The pitching-rich Phillies just added another ace in lefthander, Cliff Lee. Philadelphia landed Lee Monday night after weeks of speculation. The free agent All-Star agreed to return to the Phillies for $120 million over five years. Lee’s choice surprised many around baseball, including the teams who courted him throughout the past few months. The Yankees and Rangers lost out on signing the southpaw, despite heftier contract offers. Jon Daniels and Brian Cashman couldn’t snag the pitcher, who chose comfort over dollars. Now the NL East champions have an added boost in an already stellar starting rotation for 2011. The addition of Lee gives the city the greatest quartet since Boyz II Men: Lee, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt.
The Phillies traded Lee approximately a year ago. The free agent pitcher went to Seattle before being traded to Texas. Lee helped propel the upstart Rangers to the World Series after a spectacular division series against the Yankees. Lee suffered two difficult losses to the Giants in the Fall Classic, but his post-season dominance is proven. He was the best free agent pitcher on the market. The Rangers and Yankees went head-to-head in hopes of acquiring the lefty for next season, but it was Lee’s former club who signed the hurler. New York offered a seven year deal in excess of $160 million, while Lee’s current team offered a six year guarantee for an undetermined amount. The 32 year old signed a lucrative deal with the Phillies after the team came close to matching Lee’s other offers. Lee spurned those offers and now the Phillies have four bona fide aces. The agreement is the third biggest ever for a pitcher, and Lee is all too pleased to return to the City of Brotherly Love.
Parting Points: The Big Ten announced their new division names: Legends and Leaders.
Brett Favre’s streak is over.
Showing posts with label Philadelphia Phillies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philadelphia Phillies. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
San Francisco Snags Series in Sixth
San Francisco is back in the World Series for the first time since 2002. The pitching-rich Giants topped the Philadelphia Phillies in game six last night 3-2 to win the National League Championship. San Francisco hosts the Rangers next Wednesday in game one of the World Series. The Giants are looking for their first world title since moving to the Bay Area. Philadelphia failed in their bid to become the first senior circuit team in 66 years to win three consecutive pennants. The Giants earned their 19th pennant in franchise history. Juan Uribe’s eighth inning homerun off Ryan Madson broke a 2-2 tie and the visiting Giants held on to become unlikely winners of the series.
The Phillies drew first blood in game six with a three hit first inning. San Francisco starter, Jonathan Sanchez, was pulled after two-plus innings. Sanchez walked Placido Polanco in the first inning and the speedy Philly advanced to second on a wild pitch. Chase Utley’s right field double send Polanco home before Jayson Werth made it a 2-0 Philadelphia edge later in the inning. Werth’s sacrifice fly scored Utley from third base to put the Giants in an early hole.
San Francisco scored a run in the third off 33 year old starter, Roy Oswalt. Oswalt yielded nine hits in six innings for the Phillies. He allowed back-to-back singles in the third and a sacrifice by Freddy Sanchez that put runners and second and third for the Giants. Aubrey Huff singled in one run before scoring himself on Polanco’s error at third base. The game remained tied even as Sanchez struggled on the mound. The Giants’ pitcher tossed six straight balls to begin the bottom of the third and then hit Utley in the back. Both benches and bullpens cleared during an altercation between pitcher and batter after the All-Star second baseman Utley flipped the ball back in Sanchez’s direction. No punches were thrown and nobody was ejected. The Giants managed to get out of the inning when Jeremy Affeldt buzzed through the Phillies’ order. Affeldt stayed perfect through the fourth and Madison Bumgardner took over in relief with similar success.
Madson relieved Oswalt beginning in the seventh. He fanned the first two Giants he faced before allowing a double by Freddy Sanchez. The Phillies escaped the inning but couldn’t do anything at the plate in their own half of the frame. Javier Lopez was solid in setting the defending NL champs down in order. In the eighth, Uribe pounced on Madson’s first pitch slider and the Giants were closer to bouncing the Phillies from contention. It was Uribe’s first long ball of the post-season but will forever be regarded as the one that sent the Giants to the 2010 Fall Classic. San Francisco’s Brian Wilson, who led the majors in saves this season, needed a line drive double play to end the bottom of the eighth. Wilson worked around two walks in the ninth before fanning struggling slugger, Ryan Howard, to end the game.
Parting Points: Mizzouri topped Oklahoma. Who will be number one in the BCS this week? My guess is Oregon.
The Devils benched Ilya Kovalchuk for undisclosed reasons. I already dislike John MacLean.
I’m so excited for the Sharapova-Vujacic engagement announcement. I think they should take Maria’s last name because Sasha Sharapova sounds terrific (and it’s alliteration)
Song of the day- “1983” by Neon Trees
The Phillies drew first blood in game six with a three hit first inning. San Francisco starter, Jonathan Sanchez, was pulled after two-plus innings. Sanchez walked Placido Polanco in the first inning and the speedy Philly advanced to second on a wild pitch. Chase Utley’s right field double send Polanco home before Jayson Werth made it a 2-0 Philadelphia edge later in the inning. Werth’s sacrifice fly scored Utley from third base to put the Giants in an early hole.
San Francisco scored a run in the third off 33 year old starter, Roy Oswalt. Oswalt yielded nine hits in six innings for the Phillies. He allowed back-to-back singles in the third and a sacrifice by Freddy Sanchez that put runners and second and third for the Giants. Aubrey Huff singled in one run before scoring himself on Polanco’s error at third base. The game remained tied even as Sanchez struggled on the mound. The Giants’ pitcher tossed six straight balls to begin the bottom of the third and then hit Utley in the back. Both benches and bullpens cleared during an altercation between pitcher and batter after the All-Star second baseman Utley flipped the ball back in Sanchez’s direction. No punches were thrown and nobody was ejected. The Giants managed to get out of the inning when Jeremy Affeldt buzzed through the Phillies’ order. Affeldt stayed perfect through the fourth and Madison Bumgardner took over in relief with similar success.
Madson relieved Oswalt beginning in the seventh. He fanned the first two Giants he faced before allowing a double by Freddy Sanchez. The Phillies escaped the inning but couldn’t do anything at the plate in their own half of the frame. Javier Lopez was solid in setting the defending NL champs down in order. In the eighth, Uribe pounced on Madson’s first pitch slider and the Giants were closer to bouncing the Phillies from contention. It was Uribe’s first long ball of the post-season but will forever be regarded as the one that sent the Giants to the 2010 Fall Classic. San Francisco’s Brian Wilson, who led the majors in saves this season, needed a line drive double play to end the bottom of the eighth. Wilson worked around two walks in the ninth before fanning struggling slugger, Ryan Howard, to end the game.
Parting Points: Mizzouri topped Oklahoma. Who will be number one in the BCS this week? My guess is Oregon.
The Devils benched Ilya Kovalchuk for undisclosed reasons. I already dislike John MacLean.
I’m so excited for the Sharapova-Vujacic engagement announcement. I think they should take Maria’s last name because Sasha Sharapova sounds terrific (and it’s alliteration)
Song of the day- “1983” by Neon Trees
Friday, October 22, 2010
Fiery Phils Follow Flub with Fight
The Philadelphia Phillies forced a game six in the NLCS after climbing out to an early lead and holding on against the hometown Giants. The defending NL champions defeated San Francisco 4-2 in a pitching rematch between game one starters, Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum. The Phillies escaped McCovey Cove by stealing a win from the Giants and ace Lincecum. The San Francisco hurler tossed seven innings of two run ball, but his defense arguably cost him the win in the third inning. Halladay was stellar in his second start of the NLCS, battling through six innings to keep the Phillies’ season alive. The Giants still have the edge 3-2 as the series heads back to the city of brotherly love.
The Giants scored first Thursday night, picking up a run in the first inning on Buster Posey’s fielder’s choice. In the top of the third, San Francisco’s infield handed the Phillies a 3-1 lead. Had it not been for the Giant giveaways, perhaps San Francisco would be headed to the World Series. But the home team’s sloppy defense and miscues gave the Phillies the drive they needed to kill the Giants’ momentum. Raul Ibanez singled off Lincecum and Carlos Ruiz was hit by an inside fastball to begin the frame. A questionable Halladay sacrifice bunt advanced the runners to second and third for outfield slugger, Shane Victorino. The vicious Victorino was ruled safe at second on an error by Giants’ first baseman, Aubrey Huff. The ball bounced off Huff’s glove and skirted into the outfield to score a pair of runs. Victorino scored on a base hit by second baseman, Chase Utley, five pitches later.
San Francisco got one run back in the fourth. Back-to-back doubles by Pat Burrell and Cody Ross resulted in the Giants’ second tally of the game. Philadelphia got out of the jam by throwing out Ross, who tested Jayson Werth’s arm while attempting to tag up on Pablo Sandoval’s fly ball to right field. Halladay buckled down the rest of the game to keep the Giants off the scoreboard and the Phillies’ one run advantage intact. Philadelphia added an insurance run on Werth’s ninth inning homerun off Ramon Ramirez. Closer, Brad Lidge, was called upon to shut down the Giants in the bottom of the ninth. Lidge earned the three out save with just ten pitches. Lincecum suffered the loss for San Francisco, despite striking out seven batters.
Parting Points: Song for Friday- “I Alone” by Live
The Giants scored first Thursday night, picking up a run in the first inning on Buster Posey’s fielder’s choice. In the top of the third, San Francisco’s infield handed the Phillies a 3-1 lead. Had it not been for the Giant giveaways, perhaps San Francisco would be headed to the World Series. But the home team’s sloppy defense and miscues gave the Phillies the drive they needed to kill the Giants’ momentum. Raul Ibanez singled off Lincecum and Carlos Ruiz was hit by an inside fastball to begin the frame. A questionable Halladay sacrifice bunt advanced the runners to second and third for outfield slugger, Shane Victorino. The vicious Victorino was ruled safe at second on an error by Giants’ first baseman, Aubrey Huff. The ball bounced off Huff’s glove and skirted into the outfield to score a pair of runs. Victorino scored on a base hit by second baseman, Chase Utley, five pitches later.
San Francisco got one run back in the fourth. Back-to-back doubles by Pat Burrell and Cody Ross resulted in the Giants’ second tally of the game. Philadelphia got out of the jam by throwing out Ross, who tested Jayson Werth’s arm while attempting to tag up on Pablo Sandoval’s fly ball to right field. Halladay buckled down the rest of the game to keep the Giants off the scoreboard and the Phillies’ one run advantage intact. Philadelphia added an insurance run on Werth’s ninth inning homerun off Ramon Ramirez. Closer, Brad Lidge, was called upon to shut down the Giants in the bottom of the ninth. Lidge earned the three out save with just ten pitches. Lincecum suffered the loss for San Francisco, despite striking out seven batters.
Parting Points: Song for Friday- “I Alone” by Live
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Phillies Pound Parnell
I often wonder how Mets fans sleep at night with their team being as awful as they were last night. The hopeless baseball team that is the New York Mets fell 7-5 to the Philadelphia Phillies Friday after the bullpen allowed six runs in the eighth inning. The two run loss occurred against a beat-up, injured defending NL champion team. The Philly victory pushed them within 1 ½ games of the division-leading Atlanta Braves, while New York erased an encouraging starting pitching performance by Jonathan Niese. The 23 year old lefty tossed seven innings of one-run ball, striking out seven batters. It was the tenth time in twenty starts the young southpaw yielded one run or less in an outing. Niese’s unreliable and shaky bullpen imploded with a one-run lead in hand during the eighth to send the Mets below .500 with a 54-55 record.
Phillies’ pitcher, Joe Blanton, did not stick around for the decision but also pitched a strong game for the home team. Blanton allowed two runs and seven hits for his best outing of the season. Philadelphia scored in the first frame on Placido Polanco’s RBI double. The Mets tied the game two innings later with a run on a Jose Reyes base hit. New York tacked on a second run in the fourth following a string of three consecutive singles. Jose Thole poked home the go-ahead tally, plating David Wright for the backstop’s seventh RBI of the year.
Bobby Parnell began the bottom of the eighth in relief of Niese. Parnell faced four batters, giving up four hits and four earned runs in being tagged with the loss and ruining Niese’s gem. Ben Francisco dumped a single to the outfield to tie the game at 2-2. Carlos Ruiz followed by smacking a single off Parnell for the hometown edge. Pedro Feliciano took over after the Phillies punished pitiful Parnell. Wilson Valdez slapped a bunt base hit to load the bases with nobody out, and Ross Gload drew a walk to pad the Phillies’ lead to 4-2. Shortstop, Jimmy Rollins’ RBI single made it 5-2 in favor of Philadelphia and ended the evening for Feliciano. Manny Acosta entered the game with just one out in the epic eighth. The right-handed reliever from Panama couldn’t prevent the Phillies from extending their lead. Polanco launched a sacrifice fly, scoring Valdez from third to put the Phillies up by four runs. A Mike Sweeney single plated Gload as Philadelphia completed their six run comeback.
Mike Hessman, the Mets’ pinch-hitter, collected a three-run homerun to highlight the ninth inning, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the damage done during the dismal eighth. Closer Brad Lidge was summoned from the bullpen and put an end to the Mets’ night with a strikeout of Jesus Feliciano. The depleted Phillies, playing without Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino, held on to defeat their division rivals in a messy affair at Citizen’s Bank Park. Sweeney, in his first start since joining the Phillies, trigged the decisive rally and finished it off with a base hit in leading the team with two RBIs. The Phillies prevailed, despite stranding 14 runners on base. Chad Durbin was credited with the win, his third of the season. The Mets have dropped nine of their last ten series starters on the road. The Phillies will try to pick up where they left off last night when Cole Hamels opposes Johan Santana in the middle game of a three-game series.
Parting Points: NFL Hall of Fame inductees today include Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice---two of the greatest players of their decade.
Phillies’ pitcher, Joe Blanton, did not stick around for the decision but also pitched a strong game for the home team. Blanton allowed two runs and seven hits for his best outing of the season. Philadelphia scored in the first frame on Placido Polanco’s RBI double. The Mets tied the game two innings later with a run on a Jose Reyes base hit. New York tacked on a second run in the fourth following a string of three consecutive singles. Jose Thole poked home the go-ahead tally, plating David Wright for the backstop’s seventh RBI of the year.
Bobby Parnell began the bottom of the eighth in relief of Niese. Parnell faced four batters, giving up four hits and four earned runs in being tagged with the loss and ruining Niese’s gem. Ben Francisco dumped a single to the outfield to tie the game at 2-2. Carlos Ruiz followed by smacking a single off Parnell for the hometown edge. Pedro Feliciano took over after the Phillies punished pitiful Parnell. Wilson Valdez slapped a bunt base hit to load the bases with nobody out, and Ross Gload drew a walk to pad the Phillies’ lead to 4-2. Shortstop, Jimmy Rollins’ RBI single made it 5-2 in favor of Philadelphia and ended the evening for Feliciano. Manny Acosta entered the game with just one out in the epic eighth. The right-handed reliever from Panama couldn’t prevent the Phillies from extending their lead. Polanco launched a sacrifice fly, scoring Valdez from third to put the Phillies up by four runs. A Mike Sweeney single plated Gload as Philadelphia completed their six run comeback.
Mike Hessman, the Mets’ pinch-hitter, collected a three-run homerun to highlight the ninth inning, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the damage done during the dismal eighth. Closer Brad Lidge was summoned from the bullpen and put an end to the Mets’ night with a strikeout of Jesus Feliciano. The depleted Phillies, playing without Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino, held on to defeat their division rivals in a messy affair at Citizen’s Bank Park. Sweeney, in his first start since joining the Phillies, trigged the decisive rally and finished it off with a base hit in leading the team with two RBIs. The Phillies prevailed, despite stranding 14 runners on base. Chad Durbin was credited with the win, his third of the season. The Mets have dropped nine of their last ten series starters on the road. The Phillies will try to pick up where they left off last night when Cole Hamels opposes Johan Santana in the middle game of a three-game series.
Parting Points: NFL Hall of Fame inductees today include Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice---two of the greatest players of their decade.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Burning Braves
LeBron James and Lindsay Lohan are hogging the headlines this week, but there are still baseball games being played. Division races are still as close as ever as the dog days of summer peek from around the corner. The temperatures in the East are soaring over the 100 degree mark, and you can bet the AL and NL East clubs are feeling the heat. The Philadelphia Phillies, especially are feeling the burn of the Atlanta Braves. The Braves scored three runs in the 11th inning to outlast the Phillies in hazy Philadelphia Tuesday. Atlanta’s 6-3 victory came after Phillies’ ace, Roy Halladay, dominated them a night before. The Braves sit five games ahead of the defending NL champions in the NL East, and hold a two game lead over the New York Mets. The Braves are hotter than a Philadelphia ballpark in July and more sizzling than a Chris Bosh autograph.
Cole Hamels allowed three runs and eight hits in seven innings for the hometown Phillies. The 2008 World Series MVP struck out eight Atlanta Braves in his Tuesday night start. Still, Hamel’s team lost for the seventh time in his past eight starts. Atlanta countered with Netherland’s native, Jair Jurrjens. Perhaps the 24 year old pitcher was busy warming up to the idea of his native country in the World Cup finals, but he still tossed a credible six inning effort of three run ball. He only allowed two hits in his mound stint. The Phillies managed just three hits the entire contest. Raul Ibanez crushed a two-run homerun in the first inning to put the Phillies on top. Philadelphia first baseman, Ryan Howard, got the better of Jurrjens with a run-scoring triple in the seventh. The Atlanta hurler was removed after just 89 pitches and retiring 14-of-15 batters before Howard’s extra-base hit. Jurrjens was the benefactor of stingy relief pitching and timely hitting Tuesday.
Atlanta had plenty of scoring opportunities, but Hamels limited the offense in the early innings. The Braves loaded the bases with no outs in the first frame, but scored only one tally on Troy Glaus’ fielder’s choice groundout. All-star second baseman, Martin Prado gave the Braves a 3-2 lead with a solo shot to left field in the seventh. Six Braves relievers combined to throw five scoreless innings after Howard tied the game at 3-3. Atlanta’s Matt Diaz went 3-for-5 and recorded the tie-breaking RBI in the 11th inning. Diaz’s double on a hit-and-run play started Atlanta’s three run barrage of relievers Dave Herndon and Mike Zagurski. Eric Hinske blazed a two run homerun to snap an 0-for-13 slump for the Braves’ slugger and the visitors were on their way to another win at Citizen’s Bank Park. Jesse Chavez earned the win with a scoreless tenth and Billy Wagner saved his 18th game after working a hitless 11th. The Braves lead the major leagues in final at-bat victories. Philadelphia’s slide continues as they dropped their fourth game of their last six. Wednesday is the rubber game of the three game series between the teams. Jamie Moyer goes for his tenth win of the season, where he tries to appear hotter (but definitely not younger) than Atlanta right-hander, Kris Medlen.
