Gameday: Phillies (59-36) vs Cubs (39-58)
Posted by Jonathan Nisula, Tue, July 19, 2011 06:55 PM | Comments: 39
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Philadelphia Phillies (59-36) at Chicago Cubs (39-58)
Cliff Lee (9-6, 2.82 ERA) vs. Matt Garza (4-7, 3.97 ERA)
Time: 8:05, Wrigley Field
TV: PHL 17, MLBN
Weather: 82, scattered clouds
Media: Twitter and Facebook
UPDATE, 7:14: According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com, the Phillies are aggressively pursuing Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran, along with the Boston Red Sox.
Roy Oswalt also reported no pain after today’s bullpen session, a great sign that he could return sooner rather than later. Perhaps an early-to-mid August timeline is not far off.
Here’s a picture of Roy Halladay looking like a zombie from last night. I think it captures the vibe of the game. Tonight, the Phillies square off against the Cubs with Clifton Phifer Lee on the hill. Lee last pitched in the All Star Game, a disgraceful (according to Braves fans) performance where he gave up one run. I don’t think I need to give you any of his stats this year. He’s really, really good.
Shane Victorino will make his return tonight after spending time on the DL.
Matt Garza will take the mound for the Cubs tonight. He is the anti Jair Jurrjens — his ERA is near 4 and he’s pitched to a 4-7 record, but his xFIP is 6th in the National League. The thing about Matt Garza is that I hate him. Do you remember the 2008 World Series? His cocky attitude on the mound and his consistent spitting over and over again was more than a little annoying. He continued these antics earlier this year at Citizens Bank Park in a game where he threw 6 innings of two-run baseball but got the loss.
This game could end up being a pitchers duel. Two of the top 6 pitchers in the NL are pitching against each other, and these arent exactly two of the best offenses. One thing to look for is Carlos Pena vs Cliff Lee. Pena has 6 hits in 32 at bats against Lee, but 3 of those hits were home runs.
Lineup: Rollins SS, Martinez 3B, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Victorino CF, Ibanez LF, Brown RF, Ruiz C, Lee P.
Your Gameday Beer: Innis and Gunn Rum Cask Oak Finish Beer
This excellent make from Innis and Gunn will knock your socks off. It’s not for the faint of heart at 7.4% ABV, but if you relax with a few you’ll enjoy it without the nasty hangover tomorrow. It has a deep red color with notes of fruit, spice, toffee, and oak. This beer was discovered accidentally – they set out to make an ale-flavored whiskey 2002 and instead came up with a Scottish beer. Funny how things work. – By Pat
Posts: 265 Bruce
If the weather is anything like last night, there better be some useful remedies for Cliff Lee to coll off. Let’s see…how about a extra jersey uniform ready to come out of the refrigerator at a moment’s notice. A large battery operated fan on a stand near Lee sitting on the bench. A barrel of ice cold, refreshing gatorade with his name on it. A masseur standing by ready to give Lee a massage for his arm, shoulder and back when needed. Of course, plenty of cold wet towels awaiting him after each inning pitched. Hope that works for him. ;-)
Posted: 08:16 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 1237 Tracey
WTF????
Posted: 08:25 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 Andrew from Waldorf
OK next year Hamels Halladay and Lee all pitch the sunday before the all star game.
Posted: 08:28 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 Jeff
There was no reason to take these guys off of there routine. They were fine. Already two back tonight. amazing against a horrible team. Braves are right there. Make this Beltran deal already. the mets will pay his entire amount and we send them some prosects. done
Posted: 08:32 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 64 bacardi
The Cubs still have some good albeit under performing players on their squad. Yea not looking good for Cliffy an the Phils.
Posted: 08:54 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 Neebo
How about the talk to the flyers about the slurpee like electrolyte concoction they used for Brian Boucher? Seems like something that would be even MORE useful to the Phils than the Flyers considering the summer game conditions.
Posted: 08:56 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 bart shart
This is my team. I love the Phils. I am in a fan slump. Howard just struck out with a runner on third. We need some offense. Need it bad. I hope we get some help. Our time is now or never with this group of players…..age, pitching, no offense. HELP !!!!
