Phillies Nation

Gamenight: Blue Jays (21-22) At Phillies (23-19)

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Fri, May 16, 2008 05:40 PM

Fifteen years later, vengeance to be had.

OK, let’s be honest: The 1993 World Series, while a sad time for us then, is more of a distant memory, like a family reunion. Of current Phillies, Jamie Moyer, Tom Gordon and Rudy Seanez were the only players in Major League Baseball in 1993.

Of course, all three could be playing tonight when the Blue Jays and Phils meet. Moyer gets the start in the first Interleague matchup of the season. David Purcey makes his second start of the season for the Jays. The 24-year-old prospect went 4.1 innings, giving up one run on two hits and seven walks against Detroit.

Last year the Phils were one of a very select group of National League teams that fared well against the AL, at 8-7.

There is rain pouring onto Philadelphia tonight, but reports say the game is set to start on time.

Phillies: Jamie Moyer (2-3) 5.02 ERA
Blue Jays: David Purcey (0-0) 2.08 ERA

Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EST
Weather: 56 degrees, rain
Lineup: Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Werth, Feliz, Coste, Moyer

MLB TV
MLB Gameday Audio
MLB Gameday

Your gamenight beer: We have to go Canadian tonight. We just have to. Some of my friends enjoy Molson Golden. It’s the Canadian Rolling Rock — tastes like piss. Why I wouldn’t normally recommend piss beer, I will tonight, because it’s Friday and you shouldn’t care so much about the quality of your beer. Eat some cocktail shrimp with it.

Go Phillies!

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Commentary: Future At Catcher Should Be Coste’s To Lose

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Fri, May 16, 2008 04:46 PM

Carlos Ruiz has been playing poorly all season, while Chris Coste has been playing well all season. Sounds like a change at starting catcher is in order. Right?

So far Ruiz has caught 32 games while Coste has caught 22 games. So Ruiz is still the No. 1 catcher, but as of late, the rotation has resembled more of a platoon.

Here are their statistics:

Carlos Ruiz: 94 AB, 12 R, 1 HR, 12 RBI, .234 AVG, .308 OBP, .309 SLG
Chris Coste: 62 AB, 8 R, 3 HR, 8 RBI, .339 AVG, .423 OBP, .565 SLG

Against lefties, Ruiz is hitting a paltry .208 with a .250 SLG in 30 at bats. Coste, meanwhile, is hitting .375 with a .438 SLG and an awesome .500 OBP. Of course, this is in 20 at bats.

Charlie Manuel is looking toward installing Coste as the one who faces lefties most of the time, but at some point the question has to be raised: Is Carlos Ruiz a long-term solution?

I’d say it’s not a stretch to think Lou Marson, the 21-year-old catching prospect in AA Reading, is next in line. Since a slow start this season, he’s caught fire:

Lou Marson: 108 AB, 16 R, 0 HR, 16 RBI, 24 BB, 24 K, .315 AVG, .436 OBP, .389 SLG

All good numbers, sans the power, which as he is very young, should come around in time. AAA catcher Jason Jaramillo has been a disaster up there and will likely miss the boat when it comes to shore. The way Marson is playing (and he’s pretty good defensively, by the way), he could be up in Philadelphia by next season. He would be backing up whomever and understanding the ropes. So in 2010, the show is Lou’s to take over.

Until then, of course, it’s imperative the Phils stick with the hot hand, and Coste is clearly that hot hand. And it might be most worthy to stick with Coste, giving Marson the right coach for when he rises to the Majors.

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Gillick: No Extensions For Hamels, Howard Yet

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Fri, May 16, 2008 10:27 AM

Pat Gillick said he’s baffled by the recent rash of teams locking up their young stars. In the past year, Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Scott Kazmir, Hanley Ramirez. Miguel Cabrera, James Shields, Troy Tulowitzki and Evan Longoria have all signed long-term extensions with their teams.