Parting Points: The Red Sox are pretty beat up these days…
Cole Hamels allowed three runs and eight hits in seven innings for the hometown Phillies. The 2008 World Series MVP struck out eight Atlanta Braves in his Tuesday night start. Still, Hamel’s team lost for the seventh time in his past eight starts. Atlanta countered with Netherland’s native, Jair Jurrjens. Perhaps the 24 year old pitcher was busy warming up to the idea of his native country in the World Cup finals, but he still tossed a credible six inning effort of three run ball. He only allowed two hits in his mound stint. The Phillies managed just three hits the entire contest. Raul Ibanez crushed a two-run homerun in the first inning to put the Phillies on top. Philadelphia first baseman, Ryan Howard, got the better of Jurrjens with a run-scoring triple in the seventh. The Atlanta hurler was removed after just 89 pitches and retiring 14-of-15 batters before Howard’s extra-base hit. Jurrjens was the benefactor of stingy relief pitching and timely hitting Tuesday.
Atlanta had plenty of scoring opportunities, but Hamels limited the offense in the early innings. The Braves loaded the bases with no outs in the first frame, but scored only one tally on Troy Glaus’ fielder’s choice groundout. All-star second baseman, Martin Prado gave the Braves a 3-2 lead with a solo shot to left field in the seventh. Six Braves relievers combined to throw five scoreless innings after Howard tied the game at 3-3. Atlanta’s Matt Diaz went 3-for-5 and recorded the tie-breaking RBI in the 11th inning. Diaz’s double on a hit-and-run play started Atlanta’s three run barrage of relievers Dave Herndon and Mike Zagurski. Eric Hinske blazed a two run homerun to snap an 0-for-13 slump for the Braves’ slugger and the visitors were on their way to another win at Citizen’s Bank Park. Jesse Chavez earned the win with a scoreless tenth and Billy Wagner saved his 18th game after working a hitless 11th. The Braves lead the major leagues in final at-bat victories. Philadelphia’s slide continues as they dropped their fourth game of their last six. Wednesday is the rubber game of the three game series between the teams. Jamie Moyer goes for his tenth win of the season, where he tries to appear hotter (but definitely not younger) than Atlanta right-hander, Kris Medlen.
Parting Points: The Red Sox are pretty beat up these days…
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Philadelphia Pitching Perfection
The best pitcher in baseball just joined an elite class of twenty players. CY Young winning hurler, Roy Halladay faced the minimum 27 Marlins Saturday as he threw the 20th perfect game in MLB history and second this month. The Doctor delivered in Miami, acing nine innings and striking out 11 batters in the Phillies’ 1-0 victory. Halladay tossed 115 pitches and the Marlins couldn’t touch him. The Philadelphia right-hander improved to 7-3 on the season and added another milestone to his already-stellar career. The Bluejays first round draft pick in 1995 and 13 year league veteran joins Jim Bunning as the only other Phillie to toss a flawless game.
Chris Coghlan nearly worked a leadoff walk in the bottom of the first inning off Halladay, but was called out on strikes. Jorge Cantu went to a 3-1 count before striking out on a foul-tip. Those at-bats were about as close as Florida would come to reaching base at an under-populated Sun Life Stadium on Saturday. Yesterday marked the second time in franchise history the Marlins have been held hitless. The crafty starter for Philadelphia induced eight groundouts and very few swings posed a challenge for the 33 year old and his team. Halladay’s offerings were enough to dispense the Marlins in a little over two hours.
The Phillies’ offense, which was shutout three straight games against the Mets last week, managed to crank out seven hits against Florida pitcher, Josh Johnson. Johnson recorded the loss, despite allowing just one unearned run through seven frames. He threw a career high 121 pitches in defeat and has not allowed an earned run in three starts. The only run of the ballgame came on a Marlins’ error in the top of the third. Cameron Maybin misplayed Chase Utley’s liner to centerfield, and Wilson Valdez scored. Valdez, the Phillies’ shortstop, had two hits, including his sixth double of the season. Valdez also starred in the field. He saved a potential hit in the sixth inning on a Maybin slap between short and third. The speedy Maybin was thrown out by a step to preserve Halladay’s perfect-o. Halladay endured a scare in the next inning, when he fell behind in the count to Hanley Ramirez. Last year’s National League batting champ was up 3-1 in the count before grounding out on a cut fastball.
Ace Halladay lowered his ERA to 1.99 and notched his third shutout of the season. Nothing fazed the unshakable Halladay on Saturday. Florida skipper, Freddy Gonzalez, sent three pinch hitters to the plate in the ninth. Halladay was within an out of pitching a no-hitter for Toronto in 1998 when he faced a pinch hitter, Bobby Higginson. The Detroit slugger clubbed a solo homerun to break up the no-hit bid that year. This year, Halladay held off the opposition from the bench. Mike Lamb lofted a fly ball for the first out in the ninth and Wes Helms was fanned to put the Phillies’ righty within one out from perfection. Ronny Paulino stepped to the dish as the Marlins’ final hope to reach base. Paulino grounded out to end the game and give Halladay a masterpiece to remember. Halladay had no margin for error, but still turned in the best effort of his historical career. This season is the second time since 1880 baseball has witnessed two perfect games in one season.
Parting Points: Best song to kick off any holiday- “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Sorry New York—There is no excuse for a seven run seventh against the Indians.
Chris Coghlan nearly worked a leadoff walk in the bottom of the first inning off Halladay, but was called out on strikes. Jorge Cantu went to a 3-1 count before striking out on a foul-tip. Those at-bats were about as close as Florida would come to reaching base at an under-populated Sun Life Stadium on Saturday. Yesterday marked the second time in franchise history the Marlins have been held hitless. The crafty starter for Philadelphia induced eight groundouts and very few swings posed a challenge for the 33 year old and his team. Halladay’s offerings were enough to dispense the Marlins in a little over two hours.
The Phillies’ offense, which was shutout three straight games against the Mets last week, managed to crank out seven hits against Florida pitcher, Josh Johnson. Johnson recorded the loss, despite allowing just one unearned run through seven frames. He threw a career high 121 pitches in defeat and has not allowed an earned run in three starts. The only run of the ballgame came on a Marlins’ error in the top of the third. Cameron Maybin misplayed Chase Utley’s liner to centerfield, and Wilson Valdez scored. Valdez, the Phillies’ shortstop, had two hits, including his sixth double of the season. Valdez also starred in the field. He saved a potential hit in the sixth inning on a Maybin slap between short and third. The speedy Maybin was thrown out by a step to preserve Halladay’s perfect-o. Halladay endured a scare in the next inning, when he fell behind in the count to Hanley Ramirez. Last year’s National League batting champ was up 3-1 in the count before grounding out on a cut fastball.
Ace Halladay lowered his ERA to 1.99 and notched his third shutout of the season. Nothing fazed the unshakable Halladay on Saturday. Florida skipper, Freddy Gonzalez, sent three pinch hitters to the plate in the ninth. Halladay was within an out of pitching a no-hitter for Toronto in 1998 when he faced a pinch hitter, Bobby Higginson. The Detroit slugger clubbed a solo homerun to break up the no-hit bid that year. This year, Halladay held off the opposition from the bench. Mike Lamb lofted a fly ball for the first out in the ninth and Wes Helms was fanned to put the Phillies’ righty within one out from perfection. Ronny Paulino stepped to the dish as the Marlins’ final hope to reach base. Paulino grounded out to end the game and give Halladay a masterpiece to remember. Halladay had no margin for error, but still turned in the best effort of his historical career. This season is the second time since 1880 baseball has witnessed two perfect games in one season.
Parting Points: Best song to kick off any holiday- “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Sorry New York—There is no excuse for a seven run seventh against the Indians.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Mets' May Momentum
The Metropolitans are the hottest baseball team in New York City. The Mets ended April with a one game lead in the NL East and a 14-9 record. The hottest team in baseball is coming off a 9-1 home stand and shows little sign of cooling as the calendar flips to May. New York buried rival Philadelphia 9-1 Friday night behind a solid start from Jonathon Niese. Niese tossed seven innings to pick up his first victory of the season as the Mets coasted to their eighth straight win. New York faces Phillies’ ace, Roy Halladay, at Citizens Bank Park Saturday. League ERA leader, Mike Pelfrey, will toe the rubber for the Mets as they hope to extend their successful soaring streak. They would love nothing more than to win a series against the arch rivals Phillies to accumulate more victories.
Former Philadelphia backstop, Rod Barajas, drilled a pair of homeruns in the win for New York. Outfielder, Jeff Francoeur, and third baseman David Wright, also went deep. It was the fourth tater of the year for the Mets’ All-star. Wright’s second inning two-run smack was followed by Francoeur’s solo blast two batters later. The Mets’ right fielder also contributed in the field, running down a Raul Ibanez fly ball in the second inning. Francoeur’s right knee took a beating on the play and could be sidelined today. Singles by Juan Castro and Carlos Ruiz produced the only Phillies’ tally. Ruiz knocked Jayson Werth home during the second frame. It was Niese’s only shaky inning of the game but the corner outfielders saved the Phillies from scoring more. Left fielder, Jason Bay’s leaping snatch of a Shane Victorino liner with two outs ended the threat. Niese dominated the Phillies’ powerful lineup the rest of the way. The rookie retired the next 14 batters. He threw just six pitches during the third inning and finished the night with seven strikeouts. Niese stunned the sluggers with an effective cutter and was able to get ahead in the count against the defending NL champs.
Kyle Kendrick endured the loss for the home team. Kendrick allowed four runs on five hits through five poor innings on the mound. Barajas belted Kendrick’s full count offering over the fence in the top of the fifth to give the Mets a 4-1 lead. Francoeur was hit by a pitch and stole a base in the seventh with Cuban reliever, Danys Baez replacing Kendrick. Barajas doubled to centerfield for the RBI and went to third on a wild pitch by Baez. The Philadelphia pitcher yielded four runs in the seventh and exited with his team losing 8-1. Angel Pagan pounded a two-run triple and Jose Reyes singled him in for the fourth tally of the frame. Closer, Brad Lidge, was summoned from the Philadelphia pen in the ninth. Lidge gave up New York’s fourth homerun and the second by their 34 year old catcher. Barajas hit his fifth homer on a 1-1 pitch to lead off the ninth. Pagan added a single in the ninth to complete a three hit, two RBI night for the Mets’ leadoff man. Jenrry Mejia and Manny Acosta tossed back-to-back scoreless innings for the Mets out of the bullpen.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Glycerine” by Bush
Former Philadelphia backstop, Rod Barajas, drilled a pair of homeruns in the win for New York. Outfielder, Jeff Francoeur, and third baseman David Wright, also went deep. It was the fourth tater of the year for the Mets’ All-star. Wright’s second inning two-run smack was followed by Francoeur’s solo blast two batters later. The Mets’ right fielder also contributed in the field, running down a Raul Ibanez fly ball in the second inning. Francoeur’s right knee took a beating on the play and could be sidelined today. Singles by Juan Castro and Carlos Ruiz produced the only Phillies’ tally. Ruiz knocked Jayson Werth home during the second frame. It was Niese’s only shaky inning of the game but the corner outfielders saved the Phillies from scoring more. Left fielder, Jason Bay’s leaping snatch of a Shane Victorino liner with two outs ended the threat. Niese dominated the Phillies’ powerful lineup the rest of the way. The rookie retired the next 14 batters. He threw just six pitches during the third inning and finished the night with seven strikeouts. Niese stunned the sluggers with an effective cutter and was able to get ahead in the count against the defending NL champs.
Kyle Kendrick endured the loss for the home team. Kendrick allowed four runs on five hits through five poor innings on the mound. Barajas belted Kendrick’s full count offering over the fence in the top of the fifth to give the Mets a 4-1 lead. Francoeur was hit by a pitch and stole a base in the seventh with Cuban reliever, Danys Baez replacing Kendrick. Barajas doubled to centerfield for the RBI and went to third on a wild pitch by Baez. The Philadelphia pitcher yielded four runs in the seventh and exited with his team losing 8-1. Angel Pagan pounded a two-run triple and Jose Reyes singled him in for the fourth tally of the frame. Closer, Brad Lidge, was summoned from the Philadelphia pen in the ninth. Lidge gave up New York’s fourth homerun and the second by their 34 year old catcher. Barajas hit his fifth homer on a 1-1 pitch to lead off the ninth. Pagan added a single in the ninth to complete a three hit, two RBI night for the Mets’ leadoff man. Jenrry Mejia and Manny Acosta tossed back-to-back scoreless innings for the Mets out of the bullpen.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Glycerine” by Bush
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Money Matsui
The Yankees and their fans don’t have to wait one more day for what they’ve already waited nine years. There will be no game seven in the 2009 World Series. The New York Yankees are the World Champions of baseball. The Bombers craftily captured their 27th title Wednesday night in the Bronx, taking the Fall Classic four games to two over the NL Phillies. Hideki Matsui was awarded series Most Valuable Player. The switch-hitting designated hitter dug into the batter’s box for his first at-bat of game six in the bottom of the second. He plastered a 3-2 offering from Philadelphia’s Pedro Martinez into the stands for a 2-0 Yankee lead. It was the Tokyo terror’s bat that buried the Phillies early, and the wood that took center stage in an historic night. Hideki knocked a two-run single of Martinez in the bottom of the third and added a double off reliever J.A. Happ in the fifth for a 7-1 Yankee advantage. Matsui tore it up and chased history as he drove in six runs for New York. The Japanese slugger matched Bobby Richardson’s 1960 World Series record for RBIs in one ridiculously devastating performance.
Veteran pinstriped lefty, Andy Pettitte, earned his 18th post-season win in the 7-3 clincher. Pettitte not only pitched on three days’ rest, but he rose to the occasion to anchor a strong pitching staff in every clinching game this post-season. Wednesday, Andy tossed 5 2/3, allowing three runs. Joba Chamberlain and Damaso Marte combined for 1-2-3 innings of scoreless relief, and Marino Rivera closed things out in typical magical Marino style. Number 42 fittingly used 42 pitches to finish of Philadelphia. Old Yankee foe, Martinez suffered the loss for Philadelphia. Save for Matsui, Pedro pitched fairly well through four fighting innings. He permitted four runs on three hits and struck out five batters. The pitching prevailed for New York in the end to make the difference. Marte was lights-out for the Bombers. His electrifying effectiveness blistered the big bats of Philadelphia. Marte fanned Chase Utley with a slingshot strike in the top of the seventh to escape a jam and trotted off the mound to salvage the four run Yankee lead. The lefty flamethrower struck out the only other hitter he faced, Ryan Howard, to lead off the eighth. The Phillies first baseman set a record with 13 World Series strikeouts. He did slug a homerun off the first pitch he saw from Pettitte in the top of the sixth to pull the Phillies within four runs. Otherwise, the conference series MVP was a non-factor, as was hotshot shortstop, Jimmy Rollins, in this Fall Classic.
A capacity crowd in the new Yankee Stadium stood on their feet as Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blared from the speakers in the eighth. The song signaled the future Hall-of-Fame closer to put the clamp on the former champs. Joe Girardi called on Rivera for a five out save, and Mo wasted no time in delivering. Yankee fans had to feel comfortable with their closer in this situation. The song merely meant the beginning of the end. Lights-out Rivera struck out Jayson Werth and induced Pedro Feliz into fouling out to end the frame. Matt Stairs lead off the top of the ninth for Philadelphia as the pinch-hitter. Stairs lined out to Derek Jeter at shortstop. Catcher Carlos Ruiz, a tough out for some reason against New York, drew a walk off Rivera. The championship was never in doubt, however. With a runner on base, Jimmy Rollins flied out to Nick Swisher. Shane Victorino worked Rivera to a full count before grounding out to Robinson Cano to end the game. It was ecstasy in the Bronx all over again as countless enthralled faithful fans partied into the early morning hours.
Matsui’s bat was the real story of game six. He delivered amazing numbers this post-season and was nothing short of spectacular last night. Matsui is a money player, and I really hope New York resigns him for another season. I also hope the Yankees considering resigning Johnny Damon. Damon limped off the field last night and was replaced in the lineup after scoring in the third inning. The outfielder has quietly become one of the more likable Yankees and was very much a part of the winning formula against Philadelphia. Pettitte’s performance was also one to remember. The beautiful and blissful celebration Wednesday wouldn’t have been possible without the southpaw. He continues to stamp his name in the record books with one clutch pitching performance after another. If anyone can be counted on, it’s Andy Pettitte. Jorge Posada, Jeter, Rivera and Pettitte are the fabric of the Yankees. They are the only four remaining heroes from the Joe Torre dynasty years. New Bomber reinforcements have emerged since 2001, but it was these core players who still shined brightest. In game six, New York hurlers did not falter, and the manager deserves a tip of the cap for keeping the team focused. Writers and announcers criticized Girardi’s managerial methods all season. This World Series victory justifies all those questionable moves from spring training until November. Chamberlain exhibited his flame-throwing abilities, and Marte was utterly brilliant. All around, the Yankees looked every bit the champions they were. They beat qualified opponents and racked up wins along the way in proving themselves the top ballclub of 2009. Jeter hit .407 in the World Series and Rodriguez upped the ante, landing a 27 for 80 post-season standing. The only number that really mattered was number 27. It was special to see Posada on the outside of the celebration taking place on the mound. It was as if the passionate Posada was taking it all in, and rightly so. It’s been nine years since the Yankees have tasted this moment. After compiling 103 regular season wins, and 15 playoff victories, the best team in baseball finally won it all.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
Veteran pinstriped lefty, Andy Pettitte, earned his 18th post-season win in the 7-3 clincher. Pettitte not only pitched on three days’ rest, but he rose to the occasion to anchor a strong pitching staff in every clinching game this post-season. Wednesday, Andy tossed 5 2/3, allowing three runs. Joba Chamberlain and Damaso Marte combined for 1-2-3 innings of scoreless relief, and Marino Rivera closed things out in typical magical Marino style. Number 42 fittingly used 42 pitches to finish of Philadelphia. Old Yankee foe, Martinez suffered the loss for Philadelphia. Save for Matsui, Pedro pitched fairly well through four fighting innings. He permitted four runs on three hits and struck out five batters. The pitching prevailed for New York in the end to make the difference. Marte was lights-out for the Bombers. His electrifying effectiveness blistered the big bats of Philadelphia. Marte fanned Chase Utley with a slingshot strike in the top of the seventh to escape a jam and trotted off the mound to salvage the four run Yankee lead. The lefty flamethrower struck out the only other hitter he faced, Ryan Howard, to lead off the eighth. The Phillies first baseman set a record with 13 World Series strikeouts. He did slug a homerun off the first pitch he saw from Pettitte in the top of the sixth to pull the Phillies within four runs. Otherwise, the conference series MVP was a non-factor, as was hotshot shortstop, Jimmy Rollins, in this Fall Classic.
A capacity crowd in the new Yankee Stadium stood on their feet as Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blared from the speakers in the eighth. The song signaled the future Hall-of-Fame closer to put the clamp on the former champs. Joe Girardi called on Rivera for a five out save, and Mo wasted no time in delivering. Yankee fans had to feel comfortable with their closer in this situation. The song merely meant the beginning of the end. Lights-out Rivera struck out Jayson Werth and induced Pedro Feliz into fouling out to end the frame. Matt Stairs lead off the top of the ninth for Philadelphia as the pinch-hitter. Stairs lined out to Derek Jeter at shortstop. Catcher Carlos Ruiz, a tough out for some reason against New York, drew a walk off Rivera. The championship was never in doubt, however. With a runner on base, Jimmy Rollins flied out to Nick Swisher. Shane Victorino worked Rivera to a full count before grounding out to Robinson Cano to end the game. It was ecstasy in the Bronx all over again as countless enthralled faithful fans partied into the early morning hours.
