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“Maybe it’s the lineup change. Maybe it’s coincidence.”

The title is a quote from Chase Utley who has settled into the number two spot in the lineup and helped the Phillies secure at least a series split from the Rockies with a 9-5 win last night.  This new lineup is certainly corresponding with increasing production with runners in scoring position, but whether or not there’s a direct causal link remains to be seen.  It sure appears that way, but then again it could just be a coincidence. 

A lot of interesting facts came out of my day of Phillies watching and researching yesterday.  Rather than attempting to sew them together in some sort of prose, I feel bullet points may be easier to digest (and definitely easier to write): 

  • A new, if not pathetic fan club was born – Madson’s Magicians.  It was basically a guy and a girl with top hats, capes, canes and a few dances which looked like a cross between the Phanatic’s opposing pitcher jinx routine and Harry Potter and Hermione.
  • Clay Condrey was called up from Scranton just four hours before the game to replace the ill Julio Santana (15-day DL with gastroenteritis, due back May 6).  He pitched a perfect sixth in his first big league outing since May 2003.
  • Chase Utley redeemed the prior night’s error with some nice glove work, especially in Condrey’s inning.
  • Attendance on the night was recorded as a new CBP low, 19,182.  Much of this can be attributed to the Flyers playoff game across the street which outdrew the Phils by 802.
  • Delucci got his second hit as a Phillie (2-12 pinch hitting on the season) as he struggles to deal with his new role.
  • Abreu’s consecutive games with a walk streak continued, now standing at 13 games.
  • David Bell had a 2-run home run robbed by the new wall but responded in his next at bat with a 3-run shot to give the Phils a 7-1 lead in the 3rd. 
  • Businesspersons Special today, game time is 3:05pm
  • Going into last night’s game the Phils were 5th in the league in hits.
  • According to Baseball Prospectus, if the rest of the season was played out a million times the Phillies would make the playoffs 9% of the time.  If you factor in their player projections (PECOTA), the Phils chance jumps to 12%.  So essentially what this means is that the Phils do have a chance!
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Brian Michael

Brian founded Phillies Nation in 2004. He is the owner of Shibe Vintage Sports retail store in Center City and teaches Economics of Sports at Temple University. Brian grew up in Northeast Philly and now resides in South Philly.

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