Kazmir was extended for four years and $28.5MM with a fifth-year option at $11MM. Many believe that sets the bar for Hamels, who, with more time and success, should get more money.

Then there’s Howard. Struggles this year aside, he’ll demand probably $15MM or so this year in arbitration, and a long-term deal would see him winning about $20MM and more per year. A six-year, $150MM deal isn’t out of the question.

Gillick said he won’t be locking these two up before he steps down as Phillies general manager at the end of the season:

“We’re not afraid to pay. [But] we don’t need to talk extension. We’ve got the guy for another five years [including the rest of ‘08]. Maybe when I’m not here it might happen. But right now it isn’t going to happen.”

Yeah, we got Hamels for five years and Howard for another three, but as the years progress the potential contracts should only get meatier, as long as Hamels and Howard continue to remain stars.

I can see where Gillick errs on the side of caution, since so many young players falter quickly, even before they reach their primes. But to come out publicly and say there’s no way a deal will even be considered this season? That’s selling your organization and fans right down the river. That’s upsetting the Hamels and Howard camps. And that’s downright bad business.

For Gillick it doesn’t matter because he won’t be here after October. But for everyone else?

Great job, Pat.

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Hamels Magnificent In 5-0 Win

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Fri, May 16, 2008 09:09 AM

King Cole took to his throne Thursday night, throwing one of the best-pitched games in baseball this season in a 5-0 win over the Braves. It was Hamels’ first career shutout and third career complete game.

The Phils got offense from slumping players. Pedro Feliz had two RBI — a home run to left field and a line drive double that missed being his second homer by mere inches. Ryan Howard added his third homer in five games, and Shane Victorino scored his first bomb of the year. It looks as if Howard is coming around finally — his homer was a straight rainbow into the center field shrubbery.

The star was, of course, Hamels, who struck out six, matching his hit and walk total. Only one Brave player reached second base. Hamels threw 120 pitches and 85 strikes. He carries the best strike-thrown percentage in baseball. His ERA is now at a gorgeous 2.89. He is 5-3. Oh, and Hamelsgot his seventh and eighth hits of the year to bring his average to a ridiculous .320.

It was one of those games where you felt comfortable the entire time. In fact, once Feliz his his homer to make it 1-0, I knew the game was in hand. Hamels located all night, baffled with his changeup, worked quickly and looked fiery. He was pissed when he walked a batter. Easily his best showing of the year and coming at the right time — with Brett Myers imploding, Adam Eaton reverting to 2007 and Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick not exactly Cy Youngs out there, it’s huge to have such a stable and dominant arm leading the front.

Associated Press photo

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Gamenight: Braves (20-19) At Phillies (22-19)

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, May 15, 2008 05:14 PM

The Phillies will try to take the three-game series against the Braves when they wrestle tonight at the Vault. Chuck James goes for Atlanta while Cole Hamels pitches for the Phils.

Phillies: Cole Hamels (4-3) 3.36 ERA
Braves: Chuck James (2-2) 7.58 ERA

Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EST
Weather: 72 degrees, mostly cloudy
Lineup: Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Werth, Feliz, Coste, Hamels

MLB TV
MLB Gameday Audio
MLB Gameday

Your gamenight beer: Festina Peche is the Dogfish Head beer that pours out yellow but tastes citrus sweet. It’s a good beer to sip and enjoy for a long while, and you know I like recommending easy beers when Hamels is on the hill. Eat some grilled catfish with this.

Go Phillies!

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Gillick On Fans, Bush On Utley

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, May 15, 2008 04:02 PM

Pat Gillick, on MLB on XM today, spoke about the role Phillies fans play in Pat Burrell’s life in left field. Here is what he said, from the MLB on XM blog:

“The fans here are pretty frustrated. I think, sometimes, they tend to take the frustration out on the players. … Pat is sitting out there in left field, and we have an nice group of people out there in left field … they like to get on him from time-to-time. … He really loves playing here in Philly. … They have a ‘love-hate’ relationship out there in left field…”

Wait, fans still jeer Burrell? Really? I hope not. Or maybe Gillick is that out of touch with his fans … and his own team.