Matsui’s bat was the real story of game six. He delivered amazing numbers this post-season and was nothing short of spectacular last night. Matsui is a money player, and I really hope New York resigns him for another season. I also hope the Yankees considering resigning Johnny Damon. Damon limped off the field last night and was replaced in the lineup after scoring in the third inning. The outfielder has quietly become one of the more likable Yankees and was very much a part of the winning formula against Philadelphia. Pettitte’s performance was also one to remember. The beautiful and blissful celebration Wednesday wouldn’t have been possible without the southpaw. He continues to stamp his name in the record books with one clutch pitching performance after another. If anyone can be counted on, it’s Andy Pettitte. Jorge Posada, Jeter, Rivera and Pettitte are the fabric of the Yankees. They are the only four remaining heroes from the Joe Torre dynasty years. New Bomber reinforcements have emerged since 2001, but it was these core players who still shined brightest. In game six, New York hurlers did not falter, and the manager deserves a tip of the cap for keeping the team focused. Writers and announcers criticized Girardi’s managerial methods all season. This World Series victory justifies all those questionable moves from spring training until November. Chamberlain exhibited his flame-throwing abilities, and Marte was utterly brilliant. All around, the Yankees looked every bit the champions they were. They beat qualified opponents and racked up wins along the way in proving themselves the top ballclub of 2009. Jeter hit .407 in the World Series and Rodriguez upped the ante, landing a 27 for 80 post-season standing. The only number that really mattered was number 27. It was special to see Posada on the outside of the celebration taking place on the mound. It was as if the passionate Posada was taking it all in, and rightly so. It’s been nine years since the Yankees have tasted this moment. After compiling 103 regular season wins, and 15 playoff victories, the best team in baseball finally won it all.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
Monday, November 2, 2009
Dashing Damon’s Daring Decision
Closer Brad Lidge melted like a cheese stake and the Yankee bats delivered a delicious rally in the top of the ninth to take a 3-1 lead in the World Series. Johnny Damon singled and swiped two bases before scoring the go-ahead run in New York’s last trip to the dish. Damon darted to second on Lidge’s first pitch to Mark Teixeira, sliding in safely in front of third baseman, Pedro Feliz’s tag. Feliz was covering second because the Phillies employed the shift with Teixeira at the plate. Damon instinctively pulled off the double steal when he realized third base was unoccupied. Lidge, the only post-season closer who hadn’t allowed a run before last night, plunked Teixeira to put two on with Alex Rodriguez on deck. Rodriguez smacked a double to left field to drive in Damon. Jorge Posada completed Lidge’s collapse by recording his third RBI. In doing so, the backstop gave New York a 7-4 heading into the bottom of the frame. Mariano Rivera took care of business from there. Rivera, in his record 23rd World Series appearance for pitchers, quickly got three outs for his 11th Fall Classic save. The Yankees are now 27 outs from the 27th World Championship in franchise history.
Damon’s at-bat was a memorable one before his even more remarkable base running in the ninth. He out-battled Lidge with two strikes by fouling off sliders to keep the bat alive. The nine-pitch at-bat went to a full count before Damon tagged a 94 mph offering. His heads-up play on the bases was a pivotal moment for New York. Throughout the game, the Yankees seized control and never surrendered the lead. The smugness stood until the final out. Damon hammered a fastball, Teixeira was drilled by a pitch, and Arod nailed one to the outfield for the winner. The Phillies sawed away at New York’s lead by bruising Sabathia, but were unable to ever outscore the Bombers. Damon’s risk resulted in reward. He does possess decent speed, but with two outs, the Yankees had no room for error. Damon knew this, and still chose to plunge forward. His teammates in pinstripes can’t be disappointed in that success. What they can complain about is the lousy officiating. Another poor call was made by an umpire this post-season when MVP Ryan Howard was ruled safe sliding into home. Replays revealed Howard never touched the plate and was tagged out. The Phillies showed resolve by battling back from a two-run deficit. The difference last night was the situational hitting. Philadelphia pitcher, Joe Blanton, turned in a gallant effort. He allowed five hits and four runs. The Yankees were able to hit, and didn’t equivocate in getting runners home. The Phillies came up empty in clutch hitting. New York’s hefty hurler had plenty to do with setting down the meat of Philadelphia’s order.
C.C. Sabathia started for New York, on three days’ rest. The left-handed ace went 6 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits. He gave up three runs, including a bases empty homerun by Chase Utley in the seventh. It was the second baseman’s third tater off the southpaw in the series. Utley and third baseman, Pedro Feliz, were the only Philadelphia hitters to register RBIs. Feliz rocked reliever Joba Chamerlain with a two-out solo shot to tie the game in the eighth. The Phillies slugger tied the score at two in the fourth inning when he singled off Sabathia. The Bombers responded with a vibrant fifth inning that time. Derek Jeter provided the go-ahead tally. Damon added to the corroboration the Yankees are a relentless bunch with a single to right field that gave the Yankees a two run cushion.
Rodriguez was smoldering from an earlier at bat in which he was hit by a pitch. ARod got the best kind or revenge by besting Lidge in the ninth. His grotesque World Series numbers don’t mean much because the All-Star third baseman has come through in the clutch. Damon’s aggressive and assertive base-running coupled with Rodriguez and Posada’s sizzling sticks were the difference for New York last night. Philly relievers did their part in minimizing Bomber runs by throwing two scoreless innings. But it was Lidge who couldn’t nail down the final out that would have sent the game into extra innings. One thing is certain in this World Series. Lidge can be beaten. Damon sliced the ninth pitch of Lidge’s sequence into left field. Arod and Posada knocked in runs with hard hits. Unlike last season, the Philly closer is vulnerable in his second consecutive Fall Classic. Another outlandish statistic- All seven Yankee runs came off the bats of their first five hitters. The bottom of the Bomber order did very little against Philadelphia pitching in game four. Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano represented the two hits from the six through nine batters. But now is not the time to nitpick. The Yankees are the ones with the advantage, even though they will face Cliff Lee tonight in game five. New York has a two game lead. It’s the Phillies with their backs against the Citizen Bank Park wall. Tonight in Philadelphia, it will be baseball at its best and most intense.
Parting Points: Pathetic performances from both New York football teams yesterday. Both teams have major, but correctable, problems. The Giants do get a pass because they have a beat-up and injured secondary. They are not great in coverage and teams are throwing all over them. I was pleased with Ted Ginn, Jr’s historical day. Hey, it’s hard to stop rooting for any former Buckeye once they reach pros.
Song of the day- “Shiny Happy People” by REM
Damon’s at-bat was a memorable one before his even more remarkable base running in the ninth. He out-battled Lidge with two strikes by fouling off sliders to keep the bat alive. The nine-pitch at-bat went to a full count before Damon tagged a 94 mph offering. His heads-up play on the bases was a pivotal moment for New York. Throughout the game, the Yankees seized control and never surrendered the lead. The smugness stood until the final out. Damon hammered a fastball, Teixeira was drilled by a pitch, and Arod nailed one to the outfield for the winner. The Phillies sawed away at New York’s lead by bruising Sabathia, but were unable to ever outscore the Bombers. Damon’s risk resulted in reward. He does possess decent speed, but with two outs, the Yankees had no room for error. Damon knew this, and still chose to plunge forward. His teammates in pinstripes can’t be disappointed in that success. What they can complain about is the lousy officiating. Another poor call was made by an umpire this post-season when MVP Ryan Howard was ruled safe sliding into home. Replays revealed Howard never touched the plate and was tagged out. The Phillies showed resolve by battling back from a two-run deficit. The difference last night was the situational hitting. Philadelphia pitcher, Joe Blanton, turned in a gallant effort. He allowed five hits and four runs. The Yankees were able to hit, and didn’t equivocate in getting runners home. The Phillies came up empty in clutch hitting. New York’s hefty hurler had plenty to do with setting down the meat of Philadelphia’s order.
C.C. Sabathia started for New York, on three days’ rest. The left-handed ace went 6 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits. He gave up three runs, including a bases empty homerun by Chase Utley in the seventh. It was the second baseman’s third tater off the southpaw in the series. Utley and third baseman, Pedro Feliz, were the only Philadelphia hitters to register RBIs. Feliz rocked reliever Joba Chamerlain with a two-out solo shot to tie the game in the eighth. The Phillies slugger tied the score at two in the fourth inning when he singled off Sabathia. The Bombers responded with a vibrant fifth inning that time. Derek Jeter provided the go-ahead tally. Damon added to the corroboration the Yankees are a relentless bunch with a single to right field that gave the Yankees a two run cushion.
Rodriguez was smoldering from an earlier at bat in which he was hit by a pitch. ARod got the best kind or revenge by besting Lidge in the ninth. His grotesque World Series numbers don’t mean much because the All-Star third baseman has come through in the clutch. Damon’s aggressive and assertive base-running coupled with Rodriguez and Posada’s sizzling sticks were the difference for New York last night. Philly relievers did their part in minimizing Bomber runs by throwing two scoreless innings. But it was Lidge who couldn’t nail down the final out that would have sent the game into extra innings. One thing is certain in this World Series. Lidge can be beaten. Damon sliced the ninth pitch of Lidge’s sequence into left field. Arod and Posada knocked in runs with hard hits. Unlike last season, the Philly closer is vulnerable in his second consecutive Fall Classic. Another outlandish statistic- All seven Yankee runs came off the bats of their first five hitters. The bottom of the Bomber order did very little against Philadelphia pitching in game four. Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano represented the two hits from the six through nine batters. But now is not the time to nitpick. The Yankees are the ones with the advantage, even though they will face Cliff Lee tonight in game five. New York has a two game lead. It’s the Phillies with their backs against the Citizen Bank Park wall. Tonight in Philadelphia, it will be baseball at its best and most intense.
Parting Points: Pathetic performances from both New York football teams yesterday. Both teams have major, but correctable, problems. The Giants do get a pass because they have a beat-up and injured secondary. They are not great in coverage and teams are throwing all over them. I was pleased with Ted Ginn, Jr’s historical day. Hey, it’s hard to stop rooting for any former Buckeye once they reach pros.
Song of the day- “Shiny Happy People” by REM
Friday, October 30, 2009
Big Bats Bow to Brilliant Burnett
Massive lineups and immense hitters took a backseat to prodigious pitching for the second straight World Series contest. Pedro Martinez and A.J. Burnett intertwined intensity with biting curveballs and accuracy to match marvelous mechanics in game two. The Yankees pulled out a 3-1 victory in yet another come-from-behind Bomber celebration. The arbitrary ace A.J. authored an awesome answer to the Yankees’ game one loss. He pitched well enough to spoil the show and steal the stadium spotlight from Pedro. Martinez threw heat in the upper 80’s and held New York without a run through three innings. The sarcastically sullen starter for Philadelphia darted changeups past the meat of the Yankee lineup, fooling them with 70mph breakers. The 38 year old allowed three runs and scattered six hits, while fanning eight Yankees. Philadelphia skipper, Charlie Manuel, sent Pedro out to the mound in the seventh inning. The Yankees scored an insurance run off Chan Ho Park in relief during the frame. Martinez allowed a pair of singles to lead off the seventh before being pulled by Manuel. Bomber backstop, Jorge Posada, stepped to the plate in a pinch-hitting role and promptly delivered an RBI single to centerfield off Park. It was only a small lead, but enough for All-star closer, Mariano Rivera, to seal the deal for the home team. Rivera worked two innings for his first save of the series. He earned his save this time. Mariano worked out of an eighth inning jam with two Phillies on base. Rivera induced Chase Utley into a double play grounder to Robinson Cano. The double play bill preserved the two run New York lead. In the ninth, Rivera struck out Ryan Howard to complete the MVP first baseman’s “golden sombrero” night of four strikeouts. The closer got Jayson Werth out on an infield linedrive before issuing a double to the relentless Raul Ibanez. Resilient Rivera ended game two by striking out light-hitting, Matt Stairs.
Burnett was brilliant in recorded his first win this post-season. The Phillies provided the Yankees with a practical lead to overcome, and Burnett was solid until his offense came through. Both lineups drove up the pitch counts against the scheduled starters and worked deep into their at-bats. The usually wild Burnett walked just two batters in outlasting his opponent on the hill. Burnett struck out Ibanez and Stairs, both looking, in the top of the seventh. Third baseman, Pedro Feliz, hit a roller to Derek Jeter to conclude Burnett’s effort and the Philadelphia seventh. Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui belted solo homeruns off Martinez. Teixeira’s fourth inning smack tied the game at one. DH Matsui provided two hits to lead all New York sluggers. Matsui always embraces his role as an abrasive clutch hitter. When the Japanese megastar is in his element, the Yankees usually win games.
The series is notched once again. The bullpens for both clubs will be critical in determining the series. It’s important to protect the leads. Andy Pettitte and Cole Hamels meet in Philadelphia for a game three Halloween thriller. Be there, or be scare!
Parting points: Kudos to Jose Molina for throwing out a baserunner at first last night. That pick would have never happened if Jorge Posada was behind the plate. Defense wins games in these close playoff contests. Without question, Molina is better defensively at the catcher position. But the Yankees do need Posada’s bat in the lineup. It should be interesting to see how the lineup is shaped for the NL park in the next three games.
Burnett was brilliant in recorded his first win this post-season. The Phillies provided the Yankees with a practical lead to overcome, and Burnett was solid until his offense came through. Both lineups drove up the pitch counts against the scheduled starters and worked deep into their at-bats. The usually wild Burnett walked just two batters in outlasting his opponent on the hill. Burnett struck out Ibanez and Stairs, both looking, in the top of the seventh. Third baseman, Pedro Feliz, hit a roller to Derek Jeter to conclude Burnett’s effort and the Philadelphia seventh. Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui belted solo homeruns off Martinez. Teixeira’s fourth inning smack tied the game at one. DH Matsui provided two hits to lead all New York sluggers. Matsui always embraces his role as an abrasive clutch hitter. When the Japanese megastar is in his element, the Yankees usually win games.
The series is notched once again. The bullpens for both clubs will be critical in determining the series. It’s important to protect the leads. Andy Pettitte and Cole Hamels meet in Philadelphia for a game three Halloween thriller. Be there, or be scare!
Parting points: Kudos to Jose Molina for throwing out a baserunner at first last night. That pick would have never happened if Jorge Posada was behind the plate. Defense wins games in these close playoff contests. Without question, Molina is better defensively at the catcher position. But the Yankees do need Posada’s bat in the lineup. It should be interesting to see how the lineup is shaped for the NL park in the next three games.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Mound Masterpeice
The city of brotherly love sent their finest arm to stump and shut down the Bronx Bombers Wednesday night. Desperate for runs to match the Phillies’ six in the bottom of the ninth, the Yankees scored once to avoid the shutout. Cliff Lee outdueled his former Cleveland teammate, C.C.Sabathia, in game one of the World Series in New York. The left-handed Lee pitched about as well as you could ask a game one starter last night in a brisk, damp Yankee Stadium. He was nonchalant and exhibited a calm demeanor in his fourth superb post-season start for Philly. His ridiculous 0.54 ERA over 33 1/3 playoff innings is more phenomenal than the Philly Fanatic himself. Sabathia’s has pitched nearly as well, posting a 1.54 ERA with a 3-1 record. Southpaw Sabathia struck out twenty batters over his 222 innings in the post-season. Philadelphia’s Chase Utley hit a pair of homeruns to give the defending champions a 1-0 series lead. The Phillies skated out in front on the second baseman’s first blast, a third inning, full-count blast off Sabathia. The game remained that way until the top of the sixth. Utley connected again for his second RBI and a 2-0 Phillies advantage. Sabathia tossed seven innings and allowed just those two earned runs, but still took the loss for the Yankees in the 6-1 final.
The Bombers pounded out five hits against Lee. The 2008 CY Young hurler smoked the New York lineup, striking out ten batters in a complete game effort. Lee fanned three of the first four Yankees he faced in one of the most brilliant World Series performances I can remember. C.C. was pretty gnarly in his first two frames too. The big lefty escaped a first inning bases-loaded jam, and settled down to retire the Phillies in order in the second. Sabathia recorded six strikeouts of his own and his command improved as the game went on. Joe Girardi replaced his starter in the seventh with reliever, Phil Hughes. Hughes walked leadoff man, shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Rollins promptly stole second and Shane Victorino drew Hughes’ second pass of the inning. That was enough for Girardi, who summoned Damaso Marte from the Yankees’ bullpen. The ten year veteran struck out Utley and forced slugger Ryan Howard into a fly out. Marte was pulled perhaps too early by Girardi because he was pitching well. Dave Robertson came in to record the final out. He walked Jayson Werth on four pitches to load the bases. Raul Ibanez smacked a single to right field to drive in two tallies. The Yankees could muster little on offense. The Bombers sent the minimum six to the plate in the seventh and eighth inning. Lee’s dominance resulted in Alex Rodriguez going hitless and striking out three times. That matched ARod’s entire strikeout total in the championship series. Derek Jeter slugged a double and a pair of singles in the Yankees’ 40th World Series appearance. Lee needed only a few runs in support because the Yankees couldn’t grind out any base hits nor draw walks. Lee threw 122 pitches and didn’t allow a single walk.
Three runs were scored in the ninth inning, two by the visiting team. With Brian Bruney on the mound, Victorino singled Carlos Ruiz in for a Philadelphia run. The Phillies padded the lead off Yankee reliever, Phil Coke. Utley flied out to center to advance the runner to third. Rollins, the third base runner, scored on Howard’s double. Down six runs, the Yankees had one final chance to cap a crazy comeback. Jeter led off the ninth with a single up the middle. Damon added a base hit to put two runners on with no outs. Mark Teixeira grounded into a fielder’s choice to put runners at the corners for Rodriguez. Jeter scored on a Rollins’ error to give the Bombers their only run. Rodriguez and Jorge Posada were sent packing, victims of Lee’s ninth and tenth strikeouts. Game one done. Phillies win. Now the Yankees must navigate another way to win this series. It is the first time they have trailed in the post-season. The Bombers need to unload on Pedro Martinez tonight. The Yankees can’t look as off-balanced with the bats as Lee made them look last night. The 31 year old Lee pitched a complete game in the Fall Classic and wrapped up an important win while humbling the AL pennant winners. The Yankees had no answer for Lee’s moxie. They should fare better against Martinez. A.J. Burnett appeared with the Florida in the World Series when the Marlins stunned New York. Tonight Burnett returns to the series, this time wearing pinstripes and with his team down a game. Burnett has to do his best Philly-slayer impersonation as he shoots for his first post-season victory. Jose Molina will replace Burnett behind the plate and Jerry Hairston, Jr. will fill in for the benched Nick Swisher in right field. Whatever formula Girardi mixed up for game two has to be close to as masterful as Lee’s mound magic.
Parting Points: I am pleased to see in print: Kansas basketball the preseason number one team.
