This week, I learned that I could sleep outside in the middle of a storm so violent that it carried a tornado warning. And I later learned that I could sleep through what was probably the most interesting Phillies game of the year. Some may argue that designation should be Roy Halladay's perfect game, but I didn't get an expensive watch out of it, so I'm going with last night's tilt that I did not see.
I could blame the baby for my fatigue, but truthfully, I wouldn't have stayed up much later even before Trent arrived.
I fell asleep as the game headed into the 14th inning. At one point, Christine told me that Ryan Howard was ejected and that Raul Ibanez was shifted to first base with Roy Oswalt taking over left field because there were no more "extra men," as Chris Wheeler stupidly calls bench players. I was fascinated with the scenario, but couldn't open my eyes.
Later, I heard her slip into bed. "Who won?" I asked in a fog.
"They did. Roy Oswalt grounded out in the 16th with the potential tying run on base," she said.
"Snore, snore, snore," was all I could muster.
This morning, I was flipping through the program I got at Sunday's game and noticed the Citizens Bank ad on the back. I liked its slogan, but just now connected it to last night's intriguing game: "This could be the game you get to tell everyone, 'I was at that game.'"
We've had a few of those, most notably Game 5 of the 2008 World Series and the 2007 regular season clincher, but given my propensity for falling asleep, I'm kind of glad we weren't at last night's game.
With Halladay pitching for the Phillies and the Red Sox playing a double header, I was fairly confident I would be awake when two of three of today's SoxandPhils games finished. Partial victory - Trent and I napped through a portion of the Red Sox afternoon game.
Tomorrow is a Phillies business-person's special. I have a feeling Christine might come home from work with her two guys conked out on the living room floor.
Tonight: J.A. Happ and the 'Stros beat Halladay and the Phils 3-2. The Sox split their twin bill against the Mariners, but picked up a half game on the Rays and Yankees, who each lost.
{Side note: The Phillies have entered yet another frustrating skid. They could be in first place right now, if only they could have scored some runs over the past three days to beat the lousy Astros.}
Showing posts with label J.A. Happ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label J.A. Happ. Show all posts
Aug 25, 2010
Jul 30, 2010
Ed Wade fleeced the Phillies
The Roy Oswalt era didn't get off to a thrilling start - five runs (four earned) in six innings in an 8-1 loss to the Nationals.
By the way, how come I haven't seen this factoid hammered home a million times: Through age 31, the pitcher most similar to Oswalt is Roy Halladay. Too bad this Roy didn't pitch like the good Roy tonight.
J.A. Happ, meanwhile, pitched six shutout innings against the Brewers in his Astros debut.
What does all of this mean? The Phillies should have kept Cliff Lee.
{And J.A. Happ.}
The Red Sox trail the Tigers 6-1 in the 9th. Jon Lester pitched like Roy Oswalt.
By the way, how come I haven't seen this factoid hammered home a million times: Through age 31, the pitcher most similar to Oswalt is Roy Halladay. Too bad this Roy didn't pitch like the good Roy tonight.
J.A. Happ, meanwhile, pitched six shutout innings against the Brewers in his Astros debut.
What does all of this mean? The Phillies should have kept Cliff Lee.
{And J.A. Happ.}
The Red Sox trail the Tigers 6-1 in the 9th. Jon Lester pitched like Roy Oswalt.
Jul 20, 2010
Pitching questions
So the Phillies suddenly sent Kyle Kendrick to the minors and recalled Andrew Carpenter. But Kendrick might not be down there for long because Jamie Moyer left today's game with an elbow sprain. Further complicating matters is that David Murphy suggests J.A. Happ is on his way back and Matt Gelb suggests that Ruben Amaro may have an ace, or some kind of pitcher, up his sleeve:
{Happ was pulled early from tonight's minor league game. So, does that mean he's starting Saturday, or could he be part of an upcoming trade?}
They could have used the help tonight. In the 9th, Cardinals 7, Phillies 1. The Red Sox lead the A's 2-0 in the 2nd.
Ruben Amaro Jr. wore one of those patented smug looks on his face. The Phillies general manager had just demoted his fifth starter without listing a replacement in the rotation for him.
"I think we know exactly what we're going to do," Amaro said. "I just choose not to tell you."
[...]
That means a trade could be imminent. Amaro did nothing to dissuade that notion, saying Saturday's starter could come from outside the organization.
"We have other balls in the air," Amaro said.
{Happ was pulled early from tonight's minor league game. So, does that mean he's starting Saturday, or could he be part of an upcoming trade?}
They could have used the help tonight. In the 9th, Cardinals 7, Phillies 1. The Red Sox lead the A's 2-0 in the 2nd.
Apr 19, 2010
Is today over yet?
It's the busy season for me at work, and I had a rough a day. Compounding matters is that the Red Sox lost to the Rays 8-2 in the Patriots' Day matinee that ended pretty much before my day started. The Red Sox were swept in a four-game series in Fenway. No disrespect to the competition, but we should not be dropping four games at home to anyone.
I'm getting cranky. But at least I was not hospitalized like Mike Cameron or getting skipped in the rotation because of injury like J.A. Happ.
Tomorrow will be better.
I'm getting cranky. But at least I was not hospitalized like Mike Cameron or getting skipped in the rotation because of injury like J.A. Happ.
Tomorrow will be better.
Dec 17, 2009
Ruben beats Theo; Ellsbury bests J-Roll
MLB.com announced today the fan-selected winners of a bunch of cheesy awards.
The Phillies won four categories; the Red Sox won one.
Two of the categories won by a Sox or Phil featured a head-to-head matchup between our teams. Jacoby Ellsbury beat Jimmy Rollins for defensive player of the year, while Ruben Amaro Jr. beat Theo Epstein for executive of the year. And this was before this week's big-time pitching acquisition. Clearly, John Lackey would have pushed Theo over the top.
The other This Year in Baseball Award winners were Jayson Werth for unsung hero (Christine says they're a year late on this one), J.A. Happ for rookie of the year, and the little girl who threw the foul ball her father caught back on the field won for oddity of the year.
Christine was surprised that Eric Bruntlett didn't win anything for his unassisted triple play, but the former Phillie was beat out by potential Phil DeWayne Wise for his great catch that preserved Mark Buehrle's perfect game.
Oh, there's one more meaningless award, this one from the masters of the obvious at the Boston Chapter of the Baseball Writers of America. Jon Lester was the best pitcher on the Red Sox last year.
Cliff Lee speaks: He's not happy:
Good luck, but just please don't make the best of it during the one or two starts you face the Red Sox.
The Phillies won four categories; the Red Sox won one.
Two of the categories won by a Sox or Phil featured a head-to-head matchup between our teams. Jacoby Ellsbury beat Jimmy Rollins for defensive player of the year, while Ruben Amaro Jr. beat Theo Epstein for executive of the year. And this was before this week's big-time pitching acquisition. Clearly, John Lackey would have pushed Theo over the top.
The other This Year in Baseball Award winners were Jayson Werth for unsung hero (Christine says they're a year late on this one), J.A. Happ for rookie of the year, and the little girl who threw the foul ball her father caught back on the field won for oddity of the year.
Christine was surprised that Eric Bruntlett didn't win anything for his unassisted triple play, but the former Phillie was beat out by potential Phil DeWayne Wise for his great catch that preserved Mark Buehrle's perfect game.
