The Phils completed their series with the Nationals tonight, as they looked to get the sweep. Cole Hamels got the start and was untouchable again allowing just 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 10 in 8 brilliant innings. Meanwhile the Phils lineup had another slow night. It took them to the 5th inning to get on the board with an RBI double by Jimmy Rollins. In the 6th inning Carlos Ruiz worked a bases loaded walk and Hamels himself slapped an RBI single to put the Phils up 3-0. Finally in the 7th 2 wild pitches allowed Chase Utley to manufacture a 4th run. Thus, heading into the 9th inning the Phils lead 4-1. Brad Lidge then came in to get the save in the 9th and he managed to get the job done despite allowing yet another run, to give the Phils their 5th straight win. How well is Hamels pitching now? He's like a totally different guy out there all of a sudden. Maybe all he needed was for it to be fall again. That it when he is usually at his best after all. So anyway the Phils move to 85-60 overall now and still 7.5 games up in the NL East.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Nationals tonight as Joe Blanton took the mound looking to redeem himself after a subpar showing in his last outing. He did that and more tossing 6 scoreless innings while striking out 7 on just 5 hits. Meanwhile, the Phils used some clutch play to put up 6 runs over the 1st 7 innings. In the 1st, with 2 on and 2 out, a double steal got the Phils their 1st run, with a successful steal of 2nd base by Ryan Howard opening the door for Chase Utley to steal home. An error by Ian Desmond allowed Raul Ibanez to score the Phils 2nd run of the night in the 6th inning. Finally in the 7th inning after Ibanez toughed out a 9 pitch walk to load the bases, Jayson Werth broke the game wide open with a grand slam. Just like that it was 6-0 Phils. They still needed another 6 outs though. Ryan Madson and Tyler Walker combined to get them and hold off Washington 6-1. Ryan Howard now has 7 stolen bases this season. Who would have even dreamed that a year ago. Werth's homer was his 34th of the season. He might just hit 40 which would be rarified air for a Phillies player. Only 6 Phils have ever hit 40 homers in a season, Chuck Klein, Cy Williams, Ryan Howard, Jim Thome, Dick Allen and of course Mike Schmidt. The only bad news for the Phils tonight is that stud reliever Chan Ho Park badly injured his hamstring while pitching in the 7th inning tonight. Fortunately J.C Romero is back with the Phils again after a stint on the DL and Clay Condrey looks to be back from his time on the DL shortly. So they can get by right now without Park, but it will be a huge blow if it turns out that Park is done for the season. Anyway so the Phls move to 86-40 overall now and remain 7 games up in the NL East.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils welcomed the Nationals to the Bank tonight to begin a new series. Cliff Lee got the start and after 2 less than Cliff Lee outings, he was magnificent again tonight, tossing a 6 hit complete game shutout while striking out 9. Meanwhile, the Phils racked up 5 runs in the 1st 2 innings for an early lead they would never relinquish. In the 1st, Chase Utley slapped an RBI single. In the 2nd, Carlos Ruiz lined a 3 run double into the gap, and Jimmy Rollins slapped an RBI single for a 5-0 lead. Thanks to Lee that's how it ended. It was fantastic to see Lee acting like a big game pitcher again. Hopefully he'll now carry what he did tonight into the rest of the season because the Phils are going to need to keep pitching well like this. The Phils have now won 3 games in a row at just right time, as the Florida Marlins, 2nd in the NL East, dropped 3 in a row. So at 83-60 overall the Phils now lead the NL East by 7 games. That's pretty sweet if you ask me.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles continued their wheeling and dealing today amidst some bad news. First the bad news is that once again Offensive lineman Shawn Andrews is done for the season thanks to the back injury he suffered during training camp. As of yet the Birds have not added another lineman to the roster to fill his spot. However, they have released WR Hank Baskett to open up the roster space needed to add another lineman. The speculation was that of the Eagles 7 recievers, Reggie Brown was the most vulnerable to being released by the team. Instead it is Baskett who gets the old heave ho. Anyway now that he is gone this means there is room for the Birds to bring back Jon Runyan to fill in gap left by Andrew's loss.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers have made another interesting offseason move, reacquiring ex first round draft pick Rodney Carney to add depth to their bench. A light's out 3 point shooter at times, Carney is a solid addition to this team. It will be interesting to see what he can bring to the table now after being away from the Sixers for a bit.
Monday, September 14, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils are off today so it is time to continue the countdown of the Phils 25 most memorable player knicknames No.s 10 - 6.
10. "Big Ed" aka OF Ed Delahanty.
The Phils first star player and Baseball's first great power hitter, is arguably the Phils all-time greatest hitter. In fact from 1888 to 1903 he was arguably the best hitter in baseball, batting .400 or better 3 times, slamming 10 or more homers in the dead-ball era, 3 times, Topping 120 RBIs 4 times, and racking up 200 or more hits 3 times. His .410 batting average in 1899 is the still the highest single season mark in Phils history. He was the first Philto hit 4 homers in a game in which the Phils took the loss of course. He was also just the 2nd Phil to be inducted into the hall of fame(Grover Cleveland Alexander was the first) So why isn't he remembered more by the Phils as an all-time great. Is it just because he played so long ago? Perhaps, but the real reason is the mystery behind his sudden death in 1903, a death that robbed him of the ability to put up lasting career numbers. No one really knows what happened on that cold night in Niagara Falls NY, after a drunk Delahanty was kicked off the train crossing the bridge over the falls. At some point Delahanty decided to traverse the bridge on foot, and either plummeted to his death in a druken stupor or threw himself off the bridge in a fit of suicidal rage. Ethier way he was never seen again and his body was found the next day, cutting short a great baseball career. Oh and Ed's nickname came from the fact that at 6-1 170 LBs he was a godzilla of a man in his day. With 101 homers in the deadball era he must have been Godzilla.
9. "Puddin Head" aka 3B Willie Jones.
When your teammates don't think too highly of your mental acumen, puddin head is what they call you, as in mush for brains. You get the idea. With 27 errors in 1949, 25 in 1950 and at least 10 or more in 10 consecutive seasons from 1949-1958 it's no wonder Jones inherited the knickname for the mentally challenged. Still, he was a pretty good hitter, particularly as the 3B for the whiz kids in 1950. That he year he batted .267 with 25 HRs 88 RBIs, 28 doubles, 163 hits, and 100 runs scored, just good enough for his first all-star game appearance. He had one more good season in 1951, with 22 HRs and 81 RBIs and another all-star game appearance. From them on he toiled in mediocrity for the rest of his career, before chronically sore feet and all those mental mistakes forced him to retire in 1961. Despite the foot pain and the mental challenges, Jones still managed to amass an impressive 190 HRs, 812 RBIs, and 1502 Hits in his career, all near the top of the Phils all-time lists. Plus Puddin Head is just too priceless a nickname to leave off this list.
8. "The Flyin Hawaiian" aka CF Shane Victorino.
Yeah he's Hawaiian but that's not where this nickname comes from. Suffice it to say this guy can flat out fly. Whether it's around the bases or chasing down a fly ball in the outfield, Victorino's speed never fails to impress. Since 2007 only Jimmy Rollins has more stolen bases for the Phils than Victorino's 96 and no one has fewer errors since 2007 then Victorino's 6. He simply tracks down every ball that comes his way and his arm is 2nd to none. At just 5-9 and 160 lbs Victorino is not big in stature by any means, but he has the heart of the champion and you can't measure that. Time and time again it was Victorino who saved his team in 2008. There was the perfect throw off 1 hop to gun down Gregor Blanco at the plate and preserve a win in Atlanta. There was the grand slam off C.C Sabathia in game 2 of the NLDS. There was the leaping 1 handed catch to preserve victory against the Dodgers in game 2 of the NLCS. There was the game tying 2 run homer in game 4 of the NLCS. Finally, there was the go ahead single early in game 5 of the world series. You name it Shane did it for the Phils last season. For that he'll never be forgotten.