The Bombers pounded out five hits against Lee. The 2008 CY Young hurler smoked the New York lineup, striking out ten batters in a complete game effort. Lee fanned three of the first four Yankees he faced in one of the most brilliant World Series performances I can remember. C.C. was pretty gnarly in his first two frames too. The big lefty escaped a first inning bases-loaded jam, and settled down to retire the Phillies in order in the second. Sabathia recorded six strikeouts of his own and his command improved as the game went on. Joe Girardi replaced his starter in the seventh with reliever, Phil Hughes. Hughes walked leadoff man, shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Rollins promptly stole second and Shane Victorino drew Hughes’ second pass of the inning. That was enough for Girardi, who summoned Damaso Marte from the Yankees’ bullpen. The ten year veteran struck out Utley and forced slugger Ryan Howard into a fly out. Marte was pulled perhaps too early by Girardi because he was pitching well. Dave Robertson came in to record the final out. He walked Jayson Werth on four pitches to load the bases. Raul Ibanez smacked a single to right field to drive in two tallies. The Yankees could muster little on offense. The Bombers sent the minimum six to the plate in the seventh and eighth inning. Lee’s dominance resulted in Alex Rodriguez going hitless and striking out three times. That matched ARod’s entire strikeout total in the championship series. Derek Jeter slugged a double and a pair of singles in the Yankees’ 40th World Series appearance. Lee needed only a few runs in support because the Yankees couldn’t grind out any base hits nor draw walks. Lee threw 122 pitches and didn’t allow a single walk.
Three runs were scored in the ninth inning, two by the visiting team. With Brian Bruney on the mound, Victorino singled Carlos Ruiz in for a Philadelphia run. The Phillies padded the lead off Yankee reliever, Phil Coke. Utley flied out to center to advance the runner to third. Rollins, the third base runner, scored on Howard’s double. Down six runs, the Yankees had one final chance to cap a crazy comeback. Jeter led off the ninth with a single up the middle. Damon added a base hit to put two runners on with no outs. Mark Teixeira grounded into a fielder’s choice to put runners at the corners for Rodriguez. Jeter scored on a Rollins’ error to give the Bombers their only run. Rodriguez and Jorge Posada were sent packing, victims of Lee’s ninth and tenth strikeouts. Game one done. Phillies win. Now the Yankees must navigate another way to win this series. It is the first time they have trailed in the post-season. The Bombers need to unload on Pedro Martinez tonight. The Yankees can’t look as off-balanced with the bats as Lee made them look last night. The 31 year old Lee pitched a complete game in the Fall Classic and wrapped up an important win while humbling the AL pennant winners. The Yankees had no answer for Lee’s moxie. They should fare better against Martinez. A.J. Burnett appeared with the Florida in the World Series when the Marlins stunned New York. Tonight Burnett returns to the series, this time wearing pinstripes and with his team down a game. Burnett has to do his best Philly-slayer impersonation as he shoots for his first post-season victory. Jose Molina will replace Burnett behind the plate and Jerry Hairston, Jr. will fill in for the benched Nick Swisher in right field. Whatever formula Girardi mixed up for game two has to be close to as masterful as Lee’s mound magic.
Parting Points: I am pleased to see in print: Kansas basketball the preseason number one team.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Slick Series Starting Showdown
The Phillies can hammer the ball. Yes, well the Yankees pack a pretty definable punch too. The Phillies have Ryan Howard. Okay, the Yankees have Alex Rodriguez. Cliff Lee is an ace for Philadelphia. So, the Yankees will throw C.C. Sabathia as their stopper. Philadelphia is the defending champion. This, pales in comparison to New York’s 26 titles. The Phillies don’t know how to lose. The Yankees practically made their name by not losing ballgames. Charlie Manuel is a better manager. Sure, but the Bombers have Mariano Rivera. Whatever the reason may be why each team will win the World Series, the baseball universe will begin to find out tonight. Both clubs deserve to be commended for spectacular seasons on the diamond. The series is being dubbed as one for the ages, a true Fall Classic. The proximity of the fan bases only adds to the drama and excitement. Without further ado, let’s play ball!
The series starts in Yankee Stadium, the Bronx bandbox and home of the longest balls in the American League this year. Citizens Bank Park will host games three through five. Both parks are homer-happy and both lineups can certainly sock the ball the distance. The stacked lineups will guarantee run production. It should be one explosive series, even with the quality of pitching and defense on both sides. Tonight pits two CY Young winners against two very devastating and damaging lineups. The Yankees are calling up Eric Hinske and Brian Bruney for the World Series roster. Tonight’s scheduled aces may not be able to prevent a few dingers from leaving the yard. The challenge for the hurlers will be limiting the homeruns to solo shots. Both teams boast veteran lineups, with players who have already won World Series rings. The playoff tested clubs each played nine games to reach the big dance. Tonight they start their quest for baseball dominance. Raincoats and slickers on hand, game one should be a downpour of exhilaration.
The Phillies took two of three games against New York during the regular season. The series was played in the Bronx and included the longest homerun in Yankee Stadium, a 477 foot moon shot by Raul Ibanez. The defending champs are strikingly strong against right-handed pitchers. The Bombers’ southpaw pitchers should be able to frustrate the Phillies. The team slugged a franchise record 224 homeruns in 2009. The first four hitters are all capable of winning ballgames with one swing. When Philadelphia gets runners on base, the team is deadly at the plate. The Phillies are more than capable of rallying and enduring long innings. It’s vital for the Yankee starters to get ahead in the count and induce outs. New York is a very patient at the plate and also has pop. The Yankees have the edge against lefties and tend to wear down pitchers by being selective. New York sends men to the dish who do not chase pitches out of the strike zone. Manuel’s staff must choose their pitches wisely and throw with caution to the big Bomber bats. Rodriguez commands attention with his incredible plate coverage. Pedro Martinez and Lee are both number one starters, but the Yankees have had success against the former Red Sox/Met and Indian in the past. Because New York has experience against both flamethrowers, they will be aided by past encounters. A.J. Burnett is a top-flight pitcher in his own right. Burnett has credible numbers in big games, but any Yankee fan will admit they hesitate to trust the righty slated for game two. Philadelphia relishes the role of underdogs. Their outfield defense is fleet of foot and can run down balls with precision. The key to game two for New York is not allowing the Phillies to get to Burnett, and posting runs to give the hurler a chance to win. Incorporating base hits and getting the offense involved early is the element New York will focus on accomplishing. Home field advantage becomes exactly that, an advantage, for New York in game two. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. It’s more enjoyable to soak in the first game. The Yankees haven’t reached the Fall Classic since 2003. They lost that series to the Florida Marlins. The Bombers went out and spent $400 plus million to better the club in 2009. The spending spree landed a trio of tantalizing talent in Mark Teixeira, Sabathia and Burnett. This roster belongs in the World Series. As a Yankee fan, I couldn’t be more delighted to see the Yankees back with a chance to win it all. This time, number 27 will become a reality.
Parting Points: Video download of the day-“Like A Prayer” by Madonna
I wasn’t too thrilled the Rockets lost their season opening game to Portland last night. I’m hoping this is really the year Houston takes command of the west.
The series starts in Yankee Stadium, the Bronx bandbox and home of the longest balls in the American League this year. Citizens Bank Park will host games three through five. Both parks are homer-happy and both lineups can certainly sock the ball the distance. The stacked lineups will guarantee run production. It should be one explosive series, even with the quality of pitching and defense on both sides. Tonight pits two CY Young winners against two very devastating and damaging lineups. The Yankees are calling up Eric Hinske and Brian Bruney for the World Series roster. Tonight’s scheduled aces may not be able to prevent a few dingers from leaving the yard. The challenge for the hurlers will be limiting the homeruns to solo shots. Both teams boast veteran lineups, with players who have already won World Series rings. The playoff tested clubs each played nine games to reach the big dance. Tonight they start their quest for baseball dominance. Raincoats and slickers on hand, game one should be a downpour of exhilaration.
The Phillies took two of three games against New York during the regular season. The series was played in the Bronx and included the longest homerun in Yankee Stadium, a 477 foot moon shot by Raul Ibanez. The defending champs are strikingly strong against right-handed pitchers. The Bombers’ southpaw pitchers should be able to frustrate the Phillies. The team slugged a franchise record 224 homeruns in 2009. The first four hitters are all capable of winning ballgames with one swing. When Philadelphia gets runners on base, the team is deadly at the plate. The Phillies are more than capable of rallying and enduring long innings. It’s vital for the Yankee starters to get ahead in the count and induce outs. New York is a very patient at the plate and also has pop. The Yankees have the edge against lefties and tend to wear down pitchers by being selective. New York sends men to the dish who do not chase pitches out of the strike zone. Manuel’s staff must choose their pitches wisely and throw with caution to the big Bomber bats. Rodriguez commands attention with his incredible plate coverage. Pedro Martinez and Lee are both number one starters, but the Yankees have had success against the former Red Sox/Met and Indian in the past. Because New York has experience against both flamethrowers, they will be aided by past encounters. A.J. Burnett is a top-flight pitcher in his own right. Burnett has credible numbers in big games, but any Yankee fan will admit they hesitate to trust the righty slated for game two. Philadelphia relishes the role of underdogs. Their outfield defense is fleet of foot and can run down balls with precision. The key to game two for New York is not allowing the Phillies to get to Burnett, and posting runs to give the hurler a chance to win. Incorporating base hits and getting the offense involved early is the element New York will focus on accomplishing. Home field advantage becomes exactly that, an advantage, for New York in game two. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. It’s more enjoyable to soak in the first game. The Yankees haven’t reached the Fall Classic since 2003. They lost that series to the Florida Marlins. The Bombers went out and spent $400 plus million to better the club in 2009. The spending spree landed a trio of tantalizing talent in Mark Teixeira, Sabathia and Burnett. This roster belongs in the World Series. As a Yankee fan, I couldn’t be more delighted to see the Yankees back with a chance to win it all. This time, number 27 will become a reality.
Parting Points: Video download of the day-“Like A Prayer” by Madonna
I wasn’t too thrilled the Rockets lost their season opening game to Portland last night. I’m hoping this is really the year Houston takes command of the west.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Thursday Take-Twos
The Philadelphia Phillies made it look simple when they got the job done against the desperate Dodgers Wednesday night. Los Angeles failed to push the overpowering Phillies to the brink, losing to the defending World Series champions in five games for the second straight season. The Phillies will return to the ultimate baseball stage beginning next week as the repeat NL representatives. The Dodgers couldn’t wrestle out a win to bring the series back home during the historic homerun haven of Citizen’s Bank Park. The Dodgers dropped the deciding contest 10-4 on three long balls by Andre Ethier, James Loney and Orlando Hudson. The trio of solo shots was rendered meaningless by the seven runs Philadelphia plated on four homeruns. Former Dodger, Jayson Werth, went deep twice for the Phillies, and Ryan Howard was awarded series MVP. Los Angeles starter, Vicente Padilla, a late season pickup, ran out of steam Wednesday against Charlie Manuel’s club. Padilla was charged with six runs in three frames before reliever Ramon Troncoso sent the game spiraling out of Dodger control. The distinct differentiation between the dreary Dodgers and the dashing Phillies was the pitching and clutch hitting. The Dodgers were victimized on the mound by Philadelphia hitting throughout the five games. Starters served up towering homeruns and the L.A. bats never really showed up. When it came to crunch time, all the boys from L.A. did was crouch. This won’t be the year Dodger skipper, Joe Torre, gets a crack at another World Series.
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels meet for game five in the Bronx tonight. The Bombers are hoping to bring home an AL pennant and chance to play Philadelphia in the Fall Classic. First, the Yankees must get a decent, quality start from their ace, A.J. Burnett. John Lackey opposes Burnett on the hill as the Halos try to find themselves in time to save their superb season. Lackey looks to extend the series on the road and overcome nearly insurmountable odds this post-season. Only 11 of 69 teams in history have come from a 3-1 deficient to win a seven-game series. The Angels have had a lousy time with the Yankees in New York during this series so far. Los Angeles has held the lead three of the 42 innings against the Bombers and stole just two bases in the ALCS. A team known for getting ahead and getting runners on hasn’t lived up to that status. The situational hitting has been specifically scarce, but credit goes to the Yankee starters for much of the slugging and stealing struggles. The players have a sense of urgency to gain a hint of momentum and a mental edge. It will be awfully difficult in a place like Yankee Stadium to recover from this hole.
There are several stories about the Ohio State quarterback, Terrelle Pryor. One of the most enchanting prospects coming out of high school, Pryor was a sought-after and highly touted recruit. The sophomore is under scrutiny for his recent play, especially in last week’s loss to Purdue. After being called out by one of his friends and teammates, Pryor received advice from superstar NBA figurehead, LeBron James. Pryor is a tremendous talent but his high school coach does not believe the Ohio State coaches are utilizing him properly. LeBron is offering counsel to his comrade from Ohio about how to handle the spotlight. The Cavalier was in Columbus for preseason basketball Wednesday night, along with new teammate, Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq and Cleveland fell to the Boston Celtics, but O’Neal was there to pump and pep up Pryor. The tall man told Terrelle to keep his head up and try to get the Buckeyes back on track. Pryor looked pathetic against Purdue in moving the ball last Saturday. Some believe Jim Tressel is restricting his prized quarterback too much. Others argue Pryor is capable of running a pro-style offense but has play with the team he is given. The current Buckeye offense does not fit his abilities, and Pryor is taking a brutal beating for a bad game. As a Buckeye fan, I don’t know what to think. I think Tressel should take most of the blame for how he operates his offense. Pryor is a well-spoken kid with a chip on his shoulder. The prized pupil was pummeled last week but he has brightened up the Horseshoe in most of his other starts as signal-caller. As a fresh-faced freshman passer, Pryor made OSU fans pretty proud. He is still young enough to improve and learn from his mistakes, but the team around him must also vow to invest in some fine-football tuning. It all starts with a strong core. Without that, Pryor can’t expect to become the true leader of the Big 10’s beloved Buckeyes.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “The Way” by Fastball
Read of the day- “Hank Aaron and the homerun that changed America: by Tom Stanton
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels meet for game five in the Bronx tonight. The Bombers are hoping to bring home an AL pennant and chance to play Philadelphia in the Fall Classic. First, the Yankees must get a decent, quality start from their ace, A.J. Burnett. John Lackey opposes Burnett on the hill as the Halos try to find themselves in time to save their superb season. Lackey looks to extend the series on the road and overcome nearly insurmountable odds this post-season. Only 11 of 69 teams in history have come from a 3-1 deficient to win a seven-game series. The Angels have had a lousy time with the Yankees in New York during this series so far. Los Angeles has held the lead three of the 42 innings against the Bombers and stole just two bases in the ALCS. A team known for getting ahead and getting runners on hasn’t lived up to that status. The situational hitting has been specifically scarce, but credit goes to the Yankee starters for much of the slugging and stealing struggles. The players have a sense of urgency to gain a hint of momentum and a mental edge. It will be awfully difficult in a place like Yankee Stadium to recover from this hole.
There are several stories about the Ohio State quarterback, Terrelle Pryor. One of the most enchanting prospects coming out of high school, Pryor was a sought-after and highly touted recruit. The sophomore is under scrutiny for his recent play, especially in last week’s loss to Purdue. After being called out by one of his friends and teammates, Pryor received advice from superstar NBA figurehead, LeBron James. Pryor is a tremendous talent but his high school coach does not believe the Ohio State coaches are utilizing him properly. LeBron is offering counsel to his comrade from Ohio about how to handle the spotlight. The Cavalier was in Columbus for preseason basketball Wednesday night, along with new teammate, Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq and Cleveland fell to the Boston Celtics, but O’Neal was there to pump and pep up Pryor. The tall man told Terrelle to keep his head up and try to get the Buckeyes back on track. Pryor looked pathetic against Purdue in moving the ball last Saturday. Some believe Jim Tressel is restricting his prized quarterback too much. Others argue Pryor is capable of running a pro-style offense but has play with the team he is given. The current Buckeye offense does not fit his abilities, and Pryor is taking a brutal beating for a bad game. As a Buckeye fan, I don’t know what to think. I think Tressel should take most of the blame for how he operates his offense. Pryor is a well-spoken kid with a chip on his shoulder. The prized pupil was pummeled last week but he has brightened up the Horseshoe in most of his other starts as signal-caller. As a fresh-faced freshman passer, Pryor made OSU fans pretty proud. He is still young enough to improve and learn from his mistakes, but the team around him must also vow to invest in some fine-football tuning. It all starts with a strong core. Without that, Pryor can’t expect to become the true leader of the Big 10’s beloved Buckeyes.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “The Way” by Fastball
Read of the day- “Hank Aaron and the homerun that changed America: by Tom Stanton
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Phillies Phabulous
Citizens Bank Park was bouncing with bliss behind Jimmy Rollins Monday night. The City of Brotherly Love sent a sellout 46,157 crowd, furiously waving white towels, home happy. The All-Star Phillies shortstop served the ball up the alley with two down in the ninth inning against Jonathan Broxton and the L.A. Dodgers. The ball split the Dodger outfielders in the gap. The squirt up the middle was good for a double, and a Philadelphia victory. Broxton, susceptible to squandering leads, started to unravel when he walked 41 year old, pinch-hitter Matt Stairs on four pitches. The closer proceeded by hitting Carlos Ruiz to set up Rollins’ game-winner. The struggling slugger got off his 3-for-18 series snide by striking a 99 mph heater into the outfield. L.A. lost a heart-breaking game 5-4 and is now in a 3-1 series deficit. Wednesday night is all hands on deck for the Dodgers because there is no tomorrow if they lose again. In Philadelphia, Rollins is the toast of the town as the city is one win away from another Fall classic appearance.
The defending champion Phillies were an even-keeled crew, scoring immediately in their first at-bats. Joe Torre’s California club climbed into a hole in the bottom of the first. The Phillies scored a pair of runs off starter, Randy Wolf in the initial frame. Strongman Ryan Howard’s two-run shot in the first gave the first baseman eight straight post-season games with an RBI to tie the great Yankee, Lou Gehrig. The Dodgers notched the game at two with a three-hit fourth inning. James Loney singled to right field to synthesize the first L.A. RBI. Manny Ramirez scored later on a Russell Martin base hit.
The Dodgers registered a run in each of the top of the fifth and sixth innings to increase their lead by two. Matt Kemp hit an exhilarating solo homerun in the fifth after being ahead in the count 2-0 off Philadelphia hurler Joe Blanton. Casey Blake drove Ramirez home in the sixth after the controversial, quirky Manny reached on an error. The Dodgers had a chance to pack on the runs with runners on second and third, but Wolf flied out to Shane Victorino to end the inning. L.A. gave back a run in the bottom half of the sixth courtesy of Victorino. The flying-Hawaiian tripled to left-field and scored on Chase Utley’s single. The Dodger advantage was preserved on a shoe-tops catch by a notoriously-awful fielding Ramirez. Hong-Chin Kuo was summoned from the L.A. bullpen and worked through a small jam following reliever, Ronnie Bellasario. Kuo retired the only batter he faced in the sixth, Raul Ibanez, when Ramirez snagged the fly fantastically.
Both NL teams walked away from the seventh and eighth innings scoreless. The strength of the Dodgers is their bullpen, and L.A. backed it up until the final frame last night. Reliever, George Sherrill and closer Broxton combined to put down a one-out threat with two runners on in the eighth. Howard was fanned by Sherrill after Utley drew a walk. Broxton induced Jayson Werth into flying out to right field. L.A. looked less than lazy against the lights-out duo, Scott Eyre and Brad Lidge in the top of the ninth. However, their punch wasn’t enough to break a tie ball game on the road. Raphael Furcal fought off Eyre’s fire to muster out a one-out single. Furcal stole second and scampered to third on Lidge’s wild pitch. Lidge recovered in time and settled down to strike out Andre Ethier.
