Tonight, with the Dodgers tying the National League Championship Series at one game a piece, the Phillies seem to have taken a step backward. The team and fans hope it is only a small step, however. The legendary, albeit aging, Pedro Martinez pitched an incredible game, allowing only two hits while shutting out Los Angeles over seven innings. Unfortunately for him, a victory was not to be as the Phils’ poor offensive performance, a questionable managerial decision and a second baseman who appears to have completely forgotten how to throw a baseball made sure that Martinez’s effort was, in the end, completely meaningless.
It should not be a surprise to anyone that the Phillies' normally potent offense was shut down by Vicente Padilla in game two. At times during the season, the offense looked horrible at best during certain stretches. Tonight, unfortunately, looked like one of those nights. Aside from a solo homerun from Ryan Howard in the fourth inning, Philadelphia was only able to muster four hits, a tough spot for any pitcher, including Martinez.
From there, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel made a highly questionable decision by pinch hitting for Pedro Martinez in the top of the eighth inning. At that point, Martinez had thrown only eighty seven pitches and had completely dominated the Dodgers. Regardless of that Charlie felt that it was time to take his one run lead and put it into the hands of a bullpen that the Dodgers probably couldn’t wait to get their hands on. A booted groundball by normally fantastic third baseman Pedro Feliz and a perfectly placed bunt by Dodger second baseman Ronnie Belliard later, the Phillies came to realize their latest problem: Chase Utley and his arm from hell.
Instead of going into a play by play on what transpired next, as it’s already been seen, heard, reported and dissected by every “expert” in the country, let’s just say that the normally superb defensive second baseman, Chase Utley continued an interesting defensive post season. For the second game in a row he completely threw a double play away, one that nearly cost the team a game and one that did cost the team a game. A closer look, however, shows that Chase Utley has been having a problem throwing to first base this entire post season. Many of his, what are normally routine plays have resulted in some pretty interesting throws to first. Often, Ryan Howard has had to stretch as high as he can to catch Utley’s floaters to first. While it is possible that some have noticed this, surely no one thought it to be a problem until now. Either way, something as simple as Chase Utley throwing a baseball to first base has become a major concern.
All in all, the Phillies can’t be too upset about what transpired in Los Angeles. They still come away having won one of the games on the road, which was their main goal in the first place, they were able to hit, what most consider to be LA’s best starting pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, very hard in game one. Pedro Martinez has shown that he can still pitch and furthermore, aside from a strange fluke of an eighth inning the Dodgers did absolutely nothing to the Phillies offensively in game two. With the series tied at one and coming back to Philadelphia, the team and the fans should have their heads high knowing that this is exactly where they hoped to be at this point; having brought home field advantage back to Philly.
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Showing posts with label charlie manuel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label charlie manuel. Show all posts
Friday, October 16, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Where Have You Gone Cole?
After a superb six-hit complete game performance by Phillies’ ace Cliff Lee in the opening game of the NLDS on Wednesday afternoon, Cole Hamels wasn’t at the top of his game even before he took the mound for first pitch the next day. .
The Phillies, who are hungry for some revenge against the Rockies since they swept them in the 2007 NLDS, posted five runs on the board and defeated the Rockies 5-1 in game one. Phils manager Charlie Manuel then gave Cole Hamels the nod for the start in game two.
Philly fans definitely had to be feeling good about their chances after hearing this. Though Hamels has struggled throughout the course of the 2009 regular season, he is no stranger to success in the post-season. In the Phillies 2008 championship run, Hamels went 4-0 and earned NLCS and World Series MVP honors. Without Hamels’ clutch post-season performance last year, the Phillies would not have won the title.
Before Thursday’s 2:30 afternoon start time, Cole Hamels voiced his displeasure about the game time start to the media saying, “Being the defending world champs, I think it’s kind of a little weird that we get both games at 2:30.” Unfortunately, game time was not the only thing wandering around in Hamels’ head.
After Hamels was pulled out of the game after throwing just five innings and only 83 pitches, Hamels was notified that his wife was in labor. Hamels immediately left the stadium and headed for the hospital. Asked if this affected Hamels on the mound, Manuel told the media, “I know he was concerned about his wife – and his child too. That’s an exciting time. You’d have to ask him if it affected him. I don’t know exactly what was on his mind and what he was thinking.”
