By Chris Pollay
The Philadelphia Phillies headed into the All-Star break riding a nice hot streak. Then, they swiftly picked up the trail right where they left off (once the American League proceeded with its annual beatdown of the National League anyway).
The Phils (51-38) are officially the hottest team in baseball having won eight straight and 12 of their last 13 games, including three-game sweeps of the New York Mets, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Florida Marlins.
It’s not difficult to see why the team has been so effective lately: they have boasted a 2.40 ERA during the last 13 games (120 innings altogether) with three shutouts. They also have outhit opponents with a margin of 129 to 89 in that time.
The Phils have won a few squeakers, to be sure, but most games in July (when the Phils are 12-3 right now) have been blowouts. In fact, during the last 13 games, the Phillies have outscored the opposition 81 to 32.
The pitching has stepped up big time and rookie J.A. Happ, now 7-0, has helped lead the charge. Jamie Moyer seems to be finding his rhythm as he has gone 3-0 for July beating the Mets, Reds and Marlins. Joe Blanton has also heated up in July, winning his last two games in which he only gave up one earned run in over 14 innings. He beat two quality starters in the Mets’ Johan Santana and the Pirates’ Zach Duke.
The only loss in the past 13 games was attributed to Brad Lidge when the Reds got the best of him. Lights Out Lidge has been more like “Leave the LIghts On” Lidge lately as he has an earned run in three of his last four outings. Still, despite his occasional flare for the dramatic, he has recorded five saves in July and his last Blown Save occurred back on June 6.
In addition to the improved pitching, the Phils have lit up opposing pitchers like Roman candles all throughout the month. Perhaps the Most Improved Player of the month should go to leadoff man Jimmy Rollins who has batted .388 (21 for 54) in the last 13 games. He only has one homer since July 3rd, but he has filled up all the other offensive stats impressively: 13 runs, eight RBIs, ten walks, and five stolen bases. As Jimmy goes, so do the Phils.
Of course, it hasn’t hurt that second baseman Chase Utley has knocked in four home runs and 13 RBIs, scoring 11 runs during the 12-1 blitz. He is batting .372 (19 of 51) in that time. In the same frame, Shane Victorino has batted .370 (20 of 54) and contributing heavily with 11 runs, nine walks and six RBIs.
Jason Werth has continued to step up. In his last 13 games, he has batted only .250 (11 for 44), but he had made the most of his hits with five homers and 14 RBIs. He’s also scored seven runs and showed more patience, earning eleven walks. Slugger Ryan Howard has also showed more control of late, having earned 13 walks in the last 13 games. Of course, he’s also inflicted some damage with three home runs, nine runs, and eight RBIs by batting .307 (12 of 39).
Perhaps the best sign of things to come is the return of Raul Ibañez, who has helped carry the team recently. He’s only played in five games since returning from the DL, but he has hit a scorching .368 (7 for 19) with two home runs, six RBIs and five runs.
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Showing posts with label Jayson Werth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jayson Werth. Show all posts
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Phillies' Mid-Season Report Card
By Chris Pollay
At the midpoint of the 2009 MLB season, the Phillies remain safe at first in the National League East with a record of 48-38. Most of their four-game cushion over Florida is due to the team catching fire of late, winning nine of its last ten games.
While first place is exactly where the Phils would hope to be at this point, it’s hard to imagine that the team is completely satisfied with its overall performance. Sure, they have suffered quite a few injuries and they’ve overcome some occasional bouts of bad luck and streaky superstars, but most probably feel that they are better than their current record indicates.
Regardless, the team has been impressive at times in the first half of 2009 and I have a good feeling about the rest of the year. In fact, two comeback games, one early in the year and one more recently, have convinced me that this team will be THE FORCE to be reckoned with come October.
Remember back in April when the Phillies received their 2008 Championship Rings? The Braves had beaten them up during the first two games of the season and held a 10 to 3 lead heading into the bottom of the 7th when the Phillies erupted for eight runs to take the lead: 11 to 10. They held on to win, refusing to lose on the day that honored last year’s World Series win.
Then, just this past Saturday, the team was up against the ropes, down 7 to 3 in the bottom of the ninth. Before you could blink, Stairs connected for a solo shot and Howard tied the game up with a three-run bomb. The Phils won shortly after by an 8 to 7 margin with no need of extra innings.
