One of them had to lose sooner or later and Cole Hamels drew the short straw, 2 and 2/3 innings in length to be precise.
Hamels began the Spring on such a high note his pitching coach and manager said his first outings looked like he was in mid-season form. He ended the Spring on a much rougher note. Tuesday night he looked like he'd been left behind in Florida.
The Phils had an opportunity to start the scoring in the first inning, but could not deliver against Chris Young, hardly the second coming of Cy Young...at least before last night.
OK, so the Phils gave their fans a stinker. No one expected 162 - 0 and no one expected the quartet of aces to win every time out.
Let's see what the forgotten man, Joe Blanton, can do to correct matters.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Monday, April 04, 2011
Could It Be The Glass Is Half Full?
Being a glass-half-empty leaning sort of guy, I thought to myself after the Phils swept the Astros this weekend, "Well, pretty good start but they really only faced one good pitcher, Brett Myers, and he stymied them."
Then I thought to myself, "Yeah, but these guys swept them four straight last summer and have the best record against the Phils of any NL team over the last several years."
So, you negative so-and-so, lighten up!
These were good wins on many fronts. Three-quarters of the Four Aces more than lived up to expectations. Ben Francisco had a few adventures in right field, but he was very solid at the plate and, one hopes, with more regular playing time will get the hang of the defense. He made a real nice albeit awkward catch against the fence yesterday.
Ryan Howard is off to a torrid start and the doubters who think he's become a singles hitter must have been at the concession stands when he homered in the first inning. Jimmy Rollins is also off to a torrid start.
Shane Victorino injured a calf and came back a day later to play half a game very well...at bat and in the field.
Minny Mart, as Jason Weitzel calls him, got his first big league start and first big league hit.
Placido Polanco was his usual solid self. Kyle Kendrick was not. (Just in case you were beginning to think this entire post was beer and skittles.)
The Mets come to town tomorrow. They'll be fired up to derail the Phils opening week express. Having taken two of three from the Marlins in Florida, the Mets would like to think they're pretty good. They aren't.
The pressure is now on Cole Hamels to keep up the pace of the first three starters.
Then I thought to myself, "Yeah, but these guys swept them four straight last summer and have the best record against the Phils of any NL team over the last several years."
So, you negative so-and-so, lighten up!
These were good wins on many fronts. Three-quarters of the Four Aces more than lived up to expectations. Ben Francisco had a few adventures in right field, but he was very solid at the plate and, one hopes, with more regular playing time will get the hang of the defense. He made a real nice albeit awkward catch against the fence yesterday.
Ryan Howard is off to a torrid start and the doubters who think he's become a singles hitter must have been at the concession stands when he homered in the first inning. Jimmy Rollins is also off to a torrid start.
Shane Victorino injured a calf and came back a day later to play half a game very well...at bat and in the field.
Minny Mart, as Jason Weitzel calls him, got his first big league start and first big league hit.
Placido Polanco was his usual solid self. Kyle Kendrick was not. (Just in case you were beginning to think this entire post was beer and skittles.)
The Mets come to town tomorrow. They'll be fired up to derail the Phils opening week express. Having taken two of three from the Marlins in Florida, the Mets would like to think they're pretty good. They aren't.
The pressure is now on Cole Hamels to keep up the pace of the first three starters.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Heck Of A Start
Dead in the water for seven innings and lifeless for most of the game, the Phillies rallied for three runs in the ninth inning against Houston, stringing together six singles, to take the season's opener 5-4.
Roy Halladay started and went six innings while yielding one earned run on five hits. He also beat out an infield hit in the third with Wilson Valdez on second , but was called out by Bob Davidson, killing a potential rally that might have seen him remain in the game beyond the sixth. Replays showed he beat the throw. No matter. JC Romero and David Herndon surrendered three runs between them in so-called relief and the Astros took what looked like a solid 4-0 lead behind Brett Myers. Myers wasn't really all that impressive, but he managed to keep the free-swinging Phils off-balance sufficiently. When they did tag a few solid balls off the former Phillie, they were hit right at people.
New rightfielder Ben Francisco had an adventurous day, bobbling a ball for a two-base error that didn't lead to a run. In the ninth inning Francisco had a key hit driving in Jimmy Rollins for the first of three runs to get the scoring started in the winning rally. That hit more than atoned for the error; it made Francisco a key part of the team from day one. John Mayberry drove in the winning run on another single, helping to cement his place on the team as well. Nothing quite makes a player feels he belongs quite as much as driving in the winning run on Opening Day in a comeback victory!
Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins had two hits apiece to pace the offense, 60% of which came in that eventful ninth inning.
The Phils lineup featured Shane Victorino in the leadoff spot and JRoll batting third, where Utley normally hit. The oddest decision was to put Raul Ibanez in the five hole instead of inserting the righty Francisco between the lefties Howard and Ibanez. Hard to say whether or not Charlie Manuel didn't want to put too much pressure on Francisco or just felt Ibanez is the more proven rbi man.Correction: The explanation for the batting order was simple yet eluded me: Myers throws right-handed. The next night when Houston started a lefty, Manuel flipped Francisco and Ibanez in the order.
It was a solid way to begin a season in which starting pitching was expected to dominate (Halladay wasn't dominant but he was good), the relief corps was suspect (it still is) and the offense was a big question mark (one inning doesn't yet erase the doubts.)
Roy Halladay started and went six innings while yielding one earned run on five hits. He also beat out an infield hit in the third with Wilson Valdez on second , but was called out by Bob Davidson, killing a potential rally that might have seen him remain in the game beyond the sixth. Replays showed he beat the throw. No matter. JC Romero and David Herndon surrendered three runs between them in so-called relief and the Astros took what looked like a solid 4-0 lead behind Brett Myers. Myers wasn't really all that impressive, but he managed to keep the free-swinging Phils off-balance sufficiently. When they did tag a few solid balls off the former Phillie, they were hit right at people.