Though the Phillies put up a fight, they weren’t able to pull off another victory as the Rockies finished them off, winning 5-4 and splitting the series. This momentum for the Rockies is definitely a threat to the Phillies. With the series tied 1-1 and now the Rockies with home field advantage for the next two games in Colorado, the Phillies are going to have to step it up, especially in the pitching department.
Veteran Pedro Martinez, who will start game 3, brings promise and hope to the Phillies, but who knows how 30 degree temperature and a few flurries may affect him.
I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but if the Phillies can get past the Rockies in the NLDS (which will not be a walk in the park), then that means that Cole Hamels will start game one of the NLCS against either the Dodgers or Cardinals. If the Phillies want any chance of winning back to back championships, they are going to have to find where Cole is because if he doesn’t come out of his hiding soon, it will be too late.
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The Phillies, who are hungry for some revenge against the Rockies since they swept them in the 2007 NLDS, posted five runs on the board and defeated the Rockies 5-1 in game one. Phils manager Charlie Manuel then gave Cole Hamels the nod for the start in game two.
Philly fans definitely had to be feeling good about their chances after hearing this. Though Hamels has struggled throughout the course of the 2009 regular season, he is no stranger to success in the post-season. In the Phillies 2008 championship run, Hamels went 4-0 and earned NLCS and World Series MVP honors. Without Hamels’ clutch post-season performance last year, the Phillies would not have won the title.
Before Thursday’s 2:30 afternoon start time, Cole Hamels voiced his displeasure about the game time start to the media saying, “Being the defending world champs, I think it’s kind of a little weird that we get both games at 2:30.” Unfortunately, game time was not the only thing wandering around in Hamels’ head.
After Hamels was pulled out of the game after throwing just five innings and only 83 pitches, Hamels was notified that his wife was in labor. Hamels immediately left the stadium and headed for the hospital. Asked if this affected Hamels on the mound, Manuel told the media, “I know he was concerned about his wife – and his child too. That’s an exciting time. You’d have to ask him if it affected him. I don’t know exactly what was on his mind and what he was thinking.”
Though the Phillies put up a fight, they weren’t able to pull off another victory as the Rockies finished them off, winning 5-4 and splitting the series. This momentum for the Rockies is definitely a threat to the Phillies. With the series tied 1-1 and now the Rockies with home field advantage for the next two games in Colorado, the Phillies are going to have to step it up, especially in the pitching department.
Veteran Pedro Martinez, who will start game 3, brings promise and hope to the Phillies, but who knows how 30 degree temperature and a few flurries may affect him.
I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but if the Phillies can get past the Rockies in the NLDS (which will not be a walk in the park), then that means that Cole Hamels will start game one of the NLCS against either the Dodgers or Cardinals. If the Phillies want any chance of winning back to back championships, they are going to have to find where Cole is because if he doesn’t come out of his hiding soon, it will be too late.
. Read more!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Ninth inning is still a problem
Yesterday, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel saw another bullpen disaster unfold in front of his eyes. Ryan Madson, the Phils newly appointed closer, blew his sixth save opportunity of the season when he gave up a 2-run bomb to Mets third baseman David Wright, and the Phillies lost 10-9. Madson’s latest miscue came just days after being labeled the team’s new closer for the time being.
Madson, of course, was replacing former Phillies closer Brad Lidge, who has had question marks surrounding him all season. Lidge lost his role after he almost blew his 11th save opportunity of the season in Washington on Tuesday, but luckily Madson came in to save the day. Madson was then trotted out on Wednesday to close out the Nats again and was successful in doing so. He also succeeded in saving the game against the Mets on Friday. Then Saturday happened when the Mets scored five runs on the Phillies bullpen, three runs against Brett Myers and two runs against Ryan Madson.
If I am Charlie Manuel, I only have two options: make Brett Myers the closer or pray for a Brad Lidge miracle. The Ryan Madson experiment is cute and all, but he’s blown almost as many saves as Brad Lidge in not nearly as many chances. Don’t get me wrong, Madson’s stuff looks good at times, but he makes too many costly mistakes, and I just don’t think he has what it takes mentally to do the job.
That being said, I don’t think Brad Lidge has the mental makeup this year to get the job done either. Last year, teams were scared to face a confident Lidge; this year, they salivate at the opportunity to bat against the Phillies shaken closer. Maybe a couple weeks off from closing out games will give Lidge enough mental rest to get his act together.
