While the Veterans are Away; the Youngsters will Play

 

After last year’s fall to the surprising Giants, all of Philadelphia turned their eyes to this upcoming baseball season with expectations higher than life. Throw in the signing of Cliff Lee this offseason and this Phillies team may have more expectations than any of team in the history of this franchise.

But who could blame them?

The team entered with a rotation consisting of 3 of the greatest veteran starters of our era in Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Roy Oswalt. Coupled with that trio was one of the best young left handers in the game today, Cole Hamels.

Their lineup is riddled with all-stars and their bullpen is anchored by one of the best, yet relatively unknown relievers in the game, Ryan Madson.

The biggest concern for any team near the top of the league is health and the Phillies certainly have had their share of health concerns this year.

Pitching wise, Oswalt and fellow starter Joe Blanton are currently on the DL with still no set timetable for their returns although Oswalt appears to be closer to returning then Blanton.

Enter 23 year old Vance Worley and 26 year old Kyle Kendrick. Kendrick, whom opened the year in the Phillies bullpen, has pitched to a 3-2 record with an 3.86 ERA as a starter this year.

While Kyle was known to many, Worley came up under the radar. He pitched in 5 games last season for the Phillies, but never got the full opportunity that he had this year. So far, in 10 starts this year, “The Vanimal” as he is know, has pitched to a rookie-best 2.01 ERA amassing a 6-1 record in the process. He has give up 2 earned runs or less in 8 of his 10 stats and has quickly won over the hearts of all those in Philadelphia and to think, this kid is just a year old than I am.

The bullpen has a similar story as the Phillies have lost their 3-top closing candidates in Ryan Madson, who has recently returned, Jose Contreras, still working his way back, and Brad Lidge, who may or may not make his first appearance on the season this Friday. So, whom has stepped up during the time when all three of these veterans were out simultaneously?

Enter 25 year old Antonio Bastardo and 24 year old Michael Stutes. Bastardo had pitched  for the Phillies during the past two season and had showed flashes of brilliance if he could just put it all together. Can we say that the young lefty has figured something out? Currently, he sits with a sterling 0.99 ERA striking out hitters at an astonishing rate while allowing just 13 hits in his 36.1 innings of work.

Stutes came out of spring training on a role and many though that he would make the roster, although that never happened. With all the injuries, the young gun finally got his chance in the big leagues. The young righty has garnered a 4-1 record with a steady 3.24 ERA. He and Bastardo have been the two more reliable relievers over the past few weeks.

To put this in perspective: The Phillies went 4-2 on their last road trip. The wins were from Worley, who won 2, Stutes, and Kendrick with Bastardo closing out a pair of victories.

Offensively,  Third baseman Placido Polanco has seen considerable time on the DL while superstar second baseman Chase Utley missed nearly 1/3 of the season while injured.

Enter Michael Martinez. Yes, this guy is not entirely a “young” player at the age of 28, but this is his first real shot in the big leagues and he is certainly making the most of it.  The super utility player has shown a dynamic glove while playing several positions. He current has 11 RBIs in the month of July, 2nd highest on the club trailing only Raul Ibanez in that department.

Speedy centerfielder Shane Victorino has been ailing this season with nagging injuries.

Enter John Mayberry and Domonick Brown. Now neither of these two are any stranger to Philly fans. Two players with a boatload of talent that just need to put it all together. Recently, these two are showing what potential they have. This month the duo has combined for 15 RBIs

The Phillies have had both opening day catchers on the DL simultaneously this season with Carlos Ruiz and Brian Schiender both out, but thankfully back now.

Despite all these injuries and with a big help from the young stars I mentioned, the Phillies have refused to slow down. They currently sit with the best record in baseball at 61-36.

To think as the injured veterans return, the Phillies will be faced with a problem of whom to demote from this young crop. Of all the problems that a team could face, this is one of the more pleasant ones. The most comforting part is that logically, the Phillies should only improve as these experienced players return.

Prepare for the return of Brad Lidge on Friday. This will be interesting to see how this turns out.

