Phillies vs. Reds Preview: Post-Hurricane Edition

 

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.

Irene’s acomin’ and so are the Fish!

My Fellow Phans,

There has been a lot of craziness surrounding this series ever since the presence of Hurricane Irene was felt.

As you know, this was supposed to be a simple 3 game series against the Marlins. Well, at first it was a 3 game-2 day series as Sunday’s game was moved up to Saturday afternoon forcing a doubleheader. Now the schedule has changed again and the second game on Saturday evening, scheduled for 7:05 was pushed back until September 15th. The 15th is the Phillies final off day of this season.

So technically, this series the Phillies are playing games 1 & 3 of this series this weekend with game 2 in mid-September. Here are your details for these games, if they happen:

Phillies (83-45 – 1st NL East) vs. Florida Marlins (58-72 – 5th NL East)

Friday, August 26:

7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN

Roy Oswalt (6-7 3.51) vs. Clay Hensley (1-5 5.47)

Saturday, August 27:

1:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – MyPhl

Roy Halladay (15-5 2.56) vs. Anibal Sanchez (7-6 4.01)

Breakdown:

Pitching:

This short series features the familiar and the unfamiliar.

Hensley has only pitched in .2 of an inning against the Phillies this season striking out a batter and not allowing a run. His ERA this August is a crisp 9.87 giving up 7 earned runs to the lowly Padres in his last start in just 3.2 innings…Sanchez, however, has pitched 17 innings this year against the Phillies allowing 9 runs during that span. In his last outing, he received a no-decision allowing 3 earned runs in just 5 innings against the Padres. In his last start against the Phillies, Sanchez allowed 5 earned runs in 4 innings of work.

In 21 total innings against the Marlins, 15 for Halladay, the two Phillies started have pitched to identical 3.00 ERAs while striking out 23 and walking just 3…Halladay took a no-decision in his last start surrendering 2 runs in 5 innings against the Nationals…Oswalt is coming off of an 8 inning, 0 earned runs 8-hit gem against the Nationals. He is 2-0 in his last 2 starts.

Offense:

Watch out for the young, developing stars in the Marlins’ lineup:

Ritfielder Mike Stanton is slowly developing himself into the next major homerun hitting superstar. The 21 year-old is tied for 2nd in the NL with 30 homers and 12th in RBI with 77…Another talented youngster is a man that doesn’t need much of an introduction, Mr. Logan Morrison. The left fielder is second on the Marlins in homers with 18 and ranks 3rd on the team in RBIs. The young star is just 24 years old and continues to improve…The final part of that equation is first baseman Gabby Sanchez. The 27 year old is quietly clipping along with 16 homers and 64 RBIs this season.

The Phillies are paced by first baseman Ryan Howard, Second Baseman Chase Utley and newcomer Right Field Hunter Pence. An unsung star for the Phillies this year has been centerfielder Shane Victorino (14 HR, 51 RBI with 21 doubles and 14 triples.)

Analysis:

The Marlins have little to play for and judging by their attendance, they have little people to play for as well. Despite their disappointing record, the Marlins have some offensive talent and can put up some runs on the board and they always seem to put up a fight when playing the Phillies.

This season, the Phillies are 9-3 against the Fish.

Prediction:

I think the Phillies end up taking both games this season.

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

Phillies vs. New York Mets–Mini Preview

My Fellow Phans,

With little time left, here is your mini-preview for this upcoming series with the Mets.

Monday, August 22:

7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN

Cliff Lee (13-7 2.82) vs. Dillion Gee (11-4 3.92)

Tuesday, August 23:

7:05 @Citizens Bank Park – PHL 17

Vance Worley (8-1 2.76) vs. Jonathon Niese (11-10 4.05)

Wednesday, August 24:

1:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN

Kyle Kendrick (7-5 3.24) vs. Mike Pelfrey (6-10 4.61)

The Phillies need to bounce back from a rough series in Washington! Let’s go boys!