This team is absolutely fearless and can step it up a notch or three when they have to mainly because they have the one of the most dangerous offenses in the National League. In fact, they are first in the NL in the following category totals: runs (460); home runs (122); slugging percentage (.452); OPS, a.k.a. on base plus slugging percentage (.793); and total bases (1,343).
Five players earned All-Star bids this year (Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibañez), three of which comprise arguably the MLB’s best outfield. They are complemented by a very strong infield, as well.
Four players on the team have hit at least 20 home runs already: Howard (22), Ibañez (22), Werth (20) and Utley (20). Not surprisingly, those four players have also hit over 50 RBIs: Howard (67), Utley (61), Ibañez (60) and Werth (56).
Having such an arsenal at its disposal has helped the team achieve an outstanding road record (and MLB best) 26-15. It also helps that the team leads the NL with the best fielding percentage of .990.
Another good sign for the ballclub is that Manager Charlie Manuel has trusted in his players to show up when its needed the most. He did call for a recent “closed door meeting,” but Manuel does not ride the team too hard. He has no need of it. He knows what they are capable of achieving. After all, the team completely dominated the Mets in a crucial series a little over a week ago showing that the team will show up when first place is on the line.
There has been a lot to be happy about, to be sure, but there have been a few alarm bells, as well. The pitching has been quite uninspired, both starting and bullpen, though the starting pitchers especially need to improve much more in the next few months. The team ranked badly in the National League in many pitching categories: total losses (38), 15th; home runs allowed (123), 16th; earned runs (398), 14th; hits allowed (809), 13th; and runs scored (412), 11th.
Some of the pitching problems may be addressed before the upcoming trade deadline, but the team’s regular workhorses (Hamels 4.87 ERA, Blanton 4.44 ERA, Moyer 5.99 ERA, etc.) need to be far more consistent and give up a lot fewer runs. Understandably, some of it is due to pitchers staying on the mound despite injuries (Lidge 7.03 ERA, for example), but the numbers are simply too high for a championship ballclub.
It also should be noted that J.A. Happ has been outstanding this season with a 6-0 record and an ERA of only 2.90.
Another weakness to be addresses is that the team needs to win more at home. Their record is only 22-23. However, the team seems to be in the process of correcting this flaw as it had won five straight home games heading into the All-Star break and nine out of its last ten.
One bad symptom for the team that bothers me personally has been its interleague record. Everybody says such games mean nothing, and yet, the Phillies would be up by seven games in the division right now if they had only won half of them.
Instead, the AL East pounded the Phils this season, winning 12 of 18 games (.333 winning percentage for the Phillies). Of course, there won’t be anymore interleague games in the regular season but it would be nice to know they play the American League better in case they meet up again in the World Series.
Overall, though, the prognosis is positive. Despite some tough times, inconsistency and injuries, the team has stayed at first in its division since May 30. With a few more players healing up more, a few heating up more (Rollins in particular) and a few key acquisitions (Halladay and Martinez?), the Phils could stand to improve immensely and will undoubtedly be the heavy favorites come the playoffs.
It will be interesting to see if the Phils can turn things on again come September, like they have the past two seasons. In fact, last October, they were almost unbeatable (11-3). This year’s team could duplicate that feat if all the cylinders are firing at the right time.
For now, the team gets a solid B for its mid-season grade. The complaints are relatively minor. They have some weaknesses, but management seems to be addressing them and the team is definitely regaining its focus. I believe the pitching will improve quite a bit. No doubt, the Phils will be back up to their “A” game before too long. Read more!
At the midpoint of the 2009 MLB season, the Phillies remain safe at first in the National League East with a record of 48-38. Most of their four-game cushion over Florida is due to the team catching fire of late, winning nine of its last ten games.
While first place is exactly where the Phils would hope to be at this point, it’s hard to imagine that the team is completely satisfied with its overall performance. Sure, they have suffered quite a few injuries and they’ve overcome some occasional bouts of bad luck and streaky superstars, but most probably feel that they are better than their current record indicates.
Regardless, the team has been impressive at times in the first half of 2009 and I have a good feeling about the rest of the year. In fact, two comeback games, one early in the year and one more recently, have convinced me that this team will be THE FORCE to be reckoned with come October.
