Comments on: NLDS Preview Part II : Relief Pitching

By: Peter

Peter — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:33:13 +0000

Tim Kurkijan(sp?) from ESPN said that Mitch Stetter from the Brewers has the most unhittable slider in the majors according to the stats

By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:41:14 +0000

lidge named comeback player of the year for the NL!

By: NJ

NJ — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:59:49 +0000

One things for sure, the bats are going to need to get down to business ‘right off the bat’ and that’s whats going to win or loose the series. Francis I love your enthusiasm at the prospect of Brett hanging with CC but the way that guys pitching right now no-ones keeping up with him unless you have him over 100 pitches through 6 or hit him hard early.

By: mike m

mike m — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:47:33 +0000

I can’t believe we are the playoff experience team. Durbin scares me. The league has caught up with him. Madson never use him in eighth or nineth. He is not good in pressure situations.I trust eyre more than them.

By: J-Man

J-Man — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:29:13 +0000

Another thing is were gonna need the Lidge from the regular season to show up and not the Lidge from the playoffs a couple of years ago with Houston because we all know what happened to him there.

By: J-Man

J-Man — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:26:43 +0000

I just hope we can take care of this young pitcher and not get dominated again like the Rockies young pitchers did to us last year.

By: Francis Forte

Francis Forte — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:56:20 +0000

Hamels vs Gallardo is a win. Myers can hang with CC he likes pitching under pressure and usually settles in well. Moyer vs either Bush/Parra/Suppan I’ll take any of them. The bullpen is much better for the Phils, Lidge will continue to be perfect and finish MVP of the World Series.

By: Tim Malcolm

Tim Malcolm — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:30:13 +0000

Thanks, Dan. For some reason I totally overlooked Riske being out for the year. I edited that part.

By: The Proc

The Proc — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:16:18 +0000

Let’s go Phillies!

And let’s go Dodgers and Angels so I can go to both the NLCS and World Series!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL @ The METS!!!!!!!!!!!

By: NEPA

NEPA — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:58:56 +0000

ryan – nothing is worse than the Mets bullpen, nothing. For a team that far above .500, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a pathetic bullpen, it was like clockwork every tight game.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:48:16 +0000

Hey Phillies fans, just wanted you to wish you luck in the postseason.

By: Phil

Phil — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:42:22 +0000

Well said Dan. Better than anything a Mets fan would say.l

By: ryan

ryan — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:41:14 +0000

wow. their bullpen is even worse than the mets’

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:06:59 +0000

Hi All,
As a Brewers fan, I’d like to say thanks for the blog, it’s an easy way to familiarize myself with the Phillies.
I can give you a bit more info on our bullpen. First, Riske is hurt, had surgery, and will not be on the roster. I would guess either Dillard or DeFelice would take his spot. Both are decent, but inexperienced.
For innings 7 and 8, it will most likely be Gagne and Mota, in that order. As of late, they’ve been pitching well, but much like it seems you have a problem with Myers, it’s the same thing with both of these guys. Who knows which side of each will be on the mound on any given night.
Shouse and Stetter have been solid, Shouse particularly good at keeping inherited runners from scoring. Stetter is inconsistant, but should make the post season roster.
McClung has been stellar as of late. He does sometimes have trouble to start outings. I’m not sure if that’s due to bouncing between starting and the bullpen, or what the problem is. We traded Grant Balfour to the Rays for McClung last year, and so far it’s a trade that’s worked out for both teams.
Torres has done WAY more then what he signed up for, but he is 36, and is obviously getting tired. Hopefully this few days of rest will get him back on track. The past few weeks have been terrible. 8.53 ERA in September. Not a good stat for a closer.
Todd Coffey has been great since we picked him up on waivers, but that was Sept 10th, so he in not eligible for post season play.
Well, that is my two cents. I hope it helps.
May the best team win!!!

By: PhillyGirlinMichigan

PhillyGirlinMichigan — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:11:47 +0000

Everyone gives big kudos to Lidge and often forgets how good the rest of our BP is. Yes, Lidge has been great- but look at how razor-sharp Durbin was most of the year. He stranded countless guys in scoring position by getting double plays. Madson started off a bit shaky this year but has been dominant lately. Even Condrey has had a great year compared to most white flag guys in the leauge. I think he may actually see some important innings in the playoffs. Overall much better crew than last year and our record in the late innings shows it.

Seems starters are “allowed” to give up some runs, yet the relievers never get much room for error. Fans hammer them when they allow a run – but overlook them when they do their job (especially when they’re not the “closer”).

OK – off my “respect the lowly MR’s soapbox” :) – Regarding the upcoming series, its key that they’re finally getting some rest so hopefully Romero & Durbin will be back to their “dim the lights” selves. At least Durbin’s past few games went pretty well so there’s hope w/him. Romero will bounce back as well I’m sure as he’s got experience in these big games and has had several days off. Its actually Lidge that worries me a bit. I just hope the pressure doesn’t get to him. Unlike everyone else, I’m not sold… almost…

Go Phils!!! At least I can WATCH this time! TBS doesn’t suck like Fox does…

By: Greg B

Greg B — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:34:30 +0000

I agree this post-season is every opportunity for guys like Hamels and Myers to show their grit and merit.
Which offense are we going to see? Utley/Howard have a lot to prove after last years series as well.

By: Richie Allen

Richie Allen — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:16:52 +0000

I think we have the bullpen to win this thing…The big question is whats goin on in Myers coconut now…Will we get.. behind door #1.a great outing..,or door #2 a lackluster performance?
This is the time for him to show us that he has that big game performance in his bag..

By: Mike T.

Mike T. — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:13:59 +0000

i think neither team has the upper hand here. i still think lidge blows one in the playoffs – he’s just about due.