ON THE HORIZON: 

Stay tuned for a later post on all injury updates as we will see who is close to returning, whom is way off, and who may not pitch again this season. We all have the good news, the O.K., and the bad news when it comes to the injury front in the near future.

I am also thinking of doing a small tidbit on what Bruce Bochy was truly planning during his All-Star game manipulation of our starters. I’ll warn you all right now; it looks like the Giants appear to have a distinct advantage next week when they come to Philadelphia for a three game series thanks to what his scheming.

I would also like to once again offer a huge THANK YOU to all who read my blog; and I promise that my post totals will increase this second half.

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

My All-Star Teams

 

My Fellow Phans,

We take a slightly different turn with this post. With the All-Star game roster announcement less than a day away.  I thought I would throw at you my personalized teams. I can promise you that these teams will be vastly different than what we see tomorrow:

So without further ado, here our my MLB All-Starr Rosters:

Feel free to leave any comments. I welcome that!

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

World Series Preview? How about not….

 

My Fellow Phans,

I know many of the media are hyping this Red Soxs series to be the “World Series Preview”. Well, once again the media seems to be jumping the gun on these things. No, this is not a World Series preview, and I will not declare it as such until the World Series begins and both teams have solidified their spots in it.

Aren’t we being a little hasty here?

Neither team has proven anything thus far this year. Yes, both teams have gaudy records and are amongst the best teams in baseball, but I see nowhere that is labeled “World Series Lock”. If that was the case, why would we play the remaining 80-some games left on the schedule. Sadly, that is not the case so we need not hype this series up more than it should be.

Remember last year when everyone was predicting a World Series rematch between the Phillies and Yankees. How’d that turn out? I’m not saying this series doesn’t mean anything, as it would great to see the Phillies pound Boston into the ground this week, but it is nothing more than an interleague series between two of the best in the game.

Yes, this could be a measuring stick for the Phillies. The Red Soxs, outside of their series with the Brewers, are the best team that the Phillies will face thus far this season. I’m curious to see how our pitchers stack up against the explosive offense that Boston has had after they overcame their slow start.

I guess the one strong point of playing in our own ballpark is that we wont have to face David Ortiz in the lineup since obviously he won’t be playing first base with Adrian Gonzalez thriving there.

Now that my little rant is over, here are the pitching matchups for this upcoming series:

Tuesday: Cliff Lee (8-5 2.87) vs. Josh Beckett (6-2 1.86)

Wednesday: Vance Worley (2-1 2.83) vs. John Lackey (5-6 7.36)

Thursday: Cole Hamels (9-4 2.49) vs. Jon Lester (9-4 3.66)

----> Well, it looks like we have one heck of a series on our hands. We have two stellar pitching matchups in the opening and closing game of this series and a question mark in the middle. Lester has not been good for the Red Soxs this year and it’ll be interesting to see how Worley pitches against a ferocious lineup.

Offensively we are well overmatched in this series. Our pitching has held us afloat this year and it will need to continue to do so this series. We can beat Josh Beckett. Collectively our hitters are hitting .250 against him. Although the Phillies did beat Beckett the last time we faced him. Overall he is 8-4 with an ERA just under 4 against the Phillies in his career.

Against Lester, the Phillies are hitting a quiet .174. Well, like I said. The opener and closer of this series should be devilishly good pitching matchups.

Look for Citizens Bank Park to be packed this week with rowdy Phillies fans and Red Soxs fans. I have had the honor of attending a Red Soxs game in Philly and I will be quite honest with you guys, Soxs fans were worse in Philly than Yankees fans were when I saw the Phillies win at the new Yankee Stadium. Tough to imagine, I know, but that was the case…

To everyone attending these games this week, I ask you to bring it and bring it loud and most importantly…

BRING ON THE SOXS!

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

Holy Injury Bug, Batman: Injury Updates Galore!

 

My Fellow Phans,

I know teams go through their share of injuries these days, but the list of players adding to the Phillies’ injury report daily is higher than anybody would have predicted.