Remember back in April when the Phillies received their 2008 Championship Rings? The Braves had beaten them up during the first two games of the season and held a 10 to 3 lead heading into the bottom of the 7th when the Phillies erupted for eight runs to take the lead: 11 to 10. They held on to win, refusing to lose on the day that honored last year’s World Series win.
Then, just this past Saturday, the team was up against the ropes, down 7 to 3 in the bottom of the ninth. Before you could blink, Stairs connected for a solo shot and Howard tied the game up with a three-run bomb. The Phils won shortly after by an 8 to 7 margin with no need of extra innings.
This team is absolutely fearless and can step it up a notch or three when they have to mainly because they have the one of the most dangerous offenses in the National League. In fact, they are first in the NL in the following category totals: runs (460); home runs (122); slugging percentage (.452); OPS, a.k.a. on base plus slugging percentage (.793); and total bases (1,343).
Five players earned All-Star bids this year (Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibañez), three of which comprise arguably the MLB’s best outfield. They are complemented by a very strong infield, as well.
Four players on the team have hit at least 20 home runs already: Howard (22), Ibañez (22), Werth (20) and Utley (20). Not surprisingly, those four players have also hit over 50 RBIs: Howard (67), Utley (61), Ibañez (60) and Werth (56).
Having such an arsenal at its disposal has helped the team achieve an outstanding road record (and MLB best) 26-15. It also helps that the team leads the NL with the best fielding percentage of .990.
Another good sign for the ballclub is that Manager Charlie Manuel has trusted in his players to show up when its needed the most. He did call for a recent “closed door meeting,” but Manuel does not ride the team too hard. He has no need of it. He knows what they are capable of achieving. After all, the team completely dominated the Mets in a crucial series a little over a week ago showing that the team will show up when first place is on the line.
There has been a lot to be happy about, to be sure, but there have been a few alarm bells, as well. The pitching has been quite uninspired, both starting and bullpen, though the starting pitchers especially need to improve much more in the next few months. The team ranked badly in the National League in many pitching categories: total losses (38), 15th; home runs allowed (123), 16th; earned runs (398), 14th; hits allowed (809), 13th; and runs scored (412), 11th.
Some of the pitching problems may be addressed before the upcoming trade deadline, but the team’s regular workhorses (Hamels 4.87 ERA, Blanton 4.44 ERA, Moyer 5.99 ERA, etc.) need to be far more consistent and give up a lot fewer runs. Understandably, some of it is due to pitchers staying on the mound despite injuries (Lidge 7.03 ERA, for example), but the numbers are simply too high for a championship ballclub.
It also should be noted that J.A. Happ has been outstanding this season with a 6-0 record and an ERA of only 2.90.
Another weakness to be addresses is that the team needs to win more at home. Their record is only 22-23. However, the team seems to be in the process of correcting this flaw as it had won five straight home games heading into the All-Star break and nine out of its last ten.
One bad symptom for the team that bothers me personally has been its interleague record. Everybody says such games mean nothing, and yet, the Phillies would be up by seven games in the division right now if they had only won half of them.
Instead, the AL East pounded the Phils this season, winning 12 of 18 games (.333 winning percentage for the Phillies). Of course, there won’t be anymore interleague games in the regular season but it would be nice to know they play the American League better in case they meet up again in the World Series.
Overall, though, the prognosis is positive. Despite some tough times, inconsistency and injuries, the team has stayed at first in its division since May 30. With a few more players healing up more, a few heating up more (Rollins in particular) and a few key acquisitions (Halladay and Martinez?), the Phils could stand to improve immensely and will undoubtedly be the heavy favorites come the playoffs.
It will be interesting to see if the Phils can turn things on again come September, like they have the past two seasons. In fact, last October, they were almost unbeatable (11-3). This year’s team could duplicate that feat if all the cylinders are firing at the right time.
For now, the team gets a solid B for its mid-season grade. The complaints are relatively minor. They have some weaknesses, but management seems to be addressing them and the team is definitely regaining its focus. I believe the pitching will improve quite a bit. No doubt, the Phils will be back up to their “A” game before too long. Read more!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Phillies making headlines off as well as on the field
The Phillies are 7-1 on their current homestand, bouncing back from an atrocious road trip. They swept the hated Mets, took three of four from the Reds, and took game one of the three-game series versus the Pirates. Their offense, led by the revival of Jimmy Rollins, seems to have found its groove. The starting pitching is living up to its expectations by going deeper into games and not giving up many runs. The bullpen is finally starting to hold on at the end of games.
