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!
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