Opening games time announced!

My Fellow Phans,

I bring you more information from the great world of MLB. The starting times for games 1 &2 of the Phillies series opening series with the Cardinals.

Here is the basics for those 2 games:

Game 1: Saturday, October 1 – 4:07 pm

Game 2: Sunday, October 2 – 8:07 pm.

I will share more information as it comes out. Stay tuned for my Phillies Playoff  preview coming tomorrow! It will have the full schedule, pitching matchups, lineups, rosters, predictions, analysis, breakdowns, and much-much more!

Aside from the Phillies, I am progressively working on previews for all of the 3 other divisional series. The Tigers vs. Yankees preview is already posted, I will complete the other ALDS matchup tonight, post the Brewers/Arizona preview tomorrow morning.Each of those previews have their own page so check them out at the top of the screen.

The Phillies will round out the previews. Look for that tomorrow night!

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy readings and go Phillies!

Playoff Opponent Revealed!

My Fellow Phans,

I am sure many of you saw the news already, but incase you haven’t. The Cardinals clinched the NL Wild Card last night sealing the Phillies date with the Cardinals in the opening round of the MLB postseason.

The series is set to start Saturday.

I will do a full preview last on, but this is just the basics! Stay tuned!

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

Bring on the Big Apple! - Phillies / Mets Preview

My Fellow Phans,

There are a lot of things I could say about this recent string of games for the Phillies. However, this is not the time for such talk. The Phillies haven’t played a meaningful game since last Saturday, and ironically enough that was the last game that they won.

Yes, there is a little concern from some, but I will touch on that in a few days depending on the results of this upcoming series with the Mets.

Here is your preview:

Phillies (98-58: 1st NL East) @ New York Mets (74-82; 4th NL East)

Friday, September 23:

7:10 @ Citi Field, NY – PHL17

Cole Hamels (14-9 2.80) vs. R.A. Dickey (8-13 3.35)

Saturday, September 24:

1:10 @ Citi Field, NY – CSN

Kyle Kendrick (8-6 3.04) vs. Dillon Gee (12-6 4.48)

Sunday, September 25:

1:10 @ Citi Field, NY – PHL17

Roy Halladay (18-6 2.41) vs. Mike Pelfrey (7-12 4.58)

Series Notes: The Phillies are trying to stop their 6 game losing streak. They haven’t won a game since clinching the division last week and were manhandled by the Nationals in the final four home regular season games of their season.

How do they look to break it?

Well, some new additions would help. The Phillies were playing with Ryan Howard and a few games without right fielder Hunter Pence during this mini free fall. Now both are slated to return to action in this series.

It would also help the Phillies for their 1-2-3 guys in the order, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, and Chase Utley, to return to form. The three went an abysmal 0-for-36 in this series against the Nationals. Yes, 0 hits in 36 trips to the plate. In fact all three are having horrendous Septembers as well. Rollins, Victorino, and Utley are hitting a miserable .174 combined in September with just 3 homers and 10 RBIs.

Tonight may be Cole Hamels’ final start of the regular season. It should be an interesting one. He looks to bounce back from a rocky stretch (9 runs in his last 12 innings) although it won’t be easy. Hamels has a history of rough starts against the Mets. In his career, Cole is 3-10 with an 4.69 ERA against the Metropolitans. Against the Mets just this season alone, Hamels has an 9.64 ERA.

Regardless, the Phillies will look to turn the page with the playoffs looking just 7 days away.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy readings and go Phillies!

Clinch-Tastic! Phillies win 5th straight NL East Title

My Fellow Phans,

I know many of you were watching the Mets and Braves today hoping for a New York victory so that the Phillies could have their title. However, the Braves won so the Phillies had everything in their own hands tonight against the Cardinals.

And the Phillies took full advantage.

Roy Oswalt pitched 7 stellar innings in a playoff like setting and the offense exploded for 9 runs as the Phillies won their 98th game of the season and clinched the 2011 National League East title. 

The Phillies started the offense early as Hunter Pence knocked in an 1st inning run. They added a pair of runs throughout the early innings thanks to a pair of Shane Victorino RBIs on a walk and a long home run to centerfield.

The Cardinals pulled a bit closer with a pair of runs off of Michael Stutes in the 8th inning, but the Phillies sealed the game in the bottom of the 8th with a 6 spot. The key blow; a Grand Slam off of the bat of Raul Ibanez!