7."Mr.September" aka 1B Ryan Howard.
Sometimes one month brings out the best in a player year after year. For Reggie Jackson it was October. For Derek Jeter it was ,for a fleeting moment, November. For Ryan Howard it is unequivocally September. If it's the thick of the playoff race in September and the Phils need a hit, Howard is usually the guy to get it. For his career in September Howard is averaging 11 homers, 26 RBIs, and 26 hits, all impressive numbers for anybody after a long grueling season. Starting in 2005 Howard has simply been the man for the Phils in September. That year compiled 11 homers and 27 RBIs in september. In 2006 he racked up 9 homers and 21 RBIs and went on to win the NL MVP award. In 2007 he smashed 11 homers and knocked in 26 runs. Finally last season Howard took it to a new level with 11 homers and 31 RBIs. It's no wonder that after all those years and all those heroics that his teammates couldn't resist giving Howard the nickname Mr. September. He's earned it.
6."The Bull" aka LF Greg Luzinski.
A key member of the 1980 world champions, Luzinksi is probably responsible for more titanic blasts than any other player in Phils history, even Howard. Like a Bull he put a charge into every ball he hit and the outcome was often a monstrous homerun. 5 times in his career with the Phils he hit 20 homers or more and 3 times with the Phils he knocked in 100 runs or more. Unfortunately with all the power there came a lot of strikeouts as well. In fact Luzinski is still top 5 on the Phils all-time homerun and strikeout lists with 223 and 1098 respectively. The greatest weakness for Luzinski though was always his defense. He didn't have the speed nor the wherewithall to track down most balls, nor the arm strength to throw most runners out. This cost him more than once during big moments and led the Phillies to surprisingly ship him out of town following the 1980 season. In fact many fans were devastated the Phils let him go, proof that sometimes hitting a lot of homers is enough to win the fan base. Say what you want about the defense and the strikeouts, but more than anything else Luzinski will be remembered for the brute strength he so often exhibited and the parabolic blasts he often put on display. No Bull.
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10. "Big Ed" aka OF Ed Delahanty.
The Phils first star player and Baseball's first great power hitter, is arguably the Phils all-time greatest hitter. In fact from 1888 to 1903 he was arguably the best hitter in baseball, batting .400 or better 3 times, slamming 10 or more homers in the dead-ball era, 3 times, Topping 120 RBIs 4 times, and racking up 200 or more hits 3 times. His .410 batting average in 1899 is the still the highest single season mark in Phils history. He was the first Philto hit 4 homers in a game in which the Phils took the loss of course. He was also just the 2nd Phil to be inducted into the hall of fame(Grover Cleveland Alexander was the first) So why isn't he remembered more by the Phils as an all-time great. Is it just because he played so long ago? Perhaps, but the real reason is the mystery behind his sudden death in 1903, a death that robbed him of the ability to put up lasting career numbers. No one really knows what happened on that cold night in Niagara Falls NY, after a drunk Delahanty was kicked off the train crossing the bridge over the falls. At some point Delahanty decided to traverse the bridge on foot, and either plummeted to his death in a druken stupor or threw himself off the bridge in a fit of suicidal rage. Ethier way he was never seen again and his body was found the next day, cutting short a great baseball career. Oh and Ed's nickname came from the fact that at 6-1 170 LBs he was a godzilla of a man in his day. With 101 homers in the deadball era he must have been Godzilla.
9. "Puddin Head" aka 3B Willie Jones.
When your teammates don't think too highly of your mental acumen, puddin head is what they call you, as in mush for brains. You get the idea. With 27 errors in 1949, 25 in 1950 and at least 10 or more in 10 consecutive seasons from 1949-1958 it's no wonder Jones inherited the knickname for the mentally challenged. Still, he was a pretty good hitter, particularly as the 3B for the whiz kids in 1950. That he year he batted .267 with 25 HRs 88 RBIs, 28 doubles, 163 hits, and 100 runs scored, just good enough for his first all-star game appearance. He had one more good season in 1951, with 22 HRs and 81 RBIs and another all-star game appearance. From them on he toiled in mediocrity for the rest of his career, before chronically sore feet and all those mental mistakes forced him to retire in 1961. Despite the foot pain and the mental challenges, Jones still managed to amass an impressive 190 HRs, 812 RBIs, and 1502 Hits in his career, all near the top of the Phils all-time lists. Plus Puddin Head is just too priceless a nickname to leave off this list.
8. "The Flyin Hawaiian" aka CF Shane Victorino.
Yeah he's Hawaiian but that's not where this nickname comes from. Suffice it to say this guy can flat out fly. Whether it's around the bases or chasing down a fly ball in the outfield, Victorino's speed never fails to impress. Since 2007 only Jimmy Rollins has more stolen bases for the Phils than Victorino's 96 and no one has fewer errors since 2007 then Victorino's 6. He simply tracks down every ball that comes his way and his arm is 2nd to none. At just 5-9 and 160 lbs Victorino is not big in stature by any means, but he has the heart of the champion and you can't measure that. Time and time again it was Victorino who saved his team in 2008. There was the perfect throw off 1 hop to gun down Gregor Blanco at the plate and preserve a win in Atlanta. There was the grand slam off C.C Sabathia in game 2 of the NLDS. There was the leaping 1 handed catch to preserve victory against the Dodgers in game 2 of the NLCS. There was the game tying 2 run homer in game 4 of the NLCS. Finally, there was the go ahead single early in game 5 of the world series. You name it Shane did it for the Phils last season. For that he'll never be forgotten.
7."Mr.September" aka 1B Ryan Howard.
Sometimes one month brings out the best in a player year after year. For Reggie Jackson it was October. For Derek Jeter it was ,for a fleeting moment, November. For Ryan Howard it is unequivocally September. If it's the thick of the playoff race in September and the Phils need a hit, Howard is usually the guy to get it. For his career in September Howard is averaging 11 homers, 26 RBIs, and 26 hits, all impressive numbers for anybody after a long grueling season. Starting in 2005 Howard has simply been the man for the Phils in September. That year compiled 11 homers and 27 RBIs in september. In 2006 he racked up 9 homers and 21 RBIs and went on to win the NL MVP award. In 2007 he smashed 11 homers and knocked in 26 runs. Finally last season Howard took it to a new level with 11 homers and 31 RBIs. It's no wonder that after all those years and all those heroics that his teammates couldn't resist giving Howard the nickname Mr. September. He's earned it.
6."The Bull" aka LF Greg Luzinski.
A key member of the 1980 world champions, Luzinksi is probably responsible for more titanic blasts than any other player in Phils history, even Howard. Like a Bull he put a charge into every ball he hit and the outcome was often a monstrous homerun. 5 times in his career with the Phils he hit 20 homers or more and 3 times with the Phils he knocked in 100 runs or more. Unfortunately with all the power there came a lot of strikeouts as well. In fact Luzinski is still top 5 on the Phils all-time homerun and strikeout lists with 223 and 1098 respectively. The greatest weakness for Luzinski though was always his defense. He didn't have the speed nor the wherewithall to track down most balls, nor the arm strength to throw most runners out. This cost him more than once during big moments and led the Phillies to surprisingly ship him out of town following the 1980 season. In fact many fans were devastated the Phils let him go, proof that sometimes hitting a lot of homers is enough to win the fan base. Say what you want about the defense and the strikeouts, but more than anything else Luzinski will be remembered for the brute strength he so often exhibited and the parabolic blasts he often put on display. No Bull.
