The State of the Phillies Celebrates 100 Posts!

My Fellow Phans,

Today is a historic day. This is officially the 100th post for The State of the Phillies. I was busy thinking of what I could put in this post, but I decided to keep it short and sweet.

I just wanted to thank all my readers, the couple of you that are out there,  for helping me reach this historic number. I promise that I will keep doing my best to coverage your beloved Phillies with the latest news and updates on the team. I couldn't keep this blog going if not for the devout readers who actually have interest in what I am typing.

So, I thank you all for that.

I ask you all to vote in the new poll about grading the Phillies season and will add a new poll from time to time when I do my player-by-player recaps. 

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

2010 Look Back: Ryan Howard

My Fellow Phans,

Since the season is over, it is time that we look back at the up and down campaign that was the Phillies 2010 season. To do this, I will look at player by player recaps for most of the players on the Phillies roster this season.

We’ll start with the man, with whom many fans are wrongly laying the blame for their NLCS loss, First Baseman Ryan Howard.

Ryan Howard: 2010 Stats: .276 AVG 31 HR 108 RBI (.303 AVG 0 HR 0 RBI in postseason)

Recap

It had been so long since Howard homered at the end of the season, that I honestly forget he had reached the 30 homer plateau.

Let’s face it: it was a down year for the “Big Piece”. He missed significant time due to an ankle injury that he suffered in Washington and was never really on pace when he returned especially from a power aspect. His numbers weren’t that bad overall taking into account those factors, but they truly weren’t what we have come to expect from Ryan Howard.

While it is true that Howard had no RBIs in the postseason and that he was caught looking to officially end the Phillies’ season in the NLCS facing overrated Brian Wilson, you cannot blame him for their disappointing defeat. As, I said in a previous blog post, people need to lay off Howard in that regard. He did lead the team in batting this postseason.

There were times this season when Howard looked unstoppable and other times when he looked deflated. It was that type of season for most of the Phillies hitters. We need to keep faith that our boys will return next year so they can reclaim the NL Pennant trophy back from the pesky Giants.

Looking Ahead

I think it is safe to say that Howard will be back next year. Barring any offseason injuries, Howard will be back and fully healthy for the Phillies in 2011. Once thing Howard showed me this postseason was the ability to hit strong left-handed pitching accumulating hits against Jonathon Sanchez and Javier Lopez on the Giants. This is not something that we see very often from Howard.  I expect this trend to continue and Howard will continue to improve against craft lefties.

Look for a very strong and healthy season from Howard next year just hoping he has a strong right-handed bat to protect him in the order.


Grade: B


Howard had a good season, but not as good as it could have been. His numbers were good, but just average compared to Howard's normal output. 


Vote on the right on your grade for Howard this season. 

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

Phillies in the "Out"-Field after Disappointing Loss to Giants

My Fellow Phans,

I know it’s been awhile since the Phillies’ season officially ended at the hands of the pesky San Francisco Giants, but I needed some time to regroup and gather my thoughts for my closing thoughts on the NLCS.

Let me begin by explaining my title. I’m sure that many of you know the movie, Angels in the Outfield, a classic baseball movie and one of my personal favorites ever since I saw it in my younger years. For those who have not, and if you are a baseball fan, I would highly recommend this movie, It is the classic Disney tale when a young fan prays for his Angels to improve and they receive heavenly help from above to improve their play in the field.

 There is a scene in the very beginning after the Angels lose yet again and their manager, played by Danny Glover, is reprimanding the team for another bad loss. He says “You don’t even lose as a team.  You've all got your heads so far up your butts; you can't even see the light of day!”

I’m sure you can see where I am going with this one. As I watch the Phillies toss away opportunity after scoring opportunity, drop routine grounders, and bobble fly balls they should have handled, it seriously made me ask if they knew what game they were playing.

I, during numerous occasions, recall yelling at the screen telling some of our players to get their “heads out of their…. Well you know, let’s just say I wasn’t keeping it Disney-movie quality G-rated.