Ryan Madson pitched a scoreless 9th to finish off the Cardinals and send the town of Philadelphia into a frenzy!

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On a more personal note…

I would like to thank these Phillies for a wonderful season and I cannot wait until October! It’s been a total team effort and everyone has played some role in the success of this season. It’s been a great run boys, but it is far from over, far from over!

We all remember Brett Myers way back in 2007 throwing his glove his in the air in celebration and that fantastic double play turned in 2008 against the Nationals. We can add the brilliant barehanded stab by Chase Utley to that memorable list.

I also can’t imagine how tonight must feel for the newer guys on the squad. Players like Hunter “Lets go Eat” Pence, Michael Martinez, Michael Stutes, Vance Worley, John Mayberry must be having the time of their lives at this very moment. I tip my hat to you guys as well.

Kudos to the veterans as well. The players that have been here over the past several season. Now there are too many to name, but they know who they are. Thank you all so much!

Tonight is a night to rejoice, but there is still a long way to go.

Growing up in the 90s with those terrible teams, I still cannot believe what I have seen over the past several years. Although, I have also learned to keep my excitement down since we still have work to be done.

So, lets get that work done and finish this thing off Phillies, lets get it done.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; happy readings and GO PHILLIES, your 2011 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!

Phillies / Cardinals series preview: clinch time (we hope) edition.

My Fellow Phans,

The Phillies sit on the brink of clinching their 5th consecutive National League East title. Our magic number currently sits at 2 to clinch that honor while we just need three wins (or losses by the D.Backs and Brewers) to solidify the best record in the National League home field for each playoff series we take part in.

First things first. The Phillies begin a 4 game series with high flying St. Louis. The Cardinals are currently chasing both the Braves and Brewers in the Wild Card and NL Central respectively. They have been playing well recently and will definitely play the Phillies well this upcoming series.

Some interesting notes on this series: If the Phillies somehow sweep this series, they will tie the team record for most wins in a season with 101 set back in 1976 and 1977. A series win will grant them their first 100 win season in the last couple decades.

But, let’s be realistic and take this series one game at a time.

The Phillies and Cardinals met in St. Louis back in June with the Phillies taking 2 out of 3 games.

Here is your preview:

Phillies (97-51 – 1st NL East)  vs. St. Louis Cardinals (81-68 – 2nd NL Central)


Friday, September 16:
7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – PHL 17
Vance Worley (11-2 2.92) vs. Jaime Garcia (12-7 3.68)

Saturday, September 17:
7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – PHL 17
Roy Oswalt (7-9 3.88) vs. Jake Westbrook (12-8 4.61)

Sunday, September 18:
8:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – ESPN
Cole Hamels (14-8, 2.71) vs Chris Carpenter (9-9, 3.80)

Monday, September 19:
7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN
Roy Halladay (18-5, 2.34) vs Kyle Lohse (13-8, 3.62)

Cardinals Series Notes:
The Cardinals come in hot. They have won 7 of their last 10 and 14 of their last 20 overall. The have climbed significantly in the standings lately and are trying to overtake either The first place Brewers or Wild Card leading Braves.

One thing that the Cardinals have going for them is their offense. they lead the National League in batting average and rank 2nd in the league in runs scored. They also lead the league in slugging percentage. A primary reason for this output are a trip of superstars.

The top gun in the St. Louis offense is, arguably the best player in the game, Albert Pujols (.295- 35 HR – 93 RBI). He is flanked by comeback player of the year candidate Lance Berkman (.290-30-86) and hot hitting left fielder Matt Holliday (.295-22-74). Together these three form what may be the most devestating trio in the major leagues. throw in players such as Yadier Molina (.295-12-60) and The Cardinals present one of the better lineups that the Phillies have faced this season.

Pitching wise, the Cardinals have thrown the 12th best ERA (3.84) as a team. They have the luxury of being one of the only teams with 4 pitchers posting 10+ wins. The Phillies will see 3 of those pitchers this series. the other pitcher they will face, Chris Carpenter, is one win away from making it 5 pitchers. Closer Jason Motte may be the Cardinals’ Cy Young pitcher this season. He has stepped into the closer’s role and posted an 1.93 ERA in his 72 games.