In the meantime, I think Charlie needs to hand the ball off to Brett Myers in the ninth. He was the team’s closer in 2007 when the Phillies won the division, so he is familiar with the role. Myers loves being in the spotlight and is also hoping to show this team what he can still do, especially since this is the last year of his contract.
Whatever Charlie decides to do, he needs to do it fast. The clock is winding down on the 2009 season, and there isn’t much time left to keep playing “Musical Closers.”
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Madson, of course, was replacing former Phillies closer Brad Lidge, who has had question marks surrounding him all season. Lidge lost his role after he almost blew his 11th save opportunity of the season in Washington on Tuesday, but luckily Madson came in to save the day. Madson was then trotted out on Wednesday to close out the Nats again and was successful in doing so. He also succeeded in saving the game against the Mets on Friday. Then Saturday happened when the Mets scored five runs on the Phillies bullpen, three runs against Brett Myers and two runs against Ryan Madson.
If I am Charlie Manuel, I only have two options: make Brett Myers the closer or pray for a Brad Lidge miracle. The Ryan Madson experiment is cute and all, but he’s blown almost as many saves as Brad Lidge in not nearly as many chances. Don’t get me wrong, Madson’s stuff looks good at times, but he makes too many costly mistakes, and I just don’t think he has what it takes mentally to do the job.
That being said, I don’t think Brad Lidge has the mental makeup this year to get the job done either. Last year, teams were scared to face a confident Lidge; this year, they salivate at the opportunity to bat against the Phillies shaken closer. Maybe a couple weeks off from closing out games will give Lidge enough mental rest to get his act together.
In the meantime, I think Charlie needs to hand the ball off to Brett Myers in the ninth. He was the team’s closer in 2007 when the Phillies won the division, so he is familiar with the role. Myers loves being in the spotlight and is also hoping to show this team what he can still do, especially since this is the last year of his contract.
Whatever Charlie decides to do, he needs to do it fast. The clock is winding down on the 2009 season, and there isn’t much time left to keep playing “Musical Closers.”
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Friday, September 11, 2009
Charlie The Procrastinator
The Phillies’ recent struggles, which if not turned around soon may spell out an early exit in the 2009 postseason, if they don’t relinquish their now five and a half game lead in the division first, appear to be many from the embarrassing offense to the throw of the dice starting rotation and the weakened bullpen but the biggest problem all year has been Brad Lidge’s inability to close out games and it has not gotten better. The Phillies’ recent struggles, which if not turned around soon may spell out an early exit in the 2009 postseason, if they don’t relinquish their now five and a half game lead in the division first, appear to be many from the embarrassing offense to the throw of the dice starting rotation and the weakened bullpen but the biggest problem all year has been Brad Lidge’s inability to close out games and it has not gotten better.
Everyone knows about Lidge’s perfect 2008 season. In 2009, however, he has become arguably the worst closer in baseball. If not for his ten, count them, ten blown saves at this point in the season the Phils would be in much better shape to lose a few as they are doing now. Almost every closer will blow a few save opportunities each year, but even if Lidge converted five of those ten that he has blown, the team would have eighty-four wins right now, as opposed to seventy-nine and a more comfortable lead in the division.
Phils manager Charlie Manuel has stuck by Lidge all season long with his “He’s my closer” moniker, but how much confidence could Charlie possibly be instilling in his closer if he keeps letting him blow save after save? In fact, it’s possible that the World Series Champion manager is doing more harm than good. Just watch Lidge’s body language when he’s on the mound and his extremely heavy breathing. This is not a sign of a guy who is confident. In fact, he looks terrified.
Charlie Manuel wanted to stick by Lidge after what he did for him, the team and the city last season and that is very respectable. There has to come a time, however, when last year is over and new adjustments are made to win games this year. “He’s my closer,” he says. Well, then guess what Charlie? If he’s your closer come October, you’ll be sitting at home on the couch after a few games and watching the World Series on TV.
Over the past few nights, Charlie Manuel has been more willing to use others, such as Ryan Madson, to close out games. Manuel has stated that at this point he’ll have to play the match-ups and do what’s best for the team rather than simply let Lidge blow game after game. One has to wonder, however, if this isn’t something they should have sorted out two months ago when Lidge was clearly not up for being the closer this year. Perhaps experimenting with a few different guys to close out games in July would have left the team a bit more prepared in September and October. Hopefully Charlie’s procrastination doesn’t turn into a disaster.