There were at least a half a dozen plays that if made here or there would catapult the Philies to victory in their particular games. Games 1, 4, and 5 all could have been won if certain plays had been made. I will spare you the painful details and my ranting on these plays, but I’m sure if you scroll back through the film, you can see exactly what I am talking about.

I’m not going to pinpoint any particular players as the questionable and un-Phillies like play seemed to stretch out to the entire team at one point or another. That is what made the serious so frustrating. We were watching a team that we didn’t know. This wasn’t the team that won 98 games this season. It wasn’t the same team that overtook the Braves after trailing by as much as 7 games this season and winning the division rather convincingly. I don’t know who the imposters were out on the field those 6 games, but it certainly wasn’t our beloved Phillies.

Going back to my refusal to name certain players, I know a lot of people are laying pretty hard solely into Ryan Howard. I honestly do not know why. He was the last one up, but he wasn’t the only player on the Phillies that struggled this series with guys on base.  How many players seem to get a hit with the bases empty and then come up with guys on and strike out or come up with guys on or ground out weakly to the pitcher and then single down the line later in the game?

In short, lay off Ryan Howard. If you blame him solely for this loss, then I can’t make any conclusion except that you are a band wagoner who only remembers his name because he was the last man batting the series so you recall his name clearer than the others.

That’s about all I have for this NLCS Wrap. I will post more on the Phillies offseason coming up soon.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

Game 6 Mission: BRING IT PHILADELPHIA!

My Fellow Phans, 

So, the NLCS shifts back to the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park. Friendly, at least for the Phillies that is. Now, we all know how much this park and the fans there can do to help the Phillies. This is what home field advantage is all about. The hometown fans are the 10^th man on the field for this team. 

I expect it to be one of the most wild and loud games that I have ever seen at the Bank tomorrow night. I would expect nothing less from Phillies fans.  From what I’ve seen in years past, I seriously doubt that I will be disappointed. 

Anyone that is going to be at the game, Jimmy Rollins has a message for you. “It better be wild. Let them have it – all of them.”  In short, bring it tomorrow Philadelphia! Let these Giants know what the city of Philadelphia is all about. They experienced us in the first two games, but as the great BTO once sang, they ain’t seen nothing yet. 

We all saw how loud their fans can be and I give them credit for coming out in drones like they did, but there is no city like Philadelphia when it comes to sports. The reason all the other cities hate us, is because they envy that passion that we bring day in and day out. We had the 2^nd most total fans this season in the 12^th biggest capacity stadium in the MLB. That is saying something. We filled 103% of the capacity per night including standing room only. That is some serious passion. 

Granted we make our share of mistakes, as do ALL other fans do as well; we’re the only ones who get national publicity. Sad huh? Just think of it like this: they care so much about us that they have to keep us in the headlines since they have nothing else interesting to talk about except our diehard attitude and unmatchable passionate. 

I will not have the honor of attending tomorrow’s game, but I will be screaming as loud as all you fans whom are there at the game. Make this stadium hell tomorrow for the visiting Giants. Be loud, and let them know where they are playing (Of course I expect you all to behave yourselves too while doing so). They are in our house and don’t let them forget it for a second. There is no tomorrow if we lose Saturday. Let's keep that from happening!

BRING IT PHILADELPHIA! 

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

There's Only One Roy Halladay

My Fellow Phans,

So I resigned from commenting on the first two games in Frisco. This was due to the fact that there wasn’t much positive to discuss and I wanted to try to be more positive in my postings since, as you all know, there was a lot of negative criticism on this blog post this season.

So, now that there is something positive to discuss, I will give a post here.

Roy Halladay proved last night yet again why is he an ace, gamer, star, or whatever other term you would define this extraordinary man as. 

Last night, the Phillies faced elimination in the NLCS trailing the Giants 3-1 in the series. To keep their season alive, they threw Roy Halladay on the mound against little Timmy Lincecum for the Giants. Doc struggled through a first inning, but then again, many star pitchers struggle in the first inning of base games. 