The bullpen that was supposed to save the Dodgers and give the offense a chance to win the game in extra innings did not come through Monday night. The pitching is under much scrutiny because things are not working out for them this post-season. Seasoned Dodger fans were probably sick after the skittish Broxton coughed up the game. Broxton was able to get the leadoff out, but walked Stairs and hit Ruiz to give Philadelphia the slight but significant edge they needed. Stairs, a veteran Canadian, was the hero of last October when he propelled his team past L.A. to send the Phillies to the World Series. Now the Dodgers are on the cusp of being eliminated. Broxton bears the brunt of this bitter defeat. The Dodgers need two victories in a row to have a shot at the NL pennant. They cannot afford to be anything but perfect against a team that has the will to put the hammer down. The uphill battle begins tomorrow when last year’s MVP Cole Hamels faces likely starter, Clayton Kershaw for L.A. The Dodgers are not as focused as they should be. Maybe they are too loose and need to find their intensity. Their patience at the plate is one positive to take from game four’s loss. The Dodgers have the lineup capable of deep blasts, but they need to manufacture earned runs. They cannot rely on a Phillies’ breakdown and need to shake things up if they want to win. Dodger relievers have to be especially careful with the powerhouse lineup that is the Phillies. The Phillies have the momentum and the home-field advantage to close this NLDS out in five games. I am down on the Dodgers, but believe, with the right attitude, this team can come back to win at least two games. It will take more than a shoestring catch by a clowny fielder. L.A. has to get the most out of their starters and then wear down and mow down the Phillies. Their only chance will be to keep the game close and avoid another disaster like game three. The Dodgers bounced back and showed some resiliency after the 11-0 Sunday night blowout. Now it’s time for the team that owned the NL West earlier this year to cause the champions to crumble with their sights set on a second crown.
Parting points: What’s this baloney about Mariano Rivera doctoring the baseball in last night’s game? Pleeease.
Song of the day- The Wallflowers’ “6th Avenue Heartache”
The defending champion Phillies were an even-keeled crew, scoring immediately in their first at-bats. Joe Torre’s California club climbed into a hole in the bottom of the first. The Phillies scored a pair of runs off starter, Randy Wolf in the initial frame. Strongman Ryan Howard’s two-run shot in the first gave the first baseman eight straight post-season games with an RBI to tie the great Yankee, Lou Gehrig. The Dodgers notched the game at two with a three-hit fourth inning. James Loney singled to right field to synthesize the first L.A. RBI. Manny Ramirez scored later on a Russell Martin base hit.
The Dodgers registered a run in each of the top of the fifth and sixth innings to increase their lead by two. Matt Kemp hit an exhilarating solo homerun in the fifth after being ahead in the count 2-0 off Philadelphia hurler Joe Blanton. Casey Blake drove Ramirez home in the sixth after the controversial, quirky Manny reached on an error. The Dodgers had a chance to pack on the runs with runners on second and third, but Wolf flied out to Shane Victorino to end the inning. L.A. gave back a run in the bottom half of the sixth courtesy of Victorino. The flying-Hawaiian tripled to left-field and scored on Chase Utley’s single. The Dodger advantage was preserved on a shoe-tops catch by a notoriously-awful fielding Ramirez. Hong-Chin Kuo was summoned from the L.A. bullpen and worked through a small jam following reliever, Ronnie Bellasario. Kuo retired the only batter he faced in the sixth, Raul Ibanez, when Ramirez snagged the fly fantastically.
Both NL teams walked away from the seventh and eighth innings scoreless. The strength of the Dodgers is their bullpen, and L.A. backed it up until the final frame last night. Reliever, George Sherrill and closer Broxton combined to put down a one-out threat with two runners on in the eighth. Howard was fanned by Sherrill after Utley drew a walk. Broxton induced Jayson Werth into flying out to right field. L.A. looked less than lazy against the lights-out duo, Scott Eyre and Brad Lidge in the top of the ninth. However, their punch wasn’t enough to break a tie ball game on the road. Raphael Furcal fought off Eyre’s fire to muster out a one-out single. Furcal stole second and scampered to third on Lidge’s wild pitch. Lidge recovered in time and settled down to strike out Andre Ethier.
The bullpen that was supposed to save the Dodgers and give the offense a chance to win the game in extra innings did not come through Monday night. The pitching is under much scrutiny because things are not working out for them this post-season. Seasoned Dodger fans were probably sick after the skittish Broxton coughed up the game. Broxton was able to get the leadoff out, but walked Stairs and hit Ruiz to give Philadelphia the slight but significant edge they needed. Stairs, a veteran Canadian, was the hero of last October when he propelled his team past L.A. to send the Phillies to the World Series. Now the Dodgers are on the cusp of being eliminated. Broxton bears the brunt of this bitter defeat. The Dodgers need two victories in a row to have a shot at the NL pennant. They cannot afford to be anything but perfect against a team that has the will to put the hammer down. The uphill battle begins tomorrow when last year’s MVP Cole Hamels faces likely starter, Clayton Kershaw for L.A. The Dodgers are not as focused as they should be. Maybe they are too loose and need to find their intensity. Their patience at the plate is one positive to take from game four’s loss. The Dodgers have the lineup capable of deep blasts, but they need to manufacture earned runs. They cannot rely on a Phillies’ breakdown and need to shake things up if they want to win. Dodger relievers have to be especially careful with the powerhouse lineup that is the Phillies. The Phillies have the momentum and the home-field advantage to close this NLDS out in five games. I am down on the Dodgers, but believe, with the right attitude, this team can come back to win at least two games. It will take more than a shoestring catch by a clowny fielder. L.A. has to get the most out of their starters and then wear down and mow down the Phillies. Their only chance will be to keep the game close and avoid another disaster like game three. The Dodgers bounced back and showed some resiliency after the 11-0 Sunday night blowout. Now it’s time for the team that owned the NL West earlier this year to cause the champions to crumble with their sights set on a second crown.
Parting points: What’s this baloney about Mariano Rivera doctoring the baseball in last night’s game? Pleeease.
Song of the day- The Wallflowers’ “6th Avenue Heartache”
Friday, October 16, 2009
Phillies Pound 'Pen
The Philadelphia Phillies drew first blood in the National League Division Series. Although the best of seven series is lengthy, history dictates the winner of Game One goes on to win 60% of the time. Last year’s World Series champions beat Joe Torre’s Dodgers8-6 at Dodger Stadium Thursday night. The bullpens determined the outcome of the game, and it was Philadelphia’s who was up for the task. Phillies’ closer, Brad Lidge, secured his third consecutive save this post-season to preserve the promising win. Charlie Manuel’s bullpen allowed one less run than Torre’s in the slugfest affair. The Phillies closer, who was so effective in the playoffs last season, worked around a ninth inning walk and a single. Lidge appeared healthier and in control on the mound, and the results rewarded his team with the crucial first game of the NLDS.
Dodger-tormentor, Carlos Ruiz, clocked a three-run homerun off L.A. starter, youngster Clayton Kershaw. Ruiz also drew a walk earlier in the game off the hurler. He was one of two batters to reach base before the fourth inning when Kershaw’s command and approach went haywire. Shane Victorino was the other Philly to reach safely, but was picked off attempting to steal. Cole Hamels and his talented club found themselves in an early 1-0 hole after James Loney rocketed a rare shot off the Phillies starter. Hamels was mediocre throughout the contest, and Dodger fans had every reason to believe their bullpen had the upper-hand in a close game. The home team was well-positioned to complete a comeback, even after Kershaw imploded and exited the game. In the top of the fifth, Kershaw was victim to Raul Ibanez’ two-run left field homerun. He also issued a pass to second baseman, Chase Utley, on a full count. First base power hitter, Ryan Howard, followed Utley’s base-on-balls with a hot shot to right. Two runs scored on the double. Howard passed Philadelphia legend, Hall-of-Fame third baseman, Mike Schmidt in the post-season RBI department (17).
The Dodgers showed how excellent and sanguine they could be in the bottom half of the frame. The comeback ability was augmented as L.A.’s offense unloaded. The Dodgers scored three runs on three hits and an Utley error. Manny Ramirez hit a tater to left on a 2-0 count. The Dodgers trailed by just one run headed into the sixth. Ronnie Bellasario retired the Phillies in order in the top of the sixth. Loney and Ronnie Belliard clubbed one-out singles in the L.A. half to knock Hamels out of the game. Pinch-hitter and one of the Dodgers’ dangerous weapons, Jim Thome, drew a walk off starting pitcher, J.A. Happ appearing in a relief role. The Dodgers had the bases loaded for veteran Raphael Furcal. Furcal grounded out to Utley to end the threat, stranding three runners on base.
Southpaw Philadelphia relief specialist, Alberto Bastardo gave up a double to Andre Ethier in the bottom of the seventh. The Dodgers could not capitalize as Manuel brought in former L.A. starter, Chan Ho Park. The Phillies didn’t come up empty in the top of the eighth. They scored three more runs to pad the lead in the deadly frame for the Dodgers. George Sherrill could not overcome two five-pitch walks to Howard and Jayson Werth. The Philadelphia offense picked apart and devastated Sherrill, highlighted by Ibanez’ second long ball of the night. Ibanez has to be one of the best off-season acquisitions by any ballclub this year. Down by four runs in the bottom of the eighth, the Dodgers drove deep balls and accumulated 4 hits. Los Angeles found the Phillies best reliever as of late, Ryan Madson, quite hittable last night. The effort produced two runs for the home team, but still two shy of tying the score.
Park’s pitching probably occurred at the most crucial moment in the game. The Phillies lead 5-4 when Park entered the game in the seventh. He preserved the lead and the momentum from shifting back to the Dodgers when he sent Ramirez and Casey Blake back to the dugout groundout sufferers. Park struck out Matt Kemp with inside fastballs, jamming the Dodger centerfielder inside. The Dodgers are down a game, but it wasn’t for lack of offense. L.A. got on base and scattered fourteen hits to the Phillies’ eight. It was all about the bullpens in the Golden State last night. The Phillies’ executed concisely and consistently. The niggling Dodgers’ bothersome bullpen blew blue’s chances. They couldn’t contain the Phillies, who prove they thrive under pressure. The Phillies tempered the dreams the Dodgers harbored. Torre’s Dodgers are going to have to implement a different strategy if he doesn’t want an early exit again this year.
Parting Points: I can’t wait for the ALDS Game One tonight.
Song of the day- “The World I Know” by Collective Soul
Dodger-tormentor, Carlos Ruiz, clocked a three-run homerun off L.A. starter, youngster Clayton Kershaw. Ruiz also drew a walk earlier in the game off the hurler. He was one of two batters to reach base before the fourth inning when Kershaw’s command and approach went haywire. Shane Victorino was the other Philly to reach safely, but was picked off attempting to steal. Cole Hamels and his talented club found themselves in an early 1-0 hole after James Loney rocketed a rare shot off the Phillies starter. Hamels was mediocre throughout the contest, and Dodger fans had every reason to believe their bullpen had the upper-hand in a close game. The home team was well-positioned to complete a comeback, even after Kershaw imploded and exited the game. In the top of the fifth, Kershaw was victim to Raul Ibanez’ two-run left field homerun. He also issued a pass to second baseman, Chase Utley, on a full count. First base power hitter, Ryan Howard, followed Utley’s base-on-balls with a hot shot to right. Two runs scored on the double. Howard passed Philadelphia legend, Hall-of-Fame third baseman, Mike Schmidt in the post-season RBI department (17).
The Dodgers showed how excellent and sanguine they could be in the bottom half of the frame. The comeback ability was augmented as L.A.’s offense unloaded. The Dodgers scored three runs on three hits and an Utley error. Manny Ramirez hit a tater to left on a 2-0 count. The Dodgers trailed by just one run headed into the sixth. Ronnie Bellasario retired the Phillies in order in the top of the sixth. Loney and Ronnie Belliard clubbed one-out singles in the L.A. half to knock Hamels out of the game. Pinch-hitter and one of the Dodgers’ dangerous weapons, Jim Thome, drew a walk off starting pitcher, J.A. Happ appearing in a relief role. The Dodgers had the bases loaded for veteran Raphael Furcal. Furcal grounded out to Utley to end the threat, stranding three runners on base.
Southpaw Philadelphia relief specialist, Alberto Bastardo gave up a double to Andre Ethier in the bottom of the seventh. The Dodgers could not capitalize as Manuel brought in former L.A. starter, Chan Ho Park. The Phillies didn’t come up empty in the top of the eighth. They scored three more runs to pad the lead in the deadly frame for the Dodgers. George Sherrill could not overcome two five-pitch walks to Howard and Jayson Werth. The Philadelphia offense picked apart and devastated Sherrill, highlighted by Ibanez’ second long ball of the night. Ibanez has to be one of the best off-season acquisitions by any ballclub this year. Down by four runs in the bottom of the eighth, the Dodgers drove deep balls and accumulated 4 hits. Los Angeles found the Phillies best reliever as of late, Ryan Madson, quite hittable last night. The effort produced two runs for the home team, but still two shy of tying the score.
Park’s pitching probably occurred at the most crucial moment in the game. The Phillies lead 5-4 when Park entered the game in the seventh. He preserved the lead and the momentum from shifting back to the Dodgers when he sent Ramirez and Casey Blake back to the dugout groundout sufferers. Park struck out Matt Kemp with inside fastballs, jamming the Dodger centerfielder inside. The Dodgers are down a game, but it wasn’t for lack of offense. L.A. got on base and scattered fourteen hits to the Phillies’ eight. It was all about the bullpens in the Golden State last night. The Phillies’ executed concisely and consistently. The niggling Dodgers’ bothersome bullpen blew blue’s chances. They couldn’t contain the Phillies, who prove they thrive under pressure. The Phillies tempered the dreams the Dodgers harbored. Torre’s Dodgers are going to have to implement a different strategy if he doesn’t want an early exit again this year.
Parting Points: I can’t wait for the ALDS Game One tonight.
Song of the day- “The World I Know” by Collective Soul
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Closing Cases
Colorado Rockies’ closer, Huston Street, squandered a two run ninth inning lead Monday night to send the Philadelphia Phillies back to the NL championship series. The NLCS is slated for Thursday night at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Phillies and Dodgers play a rematch of last season’s feature championship. Last night, the Rockies had a chance to even the series at two games each but could not contain a late Philadelphia rally in Colorado.
Brad Lidge earned his second consecutive save after he retired the Rockies’ final hope, Troy Tulowitzki, in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Phillies completed a 5-4 clamping of Colorado by scoring three runs in the top of the frame. First base All-star slugger, Ryan Howard, crushed a two-run double with two outs off Street. Howard scored on Jayson Werth’s second hit of the night, a single to center field, to put his team in front. Cliff Lee tossed seven solid innings for the defending champions but was not credited with the win. He scattered five hits, allowing three runs, one unearned. Seven-year Phillie, Ryan Madson, picked up his first post-season win.
The Phillies pen did not get the job done, and it will be hard for them to overcome a shaky bullpen in the next round. As atrocious as the Philadelphia bullpen has been, the Rockies fared even worse last night. Street was 35 of 37 on save chances this season. Huston flopped when the real pressure was presented. Colorado had lost just one time when leading after eight innings. Street began the ninth with a strikeout before he issued a single to Jimmy Rollins and full-count walk to Chase Utley. Rollings, Utley, Howard and Werth are the heart of Philadelphia’s order. The Phillies are loaded with offense and lead the majors in team homeruns this year. Street did not throw a quality pitch to Howard. The ball painted the lower corner and seemed to sail down and out. Ryan is just too good of a hitter to chance on the outside. Howard raked a double to devastate Rockies fans, and the Phillies never looked back. You do have to give Charlie Manuel and the Phillies credit for persevering and fighting through a two-run deficit to take the series in four games. The Phillies are the NL’s best road team and proved they could handle the extra season. They swept both games at Coors Field from the wildcard Rockies who finished with a respectful 74-42 record.
Tulowitzki has been Colorado’s charming heart and soul throughout the post-season and down the stretch of the regular season. He has come through time and again for the Rockies in the clutch. Again Monday, the clean up batter provided one of the key hits in the sixth to put the Rockies on the board. He ended the game and the season for the feel-good Rockies. Colorado’s go-ahead run came off the bat of former MVP, pinch-hitter Jason Giambi. Giambi smacked a single in the bottom of the eighth, and later scored on catcher, Yorvit Torrealba’s, double to center. At this point, the Rockies looked as if they were going to send the series back to Philadelphia for a decisive fifth game. During all the baserunning and Colorado scoring in the eighth, rookie Dexter Fowler made one of the most athletic moves of the playoffs. He hurdled over Utley trying to field a grounder at second, and reached the base safely. The promising first-year player has pretty decent instincts. Instincts aside, this was not the Rockies’ night. Manuel replaced strong hitting Raul Ibanez with Ben Francisco in left field with two runners on and Tulowitzki at the plate. Tulo blooped a fly that Francisco scooped for the second out of the frame. Fowler did score the tying run on Giambi’s pinch-hit. No one got rattled in the Phillies’ dugout when Torrealba drove in the go-ahead tally.
The Phillies only went deep twice in this series prior to Monday’s lashing. Last night, Shane Victorino sent Ubaldo Jimenez’ 99 mph heater into the stands during the first inning. Werth’s sixth inning knock of an 85 mph changeup gave the Phillies an insurance run in the sixth. They were the only runs Jimenez allowed in seven innings. He struck out seven Phillies. If Philadelphia goes head-to-head with a dominant hurler, the aggressive lineup may not be enough. The Phillies need to be efficient on the mound, starting with their World Series MVP from 2008, Cole Hamels. The bullpen has to be on the mark, ready to retire batters and sew up the rough spots. Lidge is still very much a question mark after his performance during the regular season. Pitching has to be functional and fierce in supplanting stud lineups. The Dodgers present an intriguing challenge, but if the Phillies return to the World Series, it will be an enormous trial to tackle their AL equivalent.
Parting points: The Jets’ defense—does it exist anymore? That Miami wildcat sure didn’t notice them last night.
Brad Lidge earned his second consecutive save after he retired the Rockies’ final hope, Troy Tulowitzki, in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Phillies completed a 5-4 clamping of Colorado by scoring three runs in the top of the frame. First base All-star slugger, Ryan Howard, crushed a two-run double with two outs off Street. Howard scored on Jayson Werth’s second hit of the night, a single to center field, to put his team in front. Cliff Lee tossed seven solid innings for the defending champions but was not credited with the win. He scattered five hits, allowing three runs, one unearned. Seven-year Phillie, Ryan Madson, picked up his first post-season win.
The Phillies pen did not get the job done, and it will be hard for them to overcome a shaky bullpen in the next round. As atrocious as the Philadelphia bullpen has been, the Rockies fared even worse last night. Street was 35 of 37 on save chances this season. Huston flopped when the real pressure was presented. Colorado had lost just one time when leading after eight innings. Street began the ninth with a strikeout before he issued a single to Jimmy Rollins and full-count walk to Chase Utley. Rollings, Utley, Howard and Werth are the heart of Philadelphia’s order. The Phillies are loaded with offense and lead the majors in team homeruns this year. Street did not throw a quality pitch to Howard. The ball painted the lower corner and seemed to sail down and out. Ryan is just too good of a hitter to chance on the outside. Howard raked a double to devastate Rockies fans, and the Phillies never looked back. You do have to give Charlie Manuel and the Phillies credit for persevering and fighting through a two-run deficit to take the series in four games. The Phillies are the NL’s best road team and proved they could handle the extra season. They swept both games at Coors Field from the wildcard Rockies who finished with a respectful 74-42 record.