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Everyone knows about Lidge’s perfect 2008 season. In 2009, however, he has become arguably the worst closer in baseball. If not for his ten, count them, ten blown saves at this point in the season the Phils would be in much better shape to lose a few as they are doing now. Almost every closer will blow a few save opportunities each year, but even if Lidge converted five of those ten that he has blown, the team would have eighty-four wins right now, as opposed to seventy-nine and a more comfortable lead in the division.
Phils manager Charlie Manuel has stuck by Lidge all season long with his “He’s my closer” moniker, but how much confidence could Charlie possibly be instilling in his closer if he keeps letting him blow save after save? In fact, it’s possible that the World Series Champion manager is doing more harm than good. Just watch Lidge’s body language when he’s on the mound and his extremely heavy breathing. This is not a sign of a guy who is confident. In fact, he looks terrified.
Charlie Manuel wanted to stick by Lidge after what he did for him, the team and the city last season and that is very respectable. There has to come a time, however, when last year is over and new adjustments are made to win games this year. “He’s my closer,” he says. Well, then guess what Charlie? If he’s your closer come October, you’ll be sitting at home on the couch after a few games and watching the World Series on TV.
Over the past few nights, Charlie Manuel has been more willing to use others, such as Ryan Madson, to close out games. Manuel has stated that at this point he’ll have to play the match-ups and do what’s best for the team rather than simply let Lidge blow game after game. One has to wonder, however, if this isn’t something they should have sorted out two months ago when Lidge was clearly not up for being the closer this year. Perhaps experimenting with a few different guys to close out games in July would have left the team a bit more prepared in September and October. Hopefully Charlie’s procrastination doesn’t turn into a disaster.
Read more!
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Phillies Need More Closure... And Soon
By Chris Pollay
When you compare the 2009 Phillies with their 2008 Championship counterparts, it becomes apparent that last year’s team had one crucial advantage, a saving grace, if you will: closer Brad Lidge.
At times, he hoisted the entire team on his shoulders in 2008 and carried them to the finish line. This year, however, he is not the same player. He is the team’s biggest question mark as the Phils gear up to try to make a third consecutive postseason appearance.
Philly fans will never forget the immaculate numbers from last year: 41 saves in 41 opportunties in the regular season and seven saves in seven opportunities in the playoffs. Pure perfection.
His ERA for the regular season was a phenomenal 1.95 in 72 games and a merciless .96 in seven appearances during the postseason. He was virtually unhittable for the entire season and the Phillies never conceded a ninth inning lead all season long!
Think about that for a moment. Nothing gives a team more confidence than sending in a perfect closer to maintain a ninth-inning lead. That kind of confidence leads to championships.
This year, however, the closer has proved to be unstable, at best.
Lidge has struggled mightily and injuries have gotten the better of him for much of the year. With about six weeks left in the season, the right-hander has only saved 23 games in 31 opportunities (during 49 games). He also holds an 0 and 5 record, which contrasts sharply with last year’s 2 and 0 effort.
The closer you look at the Phil’s closer, the more distraught you will become by the numbers, especially if you compare them to the stats in 2008. He has already given up 35 earned runs so far this year, which is more than twice his total allowed of all of last season (he only gave up 15 earned runs in the regular season and one earned run in the postseason).
In 2008, throughout the course of pitching 69.1 regular season innings, Lidge only gave up 50 hits and two home runs. After pitching 43.2 innings this season, he has already been lit up for 52 hits and ten homers.
Clearly, the persistent pain in Lidge’s right knee has affected him more than he has let on. His numbers have spiked all season long which means his mechanics are simply not working properly and his confidence isn’t the same.
Perhaps what is most troubling (besides his 7.21 ERA) is that he has only given up three earned runs or less for an entire month once this season (June). In fact, he has already given up five in August and we’re only at the mid-point.
To put that in perspective, Lidge only allowed more than three earned runs in an entire month once all of last season (July).
The crucial weekend series against the division rival Atlanta Braves proved to be a microcosm for Lidge’s up and down 2009 season. He pitched in all three games, recording a save on Friday in nail-biting fashion, then blowing a save on Saturday before pitching the final out and earning a save again yesterday.
In all he pitched only 1 2/3 innings, yet, he gave up three hits, three walks and two runs. He also committed two errors on Saturday in a game he certainly does not want to remember.
But, here’s the reason why Philly fans should not panic: Somehow, the team has a better record now (66-49) than they had at this same point last season (62-53)... and they’re doing it without a dominant closer.
