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.
Showing posts with label Tyler Walker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tyler Walker. Show all posts
Nov 16, 2009
Oct 6, 2009
Ready to ride
Christine and I have followed our teams for 324 games, and now it could all be over in three games each, or we could have a long, intense month that ends with one of us not talking to the other.
Nothing is better than winning in the playoffs, and nothing is worse. The long marathon comes down to minutiae right now. Just ask the Twins and Tigers, whose season ended in game No. 163 before the Twins pushed across a run in the 12th inning to win 6-5. You have to love that they needed extra innings in an extra game to complete one of the biggest comebacks in baseball history. And, yes, we're quite familiar with how the NL East was won in 2007.
Before we make our predictions for the first round, here's a quick recap of today's SoxandPhils playoff notes: Cliff Lee starts game 1; Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ join the reality TV stars in The Pen; and Eric Bruntlett, Clay Condrey and Tyler Walker aren't on the roster for this round.
Christine is upset about the last one because Walker has been arguably the second best reliever on the Phillies this year. And he's been prominently featured as the Phillie most looking forward to his playoff debut.
No real surprises today for the Red Sox (although they're not announcing their roster until tomorrow), except for the fact that Manny Delcarmen was in a car crash on Saturday. That's odd they managed to kept that quiet for so long. And I forgot how good Jonathan Papelbon has been in the playoffs, so he's probably going to get rocked in his first appearance now.
Our picks: Of the SoxandPhils' preseason predictions, only Christine and I have our World Series in tact. She has the Phillies over the Angels; I have the Red Sox over the Phillies. We each stand by our picks, but mine was more precise {thanks for rubbing it in}:
Here are my picks for the first round: I'm not as confident in the Sox as I have been in the past two years, and I am nervous that their dominance over the Angels in the playoffs is bound to even out eventually, but I think the Sox will pull it out in five.
I'll go with my heart over my head and take the Twins over the Yankees in four. But if the Twins lose Game 1, they'll be swept.
Despite the Phillies bullpen issues, I think they have enough to beat the Rockies in four. I'll take the Cardinals in four.
Christine's picks:
Rockies vs. Phillies: Phillies, no doubt.
Cardinals vs. Dodgers: Cardinals. I want an easy road to the World Series, and the Cardinals would definitely provide that.
Twins vs. Yankees: Yankees. Blah. But don't worry, they won't win it all.
Red Sox vs. Angels: Angels. If you'll recall my preseason pick, I wanted to say the Red Sox for the Wild Card, but Greg was kind of pissy over that. So I elevated them to AL East champs over the Rays (my division pick). Should have stuck with my Wild Card instinct. Anyway, this part of the prediction will stand. This is the year the Angels finally beat the Red Sox in a round of the playoffs, setting up an Angels-Phillies finale.
Nothing is better than winning in the playoffs, and nothing is worse. The long marathon comes down to minutiae right now. Just ask the Twins and Tigers, whose season ended in game No. 163 before the Twins pushed across a run in the 12th inning to win 6-5. You have to love that they needed extra innings in an extra game to complete one of the biggest comebacks in baseball history. And, yes, we're quite familiar with how the NL East was won in 2007.
Before we make our predictions for the first round, here's a quick recap of today's SoxandPhils playoff notes: Cliff Lee starts game 1; Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ join the reality TV stars in The Pen; and Eric Bruntlett, Clay Condrey and Tyler Walker aren't on the roster for this round.
Christine is upset about the last one because Walker has been arguably the second best reliever on the Phillies this year. And he's been prominently featured as the Phillie most looking forward to his playoff debut.
No real surprises today for the Red Sox (although they're not announcing their roster until tomorrow), except for the fact that Manny Delcarmen was in a car crash on Saturday. That's odd they managed to kept that quiet for so long. And I forgot how good Jonathan Papelbon has been in the playoffs, so he's probably going to get rocked in his first appearance now.
Our picks: Of the SoxandPhils' preseason predictions, only Christine and I have our World Series in tact. She has the Phillies over the Angels; I have the Red Sox over the Phillies. We each stand by our picks, but mine was more precise {thanks for rubbing it in}:
World Series: Red Sox over Phillies. Jason Bay hits a walkoff home run in Game 7 - the first blown save in three years for Brad Lidge.