Tulowitzki has been Colorado’s charming heart and soul throughout the post-season and down the stretch of the regular season. He has come through time and again for the Rockies in the clutch. Again Monday, the clean up batter provided one of the key hits in the sixth to put the Rockies on the board. He ended the game and the season for the feel-good Rockies. Colorado’s go-ahead run came off the bat of former MVP, pinch-hitter Jason Giambi. Giambi smacked a single in the bottom of the eighth, and later scored on catcher, Yorvit Torrealba’s, double to center. At this point, the Rockies looked as if they were going to send the series back to Philadelphia for a decisive fifth game. During all the baserunning and Colorado scoring in the eighth, rookie Dexter Fowler made one of the most athletic moves of the playoffs. He hurdled over Utley trying to field a grounder at second, and reached the base safely. The promising first-year player has pretty decent instincts. Instincts aside, this was not the Rockies’ night. Manuel replaced strong hitting Raul Ibanez with Ben Francisco in left field with two runners on and Tulowitzki at the plate. Tulo blooped a fly that Francisco scooped for the second out of the frame. Fowler did score the tying run on Giambi’s pinch-hit. No one got rattled in the Phillies’ dugout when Torrealba drove in the go-ahead tally.
The Phillies only went deep twice in this series prior to Monday’s lashing. Last night, Shane Victorino sent Ubaldo Jimenez’ 99 mph heater into the stands during the first inning. Werth’s sixth inning knock of an 85 mph changeup gave the Phillies an insurance run in the sixth. They were the only runs Jimenez allowed in seven innings. He struck out seven Phillies. If Philadelphia goes head-to-head with a dominant hurler, the aggressive lineup may not be enough. The Phillies need to be efficient on the mound, starting with their World Series MVP from 2008, Cole Hamels. The bullpen has to be on the mark, ready to retire batters and sew up the rough spots. Lidge is still very much a question mark after his performance during the regular season. Pitching has to be functional and fierce in supplanting stud lineups. The Dodgers present an intriguing challenge, but if the Phillies return to the World Series, it will be an enormous trial to tackle their AL equivalent.
Parting points: The Jets’ defense—does it exist anymore? That Miami wildcat sure didn’t notice them last night.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Philadelphia's Pennant Push
I love watching Rich Harden pitch. The smooth slinging Chicago Cubs hurler retired the first 16 defending World Series champion Philadelphia batters he faced Tuesday. He remained poised and composed on the mount, working like an artist and flirting with perfection through six innings. Harden harnessed a 2-0 lead into the sixth inning before issuing a pass to the Phillies’ Carlos Ruiz. The control pitcher then allowed Jimmy Rollins to exploit the situation and break up Harden’s no-hit bid. Rollins crushed a game-tying homerun into Wrigley’s right field bleachers to put the Phillies on the scoreboard and clear the bases. The flashy Philadelphia shortstop has been unleashing his power bat since snapping a difficult career-worst 0-for-28 streak. He’s clubbing an eye-popping .325 with eight long balls and 27 RBIs in his last 151 trips to the plate. Rollins was rocking in the sixth inning when he dished off Harden to start Philadelphia’s late inning rally, propelling them to a 4-3 victory in 12 innings.
The Cubs gave their starting pitcher some support on a Jake Fox single and Alfonso Soriano bases-loaded sacrifice fly. Pryor to Tuesday’s start, Harden had dominated Philadelphia. In 20 innings against the team, his era was .90 and he allowed just two runs. Harden gave up only one other hit after Rollins’ blast Tuesday, a Ryan Howard single in the seventh. The power hitter knocked an excellent pitch into the stands to give the NL run-leading Phillies the temporary edge. Reliever, Carlos Marmol, was summoned from the Chicago bullpen in the 8th. His contributions would soon like to be forgotten by Cubs’ faithful. The burly, bulky Marmol had control issues from the moment he manned the mound. He hit a batter and walked three, including a bases loaded pass to Howard. The reliever is usually hard to hit and can fool hitters with a deceptive fastball. But he has walked 52 batters and hit 11 in 53 innings this season. Marmols’ mechanics may be to blame for his wackiness. Once he starts walking batters, he seems to lose his motion and becomes inept and ineffective.
Philadelphia’s one-run cushion would not stand. It wasn’t enough to secure the win in nine
frames. Phillies closer, Brad Lidge, coughed up the lead, blowing his 7th save in 28 tries. A leadoff walk by Kosuke Fukudome instigated the Cubs’ offense in the ninth. Fukudome advanced to second on Ryan Theriot’s sacrifice bunt and scored on Milton Bradley’s line drove smothering to right. In extra innings, Ben Francisco made a winner out of Philadelphia’s Scott Eyre, who worked 1 1/3 perfect innings. Chad Durbin tossed a hitless 12th to pick up his second save of the season. Francisco smacked a dramatic leadoff dinger to cap off the visiting team’s comeback. He delivered the game-winning drive off Chicago’s closer, Kevin Gregg, to give the Phillies their fourth win in 12 games. It was Francisco’s second homerun of the year. This was came off a 1-1 fastball and was planted into the basket that hangs over Wrigley’s left field fence. Philadelphia leads the NL East by 3 ½, while the Cubs trail St. Louis in the NL Central by 3 games. Francisco was a throw-in player in the Cliff Lee deal with Cleveland just before the trade deadline. Since joining the team that plays in City Of Brotherly Love, the slugger has started five games in the outfield. He is hitting .345 in his last 16 games with Philadelphia and Cleveland.
It’s too bad another Harden effort ended on a sour note for the Cubs. The strictly heart-breaking loss was a wasted opportunity for the Cubs for their playoff aspirations. Harden is one of those pitchers you really enjoy watching. He brings no-hit caliber stuff to each and every start. It would be nice to see him in full health all year to realize his incredible pitching potential. The hurler has an unlimited ceiling and is blessed with a stylish, accurate array of right-handed offerings. Chicago’s defeat resulted in a no-decision but the hard-throwing Harden holds a 1.95 ERA in his last 37 innings. It is distinctly no picnic facing Harden.
Parting points: Happy Birthday Pete Sampras!
The Phillies throw Pedro Martinez tonight. It’s Petey’s season debut and first start with Philadelphia.
The Cubs gave their starting pitcher some support on a Jake Fox single and Alfonso Soriano bases-loaded sacrifice fly. Pryor to Tuesday’s start, Harden had dominated Philadelphia. In 20 innings against the team, his era was .90 and he allowed just two runs. Harden gave up only one other hit after Rollins’ blast Tuesday, a Ryan Howard single in the seventh. The power hitter knocked an excellent pitch into the stands to give the NL run-leading Phillies the temporary edge. Reliever, Carlos Marmol, was summoned from the Chicago bullpen in the 8th. His contributions would soon like to be forgotten by Cubs’ faithful. The burly, bulky Marmol had control issues from the moment he manned the mound. He hit a batter and walked three, including a bases loaded pass to Howard. The reliever is usually hard to hit and can fool hitters with a deceptive fastball. But he has walked 52 batters and hit 11 in 53 innings this season. Marmols’ mechanics may be to blame for his wackiness. Once he starts walking batters, he seems to lose his motion and becomes inept and ineffective.
Philadelphia’s one-run cushion would not stand. It wasn’t enough to secure the win in nine
frames. Phillies closer, Brad Lidge, coughed up the lead, blowing his 7th save in 28 tries. A leadoff walk by Kosuke Fukudome instigated the Cubs’ offense in the ninth. Fukudome advanced to second on Ryan Theriot’s sacrifice bunt and scored on Milton Bradley’s line drove smothering to right. In extra innings, Ben Francisco made a winner out of Philadelphia’s Scott Eyre, who worked 1 1/3 perfect innings. Chad Durbin tossed a hitless 12th to pick up his second save of the season. Francisco smacked a dramatic leadoff dinger to cap off the visiting team’s comeback. He delivered the game-winning drive off Chicago’s closer, Kevin Gregg, to give the Phillies their fourth win in 12 games. It was Francisco’s second homerun of the year. This was came off a 1-1 fastball and was planted into the basket that hangs over Wrigley’s left field fence. Philadelphia leads the NL East by 3 ½, while the Cubs trail St. Louis in the NL Central by 3 games. Francisco was a throw-in player in the Cliff Lee deal with Cleveland just before the trade deadline. Since joining the team that plays in City Of Brotherly Love, the slugger has started five games in the outfield. He is hitting .345 in his last 16 games with Philadelphia and Cleveland.
It’s too bad another Harden effort ended on a sour note for the Cubs. The strictly heart-breaking loss was a wasted opportunity for the Cubs for their playoff aspirations. Harden is one of those pitchers you really enjoy watching. He brings no-hit caliber stuff to each and every start. It would be nice to see him in full health all year to realize his incredible pitching potential. The hurler has an unlimited ceiling and is blessed with a stylish, accurate array of right-handed offerings. Chicago’s defeat resulted in a no-decision but the hard-throwing Harden holds a 1.95 ERA in his last 37 innings. It is distinctly no picnic facing Harden.
Parting points: Happy Birthday Pete Sampras!
The Phillies throw Pedro Martinez tonight. It’s Petey’s season debut and first start with Philadelphia.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Fantastic Finish (Interleague Intrigue Part II)
Fine and fantastic finishes are frequently becoming festivities for our featured New York baseball teams. The New York Yankees won in walk-off style Saturday to even the interleague series with Philadelphia 1-1. Melky Cabrera capped off a ninth inning three-run rally with the game winning RBI off Phillies closer, Brad Lidge. The confident Cabrera captured his centerfield job back and collected his third game-ending hit of the year. He is no longer an afterthought following Saturday’s sendoff single. The team grabbed their major league leading 17th come-from-behind victory with the 5-4 final.
Raul Ibanez got things started for the Phillies in the top of the second. The designated hitter clocked a 1-1 pitch off Yankee ace, Andy Pettitte, to give Philadelphia a 1-0 lead. It was Ibanez’s 17th missile of the year to lead all major leaguers. New York answered back in their half of the second facing rookie pitcher, J.A. Haap. Haap was inserted into the rotation in place of fraught veteran, Chan Ho Park. Haap allowed a Yankee hit in the second inning and Robinson Cano was able to reach home on Nick Swisher’s groundout to Jimmy Rollins at shortstop.
The Phillies scored again in the fifth inning on a three run homerun by John Mayberry, Jr to build a 4-1 lead. Mayberry tagged a double later in the game. The new right-fielder for Philadelphia was making his major league debut after being called up from Triple A Lehigh Valley. The Phils sent down left handed pitcher, Sergio Escalona, to bring up the rookie. Mayberry is the son of former major leaguer, John Mayberry, Sr., a two-time All-star in fifteen major league seasons. To make room for Mayberry in the outfield, Philadelphia shifted Jayson Werth to left and plugged Ibanez into the DH role. The fifth inning shot off Pettitte also came on a 1-1 count from the Yankee southpaw. Pettitte shrugged off starting strains to throw seven innings of five hit ball. Andy threw 114 strikes to 67 balls through 27 batters. Phil Coke relieved him with 1.2 innings of shutout ball, succumbing one hit.
Down by three runs in the bottom of the sixth, Derek Jeter homered for the second straight day on the first pitch from Haap. The Jeter blast appeared to be Haap’s only real gaffe and he was in line for his first big league win after eight innings. He pitched six innings, walked none and struck out four in a noble effort. Chad Durbin and Ryan Madson each combined with an inning of scoreless relief on the afternoon.
The Phillies were three outs away from improving their NL East lead over the Mets. Lidge, the best closer in baseball last season, came in to shut down New York in the ninth. The Yankees scraped out three runs off the closer to complete the walkoff win. Johnny Damon worked Lidge to a full count before walking to lead off the inning. Lidge responded by slinging three straight sliders to send Mark Teixiera down swinging. Alex Rodriguez arrived at the plate batting .204 since his return from hip surgery. Lidge got ahead on Rodriguez 1-2. The famous third baseman fought off the signature slider twice and took a few pitches. On a full count, Rodriguez sent a fastball into the short porch in right to tie the ball game at 4-4. The ball sailed just over Mayberry’s glove for a terrific two-run masterpiece. The next batter, Cano, singled to center and immediately stole second base with Cabrera at bat. Cabrera singled to center and Cano trucked home without a play at the plate. Jose Veras recorded the win for the Yankees, getting one out in the ninth. Veras is now 3-1 and the Yankees have won 10 of their last 11 games. In today‘s series finale, World Series MVP, Cole Hamels, throws for the Phils and C.C. Sabathia takes the hill for the Yankees. It should play out as a left-handed pitcher’s duel, but anything is possible in this game. Will they overcome another deficit to nip the rubber game of the series?
I like how the Yankees generated runs again on Saturday in ecstatic manner. They scored by stealing bases and getting clutch clubbing from their starters. Rodriguez may not be hitting for a high average but his 560th homerun helped stamp out another comeback win. Arod is now three shy of Reggie Jackson for 11th place in the long ball department. Alex, antics aside, is a high-impact player who has desecrated pitchers, with seven homers, since putting on the pinstripes in 2009. I realize his dinger came off Lidge, who is not the same closer he was a year ago. Lidge converted 48 saves in 2008 , including the post-season, but has a 9.16 ERA as of May 24th. Still, The Yankees plated three runs off the Philadelphia reliever in resounding fashion. It is encouraging to witness win after comeback win in the Bronx. The Yankees are 12-3 since their third baseman’s return. The roster is filling out nicely and the pitching is coming around. New York has to stretch out their starters because the bullpen is overworked and injured. The defense has gone ten straight games without an error. The Yankees only trail by a half game in the AL East, and with the Red Sox on the verge of being swept at Fenway, I am one happy Bomber backer.
Speaking of that potential sweep in Boston…
The Red Sox were 16-0 when leading after nine innings going into Saturday’s contest. Jonathan Papelbon blew his first save of the year after going 11 for 11 in save opportunities for the Red Sox. Omir Santos got on top of a four-seam fastball and drove it over the left field wall of the Green Monster in the top of the ninth. Santos is a nice young hitter and capable catcher who might eventually be the Mets’ everyday starter at the position. The hard-nosed hero hails from Puerto Rico and is becoming a regular for Jerry Manuel’s Mets. He was originally in the Yankee farm system as a 2001 draft pick. The excessively energetic Papelbon began the inning looking like his vintage self. He did walk leadoff hitter, Gary Sheffield, but blew away David Wright and chipped Jeremy Reed with explosive high speed fastballs. Santos unloaded on a 97 mph pitch to give New York the eventual game-winning hit. Papelbon’s first blown save negated a solid outing from Boston ace, Josh Beckett. The Mets mustered only a run, an unearned one, in the first inning off the starter’s own throwing error. Beckett was deprived of victory when Santos’ shot put the chance to a bitter end. Instead of his fifth win of the season, Beckett came away with a no-decision.
The umpires initially ruled Santos’ long fly a double, but on replay review, overturned the call. The 3-2 Mets victory placed them in line for the Sunday sweep this afternoon. The Red Sox went 3-0 against New York in 2006 but now it seems the tables have turned. New York snuck past Boston, backed by a strong defensive stance in the bottom of the ninth. J.J. Putz was called on to close in place of Francisco Rodriguez. K-Rod was shipped to the hospital with back spasms during the game and was unavailable to close. Putz issued a leadoff walk to Kevin Youkilis but managed two hard-hit outs off the bats of Jason Bay and J.D. Drew. Mike Lowell struck a ground ball to 36 year old journeyman, Ramon Martinez as Boston’s last hope. The sure-handed Martinez, replacing the injured Jose Reyes at shortstop, dove into the hole for the snag. He fired to first just in time as Daniel Murphy made the clean pick on a short hop for out number three. Lefty, Pedro Feliciano, notched the win as the Mets clipped the Red Sox.
Runs were of prime importance against Beckett on Saturday. Beckett harrowed the Mets with his longest effort of the season. He allowed a two-out single to left field in the first by Carlos Beltran. Beltran moved to second on Beckett’s error. The ace was trying to diplomatically pick off the teasing base runner, but the ball misfired to first. Sheffield singled in Beltran, giving the Mets the early advantage on the road. Sheffield hit a foul pop up between home and third prior to singling in Beltran. Beckett and Lowell converged and charged the ball but neither came away with the catch. Reed and Santos reached base in the seventh inning, with one out against Beckett. Josh proceeded to strike out Ramon Martinez and force Luis Castillo into a line drive out to centerfielder, Jacoby Ellsbury. Beckett was perfect in the eighth, working a 1-2-3 inning and striking out two. Boston took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first. Youkilis yielded a two-run base hit off Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey cruised through the game and left after seven innings. Neither starting pitcher was knocked around. The game was decided on a defense and timely hitting. Santos’ controversial blast proved a profound punch to the punch-less Sox.
Boston’s staff ace will be on the mound this afternoon against Tim Redding for New York. That ace is the 5-2 knuckleball pitcher, Tim Wakefield. The veteran has a 3.59 ERA, with two complete games this year. He has only allowed four homeruns, the lowest for Red Sox starters. Sheffield is batting .237 in 49 appearances against Wakefield. He homered in 2005 off a Wakefield fastball but clearly struggles against the knuckle offerings. The Mets cannot afford to sit Sheffield with an already depleted lineup. Wakefield on the mound today is a major pitfall for the murky Mets. Redding cannot realistically be trusted on the mound every five days. Maybe the Mets are suitors for Jake Peavy, maybe not. They do need to address pitching if Oliver Perez is ineffective and Jon Niese is not ready to take off the diapers. Aside from their rock, Johan Santana, the rotation is shaky. I can’t see how New York is going to win three straight games in Boston, but as I will reiterate, anything is possible in this game. Read it and weep, do I smell a sweep?
Parting points: Girl power- Sheryl Crow, Sarah Mclachlan, Toni Braxton and Paula Abdul crooning this morning.
Raul Ibanez got things started for the Phillies in the top of the second. The designated hitter clocked a 1-1 pitch off Yankee ace, Andy Pettitte, to give Philadelphia a 1-0 lead. It was Ibanez’s 17th missile of the year to lead all major leaguers. New York answered back in their half of the second facing rookie pitcher, J.A. Haap. Haap was inserted into the rotation in place of fraught veteran, Chan Ho Park. Haap allowed a Yankee hit in the second inning and Robinson Cano was able to reach home on Nick Swisher’s groundout to Jimmy Rollins at shortstop.
The Phillies scored again in the fifth inning on a three run homerun by John Mayberry, Jr to build a 4-1 lead. Mayberry tagged a double later in the game. The new right-fielder for Philadelphia was making his major league debut after being called up from Triple A Lehigh Valley. The Phils sent down left handed pitcher, Sergio Escalona, to bring up the rookie. Mayberry is the son of former major leaguer, John Mayberry, Sr., a two-time All-star in fifteen major league seasons. To make room for Mayberry in the outfield, Philadelphia shifted Jayson Werth to left and plugged Ibanez into the DH role. The fifth inning shot off Pettitte also came on a 1-1 count from the Yankee southpaw. Pettitte shrugged off starting strains to throw seven innings of five hit ball. Andy threw 114 strikes to 67 balls through 27 batters. Phil Coke relieved him with 1.2 innings of shutout ball, succumbing one hit.
