well, swinging well, showing good plate discipline, going with the pitch, and cutting down on the K's. Maybe it's the mouthguard?
Saturday, May 02, 2009
All Hail The Returning Receiver
A win is a win for all that but it sure wasn't pretty. The Phils beat the Mets in a contest of walks and missed opportunities that left this fan convinced pitching, or more to the point, a lack of it, will plague both of these houses throughout the season.
The Phils' Jamie Moyer might have been squeezed just a little on occasion by the umpire, but the home run balls he surrendered back-to-back in the sixth inning were of the no-doubt about them variety. Meanwhile, Oliver Perez might have walked himself out of the starting rotation with his six free passes though to this viewer's eyes he wasn't that far off the plate on a few pitches that cost him.
When I periodically relented and did not mute the drone of the laughably misnamed fair and balanced [sic] network's Joe Buck and Alex Karros, I could agree with the latter that the Mets don't show much fire. The most pesky of the New Yorkers, Jose Reyes, has been largely invisible in the first two games of the series. Most of the rest of his teammates seem to be sleepwalking through the games. Carlos Beltran may be having a fine season but his expression never changes no matter what the circumstances. Most of the Mets seemed grim and determined.
For the Phillies, the hero of the game was Carlos Ruiz, who held onto Jayson Werth's throw up the line and then reached back to tag a sliding Omar Santos in the eighth inning with what would have been the go-ahead run. Chris Coste would have dropped the ball, for sure. The return of Ruiz, the mainstay of this staff, will be critical if the pitching is to improve. Whatever he hits, and today he was popping up in key situations just like last season, will always be a bonus. The guy makes a huge difference behind the plate.
The Phils' Jamie Moyer might have been squeezed just a little on occasion by the umpire, but the home run balls he surrendered back-to-back in the sixth inning were of the no-doubt about them variety. Meanwhile, Oliver Perez might have walked himself out of the starting rotation with his six free passes though to this viewer's eyes he wasn't that far off the plate on a few pitches that cost him.
When I periodically relented and did not mute the drone of the laughably misnamed fair and balanced [sic] network's Joe Buck and Alex Karros, I could agree with the latter that the Mets don't show much fire. The most pesky of the New Yorkers, Jose Reyes, has been largely invisible in the first two games of the series. Most of the rest of his teammates seem to be sleepwalking through the games. Carlos Beltran may be having a fine season but his expression never changes no matter what the circumstances. Most of the Mets seemed grim and determined.
For the Phillies, the hero of the game was Carlos Ruiz, who held onto Jayson Werth's throw up the line and then reached back to tag a sliding Omar Santos in the eighth inning with what would have been the go-ahead run. Chris Coste would have dropped the ball, for sure. The return of Ruiz, the mainstay of this staff, will be critical if the pitching is to improve. Whatever he hits, and today he was popping up in key situations just like last season, will always be a bonus. The guy makes a huge difference behind the plate.
Enough Already
Chan Ho Park's continued presence in the starting rotation is no mystery if one considers his manager's history of, well, player management. Charlie Manuel believes jobs are won through fair and open competition and, more importantly, held through thick and thin. There are no hidden agenda with Manuel. In Charlie's world, players don't lose their spots due to injury or a few bad outings. Benefits of the doubt are always given and second, third, even fourth chances are the rule.
Park's spot in the rotation is also consistent with the fact that the defending World Champs are a veteran team built to win now. Look at their roster and there are few youngsters to be found period. Furthermore, he was declared the winner in his Spring Training competition with a much younger J.A. Happ.
Ah, but Park has pitched poorly nearly every time out including last night when he gave up four quick runs to the Mets before many patrons were even in their seats. Park had nothing on his "fastball" and couldn't locate his breaking ball. Chris Wheeler opined that Park was "pitching away from bats", i.e., he was trying to avoid letting the Mets hit the ball and allow his defense to work for him. Tell that to Daniel Murphy, who stroked a two-run homer in the first inning on a pitch that could charitably have been described as right down Broadway with nothing on it. As Park labored through a succession of free passes interspersed with a home run here and line drive there, he also exhibited the kind of body language that his pitching coach Rich Dubee hates to see, a combination of the deer-in-the-headlights look and slumped shoulders and deep knee bends.
How much longer can his manager stick with Park? After the game Manuel said "I'm not ready to say Chan Ho Park is not going to get any more starts. I'm not ready to say that." Presumably he didn't poll the 43,000 plus in attendance at last night's game not to mention 23 of the 24 other members of the roster. Happ would recuse himself.
Park's spot in the rotation is also consistent with the fact that the defending World Champs are a veteran team built to win now. Look at their roster and there are few youngsters to be found period. Furthermore, he was declared the winner in his Spring Training competition with a much younger J.A. Happ.
