My Fellow Phans,
First I wanted to let you guys know that I am trying a new format again for your series preview. I would also want to thank my friend John Russo for permission to use his graphic of this series and future games.
Now onto the baseball news:
So, the good news is that Irene is well past us, and thankfully, most places were not hit as hard as was expected. While the Phillies missed most of Irene’s fury, she took a toll on the scheduling process.
After raining out a pair of games against the Marlins, the Phillies schedule was sent into chaotic mode. After having both games pushed back into middle September, the Phightins now have the daunting task of playing 33 games in 31 days with a pair of doubleheaders within a week.
Sounds tough, but its nothing that champions can’t handle, right Charlie? “A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do,” Manuel said. “No big deal. Champions can play anywhere, anytime, any day. They can play 2 or 3 a day.”
Sounds like the manager’s ready and you know the players are ready as this brutal stretch begins tonight against the Reds.
The Phillies original rotation was also altered thanks to the numerous off days and those changes will be reflected in the pitching matchups for this series. Here is your preview:
Phillies (83-46 – 1st NL East) @ Cincinnati Reds (67-66 – 3rd NL Central)
Monday, August 29:
7:10 @ Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati OH – CSN & ESPN
Cole Hamels (13-7 2.62) vs. Homer Bailey (7-5 4.44)
Tuesday, August 30:
7:10 @ Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati OH – PHL 17
Roy Halladay (15-5 2.55) vs. Bronson Arroyo (8-10 5.02)
Wednesday, August 31:
7:10 @ Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati OH – CSN
Cliff Lee (14-7 2.71) vs. Dontrelle Willis (0-3 4.10)
Thursday, September 1:
12:35 @ Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati OH – CSN
Vance Worley (9-1 2.65) vs. Mike Leake (11-8 4.04)
*Note: All Games in EST / All can be heard on 1210 AM on the radio.
Series Notes: Reds
Its been a rough season for the Reds. After gaudy expectations entering this season following last year’s division title, they have struggled to repeat their success. They sit just a game over .500 and 13 games back in the NL Central. They come into this series on a four game winning streak which includes a sweep over the Washington Nationals.
Offensively, the Reds are no slouches. They lead the NL in runs scored as a team as well as home runs and rank 5th in team batting average. They are led by reigning NL MVP Joey Votto at first base (.325-26-86) and young hitting sensation, right fielder Jay Bruce (.262-28-85) an all-star second baseman Brandon Phillips (.297-12-73).
The pitching for the Reds however, has struggled this season. They ranked 11th in the NL in team ERA. Outside of ace Johnny Cuteo (9-5 2.05), who thankfully the Phillies will not see this week, the Reds’ rotation has struggled.
Out of the four going this week, only Bailey and Arroyo have faced the Phillies this season having allowed 13 earned runs in 6.2 innings. Arroyo is coming off of 8 shutout innings against the Marlins while Bailey allowed just 3 runs in 7 innings in his last outing.
This will be the Phillies first look at Willis since 2007 and Leake since 2010. Leake earned a win in his last start tossing 6 innings of 2 run ball while Willis struggled walking 5 batters in just 2.2 innings.
Series Notes: Phillies
This is the Phillies first game since Friday and it will be interesting to see how they come off of their long layoff. Cole Hamels is making his first start since August 12th and the rest of the starters will also be facing longer than usual layoffs. They are coming off of what technically could be considered the first time they were swept this season as the Marlins won the only game in the previous series.
Offensively, the Phillies rank 6th in the NL in runs scored. They are paced by Shane Victorino, who may be the Phillies most consistent hitter this season (.309-14-51) and first baseman Ryan Howard (.251-27-99). Newcomer Hunter Pence is paying dividends as well (.330-5-15 in 24 games).
Pitching-wise, if you don’t know already, the Phillies own the best team ERA in all of baseball (3.09). They are first in complete games (15), shutouts (17), and wins. The NL Cy Young race may be a battle between Phillies pitchers this season. Halladay, Lee and battling it out with Hamels as the dark horse. At the moment, I think Halladay has the slight edge.
During their first meeting with the Reds this season, the hometown Phillies took 3 out of 4 from the Reds which included 10-3 and 10-4 victories and an 19 inning walk-off which earned utility infielder Wilson Valdez his first career victory. I’m sure none of us have forgotten that game.
In that series, Lee and Hamels both won their starts and Halladay pitched well enough to win (7ip-3er), but the pen couldn’t hold the lead eventually leading to the 19 inning marathon.
This series is just the beginning of a very tiring stretch for the Phillies.
Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies.
No comments:
Post a Comment