New rightfielder Ben Francisco had an adventurous day, bobbling a ball for a two-base error that didn't lead to a run. In the ninth inning Francisco had a key hit driving in Jimmy Rollins for the first of three runs to get the scoring started in the winning rally. That hit more than atoned for the error; it made Francisco a key part of the team from day one. John Mayberry drove in the winning run on another single, helping to cement his place on the team as well. Nothing quite makes a player feels he belongs quite as much as driving in the winning run on Opening Day in a comeback victory!
Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins had two hits apiece to pace the offense, 60% of which came in that eventful ninth inning.
The Phils lineup featured Shane Victorino in the leadoff spot and JRoll batting third, where Utley normally hit. The oddest decision was to put Raul Ibanez in the five hole instead of inserting the righty Francisco between the lefties Howard and Ibanez. Hard to say whether or not Charlie Manuel didn't want to put too much pressure on Francisco or just felt Ibanez is the more proven rbi man.Correction: The explanation for the batting order was simple yet eluded me: Myers throws right-handed. The next night when Houston started a lefty, Manuel flipped Francisco and Ibanez in the order.
It was a solid way to begin a season in which starting pitching was expected to dominate (Halladay wasn't dominant but he was good), the relief corps was suspect (it still is) and the offense was a big question mark (one inning doesn't yet erase the doubts.)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Season Begins
The experts are weighing in across the land and some, not all, predict the Phils will make it to the World Series where the majority of those predicting such an outcome see them losing to the Red Sox.
Regrettably, I am not among those (especially not in the "expert" category) who foresee such an outcome. I don't think the Phils will make it to the Series. Indeed, if they make it to the playoffs, it could very well be as the Wild Card.
Just not enough offense and a bullpen that has its share of question marks.
It's pretty hard to win between 90 and 100 games without a dominant closer. It's equally difficult to win that number of games without a reliable offense. The only proven productive hitter in the heart of their order is Ryan Howard, and he's going to see fewer good pitches this season than at any other time in his career. Let's hope the opposition has a sufficient quota of "mistakes" to throw his way.
Jimmy Rollins, the Phils lead-off hitter for as long as many can remember, has been dropped to the number three hole. Never your prototypical number one, JRoll is being asked to hit behind Shane Victorino and Placido Polanco. There's really no other place to put the free-swinging Jimmy at this point. As long as Polanco stays healthy, it seems reasonable the opposition is going to have to pitch to Jimmy some of the time.
The best outcomes from this Spring were the anointment of Ben Francisco as the every-day right fielder and the elevation of Wilson Valdez to starter at second base instead of the injured Chase Utley. Francisco was the most proven major leaguer vying for the spot in right field and has earned the chance to show he can man the post. Valdez, last year's super-sub, also earned the spot with an excellent Spring on top of his solid season in 2010. The brief fling with Luis Castillo was as much an insult as a flyer, but as predicted, it ended quietly.
So, another season begins with the forecast more winter-like than spring-like. Wonderful things are expected from the starting rotation. Let's enjoy them.
Regrettably, I am not among those (especially not in the "expert" category) who foresee such an outcome. I don't think the Phils will make it to the Series. Indeed, if they make it to the playoffs, it could very well be as the Wild Card.
Just not enough offense and a bullpen that has its share of question marks.
It's pretty hard to win between 90 and 100 games without a dominant closer. It's equally difficult to win that number of games without a reliable offense. The only proven productive hitter in the heart of their order is Ryan Howard, and he's going to see fewer good pitches this season than at any other time in his career. Let's hope the opposition has a sufficient quota of "mistakes" to throw his way.
Jimmy Rollins, the Phils lead-off hitter for as long as many can remember, has been dropped to the number three hole. Never your prototypical number one, JRoll is being asked to hit behind Shane Victorino and Placido Polanco. There's really no other place to put the free-swinging Jimmy at this point. As long as Polanco stays healthy, it seems reasonable the opposition is going to have to pitch to Jimmy some of the time.
The best outcomes from this Spring were the anointment of Ben Francisco as the every-day right fielder and the elevation of Wilson Valdez to starter at second base instead of the injured Chase Utley. Francisco was the most proven major leaguer vying for the spot in right field and has earned the chance to show he can man the post. Valdez, last year's super-sub, also earned the spot with an excellent Spring on top of his solid season in 2010. The brief fling with Luis Castillo was as much an insult as a flyer, but as predicted, it ended quietly.
So, another season begins with the forecast more winter-like than spring-like. Wonderful things are expected from the starting rotation. Let's enjoy them.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Hope Winters Eternal
There's nothing quite like a good old-fashioned MRI to provide conclusive evidence rather than the snake-oil that normally pours forth from the Phillies PR department, especially when it comes to matters of health.
Brad Lidge has a partially torn rotator cuff and will be out for an extended period of time. The Phils say 3-6 weeks so that should mean 6 - 12. Jose Contreras will take over the closer's duties, bypassing bridesmaid Ryan Madson, who either clearly would rather set-up or simply doesn't inspire sufficient confidence in his manager. Either way, Lidge joins a growing list of aging, injured veterans.
Lidge also joins a select list of horrible investments by the Phils, who granted him a lucrative 3-year extension after what turned out to be his only fine season in red pinstripes. Now, the Phils are on the hook for the balance of that contract and it is safe to say it is dead money.
After last Fall's failure to advance beyond the NLCS, the feeling everywhere was this Phillies team was built to win now. The addition of Cliff Lee provided both a brief moment of euphoria and further confirmation the Phils were going all in in 2011. Their bet looks a lot less sure with the injuries to Chase Utley and Lidge, the questions about Placido Polanco's health and the hope that aging stars Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez still have something in the tank.
Spring Training results should never be taken too seriously, what with all the experimentation and lack of urgency surrounding the games. Still, the Phils have to also have a few worries about Roy Oswalt, who hasn't looked all that sharp even before taking a ball to the neck.
Spring Training is over now and even though the home opener promises to be played under conditions more conducive to Winter Games, it's time to see what this team surrounded by so many high expectations can do. The bet here is that they will fall short of a parade.
Brad Lidge has a partially torn rotator cuff and will be out for an extended period of time. The Phils say 3-6 weeks so that should mean 6 - 12. Jose Contreras will take over the closer's duties, bypassing bridesmaid Ryan Madson, who either clearly would rather set-up or simply doesn't inspire sufficient confidence in his manager. Either way, Lidge joins a growing list of aging, injured veterans.