After the Phillies went down feebly in the 2^nd, Halladay came out to pitch and it was during this inning that he mildly strained his groin. The strain prohibited the use of Halladay’s sinker as effectively as he would like and caused his velocity during the game to take a hit. The question became, would the Phillies pull their superhero starter out early in this one? In the words of Charlie Manuel, “He wasn't going to let us take him out." Halladay had waited many long years for this moment and he was not going to let it slip away. 

Halladay didn’t leave the game until the 7^th producing 6 strong innings of 2 run ball for the Phillies and left with a 3-2 lead. The Phillies pen did the rest. The combo of Jose Contreras, J.C. Romero, Ryan Madson (who may have thrown the best inning of his career), and Brad Lidge closed the door to seal the victory for the Phillies and send them back to Philadelphia for a game Saturday night. 

Jayson Werth added some well needed insurance in the 9^th inning with an opposite field homer as the Phillies won 4-2. 

It is hard to describe Roy Halladay at the point with anything that hasn’t been said numerous times before: ace, warrior, work horse, gamer ect. I don’t think there is much else to say besides that. Roy Halladay is all those things and so much more. 

I think Raul Ibanez put it best: “"He's just such a warrior," said Ibanez. “I know people use that word about a lot of guys, but it's like there's only one Roy Halladay.”

He is absolutely right. There is only one Roy Halladay. 

See you Saturday. 

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

Top Phillies Moment # 1!

My Fellow Phans, 

Here is your top Phillies moment!

Phillies Moment # 1                                                                                        September 27^th – Roy Halladay pitches 2-hit gem to help Phillies clinch NL East Title

The NL East race ended like it began; with Roy Halladay toeing the rubber in Washington against the Nationals. Some people may argue that his perfect game should be the top play, but as amazing and historic as his perfecto was, this division clinching victory was just as sweet. 

The Phillies came into the game with the magic number of 1. Needing just one victory to clinch the top spot, Roy Halladay didn't need any help sealing the deal. Halladay won his 21^st game of the season for the club and marked the fourth consecutive postseason appearance for the Phillies and first for Halladay himself. 

I could write a lot about this game and this division championship, but there isn’t anything that hasn’t already been said so I will keep it brief. 

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

Game 1 Thoughts

My Fellow Phans,

Let’s face it. Yesterday was a pain loss to take. The long awaited, historic battle between two defending Cy Young winners turned out to be a match between two ace pitchers, whom were both way off their games.

In the end, the Phillies couldn’t get the job done and lost the game 4-3. It wasn’t like they had chances. Lincecum was far from unhittable last night; in fact I will go on the record to say that I think Halladay outpitched Lincecum. 

When judging how well a pitcher is pitching, the state of the opposing offense should not be taken into consideration.  We all know that the Phillies’ offense is sputtering right now and when this happens, any pitcher can be made to look like Cy Young. However, Lincecum didn’t capitalize on the Phillies weakness, he was knocked around at times and the Phillies constantly had threats against him. They worked the counts, got on base and then just lacked the ability to knock runners in.

Halladay got spurned on a pair of back to back pitches; a two-strike pitch to Burrell that was considerably close to being strike 3 that wasn’t called and then when Burrell drove the ball out to left field, Raul Ibanez dropped the ball allowing the third Giants’ run to score.  Yes he made his mistakes, but they weren’t as numerous as Lincecum.

I know people will argue with me all day and night simply because of the final score, but I will say again, you cannot take the score and the outcome into consideration when looking at the pitchers overall. The Phillies let Lincecum wriggle off the hook numerous times in this one. If our offense was actually hitting the ball, I can safely safe that we would have knocked Timmy around on this night. However, as it stands, our offense faltered against a struggling pitcher and we wind up on the losing end.

The Phillies’ struggling offense timed with a lack of timely hitting and inability to catch a fly ball, which was very catchable I will add, lost this game.  The Giants’ starter only played a small bit into the final equation. A good Phillies offense would have knocked Lincecum around, but as it stands, we are struggling at the plate and need to get it switched around in a hurry. I also hope that if Wilson pitches in game 2, we actually put the ball in play against him. The guy throws one pitch and he’s not named Rivera, I don’t see why we can’t do more against him.