Ah, but Park has pitched poorly nearly every time out including last night when he gave up four quick runs to the Mets before many patrons were even in their seats. Park had nothing on his "fastball" and couldn't locate his breaking ball. Chris Wheeler opined that Park was "pitching away from bats", i.e., he was trying to avoid letting the Mets hit the ball and allow his defense to work for him. Tell that to Daniel Murphy, who stroked a two-run homer in the first inning on a pitch that could charitably have been described as right down Broadway with nothing on it. As Park labored through a succession of free passes interspersed with a home run here and line drive there, he also exhibited the kind of body language that his pitching coach Rich Dubee hates to see, a combination of the deer-in-the-headlights look and slumped shoulders and deep knee bends.
How much longer can his manager stick with Park? After the game Manuel said "I'm not ready to say Chan Ho Park is not going to get any more starts. I'm not ready to say that." Presumably he didn't poll the 43,000 plus in attendance at last night's game not to mention 23 of the 24 other members of the roster. Happ would recuse himself.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Hardly Pushovers
It's popular right now to cast the Mets in something of a funk. David Wright is striking out a lot. The starting rotation after Johan Santana is undependable. Overall, they aren't catching the ball.
I'm here to tell you that this is a dangerous team, never more so than when they face the Phillies. Overall, the Mets are hitting .282 as a team. Any club with Jose Reyes leading off is potent. Carlos Delgado is a charter member of the Phillies-killer club. Carlos Beltran is hitting a ton. Their new closer, Francisco Rodriguez, has been everything the Mets asked for. Until he blew a save the other day, so had J.J. Putz.
The starting rotation is a mess, but I wouldn't exactly crow on that front if I were a Phillies' fan. The Mets can hit and right now, frankly, the Phillies starting rotation can be hit.
Forget their record in April. The Mets will be tough.
I'm here to tell you that this is a dangerous team, never more so than when they face the Phillies. Overall, the Mets are hitting .282 as a team. Any club with Jose Reyes leading off is potent. Carlos Delgado is a charter member of the Phillies-killer club. Carlos Beltran is hitting a ton. Their new closer, Francisco Rodriguez, has been everything the Mets asked for. Until he blew a save the other day, so had J.J. Putz.
The starting rotation is a mess, but I wouldn't exactly crow on that front if I were a Phillies' fan. The Mets can hit and right now, frankly, the Phillies starting rotation can be hit.
Forget their record in April. The Mets will be tough.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Out Of Control
If anyone is still waiting for Brett Myers to fulfill his early promise here's a bit of advice: don't hold your breath.
Myers took the mound last night against the Nationals and labored for six innings. Optimists will note he didn't surrender a home run for the first time this year though he came close at least once. Pessimists will note that he threw a lot of pitches, too many of them balls or over the heart of the plate. Watching Myers pitch isn't particularly pleasant. He tugs constantly at the front of his uniform, appearing to readjust the position of the heavy gold necklace he wears. After each pitch he moves to the front of the mound to receive the catcher's throw, making sure he is on the grass in front of the mound as he goes to his mouth. Lots of nervous energy. Lots of pacing. If it can be said he works quickly, and he does more or less, the speed often comes at the expense of a plan. Myers just throws. Sure, he mixes his pitches, fastballs, curves mostly, but he seems to be just this side of complete chaos.
He doesn't seem to fool many batters, the majority of whom get in pretty good hacks against him. He doesn't establish a pitch so much as abandon one that isn't working. Compare him to last night's opponent, Scott Olsen, who went to his slider whenever he needed an out pitch. Oh, sure, Olsen entered the game 0-3 with an ERA north of seven runs, but he pitches for the Nationals not the Phillies. Apart from a first inning mistake to Shane Victorino, Olsen was in control. Myers, on the other hand, seems constantly out of control. The career numbers don't lie.
[Postscript: The Olsen comparison is a good one. He, too, is a fiery sort of guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve. That said, he seems to pitch with control, something Myers has never done consistently.]
Myers took the mound last night against the Nationals and labored for six innings. Optimists will note he didn't surrender a home run for the first time this year though he came close at least once. Pessimists will note that he threw a lot of pitches, too many of them balls or over the heart of the plate. Watching Myers pitch isn't particularly pleasant. He tugs constantly at the front of his uniform, appearing to readjust the position of the heavy gold necklace he wears. After each pitch he moves to the front of the mound to receive the catcher's throw, making sure he is on the grass in front of the mound as he goes to his mouth. Lots of nervous energy. Lots of pacing. If it can be said he works quickly, and he does more or less, the speed often comes at the expense of a plan. Myers just throws. Sure, he mixes his pitches, fastballs, curves mostly, but he seems to be just this side of complete chaos.
He doesn't seem to fool many batters, the majority of whom get in pretty good hacks against him. He doesn't establish a pitch so much as abandon one that isn't working. Compare him to last night's opponent, Scott Olsen, who went to his slider whenever he needed an out pitch. Oh, sure, Olsen entered the game 0-3 with an ERA north of seven runs, but he pitches for the Nationals not the Phillies. Apart from a first inning mistake to Shane Victorino, Olsen was in control. Myers, on the other hand, seems constantly out of control. The career numbers don't lie.
[Postscript: The Olsen comparison is a good one. He, too, is a fiery sort of guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve. That said, he seems to pitch with control, something Myers has never done consistently.]
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