So here is an update on all your injured Phillies: I promise keep you posted on all changes.

Let’s start with some good news:

- Carlos Ruiz missed a game against the A’s due to a root canal that he ha earlier that day, this was nothing serious and he was good enough to play on Sunday in the series finale…

- On the catching note, Brian Schneider returned from the DL this weekend. The move sent Dane  Sardinha back to the minors. I think I speak for all Phillies fans when I say, welcome back Brian!

- Big Joe Blanton keeps trucking along in his return from the DL. He is currently having a “tossing” program stretching up to 100 feet. He is reported to have a bullpen session this week.

- Brad Lidge is said to be feeling “better” and should have a bullpen session this week. He has been out all season.

Now for the less encouraging news:

-  It seems Roy Oswalt rushed himself back  too soon from his DL stint earlier this year and it cost him dearly. Oswalt was diagnosed with a bulging disc in his back and should be sidelined until August. Although, this timetable seems more promising than some originally thought, it is still a tough blow to the Phillies rotation.

"I was just worried because the pain was going a little bit farther down my leg," he said. "The symptoms I had in the past, it's always just been in my hip. For the last two or three weeks, it's gotten lower and lower down toward the knee."

Doctors have stated that Oswalt will eventually need surgery on his back, but Roy is hoping to push that off as long as possible. For now, it seems that his recovery plan could include rest, medications, and possible injections.

-  Jose Contreras is out with a mild right forearm strain and is not expected to throw for at least another two weeks.

- Closer Ryan Madson is sidelined with numbness in his right hand. There’s a belief that he sustained it after being hit by a liner during an outing against the Texas Rangers. There were reports that he  could return early this week, but it seems that this timetable may be pushed back.

I will keep you updated with any changes that occur with these players.

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

Holy Starters, Batman!

My Fellow Phans,

I guess this story is nothing to be surprised about.

But, oh what a great week it has been for our beloved Phillies. I mean they haven’t lost a game yet and the starts have been pitching lights out. It seemed like this latest series against the Marlins showed the best that our staff had to offer.

Of course, the Marlins are currently reeling so it may have been a bit easier right now, but that doesn’t change the stats.

The Phillies starters were nearly flawless against the Fish. The quartet of Cole Hamels, Kyle Kendrick, Roy Halladay, and Cliff Lee combined to allow just 6 earned runs in 30 innings of work. That’s the equivalent of an 1.80 ERA. Think that’s impressive? The bullpen threw 7 scoreless innings during the 4 games. That lowers the team’s overall ERA to 1.46 for the Marlins’ series.

Thanks to this recently series, the Phillies were able to pulls ahead of Atlanta for the lowest team ERA in baseball with the current group sitting at 3.05. They also lead the league in complete games, shutouts, quality starts, and wins. They have issued the lowest amount of walks in baseball and currently sit 3rd in strikeouts and opponents batting average.

The lowest ERA amongst starters currently in the Phillies’ rotation is 3.75 by the recently recalled Vance Worley. The next lowest? 3.14 from Roy Oswalt.

I think the Phillies have a rare chance. The All-Star game is coming around and I see absolutely no reason that they cannot send 3 of our starters to the game. I mean who wouldn’t want the likes of Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee on their staff and don’t forget the pitcher who may be the best starter on the staff thus far, Mr. Cole Hamels.

I call him Mr. Hamels as I watch what I consider to be a changed pitcher this season. It has taken a few years, but Cole has seemingly become a “mature” pitcher. Of course, adding a pair of pitches to his repertoire doesn’t hurt his cause either. What has produced is an elite pitcher. Out of all the pitchers on our staff, he may be having the best season out of any of them. Hopefully this maturity is here to stay both on and hopefully the field.

I would like to consider Cole Hamels as the favorite to start for the NL in the All-Star game, but with Bruce Bochy calling the shots, I am dreading that the honor will go to Little Timothea down there on in San Francisco. Haircut? Oh sorry, I digress.