Oh, there's one more meaningless award, this one from the masters of the obvious at the Boston Chapter of the Baseball Writers of America. Jon Lester was the best pitcher on the Red Sox last year.
Cliff Lee speaks: He's not happy:
"Disbelief. Shock. Initially I was disappointed," Lee said when asked to expound on his emotions. "Obviously, it was great being part of a team that went to the World Series for the second year in a row and I was looking forward to trying for a third. That's a great group of guys. I enjoyed every second I was there. Now I'm in Seattle and I have to make the best of it."
Good luck, but just please don't make the best of it during the one or two starts you face the Red Sox.
Nov 16, 2009
Huge news
After several days devoid of any good SoxandPhils news, the incredible has happened: The Inquirer's beat writer, Andy Martino, has updated his blog. Yes, after 10 days the idle blog is no more.
Of course, it took something momentous to rouse the sleeping writer. The big news? As Todd Zolecki reported before Martino, J.A. Happ didn't win Rookie of the Year. As I predicted, the award went to a Marlins outfielder. OK, I had Cameron Maybin, not Chris Coghlan, the winner. I can't complain with the choice, but Christine will, especially because I told her in the preseason that Pablo Sandoval would still qualify as a rookie this year. I apologize again.
Of more pressing concern, one of the most vital members of the 2008 World Champions will not be back. There wasn't a blockbuster trade involving Cole Hamels or Brad Lidge, but Eric Bruntlett has been removed from the 40-man roster. We'll always fondly recall how the utility infielder just sort of became Pat Burrell's late-inning defensive outfield replacement last year.
We'll never forget his unassisted triple play against the Mets this season or his unlikely heroic moments during last year's playoffs - including scoring the last run that cinched the championship.
"Everyone hammers him, but he's one of my all-time favorite scrubby Phillies," Christine said. "He was scrubby, but I'll remember him in a good way."
Christine is also saddened that Tyler Walker is not going to be back.
"I just want to know what happened with him," Christine said. We thought he was one of the Phillies more effective relievers and can't figure out why he wasn't on the playoff roster or why he's getting the boot.
Oh well, tomorrow Jon Lester will get the first of what will be many Cy Young awards. I know, it's Zack Greinke's award, but it's all Lester in 2010.
Of course, it took something momentous to rouse the sleeping writer. The big news? As Todd Zolecki reported before Martino, J.A. Happ didn't win Rookie of the Year. As I predicted, the award went to a Marlins outfielder. OK, I had Cameron Maybin, not Chris Coghlan, the winner. I can't complain with the choice, but Christine will, especially because I told her in the preseason that Pablo Sandoval would still qualify as a rookie this year. I apologize again.
Of more pressing concern, one of the most vital members of the 2008 World Champions will not be back. There wasn't a blockbuster trade involving Cole Hamels or Brad Lidge, but Eric Bruntlett has been removed from the 40-man roster. We'll always fondly recall how the utility infielder just sort of became Pat Burrell's late-inning defensive outfield replacement last year.
We'll never forget his unassisted triple play against the Mets this season or his unlikely heroic moments during last year's playoffs - including scoring the last run that cinched the championship.
"Everyone hammers him, but he's one of my all-time favorite scrubby Phillies," Christine said. "He was scrubby, but I'll remember him in a good way."
Christine is also saddened that Tyler Walker is not going to be back.
"I just want to know what happened with him," Christine said. We thought he was one of the Phillies more effective relievers and can't figure out why he wasn't on the playoff roster or why he's getting the boot.
Oh well, tomorrow Jon Lester will get the first of what will be many Cy Young awards. I know, it's Zack Greinke's award, but it's all Lester in 2010.
Oct 10, 2009
Snowed out
So a year after the Phillies began their World Series clincher in a monsoon, they've been snowed out. Game 3 will be tomorrow at 10:07 p.m. and Game 4 will be sometime on Monday.
You know what that means ... shopping spree!
Um, J-Dub, when it's snowing, I clear off our cars, go to work and then shovel the driveway when I get home. Christine says she stays inside, but usually she makes it to work.
With the delay, J.A. Happ gets Pedro Martinez's start. Cliff Lee will start Game 4, and I assume, as long as the wife allows him, that Cole Hamels would pitch Game 5, if necessary.
I was thinking this morning, how weird has this Pedro Martinez experience been? He's gone from an intriguing and perplexing signing, to extraneous, to dominant, to forgotten, to playoff starter and then back to "why the hell is he on this team again?"
Red Sox: I made it to the end of last night's game, a 4-1 loss to the Angels, even though it was nearly 1 a.m. and I had to work this morning. Josh Beckett looked like playoff Josh until the 7th inning. He was locked in a 1-1 pitcher's duel with Jered Weaver until then.
Five years ago, I woke up Oct. 17 devastated. The Red Sox were one game from elimination without registering a win in the ALCS. I had to work at the shore that morning and conceded the series to the Yankees.
Coincidentally, work brought me to the shore this morning. But I don't feel as devastated despite the similar predicament. It doesn't look good for the Sox, but they won the ALDS in 1999 and 2003 despite falling behind 0-2. I don't think they're going to pull this series out, but by no means am I giving up.
I say with certainty that their season will not end tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow's game, which starts at noon, it looks like Terry Francona is over his tummy ache and has graduated from bananas and saltines to large quantities of salted pork and caffeine. Ewww.
You know what that means ... shopping spree!
How were many players spending the day? Going to the mall.
"What else do you do when it's snowing outside?" Werth said.
Um, J-Dub, when it's snowing, I clear off our cars, go to work and then shovel the driveway when I get home. Christine says she stays inside, but usually she makes it to work.
With the delay, J.A. Happ gets Pedro Martinez's start. Cliff Lee will start Game 4, and I assume, as long as the wife allows him, that Cole Hamels would pitch Game 5, if necessary.
I was thinking this morning, how weird has this Pedro Martinez experience been? He's gone from an intriguing and perplexing signing, to extraneous, to dominant, to forgotten, to playoff starter and then back to "why the hell is he on this team again?"
Red Sox: I made it to the end of last night's game, a 4-1 loss to the Angels, even though it was nearly 1 a.m. and I had to work this morning. Josh Beckett looked like playoff Josh until the 7th inning. He was locked in a 1-1 pitcher's duel with Jered Weaver until then.
Five years ago, I woke up Oct. 17 devastated. The Red Sox were one game from elimination without registering a win in the ALCS. I had to work at the shore that morning and conceded the series to the Yankees.
Coincidentally, work brought me to the shore this morning. But I don't feel as devastated despite the similar predicament. It doesn't look good for the Sox, but they won the ALDS in 1999 and 2003 despite falling behind 0-2. I don't think they're going to pull this series out, but by no means am I giving up.
I say with certainty that their season will not end tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow's game, which starts at noon, it looks like Terry Francona is over his tummy ache and has graduated from bananas and saltines to large quantities of salted pork and caffeine. Ewww.
Sep 25, 2009
Game one starter
When Jon Lester gave up a run and struggled through the first inning, I blamed the Boston Herald's Sean McAdam who broke the story that the Red Sox had decided that our young ace would pitch the first game of the playoffs instead of Josh Beckett.