I will give credit to Cody Ross for his efforts. The man is the hottest hitter in the postseason and I honestly do not know why he is still hitting 8^th in this lineup with the way he is playing. Hitting him behind Mike Fontenot is pretty bad. The guy has earned a spot higher up in the lineup.

I will also give credit to the Giants for taking advantage of the Phillies’ miscues, something that the Phillies failed to do, Pat Burrell was technically out twice in that 6^th inning at bat against Roy Halladay, but he mustered a key RBI double and the Giants’ shortstop, Juan Uribe, who unlike our SS can actually do something offensively, knocked in the next run on a clutch single to plate the 4^th run of the game for the Giants.

I will give Jayson Werth credit for that bomb he hit off of Lincecum last night. It was a classic, opposite field Werth homer and was a positive to see.

Of course, we can’t forget Chooch! The man showed some serious power rocketing the high fastball out to the opposite field. I knew this guy had home run power, but that was impressive. Kudos to you Chooch for that impressive hit.

Does this mean that the Phillies are looking at a must-win game 2? Although, one could argue that every game in the postseason is a must win, but looking at it from a literal standpoint, I would have to say that it is.

And it doesn’t get any easier against Sanchez tonight. This was the guy that I was worried about most on their staff. Not only is he a star pitcher, but he is a left hander. The Phillies can’t hit subpar lefties like Zack Duke or Tom Gorzelanny, how in the world are they going to hit a quality left hander in Sanchez.  Although Sanchez does have one ailment and it’s that he is prone to walk a number of hitters on a given night. Remember Oliver Perez anyone? This guy has the tendency to be wild in the strike zone at times just like our old buddy from the Muts. 

The Phillies have to be patient and not jump at this guy’s junk pitches. Which is hard to do, but the Phillies have beaten Perez and can beat Sanchez. Now, I will say that Sanchez is a set above Perez’s stuff, but he is the best analogy I could find for this post. The Phillies need to be patient and hope that Sanchez is not on his game or we could be in serious trouble. We can’t lose 2 games in a row at home with 3 straight coming in San Fran.

I eagerly await Charlie’s lineup for this one with the fear that it may look identical to last night’s. I still wonder if Rollins continues to struggle, how long he will be left in the lineup when Valdez has proven time and time again to be a valuable replacement. If Jimmy is in the lineup, maybe move him down in the order at least after Ibanez so Werth has more protection.   I also wonder, with the strong lefty starting for the Giants, if he will try to get some more right handed fire power in there, Francisco maybe?

Again, I don’t expect any changes to be made, but I was just throwing out those possibilities out there for consideration.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

Top Phillies Moment # 2

My Fellow Phans, 

Here is your # 2 moment!

Phillies Moment # 2

May 29^th- Roy Halladay Pitches the Second Perfect Game in Phillies History

It seemed like a regular night in Miami; the Marlins were playing the Phillies tough with only about 10 Marlins fans were in attendance. However, this night turned out to be a bit more extraordinary than anybody ever imagined. The Phillies came into the night with a staggering offense, and they didn’t really hit this much against Josh Johnson on this night either, but neither did the Marlins facing Roy Halladay. 

In the 6^th inning, it finally became clear what was taking place. Three up, three down in the 7^th, and then the 8^th, and finally the 9^th. As Ronnie Paulino’s grounder was scooped up by Castro at third base and he was retired, the entire Philadelphia fan base shouted in exclamation as Roy Halladay threw the 2nd perfect game in Phillies history. 

Look for # 1 tomorrow! 

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

NLCS Breakdown

My Fellow Phans ,

So the NLCS is set to begin play tomorrow between the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Francisco Giants. In what appears to be a very close and well pitching series, this series has the potential to go the distance. 

Here is your NLCS preview with a position-by-position breakdown:

First Base:

Phillies: Ryan Howard

Giants: Aubrey Huff

Neither first baseman had a particular strong opening series. However, it terms of overall impact, Howard provides a bit more than Huff. During his career, Howard has led the league in homers, RBIs including winning the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards. Huff had a good season for the Giants, but not as strong as Howards.