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EAGLES NEWS
Donovan Mcnabb's status for this weekend is still in question but the Eagles aren't taking any chances. They signed Jeff Garcia to a 1 year deal today and for now he is officially Kevin Kolb's backup. Of course with Micheal Vick back in week 3 and Mcnabb possibly healthy by then, if not this week, this could be a short stay for Garcia. The funny thing is that Eagles brought in Garcia only because A.J Feeley was signed by the Carolina Panthers, the same Panthers the Eagles drubbed 38-10 last weekend. If Feeley had still been available he probably would have been back here instead.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles began their regular season this afternoon in Carolina against the Panthers. It was from beginning to end a surprisingly impressive performance by the Birds. The defense in particular was dominant all afternoon. They forced 7 turnovers, sacked the Panther quarterbacks 5 times, and held the Panthers to under 200 yds passing and under 100 yds rushing. It just seemed like everything the Eagles threw at Carolina defensively worked too perfection. Offensively the Birds actually didn't do that much, but they didn't have to, as Victor Abiamiri returned a fumble for a TD and Desean Jackson returned a punt 85 yards for a TD to give the Eagles an early lead. When the Eagles offense did get on the field though it played pretty well, especially the running game which amassed 185 yards and 2 TDs. Donovan Mcnabb himself, didn't do much in this one completing 10 of his 18 passes for just 79 yards and 2 TDs, mostly because the Eagles field position was so good all afternoon. Early on things didn't look good as Carolina drove right down the field and into the end zone for a quick 7-0 lead. It was all Eagles from there. In the 1st quarter David Akers kicked a 49 yd field goal. In the 2nd quarter Abiamiri and Jackon each produced their scores, and Mcnabb fired touchdown passes to Brent Celek and Brian Westbrook late in the first half to give the Eagles a 31-10 halftime lead. Midway through the 3rd quarter Mcnabb put Carolina away for good with a 3yd TD run to push the lead to 38-10 and that's how it ended. Unfortunately, Mcnabb fractured his rib on the play, while fighting to get in the end zone and is now listed as questionable for the Eagles next game next weekend. With no 3rd string QB currently on the roster, the Eagles next week will have no one, unless they bring someone else in, to backup Kevin Kolb should he get the call to duty. So hopefully Mcnabb will be alright to play next week or the Birds will be in a whole host of trouble.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils completed their series with the Mets today with a doublheader. In the first game of the doubleheader Kyle Kendrick got the spot start and pitched surprisingly well allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits in 7 and 1/3rd innings. Meanwhile, the Phils scattered 5 runs over 8 innings, with a RBI double by Ryan Howard in the 1st, a solo homer by Ben Francisco in the 4th, a 2 run homer by "the Flyin Hawaiian", Shane Victorino in the 6th, and an RBI single by Andy Tracy, recently called up from AAA Lehigh, in the 8th inning. Thus the Phils took a 5-2 lead into the 9th inning. Then in came Brad Lidge for the save and again it wasn't pretty but this time he got it done. After allowing 2 runs on 3 hits, Lidge managed to strike out Angel Pagan to at last close out a 5-4 win. In the 2nd game of the doubleheader Pedro Martinez got the start and tossed a gem, going 8 scoreless innings, while allowing just 6 hits and striking out 7. Meanwhile, the Phils managed to get a run in the 1st inning on an RBI single by Chase Utley, but they too could not score after that. Thanks to Pedro they didn't need too. Carlos Ruiz also helped to preserve the 1-0 lead, gunning down Daniel Murphy at 3rd base as he attempted to advance from 2nd on a wild pitch. Then in the 9th in came Ryan Madson to get the save. Once again it wasn't the cleanest save in the world but he got it done. After allowing a 1 out single, Madson struck out Jeff Franceour and allowed Pagan to hit a screaming liner right into the glove of Pedro Feliz to close out the 1-0 win. Considering the Marlins lost this afternoon, it was huge that the Phils were able to sweep this doubleheader. It was a total shock to see Kendrick pitch so well, in what will probably be his last start of the season, assuming J.A Happ comes healthy before the Phils next double header. Still it is comforting to know Kendrick can still get it done. He could be valuable next season. The Phils continued to struggle to score runs on this day. The 5 runs in the first game were fine, but to only score 1 run in the 2nd game against Tim Redding was a bit of a letdown. For whatever Redding has just had the Phils number so far in his career. I am surprised Pedro Martinez was able to go 8 innings tonight. I didn't think he would ever be able, at least not this season, to go any more than 7 innings a start. I guess he has now just about locked up a spot in the Phils rotation for the rest of the season. Anyway so the Phils move to 82-60 overall and now 6.5 games up in the NL East.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Mets this afternoon. Jamie Moyer got another start in place of J.A Happ and after a rough 1st inning, he did his job allowing just 5 runs on 7 hits in 7 innings. Meanwhile, the Phils pounded out 9 runs on 12 hits in that same time frame. Pedro Feliz hit a 2 run homer in the 2nd inning, Chase Utley slammed a solo homer, and Raul Ibanez slugged a 2 run homer in the 3rd inning, Jimmy Rollins slapped an RBI single in the 4th inning, Carlos Ruiz singled in a run, and JRoll Tripled in another run in the 6th inning, and Raul Ibanez lined an RBI single in the 7th inning. Thus, Jamie left after the 7th inning with a 9-5 lead and the Phils seemingly headed to victory, but the bullpen still had to close things out. Unfortunately, on this night they could not. Brett Myers was touched up for 3 runs on 5 hits in the 8th inning, to cut the lead to 9-8 heading into the 9th. There Ryan Madson could not put away another save. Madson got 2 quick outs in the inning with no harm done, but before he could get the 3rd out David Wright had slammed a 2 run homer to put New York ahead 10-9. Madson managed to keep the Mets from doing any further damage from there, but the damage had already been done. The Phils could not mount a comeback in the bottom of the inning, going down in order to finish off another late inning loss. There was plenty to like on this night. Several of the Phils 12 hits on the night generated 2 out RBIs, and produced their best hitting night in a quite some time. Also Moyer toughed out 7 strong innings, which is a good sign considering the Phils may need him quite a few more times during the remainder of the season. In the end though it all came down to the bullpen at the end of the game and they just didn't get the job done. I am not sure what the Phils can really do about it right now. They're just going to have to ride it out and hope it doesn't ruin the season. Anyway so the Phils drop to 80-60 overall now and back down to just 5 games up in the NL East.