Of course, I realize a blown save in the postseason can change the momentum of an entire playoff series. Despite the shaky stats, Phils’ manager Charlie Manager is resolute in keeping Lidge in the closer role. He insists the team is completely confident with him on the mound late in the game (even if fans are not).
Since Ol’ Cholly has brought the City of Brotherly Love its first championship in 25 years, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt. He believes in players, not numbers, and his team has already proved that it knows what it takes to be champions.
Even though they have had more than their share of problems this year, the Phillies keep finding ways to win. They are ahead of last season’s pace and still look poised to make a potentially deep October run. As a fan, I have to believe Lidge will step up again and be a positive difference maker when it matters most for the team.
Guess we'll find out soon enough. This should be another interesting September. Read more!
When you compare the 2009 Phillies with their 2008 Championship counterparts, it becomes apparent that last year’s team had one crucial advantage, a saving grace, if you will: closer Brad Lidge.
At times, he hoisted the entire team on his shoulders in 2008 and carried them to the finish line. This year, however, he is not the same player. He is the team’s biggest question mark as the Phils gear up to try to make a third consecutive postseason appearance.
Philly fans will never forget the immaculate numbers from last year: 41 saves in 41 opportunties in the regular season and seven saves in seven opportunities in the playoffs. Pure perfection.
His ERA for the regular season was a phenomenal 1.95 in 72 games and a merciless .96 in seven appearances during the postseason. He was virtually unhittable for the entire season and the Phillies never conceded a ninth inning lead all season long!
Think about that for a moment. Nothing gives a team more confidence than sending in a perfect closer to maintain a ninth-inning lead. That kind of confidence leads to championships.
This year, however, the closer has proved to be unstable, at best.
Lidge has struggled mightily and injuries have gotten the better of him for much of the year. With about six weeks left in the season, the right-hander has only saved 23 games in 31 opportunities (during 49 games). He also holds an 0 and 5 record, which contrasts sharply with last year’s 2 and 0 effort.
The closer you look at the Phil’s closer, the more distraught you will become by the numbers, especially if you compare them to the stats in 2008. He has already given up 35 earned runs so far this year, which is more than twice his total allowed of all of last season (he only gave up 15 earned runs in the regular season and one earned run in the postseason).
In 2008, throughout the course of pitching 69.1 regular season innings, Lidge only gave up 50 hits and two home runs. After pitching 43.2 innings this season, he has already been lit up for 52 hits and ten homers.
Clearly, the persistent pain in Lidge’s right knee has affected him more than he has let on. His numbers have spiked all season long which means his mechanics are simply not working properly and his confidence isn’t the same.
Perhaps what is most troubling (besides his 7.21 ERA) is that he has only given up three earned runs or less for an entire month once this season (June). In fact, he has already given up five in August and we’re only at the mid-point.
To put that in perspective, Lidge only allowed more than three earned runs in an entire month once all of last season (July).
The crucial weekend series against the division rival Atlanta Braves proved to be a microcosm for Lidge’s up and down 2009 season. He pitched in all three games, recording a save on Friday in nail-biting fashion, then blowing a save on Saturday before pitching the final out and earning a save again yesterday.
In all he pitched only 1 2/3 innings, yet, he gave up three hits, three walks and two runs. He also committed two errors on Saturday in a game he certainly does not want to remember.
But, here’s the reason why Philly fans should not panic: Somehow, the team has a better record now (66-49) than they had at this same point last season (62-53)... and they’re doing it without a dominant closer.
Of course, I realize a blown save in the postseason can change the momentum of an entire playoff series. Despite the shaky stats, Phils’ manager Charlie Manager is resolute in keeping Lidge in the closer role. He insists the team is completely confident with him on the mound late in the game (even if fans are not).
Since Ol’ Cholly has brought the City of Brotherly Love its first championship in 25 years, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt. He believes in players, not numbers, and his team has already proved that it knows what it takes to be champions.
Even though they have had more than their share of problems this year, the Phillies keep finding ways to win. They are ahead of last season’s pace and still look poised to make a potentially deep October run. As a fan, I have to believe Lidge will step up again and be a positive difference maker when it matters most for the team.
Guess we'll find out soon enough. This should be another interesting September. Read more!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Two Birds, One Stone and the Defending Champs...