Lidge also joins a select list of horrible investments by the Phils, who granted him a lucrative 3-year extension after what turned out to be his only fine season in red pinstripes. Now, the Phils are on the hook for the balance of that contract and it is safe to say it is dead money.
After last Fall's failure to advance beyond the NLCS, the feeling everywhere was this Phillies team was built to win now. The addition of Cliff Lee provided both a brief moment of euphoria and further confirmation the Phils were going all in in 2011. Their bet looks a lot less sure with the injuries to Chase Utley and Lidge, the questions about Placido Polanco's health and the hope that aging stars Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez still have something in the tank.
Spring Training results should never be taken too seriously, what with all the experimentation and lack of urgency surrounding the games. Still, the Phils have to also have a few worries about Roy Oswalt, who hasn't looked all that sharp even before taking a ball to the neck.
Spring Training is over now and even though the home opener promises to be played under conditions more conducive to Winter Games, it's time to see what this team surrounded by so many high expectations can do. The bet here is that they will fall short of a parade.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Curse Or Prophecy?
The Phils' "legion of arms" will probably dominate but their lack of bats will surely not. Throw in, if you'll pardon the bad pun, the lack of an experienced closer and you have all the ingredients for an unpredictable season. That hasn't stopped this observer from believing the lack of offense could spell doom.
Only big comebacks from Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez, neither of them a sure thing by a long shot, and the emergence as an everyday player of Ben Francisco will help the Phils get over the top. We might add Placido Polanco to the former list since he needs to remain healthy and come back from off-season surgery and a Spring Training twinge but there doesn't seem to be much point to adding Chase Utley, who isn't likely to contribute anything this season.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Career-To-Date Or Final Summation?
You want something to fret over? Try this:
Today's Inquirer has several stories on Chase Utley's injury and status accompanied by, and this is the discouraging part, a few charts showing where Utley ranks historically among all Phillies categorical leaders, where he ranks among all significant Phillies second basemen, and where he ranks compared to National League leading second baseman last year.
In other words, the sort of charts one expects at the end of a career.
Luis Castillo isn't going to make those charts any more palatable any time soon.
Follow up: The Inquirer ran a similar table on Jimmy Rollins the next day indicating one of two things:
1. The paper is doing this for all the veterans on the team, or;
2. The paper doesn't expect Rollins back after the season either.
Today's Inquirer has several stories on Chase Utley's injury and status accompanied by, and this is the discouraging part, a few charts showing where Utley ranks historically among all Phillies categorical leaders, where he ranks among all significant Phillies second basemen, and where he ranks compared to National League leading second baseman last year.
In other words, the sort of charts one expects at the end of a career.
Luis Castillo isn't going to make those charts any more palatable any time soon.
Follow up: The Inquirer ran a similar table on Jimmy Rollins the next day indicating one of two things:
1. The paper is doing this for all the veterans on the team, or;
2. The paper doesn't expect Rollins back after the season either.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Fleet Rate
What is it this time, Brad?
Another day, another injury for Brad Lidge. The story gets old with Lidge. He's fine; he isn't fine. He feels good; he feels bad. He strikes out minor leaguers one day and announces he feels good; he gets taken to the cleaners by major leaguers the next day and, naturally, he feels bad.
Here is Lidge on the latest injury: "I'm a little concerned because I haven't had shoulder problems in the past. That being said, there's other things in there you can have that can be a by-product of just straining it and they're not serious. That's obviously what I'm counting on right now."
So, it could be "just straining" but given Lidge's history, the first words to come out in the media are "Disabled List", as in, he might begin the season on the shelf.
It's impossible to know just how big a hypochondriac Lidge is. All we know at this juncture of his career is that the Phils can no longer rely on him.
Lidge is scheduled for the inevitable MRI early next week. I'd like to own that concession when it comes to the Phillies.
On another injury note, Placido Polanco is still on the shelf after a few days of rumors he'd be in the lineup. Hey, here's an idea: why don't the Phils send Polanco with Lidge for a double MRI? They could ask for a fleet rate.
Another day, another injury for Brad Lidge. The story gets old with Lidge. He's fine; he isn't fine. He feels good; he feels bad. He strikes out minor leaguers one day and announces he feels good; he gets taken to the cleaners by major leaguers the next day and, naturally, he feels bad.
Here is Lidge on the latest injury: "I'm a little concerned because I haven't had shoulder problems in the past. That being said, there's other things in there you can have that can be a by-product of just straining it and they're not serious. That's obviously what I'm counting on right now."
So, it could be "just straining" but given Lidge's history, the first words to come out in the media are "Disabled List", as in, he might begin the season on the shelf.
It's impossible to know just how big a hypochondriac Lidge is. All we know at this juncture of his career is that the Phils can no longer rely on him.
Lidge is scheduled for the inevitable MRI early next week. I'd like to own that concession when it comes to the Phillies.
On another injury note, Placido Polanco is still on the shelf after a few days of rumors he'd be in the lineup. Hey, here's an idea: why don't the Phils send Polanco with Lidge for a double MRI? They could ask for a fleet rate.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Predictions
In a matter of days, Luis Castillo will have plenty of time to make all the hotel reservations he needs...anywhere but in the Delaware Valley. His departure will deprive Mets fans of the dubious pleasure of telling Phils fans they told us so. As it turns out, Charlie Manuel told us so a few days ago when he mentioned had he been Castillo he would have showed up early for his resurrection screen test, not late!
* * * * * * * *
Chase Utley will not play baseball in 2011.
* * * * * * * *
The Phils Fab Four rotation will win 60 games tops.
* * * * * * * *
Joe Blanton will not be a Phillie in September.
* * * * * * * *
Shane Victorino will miss at least 20 games this season.
* * * * * * * *
J Roll will never again approach the batting figures of his MVP season.
* * * * * * * *
Ryan Howard won't see a fastball over the plate in at least half his AB's this season. He will swing anyway.