There had been speculation of this because of the way the Red Sox were shuffling the rotation, but it seemed odd for sources to confirm the decision had been made - even off the record - days before the Red Sox can even clinch.
Of course, things got worse.
I ran upstairs to take care of something. When I came down, Christine had the Phillies game on. I heard a ball ricochet off the pitcher's knee. I thought the Phillies could survive the playoffs without Cliff Lee. But I hadn't noticed she had switched back to the Red Sox game.
That was Jon Lester lying on the ground. There goes the season. Stupid Sean McAdam.
Initial diagnosis, however, is good: X-rays negative. Bruised quad. Day-to-day. {Greg: You should know by now. Day-to-day is what they say when they don't want you to panic.}
The rest of the game isn't so good - the Red Sox trail the Yankees 9-3 in the 7th.
The Phillies aren't doing so hot either. Prince Fielder is dominating. He's 2-4 with two runs, four RBIs and a home run. Lee gave up seven runs in six innings. Christine banished him from the playoff starting rotation. I'm not sure she's kidding. Maybe she'll put him in the running with J.A. Happ, Tyler Walker or anyone but Brad Lidge to be closer.
The Phillies trail the Brewers 8-3 in the 8th.
There had been speculation of this because of the way the Red Sox were shuffling the rotation, but it seemed odd for sources to confirm the decision had been made - even off the record - days before the Red Sox can even clinch.
Of course, things got worse.
I ran upstairs to take care of something. When I came down, Christine had the Phillies game on. I heard a ball ricochet off the pitcher's knee. I thought the Phillies could survive the playoffs without Cliff Lee. But I hadn't noticed she had switched back to the Red Sox game.
That was Jon Lester lying on the ground. There goes the season. Stupid Sean McAdam.
Initial diagnosis, however, is good: X-rays negative. Bruised quad. Day-to-day. {Greg: You should know by now. Day-to-day is what they say when they don't want you to panic.}
The rest of the game isn't so good - the Red Sox trail the Yankees 9-3 in the 7th.
The Phillies aren't doing so hot either. Prince Fielder is dominating. He's 2-4 with two runs, four RBIs and a home run. Lee gave up seven runs in six innings. Christine banished him from the playoff starting rotation. I'm not sure she's kidding. Maybe she'll put him in the running with J.A. Happ, Tyler Walker or anyone but Brad Lidge to be closer.
The Phillies trail the Brewers 8-3 in the 8th.
Sep 24, 2009
Closing time
When we left last night, Christine was upset that she was probably going to have to turn in without knowing how, or whether, the Phillies game ended.
Well, we went to bed a little later than I would prefer, but we saw the ending.
Christine brushed her teeth very grumpily.
Brad Lidge still has a chance (if Charlie Manuel keeps going to him in the 9th) to sneak into the top 10 for most blown saves in a season. He's two away from being tied for second with five pitchers who have 13, including a couple with SoxandPhils connections - Jeff Reardon (1986) and Dan Pleasac (1987).
Mike and Mike this morning reprieved their "Brad Lidge Over Troubled Waters" parody from the 2004 NLCS. I had it in my head today. Christine reminded me they played it, well, the unparody version, to close Harry Kalas' funeral.
We've been missing Harry this week. Tom McCarthy and Chris Wheeler are driving me nuts. My new irritation is how they get overly excited. Chase Utley can score a run in a 7-0 game, and they will make it sound like the Phillies won the World Series in the 13th inning of Game 7.
Christine noted that I've taken to calling out "Saaarrge" when Gary Matthews enters the booth in the 4th inning, as if he were Norm from Cheers.
Tonight's games: Both teams are playing in the central time zone. The Phillies lead the Brewers 8-1 in the 6th - after a three-run homer by Jimmy Rollins, which according to T-Mack was the second time in the same inning the Phillies broke the game open.
Sarge called the home run "a little guy driving a Cadillac." We've been speculating that Sarge has a deal with Cadillac in which he's going to get a free one if he says the company's name a certain number of times a season. If so, good thing he announces for the home-run-happy Phillies.
J.A. Happ, who hasn't yet been reinjured, is pitching well - one run on three hits and a walk with seven strikeouts after five innings.
The Red Sox lead the Royals 3-0 in the 5th. David Ortiz homered (11 more RBI to 100), and Clay Buchholz is also pitching well: three hits and seven strikeouts through five shutout innings.
Well, we went to bed a little later than I would prefer, but we saw the ending.
Christine brushed her teeth very grumpily.
Brad Lidge still has a chance (if Charlie Manuel keeps going to him in the 9th) to sneak into the top 10 for most blown saves in a season. He's two away from being tied for second with five pitchers who have 13, including a couple with SoxandPhils connections - Jeff Reardon (1986) and Dan Pleasac (1987).
Mike and Mike this morning reprieved their "Brad Lidge Over Troubled Waters" parody from the 2004 NLCS. I had it in my head today. Christine reminded me they played it, well, the unparody version, to close Harry Kalas' funeral.
We've been missing Harry this week. Tom McCarthy and Chris Wheeler are driving me nuts. My new irritation is how they get overly excited. Chase Utley can score a run in a 7-0 game, and they will make it sound like the Phillies won the World Series in the 13th inning of Game 7.
Christine noted that I've taken to calling out "Saaarrge" when Gary Matthews enters the booth in the 4th inning, as if he were Norm from Cheers.
Tonight's games: Both teams are playing in the central time zone. The Phillies lead the Brewers 8-1 in the 6th - after a three-run homer by Jimmy Rollins, which according to T-Mack was the second time in the same inning the Phillies broke the game open.
Sarge called the home run "a little guy driving a Cadillac." We've been speculating that Sarge has a deal with Cadillac in which he's going to get a free one if he says the company's name a certain number of times a season. If so, good thing he announces for the home-run-happy Phillies.
J.A. Happ, who hasn't yet been reinjured, is pitching well - one run on three hits and a walk with seven strikeouts after five innings.
The Red Sox lead the Royals 3-0 in the 5th. David Ortiz homered (11 more RBI to 100), and Clay Buchholz is also pitching well: three hits and seven strikeouts through five shutout innings.
Sep 18, 2009
Stop believing
Things are going so well for the SoxandPhils that the local scribes seem to think the year is over. Tony Massarotti tips his hat to Theo Epstein and the Sox, while Todd Zolecki notes the Phils have a lead so big that the Mets couldn't blow it. (Christine is still trying to stay in denial that the Phillies have it wrapped up.)
Things have been going swell, but I have spotted trouble ahead. No, I'm not talking about the fact that J.A. Happ was yanked tonight after three innings in his comeback start or that Jason Bay caught the swine flu from Shane Victorino. (Christine wants me to say that Shane-O is still having tummy issues, but I don't know that to be fact.) Carlos Ruiz also left with a wrist injury.
But the real trouble ahead is if the Phillies match up against the Dodgers - they will have no chance because Los Angeles has hijacked the power of Journey from Jayson Werth.
Steve Perry, a Giants fan, isn't happy:
I'm worried. Werth likes Journey (although we haven't heard him use Separate Ways in a while). Christine and I don't like Journey, but I have had Don't Stop stuck in my head since Monday.
This can't bode well if there's a rematch of last year's NLCS.