Also, supposedly President Bush loves Chase Utley. Bush said if he was the owner of a baseball team again, he would take Utley as his first player:

Q: Mr. President, I know you’re going to hate this, but I’m hoping that we may twist your arm and talk about baseball for just a moment. (Laughter.) Mr. President, you’re a Major League Baseball team owner again. Everyone is a free agent. You have a Yankees-like wallet. Who is your first position player? Who’s your pitcher?

THE PRESIDENT: That’s a great question. I like Utley from the Philadelphia Phillies. He’s a middle infielder, which is always — you know, they say you have strength up the middle — there’s nothing better than having a good person up the middle that can hit. And Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays is a great pitcher. He’s a steady guy, he burns up innings. And I’m sure I’m leaving some other good ones out, but those —

Q: We thought you were going to go A-Rod, Josh Beckett.

THE PRESIDENT: Josh Beckett is good, yes, he’s real good, too. I mean, look, that’s a tough question to answer on the fly like this, Michael.

Take that, Sox and Yanks! Utley said he was flattered that Bush would go with him; politically, Utley is a champion of environmental and animal rights issues.

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Mad Dog And Muck Dog Bit Hard In Loss

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, May 15, 2008 10:34 AM

Brett Myers pitched terribly in an 8-6 loss to the Braves. He gave up six earned runs (eight total) on nine hits in just 4.2 innings. According to Myers, Charlie Manuel, Chris Coste, some guy outside the ballpark, Myers had good stuff. Nay, great stuff.

“His stuff was really good,” Coste said. “Any time a ball was anywhere near the hitting zone, they killed it. He didn’t get away with anything. Other than that, I don’t know how to respond. Every time he threw a fastball, they were ready.”

So they’re hitting the fastball. Is the velocity down? Is control poor? Is it both? Probably, and it’s something that won’t fix itself. Myers clearly has lost a step, maybe three or four, in his pitching. He’s not a thrower anymore and he doesn’t have the psyche to be a pitcher. He doesn’t want to be a starter but he can’t be the closer. He’s lost in a trance, a once-effective Major League pitcher without an identity. It’s time to sit Myers and recoup. Find out the problem and get him ready for the summer.

Meanwhile the Phils made a valiant comeback but came up short, thanks to some poor plays. For one, So Taguchi hit into a double play that could’ve kept a rally. For two, Shane Victorino eagerly looked for the game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth instead of the single that would’ve made it a one-run game with Chase Utley coming up. Both Taguchi and Victorino are in their own little no-indentity lands.

Ryan Howard socked a homer to left field, a good sign for sure. He swung well, but only went 1-for-4. Utley added his ML-leading 14th bomb. Jimmy Rollins added an RBI double and an RBI single in the ninth.

Myers’ poor start doomed the Phils, and it’s at a point where we’re almost certain he won’t be effective when he ventures to the mound. Still, the Phils could’ve won the game. One other place to look for blame: Ryan Madson. He let two of Myers’ runners score in the fifth, runners that became the difference in the game. At this point, Madson is becoming a no-win situation. Just like Myers.

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Gamenight: Braves (19-19) At Phillies (22-18)

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Wed, May 14, 2008 05:42 PM

After a nice win yesterday against the Braves, the Phils will come right back against another Atlanta left-hander. This time it’s future Hall of Famer Tom Glavine. The Phils counter with probable non-Hall of Famer Brett Myers.

Myers needs to keep the ship floating tonight. He’s been brutal for the most part this season. The offense picked up last night with nice performances by Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth. Here’s hoping it continues and Glavine gets knocked around like a little doll.