* * * * * * * *
Brett Myers will beat the Phils on Opening Day despite Roy Halladay's fine outing.
* * * * * * * *
The Atlanta Braves will win the NL East.
* * * * * * * *
Chase Utley will not play baseball in 2011.
* * * * * * * *
The Phils Fab Four rotation will win 60 games tops.
* * * * * * * *
Joe Blanton will not be a Phillie in September.
* * * * * * * *
Shane Victorino will miss at least 20 games this season.
* * * * * * * *
J Roll will never again approach the batting figures of his MVP season.
* * * * * * * *
Ryan Howard won't see a fastball over the plate in at least half his AB's this season. He will swing anyway.
* * * * * * * *
Brett Myers will beat the Phils on Opening Day despite Roy Halladay's fine outing.
* * * * * * * *
The Atlanta Braves will win the NL East.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Play Safe
From where I'm sitting the biggest competition remaining in Spring Training is not for the final roster spot; instead, it's whether or not the Phillies will have 25 healthy bodies available to start the season.
If I were the head man for the Phillies I would take Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez, Ben Francisco and Jimmy Rollins and cover them head-to-toe in bubble wrap. They are the only every day players remaining who haven't been injured or laid up this Spring.
Victorino, Ruiz and Oswalt were the latest guys to get thumped, plunked or bushwhacked. They join Polanco, Utley, Brown and Lidge among the players who've had rough Springs.
* * * * * * * *
Wilson Valdez can't get enough respect. Why else would the Phillies sign Luis Castillo to any kind of contract, minor or major? Castillo is going to get a good look from the Phils this final week of Spring Training...and then his potential new employers will come to their senses and and cut him, too.
* * * * * * * *
Speaking of respect, Ben Francisco doesn't get much either. He appears to have had a good spring but hasn't been handed the starting job in right field. I don't see him every day, heck I haven't seen him at all this Sprng, so I don't know how he's handled the defense in right, but he would seem to have the edge given he's a right-handed batter with some pop and he can field. Still, there are some self-annointed experts over at another Phillies blog who predict Ross Gload will be getting a lot of playing time because of his bat. If he does, I hope they sit Gload when Cole Hamels pitches or we might see a reprise of Hamels' famous eyes-rolling disgust at bad defense behind him.
If I were the head man for the Phillies I would take Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez, Ben Francisco and Jimmy Rollins and cover them head-to-toe in bubble wrap. They are the only every day players remaining who haven't been injured or laid up this Spring.
Victorino, Ruiz and Oswalt were the latest guys to get thumped, plunked or bushwhacked. They join Polanco, Utley, Brown and Lidge among the players who've had rough Springs.
* * * * * * * *
Wilson Valdez can't get enough respect. Why else would the Phillies sign Luis Castillo to any kind of contract, minor or major? Castillo is going to get a good look from the Phils this final week of Spring Training...and then his potential new employers will come to their senses and and cut him, too.
* * * * * * * *
Speaking of respect, Ben Francisco doesn't get much either. He appears to have had a good spring but hasn't been handed the starting job in right field. I don't see him every day, heck I haven't seen him at all this Sprng, so I don't know how he's handled the defense in right, but he would seem to have the edge given he's a right-handed batter with some pop and he can field. Still, there are some self-annointed experts over at another Phillies blog who predict Ross Gload will be getting a lot of playing time because of his bat. If he does, I hope they sit Gload when Cole Hamels pitches or we might see a reprise of Hamels' famous eyes-rolling disgust at bad defense behind him.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Age Before Beauty
The Mets unceremoniously dropped him and are still on the hook for $6 million but the Phillies have apparently seen "something" and taken a flyer on Luis Castillo because Chase Utley isn't going to play baseball in 2011. Oh, management has kept mum about Utley's prognosis but it doesn't take an advance degree to surmise he's done for this year. All that remains now is for the Phillies to delay surgery long enough so that Utley's recovery will extend into 2012.
Castillo, meanwhile, cleared waivers and was signed to a minor league contract by the Phils. They are "only" on the hook for the major league minimum salary, which is still serious money in anybody's economy.
Scouts say Castillo, 35, has slowed down in every phase of the game; if so, the old geezer would fit right in with the Phils' ancient lineup. The reality must be the Phillies alleged brain trust isn't all that comfortable with the idea of Wilson Valdez being the every-day second baseman. I dunno, from where I sit his defense is far better than Castillo's at this juncture. Any offense he would provide would be a bonus, frankly, even on a team that doesn't have much offense to begin with.
Speaking of offense, I've been posting a lot lately about the Phils' troubles at bat. For reasons hard to fathom, many observers believe their pitching will overcome the anemia I predict. Losing 3-2 or 4-3 would still be losing. If the Four Aces throw to a collective ERA in the low 3's they could still be losing without run support. GM Ruben Amaro received all manner of kudos for re-signing Cliff Lee, but he let some big offense leave without much of an effort when Jayson Werth signed in Washington. The smart money probably believes, and they ain't called the "smart money" for nothing, Werth's agent Scott Boras was never going to seriously negotiate with Amaro, so it might be unfair to suggest the Phils' GM screwed up, but on the other hand he didn't appear to make much of an effort to acquire a solid right-hand bat to make up the difference.
Maybe Amaro believes Ben Francisco or John Mayberry can hold the fort until Domonic Brown returns and develops, but more than a few hints from Charlie Manuel this past week suggest the manager isn't so sure.
If all this weren't troubling enough, we are treated daily to variations on "normal soreness" in discussing the nicks and bruises being suffered by other key elements of the squad, namely Brad Lidge and Placido Polanco. Both these players insist they will be ready for Opening Day and while they cannot be said to be whistling by the graveyard at this time, both have had enough physical ailments recently to make the rest of us wet our lips.
Castillo, meanwhile, cleared waivers and was signed to a minor league contract by the Phils. They are "only" on the hook for the major league minimum salary, which is still serious money in anybody's economy.
Scouts say Castillo, 35, has slowed down in every phase of the game; if so, the old geezer would fit right in with the Phils' ancient lineup. The reality must be the Phillies alleged brain trust isn't all that comfortable with the idea of Wilson Valdez being the every-day second baseman. I dunno, from where I sit his defense is far better than Castillo's at this juncture. Any offense he would provide would be a bonus, frankly, even on a team that doesn't have much offense to begin with.