Down by three runs in the bottom of the sixth, Derek Jeter homered for the second straight day on the first pitch from Haap. The Jeter blast appeared to be Haap’s only real gaffe and he was in line for his first big league win after eight innings. He pitched six innings, walked none and struck out four in a noble effort. Chad Durbin and Ryan Madson each combined with an inning of scoreless relief on the afternoon.
The Phillies were three outs away from improving their NL East lead over the Mets. Lidge, the best closer in baseball last season, came in to shut down New York in the ninth. The Yankees scraped out three runs off the closer to complete the walkoff win. Johnny Damon worked Lidge to a full count before walking to lead off the inning. Lidge responded by slinging three straight sliders to send Mark Teixiera down swinging. Alex Rodriguez arrived at the plate batting .204 since his return from hip surgery. Lidge got ahead on Rodriguez 1-2. The famous third baseman fought off the signature slider twice and took a few pitches. On a full count, Rodriguez sent a fastball into the short porch in right to tie the ball game at 4-4. The ball sailed just over Mayberry’s glove for a terrific two-run masterpiece. The next batter, Cano, singled to center and immediately stole second base with Cabrera at bat. Cabrera singled to center and Cano trucked home without a play at the plate. Jose Veras recorded the win for the Yankees, getting one out in the ninth. Veras is now 3-1 and the Yankees have won 10 of their last 11 games. In today‘s series finale, World Series MVP, Cole Hamels, throws for the Phils and C.C. Sabathia takes the hill for the Yankees. It should play out as a left-handed pitcher’s duel, but anything is possible in this game. Will they overcome another deficit to nip the rubber game of the series?
I like how the Yankees generated runs again on Saturday in ecstatic manner. They scored by stealing bases and getting clutch clubbing from their starters. Rodriguez may not be hitting for a high average but his 560th homerun helped stamp out another comeback win. Arod is now three shy of Reggie Jackson for 11th place in the long ball department. Alex, antics aside, is a high-impact player who has desecrated pitchers, with seven homers, since putting on the pinstripes in 2009. I realize his dinger came off Lidge, who is not the same closer he was a year ago. Lidge converted 48 saves in 2008 , including the post-season, but has a 9.16 ERA as of May 24th. Still, The Yankees plated three runs off the Philadelphia reliever in resounding fashion. It is encouraging to witness win after comeback win in the Bronx. The Yankees are 12-3 since their third baseman’s return. The roster is filling out nicely and the pitching is coming around. New York has to stretch out their starters because the bullpen is overworked and injured. The defense has gone ten straight games without an error. The Yankees only trail by a half game in the AL East, and with the Red Sox on the verge of being swept at Fenway, I am one happy Bomber backer.
Speaking of that potential sweep in Boston…
The Red Sox were 16-0 when leading after nine innings going into Saturday’s contest. Jonathan Papelbon blew his first save of the year after going 11 for 11 in save opportunities for the Red Sox. Omir Santos got on top of a four-seam fastball and drove it over the left field wall of the Green Monster in the top of the ninth. Santos is a nice young hitter and capable catcher who might eventually be the Mets’ everyday starter at the position. The hard-nosed hero hails from Puerto Rico and is becoming a regular for Jerry Manuel’s Mets. He was originally in the Yankee farm system as a 2001 draft pick. The excessively energetic Papelbon began the inning looking like his vintage self. He did walk leadoff hitter, Gary Sheffield, but blew away David Wright and chipped Jeremy Reed with explosive high speed fastballs. Santos unloaded on a 97 mph pitch to give New York the eventual game-winning hit. Papelbon’s first blown save negated a solid outing from Boston ace, Josh Beckett. The Mets mustered only a run, an unearned one, in the first inning off the starter’s own throwing error. Beckett was deprived of victory when Santos’ shot put the chance to a bitter end. Instead of his fifth win of the season, Beckett came away with a no-decision.
The umpires initially ruled Santos’ long fly a double, but on replay review, overturned the call. The 3-2 Mets victory placed them in line for the Sunday sweep this afternoon. The Red Sox went 3-0 against New York in 2006 but now it seems the tables have turned. New York snuck past Boston, backed by a strong defensive stance in the bottom of the ninth. J.J. Putz was called on to close in place of Francisco Rodriguez. K-Rod was shipped to the hospital with back spasms during the game and was unavailable to close. Putz issued a leadoff walk to Kevin Youkilis but managed two hard-hit outs off the bats of Jason Bay and J.D. Drew. Mike Lowell struck a ground ball to 36 year old journeyman, Ramon Martinez as Boston’s last hope. The sure-handed Martinez, replacing the injured Jose Reyes at shortstop, dove into the hole for the snag. He fired to first just in time as Daniel Murphy made the clean pick on a short hop for out number three. Lefty, Pedro Feliciano, notched the win as the Mets clipped the Red Sox.
Runs were of prime importance against Beckett on Saturday. Beckett harrowed the Mets with his longest effort of the season. He allowed a two-out single to left field in the first by Carlos Beltran. Beltran moved to second on Beckett’s error. The ace was trying to diplomatically pick off the teasing base runner, but the ball misfired to first. Sheffield singled in Beltran, giving the Mets the early advantage on the road. Sheffield hit a foul pop up between home and third prior to singling in Beltran. Beckett and Lowell converged and charged the ball but neither came away with the catch. Reed and Santos reached base in the seventh inning, with one out against Beckett. Josh proceeded to strike out Ramon Martinez and force Luis Castillo into a line drive out to centerfielder, Jacoby Ellsbury. Beckett was perfect in the eighth, working a 1-2-3 inning and striking out two. Boston took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first. Youkilis yielded a two-run base hit off Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey cruised through the game and left after seven innings. Neither starting pitcher was knocked around. The game was decided on a defense and timely hitting. Santos’ controversial blast proved a profound punch to the punch-less Sox.
Boston’s staff ace will be on the mound this afternoon against Tim Redding for New York. That ace is the 5-2 knuckleball pitcher, Tim Wakefield. The veteran has a 3.59 ERA, with two complete games this year. He has only allowed four homeruns, the lowest for Red Sox starters. Sheffield is batting .237 in 49 appearances against Wakefield. He homered in 2005 off a Wakefield fastball but clearly struggles against the knuckle offerings. The Mets cannot afford to sit Sheffield with an already depleted lineup. Wakefield on the mound today is a major pitfall for the murky Mets. Redding cannot realistically be trusted on the mound every five days. Maybe the Mets are suitors for Jake Peavy, maybe not. They do need to address pitching if Oliver Perez is ineffective and Jon Niese is not ready to take off the diapers. Aside from their rock, Johan Santana, the rotation is shaky. I can’t see how New York is going to win three straight games in Boston, but as I will reiterate, anything is possible in this game. Read it and weep, do I smell a sweep?
Parting points: Girl power- Sheryl Crow, Sarah Mclachlan, Toni Braxton and Paula Abdul crooning this morning.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Interleague Intrigue
The New York Yankees are rapidly raking in wins as they set to host the NL defending champion Philadelphia Phillies this weekend. In the first installment of interleague play this season, both New York teams face intriguing matchups. The Phillies visit the new ballpark in the Bronx and the Mets finish their three city road trip in Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox.
Winning is infectious for the Yankees, while the Mets still have a few wrinkles to work out. The Yankees initially struggled to find chemistry, but now seem to have picked themselves up. The team is even winning without catcher, Jorge Posada’s bat and mitt. Francisco Cervelli has handled the pitching staff with emotion and there is no timetable yet for Posada’s return. The Yankees took all three games against the Twins at home and swept aside the Orioles with ease. The Bombers won their ninth consecutive game and made their new home a record for most homeruns hit in the first 20 games of existence. The Yankees won 7-4 to sweep Baltimore out of the Bronx. They did so without their starting pitcher, Joba Chamberlain, throwing past the first inning. The raucous right-hander exited the game after bruising his knee on Adam Jones’ one-out line drive. He stayed in the game long enough to allow Nick Markakis to single into the right field corner. Markakis would later go deep for the Orioles in the 7th inning. The solo shot was the 75th long ball hit in Yankee Stadium.
Alfredo Aceves filled in for Joba and went 3 1/3 scoreless innings for the surging Yankees. He has not allowed a run since May 13th. Jonathan Albaladejo allowed four Baltimore runs on five hits. He followed Aceves with 2 1/3 innings of relief work. The depleted bullpen gave way to Jose Veras and Mariano Rivera to close out the game. Robinson Cano starred on offense, driving in three runs. He hit a two run shot in the second after doubling for an RBI in the first inning. Cano is in a groove and has taken over as a star. He seems much more concentrated this season. Derek Jeter, Cano and Mark Teixeria opened the inning with consecutive doubles off Baltimore starter, Adam Eaton. Melky Cabrera also had a double in the first inning, good for two Yankee runs. Hideki Matsui’s fifth inning homerun signaled the record for four bag totals in the new park’s opening twenty games. . Eaton allowed seven runs on eight hits for the Orioles. He was ineffective through 4 2/3 innings, but Baltimore had a chance to come back, pitting the tying run at home plate during the game. Brian Roberts belted a homerun for Baltimore and Ty Wigginton blasted a sixth inning double to score two runs.
Mariano Rivera earned his second save in as many days and 57th against the Orioles lifetime. The pitcher with the master cutter tossed a perfect ninth inning, throwing seven pitches. The last time the Yankees won nine in a row was June of 2007. Chamberlain believes he will be well enough to make his next start. The Yankees start the first portion of the interleague schedule with A.J. Burnett on the mound. Burnett brings a 2-1 record and 5.02 ERA against the Phillies. Philadelphia will counter with Brett Myers. Myers is 3-2 this year with a 4.5 ERA. Andy Pettitte pitches game two of the series against Jay Happ, and C.C. Sabathia closes out the weekend facing Cole Hamels in a feature matchup. Sabathia leads the Yankees in strikeouts and Hamels has pitched his best baseball of the year as of late for the Phillies.
Alex Rodriguez went 0-4 last night and is batting just .171. However, the Yankees are a better team with Alex in the batter’s box. He gives the Yankees more muscle by floating fastballs beyond the reach of outfielders. The Yankees have adjusted well to injuries and bounced back from their recent slump superbly. The team is coming on with a vengeance to close the gap in the AL East race. Cabrera, Cano, Texeria and Brett Garnder are making plays on defense, and the bullpen is producing well enough to keep the team reeling. The team has seen a barrage of situational hitting and dramatic homeruns to maneuver their way to nine straight wins.
The Phillies always pose a threat with their balanced lineup and swell hitters. Second baseman, Chase Utley, drove in four runs last night for the Phillies’ 12-5 knocking of the Reds. The cool and composed Utley knocked in one of the team’s four solo homers. Greg Dobbs, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez all connected for Philadelphia. It was Raul’s 15th nip of the year. The Phillies scored in seven of the game’s nine innings. The hit parade made series winners out of the Phillies on the road. A dozen runs was enough for mediocre starter, Joe Blanton. They overcame a sub par start from Blanton with the first three hitters in the order combining for five runs and going 9-of-15 collectively. Jimmy Rollins was hard to keep off base as the productive and deadly leadoff bat. The Phils raced ahead 6-0 and Blanton consistently shut down Cincinnati . He got ahead on the batters and struck out four. But, Blanton almost let a six run lead slip away, despite registering the win. The right-hander gave up five runs in five innings, highlighted by Brandon Phillips’ three run dinger. The bomb by Brandon ended Blanton’s blighted night.
The Phillies starting rotation have a hideous 6.31 ERA, worst in the majors. They also have given up the most homeruns by any other team, with 46 in 2009. The offense keeps the team in the game to dismantle opponents, and they continue to pull off stunning victories. They own the NL’s highest scoring offense and should clobber the ball at the launching pad known as Yankee Stadium. I am a little concerned Aceves will not be available for a few days because he has pitched so much lately, but Brian Bruney should be ready to bridge the gap to Rivera if needed. The Phillies’ homer-friendly batters are capable of sending lasers into the stands, and both Burnett and Pettitte are prone to allow them. However, the Bombers have big bats of their own and Philadelphia starters throw out homeruns as if they are going out of style. That should determine which team is successful. The team is living proof you can win with a premier offense. The Phillies also have the game’s best winning percentage on the road. Their 14-5 road record will be blemished if New York pitching can contain a lashing lineup. Philadelphia has won six of their last seven games on the road and look to increase that in New York this Memorial Day weekend.
Meanwhile, in Boston, the Red Sox capped off a sweep of the Bluejays with a 5-1 win. Jon Lester rebounded from two bad outings to blank Toronto through six innings. Boston is baseball’s highest scoring team and Jason Bay continues to sizzle at the plate. Bay gave Lester support with his 13th homerun to the opposite field bullpen. It was Bay’s 11th straight homer with runners on base. Bay is now second in the league in long balls this season. Jacoby Ellsbury buried a double off Bluejay starter, Robert Ray, to extend his hitting streak to 16 games. The Red Sox handed Toronto an 0-4 deficit in the third inning on Dustin Pedroia’s double and Kevin Youkilis’ single. An RBI came in the fifth inning off Pedroia’s bat again to give Boston their final tally. Lester left with one out in the seventh after navigating the mound. Ramon Ramirez came in from the bullpen to end a bases-loaded Bluejay threat.
The Bluejays only scored one run off Lester and were held to just five during the entire three games. The Red Sox remain in the flow of the game and keep beating teams with small ball tactics. The Mets will have their hands full this weekend, punctuated by the loss of their leadoff shortstop, Jose Reyes. Reyes is not on the DL but is listed as day-to-day. Without Carlos Delgado and Reyes, the Mets look to David Wright and Carlos Beltran to be the run producers. Jerry Manuel is fielding a bunch of Triple-A caliber fill-ins, but the Mets pitching is good enough to keep Boston at bay. Manuel finally moved Daniel Murphy to first base and the kid was great Wednesday in L.A. I am curious to see how he does at Fenway and glad the Mets made one right move. It sure beats cringing at Murphy fetching flies in the field.
Johan Santana goes tonight for New York. He is 5-2 this year with an outstanding ERA of 1.36. Boston starts an on-the-mend Daisuke Matsuzaka. The Red Sox ace is 0-1 with a 12.79 ERA and will be making just his third start of the year. Boston’s sweep of Toronto cut the AL East lead to a half game. Boston is 15-2 in their last 17 games at Fenway Park. The Mets are coming off a four game losing streak on the road after winning 11 of 13. That does not bode well for New York, especially since they have not been fundamentally sound in the field. They have to play better baseball if they expect to buck the odds in Boston.
Parting points: The return of Rancid, “Last One To Die”, marks a great new song.
The Minnesota Twins weren’t exactly frugal in the run department last night. How many runs did they end up scoring against the Whitesox? 20!?
“A wrong decision is better than indecision”- Tony Soprano
This is 200th blog post!
Winning is infectious for the Yankees, while the Mets still have a few wrinkles to work out. The Yankees initially struggled to find chemistry, but now seem to have picked themselves up. The team is even winning without catcher, Jorge Posada’s bat and mitt. Francisco Cervelli has handled the pitching staff with emotion and there is no timetable yet for Posada’s return. The Yankees took all three games against the Twins at home and swept aside the Orioles with ease. The Bombers won their ninth consecutive game and made their new home a record for most homeruns hit in the first 20 games of existence. The Yankees won 7-4 to sweep Baltimore out of the Bronx. They did so without their starting pitcher, Joba Chamberlain, throwing past the first inning. The raucous right-hander exited the game after bruising his knee on Adam Jones’ one-out line drive. He stayed in the game long enough to allow Nick Markakis to single into the right field corner. Markakis would later go deep for the Orioles in the 7th inning. The solo shot was the 75th long ball hit in Yankee Stadium.
Alfredo Aceves filled in for Joba and went 3 1/3 scoreless innings for the surging Yankees. He has not allowed a run since May 13th. Jonathan Albaladejo allowed four Baltimore runs on five hits. He followed Aceves with 2 1/3 innings of relief work. The depleted bullpen gave way to Jose Veras and Mariano Rivera to close out the game. Robinson Cano starred on offense, driving in three runs. He hit a two run shot in the second after doubling for an RBI in the first inning. Cano is in a groove and has taken over as a star. He seems much more concentrated this season. Derek Jeter, Cano and Mark Teixeria opened the inning with consecutive doubles off Baltimore starter, Adam Eaton. Melky Cabrera also had a double in the first inning, good for two Yankee runs. Hideki Matsui’s fifth inning homerun signaled the record for four bag totals in the new park’s opening twenty games. . Eaton allowed seven runs on eight hits for the Orioles. He was ineffective through 4 2/3 innings, but Baltimore had a chance to come back, pitting the tying run at home plate during the game. Brian Roberts belted a homerun for Baltimore and Ty Wigginton blasted a sixth inning double to score two runs.
Mariano Rivera earned his second save in as many days and 57th against the Orioles lifetime. The pitcher with the master cutter tossed a perfect ninth inning, throwing seven pitches. The last time the Yankees won nine in a row was June of 2007. Chamberlain believes he will be well enough to make his next start. The Yankees start the first portion of the interleague schedule with A.J. Burnett on the mound. Burnett brings a 2-1 record and 5.02 ERA against the Phillies. Philadelphia will counter with Brett Myers. Myers is 3-2 this year with a 4.5 ERA. Andy Pettitte pitches game two of the series against Jay Happ, and C.C. Sabathia closes out the weekend facing Cole Hamels in a feature matchup. Sabathia leads the Yankees in strikeouts and Hamels has pitched his best baseball of the year as of late for the Phillies.
Alex Rodriguez went 0-4 last night and is batting just .171. However, the Yankees are a better team with Alex in the batter’s box. He gives the Yankees more muscle by floating fastballs beyond the reach of outfielders. The Yankees have adjusted well to injuries and bounced back from their recent slump superbly. The team is coming on with a vengeance to close the gap in the AL East race. Cabrera, Cano, Texeria and Brett Garnder are making plays on defense, and the bullpen is producing well enough to keep the team reeling. The team has seen a barrage of situational hitting and dramatic homeruns to maneuver their way to nine straight wins.
The Phillies always pose a threat with their balanced lineup and swell hitters. Second baseman, Chase Utley, drove in four runs last night for the Phillies’ 12-5 knocking of the Reds. The cool and composed Utley knocked in one of the team’s four solo homers. Greg Dobbs, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez all connected for Philadelphia. It was Raul’s 15th nip of the year. The Phillies scored in seven of the game’s nine innings. The hit parade made series winners out of the Phillies on the road. A dozen runs was enough for mediocre starter, Joe Blanton. They overcame a sub par start from Blanton with the first three hitters in the order combining for five runs and going 9-of-15 collectively. Jimmy Rollins was hard to keep off base as the productive and deadly leadoff bat. The Phils raced ahead 6-0 and Blanton consistently shut down Cincinnati . He got ahead on the batters and struck out four. But, Blanton almost let a six run lead slip away, despite registering the win. The right-hander gave up five runs in five innings, highlighted by Brandon Phillips’ three run dinger. The bomb by Brandon ended Blanton’s blighted night.