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

Phillies @ Nats: Didn’t we just see these guys?

My Fellow Phans,

In what may turn out to be an NLDS preview, the Phillies defeated the Diamondbacks 2-of-3 games and in actuality outplayed Arizona for 26 of the 27 innings played that last series. The current NL West leaders were held to just 3 hits in each of the last two games in losing efforts.

So now, the Phillies travel back  to NL East play and battle the Washington Nationals. Here’s your series preview:

Phillies (80-42 1st NL East) @ Washington Nationals (59-63 4th NL East)

Friday, August 19:

7:05 @ Nationals Park – CSN

Roy Oswalt (5-7 3.84) vs. Livan Hernandez (7-11 4.21)

Saturday, August 20:

7:05 @ Nationals Park – CSN

Kyle Kendrick (7-5 3.25) vs. Jon Lannan (8-8 3.55)

Sunday, August 21:

1:35 @ Nationals Park – MyPhl

Roy Halladay (15-5 2.53) vs. Chien-Ming Wang (2-2 4.22)

Breakdown:

So this series looks oddly familiar. The Phillies are scheduled to face the same three starters that appeared last weekend in Philadelphia except for the fact that Sunday’s game was postponed.

Here’s how our two opponents, we faced last week fared against us:

- Hernandez allowed 0 earned runs in 6.2 innings against the Phillies last week gaining the only win for Washington in the series. This season, he is 2-1 with an 3.12 ERA against the Phillies in 4 starts thus far.

- Lannan allowed 7 runs, but just 1 earned, in 3 innings during an11-3 beat down from the Phillies. His ERA against the Phillies this season is an untidy 4.96.

- Wang did not get to start due to the cancelation. The only hitter we have with more than 10 at bats against him, is Raul Ibanez (24 ABs – .208 1HR 5 RBI).

Now for our boys:

- Roy Oswalt earned his first victory since he returned from the DL allowing 3 earned in 7 strong innings of work last weekend against the Nats.

- Halladay’s start was washed out against the Nats last Sunday. As for the season, Doc has pitched 23 innings against the Nats with an 3.13 ERA.

- Kendrick is making his first, and hopefully only, spot start for Cole Hamels. Cole is missing the start as a precaution.

Analysis:

I say this every time we play the Nats, but the Phillies better not take them lightly. One thing that the Phillies fans seem to forget during this season is that it is not that the Nationals have been that bad, they are just 4 games under .500, but the Phillies have been that good.

Although they sit 21 games back, it’s the Phillies strong play that put them there. Put Washington in the NL West and they’re only 9 games out, which is still a lot, but considerably less than 21.

What I am trying to get to here is that, like every Nationals series, is that this is going to be a tough series. Washington is a feisty team with some quality talent.

Prediction:

In the end though, I think the Phillies win 2-of-3.

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

Milestones, Memorials & Injuries… Oh My!

My Fellow Phans,

Let’s start with a few bright spots:

Milestones:

Former Phillie Jim Thome successfully hit his 600th career home run earlier this week. I would like to personally wish Jim a gigantic congratulations on his accomplishment. We changed our Thome counter, on the right, and converted it to a congratulatory post. We will keep that up all season.

See the video of Thome's historic home run here.

Memorials:

In other good news, the Phillies finally presented the Harry Kalas memorial statue on Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. Jimmy Rollins and “Lefty” Steve Carlton did the honors as the statue of the beloved Philadelphia icon was revealed (see picture above).

The statue, baring a distinct likeness to HK will sit in the stadium near Harry The K’s and is open to all fans looking to sneak a peak and a picture.

Now for the Injuries:


- Cole Hamels will miss his start tomorrow night against the Nationals. Cole left his last start with a tight left shoulder admitting he was unable to get loose. On Monday, he received an MRI and the Phillies announced he will miss a start for precautionary reasons. Kyle Kendrick is expected to spot start on Saturday.