Phillies Series Notes:
I don’t think we have much else to say outside of what I said in the opening. The Phillies need 2 wins to be NL East champs and 3 wins to obtain the NL’s best record.

I don’t think I need to ramble on with various stats and figures from this season. Let’s face it. We all know the players, stats, streaks, and races that are going on. The time for all that sort of talk is over.

The only numbers that matter are 2 and 3. 

It’s time for the Phillies to put finishing touches on this magical and historical season and get prepared for the postseason.

I will keep you all updated on any clinching that may go on during this series.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; happy readings and go Phillies!

Double the fun: Marlins/Phillies doubleheader preview

My Fellow Phans,

A few weeks ago, today would be an off day and we would have a breather from the tough September schedule. Thanks to our ol’ buddy Hurricane Irene, the Phillies have a game today, and not just 1 game, but a doubleheader against those pesky Florida Marlins. This double billing marks the start of the Phillies final home stand where they will play 10 games in just 8 days.

Here is your preview:

Phillies (95-51 – 1st NL East) vs. Florida Marlins (67-81 – 5th NL East)

Game 1:

Kyle Kendrick (7-6, 3.29) vs Anibal Sanchez (8-7, 3.64)

Game 2:

Cliff Lee (16-7, 2.44) vs Alex Sanabia (0-0, 0.00)

Note: Both games are at Citizens Bank Park and are broadcast on CSN / 1210 AM.

Notes: The Phillies are fresh off of clinched a playoff berth and are eagerly looking at the declining magic numbers for both the division (4) and best record in the NL (5).

Thankfully, there are no hurricanes on the horizon and we should get both of these games in. Kyle Kendrick will make, what may be his first of two spot starts this week with another doubleheader looming next Tuesday. Cliff Lee will follow in the nightcap. This assures that all starters stay on their normal rest and there is not scrambling to fix the order.

There is also talk of Chase Utley returning early on during this home stand so watch out for him as well.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; happy readings and go Phillies!

Take 2 and I’ll see you in October!

My Fellow Phans,

For the second straight season, Roy Halladay stepped to the mound with a chance to put the Phillies into the postseason, and for a second straight year, he did not fail at his mission.

Just like in 2010, when the good doctor delivered a shutout of the Nationals to clinch the NL East and a playoff berth for the Phillies, Halladay again showed his mastery and propelled the defending NL East champs back into the postseason.

The Phillies scored early, but unfortunately not often, against the Astros yesterday. A first inning double by Shane Victorino followed by a first inning single off of the bat of Placido Polanco plated the Phillies an 1-0 lead. A lead that Halladay would not relinquish.

Halladay, who won his 18th game of the season, scattered 6 hits in a complete game shutout. He allowed just one walk and really only had one tough inning when the Astros loaded the bases with 0 outs in the bottom of the 2nd before wriggling out of trouble.

The win puts the Phillies back in the postseason for a 5th straight season and edges them ever closer to a division title as well as home field in the NL. Those magic numbers sit at 4 and 5 respectively. It also avoided the Phillies first 3 game sweep of the season.

The Phillies open up a 10 game-8 day home stand with the Marlins riding into town for a double header starting today.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; happy readings and go Phillies!

Acquaintances Reunite: Phillies / Astros Preview

My Fellow Phans,

It’s reunion time for the Phillies as a number of old faces meet up with each other during this three game set in Houston. The Astros and Phillies have seemed to be very compatible trading partners over the past few years. I guess it helps when the Phillies’ former GM Ed Wade is sitting in the Astros’ front office.

Former Phillies J.A. Happ, Brett Myers now dawn Astros uniforms either through trade or free agency. Not only will these two get to see former teammates, they will get the chance to prove something to the Phillies when they get to start in this series.

On the other side, this series give Hunter Pence his first series back in Houston, but this time wearing a Phillies uniform. Former Astros Roy Oswalt and Brad Lidge are also returning to their former confines.

They met to open the season with the Phillies sweeping out the Astros at Citizens Bank Park. Now they travel to Houston.