Tonight's games: The Red Sox continue to try to put themselves in a position in which next weekend's series in the Bronx means something. Clay Buchholz won again - the Sox haven't lost in his last seven starts (five wins and two no-decisions). He gave up one run in six innings before the bullpen shut the door in the 3-1 win over the Orioles.
The Phillies, behind two Ryan Howard homers and insurance blasts from Jimmy Rollins and Ben Francisco, beat the Braves 9-4. Before Howard's first, they showed he was hitting .231 with one home run in September. I gave him the choking sign. Christine got mad. Howard homered. Mission accomplished.
Tyler Walker, who Christine earlier in the week proclaimed the unsung Phillie of 2009, gave up two runs in the 8th inning, but she's blaming that on the Daily News for writing about him, not her proclamation.
Before he left - whether because of precaution or reinjury - Happ looked a bit shaky. Kyle Kendrick tossed four shutout innings. Hmm ... so maybe the playoff rotation will be Pedro Martinez, Kyle Kendrick, Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee.
Extended Journey: Christine remembered that the 2005 Chicago White Sox had used the ballad. While looking for a link, I found Timoney's YouTube video of Perry jamming with the White Sox during their victory parade. It's odd. The crowd is dead. Give me the world effin' champions or a bunch of duck boats any day. Judge for yourself:
Things have been going swell, but I have spotted trouble ahead. No, I'm not talking about the fact that J.A. Happ was yanked tonight after three innings in his comeback start or that Jason Bay caught the swine flu from Shane Victorino. (Christine wants me to say that Shane-O is still having tummy issues, but I don't know that to be fact.) Carlos Ruiz also left with a wrist injury.
But the real trouble ahead is if the Phillies match up against the Dodgers - they will have no chance because Los Angeles has hijacked the power of Journey from Jayson Werth.
Steve Perry, a Giants fan, isn't happy:
"It tweaks me to know they're using the song as a rally song," he told the San Francisco Chronicle. "I really wish [the Giants] had hijacked it first. I think the song is about hope and power, and it's working for [the Dodgers], damn it."
I'm worried. Werth likes Journey (although we haven't heard him use Separate Ways in a while). Christine and I don't like Journey, but I have had Don't Stop stuck in my head since Monday.
This can't bode well if there's a rematch of last year's NLCS.
Tonight's games: The Red Sox continue to try to put themselves in a position in which next weekend's series in the Bronx means something. Clay Buchholz won again - the Sox haven't lost in his last seven starts (five wins and two no-decisions). He gave up one run in six innings before the bullpen shut the door in the 3-1 win over the Orioles.
The Phillies, behind two Ryan Howard homers and insurance blasts from Jimmy Rollins and Ben Francisco, beat the Braves 9-4. Before Howard's first, they showed he was hitting .231 with one home run in September. I gave him the choking sign. Christine got mad. Howard homered. Mission accomplished.
Tyler Walker, who Christine earlier in the week proclaimed the unsung Phillie of 2009, gave up two runs in the 8th inning, but she's blaming that on the Daily News for writing about him, not her proclamation.
Before he left - whether because of precaution or reinjury - Happ looked a bit shaky. Kyle Kendrick tossed four shutout innings. Hmm ... so maybe the playoff rotation will be Pedro Martinez, Kyle Kendrick, Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee.
Extended Journey: Christine remembered that the 2005 Chicago White Sox had used the ballad. While looking for a link, I found Timoney's YouTube video of Perry jamming with the White Sox during their victory parade. It's odd. The crowd is dead. Give me the world effin' champions or a bunch of duck boats any day. Judge for yourself:
Sep 16, 2009
Just chillin'
With the Red Sox battling the Angels on ESPN (in a matchup that will likely be repeated in the playoffs for the fourth time since 2004) and the Phillies trying to beat the Nationals and gain ground on the Dodgers in the chase for home-field advantage, Christine and I took advantage of our home's split levels and multiple TVs.
There hasn't been much news today: Greg Dobbs is back, J.A. Happ probably will be and Tim Wakefield may soon follow. And unlike Joba Chamberlain, no more training wheels for Clay Buchholz.
Downstairs: Paul Byrd pitched decently for a guy who should be retired - three runs in 5 1/3. The game had a playoff feel when the Red Sox rallied and took the lead with five runs in the 6th. But Takashi Saito and Ramon Ramirez coughed it up, giving up four runs in the 7th. The Angels, up 7-5, are rallying again in the 8th.
Upstairs: Rebounding from his worst start of the season, Joe Blanton tossed six scoreless innings, giving up five hits and four walks with seven strikeouts in the 6-1 win over the Nationals.
The Phillies took the lead in the 1st when Ryan Howard stole second base, allowing Chase Utley to steal home. The dynamic duo extended their career-high stolen base totals: seven for the big guy, 20 for Utley. The double steal also gave the Phillies a 2-1 lead over the Red Sox in steals of home this year.
Jayson Werth iced the game with a grand slam in the 7th, right after they showed he has hit .231 in his career with the bases loaded. "Wow, Jayson Werth is the one guy on the team who stinks with the bases loaded," I said before the blast.
Late in the game, Christine asked me to look up the last time the Phillies had three straight shutouts. I'm glad I didn't try when her guy, Tyler Walker, gave up a run in the 9th, ending a scoreless streak that began in the first game on Sunday. Chris Wheeler said the last time the Phillies had three shutouts in a row was 1969.
There hasn't been much news today: Greg Dobbs is back, J.A. Happ probably will be and Tim Wakefield may soon follow. And unlike Joba Chamberlain, no more training wheels for Clay Buchholz.
Downstairs: Paul Byrd pitched decently for a guy who should be retired - three runs in 5 1/3. The game had a playoff feel when the Red Sox rallied and took the lead with five runs in the 6th. But Takashi Saito and Ramon Ramirez coughed it up, giving up four runs in the 7th. The Angels, up 7-5, are rallying again in the 8th.
Upstairs: Rebounding from his worst start of the season, Joe Blanton tossed six scoreless innings, giving up five hits and four walks with seven strikeouts in the 6-1 win over the Nationals.
The Phillies took the lead in the 1st when Ryan Howard stole second base, allowing Chase Utley to steal home. The dynamic duo extended their career-high stolen base totals: seven for the big guy, 20 for Utley. The double steal also gave the Phillies a 2-1 lead over the Red Sox in steals of home this year.
Jayson Werth iced the game with a grand slam in the 7th, right after they showed he has hit .231 in his career with the bases loaded. "Wow, Jayson Werth is the one guy on the team who stinks with the bases loaded," I said before the blast.
Late in the game, Christine asked me to look up the last time the Phillies had three straight shutouts. I'm glad I didn't try when her guy, Tyler Walker, gave up a run in the 9th, ending a scoreless streak that began in the first game on Sunday. Chris Wheeler said the last time the Phillies had three shutouts in a row was 1969.
Aug 27, 2009
Quotable SoxandPhils sluggers
The other day, I forgot to mention a quote that I just loved from Matt Stairs. He wants to play one more year for the Phillies and made his case why he deserves another year:
While Stairs has been a fan favorite because of his key pinch hits (not so many this year), he's also likable because he's a rare average Joe in this era of athletes with super-sized egos. Who can't relate to wanting to earn $1+ million to sit on the bench, watch a game and chew on some sunflower seeds? You've got to love honesty from the big lug who has a history of being honest, if not the most cautious, with his comments.