Edge: Phillies

Second Base:

Phillies: Chase Utley

Giants: Freddy Sanchez

Sanchez is an above quality contact hitter, whom helps set the table for the Giants’ offense. However, Utley has been well known as one of the top players in all of baseball and has been providing admirably for the Phillies in the postseason during his career. Both players provide solid dividends for their respective teams, but those listed factors give the edge to the superstar from Philly.

Edge: Phillies

Third Base:

Phillies: Placido Polanco

Giants: Pablo Sandoval

After having a monster 2009 season, Sandoval had a serious slip in numbers in 2010. He is still a dangerous hitter, but not as formidable as he was 2 seasons ago.  Even during this postseason, he was removed in games for defense and didn’t start one of the two games. Polanco hit just under .300 this season for the Phillies and provided an adequate top setter for the Philadelphia offense this season better than most people predicted.

Edge: Phillies

Shortstop:

Phillies: Jimmy Rollins

Giants: Juan Uribe

It is obvious that Rollins isn’t at 100% and that is showing signs of returning to old form at the plate, but overall he hasn’t done not much Rollins-like hitting at the plate this year. Uribe had a great season power wise for the Giants and was one of their top run producers overall. If Rollins was fully healthy, then this battle may go differently, but for now Uribe is the better of these two shortstops.

Edge: Giants

Catcher:

Phillies: Carlos Ruiz

Giants: Buster Posey

Buster Posey came into the league and made a gigantic splash when he came into the big leagues this year. There is no doubt that he is one of the best catchers in baseball and one of the best players overall this season. For the Phillies, Ruiz has solidified himself as a mainstay in the offense. He has been arguably the most clutch hitter for the Phillies, albeit mostly from the 7^th and 8^th spot, and drove in key runs in critical situations. He has been even more clutch in the postseason for Philadelphia.

Edge: Even

Leftfield:

Phillies: Raul Ibanez

Giants: Pat Burrell

Burrell has been one of the primary run producers for the Giants. Ibanez had a really horrific start, but has picked up his offense majorly over the past couple months of this season. Offensively, both players are about even, but defensively, Ibanez clearly has an edge over Burrell, whom is often pulled for defensive reasons late in ballgames.  This defensive edge gives Ibanez the slight, slight edge in this matchup.

Edge: Phillies

Center Field:

Phillies: Shane Victorino

Giants: Andrew Torress

This is a matchup of two quality centerfielders. Both players are their respective teams’ leadoff hitters and are good at setting the tables with their above average speed. There isn’t much difference in their stats either. So upon further review, I think this is a draw.

Edge: Even

Right Field:

Phillies: Jayson Werth

Giants: Cody Ross

Ross has been one of the top clutch hitters this postseason for the Giants and he a quality time with the Giants after being dealt by the Marlins. However, he is matched up against an All-Star caliber talent in Werth. The Phillies’ right fielder has the ability to carry a team and that gives him the edge in this matchup.

Edge: Phillies

Bench:

Edge: Giants

Overall Offense:

Even though the Phillies used their pitching to carry them most of the season, their offense is still one of the tops in the league. Despite the fact that runs could be hard to come by this series with the strong pitching presented, the Phillies’ offense is stronger than the Giants. Whether or not, either team will be able to score a lot of runs this series is still to be seen, but on paper, the Phillies offense is stronger.

Edge: Phillies

Starting Pitching:

Phillies: Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton

Giants: Tim Lincecum, Jonathon Sanchez, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner

I think there is no doubt that this series will be all about the pitching. There is really no weakness in the opening 3 starters for either team. I don’t think that I need to say anything about how good these pitchers have been.

Edge: Even

Bullpen:

The Rangers’ bullpen has been one of the best in the league this season. The Philadelphia pen has struggled at times this season and there is a still some questions outside of Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge. However, there hasn’t really been a single weak spot for the Giants this season.  Give the edge to the Giants’ pen on this one.