These things alone will have any Phillies fan talking enthusiastically about the team, especially since all of the above were things that weren’t really clicking in the opening months of the 2009 campaign. The team couldn’t win at home, Jimmy Rollins looked lost, and the pitching was in shambles. However, it is the off-the-field rumors and activities that are making Philadelphia the new windy city.
It was earlier in the week that Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi made a statement that the team is now willing to talk trade for their ace pitcher, Roy Halladay. Halladay is 10-3 with a 2.85 ERA this season and would certainly be a valuable acquisition to a team already defending a world championship and whose starting rotation has a slew of injuries. What Ricciardi neglected to mention was that the Jays basically have Halladay tied to a chair with a blindfold on and are reading off a list of demands if anyone wants him. From the Phillies, who seem to be one of the top suitable teams interested, Ricciardi literally wants the farm (Drabek, Taylor, and Donald for starters) as well as some starting pitching as well (Happ). Although the 32-year old pitcher would be that vital Game 2 starter in the playoffs the Phillies would so desperately need if they wish to repeat, is he really worth significantly overpaying this much?
The Phillies are also said to have interest in former three-time Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez. The 37-year old pitcher has been out of baseball this season but has had a few teams show interest in him as of late. This week Martinez threw a three inning simulated game for the Phillies at their Dominican Republic complex. Sources say that Pedro’s agent is in constant talks with Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., as well as other teams, but it looks like the Phillies seem to be Martinez’s top choice. Pedro’s most recent stint came with the New York Mets, where they grossly overpaid for a pitcher who, in four years, only yielded them 32 wins. I am certain that the Mets will be more than thrilled to see the Phillies sign a pitcher that even they didn’t want.
On a lighter note, earlier in the week, the MLB All Star Game’s rosters were finalized, and the Phillies are well-represented. Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel will be managing the NL squad, and second basemen Chase Utley and outfielder Raul Ibanez were named starters to the team. Manuel then named first baseman Ryan Howard to the roster to back up at first base as well. On Thursday, Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino won the fan choice with over 15 million votes for the final roster spot. Then on Friday, Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth was named to the team to replace Mets injured outfielder Carlos Beltran.
Friday also saw the end of Chris Coste’s career as a Philadelphia Phillie. Coste was waived by the team yesterday to make room on the roster for Raul Ibanez, who returned off the disabled list before Friday night’s 3-2 victory over the Pirates. Coste spent 11 years in the minor leagues before actually making the Phillies roster four years ago at age 33. In his time in Philadelphia, he batted .282 with 23 home runs and 98 RBI’s.
The Phillies still have two games left against the Pirates before heading into the all star break, which ironically doesn’t appear to be much of a break for a lot of their players. The team is playing hot right now, and history has shown us that their best baseball has yet to come, although most fans believe that a roster move needs to be made if the team is going to win down the stretch. Read more!
These things alone will have any Phillies fan talking enthusiastically about the team, especially since all of the above were things that weren’t really clicking in the opening months of the 2009 campaign. The team couldn’t win at home, Jimmy Rollins looked lost, and the pitching was in shambles. However, it is the off-the-field rumors and activities that are making Philadelphia the new windy city.
It was earlier in the week that Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi made a statement that the team is now willing to talk trade for their ace pitcher, Roy Halladay. Halladay is 10-3 with a 2.85 ERA this season and would certainly be a valuable acquisition to a team already defending a world championship and whose starting rotation has a slew of injuries. What Ricciardi neglected to mention was that the Jays basically have Halladay tied to a chair with a blindfold on and are reading off a list of demands if anyone wants him. From the Phillies, who seem to be one of the top suitable teams interested, Ricciardi literally wants the farm (Drabek, Taylor, and Donald for starters) as well as some starting pitching as well (Happ). Although the 32-year old pitcher would be that vital Game 2 starter in the playoffs the Phillies would so desperately need if they wish to repeat, is he really worth significantly overpaying this much?