On the heels of one of the most hyped and rumored potential trades in Philadelphia Phillies history, involving acquiring storied right handed pitcher Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. appears to have snuck in the back door and snagged a different front line starter, along with a capable right handed bat, instead of giving up top prospects Kyle Drabek and Dominic Brown, along with major league starter J.A. Happ for Halladay, to help carry his team into the postseason for a third consecutive year.
While there have already been numerous stories printed, written, spoken and blogged about the centerpiece of the deal, 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee, what really puts this deal over the top is that the Phils also made off with a very capable right handed bat to bring off of the bench in the name of Ben Francisco.
Francisco, twenty eight years old from Santa Ana, CA, may be just what the Phils were looking for, aside from a starting pitcher. He is a right handed hitter with pop in his bat and even has some speed to burn on the base paths. In three hundred and eight at bats this season, Francisco is only hitting .250 but has compiled ten homeruns and even stolen thirteen bases so far, numbers that the Phils will be more than happy with from a pinch hitter and utility outfielder.
What may be getting overlooked about Ben Francisco is that he not only gives Phillies manager Charlie Manuel some much needed pop off the bench from the right side, but also some speed as well. In recent years Manuel has loved the ability to put guys like Michael Bourn and Chris Roberson in to pinch run late in games to have that extra burst of speed on the bases that guys like Ryan Howard and Pedro Feliz simply don’t have. For the most part in fact, he has been without a guy like that since 2007, until now.
All in all, the acquisition of Cliff Lee is of course, the thing that puts the Phillies in prime position to at least get back to the post seeason, for a third consecutive year, but in the National League, where the benches are such a factor because of pinch hitting for pitchers, Ben Francisco makes the Phillies, arguably one of the best benches in all of baseball and may help lift them through the playoffs and back into the World Series. Kudos to Ruben Amaro Jr. and the Phillies for going out and doing what it takes to make their already impressive team better without giving away the entire future.
Read more!
While there have already been numerous stories printed, written, spoken and blogged about the centerpiece of the deal, 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee, what really puts this deal over the top is that the Phils also made off with a very capable right handed bat to bring off of the bench in the name of Ben Francisco.
Francisco, twenty eight years old from Santa Ana, CA, may be just what the Phils were looking for, aside from a starting pitcher. He is a right handed hitter with pop in his bat and even has some speed to burn on the base paths. In three hundred and eight at bats this season, Francisco is only hitting .250 but has compiled ten homeruns and even stolen thirteen bases so far, numbers that the Phils will be more than happy with from a pinch hitter and utility outfielder.
What may be getting overlooked about Ben Francisco is that he not only gives Phillies manager Charlie Manuel some much needed pop off the bench from the right side, but also some speed as well. In recent years Manuel has loved the ability to put guys like Michael Bourn and Chris Roberson in to pinch run late in games to have that extra burst of speed on the bases that guys like Ryan Howard and Pedro Feliz simply don’t have. For the most part in fact, he has been without a guy like that since 2007, until now.
All in all, the acquisition of Cliff Lee is of course, the thing that puts the Phillies in prime position to at least get back to the post seeason, for a third consecutive year, but in the National League, where the benches are such a factor because of pinch hitting for pitchers, Ben Francisco makes the Phillies, arguably one of the best benches in all of baseball and may help lift them through the playoffs and back into the World Series. Kudos to Ruben Amaro Jr. and the Phillies for going out and doing what it takes to make their already impressive team better without giving away the entire future.
Read more!
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!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Goodbye June Swoon, Hello July Revive
By Chris Pollay
It has been a painful month for Phillies’ fans, to be sure. Calling it a June Swoon is too kind. It’s more like a Friggin’ Free Fall.
After starting the month on a 4-0 tear, Philadelphia proceeded to lose 14 of their next 19 games as opponents treated the pitching staff’s fastballs like oversized piñatas. With one more game left to play this month, Philly has posted an overall June record of 11-14. Even if they win tomorrow, they will still end up with a cumulative losing record for the entire month.
That’s no reason to sound the alarm just yet, but the Phils do need to shut off the snooze button.
Despite recent evidence to the contrary, the Phillies have been irrefutably consistent for a long time now. During 2008 and 2009, the ballclub played ten months of regular season and post-season baseball and accumulated winning records during eight of them*.
Both exceptions occurred in June. That just can’t be coincidence.
(*If you are a stickler for details, Philadelphia did technically have a losing record in another month in 2008 when they opened their season one day prior to April. Thus, they ended up 0-1 for March.)