Friday, September 11, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils returned to the Bank tonight to begin a series with the Mets. On a wet and dreary night Cole Hamels got the start and toughed out the conditions for 6 and 2/3rd innings, allowing just 1 run on 1 hit while striking out 6. Meanwhile the scrappy Phils touched up Nelson Figueroa for 2 runs on 9 hits,including RBI singles by Jimmy Rollins and Pedro Feliz, in just 5 and 1/3rd innings. Later Carlos Ruiz, with a sac fly in the 7th inning and Chase Utley, with an RBI double in the 8th, each added on to the Phils lead through 8. Brett Myers came in and tossed up another perfect 8th inning to preserve the lead into the 9th inning. Finally, Ryan Madson came in to get the save in the 9th inning. He almost didn't, allowing a run to score and runners on the corners with nobody out, but fortuntely Jimmy Rollins turned a double play at that point to get Madson back on track. Then Madson finished off the Phils 4-2 win by inducing another groundout. Brett Myers has looked surprisingly good since he returned to the Phils earlier this month. He could be a key member of the team down the stretch. After another solid save Ryan Madson seems to be firmly entrenched as the Phils closer for now. The Phils continued to struggle to score runners on this night, stranding 13 of them. They just can't afford to keep doing that every game and expect to waltz into the playoffs. So anyway the Phils move to 80-59 overall now and still 6 games up in the NL East.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils completed their series with the Nationals tonight, looking for the sweep. Joe Blanton got the start and for the first time in a while he really didn't pitch that well, allowing 8 runs on 7 hits in just 4 and 2/3rd's innings. The Phils meanwhile, managed just 2 runs on 6 hits in 7 and 2/3rd's innings against old nemesis Livan Hernandez. Thus, despite a triple by Chase Utley and a sac fly by Ryan Howard in the top of the 1st inning, the Phils found themselves in an 8-2 hole most of the night. The Bullpen again was impressive and would not allow Washington to stretch their lead any further, as Tyler Walker, Chad Durbin, and Brad Lidge, pitched scoreless frames in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings. Still, the Phils trailed 8-2 heading into the 9th inning and things looked pretty grim. They did not go away quietly though. They loaded the bases with 1 out and then Matt Stairs, 0 for his last 30, finally got off the schnide with a grand slam to quickly cut the lead to 8-6. A couple batters later "the Flyin Hawaiian", Shane Victorino slapped an RBI double and suddenly it was down to 8-7. Next Utley singled to move the tying run to 3rd for Ryan Howard. Unfortunately, Howard could only ground into a game ending double play to ruin the comeback bid. At any rate the Phils still win the series which is a positive at least. The negative is Blanton. What happened to him tonight? He's been so consistently good for so long that it was shocking to see him pitch so poorly. Hopefully this will only be a one night thing for him. So anyway the Phils drop to 79-59 overall now, and lead the NL East by just 5 games.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Nationals tonight. Cliff Lee got the start and returned to some semblance of what he had been before his last 2 starts, allowing just 5 runs on 10 hits in 7 nice innings. Meanwhile, the Phils scattered 6 runs over the first 8 innings for a 6-5 lead. In the top of the 2nd, Jayson Werth and Lee himself singled in runs and a fielder's choice produced a 3rd run. In the top of the 5th Ibanez slapped an RBI double for run number 4. Finally in the top of the 8th Werth and Pedro Feliz slammed back to back homers to push the Phils ahead seemingly for good 6-4. Chan Ho Park got through the bottom of the 8th with the lead still intact barely, at 6-5. This time Ryan Madson came in for the save in the 9th inning and got the job done again with a strikeout and a double play. So from a 4 game losing streak the Phils have won 2 in a row just like that. It really does look like Raul Ibanez is back in fine form with 2 hits and an RBI tonight. It does seem as though Ryan Madson is ready to take over as the Phils closer finally. However, Charlie Manuel says Madson will only share closing duties with Brad Lidge at this point so we'll see. At any rate you just have to hope the Phils can keep this going as they move to 79-58 overall now and remain 6 games up in the NL East.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils traveled to Washington tonight to begin a series with the lowly Nationals, the perfect team against which to end their current 4 game losing streak. However, the Nationals fought hard as usual and that expected end to the losing streak almost had to wait a night. Pedro Martinez got the start and performed admirably, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits in 6 and 2/3rd's innings. Meanwhile, the Phils crushed 5 homers, 4 of them off Washington's starter John Lannan. First Raul Ibanez slugged a solo homer in the top of the 5th inning. Next Jayson Werth slammed a solo homer, Ibanez smashed his 2nd, and Carlos Ruiz destroyed a solo homer, in the top of the 7th. Finally in the top of the 8th Chase Utley tomahawked a solo homer into the upper deck to put the Phils ahead 5-3. Brett Myers again pitched a scoreless 8th inning and then in came Brad Lidge to get the save. Lidge got 1 out and then loaded the bases. That was enough for Charlie Manuel who promptly pulled Lidge from the game in favor of Ryan Madson. Madson thankfully struck out Ryan Zimmerman and got Adam Dunn to ground out from there to preserve the 5-3 win. Now does this mean Madson will be the closer now? According to Charlie Manuel it does not. At least not yet anyway. I guess we'll see. With his 2 homers tonight Ibanez now has 30 on the season, as does Chase Utley now with his homer tonight. That gives the Phils 3 lefthanded hitters with 30 homers(Ryan Howard is the other), making them the first team to put together such a roster of sluggers in quite some time. With Jayson Werth at 32 homers now the Phils also have 4 hitters with 30 homers for the 1st time in their history. The last team to have 4 hitters with 30 homers or more was the White Sox in 2006. So the Phils made some good history tonight and you just have to hope they continue to play well like this and take care of the Nationals. Anyway so the Phils now move to 78-58 overall and remain 6 games up in the NL East.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles made another interesting move today releasing TE Tony Curtis and acquiring free agent TE Alex Smith, formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So it will be Smith who backs up Brent Celek this season and not Curtis. The Buccaneers played a west coast style offense when Smith was there and Apparently the Eagles think he'll be able to fit in to their offense more easily than Curtis would have. Much was expected of Smith when Tampa Bay drafted him 4 years ago. So far he has not lived up to his potential but perhaps with Eagles in a familiar offense and with no pressure on him, he'll finally start to show what he is capable of. At any rate he at least provides a little more size than Curtis, so perhaps if nothing else he can be a pretty good blocker.
Monday, September 07, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils completed their series with the Astros tonight and the script was all too familiar. Jamie Moyer got the start in place of J.A Happ, who is hopefully not injured too seriously, and toughed out 6 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out 4, which is a lot for Moyer. Meanwhile, Ryan Howard slapped an RBI single in the top of the 1st, and slugged a solo homer in the top of the 4th, and Raul Ibanez slammed a solo homer in that same inning to put the Phils ahead 3-2 through 6. Unfortunately Chan Ho Park couldn't hold the lead in the bottom of the 7th allowing a Hunter Pence RBI double, and a bases loaded walk to Micheal Bourn. Once again the after that the Phils could not mount a late rally.Howard did lead off the top of the 8th with a single but he was stranded and the Phils never managed to get another man on base to lose 4-3. On a positive note Brett Myers did pitch another scoreless 8th inning, so he is looking pretty good. It was good to see Ibanez hit that homerun. He hit just 1 in the entire month of August and now that is his first in September. Hopefully this is a sign that he is finally coming out of the slump he's been for the last month or so. The Phils could really use a sweet hitting Ibanez to get them going again. So anyway the Phils drop to 77-58 overall and now down to 6 games up in the NL East.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Astros this afternoon. Cole Hamels got the start and pitched pretty well for a while before the Stros touched him up for 4 runs on 8 hits in 6 innings. Meanwhile, the Phils continued to struggle to score runs. Jimmy Rollins hit a leadoff homer in the top of the 1st, Ben Francisco slugged a solo shot in the top of the 4th, and Jayson Werth tomahawked a solo homer into the seats in the top of the 8th to cut it to 4-3, but that was it for the Phils on this day. Jimmy Rollins had a chance to save the day in the top of the 9th, but he popped up with 1 on and 2 out to end it. The Phils hitting was much improved again with 9 total hits and with everyone in the starting lineup except Pedro Feliz registering at least 1 hit. They just couldn't put the hits together at the right times. So they're not far off they just have to figure out how to string together some hits for a change instead of spreading them out and they'll be fine. Yes the bullpen performed well again, as Chad Durbin did all the work himself this time, with scoreless innings in the 7th and 8th. Fortunately for the Phils the Marlins lost today as well in Washington, as the Nationals held them off with a walkoff homer. So the Phils stay 6.5 games up despite dropping to 77-57 overall.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles surprisingly released A.J Feeley today, leaving them for the moment with just 2 active Quarterbacks. To take the spot vacated by Feeley the Eagles acquired 6-3 222 LB rookie DT Antonio Dixon off waivers from the Redskins. Dixon will obviously just be defensive line more depth for the Birds, particularly against the rush where they were going to be a little thin without superb run stuffing MLB Stewart Bradley for the rest of the season. So I guess Dixon is good pickup. I just really thought the Eagles would at least trade Feeley for some defensive line help, rather than just releasing him.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Astros tonight. Joe Blanton got the start and was decent allowing 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 5 in 6 innings. Roy Oswalt was just that much better for Houston allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits while striking out 8 in 6 and 1/3rd innings. Thus despite back to back RBI singles in the 7th by Ben Francisco and Carlos Ruiz, the Phils trailed 3-2 through 7 innings. Then in the top of the 8th Ryan Howard tripled in one run and scored on a single by Pedro Feliz to put the Phils ahead 4-3. Thanks to Brett Myers impressively getting through the bottom of the 8th in his long awaited return, the Phils took that lead into the 9th. There Brad Lidge came in for the save and after a one quick out he suddenly lost control of his slider, loading the bases. Next he got ex Phillie Micheal Bourn to ground into a fielder's choice for the 2nd out, but there was no way they were going to double up Bourn, leaving the bases loaded for Kaz Matsui. After a long at bat and the with the count full, Matsui lined a Lidge fastball just past Jimmy Rollins for a game winning RBI single, giving Lidge his 10th blown save of the season and the Stros a 4-3 win. This may be it now for Brad Lidge. There is still time for him to get his act together but I am not sure the Phils can afford to wait any longer. I am not sure Myers is quite ready to replace him yet but he may have to be soon. It was a great night for Miguel Cairo who filled in for Chase Utley at the 2nd base, and racked up 2 hits and an RBI and made a great tag of Lance Berkman as he attempted to steal 2nd in the 8th inning. So anyway the Phils drop to 77-56 overall and now lead the NL East by just 6.5 games.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles made their final roster cuts today and there were a few interesting final cuts. RB Eldra Buckley made the team, beating out Lorenzo Booker for the 3rd and final slot at running back. WR Brandon Gibson did make the team as did perhaps a bit surprisingly Reggie Brown. It is possible though that he is just trade bait. A.J Feeley remains on the roster as the 3rd string QB for now, as Micheal Vick is not permitted to play until week 3 and didn't yet look like he was ready to play QB again during the preseason. Feeley too could be trade bait. Since he won't play until week 3 Vick was put on exempt status meaning he is not allowed to practice with the team until he is added to the active roster. In the meantime a roster spot will left open for him. Tony Curtis did make the team and will be Brent Celek's backup and apparently only backup, as Matt Schobel was cut from the team, and rookie tight end Rob Myers will probably be added to the practice squad. The last defensive lineman to make the team was not surprisingly Jason Babin, leaving Dan Klecko and Bryan Smith out in the cold. The draft pick Moise Fokou did make the team as well as one the final linebackers to make the squad, along with Tracy white. Lastly in perhaps the biggest surprise Dmitri Patterson took the last CB spot ahead last year's draft pick Jack Ikegwuono. Patterson got the spot thanks to his superb special teams skills. Ikegwuono will also probably be on the practice squad and perhaps next year with his knee one year healthier he'll make the team.
