PHILLIES NEWS

Today (Sunday) was a day to remember for the Phillies and their fans and not just because of what happened on the field. The Phils played a day-night doubleheader with the Marlins today, with the 1st game beginning at 1:30 and the 2nd game beginning at 7:35. In the 1st game Randy Wolf, yes that Randy Wolf made his 1st start for the Phillies since last July, he only lasted 4 and 1/3rd innings but it was more than enough for the Phillies, as he only gave up 3 runs on 3 hits, not bad for his 1st day back. By the same token Marlin's starter Anibel Sanchez lasted just 4 and 1/3rd innings himself, but he gave up 8 runs, as the Phillies led by Mike Lieberthal's Grand Slam and 5 RBIs, Chase Utley's 2 hit day, extending his streak to 30, and Ryan Howard's amazing 5 walks and 2 runs scored, routed the Marlins 11-5. In the 2nd game Ryan Madson started for the Phillies and turned in a sparkling performance going 6 innings and giving up just 2 runs on 8 hits. The Phils offense meanwhile once again punished Marlin's starter Brian Moehler, who lasted just 5 and 1/3rd innings and gave up 5 runs on 4 hits, as the Phils, led by a 2-run homer by Ryan Howard (his 35th), and solo homers by run Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell, and Chase Utley(extending his streak to 31 games) once again routed the Marlins, this time 9-2. Now, despite this sweep of the doubleheader, and their impressive play all day long, the biggest news concerning the Phillies today actually happened off the field. Shortly, after their easy win in the 1st game of the doubleheader , The Phillies and GM Pat Gillick held a press conference to announce that they had made a team altering trade. Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle, went to the Yankees for 4 minor league prospects, Left-handed pitcher Matt Smith, shortstop C.J Henry, the Yankees 1st pick in the 2005 draft, catcher Jesus Sanchez, and right handed pitcher Carlos Monasterios. Also sweetening the deal, the Yankees agreed to assume the contracts, of Lidle and Abreu, meaning the Phillies won't have to pay them off. Now, with Abreu and Lidle gone and nothing but prospects in return, the Phillies were left with a couples holes on their roster, and to fill those holes they recalled both pitcher Scott Mathieson, and OF Micheal Bourn from AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre. Obviously, Mathieson will fill Lidle's spot in the rotation for the time being, but it is not clear who will replace Abreu, it would seem for the most part that David Dellucci will be the man in right, but Shane Victorino, and Bourn are also expected to get some time in right. Also in other news today, the Phillies designated Ryan Franklin for assignment, to make room on the roster for Randy Wolf, whom I mentioned finally returned to action today. They can now either, trade him, release him, or send him to the minors, and it is expected that they will trade him. Well, happy trails everyone.