The Phillies starting rotation have a hideous 6.31 ERA, worst in the majors. They also have given up the most homeruns by any other team, with 46 in 2009. The offense keeps the team in the game to dismantle opponents, and they continue to pull off stunning victories. They own the NL’s highest scoring offense and should clobber the ball at the launching pad known as Yankee Stadium. I am a little concerned Aceves will not be available for a few days because he has pitched so much lately, but Brian Bruney should be ready to bridge the gap to Rivera if needed. The Phillies’ homer-friendly batters are capable of sending lasers into the stands, and both Burnett and Pettitte are prone to allow them. However, the Bombers have big bats of their own and Philadelphia starters throw out homeruns as if they are going out of style. That should determine which team is successful. The team is living proof you can win with a premier offense. The Phillies also have the game’s best winning percentage on the road. Their 14-5 road record will be blemished if New York pitching can contain a lashing lineup. Philadelphia has won six of their last seven games on the road and look to increase that in New York this Memorial Day weekend.
Meanwhile, in Boston, the Red Sox capped off a sweep of the Bluejays with a 5-1 win. Jon Lester rebounded from two bad outings to blank Toronto through six innings. Boston is baseball’s highest scoring team and Jason Bay continues to sizzle at the plate. Bay gave Lester support with his 13th homerun to the opposite field bullpen. It was Bay’s 11th straight homer with runners on base. Bay is now second in the league in long balls this season. Jacoby Ellsbury buried a double off Bluejay starter, Robert Ray, to extend his hitting streak to 16 games. The Red Sox handed Toronto an 0-4 deficit in the third inning on Dustin Pedroia’s double and Kevin Youkilis’ single. An RBI came in the fifth inning off Pedroia’s bat again to give Boston their final tally. Lester left with one out in the seventh after navigating the mound. Ramon Ramirez came in from the bullpen to end a bases-loaded Bluejay threat.
The Bluejays only scored one run off Lester and were held to just five during the entire three games. The Red Sox remain in the flow of the game and keep beating teams with small ball tactics. The Mets will have their hands full this weekend, punctuated by the loss of their leadoff shortstop, Jose Reyes. Reyes is not on the DL but is listed as day-to-day. Without Carlos Delgado and Reyes, the Mets look to David Wright and Carlos Beltran to be the run producers. Jerry Manuel is fielding a bunch of Triple-A caliber fill-ins, but the Mets pitching is good enough to keep Boston at bay. Manuel finally moved Daniel Murphy to first base and the kid was great Wednesday in L.A. I am curious to see how he does at Fenway and glad the Mets made one right move. It sure beats cringing at Murphy fetching flies in the field.
Johan Santana goes tonight for New York. He is 5-2 this year with an outstanding ERA of 1.36. Boston starts an on-the-mend Daisuke Matsuzaka. The Red Sox ace is 0-1 with a 12.79 ERA and will be making just his third start of the year. Boston’s sweep of Toronto cut the AL East lead to a half game. Boston is 15-2 in their last 17 games at Fenway Park. The Mets are coming off a four game losing streak on the road after winning 11 of 13. That does not bode well for New York, especially since they have not been fundamentally sound in the field. They have to play better baseball if they expect to buck the odds in Boston.
Parting points: The return of Rancid, “Last One To Die”, marks a great new song.
The Minnesota Twins weren’t exactly frugal in the run department last night. How many runs did they end up scoring against the Whitesox? 20!?
“A wrong decision is better than indecision”- Tony Soprano
This is 200th blog post!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Phillies Platitude
It’s become a cliché in baseball. Can teams repeat as World Champions even with all the parity on the league? The days of the dynasty appeared to abruptly end as we entered a new century. There are still teams who make the playoffs a habit and are always going to compete for the pennant. It’s harder to ascertain which teams will be in the World Series each year. Nobody considered the Tampa Bay Rays a team capable of evening winning the division in 2008, let alone going to the World Series. The Phillies survived the down stretch and muscled and pitched their way to the title. They are no longer the proverbial losers. But, now the Phillies are puttering along early in 2009. The pitchers are getting smacked around and the hitters are failing to smack. Can the team repeat? I break down Philadelphia’s chance, but as the brainchild of the Oakland A’s, Billy Beane, says, the playoffs are a crapshoot.
Top flight pitcher, Cole Hamels, was expected to be the backbone of the Phillies this season. Last year, the Phillies went 19-14 in games Hamels started. Philadelphia is 1-3 in Cole’s starts this season. He struggled to protect a 7-1 in the Phillies recent homestand against Washington. Head Coach Charlie Manuel is in an unfamiliar predicament with his ace, who could land on the DL for an extended period of time. Hamels threw a bullpen session yesterday but could miss his next start Tuesday in St. Louis. The Phillies number one left-hander sprained his ankle and if he misses time, will be replaced by reliever, J.A. Happ. Manuel could also call up a starter from the minors. Kyle Kendrick is a triple A right-hander with a 2-1 record and 2.77 ERA.
Hamels is not the only Philadelphia pitcher struggling. He has a 7.27 ERA and has given up an extensive 27 hits in 17 innings. Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer also have high ERAs and have yielded too many homeruns. Myers is 1-2 with a 4.83 ERA, allowing 8 dingers. Myers has a quality arm but tends to make mistakes and get down on himself for them. Against the Nationals last week, Myers walked three in an inning, including the left handed Washington starter, Scott Olsen. The third pass, with the bases loaded, resulted in a run. The Nationals outlasted Philadelphia 4-1 and Myers took the loss.
Moyer boasts a 3-1 record, pitching with a .5.65 ERA and 7 long balls surrendered. The back end rightys, Joe Blanton and Chan Ho Park, have yet to record a win and both have over 8 ERAs. Park has issues an abysmal 28 hits in just 20 innings of work and walked 11. On Saturday, he put the Phillies in a 5-0 hole because he allowed the Mets seven runs on eight hits, walking six. He pitched a little over four innings in the loss. If Park proves he cannot handle big league pitching, Manuel may be forced to put Happ into the rotation anyway. Park beat out Happ for the fifth starter in Spring training. The pitching staff allowed a homerun in all but on of their first 19 games. I realize they play at home in a bandbox but that is inexcusable for a world championship caliber team.
Closer Brad Lidge had a career year in 2008 and was the team’s cog in close games. Lidge controlled the bullpen chaos as the Phillies coasted to their World Series title. He was unreal on the mound in relief. This year, Brad has a 7.27 ERA in nine appearances. He did injure his knee last week and blames a hitch in his delivery on the ailment. The flaw is self-correcting according to the closer so the Phillies shouldn’t be without his services too long. Right-hander, Clay Condrey, has been the best bullpen arm for Manuel. The ground-ball pitcher is 3-0 in 14 games. A long relief man last season, Condrey finished with a 3.26 ERA. He’s been used in more high-pressure circumstances this year and has the confidence of pitching coach, Rich Dubee. Condrey has held opponents to a .195 batting average, tops on the team. The 33 year old has an improved changeup, nasty sinker and cutter. Ryan Madson has also been a positive, with 16 strikeouts in 11 games. Madson hasn’t issued a homerun and stands with a 2-1 record. Righty, Chad Durbin and southpaw, Scott Eyre, have been only mediocre. Overall, the team has received good work out of the pen. As a unit, they have a 4.28 ERA. While not spectacular, the relievers have been effective. If they continue with the heavy workload, the effectiveness will wear off quickly.
A productive and potent power lineup positioned Philadelphia for a first place finish last year. The two best hitters for Manuel have been second baseman, Chase Utley and off-season free agent pickup, Raul Ibanez. The outfielder Ibanez is batting .360. He and Utley both have 8 homeruns (not including Raul’s launch yesterday) and 21 RBIs through the season’s first month. Ibanez ignited the Phillies with an 8th inning grand slam against the Nationals last week. Count Ibanez as another player the Mets missed out on. His defense is better than last year Phillies outfielder, Pat Burrell, too.
Utley came back from injury to club .342 at the plate so far. Jimmy Rollins, the all-star shortstop, finally raised his average to the .200 mark after hitting in yesterday’s win against New York. Rollins has a .206 on-base-percentage and the Phillies could benefit from a Jimmy hot streak. Ryan Howard, the ultra-talented, muscular first baseman, has a .281 average and is striking out too often. Because Howard swings a big bat, you can expect the ball to pass the fence with regularity. You also must be accustomed to the young slugger whiffing on more occasions. At third base, the Phillies are seeing surprise plate production from Pedro Feliz. Feliz is batting .338. Centerfielder, Shane Victorino, is the heart of the team and plays a core position on the field. Shane is batting .287, while his teammate in right field, Jayson Werth, has a .250 average. Werth and Victorino can go yard and may provide power once the summer hits. Utility player, Matt Stairs, can also be the pop needed from a bench that lacks depth. Catcher, Carlos Ruiz, has been out since April 10th, but Manuel hinted about him being activated from the DL after this weekend. Top prospect, Lou Marson, is a viable replacement, however. Marson is 4 for 17 with a .235 average since being called up.
You could argue the Phillies are one of baseball’s best comeback teams this year. They have scored 40 of their 85 runs in the seventh inning or later so far. Philadelphia has eight come-from-behind wins. The Phillies are a resilient club and have trailed by multiple runs in 13 of their first 19 games. It is too risky and hard to play catch-up all the time but they do find ways. This is a team that hangs around and kicks it into high gear when the pressure is on. The comeback ability factor is reason enough to believe the Phillies are for real, despite their major pitching woes and starters not hitting. Philadelphia is off to a slow start but I predict they will drastically improve their record by the all-star break. This six week stretch has not been kind to the Phillies. Some teams take time to get things going again, especially after winning world titles. I think that is what we are seeing with the Phillies, at least at the plate. The Phillies know how to keep pitcher’s honest with their tenacious and unrelenting lineup. A blossoming of bashing bats is not to much to beseech and would benefit benignly.
Manuel, a former hitting coach, was upset with his offense after the team was shut out through eight innings against Dave Bush and the Brewers. Bush came close to throwing a no-no at Citizens’ Bank Park. Even though Bush hit his spots, the Phillies played poorly. The team didn’t make aggressive swings and played more of a defensive style at the plate. Stairs’ solo shot off Bush broke up the no hit bid but the team lost 6-1. I think Manuel wants to see harder hit balls instead of loopy liners and shabby singles. As he so eloquently put, the hitting on this club “stinks”.
A solid defense is still present, especially in the Philadelphia infield. Rollins, Utley, Feliz, and Howard all play their positions well. The National Leaguers held the record for consecutive errorless games until Utley was charged with a 7th inning error against the Mets in a 7-4 loss Saturday. Victorino plays a magnificent centerfield and continues to gun down line drives with marvel.
Manuel has a good feel for his team and the Phillies are very capable of winning again in 2009. Last year, they won because their pitching rotation and bullpen were better than most people expected. The starting pitching is worst in baseball this year and that is the main reason for concern at this time. Philadelphia starters have allowed 83 earned runs and have a league worst collective ERA of 6.65. The rotation needs to go deeper into ball games instead of these 5 inning affairs where they drive up their pitch counts. Last year, the pitchers were credited with multiple 1-2-3 innings, but we haven’t seen many glimpses of the same this season. Myers, Moyer and Park are showing signs of settling in, and if Hamels returns healthy, the Phillies rotation will be back in tact. Blanton caught on late last year as the Phillies surged behind is stellar summer arm. They just need more length from the starting five to alleviate the pressure off the bullpen.
It may be another platitude, but Philadelphia has to be more consistent. The Phillies have the seal of approval around the league because they are still the defending world champions. The Phillies hardly look like defending champs but until they are beaten, you have to consider them the best.
Parting points: Check out a cool bike- http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=47768
Top flight pitcher, Cole Hamels, was expected to be the backbone of the Phillies this season. Last year, the Phillies went 19-14 in games Hamels started. Philadelphia is 1-3 in Cole’s starts this season. He struggled to protect a 7-1 in the Phillies recent homestand against Washington. Head Coach Charlie Manuel is in an unfamiliar predicament with his ace, who could land on the DL for an extended period of time. Hamels threw a bullpen session yesterday but could miss his next start Tuesday in St. Louis. The Phillies number one left-hander sprained his ankle and if he misses time, will be replaced by reliever, J.A. Happ. Manuel could also call up a starter from the minors. Kyle Kendrick is a triple A right-hander with a 2-1 record and 2.77 ERA.
Hamels is not the only Philadelphia pitcher struggling. He has a 7.27 ERA and has given up an extensive 27 hits in 17 innings. Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer also have high ERAs and have yielded too many homeruns. Myers is 1-2 with a 4.83 ERA, allowing 8 dingers. Myers has a quality arm but tends to make mistakes and get down on himself for them. Against the Nationals last week, Myers walked three in an inning, including the left handed Washington starter, Scott Olsen. The third pass, with the bases loaded, resulted in a run. The Nationals outlasted Philadelphia 4-1 and Myers took the loss.
Moyer boasts a 3-1 record, pitching with a .5.65 ERA and 7 long balls surrendered. The back end rightys, Joe Blanton and Chan Ho Park, have yet to record a win and both have over 8 ERAs. Park has issues an abysmal 28 hits in just 20 innings of work and walked 11. On Saturday, he put the Phillies in a 5-0 hole because he allowed the Mets seven runs on eight hits, walking six. He pitched a little over four innings in the loss. If Park proves he cannot handle big league pitching, Manuel may be forced to put Happ into the rotation anyway. Park beat out Happ for the fifth starter in Spring training. The pitching staff allowed a homerun in all but on of their first 19 games. I realize they play at home in a bandbox but that is inexcusable for a world championship caliber team.
Closer Brad Lidge had a career year in 2008 and was the team’s cog in close games. Lidge controlled the bullpen chaos as the Phillies coasted to their World Series title. He was unreal on the mound in relief. This year, Brad has a 7.27 ERA in nine appearances. He did injure his knee last week and blames a hitch in his delivery on the ailment. The flaw is self-correcting according to the closer so the Phillies shouldn’t be without his services too long. Right-hander, Clay Condrey, has been the best bullpen arm for Manuel. The ground-ball pitcher is 3-0 in 14 games. A long relief man last season, Condrey finished with a 3.26 ERA. He’s been used in more high-pressure circumstances this year and has the confidence of pitching coach, Rich Dubee. Condrey has held opponents to a .195 batting average, tops on the team. The 33 year old has an improved changeup, nasty sinker and cutter. Ryan Madson has also been a positive, with 16 strikeouts in 11 games. Madson hasn’t issued a homerun and stands with a 2-1 record. Righty, Chad Durbin and southpaw, Scott Eyre, have been only mediocre. Overall, the team has received good work out of the pen. As a unit, they have a 4.28 ERA. While not spectacular, the relievers have been effective. If they continue with the heavy workload, the effectiveness will wear off quickly.
A productive and potent power lineup positioned Philadelphia for a first place finish last year. The two best hitters for Manuel have been second baseman, Chase Utley and off-season free agent pickup, Raul Ibanez. The outfielder Ibanez is batting .360. He and Utley both have 8 homeruns (not including Raul’s launch yesterday) and 21 RBIs through the season’s first month. Ibanez ignited the Phillies with an 8th inning grand slam against the Nationals last week. Count Ibanez as another player the Mets missed out on. His defense is better than last year Phillies outfielder, Pat Burrell, too.
Utley came back from injury to club .342 at the plate so far. Jimmy Rollins, the all-star shortstop, finally raised his average to the .200 mark after hitting in yesterday’s win against New York. Rollins has a .206 on-base-percentage and the Phillies could benefit from a Jimmy hot streak. Ryan Howard, the ultra-talented, muscular first baseman, has a .281 average and is striking out too often. Because Howard swings a big bat, you can expect the ball to pass the fence with regularity. You also must be accustomed to the young slugger whiffing on more occasions. At third base, the Phillies are seeing surprise plate production from Pedro Feliz. Feliz is batting .338. Centerfielder, Shane Victorino, is the heart of the team and plays a core position on the field. Shane is batting .287, while his teammate in right field, Jayson Werth, has a .250 average. Werth and Victorino can go yard and may provide power once the summer hits. Utility player, Matt Stairs, can also be the pop needed from a bench that lacks depth. Catcher, Carlos Ruiz, has been out since April 10th, but Manuel hinted about him being activated from the DL after this weekend. Top prospect, Lou Marson, is a viable replacement, however. Marson is 4 for 17 with a .235 average since being called up.
You could argue the Phillies are one of baseball’s best comeback teams this year. They have scored 40 of their 85 runs in the seventh inning or later so far. Philadelphia has eight come-from-behind wins. The Phillies are a resilient club and have trailed by multiple runs in 13 of their first 19 games. It is too risky and hard to play catch-up all the time but they do find ways. This is a team that hangs around and kicks it into high gear when the pressure is on. The comeback ability factor is reason enough to believe the Phillies are for real, despite their major pitching woes and starters not hitting. Philadelphia is off to a slow start but I predict they will drastically improve their record by the all-star break. This six week stretch has not been kind to the Phillies. Some teams take time to get things going again, especially after winning world titles. I think that is what we are seeing with the Phillies, at least at the plate. The Phillies know how to keep pitcher’s honest with their tenacious and unrelenting lineup. A blossoming of bashing bats is not to much to beseech and would benefit benignly.
Manuel, a former hitting coach, was upset with his offense after the team was shut out through eight innings against Dave Bush and the Brewers. Bush came close to throwing a no-no at Citizens’ Bank Park. Even though Bush hit his spots, the Phillies played poorly. The team didn’t make aggressive swings and played more of a defensive style at the plate. Stairs’ solo shot off Bush broke up the no hit bid but the team lost 6-1. I think Manuel wants to see harder hit balls instead of loopy liners and shabby singles. As he so eloquently put, the hitting on this club “stinks”.
A solid defense is still present, especially in the Philadelphia infield. Rollins, Utley, Feliz, and Howard all play their positions well. The National Leaguers held the record for consecutive errorless games until Utley was charged with a 7th inning error against the Mets in a 7-4 loss Saturday. Victorino plays a magnificent centerfield and continues to gun down line drives with marvel.
Manuel has a good feel for his team and the Phillies are very capable of winning again in 2009. Last year, they won because their pitching rotation and bullpen were better than most people expected. The starting pitching is worst in baseball this year and that is the main reason for concern at this time. Philadelphia starters have allowed 83 earned runs and have a league worst collective ERA of 6.65. The rotation needs to go deeper into ball games instead of these 5 inning affairs where they drive up their pitch counts. Last year, the pitchers were credited with multiple 1-2-3 innings, but we haven’t seen many glimpses of the same this season. Myers, Moyer and Park are showing signs of settling in, and if Hamels returns healthy, the Phillies rotation will be back in tact. Blanton caught on late last year as the Phillies surged behind is stellar summer arm. They just need more length from the starting five to alleviate the pressure off the bullpen.
It may be another platitude, but Philadelphia has to be more consistent. The Phillies have the seal of approval around the league because they are still the defending world champions. The Phillies hardly look like defending champs but until they are beaten, you have to consider them the best.
Parting points: Check out a cool bike- http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=47768
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