Friday, September 04, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils traveled to Houston tonight to begin a weekend series. Cliff Lee got the start and was roughed up again allowing 6 runs on 9 hits in just 3 innings of work. Meanwhile, for the 2nd time in 3 games the Phils were shutout. This time it was Houston's Wandy Rodriguez who shut down the Phils allowing just 7 hits while striking out 7 in 7 scoreless innings. Still, as he tough as he was, the Phils had their chances against Rodriguez tonight, with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 2 out in the 3rd, and the bases loaded with only 1 out in the 7th inning. They simply didn't take advantage of them. Oh yeah and once again the bullpen performed pretty well, as Jamie Moyer, Tyler Walker, and Jack Taschner combined to allow just 1 run on 3 hits in the final 5 innings. As for Lee I don't know what to say. He did get a bit unlucky early on with some weak hits dribbling through the holes in the infield or flying just over the infield, but he just really didn't pitch well again. He just didn't hit his spots. Perhaps most embarrassingly for Lee was that in the 2nd inning, it was Rodriguez himself who provided the big blow for Houston with a bases loaded double. Going back to the lineup the Phils actually didn't hit that poorly on the night with 8 hits alltogether and with everyone in lineup except Ryan Howard and Pedro Feliz, accumulating at least 1 hit. They just couldn't get the hits when they needed them. Anyway so the Phils drop to 77-55 overall and now back down to 7.5 games up in the NL East.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils completed their series with the Giants tonight. Pedro Martinez got the start against reigning NL Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum and surprisingly Pedro outdueled him, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 9 in 7 innings. Meanwhile, Jayson Werth crushed a monster 425 ft home run in the bottom of the 2nd, and Ryan Howard slapped an RBI double in the bottom of the 6th, to lift the Phils to a 2-1 lead through 7. Ryan Madson pitched a scoreless 8th inning and Brad Lidge came in and the got the save in the 9th, forcing a groundout with 2 on and 2 out. So it seems Pedro may be in the rotation to stay but I think still he'll need to make 1 more start like that to lock up his rotation spot for good. I hesitate to say it for fear of jinxing him, but it seems Brad Lidge has finally turned the corner and gotten back at least somewhat to the guy he was last season. Hopefully he'll keep it up the rest of the season. Werth's homer today was his 30th of the season, giving him 30 homers and 80 RBIs so far this season. What an effort from a guy whose best season before now was the 24 homers he jacked last season. How good do the Phils look now for giving him another chance to play regularly in the big leagues after the Dodgers had given up on him? Over the last 3 games the Phils have scored a total of 3 runs, and yet they managed to take 2 of 3 from the Giants. That is just incredible and is something that has not happened for the Phils since 1963. Still, you would rather see them score more runs, because 3 runs in 3 games won't work all the time. Anyway so the Phils move to 77-54 overall and now 8.5 games up in the NL East.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles played their final preseason game tonight in New York against the Jets. They nearly put together another late rally for the win, before a 73 yd TD pass from Erik Ainge to David Clowney sealed a 38-27 win for the Jets. This week especially, with nothing but backups in the game, that outcome obviously doesn't matter. So let's talk about what does. Kevin Kolb got the start at QB and looked pretty good completing 8 0f 16 passes for 110 yards and a TD. Micheal Vick was the 2nd string QB for the night and came in a few times to run the ball while Kolb was in the game. As a QB Vick completed 7 of 11 passes for 26 yards, and as a rusher, he carried the ball 7 times for 35 yards and a TD. Lesean McCoy looked pretty good again with another rushing TD. running back Eldra Buckley had another solid night with 33 rushing yards, a 1st down reception and a tackle special teams. You have to believe he's going to make the team. Newly signed tight end Tony Curtis had 4 catches for 40 yards and I suppose there is a chance he could be Brent Celek's backup, especially since he is considered to be a very good blocker. Finally Brandon Gibson had another solid performance with 4 catches for a team leading 45 yards. I would be shocked if he doesn't make the team. As for the defense there's not much talk about there either. Jason Babin registered the Eagles only sack of the night. Moise Fokou led the way again with 7 tackles and Victor "Macho" Harris was a close 2nd with 3 tackles. Also Jack Ikegwuono got an interception and returned it 22 yards to set up an Eagles score.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Giants tonight. J.A Happ got the start and pitched well, allowing just 4 runs on 6 hits while striking out 7 in 6 innings of work. Unfortunately, the Phils could give him no run support at all, as Brad Penny, in his 1st start with the Giants, tossed 8 scoreless innings, and for the night the Phils were shutout on just 5 hits. They had their opportunities to score with Jimmy Rollins leading off the 4th inning with a single, Ryan Howard singling and Jayson Werth walking to lead off the 5th, JRoll singling with one out in the 6th, and finally Carlos Ruiz singling with 1 out in the 8th inning. Each time though the Phils just couldn't take advantage. Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez, and Pedro Feliz were all hitless on the night and you just aren't going to win much when that happens. The bullpen looked good for the Phils tonight at least, as Chad Durbin, Jack Taschner(recently called back up to the big club while Kyle Kendrick was sent back down), and Tyler Walker combined for 3 scoreless innings. Sure they went for naught, but they were nice to see nonetheless. Anyway so the Phils drop to 76-54 overall now, but remain 7.5 games up in the NL East.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils welcomed the San Francisco Giants to the bank tonight for a 3 game series. Cole Hamels got the start tonight and out dueled San Fran's Jonathan Sanchez, tossing a complete game shutout, while allowing just 2 hits and striking out 9. Meanwhile Ryan Howard slapped an RBI double in the bottom of the 4th to put the Phils ahead 1-0 and that's how it ended. I thought Cole's last start was one of his best of the season but this was even better. He just kept the Giant's hitters ,who aren't that great to begin with, completely off balance all night. This was the Cole that showed up in the playoffs last season and you can only hope he sticks around for another couple of months. I don't know what it is about the month of September but it always seems to bring the best out of Cole and Ryan Howard, aka "Mr.September" for that matter. A lot was made of this game possibly being a playoff preview with the Phils leading the NL East and the Giants tied for the wildcard lead. If that is case and the Phils and Giants do meet in the playoffs I like our chances a lot more now. Anyway so the Phils move to 76-53 overall now and 7.5 games up in the NL East.