Speaking of offense, I've been posting a lot lately about the Phils' troubles at bat. For reasons hard to fathom, many observers believe their pitching will overcome the anemia I predict. Losing 3-2 or 4-3 would still be losing. If the Four Aces throw to a collective ERA in the low 3's they could still be losing without run support. GM Ruben Amaro received all manner of kudos for re-signing Cliff Lee, but he let some big offense leave without much of an effort when Jayson Werth signed in Washington. The smart money probably believes, and they ain't called the "smart money" for nothing, Werth's agent Scott Boras was never going to seriously negotiate with Amaro, so it might be unfair to suggest the Phils' GM screwed up, but on the other hand he didn't appear to make much of an effort to acquire a solid right-hand bat to make up the difference.
Maybe Amaro believes Ben Francisco or John Mayberry can hold the fort until Domonic Brown returns and develops, but more than a few hints from Charlie Manuel this past week suggest the manager isn't so sure.
If all this weren't troubling enough, we are treated daily to variations on "normal soreness" in discussing the nicks and bruises being suffered by other key elements of the squad, namely Brad Lidge and Placido Polanco. Both these players insist they will be ready for Opening Day and while they cannot be said to be whistling by the graveyard at this time, both have had enough physical ailments recently to make the rest of us wet our lips.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Breaking News
I'm not sanguine.
Wow, that must come as a surprise to those of you who follow this space.
The Phils made it to the NLCS last season with unexpectedly good overall pitching and an erratic, inconsistent offense that, in the end, let them down.
Now, they are expected to parade down Broad Street with superb starting pitching, a seriously questionable bullpen, and an offense that not only will be missing two key ingredients from last year's, but has injury and hoped-for-recovery issues at far too many spots.
I don't see a parade.
Good pitching overcame a lot last year so great pitching is expected to overcome even more this season. Not going to happen. This installment of the Phillies has less margin of error than last year's. They are older and more prone to injury than in 2010.
Last year they broke camp in good health. This year they won't even do that!! Rumors have them scouring the waiver wire and list of cast-offs looking for fill-ins in the infield. When a team is thought to be considering Luis Castillo, things are not good. He is so washed up the Mets cut Castillo while owing him $6 million. I'd take Wilson Valdez in a heartbeat. Terrific fielder. Real battler. Decent bat.
When rumors have Ross Gload getting several starts in right field we are witnessing a surrender. Do the Phils really need a good-hit-no-field rightfielder who, incidentally, bats left-handed when they have Ben Francisco and John Mayberry? Francisco deserves to be handed the starting job right now and told it's his to lose. Enough jerking him around.
What pains me most on the eve of this new season is how unsettled the Phils appear publicly at this juncture of Spring Training. I say "publicly" because, per usual, they are far less than candid about the real extent of injuries to several players. Right Field. Second Base. The Closer. Third base. Yes, fans, third base. When a player is in his mid to last thirties, have off-season surgery on an elbow and hyper-extends that elbow in March one cannot be blase.
The Phils are no juggernaut.
Wow, that must come as a surprise to those of you who follow this space.
The Phils made it to the NLCS last season with unexpectedly good overall pitching and an erratic, inconsistent offense that, in the end, let them down.
Now, they are expected to parade down Broad Street with superb starting pitching, a seriously questionable bullpen, and an offense that not only will be missing two key ingredients from last year's, but has injury and hoped-for-recovery issues at far too many spots.
I don't see a parade.
Good pitching overcame a lot last year so great pitching is expected to overcome even more this season. Not going to happen. This installment of the Phillies has less margin of error than last year's. They are older and more prone to injury than in 2010.
Last year they broke camp in good health. This year they won't even do that!! Rumors have them scouring the waiver wire and list of cast-offs looking for fill-ins in the infield. When a team is thought to be considering Luis Castillo, things are not good. He is so washed up the Mets cut Castillo while owing him $6 million. I'd take Wilson Valdez in a heartbeat. Terrific fielder. Real battler. Decent bat.
When rumors have Ross Gload getting several starts in right field we are witnessing a surrender. Do the Phils really need a good-hit-no-field rightfielder who, incidentally, bats left-handed when they have Ben Francisco and John Mayberry? Francisco deserves to be handed the starting job right now and told it's his to lose. Enough jerking him around.
What pains me most on the eve of this new season is how unsettled the Phils appear publicly at this juncture of Spring Training. I say "publicly" because, per usual, they are far less than candid about the real extent of injuries to several players. Right Field. Second Base. The Closer. Third base. Yes, fans, third base. When a player is in his mid to last thirties, have off-season surgery on an elbow and hyper-extends that elbow in March one cannot be blase.
The Phils are no juggernaut.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Uh Oh
Uh oh. Brad Lidge just uttered the magic words in Phillies-speak when addressing reporters about his injury, alleged to be biceps tendinitis. "To be perfectly honest...."
We all know what's next.
We all know what's next.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Take Nothing For Granted
Chase Utley took ground balls the other day...seated in a chair.
I am not about to write the baseball obituary of a player as determined and dedicated as Utley, but I am forcibly reminded with his latest injury how fleeting the presence of greatness can be.
Among the many times I've written about Utley, these snippets stand out:
May 11, 2010
How many times over the last few seasons has Chase Utley flipped the ball with his glove to the shortstop or first baseman? It's getting to be a routine thing with Chase and it ain't an easy thing to do, especially when you are falling down or diving as is frequently the case with the Phils' second baseman. The guy just goes hard on every play. Remind yourselves not to take him for granted for one play. Be grateful you are watching one of the great players of this or any era.
April 22, 2010
As for Utley, one cannot get enough of him. It is pure pleasure to watch him step out of the box, look around at the defensive alignments and try and hit the ball where they ain't. He's never going to be a Gold Glove infielder but if possible he's even better than that, a player who makes the most of what he has, which is tremendous range, better than average hands and a average arm. He always managed to put himself in position to make all the plays, especially the tough ones. It's impossible to take him for granted because every time he steps into the batter's box or makes a play I remind myself I am watching one of those once-in-a-lifetime players and I don't want to miss a thing!
