Phillies Fodder for the Day

Even though the Phillies had off last night, there’s a lot of news coming out of the organization.  Rather than summarize it all in a superficial narrative, I have presented it below in an easy-to-read bullet point style.  Feel free to comment on any or all topics.

• Both the Dodgers and Padres won last night, which means the Phillies now trail LA by a half a game in the Wild Card standings.  The Phillies will get back to whole numbers after their makeup game against the Astros on Monday.  Roger Clemens’ start has been moved to Sunday so that his final appearance can come in Houston.  Too bad, as the Phils are 2-0 when he starts against them.
• The Phillies have also shuffled their starting rotation to provide better matchups in the DC and Florida road trip.  Keep an eye on the probables box to the left for updates.
• In a minor league affiliate carousel, the New York Yankees will be acquiring the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Red Barons, the New York Mets have the New Orleans Zephyrs, the Washington Nationals will link up with the Columbus Clippers and the Phillies, of course, will move the Ottawa Lynx franchise to Allentown in 2008.
• Harry Kalas intends to re-sign with the Phillies.  A two-year deal with a mutual option for a third in 2009 will keep the Hall of Fame broadcaster in the booth in Philadelphia.  Scott Franzke is also expected to return to Phillies radio.
• Joe Girardi has zero chance of returning to the helm of the Marlins next season.  Keep a close eye on him this week; the Phils might be in the market for a new manager if they fail to make the playoffs.
• A tentative 2007 Phillies schedule has been released.  Unlike the past two years, they’ll finish the season with a home stand.  In interleague play, the White Sox, Tigers, and Blue Jays come to town, while the Red Sox and Orioles are not on the schedule.
• Check out the new Phillies Nation trivia question on the Games page, it’s below the crossword puzzle.
• After giving your best guess, roll on over the Events page for a new Phillies Nation party next Friday.
• Earlier in the year, we had a poll which asked how many home runs will Ryan Howard hit in 2006?  16% responded that the total would be in the twenties, 49% in the thirties, 23% in the forties, and only 6% thought he would hit more than 50 homers.  Never has being so wrong been so much fun to watch.
• Tonight Cole Hamels, the Phillies’ potential playoff ace, takes to the hill tonight opposite the Marlins’ Ricky Nolasco who is 0-2 in his last five starts.  Rob and I will be in attendance – Section 120, Row 25, Seats 14-15 – so stop by and say hello if you’re going as well.
• Go Phils!