Monday, August 31, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils are off today so it is time to continue our list of the top 25 most memorable player nicknames, No.s 15-11.
15. "Mr.T" aka P Al Holland.
Yet another scary Phils closer who left town too soon. Let's just say you pitied the fool who had to face Holland at the end of a game. He was as sure a thing at the end of games for the wheez kids in 1983 as Brad Lidge was last season. That year as the Phils closer he went 8-4, with 25 saves, a 2.26 ERA and 100 strikeouts. Hitters that year hit just .188 against him. He was so good that he received both Cy Young and MVP votes. Then he carried it into the playoffs, getting the save in game 1 and closing out the decisive game 4 of the NLCS. He then got the save in game 1 of the world series, and tossed 2 scoreless innings to finish game 3 but it wasn't enough to lift the Phils to a title. Incredibly in the playoffs Holland appeared in 4 games without allowing a single run for a combined postseason ERA of 0.00. After that he had one more glorious season in red pinstripes in 1984, reaching his first all star games, and saving 29 games, but his ERA went up to 3.39, his strikeouts dropped to 61, and he was gone after just 3 appearances with the Phils in 1985. Ironically like Steve Bedrosian after him, he was never as good after the leaving the Phils as he had been with them. Ultimately, he goes down as perhaps the nastiest closer in Phils history.
14. "Chooch" aka C Carlos Ruiz.
Ruiz was given this nickname by teammates reportedly due to his apparent striking resemblance to Cheech marin, the Cheech of the famed 70s and 80s comic duo, Cheech and Chong. While no one can vouch for whether or not Ruiz is regularly in possession of any suspicious and perhaps illegal substances, or that he is under the influence of any while on the field, if he is he's sure fooled a lot of people. While, not greatest hitter in the world, he always seems to be that guy who gets the hits when it matters most. Take your pick. There's the solo homer and the game winning dribbler in game 3 of the 2008 World Series, there's the 5 hits and 2 RBIs in the 2008 NLCS and 6 hits and 3 RBIs in the world series, and heck even the 2 run double last night. In addition no one handles a pitching staff like Ruiz. He also excels in most if not all defensive facets of the game, blocking balls in the dirt, blocking the plate, throwing out basestealers and baserunners, and catching the rare pop fly behind the plate. He earns the respect of fans and teammates the old fashioned way, by the playing the game the way it is supposed to be. You can't argue with the results so far.
13. "JRoll" aka SS Jimmy Rollins
Why is JRoll a fitting nickname? Simple. When he's on a roll so are the Phils. When things are going well for the Phils they aren't said to be rolling, they are said to be Jrolling. At no time was this more evident during the 2007 season when he won the NL MVP While leading the Phils into the playoffs for the first time in 14 years and and rolling, er Jrolling through a season for the ages. All told that he year, using a rare combination of speed, power, and athleticism, he put up 38 doubles, 20 triples, 30 homeruns, and 41 stolen bases, making him just the 2nd man in Major league history and the 1st in NL history to have 20 or more in all 4 categories. He'd already had 10 or more in all 4 categories 4 times but this was a different animal. He also put up a 139 runs scored and 94 RBIs that season just for good measure. Moreover, along with the MVP award he also won the silver slugger and gold glove awards for his position. Somehow despite all that, like Lenny Dykstra in 1993, he was left off the all-star team, a membership he had already enjoyed 4 times in his career. Much was expected of him 2008, but thanks to injuries his numbers dropped. Still he won another gold glove award and was a key cog on the world champions, as his leadoff homer in game 6 of the NLCS sparked the Phils to a pennant clinching victory. As good a hitter as he can be at times he might be even better with the glove. In fact he is arguably the best defensive shortstop in the NL right now. Few make plays look routine as often he does and he rarely misses a game. In fact he played all 162 of them in 2007. For a while it was a struggle for him this season and late in the first half of the season the Phils began to struggle right along with him. Then he caught fire to start the 2nd half, as did the Phils, and together they remain on a Jroll.
12."Hollywood" aka P Cole Hamels
This was one was given to Hamels by teammate Ryan Howard when they were both still in the minors. Howard saw Hamels at the beach with sunglasses on looking all Hollywood, not a surprise considering Hamels is from California. While not the most flattering happenstance from which to create a nickname, the name has stuck with Hamels for a different reason. He simply is Hollywood cool under pressure, particularly when the stakes are the highest. In the 2008 postseason he was a perfect 5-0 with a 1.56 ERA, and 30 strikeouts. He won game 1 in all 3 of the Phils playoff series and copped the NLCS and World Series MVP trophies. He would actually have been 6-0, the first pitcher ever to win 6 times in a single postseason, if game 5 of the world series had not been rain-delayed for 2 days. Still, his performance in the 2008 postseason stands as perhaps the greatest in ML history. However, Hamels has long way to go to surpass the Phils original star Lefty . You know who I am talking about. So far he has to very good seasons to his name, with 15 wins and 177 strikeouts in 2007 and 14 wins and 196 strikeouts in 2008. This season has been tough to watch at times, as he recuperates from going over the 200 inning mark for the 1st time in 2008. At this point he has kept his composure just enough to tough out 7 wins and another 126 strikeouts and he could be well on his way to another masterful postseason.
11."The Bat" aka Pat Burrell
Okay so this one is pretty stupid. This was literally given to Burrell bynhis U of Miami teammates because he was one of the all-time great collegiate hitters and well Bat rhymes with Pat. Still, the Philly fans took to it after a while, and began chanting "Pat the Bat" fairly regularly, sometimes to mock a slumping Burrell and sometimes to cheer on a red hot Burrell with a chance to knock in some runs. With usually about 20 homers and 80 RBIs a season, those runs would often get across the plate. For a while he was looked at as a dissapointment though for the Phils. When they drafted him numer 1 overall in 1998 he was supposed to be the team's next all-time great. He never quite met expectations, with only a .256 career batting average and routinely suspect defense , mostly in left field, a position he was never supposed to play. In fact 3rd base was his natural position but it never materialized, because the Phils already had Scott Rolen at the hot corner, when Burrell was rushed to the bigs in 2000. So he wound up in left field and for a while it worked before leg injuries slowed him down, to the proverbial big bat in lineup, who gets replaced late in games for defense. Still despite his many ups and downs his Bat connected enough times in enough in key spots over the years to turn Burrell into a beloved figure as his tenure here came to close in 2008, but not before his bat connected one more time for a leadoff double in the 7th inning of game 5 of world series, to set up pinch runner Eric Bruntlett to score what would be the winning run in the world series. If not for wind gusting in from left field, it would have been a solo homer and even more unforgettable memory. As is stood, it was Burrell's only hit of the series and biggest of his career. Long live the Bat.
10-6
15. "Mr.T" aka P Al Holland.