July 10, 2009
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.
I am not about to write the baseball obituary of a player as determined and dedicated as Utley, but I am forcibly reminded with his latest injury how fleeting the presence of greatness can be.
Among the many times I've written about Utley, these snippets stand out:
May 11, 2010
How many times over the last few seasons has Chase Utley flipped the ball with his glove to the shortstop or first baseman? It's getting to be a routine thing with Chase and it ain't an easy thing to do, especially when you are falling down or diving as is frequently the case with the Phils' second baseman. The guy just goes hard on every play. Remind yourselves not to take him for granted for one play. Be grateful you are watching one of the great players of this or any era.
April 22, 2010
As for Utley, one cannot get enough of him. It is pure pleasure to watch him step out of the box, look around at the defensive alignments and try and hit the ball where they ain't. He's never going to be a Gold Glove infielder but if possible he's even better than that, a player who makes the most of what he has, which is tremendous range, better than average hands and a average arm. He always managed to put himself in position to make all the plays, especially the tough ones. It's impossible to take him for granted because every time he steps into the batter's box or makes a play I remind myself I am watching one of those once-in-a-lifetime players and I don't want to miss a thing!
July 10, 2009
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.
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Odds & Ends
In its inimitable fashion the Phillies' front office is preparing us for more bad news on Chase Utley. "Normal soreness" gave way to resting him which in turn gave way to a cortisone shot which in turn gave way to suggestions of "other concerns" that might require surgery. The only professional sport that is more evasive in describing injuries is the entire NHL which loves the phrase "lower body injury" for anything below the waist. A hockey player could have a compound fracture with bones protruding in six directions and the league would call it a "lower body injury"!
By comparison, the NFL publishes nearly daily updates for all manner of injuries and ailments with buzzwords like "probable" or "questionable" attached. Of course, the betting on NFL games is such big business, condoned, no make that encouraged and supported by the league, that the impact of individual players on the betting line is deemed too financially critical to withhold information.
Back to the Phillies, any prolonged absence of Utley would be disastrous in an of itself, and the hand injury to Domonic Brown in yesterday's pre-season game doesn't help matters. Brown's struggles thus far this March strongly suggested he would not be the starting right-fielder, but the prospect of surgery and a 3-6 week recovery precludes his availability at a time when the Phils' offense remains the most suspect facet of their overall game, the bullpen being a close second. (As a side note, the rush to judgment on Brown's long-term prospects has no place in legitimate discussions but surely would find a place in Las Vegas.)
Now management is faced with looking for as many as two replacements. The good news is the games don't count yet; the bad news is they will soon enough and there aren't a lot of top-quality players out there to fill the gap(s). There will be some movement of players at the end of Spring Training. The odds that Joe Blanton will be one of them are increasing daily.
By comparison, the NFL publishes nearly daily updates for all manner of injuries and ailments with buzzwords like "probable" or "questionable" attached. Of course, the betting on NFL games is such big business, condoned, no make that encouraged and supported by the league, that the impact of individual players on the betting line is deemed too financially critical to withhold information.
Back to the Phillies, any prolonged absence of Utley would be disastrous in an of itself, and the hand injury to Domonic Brown in yesterday's pre-season game doesn't help matters. Brown's struggles thus far this March strongly suggested he would not be the starting right-fielder, but the prospect of surgery and a 3-6 week recovery precludes his availability at a time when the Phils' offense remains the most suspect facet of their overall game, the bullpen being a close second. (As a side note, the rush to judgment on Brown's long-term prospects has no place in legitimate discussions but surely would find a place in Las Vegas.)
Now management is faced with looking for as many as two replacements. The good news is the games don't count yet; the bad news is they will soon enough and there aren't a lot of top-quality players out there to fill the gap(s). There will be some movement of players at the end of Spring Training. The odds that Joe Blanton will be one of them are increasing daily.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Finger Poised Above The Speed Dial Buttons
Let's not kid ourselves, the "news" about Chase Utley isn't good and management's customary tight-lipped approach to any further information is worse.
The Phils offense had a huge number of question marks before the Utley announcement. If he begins the season on the Disabled List, or worse, if he requires surgery, the Phils will have to go out and get another bat and glove. No one in camp, Wilson Valdez included, can fill that hole. The bet here is Polanco will be moved to second and the Phils will seek a third baseman.
Here's hoping Joe Blanton has a monster Spring.
The Phils offense had a huge number of question marks before the Utley announcement. If he begins the season on the Disabled List, or worse, if he requires surgery, the Phils will have to go out and get another bat and glove. No one in camp, Wilson Valdez included, can fill that hole. The bet here is Polanco will be moved to second and the Phils will seek a third baseman.
Here's hoping Joe Blanton has a monster Spring.
Monday, February 28, 2011
New Chink In Dented Armor
Chase Utley has a knee problem and Phillies fans everywhere buckled at the news.
By now everyone who follows the Phillies knows Utley cannot be relied on to reveal the truth about his health; nor, for that matter, can the Phillies, who routinely obfuscate whenever suggestions let alone rumors surface that one of their players is hurting.
The Utley injury, confirmed as patella tendinitis by an MRI, is no small matter given how important his presence in the lineup is and how much the Phils are counting on him to rebound from last season's injury-plagued year. Wilson Valdez did an admirable job last year, but he ain't no Utley, hurt or otherwise.
If tincture of time proves ineffective in Utley's case, the Phils could move Placido Polanco to second, his more natural position. They'd still have to solve the problem of who plays third, however.
What we do know is there is no margin of error for the Phils' offense.
By now everyone who follows the Phillies knows Utley cannot be relied on to reveal the truth about his health; nor, for that matter, can the Phillies, who routinely obfuscate whenever suggestions let alone rumors surface that one of their players is hurting.
The Utley injury, confirmed as patella tendinitis by an MRI, is no small matter given how important his presence in the lineup is and how much the Phils are counting on him to rebound from last season's injury-plagued year. Wilson Valdez did an admirable job last year, but he ain't no Utley, hurt or otherwise.