The Red Sox big slugger, David Ortiz, also had a quote this week that was more like Stairs' famous postseason quote than his more recent one. Papi explained how Victor Martinez has motivated him this year:
Eww.
But I guess I'd prefer Papi be turned on by our catcher than steroids.
Today's games: Billy Wagner is in Fenway, but unavailable tonight. (Brad Penny was released to make room for him.) B-Wags probably wouldn't be needed anyway; Junichi Tazawa couldn't follow up on his strong performance against the Yankees last week. He gave up nine runs in four innings. The White Sox lead the Red Sox 9-2 in the 5th.
The Phillies, behind J.A. Happ, lead the Pirates 2-1 in the 7th. Whose turn is it to blow a save tonight?
Hibiscus update: We have a full-fledged flower and more buds ready to bloom.
I'd like to be back, but that's a decision for the team. I'm inexpensive, and I don't complain that I don't play a lot.
While Stairs has been a fan favorite because of his key pinch hits (not so many this year), he's also likable because he's a rare average Joe in this era of athletes with super-sized egos. Who can't relate to wanting to earn $1+ million to sit on the bench, watch a game and chew on some sunflower seeds? You've got to love honesty from the big lug who has a history of being honest, if not the most cautious, with his comments.
The Red Sox big slugger, David Ortiz, also had a quote this week that was more like Stairs' famous postseason quote than his more recent one. Papi explained how Victor Martinez has motivated him this year:
Victor, man, he just push me, man. Every at-bat since he's been here, he just get in my face and start screaming at me and everything. I like it, I really like it. He gets me in the mood.
Eww.
But I guess I'd prefer Papi be turned on by our catcher than steroids.
Today's games: Billy Wagner is in Fenway, but unavailable tonight. (Brad Penny was released to make room for him.) B-Wags probably wouldn't be needed anyway; Junichi Tazawa couldn't follow up on his strong performance against the Yankees last week. He gave up nine runs in four innings. The White Sox lead the Red Sox 9-2 in the 5th.The Phillies, behind J.A. Happ, lead the Pirates 2-1 in the 7th. Whose turn is it to blow a save tonight?
Hibiscus update: We have a full-fledged flower and more buds ready to bloom.
Aug 11, 2009
Alumni - current and future
Last year's Alumni Batting Challenge was a washout. Literally. So we weren't sure that they would get this year's in, especially because we woke Sunday morning to monster downpours.I know how hard it rained because I was off to the hardware store first thing in the morning to get supplies to fix the gaping holes the fallen shelf had put in our coat closet.
But by the afternoon, the sun was out, and the old-timers - Mitch Williams (hacking away at the right), Ricky Bottalico, Dickie Noles, Jim Eisenreich, Milt Thompson and Ricky Jordan - were swinging away.
That was largely the same lineup we should have seen last year, except swap in Tyler Green and Ozzie Virgil for Noles and Eisenreich.
We arrived a little bit later than we planned and were still gathering our concessions when the action started."Why is it so quiet?" Christine asked as the still-filling-up park sounded like a church.
"Ricky Bo's batting," I said. "They're letting him concentrate.
We missed his swings, but were seated for the sluggers: Eisenreich (seen on the left), Thompson (who could use some pointers) and Jordan (the only one who hit a home run - two out to left).
With so few balls leaving the yard, the former Phils gave plenty of fielding practice to those patrolling the outfield.A young player, really green, was a crowd-pleaser whenever he caught one. We saw him nab at least two.
He had a real unconventional fielding method, which made him appear as if he were floundering about fishing for the ball.
In fact, you can see to the right that he seems perplexed by the ball he had snared.
In the end it was the gray team, the Rickys, Bottalico and Jordan, that prevailed.When we heard Ricky Bo had 46 points, we had no idea that would be one of the highest totals of the day.
The Rickys won with 101 points followed by the Phils of '93 (Williams and Eisenreich) with 78 points while hitting coach Thompson and Noles took up the rear with 66 points.
But I'm sure the points mattered less to the alumni than gathering on the field again with their comrades and taking some hacks at the yard.
One funny thing ... after the contestants gathered for a group photo, Mitch Williams quickly ran off. It might have been the quickest we saw a Phillie move the whole day (except maybe when Shane Victorino charged the ump after getting ejected).Future alum: Jamie Moyer may not participate in alumni gatherings after he finally retires. He's mad and feels betrayed by the organization for sending him to the bullpen:
I will take what they've asked me to do, but I'm not really excited about the decision that has been made. Ultimately, I'm a little dishearted because this past winter when I was negotiating with the Phillies this was a sore thumb, if you will, about this potentially happening.
You can't promise anything in this game, but I really felt that Ruben (Amaro Jr.) parlayed to me that this type of situation would not happen. Actually, even had some discussion with David (Montgomery) with them reassuring me that this type of situation wouldn't happen.
He got things off his chest before tonight's game, but wouldn't take questions. I thought he would take the move professionally - publicly at least.
Tonight's action: Junichi Tazawa's first big league start didn't go off well. A Nick Green error capped a three-run 1st inning for the Tigers. Mike Lowell - replacing Kevin Youkilis who was ejected for charging the mound - hit two home runs and Jason Bay hit one to give the Red Sox a 6-3 lead in the 7th.
Making his first start since being removed from the guillotine, J.A. Happ didn't pitch a shutout like last time. But he got NO support, until shortly after I typed that line. Carlos Ruiz spoiled Rich Harden's perfect game with a walk in the 6th. Jimmy Rollins ruined his no-hitter, shutout and hopefully win. In the 8th, Phillies 3, Cubs 2.
Aug 5, 2009
It's still August, right?
Should the Phillies falter and join the 2007 Mets and 2004 Yankees among the greatest collapses of all time, one of the first to blame will be Paul Hagen, who has penned the column that puts Philly on the edge of hubris and could give bulletin board material to the other teams chasing the Phillies:
Phillies' October rotation a tough decision for Manuel
Yes, the Phillies have it pretty much wrapped up, and a collapse is hard to fathom even though they've dropped five of six against the Diamondbacks, Giants and Rockies. But they were the class of the division before acquiring Cliff Lee and are probably once again the class of all of baseball (we'll know for sure if there's an October showdown with the Red Sox). {What do the Red Sox have to do with anything? They'll be sitting at home after Oct. 4.}
But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Hagen did pose an interesting question: Who among Pedro Martinez, J.A. Happ or Jamie Moyer gets booted from the playoff rotation? I'd discuss, but it's still August, and there's no guarantee - especially with the luck the Phillies have had keeping pitchers healthy this year - that all three will be healthy come October. Or that aces Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee will be healthy. Stranger things have happened.
At least Jim Salisbury brought us back to earth today with a look at some SoxandPhils examples of teams that thought they had too much pitching:
The 2006 Red Sox had six starters, so they traded away Bronson Arroyo. But then injuries struck, and Kyle Snyder, Lenny DiNardo, Kason Gabbard, Kevin Jarvis, David Pauley and Devern Hansack combined for 34 starts that year.
The 1997 Phillies were so depleted by injuries that ace Curt Schilling was followed in the rotation by No. 2 Calvin Maduro, who went an impressive 3-7 with a 7.23 ERA in 71 innings that year.