Yet another scary Phils closer who left town too soon. Let's just say you pitied the fool who had to face Holland at the end of a game. He was as sure a thing at the end of games for the wheez kids in 1983 as Brad Lidge was last season. That year as the Phils closer he went 8-4, with 25 saves, a 2.26 ERA and 100 strikeouts. Hitters that year hit just .188 against him. He was so good that he received both Cy Young and MVP votes. Then he carried it into the playoffs, getting the save in game 1 and closing out the decisive game 4 of the NLCS. He then got the save in game 1 of the world series, and tossed 2 scoreless innings to finish game 3 but it wasn't enough to lift the Phils to a title. Incredibly in the playoffs Holland appeared in 4 games without allowing a single run for a combined postseason ERA of 0.00. After that he had one more glorious season in red pinstripes in 1984, reaching his first all star games, and saving 29 games, but his ERA went up to 3.39, his strikeouts dropped to 61, and he was gone after just 3 appearances with the Phils in 1985. Ironically like Steve Bedrosian after him, he was never as good after the leaving the Phils as he had been with them. Ultimately, he goes down as perhaps the nastiest closer in Phils history.
14. "Chooch" aka C Carlos Ruiz.
Ruiz was given this nickname by teammates reportedly due to his apparent striking resemblance to Cheech marin, the Cheech of the famed 70s and 80s comic duo, Cheech and Chong. While no one can vouch for whether or not Ruiz is regularly in possession of any suspicious and perhaps illegal substances, or that he is under the influence of any while on the field, if he is he's sure fooled a lot of people. While, not greatest hitter in the world, he always seems to be that guy who gets the hits when it matters most. Take your pick. There's the solo homer and the game winning dribbler in game 3 of the 2008 World Series, there's the 5 hits and 2 RBIs in the 2008 NLCS and 6 hits and 3 RBIs in the world series, and heck even the 2 run double last night. In addition no one handles a pitching staff like Ruiz. He also excels in most if not all defensive facets of the game, blocking balls in the dirt, blocking the plate, throwing out basestealers and baserunners, and catching the rare pop fly behind the plate. He earns the respect of fans and teammates the old fashioned way, by the playing the game the way it is supposed to be. You can't argue with the results so far.
13. "JRoll" aka SS Jimmy Rollins
Why is JRoll a fitting nickname? Simple. When he's on a roll so are the Phils. When things are going well for the Phils they aren't said to be rolling, they are said to be Jrolling. At no time was this more evident during the 2007 season when he won the NL MVP While leading the Phils into the playoffs for the first time in 14 years and and rolling, er Jrolling through a season for the ages. All told that he year, using a rare combination of speed, power, and athleticism, he put up 38 doubles, 20 triples, 30 homeruns, and 41 stolen bases, making him just the 2nd man in Major league history and the 1st in NL history to have 20 or more in all 4 categories. He'd already had 10 or more in all 4 categories 4 times but this was a different animal. He also put up a 139 runs scored and 94 RBIs that season just for good measure. Moreover, along with the MVP award he also won the silver slugger and gold glove awards for his position. Somehow despite all that, like Lenny Dykstra in 1993, he was left off the all-star team, a membership he had already enjoyed 4 times in his career. Much was expected of him 2008, but thanks to injuries his numbers dropped. Still he won another gold glove award and was a key cog on the world champions, as his leadoff homer in game 6 of the NLCS sparked the Phils to a pennant clinching victory. As good a hitter as he can be at times he might be even better with the glove. In fact he is arguably the best defensive shortstop in the NL right now. Few make plays look routine as often he does and he rarely misses a game. In fact he played all 162 of them in 2007. For a while it was a struggle for him this season and late in the first half of the season the Phils began to struggle right along with him. Then he caught fire to start the 2nd half, as did the Phils, and together they remain on a Jroll.
12."Hollywood" aka P Cole Hamels
This was one was given to Hamels by teammate Ryan Howard when they were both still in the minors. Howard saw Hamels at the beach with sunglasses on looking all Hollywood, not a surprise considering Hamels is from California. While not the most flattering happenstance from which to create a nickname, the name has stuck with Hamels for a different reason. He simply is Hollywood cool under pressure, particularly when the stakes are the highest. In the 2008 postseason he was a perfect 5-0 with a 1.56 ERA, and 30 strikeouts. He won game 1 in all 3 of the Phils playoff series and copped the NLCS and World Series MVP trophies. He would actually have been 6-0, the first pitcher ever to win 6 times in a single postseason, if game 5 of the world series had not been rain-delayed for 2 days. Still, his performance in the 2008 postseason stands as perhaps the greatest in ML history. However, Hamels has long way to go to surpass the Phils original star Lefty . You know who I am talking about. So far he has to very good seasons to his name, with 15 wins and 177 strikeouts in 2007 and 14 wins and 196 strikeouts in 2008. This season has been tough to watch at times, as he recuperates from going over the 200 inning mark for the 1st time in 2008. At this point he has kept his composure just enough to tough out 7 wins and another 126 strikeouts and he could be well on his way to another masterful postseason.
11."The Bat" aka Pat Burrell
Okay so this one is pretty stupid. This was literally given to Burrell bynhis U of Miami teammates because he was one of the all-time great collegiate hitters and well Bat rhymes with Pat. Still, the Philly fans took to it after a while, and began chanting "Pat the Bat" fairly regularly, sometimes to mock a slumping Burrell and sometimes to cheer on a red hot Burrell with a chance to knock in some runs. With usually about 20 homers and 80 RBIs a season, those runs would often get across the plate. For a while he was looked at as a dissapointment though for the Phils. When they drafted him numer 1 overall in 1998 he was supposed to be the team's next all-time great. He never quite met expectations, with only a .256 career batting average and routinely suspect defense , mostly in left field, a position he was never supposed to play. In fact 3rd base was his natural position but it never materialized, because the Phils already had Scott Rolen at the hot corner, when Burrell was rushed to the bigs in 2000. So he wound up in left field and for a while it worked before leg injuries slowed him down, to the proverbial big bat in lineup, who gets replaced late in games for defense. Still despite his many ups and downs his Bat connected enough times in enough in key spots over the years to turn Burrell into a beloved figure as his tenure here came to close in 2008, but not before his bat connected one more time for a leadoff double in the 7th inning of game 5 of world series, to set up pinch runner Eric Bruntlett to score what would be the winning run in the world series. If not for wind gusting in from left field, it would have been a solo homer and even more unforgettable memory. As is stood, it was Burrell's only hit of the series and biggest of his career. Long live the Bat.
10-6
Sunday, August 30, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils completed their series with the Braves tonight. Joe Blanton got the start and was brilliant allowing just 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 7 in 7 innings. Meanwhile, Chase Utely slugged a solo homer in the bottom of the 4th, and Carlos Ruiz slapped a 2 run double in the bottom of the 7th to give the Phils a 3-1 lead heading into the 8th inning. There Ryan Madson and Scott Eyre almost combined to give it away. With the score 3-2 and runners on 1st and 2nd, the Braves seemed primed to pull the comeback. Instead off a groundball by Brian Mcann, Jimmy Rollins helped turn a huge double play, with the rare 2nd to short, to 3rd base play and the lead stayed 3-2 heading into the 9th. There, in came Brad Lidge to get the save and he did again, with a perfect 1-2-3 inning. Hopefully this means Lidge is finally headed in the right direction because the Phils are going to need him down the stretch, especially if they keep leaving runners on base like they did tonight. In fact they left the bases loaded just an inning before Ruiz's double. Sure they're not really contact hitting team so that is prone to happen at times, but you just wish it would happen less often. Speaking of Ruiz, he was incredible tonight going 3 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and sparkling defense as always. Anyway so the Phils move to 75-53 overall now and back to 8 games up in the NL East.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with the Braves tonight. Cliff Lee got the start and for the first time as a Phil, he was touched up big time, allowing 6 runs on 10 hits, 3 of them HRs in just 5 innings of work. He simply missed a few of his spots and the Braves jumped all over him. The Phils actually had the early 1-0 lead as Chase Utley slammed a solo homer in the bottom of the 1st, but it was all Atlanta from there. They scored 6 off Lee through 5 innings and then another 3 runs and 2 hits off Chad Durbin in the 6th inning. The Phils blew a couple good opportunities to score runs in the next couple of innings. Finally with the score still 9-1 in the bottom of the 8th a heavy rainstorm suddenly moved in washing out the rest of the night and putting the Phils out of there misery. Sometimes it just isn't your night and tonight just wasn't Cliff Lee's night. You have to Credit the Braves for not backing down after the loss on Friday. They've just been a very resilient team this season. Anyway so the Phils drop to 74-53 overall and now 7 games up in the NL East.