If tincture of time proves ineffective in Utley's case, the Phils could move Placido Polanco to second, his more natural position. They'd still have to solve the problem of who plays third, however.
What we do know is there is no margin of error for the Phils' offense.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
This Has To Be The Year
One of the most anticipated seasons in their long and mostly tortuous history gets underway this afternoon when the Phillies take on the NY Yankees in the first Spring Training game against a major league opponent. (The Phils played Florida State last week.)
For the phaithful that long history has been far less tortuous of late. The Phils have won the NL East title four years running and have advanced to two World Series, winning one, and one NLCS in the process.
As the pundits are quick to point out, today's game is largely meaningless other than to give some prime players live competition and some fringe players a chance to show they belong. It is interesting to look over the announced starting lineups and note the Yankees will send out what is expected to be their starting day lineup while the Phils will be without several certain starters including most of their infield.
Last season the Phils faltered when their vaunted offense could not keep pace with their pitching, which was supposed to play the supporting role. True, the offense was beset by injuries to all of the starting infield, but the overall feeling was the Phils did not perform well at the plate, taking too passive an approach. Hitting coach Milt Thompson was the sacrificial lamb at mid-season, the usual response when "something must be done", but his replacement, Greg Gross, didn't have any better success convincing players to go up their hacking.
It isn't exactly comforting to read Chase Utley won't be in the lineup today because of "body soreness". Utley missed 49 games last year and never looked sharp at the plate or in the field. The Phils are counting on him to rebound this season. Jimmy Rollins, who was excused for a few days, is also out of the lineup, apparently running late getting back to camp. Rollins missed a huge amount of last season due to injury (and was the center of a mild controversy the year before for arriving late for a game). Both players must come back if the Phils expect to contend.
In truth the Phils are clearly built to win now. Many of their starters are advancing in years (Utley, Howard, Rollins, Oswalt, Ibanez, Lidge, Polanco) and more importantly many are being counted on to bounce back from sub-par seasons in 2010. If a few of them fail to rebound, there won't be any parades in the Fall of 2011 nor will there be one in 2012, when even more holes will have to be filled.
So, this year has to be it. Everything gets underway this afternoon.
For the phaithful that long history has been far less tortuous of late. The Phils have won the NL East title four years running and have advanced to two World Series, winning one, and one NLCS in the process.
As the pundits are quick to point out, today's game is largely meaningless other than to give some prime players live competition and some fringe players a chance to show they belong. It is interesting to look over the announced starting lineups and note the Yankees will send out what is expected to be their starting day lineup while the Phils will be without several certain starters including most of their infield.
Last season the Phils faltered when their vaunted offense could not keep pace with their pitching, which was supposed to play the supporting role. True, the offense was beset by injuries to all of the starting infield, but the overall feeling was the Phils did not perform well at the plate, taking too passive an approach. Hitting coach Milt Thompson was the sacrificial lamb at mid-season, the usual response when "something must be done", but his replacement, Greg Gross, didn't have any better success convincing players to go up their hacking.
It isn't exactly comforting to read Chase Utley won't be in the lineup today because of "body soreness". Utley missed 49 games last year and never looked sharp at the plate or in the field. The Phils are counting on him to rebound this season. Jimmy Rollins, who was excused for a few days, is also out of the lineup, apparently running late getting back to camp. Rollins missed a huge amount of last season due to injury (and was the center of a mild controversy the year before for arriving late for a game). Both players must come back if the Phils expect to contend.
In truth the Phils are clearly built to win now. Many of their starters are advancing in years (Utley, Howard, Rollins, Oswalt, Ibanez, Lidge, Polanco) and more importantly many are being counted on to bounce back from sub-par seasons in 2010. If a few of them fail to rebound, there won't be any parades in the Fall of 2011 nor will there be one in 2012, when even more holes will have to be filled.
So, this year has to be it. Everything gets underway this afternoon.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Spring Notes On And Off The Diamond
Trying to stay calm amidst the hype surrounding the 2011 edition of the Phillies isn't going to be easy. Publicly, Cliff Lee seems to be taking things in stride, pointing out the Fab Four, Four Aces or whatever this magnificent rotation is eventually nicknamed, hasn't thrown a single pitch yet and have already been anointed one of the best starting quartets ever!
One real sign of the times is that Chase Utley has already reported, early naturally, along with the pitchers and catchers. Infielders weren't due for another week, but Utley is a man on a mission, hoping to improve on last year's injury-plagued performance. Anyone hoping the intense second baseman might learn to take things in at a more measured pace, you know, the old marathon vs. sprint metaphor, would have to view his early arrival as a sign it's business as usual for Utley.
As marvelous as the pitching staff is, the Phillies have far too many players deemed in comeback mode to start planning any parades down Broad Street. One thing is certain: this is a team that must win this year. A few of its key ingredients will be free agents after the season. Several of its key players will be on the other side of baseball middle age at the conclusion of the season. Many are predicting the Phillies will hoist the World Series trophy late next Autumn, but before they get there a lot of troubling questions must be answered satisfactorily.
This is no sure thing.
* * * * * * * *
Were the Phillies inclined to look across Pattison Avenue for some inspiration, both the Flyers and Sixers are having fine seasons. The Fly Boys will certainly make the playoffs with many predicting they will go deep into them if not all the way. They don't really have a Bernie Parent-level goaltender, but they do have remarkable overall balance and skill.
The Sixers might not make the playoffs, but already they have had a marvelous season under new head coach Doug Collins. Collins will certainly be a candidate for coach of the year, but he may find himself a finalist for an even bigger honor, The Most Patient Man In Professional Sports.
Collins is being given much of the credit for the Sixers' turnaround from a moribund, underachieving team lacking a personality to a bunch of mid-level players working together on both ends of the court at maximum capacity and effort. The Sixers lack a true big star as well as a top-notch man in the middle, but they manage to cobble together the talent they have into a very cohesive defensive unit that on any given night can play with nearly all of the best in the NBA. To have come so far in half a season under Collins is a tribute to how well they've bought into his system and his personality.