Here are my picks for the first round: I'm not as confident in the Sox as I have been in the past two years, and I am nervous that their dominance over the Angels in the playoffs is bound to even out eventually, but I think the Sox will pull it out in five.
I'll go with my heart over my head and take the Twins over the Yankees in four. But if the Twins lose Game 1, they'll be swept.
Despite the Phillies bullpen issues, I think they have enough to beat the Rockies in four. I'll take the Cardinals in four.
Christine's picks:
Rockies vs. Phillies: Phillies, no doubt.
Cardinals vs. Dodgers: Cardinals. I want an easy road to the World Series, and the Cardinals would definitely provide that.
Twins vs. Yankees: Yankees. Blah. But don't worry, they won't win it all.
Red Sox vs. Angels: Angels. If you'll recall my preseason pick, I wanted to say the Red Sox for the Wild Card, but Greg was kind of pissy over that. So I elevated them to AL East champs over the Rays (my division pick). Should have stuck with my Wild Card instinct. Anyway, this part of the prediction will stand. This is the year the Angels finally beat the Red Sox in a round of the playoffs, setting up an Angels-Phillies finale.
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 21, 2009
Chatting SoxandPhils in the canned soup aisle
Christine has a cold, so I ran to the store to get her some soup for tomorrow's lunch.
While in the store, I heard a man say, "Nice hat."
Being the guy wearing the colors of an out-of-town team with a large front-running following, I can never tell if such a greeting is sincere or sarcastic.
"Thanks," I said, stalling for time to decide his intent.
"Are you a real fan?" he said.
"Yup," I answered. "I grew up in a Yankees house."
That was enough cred for him. He was wearing a Phillies 2008 championship T-shirt, but said he has also liked the Red Sox since watching them lose the 1967 World Series. He's from Philly and said he'd root for the Phillies over the Red Sox when they hook up next month.
It was a nice chat, especially since I usually just shy away from strangers.
By the way, either I missed them after four trips up and down the cracker aisle, or our local Shop-Rite doesn't carry oyster crackers. How could that be?
9th inning: Matty commented about the Phillies proclivity to giving up ninth inning runs. Sure, having a closer with an ERA of 7.24 doesn't help, but the Phillies worst inning the whole year has been the last. Throughout baseball, the 9th inning is the frame in which teams give up the fewest runs. I blame Brad Lidge's struggles, but this stat is further proof of the obvious: The Phillies need to be up big before the 9th inning to win in the playoffs. (Incidentally, the Phillies best inning is the 7th; baseball's worst is the 6th.)
Tonight's games: The Phillies are off, so Tyler Walker probably won't be "sweating like a hostage." But I'd bet on that happening tomorrow as the Phils have a twin bill in Miami.
The Red Sox are playing the Royals in the central time zone. They're up 8-5 in the 6th on another three-run homer by Jason Bay.
Tim Wakefield gave up a run before he gave up a hit. He's pitching like a guy with questionable leg strength: five runs (four earned) on five hits and SEVEN walks through five innings. The Red Sox twice had the lead up to six runs, but it's now it's down to three. Wake's thrown 104 pitches through five, so I think he's done for the night.
Hopefully, we hold and continue the march to New York.
While in the store, I heard a man say, "Nice hat."
Being the guy wearing the colors of an out-of-town team with a large front-running following, I can never tell if such a greeting is sincere or sarcastic.
"Thanks," I said, stalling for time to decide his intent.
"Are you a real fan?" he said.
"Yup," I answered. "I grew up in a Yankees house."
That was enough cred for him. He was wearing a Phillies 2008 championship T-shirt, but said he has also liked the Red Sox since watching them lose the 1967 World Series. He's from Philly and said he'd root for the Phillies over the Red Sox when they hook up next month.
It was a nice chat, especially since I usually just shy away from strangers.
By the way, either I missed them after four trips up and down the cracker aisle, or our local Shop-Rite doesn't carry oyster crackers. How could that be?
9th inning: Matty commented about the Phillies proclivity to giving up ninth inning runs. Sure, having a closer with an ERA of 7.24 doesn't help, but the Phillies worst inning the whole year has been the last. Throughout baseball, the 9th inning is the frame in which teams give up the fewest runs. I blame Brad Lidge's struggles, but this stat is further proof of the obvious: The Phillies need to be up big before the 9th inning to win in the playoffs. (Incidentally, the Phillies best inning is the 7th; baseball's worst is the 6th.)