The Phillies are also said to have interest in former three-time Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez. The 37-year old pitcher has been out of baseball this season but has had a few teams show interest in him as of late. This week Martinez threw a three inning simulated game for the Phillies at their Dominican Republic complex. Sources say that Pedro’s agent is in constant talks with Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., as well as other teams, but it looks like the Phillies seem to be Martinez’s top choice. Pedro’s most recent stint came with the New York Mets, where they grossly overpaid for a pitcher who, in four years, only yielded them 32 wins. I am certain that the Mets will be more than thrilled to see the Phillies sign a pitcher that even they didn’t want.
On a lighter note, earlier in the week, the MLB All Star Game’s rosters were finalized, and the Phillies are well-represented. Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel will be managing the NL squad, and second basemen Chase Utley and outfielder Raul Ibanez were named starters to the team. Manuel then named first baseman Ryan Howard to the roster to back up at first base as well. On Thursday, Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino won the fan choice with over 15 million votes for the final roster spot. Then on Friday, Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth was named to the team to replace Mets injured outfielder Carlos Beltran.
Friday also saw the end of Chris Coste’s career as a Philadelphia Phillie. Coste was waived by the team yesterday to make room on the roster for Raul Ibanez, who returned off the disabled list before Friday night’s 3-2 victory over the Pirates. Coste spent 11 years in the minor leagues before actually making the Phillies roster four years ago at age 33. In his time in Philadelphia, he batted .282 with 23 home runs and 98 RBI’s.
The Phillies still have two games left against the Pirates before heading into the all star break, which ironically doesn’t appear to be much of a break for a lot of their players. The team is playing hot right now, and history has shown us that their best baseball has yet to come, although most fans believe that a roster move needs to be made if the team is going to win down the stretch. Read more!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Big win a sign of things to come for Phils?
The Philadelphia Phillies won a game, and it came in front of their home crowd at Citizens Bank Park. Typically this is not headlining news, but the way things have been going for the Phils, it’s certainly worth noting.
The Phillies went 3-6 on their latest road trip and ended the swing by being swept in a three-game series at the hands of the Atlanta Braves. In that series, they lost the lead late in game one, got blown out in game two with ace Cole Hamels on the mound, and game three witnessed Ryan Madson self-destructing again.
There aren’t too many “must-win” games in the month of July, but Friday night’s contest against division rival New York Mets certainly was a “must-win.” The Phillies staggered into last night’s game with a 39-37 record and were in a tie for first place with the Florida Marlins. The third place injury-plagued Mets limped into last night’s game with a 39-39 record. If there was any time for the Phillies to take advantage of another team’s misfortunes, it was in last night’s game.
And that is what they did. The Phillies won the game 7-2 behind newest starting rotation fill-in Rodrigo Lopez, who went 6.1 innings and only gave up two earned runs. The offense also came to life and scored seven runs due in part to Jimmy Rollins going 2-for-5 with two RBI’s and Jayson Werth’s 16th home run of the season.
The Phillies hope to continue their winning ways today behind Jamie Moyer in game two of this three-game series versus the Mets, who are sending out Fernando Nieve. If the Phils can piece together a few victories against a team that is more decimated with key injuries than they are, maybe this can be what catapults them back to looking like a defending world champion.
Read more!
The Phillies went 3-6 on their latest road trip and ended the swing by being swept in a three-game series at the hands of the Atlanta Braves. In that series, they lost the lead late in game one, got blown out in game two with ace Cole Hamels on the mound, and game three witnessed Ryan Madson self-destructing again.
There aren’t too many “must-win” games in the month of July, but Friday night’s contest against division rival New York Mets certainly was a “must-win.” The Phillies staggered into last night’s game with a 39-37 record and were in a tie for first place with the Florida Marlins. The third place injury-plagued Mets limped into last night’s game with a 39-39 record. If there was any time for the Phillies to take advantage of another team’s misfortunes, it was in last night’s game.
And that is what they did. The Phillies won the game 7-2 behind newest starting rotation fill-in Rodrigo Lopez, who went 6.1 innings and only gave up two earned runs. The offense also came to life and scored seven runs due in part to Jimmy Rollins going 2-for-5 with two RBI’s and Jayson Werth’s 16th home run of the season.
The Phillies hope to continue their winning ways today behind Jamie Moyer in game two of this three-game series versus the Mets, who are sending out Fernando Nieve. If the Phils can piece together a few victories against a team that is more decimated with key injuries than they are, maybe this can be what catapults them back to looking like a defending world champion.
Read more!
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