Phillies: Brett Myers (2-3) 5.33 ERA
Braves: Tom Glavine (0-1) 4.03 ERA

Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EST
Weather: 71 degrees, mostly cloudy
Lineup: Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Werth, Feliz, Coste, Myers

MLB TV
MLB Gameday Audio
MLB Gameday

Your gamenight beer: By the end of the season I will have recommended every one of the Sam Adams beers. There are I believe 21 of them, at least off the top of my head. This one, Cream Stout, is heavy by the naked eye, but delicious and milky with hints of coffee. Have it with peanut butter crackers — supposedly if you have it with PB you’ll be having an orgasm. We’ll see.

Go Phillies!

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No Rhyme Or Reason For Outfield Shuffle

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Wed, May 14, 2008 11:55 AM

Last night Charlie Manuel started Jayson Werth in center field and Shane Victorino in right field. It was going fine until the ninth inning, when Werth misplayed a fly ball by Brian McCann for a double. One run scored. Though the Phils hung on to win, the play could’ve cost them the game.

Manuel’s reason for putting Werth in center field was merely that he wanted to:

“I want Werth to play center field every now and then. I said before that Werth will play some in center field. I said it in the winter. I said it in the spring. I said it right before Victorino came back [from the disabled list]. That way, we’ve got two guys. If you notice during the season, I usually give [Victorino] a rest. I give him a blow every now and then. And when I give him a rest, Werth will be the guy to go to center field.”

Yeah, Charlie, when you give Vic a rest. But last night Vic was starting. Victorino has a better arm, more range and is quicker than Werth. There was no reason not to start Vic in center field if both were playing. If Victorino is on the bench, that’s fine, but if there’s anything Shane has done well this season it’s play his position. He needs to be out there in center field if he’s playing.

If there’s any reason the team is hiding it could be they want to expose Werth as trade bait who can play all outfield positions. But that’s a fairly ridiculous thought.

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Werth Proves His To Reyes, Braves In 5-4 Win

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Wed, May 14, 2008 12:28 AM

Jayson Werth went 3-for-4 with a career-high four RBI to lead the Phils past the Braves, 5-4. Werth yet again mashed a lefty, as all his three hits came against Jo-Jo Reyes. The Atlanta starter was spotted three early runs off Kyle Kendrick, but the Braves couldn’t get anything else until the ninth, when a misplayed fly ball by Werth led to an RBI double by Brian McCann. Werth — not Shane Victorino — was playing center field, a move made by Charlie Manuel to give Werth some time in center. Bad move. If both are out there, there’s no reason to give Werth center field. It could’ve cost the team the win.

Because of the misplay Brad Lidge was charged for his first earned run of the season. His ERA is still low: 0.50. His save was his 10th. JC Romero (getting out of another jam) and Tom Gordon (looking good) set Lidge up yet again as the best back end in baseball continued doing its thing.

Despite the bad first inning, Kendrick held it together to go six, giving up three runs — yet another Kendrickian start. He walked four and struck out two — not pretty, but the job got done. By the time he left he had a 4-3 lead.

Things could’ve been ugly from the start with the Atlanta three spot, but Kendrick showed us that “poise” or “luck” that made him a good pitcher last season. Getting a 2:1 grounder to fly ratio and using the double play ball to his advantage, Kendrick wiggled out of minor jams all game. Nothing fazed him. That’s the Kendrick we know, we like, and we need.

Ryan Howard showed signs of life with two hits in four at bats. He drove a double to center field to set up two of Werth’s RBI, then dropped a single into right field to drive in one. But there is another side to the coin: Howard struck out twice in the game. Pat Burrell also notched two hits, as did Shane Victorino, as every Phillie regular position starter scored a hit off Atlanta pitching.

It was great to see the offense working — in pressure situations and by singles and doubles. Werth was again a beast, and there’s absolutely no reason to ever sit him against left-handed pitching. He just knows how to hit them. Hopefully that swing of Howard’s is finally coming back, though I still wish he’d move two inches closer to the plate. But you can’t argue with the results in game one. A big win against a big rival.

Associated Press photo

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