The 2007 Phillies were so stocked coming out of spring training that Jon Lieber, who won 39 games the previous three years, was bumped to the bullpen. He was back in the rotation by April 20, and several pitchers, most of whom weren't on the team when it broke camp, made starts, including Kyle Lohse, Kyle Kendrick, J.D. Durbin, Fabio Castro, John Ennis, Zack Segovia and ... J.A. Happ.
Heck, nine pitchers have already started for the Phillies this year, and we're at least a week away from Pedro's debut.
As Salisbury quoted Terry Francona from 2007: "When you think you have enough pitching, go get more."
Current affairs: After dropping an epic 13-inning game to the Rays last night, the Red Sox trail the Rays 4-1 in the 5h tonight. It doesn't look like Brad Penny will have the lengthy outing the depleted bullpen needs. Remember, this team was seen as having a glut of pitching just weeks ago.
The Phillies are playing their best game since Cliff Lee's gem, leading the Rockies 7-0 in the 6th. With Pedro pitching in the minors today, Happ is having a strong outing in an attempt to keep his spot in the rotation over the future Hall of Famer.
***9:45 UPDATE*** What a game by Happ - a four-hit, 10-strikeout complete-game shutout. It was electric. I think he's kept his spot in the rotation safe even though Pedro pitched well in his minor league start. Cliff Lee better pitch well tomorrow afternoon or he might be headed to the pen.
And, remember what I said about pitching depth? MLB Network reports the Sox just signed former SoxandPhil roider Paul Byrd. At least he can't be worse than John Smoltz.
Phillies' October rotation a tough decision for Manuel
Yes, the Phillies have it pretty much wrapped up, and a collapse is hard to fathom even though they've dropped five of six against the Diamondbacks, Giants and Rockies. But they were the class of the division before acquiring Cliff Lee and are probably once again the class of all of baseball (we'll know for sure if there's an October showdown with the Red Sox). {What do the Red Sox have to do with anything? They'll be sitting at home after Oct. 4.}
But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Hagen did pose an interesting question: Who among Pedro Martinez, J.A. Happ or Jamie Moyer gets booted from the playoff rotation? I'd discuss, but it's still August, and there's no guarantee - especially with the luck the Phillies have had keeping pitchers healthy this year - that all three will be healthy come October. Or that aces Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee will be healthy. Stranger things have happened.
At least Jim Salisbury brought us back to earth today with a look at some SoxandPhils examples of teams that thought they had too much pitching:
The 2006 Red Sox had six starters, so they traded away Bronson Arroyo. But then injuries struck, and Kyle Snyder, Lenny DiNardo, Kason Gabbard, Kevin Jarvis, David Pauley and Devern Hansack combined for 34 starts that year.
The 1997 Phillies were so depleted by injuries that ace Curt Schilling was followed in the rotation by No. 2 Calvin Maduro, who went an impressive 3-7 with a 7.23 ERA in 71 innings that year.
The 2007 Phillies were so stocked coming out of spring training that Jon Lieber, who won 39 games the previous three years, was bumped to the bullpen. He was back in the rotation by April 20, and several pitchers, most of whom weren't on the team when it broke camp, made starts, including Kyle Lohse, Kyle Kendrick, J.D. Durbin, Fabio Castro, John Ennis, Zack Segovia and ... J.A. Happ.
Heck, nine pitchers have already started for the Phillies this year, and we're at least a week away from Pedro's debut.
As Salisbury quoted Terry Francona from 2007: "When you think you have enough pitching, go get more."
Current affairs: After dropping an epic 13-inning game to the Rays last night, the Red Sox trail the Rays 4-1 in the 5h tonight. It doesn't look like Brad Penny will have the lengthy outing the depleted bullpen needs. Remember, this team was seen as having a glut of pitching just weeks ago.
The Phillies are playing their best game since Cliff Lee's gem, leading the Rockies 7-0 in the 6th. With Pedro pitching in the minors today, Happ is having a strong outing in an attempt to keep his spot in the rotation over the future Hall of Famer.
***9:45 UPDATE*** What a game by Happ - a four-hit, 10-strikeout complete-game shutout. It was electric. I think he's kept his spot in the rotation safe even though Pedro pitched well in his minor league start. Cliff Lee better pitch well tomorrow afternoon or he might be headed to the pen.
And, remember what I said about pitching depth? MLB Network reports the Sox just signed former SoxandPhil roider Paul Byrd. At least he can't be worse than John Smoltz.
Jul 20, 2009
Confessional
****Cycle correction**** (Correction on a correction post - Christine's not too happy with me.)
When you're married for not-quite seven years, you sometimes have to 'fess up. When you also co-publish a blog with your spouse, sometimes that confessional has to be done in public.
Last week, Christine and I were discussing some writers' midseason award picks. Christine mentioned how no one brought up her NL Rookie of the Year pick, Pablo Sandoval.
Impossible, I thought, he's in the MVP discussion (.333/.385/.550). He may have been more deserving of being added to the All-Star team than Shane Victorino or Jayson Werth.
There is a good reason he's not getting any ROY love: He lost his rookie eligibility with 145 at-bats last year.
Oops.
Dirty little secret. When it comes to SoxandPhils preseason predictions, I sometimes help Christine whittle down the rookie class if there's no obvious Phillie candidate (we thought J.A. Happ would be stuck in the bullpen all year). I recommended Sandoval based on a baseball-reference blog that listed him as a rookie. This one's on me, but at least I can say I never voted for a sophomore for rookie of the year.
Tonight's games: We're booking out early for a top-secret baseball-related mission (details to come later), but hopefully Jimmy Rollins hits another cycle as the Phillies start a series against the Cubs. Rodrigo Lopez looks to keep his job against Ted Lilly.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, look to end their mini skid with a series against the Rangers opened with a showdown of two former Braves: John Smoltz and Kevin Millwood.
When you're married for not-quite seven years, you sometimes have to 'fess up. When you also co-publish a blog with your spouse, sometimes that confessional has to be done in public.
Last week, Christine and I were discussing some writers' midseason award picks. Christine mentioned how no one brought up her NL Rookie of the Year pick, Pablo Sandoval.
Impossible, I thought, he's in the MVP discussion (.333/.385/.550). He may have been more deserving of being added to the All-Star team than Shane Victorino or Jayson Werth.
There is a good reason he's not getting any ROY love: He lost his rookie eligibility with 145 at-bats last year.
Oops.
Dirty little secret. When it comes to SoxandPhils preseason predictions, I sometimes help Christine whittle down the rookie class if there's no obvious Phillie candidate (we thought J.A. Happ would be stuck in the bullpen all year). I recommended Sandoval based on a baseball-reference blog that listed him as a rookie. This one's on me, but at least I can say I never voted for a sophomore for rookie of the year.
Tonight's games: We're booking out early for a top-secret baseball-related mission (details to come later), but hopefully Jimmy Rollins hits another cycle as the Phillies start a series against the Cubs. Rodrigo Lopez looks to keep his job against Ted Lilly.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, look to end their mini skid with a series against the Rangers opened with a showdown of two former Braves: John Smoltz and Kevin Millwood.