Here is your series preview for the family reunion of a baseball series occurring in Houston these next three games:

Phillies (94-49 – 1st NL East) @ Houston Astros (49-97 – 6th NL Central)

Monday, September 12:

8:05 @ Minute Maid Park – CSN

Roy Oswalt (7-8 3.72) vs. Brett Myers (4-13 4.66)

Tuesday, September 13:

8:05 @ Minute Maid Park – Phl 17

Cole Hamels (14-7 2.60) vs. J.A. Happ (5-15 5.77)

Wednesday, September 14:

2:05 @ Minute Maid Park – CSN

Roy Halladay (17-5 2.44) vs. Bud Norris (6-9 3.78)

Astros Series Notes:

The Astros have had a dismal season. Their opening day starter has lost 13 games and their newest addition to the rotation has lost 15. They are well on their way to being the first team to lose 100 games this season.They traded their top two offensive stars before the trading deadline and seem to have switched to rebuilding mode.

On a more positive note, Brett Myers has posted a 1.93 ERA in 2 starts against the Phillies during his career. His latest start was opening day which resulted in a quality start for Myers, but a walk-off win for the Phillies causing him to lose his chance at a win.

The Astros are led by outfield Carlos Lee (.276-15-81) whom, thanks for the recent trades, is the overwhelming leader in AVG, HR, and RBIs on the team.

Pitching-wise, the Astros best pitcher has been lefty Wandy Roriguez (11wins, 3.51). Bud Norris is the only other starter with an ERA under 4 at 3.51.

The Astros come into this game losing 7 of their last 9 games.

Phillies Series Notes:

The Phillies come in hot winning 6 of their last 7 against a pair of prominent National League contenders. They come in with a bit of a cushion. Their magic number for a postseason spot is just 2. Their number for clinch their division sits at 6.

Pitching wise, the Phillies are anchored by 3 Cy Young candidates and two of whom are pitching this series. They lead the league in ERA, Shutouts, and wins. The return to Houston allows Roy Oswalt to return to his old stomping grounds. He is the all-time leader in wins at Minute Maid Park with 73.

Offensively, Ryan Howard has been the primary power guy leading the Phillies in homers (33) and RBIs (112). Outfielder Raul Ibanez actually ranks 2nd in both categories (18-72). Centerfielder Shane Victorino has been the most consistent Phillies hitter hitting at .295 with 16 homers.

Howard has homered in 3 of his last 6 games and Hunter Pence has been hitting a lot for the Phillies as he has hit safely in 5 of his last 6 games.

Injury Note: The Phillies will again be without second basemen Chase Utley, whom is still sitting out due to the aftermath of getting hit in the head by a pitch during the Atlanta series.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy readings and go Phillies!

Minor Leagues - Pigs Fly; (Reading) Phillies Fall

My Fellow Phans,

Both first round series have ended for our Iron Pigs and Reading Phillies. On those fronts, I have good news and bad news to report.

Let’s start with the good news:

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs have advanced to the second round of the International League playoffs. The Pigs dispatched the Pawtucket Red Soxs swiftly sweeping them right out of the postseason (4-2, 3-2, 3-1).

Lehigh Valley’s pitching led the way as the trio of Dave Bush, Ryan Edell, and Brian Bass combined with a host of relievers posted an 1.28 ERA during the series allowing just 4 earned runs in 28 innings. They struck out 23 while walking just 7. Reliever Justin DeFratus posted a win and save while tossing 3 scoreless innings striking out 6 and walking none.

Offensively, outfielder Brandon Moss led the Iron Pigs with a crisp .417 batting average smashing 2 homers with 4 knocked in. Rich Thompson chipped in with an .333 clip and a pair of stolen bases.

With their victory, the Iron Pigs set their sights on their next opponent, The Columbus Clippers, The AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.

Here is the schedule:

Game 1 @Columbus – Tuesday at 7:05.

Game 2 @Columbus – Wednesday at 7:05.

Game 3 @LHV – Thursday at 7:05.

Game 4 @LHV (If necessary) – Friday at 7:05.

Game 5 @LHV (If necessary) – Saturday at 1:05.

On a more disappointing note,

The Reading Phillies were ousted of the Eastern League playoffs in 5 games by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The Phillies struggled to score runs in the series averaging just a single run per game. Power hitting first baseman, Matt Rizzotti finished a miserable 0-for-12.

"I think we put a little too much pressure on ourselves," manager Mark Parent said. "Every time we've gone south it's when we try to do too much. We went cold at the plate against some pitchers that we've done well against.”