Edge: Giants

Experience:

The Phillies have been in this position in the past two seasons although this may be the toughest test that they have to face to get to the World Series. There is no proof that experience plays a significant role in these situations, but if it does than the Phillies have the edge.

Edge: Phillies

Overall

The NLCS gives us a glimpse of the two best teams in the National League: the Giants and the Phillies. If there is any slight edge for either side, it would be with the overall lineups and on the Phillies side. So, the very, very slight edge goes to the Phillies in the series.

Slight Edge: Phillies

Look for more coverage on the NLCS later! 

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!

NLCS Basics

My Fellow Phans,

With the NLCS less than 24 hours away, I think it’s as good as time as any to break down this upcoming series with the Giants. So here is you’re NLCS Headquarters. Everything you need to know about the series will be contained in this blog post and future posts. Enjoy!

Part 1of my NLCS coverage; The NLCS Basics:

Here is the upcoming schedule for this series:

Game 1 in Philadelphia: Saturday Oct. 16 at 7:57
Game 2 in Philadelphia: Sunday Oct. 17 at 8:19
Game 3 in SF: Tuesday Oct. 19 at 4:19
Game 4 in SF: Wednesday Oct. 20 at 7:57
Game 5 in SF: Thursday Oct. 21 at 7:57 (if necessary)
Game 6 in Philadelphia: Saturday Oct. 23 at 3:57 (if necessary)
Game 7 in Philadelphia: Sunday Oct. 24 at 7:57 (if necessary)

Note: times are eastern and subject to change

Who will we see on the field? Well, here is your answer:  

Phillies NLCS Roster:

Rotation:
SP Roy Halladay (RHP)
SP Roy Oswalt (RHP)
SP Cole Hamels (LHP)
SP Joe Blanton (RHP)

Bullpen:
RHP Kyle Kendrick
RHP Chad Durbin
RHP Jose Contreras
RHP Ryan Madson
RHP Brad Lidge
LHP Antonio Bastardo
LHP J.C. Romero

Starters:
C Carlos Ruiz
1B Ryan Howard
2B Chase Utley
SS Jimmy Rollins
3B Placido Polanco
LF Raul Ibanez
CF Shane Victorino
RF Jayson Werth

Bench:
1B Mike Sweeney (R)
1B/OF Ross Gload (L)
OF Ben Francisco (R)
INF Wilson Valdez (R)
OF Domonic Brown (L)
C Brian Schneider (L)

Pitching Matchups for this series (Games 1-3):

Game 1: Saturday

Roy Halladay (21-10 2.44 ERA season /  1-0 0.00 ERA postseason / 0-1 6.43 ERA vs. Giants in ’10)

Vs.

Tim Lincecum (16-10 3.43 ERA season / 1-0 0.00 ERA postseason / 0-0 2.16 ERA vs. Phillies in ’10)

Game 2: Sunday

Roy Oswalt (13-13 2.76 ERA season / 0-0 5.40 ERA postseason / 1-3 3.33 ERA vs. Giants in ’10)

Vs.

Jonathon Sanchez (13-9 3.07 ERA season / 0-0 1.23 ERA postseason / 2-0 1.38 ERA vs. Phillies in ’10)

Game 3: Tuesday

Cole Hamels (12-11 3.06 ERA season / 1-0 0.00 ERA postseason / 0-1 7.36 ERA vs. Giants in ’10)

Vs.

Matt Cain (13-11 3.14 ERA season / 0-0 0.00 ERA postseason / 0-1 3.00 ERA vs. Phillies in ’10)

Game 4: Wednesday *

Joe Blanton (9-6 4.82 ERA season / No postseason totals / 1-0 2.84 ERA vs. Giants in ’10)

Vs.

Madison Bumgarner (7-6 3.00 ERA season / 1-0 3.00 ERA postseason / Did not face Phillies in ’10)

*These pitchers are probable starters, but could change varying on the series situation

Look for upcoming posts with series breakdown and previews.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!