Jul 12, 2009
Hitting season
The heat of summer has been delayed this year, and we wondered whether the unseasonably cooler weather has also delayed Charlie Manuel's favorite time of the year - hittin' season.
Last night might have been the beginning of the season. Trailing 7-3 in the 9th, Matt Stairs led off with a pinch-hit home run. I withheld a sarcastic comment for Tom McCarthy who said Cholly had the opportunity to use the big guy.
But the Phillies kept coming. Jimmy Rollins and Chase Ultey got on board, setting up a three-run home run for Ryan Howard. Then, they loaded up the bases for Paul Bako (I think he resembles Chris Coste), who singled to end the game.
Ironically, when I was contrasting John Smoltz's solid start with Cole Hamels' subpar outing last night, I was tempted to write, "But these games appear headed in different directions." I refrained, however, because the Pirates tacked on a couple of insurance runs before the 9th.
Following that dramatic ending, I thought the Phillies would romp or come out dead today - no middle ground. They bookended last night's five-run 9th inning with a five-run 1st inning, highlighted by a Pedro Feliz grand slam. They chased Pirates starter Virgil Vasquez after 48 pitches in the middle of the 2nd. But the Phillies suspended hittin' season for the All-Star Break. They didn't score again behind another good J.A. (Halladay who?) Happ outing - one run in seven innings. Christine predicted the Phillies wouldn't score again when the Pirates pulled their started in the 2nd. In the 9th, J.C. Romero gave up a home run but held on for the 5-2 win, capping an 9-1 homestand to end the first half.
Red Sox: Another fine outing for Josh Beckett, who could make a case for starting the All-Star game if he didn't pitch today. He pitched his second shutout of the year, needing just 94 pitches to blank the Royals on three hits with seven strikeouts in the 6-0 win.
All-Star change: Dustin Pedroia is out of the game to tend to his pregnant wife who has had complications.
Guess which slick-fielding second baseman Joe Maddon replaced him with? How about another Ray, Carlos Pena, who didn't deserve to be on the final spot ballot, let alone on the team. Currently there is not another backup second baseman on the team. Maddon is becoming just as bad as Joe Torre.
At least Cholly's outfielders are justifiable.
Last night might have been the beginning of the season. Trailing 7-3 in the 9th, Matt Stairs led off with a pinch-hit home run. I withheld a sarcastic comment for Tom McCarthy who said Cholly had the opportunity to use the big guy.
But the Phillies kept coming. Jimmy Rollins and Chase Ultey got on board, setting up a three-run home run for Ryan Howard. Then, they loaded up the bases for Paul Bako (I think he resembles Chris Coste), who singled to end the game.
Ironically, when I was contrasting John Smoltz's solid start with Cole Hamels' subpar outing last night, I was tempted to write, "But these games appear headed in different directions." I refrained, however, because the Pirates tacked on a couple of insurance runs before the 9th.
Following that dramatic ending, I thought the Phillies would romp or come out dead today - no middle ground. They bookended last night's five-run 9th inning with a five-run 1st inning, highlighted by a Pedro Feliz grand slam. They chased Pirates starter Virgil Vasquez after 48 pitches in the middle of the 2nd. But the Phillies suspended hittin' season for the All-Star Break. They didn't score again behind another good J.A. (Halladay who?) Happ outing - one run in seven innings. Christine predicted the Phillies wouldn't score again when the Pirates pulled their started in the 2nd. In the 9th, J.C. Romero gave up a home run but held on for the 5-2 win, capping an 9-1 homestand to end the first half.
Red Sox: Another fine outing for Josh Beckett, who could make a case for starting the All-Star game if he didn't pitch today. He pitched his second shutout of the year, needing just 94 pitches to blank the Royals on three hits with seven strikeouts in the 6-0 win.
All-Star change: Dustin Pedroia is out of the game to tend to his pregnant wife who has had complications.
"This was certainly not an easy decision," Pedroia said in the statement. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for the game of baseball and for the All-Star Game and am incredibly honored that the fans voted me this year’s starting second baseman for the American League. I am disappointed that I will not be able to enjoy the amazing experience with the other All-Stars, especially with my Red Sox teammates, but it is important that I put my family first at this time."
Guess which slick-fielding second baseman Joe Maddon replaced him with? How about another Ray, Carlos Pena, who didn't deserve to be on the final spot ballot, let alone on the team. Currently there is not another backup second baseman on the team. Maddon is becoming just as bad as Joe Torre.
At least Cholly's outfielders are justifiable.
Jul 2, 2009
A new American for Independence Day
Just in time for the Fourth of July, Jason Bay has become an American citizen.He joined David Ortiz (last year) and the druggie and quitter Manny Ramirez (2004) as sluggers who converted to American while playing for the Red Sox in recent years.
The Red Sox are off tonight, but I hope he shows some token of support for his new country when the Red Sox take the field against the Mariners tomorrow.
Like always, J-Bay said all the right things:
Bay said "it's a pretty proud day for me." He said his wife and daughters are Americans.
The British Columbia native is the first Red Sox player to be naturalized since Dominican Republic-born David Ortiz was sworn in last summer in Fenway Park.
Bay said he's not denouncing being Canadian, "but I'm definitely proud to be an American."
Christine thinks he got married just for his green card. I'm pretty sure she was joking.
Tonight's game: J.A. Happ's great night was ruined by one inning from Ryan Madson. Happ gave up two runs in seven innings; Madson gave up three in one. Braves 5, Phillies 2.
When Madson was called upon to fill in for Brad Lidge earlier this year, I think he took the assignment literally and has been doing his best to match Lidge's 2009 performance. It's getting bad.
On a positive note, Happ got his first major-league hit, snapping an 0-20 mark. And that wasn't the biggest hitless streak erased by a Phillie tonight - Jimmy Rollins actually got two hits, boosting his season average to .209.
On a negative note, the Phillies' divisional lead is now mere percentage points over the idle Marlins. The Mets and Braves are also within two games of the Phillies. They open a series at home against the Mets tomorrow night.
[Photo credit: Associated Press]
Jun 28, 2009
Phillies pitcher goes wild
Christine and I trekked into YanksandMets territory yesterday to see family. We happened to be online and saw that a then-unnamed Phillie had been involved in an altercation with a fan in Tampa and was accused of battery.
Soon, the mysterious identity was revealed as J.C. Romeo - hasn't he had enough legal trouble this year?
Given the history of Romero's suspension and that the Rays were the Phillies opponents in last year's World Series, we'll take the player's word here:
Of course the guy's name is Eaton. That automatically makes him suspect.
Weekend wrap: Charlie Manuel finally held his closed-door meeting after Friday night's loss, and the team responded with a 10-0 romp on Saturday. (J.A. Happ needed just 100 pitches for his first shutout, and Jayson Werth went 4-4 with two home runs.) They won the series finale against the Blue Jays 5-4 today. I didn't see much, but caught the ending in which Brad Lidge struggled but picked up the save.
They said it's the second time this year the Phillies won a series against an American League team. Christine had to remind me that the other team was the Yankees. Go Phils!
The Red Sox split a couple of pitchers' duels. Tim Wakefield, who is making it tough for Joe Maddon to leave him off the All-Star roster, beat Javier Vazquez on Saturday 1-0. Brad Penny followed that up with a good performance today, but Braves phenom Tommy Hanson was better as the Braves avoided the sweep with a 2-1 win.