Overall Parent considers the season a success.

"We were above .500 and we made it to the playoffs," Parent said. "The fans were great all season. Spectacular. We enjoyed it, and I think the fans enjoyed it.”

The Reading Phillies wrapped up a successful season and look to build on their strong season.

I would like to offer congrats to the manager Mark Parent and his Reading Phillies on a successful season and continued success in the future!

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

Phillies vs. Braves Series Preview

 

My Fellow Phans,

This week begins a stretch of games for the Phillies against a pair of NL playoff teams. It starts with the Braves coming in for a 3 game set before the Phillies head out to the Brewers’ Miller Park for a gritty 4-game set.

The good news is that the Phillies will have a pair of extra arms in the bullpen this week. Kyle Kendrick was activated from the paternity list and Big Joe Blanton was activated from the disabled list. Both are expected to go to the bullpen and be used as long relievers. After the Phillies marathon of a game yesterday, thanks to our good buddy Joe West, they can definitely use the help.

It is near game time so I promise to keep it short and sweet. Now, without further introduction: here is your Phillies vs. Braves Preview:

Phillies (88-48 – 1st NL East) vs. Atlanta Braves (82-57 – 2nd NL East)

Monday, September 5:

7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN

Cliff Lee (15-7 2.59) vs Derek Lowe (9-12 4.52)

Tuesday, September 6:

7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN

Vance Worley (10-1 2.85) vs Tim Hudson (14-8 3.05)

Wednesday, September 7:

7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN

Roy Oswalt (7-8 3.80) vs Brandon Beachy (7-2 3.37)

*Note: All Games in EST / All can be heard on 1210 AM on the radio.

Series Notes:

The Phillies and Braves have each won 6 games during this season’s series. The Phillies come into this series with a chance to bury the Braves or this series could be the stepping stone for the Braves to get back into the divisional race.

Currently, the Phillies sit 7.5 games ahead. A series win would put them at 8.5 back and a sweep would all, but end the race with the Braves behind by 10.5. Anything less than that would pull the Braves closer to the top.

This is the opportunity the Phillies were looking for and one that they hopefully won’t pass up.

Let’s see how this goes.

Until we meet again Phillies; Happy Readings and go Phillies!

Postseason Play for the ‘Pigs and (Reading) Phils!

My Fellow Phans,

While many of us are eagerly awaiting the possible Phillies’ postseason run in October, there is some other news to report on the playoff front. There will be playoff baseball for both the Phillies AAA & AA minor league teams!

Here is your information on each respective series:

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, The Phillies’ AAA Team, clinched the Wild Card position in the International League this afternoon and will play Cleveland’s AAA squad, The Columbus Clippers in the opening round. It is also a historic moment for the club as this marks the first year the team has the playoffs, during its four years in existence. Rookie manager Ryne Sandberg deserves a lot of credit for his job this year with Lehigh Valley.

Players like Domonic Brown, Mike Zagurski, Pete Orr, Scott Podsednik, and possibly Erik Kratz as well as others were not called up due to the Iron Pigs playoff push. Now that they have made the postseason, it looks like it will be even longer until we see some of those players up with the big club. In the long run, this is a smart move for the organization.

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Playoff Schedule:

Game 1 @LHV – Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.

Game 2 @LHV – Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

Game 3 @ Pawtucket – Friday at 7:05 p.m.

Game 4 @ Pawtucket (if necessary) – Saturday at 6:05 p.m.

Game 5 @ Pawtucket (if necessary) – Sunday at 1:05 p.m.

Note: Fans can listen to all the games live on www.ironpigsbaseball.com

While the Reading Phillies don’t have as many players likely on the call-up list, they will also play in the postseason. Their opening opponent, Toronto’s AA affiliate, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

Reading Phillies Playoff Schedule:

Game 1 @ New Hampshire - Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.

Game 2 @ New Hampshire - Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

Game 3 @ Reading - Friday at 7:05 p.m.

Game 4 @Reading (if necessary) -Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

Game 5 @ New Hampshire (if necessary) - Sunday at 1:05 p.m.

Note: All games can be heard on ESPN 1240.

While the major league club motors along towards a postseason berth, remember to check out these minor league clubs in their question for a championship.

Good luck to both teams and I will do my best to keep everyone informed on how our young stars are performing!

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