- Placido Polanco was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a Sports hernia. This is already the 2nd team since the All-Star Break since he’s been on the DL.

- Jose Contreras is making “progress” coming back from his forearm injury. Accoring to Matt Gelb, Jose Contreras is expected to throw off a mound for the first time tomorrow since his injury.

- Starter Joe Blanton was recently played on the 60-day DL and seems less likely to return than Contreras.

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

Nationals (56-61) @ Phillies (77-40)

My Fellow Phans,

Man its good to be home, isn’t it? Not that the Phillies didn’t enjoy their last west coast roadtrip finishing with a historically best 9-1 record since they last were home.

Now the Phillies return home for a brief 6 game home stand. They open with a 3 game set against Jayson Werth and the Nationals. The Phillies are 6-3 against the Nats this season. Here is your preview:

Washington Nationals (56-61 4th NL East) @ Phillies (77-40 1st- NL East)

Friday, August 12:

7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN

Cole Hamels (13-6 2.53) vs. Livan Hernandez (6-11 4.41)

Saturday, August 13:

7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN

Roy Oswalt (4-7 3.84) vs. John Lannon (8-7 3.56)

Sunday, August 14:

1:35 @ Citizens Bank Park – PHL 17

Roy Halladay (15-4 2.51) vs. Chien-Ming Wang (1-2 3.60)

Breakdown:

The Phillies open this series with a pair of a familiar foes.

This will be Hernandez’s fourth start against the Phillies this season. In 19.1 innings, he’s allowed 9 earned runs and compiled a 1-1 record.  John Lannon has had slightly less luck against the Phillies. This season, he is 0-2 with an 5.40 ERA against the hometown squad in two starts. As for Wang, its been a long time since he’s faced the Phillies and the only hitter we have with more than 10 at bats against him, is Raul Ibanez (24 ABs – .208 1HR 5 RBI.

As for the three Phillies starters. The trio of Hamels, Halladay, and Oswalt have combined to pitch 37 innings with a steady 2.68 ERA. During that time, the group has compiled a 3-1 mark with 33 strikeouts and just 5 walks.

It would sure seem that the odds are in the Phillies favor this series.

One side note. I hope Phillies fans thank Jayson Werth. Without him bolting for the biggest paycheck in Washington, the Phillies would have never acquired Hunter Pence.

So, thank you Jayson!

Analysis:

While all the chips seem to be in the Phillies favor, this is not a series to take lightly. The Nationals are a tough team that knows the Phillies very well by now and always seems to play us hard.

When all the dust settles, I think Halladay and Hamels work their magic as the home team wins the series. I won’t call for a sweep, but there is always a chance that the could occur.

Honestly, it would be nice to see the Phillies get to 40 games over .500, but I will be happy with another series win.

Prediction:

Phillies win 2-of-3.

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

Phillies (74-40) @ LA Dodgers (52-61) Preview

 

My Fellow Phans,

I am running a bit late on this preview so I am keeping it short and sweet tonight. The Phillies are coming off of a very impressive series against the Giants.

It all went well, at least in my opinion, except the Phillies getting a slap in the face from the league when nobody on the Giants got suspended for the brawl altercation. I will be touching on that hopefully tomorrow.

Anyhoo, here are your matchups for the Dodgers series:

Phillies (74-40 1st- NL East) @ LA Dodgers (52-61 4th- NL West)

All Games in EST

Monday, August 8:

10:10 @ Dodger Stadium – CSN

Roy Halladay (14-4 2.55) vs. Hiroki Kuroda (7-13 2.96)

Tuesday, August 9:

10:10 @ Dodger Stadium – CSN

Cliff Lee (11-7 2.96)  vs. Ted Lilly (7-11 4.86)

Wednesday, August 10:

3:10 @ Dodger Stadium – CSN

Vance Worley (8-1 2.35) vs. Chad Billingsley (10-9 4.17)

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