Regardless, I see no reason why Halladay, Lee and Hamels cannot all be All-Stars this season at least with an outside chance for Ryan Madson and Ryan Howard. I’m deeply hoping that Polanco holds his lead at third base. There is a shortage of good NL 3b this season and he is definitely amongst the top guys.

Speaking of the All-Star game, I am working on my own version of the all-star rosters. I’d like to think of myself as a bit more objective then the regular fans. (for example, I'm sure we all, outside of NY, can agree Jeter is not an All-Star). So look for those soon!

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On another pitching related note, The Phillies made a move that seemed to be a long time coming. They designated JC Romero for assignment. The lefty had a 4.08 ERA this season for the Phillies. Vance Worley took Romero’s spot and will start on Saturday!

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

Young Studs Showing up Veterans in Phils’ Pen

 

My Fellow Phans,

So, here we sit in a rain delay and while we await the start of this Phillies and Cubs game, I figured it would be a perfect time to blog.

For those of you who have seen the Phillies over the past couple of weeks, you may have noticed a new trend occurring within the Phillies’ bullpen. Now, this trend is both good and bad for different reasons. Now, of course, this growing trend is the strong emergence of young relievers as the most reliable pitchers in the phillies bullpen.

Take last night’s game for example. Roy Halladay pitched 7 beautiful innings and left with a 7-0 lead. Now, usually that is a pretty good indication that the Phillies are well on their way to and easy victory. Well, not tonight.

Manuel brought in Jose Contreras to start the 8th. Well, Contreras was horrendous. He couldn’t get anybody out and ended up allowing 4 runs in just a third of an inning.  He walked 2 and surrendered a pair of hits. JC Romero followed him and didn’t get a single hitter out. He allowed 2 hits and a walk. By the time Romero left, it was 7-5 Phillies.

Enter young stud Michael Stutes. Stutes took 5 pitches and retired the next 2 hitters. Just 5 pitches! Let’s recap here: 42 pitches between Contreras and Romero. They gave up 5 earned runs, 4 hits, and 3 walks. Stutes comes in and gets twice as many outs in 37 less pitches. Let me ask you, who is pitching like he really wants to be here?

Stutes then threw 10 pitches to get the first two outs of the 9th inning before handing the ball to Antonio Bastardo. Bastardo proceeded to strike out Carlos Pena on 3 pitches lowering his ERA to 1.13 on the season, best on the Phillies’ staff.

Well, what does this say? It tells us two things. Firstly, that there is a chance of worriment later on this season when Charlie Manuel shows “trust” in his veteran relievers in important games and they could end up blowing it as they would have last night if they weren’t bailed out by the young guns.

On the brighter side, this is giving the Phillies some serious hope for the future. 2 of their 3 best relievers are both in their young twenties. We have a future closer and setup man on the club and both are showing very promising virtues. Yes, not only are we Phillies fans being delighted by what we are currently seeing from Stutes and Bastaro, but we should be seeing these to promising young men for many years to come.

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

Phillies (34-22) @ Pirates (26-28)

 

My Fellow Phans,

The Phillies travel to a place this weekend that always seems to give us some serious trouble; Pittsburgh.

Here are the pitching matchups for this series:

Friday: Cole Hamels (7-2 3.01) vs. Jeff Karstens (3-4 3.58)

Saturday: Kyle Kendrick (3-3 3.38) vs. Charlie Morton (5-2 2.51)

Sunday: Roy Halladay (7-3 2.56) vs. James McDonald (3-3 4.85)

I promise to keep this preview short seeing as how we’re less then 15 mins until game time. I don’t see any reason why the Phillies  can’t win this series. We have two of the best pitchers in the league going. The Pirates have been surprising this year though. I bet when you looked at these pitching matchups, you wouldn’t expect you to notice that Charlie Morton has the lowest ERA of all of the 6 starters going in this series.

Look for a tough series, the Phillies always seem to have trouble with the Pirates especially on the Bucs’ home field. Hopefully we can reverse the trend and pick up some big wins against our PA rivals.

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