Tonight's games: The Phillies are off, so Tyler Walker probably won't be "sweating like a hostage." But I'd bet on that happening tomorrow as the Phils have a twin bill in Miami.
The Red Sox are playing the Royals in the central time zone. They're up 8-5 in the 6th on another three-run homer by Jason Bay.
Tim Wakefield gave up a run before he gave up a hit. He's pitching like a guy with questionable leg strength: five runs (four earned) on five hits and SEVEN walks through five innings. The Red Sox twice had the lead up to six runs, but it's now it's down to three. Wake's thrown 104 pitches through five, so I think he's done for the night.
Hopefully, we hold and continue the march to New York.
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 15, 2009
Unsung Phillie of the year
On Sunday, Christine approached me and said in a pensive tone, "Do you remember how last year I declared Jayson Werth the Phillies unsung player of the year? Well, this year it's Tyler Walker."
That thought was lost amid my lawn mowing, bike riding and other things to do that day. Sure enough, Scott Lauber later piped in:
I swear Christine said it first.
Today, the Daily News featured him and how the closest he's come to pitching in the playoffs was 2004 when his Giants were eliminated on the last day of the season by Werth and the Dodgers.
This year, he's arguably been the Phillies best reliever. Entering tonight, he has pitched 27 innings in 23 games, giving up just five runs on six walks and 18 hits with 19 strikeouts. His ERA is 1.67, WHIP is 0.89 and K/9 is 6.3.
I don't think he has to worry about missing out on the playoffs this year - not that he's thinking about it:
I know. I just jinxed a broken arm on him or something.
Tonight's tilts: Daisuke Matsuzaka, making a last-minute push to be the Red Sox unsung hero after nearly sabotaging the season in pursuit of the stupid World Baseball Classic championship, took a no-hitter into the 5th inning. In a playoff preview against the Angels, Dice went six shutout innings, giving up three hits and three walks with five strikeouts. Best of all, he was uncharacteristically economical: 93 pitches.
In the 8th, Red Sox 2, Angels 0.
The Phillies lead the Nationals 5-0 in the 8th. Cliff Lee's struggles may be over: seven shutout innings with four hits and three walks.
Tonight's trivia: Who was the last Phillie to win the Paul Owens Award (best Phillies minor leaguer) while playing third base? Christine shot down my guess - Chase Utley. I was correct. {I didn't think he played that many games at third base because the experiment was such a bust. But he played 123 games there in 2002.}
That thought was lost amid my lawn mowing, bike riding and other things to do that day. Sure enough, Scott Lauber later piped in:
–Unheralded reliever Tyler Walker notched the last two outs of the eighth inning, extending his scoreless streak to a career-high 14 innings.
I swear Christine said it first.
Today, the Daily News featured him and how the closest he's come to pitching in the playoffs was 2004 when his Giants were eliminated on the last day of the season by Werth and the Dodgers.
This year, he's arguably been the Phillies best reliever. Entering tonight, he has pitched 27 innings in 23 games, giving up just five runs on six walks and 18 hits with 19 strikeouts. His ERA is 1.67, WHIP is 0.89 and K/9 is 6.3.
I don't think he has to worry about missing out on the playoffs this year - not that he's thinking about it:
"My focus has to remain really singular," Walker said. "I know it is trite and mundane, but I really have to worry about the Nationals on Tuesday. If you get ahead of yourself in this game, somebody is there to kick you right in your stomach."
I know. I just jinxed a broken arm on him or something.
Tonight's tilts: Daisuke Matsuzaka, making a last-minute push to be the Red Sox unsung hero after nearly sabotaging the season in pursuit of the stupid World Baseball Classic championship, took a no-hitter into the 5th inning. In a playoff preview against the Angels, Dice went six shutout innings, giving up three hits and three walks with five strikeouts. Best of all, he was uncharacteristically economical: 93 pitches.
In the 8th, Red Sox 2, Angels 0.
The Phillies lead the Nationals 5-0 in the 8th. Cliff Lee's struggles may be over: seven shutout innings with four hits and three walks.
Tonight's trivia: Who was the last Phillie to win the Paul Owens Award (best Phillies minor leaguer) while playing third base? Christine shot down my guess - Chase Utley. I was correct. {I didn't think he played that many games at third base because the experiment was such a bust. But he played 123 games there in 2002.}
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)