Soon, the mysterious identity was revealed as J.C. Romeo - hasn't he had enough legal trouble this year?
Given the history of Romero's suspension and that the Rays were the Phillies opponents in last year's World Series, we'll take the player's word here:
"What did he say? That he was drunk and got into a fight?" Romero, 33, said yesterday when asked whether he wanted to hear the fan's complaint. "I'm not going to comment on it. I'm trying to be professional, and I don't really want to get into that. Don't want to make a story out of nothing."
The fan, 25-year-old Robert Eaton, told the St. Petersburg Times that he asked Romero for an autograph outside Tropicana Field and was refused. Eaton said that he then made a comment about steroids and that Romero grabbed him by the neck and pushed him, Eaton told the Times.
Eaton filed a report with local police. He could not be reached last night for comment. It was not immediately known whether charges would be filed.
Of course the guy's name is Eaton. That automatically makes him suspect.
Weekend wrap: Charlie Manuel finally held his closed-door meeting after Friday night's loss, and the team responded with a 10-0 romp on Saturday. (J.A. Happ needed just 100 pitches for his first shutout, and Jayson Werth went 4-4 with two home runs.) They won the series finale against the Blue Jays 5-4 today. I didn't see much, but caught the ending in which Brad Lidge struggled but picked up the save.
They said it's the second time this year the Phillies won a series against an American League team. Christine had to remind me that the other team was the Yankees. Go Phils!
The Red Sox split a couple of pitchers' duels. Tim Wakefield, who is making it tough for Joe Maddon to leave him off the All-Star roster, beat Javier Vazquez on Saturday 1-0. Brad Penny followed that up with a good performance today, but Braves phenom Tommy Hanson was better as the Braves avoided the sweep with a 2-1 win.
Jun 14, 2009
Series over
I was kidding Christine all week that Josh Beckett today would repeat his 2006 homer against the Phillies. He did. Thankfully, for the sake of being able to talk to my wife for the rest of the week, Beckett's pitching performance didn't match his offense. The Phillies salvaged the finale 11-6, decimating Beckett and young Daniel Bard.
J.A. Happ got touched up early, but survived into the 6th inning, Chan Ho Park also pitched well, preserving a depleted bullpen.
Now that this series is over, we can, until October, focus on our common enemies - New York teams, Bud Selig and Chris Wheeler.
J.A. Happ got touched up early, but survived into the 6th inning, Chan Ho Park also pitched well, preserving a depleted bullpen.
Now that this series is over, we can, until October, focus on our common enemies - New York teams, Bud Selig and Chris Wheeler.
Jun 4, 2009
Pitchers' Civil War may be ending
This morning I read a note in David Murphy's blog about how well the Phillies starters have been doing since Chan Ho Park has been banished to the bullpen:
Actually, that start was May 17. The next day, I took a look at how much better both of our teams' bullpens were than the starting rotations. Things have improved since then:
BOS starters
May 18: 5.76 (28th)
Today: 5.05 (26th)
PHI starters
May 18: 6.35 (30th)
Today: 5.58 (29th)
BOS relievers
May 18: 3.02 (3rd)
Today: 2.86 (1st)
PHI relievers
May 18: 3.97 (12th)
Today: 3.72 (9th)
BOS total
May 18: 4.77 (21st)
Today: 3.31 (14th)
PHI total
May 18: 5.59 (27th)
Today: 4.88 (27th)
Although both teams' starting staffs still have poor overall numbers, things are moving in the right direction - enough so that the members of both teams vaunted bullpen can put their muskets down for the time being.
Speaking of pitching, interesting report the other day on Junichi Tazawa, who seems to be the anti-Daisuke Matsuzaka in that he is pitching well - and efficiently. The Red Sox put their AA pitchers on 85-pitch limits. That would barely get Dice-K through the lineup once. Tazawa pitched into the 7th inning last time out on that limit.
Phillies: J.A. Happ finished off the sweep of the Padres last night, pitching seven scoreless innings in the 5-1 win. J.C. Romero gave up an unearned run in 1 1/3 innings - his 2009 debut. Ryan Howard hit another home run, but much of the ink went to Greg Dobbs, who got a rare start in right field, because of a running catch he made to end the 2nd inning with the bases loaded. It was a win-win for me because it was a solid drive by Padres pitcher Chris Young, right after Chris Wheeler said he looked futile at the plate. So, Wheels looked dumb without the Phillies getting hurt.
The Phils return to Los Angeles tonight for the first time since beating the Dodgers in the NLCS.
Red Sox: They also completed a sweep when Tim Wakefield got his seventh win this afternoon against the Tigers, 6-3. For the second straight game, Kevin Youkilis was removed with injury. David Ortiz did not make an out today. He was riding the pine. But he made news by saying he's going to try to end his slump with an eye exam - or maybe just being happier. I hope something works.
Don't look now, but Phillies starters have recorded a victory in each of these six straight wins. Since a win over Washington on May 18th when Chan Ho Park allowed five runs in 1 1/3 innings and lost his spot in the rotation, Phillies starters have an ERA just over 4.00, which is nearly two and a half runs better than the 6.35 ERA they posted in the first 36 games of the season.
Actually, that start was May 17. The next day, I took a look at how much better both of our teams' bullpens were than the starting rotations. Things have improved since then:
BOS starters
May 18: 5.76 (28th)
Today: 5.05 (26th)
PHI starters
May 18: 6.35 (30th)
Today: 5.58 (29th)
BOS relievers
May 18: 3.02 (3rd)
Today: 2.86 (1st)
PHI relievers
May 18: 3.97 (12th)
Today: 3.72 (9th)
BOS total
May 18: 4.77 (21st)
Today: 3.31 (14th)
PHI total
May 18: 5.59 (27th)
Today: 4.88 (27th)
Although both teams' starting staffs still have poor overall numbers, things are moving in the right direction - enough so that the members of both teams vaunted bullpen can put their muskets down for the time being.
Speaking of pitching, interesting report the other day on Junichi Tazawa, who seems to be the anti-Daisuke Matsuzaka in that he is pitching well - and efficiently. The Red Sox put their AA pitchers on 85-pitch limits. That would barely get Dice-K through the lineup once. Tazawa pitched into the 7th inning last time out on that limit.
Phillies: J.A. Happ finished off the sweep of the Padres last night, pitching seven scoreless innings in the 5-1 win. J.C. Romero gave up an unearned run in 1 1/3 innings - his 2009 debut. Ryan Howard hit another home run, but much of the ink went to Greg Dobbs, who got a rare start in right field, because of a running catch he made to end the 2nd inning with the bases loaded. It was a win-win for me because it was a solid drive by Padres pitcher Chris Young, right after Chris Wheeler said he looked futile at the plate. So, Wheels looked dumb without the Phillies getting hurt.
The Phils return to Los Angeles tonight for the first time since beating the Dodgers in the NLCS.
Red Sox: They also completed a sweep when Tim Wakefield got his seventh win this afternoon against the Tigers, 6-3. For the second straight game, Kevin Youkilis was removed with injury. David Ortiz did not make an out today. He was riding the pine. But he made news by saying he's going to try to end his slump with an eye exam - or maybe just being happier. I hope something works.
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