* * * * * * * *
How far has Tiger Woods fallen? He was fined for spitting on the 12th green in a tournament over the weekend in the process of shooting a final round of 75 that dropped him way out of contention. Egads! Fined for spitting! Tournament officials claimed it was the height of unsportsman-like conduct. Paraphrasing one indignant official, "Someone putting on that green might have to deal with his ball and Woods' saliva. Disgraceful."
Imagine the ruckus is pitchers throughout MLB started complaining about their opposite numbers spitting on the mound. On second thought, who could possible monitor major league baseball players' expectorant rate?
One real sign of the times is that Chase Utley has already reported, early naturally, along with the pitchers and catchers. Infielders weren't due for another week, but Utley is a man on a mission, hoping to improve on last year's injury-plagued performance. Anyone hoping the intense second baseman might learn to take things in at a more measured pace, you know, the old marathon vs. sprint metaphor, would have to view his early arrival as a sign it's business as usual for Utley.
As marvelous as the pitching staff is, the Phillies have far too many players deemed in comeback mode to start planning any parades down Broad Street. One thing is certain: this is a team that must win this year. A few of its key ingredients will be free agents after the season. Several of its key players will be on the other side of baseball middle age at the conclusion of the season. Many are predicting the Phillies will hoist the World Series trophy late next Autumn, but before they get there a lot of troubling questions must be answered satisfactorily.
This is no sure thing.
* * * * * * * *
Were the Phillies inclined to look across Pattison Avenue for some inspiration, both the Flyers and Sixers are having fine seasons. The Fly Boys will certainly make the playoffs with many predicting they will go deep into them if not all the way. They don't really have a Bernie Parent-level goaltender, but they do have remarkable overall balance and skill.
The Sixers might not make the playoffs, but already they have had a marvelous season under new head coach Doug Collins. Collins will certainly be a candidate for coach of the year, but he may find himself a finalist for an even bigger honor, The Most Patient Man In Professional Sports.
Collins is being given much of the credit for the Sixers' turnaround from a moribund, underachieving team lacking a personality to a bunch of mid-level players working together on both ends of the court at maximum capacity and effort. The Sixers lack a true big star as well as a top-notch man in the middle, but they manage to cobble together the talent they have into a very cohesive defensive unit that on any given night can play with nearly all of the best in the NBA. To have come so far in half a season under Collins is a tribute to how well they've bought into his system and his personality.
* * * * * * * *
How far has Tiger Woods fallen? He was fined for spitting on the 12th green in a tournament over the weekend in the process of shooting a final round of 75 that dropped him way out of contention. Egads! Fined for spitting! Tournament officials claimed it was the height of unsportsman-like conduct. Paraphrasing one indignant official, "Someone putting on that green might have to deal with his ball and Woods' saliva. Disgraceful."
Imagine the ruckus is pitchers throughout MLB started complaining about their opposite numbers spitting on the mound. On second thought, who could possible monitor major league baseball players' expectorant rate?
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Hypocrisy
The Hall of Fame vote yesterday gave us a little of everything but especially hypocrisy.
Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven deserved election. So, too, did Edgar Martinez, who is being punished for assuming the role of DH and performing it better than anyone else in the history of the game. He was a feared and admired hitter for a very long time. Now, he is considered unworthy because MLB cannot decide whether or not the DH is a legitimate position for both leagues or none. In the meantime, they keep trotting out DH's in the American League without compunction. Hypocrites!
Jeff Bagwell case is also noteworthy. The incredibly low vote he received based solely on innuendo is the height of hypocrisy by the writers, many of whom gladly looked the other way during the Steroid Era when players left in the Fall looking like Olyve Oil and returned in the Spring bearing a striking resemblance to her boyfriend. The holier-than-thou writers who worked the beats in those days, covered him if only occasionally, and left him off their ballots when casting their votes yesterday deserved to be drummed out of the corps. Voters should be required to disclose their ballots.
Lee Smith also deserved serious consideration but it appears likely he is never going to get it. A great closer is deemed crucial to winning a World Series but seems less significant when considering Hall worthiness.
Then there is the case of Rafael Palmeiro. For a long time I have championed his candidacy because his use of PED's was hardly the exception. His testing positively may have been, but anyone intimately connected to baseball during that era knows in his or her heart that Palmeiro was a great player without benefit of PED's. He tested positive late in his career, no excuse, but likely due to injury or a desperate attempt to stave off decline, making him one of hundreds of players who sought an edge through pharmacology. But the holier-than-thou crowd always wants its scapegoats, especially when these can divert attention from the hypocrites' own complicity.
Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven deserved election. So, too, did Edgar Martinez, who is being punished for assuming the role of DH and performing it better than anyone else in the history of the game. He was a feared and admired hitter for a very long time. Now, he is considered unworthy because MLB cannot decide whether or not the DH is a legitimate position for both leagues or none. In the meantime, they keep trotting out DH's in the American League without compunction. Hypocrites!
Jeff Bagwell case is also noteworthy. The incredibly low vote he received based solely on innuendo is the height of hypocrisy by the writers, many of whom gladly looked the other way during the Steroid Era when players left in the Fall looking like Olyve Oil and returned in the Spring bearing a striking resemblance to her boyfriend. The holier-than-thou writers who worked the beats in those days, covered him if only occasionally, and left him off their ballots when casting their votes yesterday deserved to be drummed out of the corps. Voters should be required to disclose their ballots.
Lee Smith also deserved serious consideration but it appears likely he is never going to get it. A great closer is deemed crucial to winning a World Series but seems less significant when considering Hall worthiness.
Then there is the case of Rafael Palmeiro. For a long time I have championed his candidacy because his use of PED's was hardly the exception. His testing positively may have been, but anyone intimately connected to baseball during that era knows in his or her heart that Palmeiro was a great player without benefit of PED's. He tested positive late in his career, no excuse, but likely due to injury or a desperate attempt to stave off decline, making him one of hundreds of players who sought an edge through pharmacology. But the holier-than-thou crowd always wants its scapegoats, especially when these can divert attention from the hypocrites' own complicity.
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