It’s hard not to believe the team is a victim to the infamous June Swoon that so often plagues Major League Baseball franchises. However, statistical evidence of last year also suggests the Phils may have a July Revive coming up now.
The Phils have posted 15-10 records in July during the previous two baseball seasons. So, here’s hoping they can win 60% of their games this July, as well.
Take a look at the breakdown of the team’s month-by-month win-loss records for the past two seasons:
April 2009: 11-9
May 2009: 17-11
June 2009: 11-14 (With one game still to play.)
**********
March 2008: 0-1
April 2008: 15-12
May 2008: 17-12
June 2008: 12-14
July 2008: 15-10
Aug. 2008: 16-13
Sept. 2008: 17-8
Oct. 2008: 11-3 (Postseason)
What stands out to me is how similar the records are month by month. The Phils were three games over .500 in April of 2008 and two games over .500 this April.
In May, the team won the same number of games in 2008 as it did in 2009, suffering only one more loss last season.
In recent history, June has proven undeniably bad, of course, but if last July, August and September are any indication of how the team plays late in the year, Philadelphia should inevitably revert to their winning ways shortly. (They certainly seem to get hungrier in the second half of the season.)
Manager Charlie Manuel’s recent closed-door meeting on Friday may have provided the spark that will light a midsummer fire underneath the ballclub.
Interestingly enough, there is a positive by-product to all of the losing of late. The Phillies have learned that the division race is theirs to win or lose.
The last time the Phils took over first place in the NL East was on May 30th. They have remained in that spot throughout the entirety of June despite trying to sabotage that lead in every conceivable way.
Of course, a large reason for this is that the Mets have solemnly swooned their way through June as well, posting an even worse 9-16 record leading up to today. Read more!
It has been a painful month for Phillies’ fans, to be sure. Calling it a June Swoon is too kind. It’s more like a Friggin’ Free Fall.
After starting the month on a 4-0 tear, Philadelphia proceeded to lose 14 of their next 19 games as opponents treated the pitching staff’s fastballs like oversized piñatas. With one more game left to play this month, Philly has posted an overall June record of 11-14. Even if they win tomorrow, they will still end up with a cumulative losing record for the entire month.
That’s no reason to sound the alarm just yet, but the Phils do need to shut off the snooze button.
Despite recent evidence to the contrary, the Phillies have been irrefutably consistent for a long time now. During 2008 and 2009, the ballclub played ten months of regular season and post-season baseball and accumulated winning records during eight of them*.
Both exceptions occurred in June. That just can’t be coincidence.
(*If you are a stickler for details, Philadelphia did technically have a losing record in another month in 2008 when they opened their season one day prior to April. Thus, they ended up 0-1 for March.)
It’s hard not to believe the team is a victim to the infamous June Swoon that so often plagues Major League Baseball franchises. However, statistical evidence of last year also suggests the Phils may have a July Revive coming up now.
The Phils have posted 15-10 records in July during the previous two baseball seasons. So, here’s hoping they can win 60% of their games this July, as well.
Take a look at the breakdown of the team’s month-by-month win-loss records for the past two seasons:
April 2009: 11-9
May 2009: 17-11
June 2009: 11-14 (With one game still to play.)
**********
March 2008: 0-1
April 2008: 15-12
May 2008: 17-12
June 2008: 12-14
July 2008: 15-10
Aug. 2008: 16-13
Sept. 2008: 17-8
Oct. 2008: 11-3 (Postseason)
What stands out to me is how similar the records are month by month. The Phils were three games over .500 in April of 2008 and two games over .500 this April.
In May, the team won the same number of games in 2008 as it did in 2009, suffering only one more loss last season.
In recent history, June has proven undeniably bad, of course, but if last July, August and September are any indication of how the team plays late in the year, Philadelphia should inevitably revert to their winning ways shortly. (They certainly seem to get hungrier in the second half of the season.)
Manager Charlie Manuel’s recent closed-door meeting on Friday may have provided the spark that will light a midsummer fire underneath the ballclub.
Interestingly enough, there is a positive by-product to all of the losing of late. The Phillies have learned that the division race is theirs to win or lose.
The last time the Phils took over first place in the NL East was on May 30th. They have remained in that spot throughout the entirety of June despite trying to sabotage that lead in every conceivable way.
Of course, a large reason for this is that the Mets have solemnly swooned their way through June as well, posting an even worse 9-16 record leading up to today. Read more!
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