Friday, August 28, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils returned to the Bank tonight on a rain-soaked night to begin a series with the Braves. Thanks to the rain Pedro Martinez was forced to leave another start early, but not before Ryan Howard slammed a solo homer in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Then the rains came. After an hour and 7 minutes, the game resumed only to go back into another delay after the completion of the 2nd inning. After which Pedro was done for the night and Jamie Moyer was in to pick up the pieces for him again. Moyer went 4 and 1/3rd innings, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits. Meanwhile, Howard slammed a 2 run homer in the 4th inning and later in the 7th inning Raul Ibanez tripled and scored to pace the Phils to a 4-1 lead through 7. In the 8th Moyer got the 1st out, and then was replaced by Ryan Madson who preceded to allow a run and 3 hits. Fortunately, he still managed to get the game to the 9th with the score 4-2. There in came Brad Lidge for the save and this time for once he was flawless pitching a perfect 9th to close out the 4-2 win. Lidge really did look as well as he has all season tonight and you can only hope he keeps it up. Apparently he got a hair cut before the game, so maybe the new cut will be his good luck charm the rest of the season. What a night for Ryan Howard. In addition to the 2 homers and 3 RBIs, he also collected a walk and a single. He was just on fire, and is now 3rd in the NL in homers with 37 and 2nd in RBIs with a 111. So anyway the Phils move to 74-52 overall and now 8 games up in the NL East.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils completed their series with the Pirates tonight in yet another close game. J.A Happ got the start and pitched well, allowing just 1 run through the 1st 7 innings. Meanwhile, Ryan Howard hit into a fielder's choice for 1 run in the top of the 1st, and Paul Bako slammed a solo homer in the top of the 2nd, to put the Phils ahead 2-1. It stayed that way until Happ ran out of gas in the 8th inning and served up a 2 run homer to Garret Jones to put Pittsburgh up 3-2. Then in the top of the 9th Bako singled to get the tying run aboard with 1 out, but Matt Stairs struck out and Jimmy Rollins grounded out to end another crushing defeat. Well you can't blame this one on the bullpen, because they never took the field. It was just a case of the Phils not being able to score at PNC park. They really never seem to score too many runs in Pittsburgh for whatever season, and every game of this series was no exception. Fortunately they're headed back to Bank for the weekend so hopefully they'll get back to scoring like they usually do. Anyway so the Phils drop to 73-52 overall but remain 7 games up in the NL East.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles played their 3rd preseason game tonight at the Linc against the Jaguars. Thanks to a David Akers field goal with under 20 seconds to play the Birds pulled out a 33-32 win. Of course that's really not important. The big news tonight was the long awaited debut of Micheal Vick. He didn't play all that much and as excepted was basically inserted into the game for some gadget plays and a few plays at QB. As a QB he completed all 4 of his passes for 19 yds. Running the ball out of the backfield, Vick gained only 1 yard, so the Birds still need to firm up exactly how they're going to use him in games and they probably still need to practice some of the plays they used with Vick in game. Moving along, aside from Vick, the offense was able to move the ball up and down field effectively, but they struggled in the red zone. In fact it wasn't until early in the 3rd that Lesean Mccoy finally got the ball across the goal line. Still, Mcnabb had a pretty good night completing 21 of 36 passes for 244 yards and a TD. Kevin Kolb was also impressive completing 10-18 passes for 102 yds and a TD. As well as leading the Birds on the game winning drive. The defense on the other hand struggled a bit, allowing some long pass plays early on. They were much better than last week though, holding Jacksonville to just 64 rushing yards and 166 passing yards. Asante Samuel had an interception and Mike Patterson registered the Eagles only sack. Jason Babin was also impressive with 3 tackles and 7th round pick out of Maryland, LB Moise Fokou, had a game high 5 tackles. Lastly there was still quite a few Eagles' mistakes with another 8 penalties for 62 yards, 2 fumbles, and a safety after Kolb was called for intentional grounding from inside the 5 yard line.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued their series with Pirates tonight. Cole Hamels got the start and delivered his 1st quality performance in some time, going 8 shutout innings, while allowing 7 hits and striking out 7. Meanwhile, Chase Utley slammed a solo homer in the top of the 1st for a quick1-0 lead. Thanks to a perfect 8th inning by Ryan Madson and the Phils blowing a golden opportunity to tack on runs in the top of the inning, it was still 1-0 heading into the bottom of the 9th. Unfortunately Madson couldn't hold the lead, as Brandon Moss slugged a 1 out game tying homer, for the Phils 2nd blown save in a row. This time however, Madson got out of the inning without further damage. Then in the top of the 10th Ryan Howard provided the saving blow with a 1 out 3 run homer to put the Phils up 4-1. Madson then closed it out in the 10th inning for the 4-1 win. So as I said there just isn't anything the Phils can do about their closer situation right now. Not even Ryan Madson can close games for them right now. Ryan Howard continues to impress with yet another clutch hit. Hopefully this start will be the beginning of Hamel's resurgence because the Phils are going to need him to continue to pitch like this down stretch. Anyway so the Phils move to 73-51 overall now and still 7 games up in the NL East.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils traveled to Pittsburgh tonight to begin a series with the Pirates. Joe Blanton got the start and was decent allowing 3 runs on 6 hits in 6 innings of work. Thanks to solo homers by Jimmy Rollins in his 1st 2 at bats on the first pitches he saw, that performance by Blanton was good enough to leave the Phils trailing 3-2 heading into the top of the 9th. There Ben Francisco doubled in 1 run and the "Flyin Hawaiian", Shane Victorino tripled to score Francisco and clinch an apparent 4-3 Phils win. Except Brad Lidge couldn't close it out in the bottom of the 9th. First Luis Cruz singled to leadoff. Then Lidge threw a wild pitch to move the tying run into scoring position. Next Brandon Moss singled to right field, right to a charging Jayson Werth, looking to throw the runner out at home, but he bobbled the ball and threw wide of the plate, pulling Carlos Ruiz just far enough away from the plate to allow the run to score. Finally Andrew McCutchen lined a 2 run homer into the seats and just like that it was game over, 6-4 Pirates. I just don't know what has happened to Lidge this season. He still has the same stuff, he's just not using it as efficiently as he did last season. If the Phils bullpen were a little more healthy right now he would probably be done for a while, but at this point, with Clay Condrey, J.C Romero, and Brett Myers still on the DL, there just isn't anyone who can fill in for Lidge, so we'll just have to hope he gets it back together after this. Anyway so the Phils drop to 72-52 overall, but remain 7 games up in the NL East.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils completed their series with the Mets this afternoon. Cliff Lee got the start and rolled to another easy win, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings. Meanwhile, Ryan Howard blasted a 3 run homer in the top of the 1st, and a 2 run homer in the top of the 3rd, and Raul Ibanez slapped an RBI double in the top of the 9th, to push the Phils to a 6-2 win. It was just another dominating performance by Lee and another game filled with mistakes by the Mets, as they committed 3 errors. Although it was a non save situation with the Phils ahead by 4 heading into the 9th inning, Brad Lidge came in to pitch the 9th and was pretty impressive working a 1-2-3 inning. Perhaps the triple play was just the sort of lucky turn he needed to get himself back on track. Ryan Howard continues to impress with his bat, but he always does this time of the year. Still, at present with 34 HRs and 104 RBIs he's 3rd in the NL in both categories. Not bad huh. It was also nice to see Ibanez hit that double. He really had been scuffling lately, but that double was about the best swing he's had this month. Hopefully it is a sign of the things to come for Ibanez. So anyway the Phils move to 72-50 overall now and back to 7 games up in the NL East.
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