Series Preview: Phillies vs Marlins

Thanks to a 9-1 home stand right before the All-Star break, the Phillies were able to put a little distance between themselves and the rest of the NL East. Now the Phillies begin an important four game series with the second place Florida Marlins, who are 4 games back in the division. A series win or sweep for the Phils could afford them some much needed breathing room as they try to work out their kinks down the stretch. However, a series loss or sweep in Florida could tighten the division race considerably. Let's take a look at the pitching matchups for the series.

Thursday, July 16th: Jamie Moyer vs. Chris Volstad
Marlins killer Jamie Moyer (12-2, 3.06 ERA career vs. FLA) gets the first start after the break, presumably to give Cole Hamels one more day of rest for his tired arm. Moyer has pitched like he is 46 years old most of the time this season, but there have been flashes of effectiveness mixed in there as well. So which Moyer will take the mound this evening against the Fish? That remains to be seen, but the old man has been fairly effective in two starts against Florida this season. Meanwhile, Chris Volstad gets the start tonight for the Marlins. The young righty pitched a shutout in his last start in San Francisco, but has struggled with inconsistency all year. Volstad has also been reasonably effective in two stars against Philadelphia this year.

Friday, July 17: Cole Hamels vs. Ricky Nolasco
This game features a matchup of struggling aces trying to find themselves. The inconsistent Hamels appears to be battling the effects of a fatigued arm after leading the Phillies in innings pitched on the way to a World Series title in 2008. He appeared to have things figured out in the start versus Cincinnati in which his team scored 22 runs, but he then gave up 5 runs in 6 innings against the Pirates in his last start before the break. Nolasco was the Marlins best pitcher in 2008, but he struggled so badly to begin this season that he was sent down to the minors to work out his problems. He has pitched well since his return, but he gave up 7 runs to Arizona in his last start before the break.

Saturday, July 18: Joe Blanton vs. Josh Johnson
Big Joe has been lights out for the Phillies of late, giving up just one run in his last two outings before the break. Blanton has registered a quality start in 7 of his last 9 outings, and his ability to eat innings has been a key to the team's recent success. Johnson, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the best and most consistent pitchers in the National League. He has the stuff to be dominant on any given night. Johnson has recorded a quality start in 16 of his 19 trips to the mound this season, and his ERA has at no time ventured above 3.00. This would figure to be the toughest matchup of the series for the Phillies, but Joe Blanton outdueled Mets ace Johan Santana less than two weeks ago.

Sunday, July 19: JA Happ vs. Andrew Miller
JA Happ has been absolutely fantastic since moving from the bullpen to the rotation on May 23rd. Since then, he has been the Phillies best pitcher, going 4-0 with a 3.03 ERA as a starter. In Happ's last 4 starts, he has not pitched less than 7 innings per outing. He's having quite the audition, as there will likely be Toronto Blue Jays scouts in the stands on Sunday. Happ could very well be moved in a potential Roy Halladay deal. Meanwhile, the young lefty Andrew Miller has struggled with consistency this season. Like Happ, Miller started the season in the bullpen before eventually regaining his starting role. Miller lasted just 2.2 innings in his last start before the All Star break, giving up 6 runs (but only 2 earned) against the Diamondbacks.