Posted: 10:04 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 Jeff
Was I right about the gorilla in the mist. 3 ks and looked lost on a 3-2 count in the dirt. hey howard just go away….
Posted: 10:05 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 219 Morris Buttermaker
Ok guys. We got a game with the Cubs tonight. And that means one thing. Bad news for the Cubs!
Posted: 10:31 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 1637 Chuck A.
Seriously, Jeff?? We’re gonna go racist now on this site?? That’s a low blow….even for you.
Posted: 10:39 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 1237 Tracey
CHASE UTLEY — YOU ARE THE MAN!!!
Posted: 10:44 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 1237 Tracey
Morris!! Better late than never!
Posted: 10:47 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 64 bacardi
Dont like the slide by Chase Oh my…
Posted: 10:47 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 1374 Pat Gallen
Never leave a Phillies game early.
Posted: 10:47 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 1237 Tracey
oof…
Posted: 10:48 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 680 The Original Chuck P
That was a very nice defensive play by Castro and Soto… Utley had two weird slides and my heart stopped both moments.
Posted: 10:50 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 Andrew from Waldorf
LOL @ Jeff
someone tell me how Howard EVER gets an AB vs a lefty?
Posted: 10:52 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 219 Morris Buttermaker
If you can’t win a game against the Cubs bullpen…
Posted: 10:53 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 1237 Tracey
That is a really weird helmet
Posted: 10:56 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 680 The Original Chuck P
Someone is gonna have to explain to me why you PH for Dom Brown there… He’s 2-2 with a BB and it’s a tie game. Now you have no one left on the bench.
Posted: 11:10 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 219 Morris Buttermaker
Nice hit by Ben “Sack of Useless” Francisco.
Posted: 11:12 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 680 The Original Chuck P
Feelin a J-Roll double…
Posted: 11:13 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 680 The Original Chuck P
Man… Thought it was heading into the corner. Almost called it. Mini Mart needs to hit a bloopers sibgle
Posted: 11:15 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 1237 Tracey
WOO HOO!!!!
Posted: 11:15 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 Keiffer
I never thguoht I would find such an everyday topic so enthralling!
Posted: 01:32 AM on September 25, 2011
Posts: 0 atzjvtagir
8e8U6x ikcfggqjpxiu
Posted: 11:43 AM on September 25, 2011
Posts: 1374 Pat Gallen
Are you effing serious? Mike Martinez in the house.
Posted: 11:16 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 219 Morris Buttermaker
Captain Clutch Michael Martinez!
Posted: 11:16 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 680 The Original Chuck P
Effin A cotton!
Posted: 11:16 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 1237 Tracey
I was going to go to bed if the game was tied going into the bottom of the 9th — too late to stay up for extra innings — but I’ll stay up for three quick outs!
Posted: 11:17 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 bart shart
Mini Mart, you make my heart sing. I am getting a very serious positive vibe regarding this petite utility dude.
Posted: 11:18 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 680 The Original Chuck P
Madson or Tony Illegitimate-child-vowel?
Posted: 11:18 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 680 The Original Chuck P
Tony it is…
Mini Mart has had some big hits… I like him. He’s got a ton of speed and seems eager to prove. They obviously saw something to keep him as a rule 5… You need guys like that who will come thru a few times a year. Even if he hits around the Mendoza line, if he contributes three or four game winners then he’s a nice addition.
Posted: 11:24 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 219 Morris Buttermaker
With the injury bug the Phillies have had, Martinez has been worth his weight in gold, which isn’t much. His defense has been great. Anything at the plate you get from him is gravy.
Posted: 11:28 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 219 Morris Buttermaker
Great win by the Phillies. It was like two different games. Great comeback. Always nice to steal a game every now and then.
Posted: 11:31 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 680 The Original Chuck P
Cheers Morris! Gnite PN!
Posted: 11:31 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 64 bacardi
Good going Star-Do…so is Star-Do the closer now?
Posted: 11:35 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 64 bacardi
They have to score some runs early now an then. Makes it easier for the starting pitchers.
Posted: 11:36 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 1374 Pat Gallen
@MorrisButtermaker in the house tonight.
Posted: 11:50 PM on July 19, 2011