The Postseason is quickly approaching and the Phillies lead the Wild Card race by 1.5 games and trail the division by 2.0 games with six more games against the Braves to play. I am here to tell you, do not push the panic button on Brad Lidge.
Yes Lidge isn’t perfect like he was in 2008, but the movement on his pitches seem to be back and he has one thing that he didn’t have in 2009, confidence.
Brad Lidge has pitched well in a newly rejuvenated Phillies bullpen lately (which is easy when the starting pitching has pitched fantastic this season).
This season Brad Lidge is 1-1 with a 3.90 ERA and 18 saves in 23 save opportunities (5 Blown Saves). Lidge blew 11 saves in 2009 and the Phillies were still in the World Series (with lackluster Starting Pitchers). Lidge has 8 saves in his last 9 opportunities with his one blown save coming with two outs in the 9th on a balk where the ball was slipping out of his hands.
Do not trust his save percentage? Trust his ERA. On August 1st, Lidge’s ERA was at 5.32, now that ERA has dropped to 3.90. Lidge only got better in the month of August and looks to become increasingly better in September into October.
I know that when Lidge takes the mound fans feel like they are going to have a heart attack …. And after the 2009 season we all have the right to have a heart attack, but lately Lidge is pitching better and getting movement back on his pitches.
I am telling you right now to support Lidge throughout the remainder of the season, have your Aspirin next to you and ready, and get ready for another World Series run for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Roy Halladay is the classiest man in Major League Baseball. Prior to Thursday's game, Roy Halladay was honored by the Phillies organization for his Perfect Game against the Marlins.
Halladay received that score card, game worn jersey, and specially engraved ring for his perfect game. His wife received a specially engraved Perfect Game Pendant, while his two sons received a molding of Halladay's hand with two game used balls from the Perfect Game attached.
After that, the class of Roy Halladay showed. Halladay then caled out Carlos Ruiz, the catcher of the perfect game. Halladay "re-gifted" the home-plate that he received from Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria and gave it to Ruiz. He didn't stop there. Halladay also gave Ruiz a Specially Engraved ring that said "We did it together. Thanks Roy".
Halladay then took to the podium and said, "It's a dream come true, not this (talking about the Perfect Game), but to play in Philadelphia". Doc Halladay truly the class of the Phillies and Major League Baseball.
*Disclaimer: I know some of you do not like posts on which I want and rave on the Phillies or a particular topic, well if you are one of those people, then do not read this post and I apologize in advance for what I might say.
My Fellow Phans,
So, now the fun begins. I really dislike dedicating a whole post to this one man, because it seems that it is exactly what he wanted; he wanted to be the center of attention and, boy, did he get his wish.
So most of you know the story by now. Ryan Howard took a check swing and , our new buddy, Bully Barry, said he went around. Howard showed frustration and Barry stood glaring in at Ryan Howard who was clearly frustrated with the situation and the game. Barry was just itching for a fight and when Howard delivered another check swing, we all knew Barry was going to ring Howard up and he did. Ryan tossed his bat away and Barry immediately tossed Howard. We all knew that was coming. See the play here.
Scott Barry is the epitome of what is wrong with major league umpires. They are obnoxious, arrogant and want nothing, but to steal the spotlight from the players. 5 years ago, I couldn't tell you the name of a single umpire, but now I know a load of names all due from horrific calls made on the baseball diamond and their deep desire to have their names known.
Now it doesn't help that umpires are treated like gods. There is little to nothing done about situations such as this that are occurring more and more frequently. They act like they are the kings of the world and can do no wrong. What actions will Bud Selig or anyone take this? None, if anything, he will issue Ryan Howard a suspension or fine and if that does happen my friends, that post will be R rated. Players and managers will be in serious trouble if they touch of "bump" an umpire. How can an umpire touch a hold back a player? What is this hypocrisy that emerges? Howard told off General Gibson when he tried to do just that last night after the ejection. Just hear the Phillies' Radio Call of the Play
I'm not saying that this guy lost the game for the Phillies as I have mentioned before that we should have scored more runs, but the umpires injecting themselves into a game of this nature is disgraceful. Years ago, the umpire's job was to be seen and not heard. Nowadays, they are doing their best to been seen and heard more-so than the people that matter, the players.
I'm trying to avoid serious name calling, but let's face it, it cannot be helped in this case. Scott Barry is trash. Bully Barry, you are garbage and need to be booted from umpiring any type of baseball game. You are a disgrace. It doesn't help when General Gibson seemed to set up Ryan Howard on the second check swing as he knew Barry was ready to start something. Gibson was frustrated from his blown call last night, and they double teamed the slugger and eventually got what they were itching for.
I said yesterday that nobody could pass C.B. Bucknor as the top umpire on my s*** list. Well, Bully Barry just surpassed that and now sits on top. Congrats, Scott, you got your wish. You are well known, and arguably the most hated man in the city. I actually fear for your safety while you're here as Philadelphians are known to do stupid and irrational things. There is a reason you were in AAA and calling you to the big leagues was a horrible decision. We don't need anymore diva umpires and you may be the biggest one of them all. Thanks for ruining a classic game with your own personal agenda, you d*****bag.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
First I want to end some confusion. I referred to Greg Gibson yesterday as "General Gibson" in my post and never really explained why. I was asked about it later so I thought I would explain my reasoning. A General is a high ranking official in the army who has a prominent say in decision making. Now as our buddy, Mr. Gibson has proven this year he changes the rules, calling different results on the same play, when he feels like it. So, technically, he is "making rules" like a General does and that is why I gave him that nickname.
Now, I will get into my new favorite umpire, Mr. Scott Barry, in my next post. But for all that occurred in last night's game, I am breaking it into two parts. This part is about the actual game itself.
So, there was a lot lost in this game by the time it was over after certain events involving attention-whore umpires.
The first of which was that the Phillies are, once again, in one of their little hitting slumps. During those extra innings, the Astros threw crappy reliever after crappy reliever at the Phillies lineup and we did absolutely nothing about it. They were not superstars out there on the mound and they were making us look like chumps. When the Phillies are not hitting, any pitcher can make them look bad and that is what happened last night. We would get into fastball counts and dribble the fastball down the first baseline. That is the type of night it was.
Cole Hamels was amazing last night. He made one mistake, and you have to give Carlos Lee credit for guessing correctly to hit that home run. Bud Norris was solid as well, but the Phillies slumping bats did help him in the long run. Our bullpen was amazing as well. Herndon struggled in that last inning, but you were asking a lot from a young pitcher and he did hang in there and got his ground balls, they just hit them in the right spots.
I know this a short post, but the game did not have little much to talk about outside of the Scott Barry incident and that I will get to that in Part 2.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
I'm sure most of you by now saw the debacle that was last night's game. Now my computer isn't back yet, but I got up early today and I needed to throw a few comments down about last night as it was extremely frustrating to observe from a Phillies fans standpoint. As badly as that call in the 8th inning was, and I will touch on that a bit later, the Phillies lost this game from their own stupidity.
It has been obvious for awhile that Jayson Werth just doesn't care as much this season as in year's past. Anyone remember when he stole home against the Dodgers? how alert on the base-paths that one had to be to even attempt such a feat. It was sheer brilliance. He read the situation and took full advantage of what he was given.That's the old Jayson Werth that we used to know; an alert and good base runner. What happened to that guy?
Nowadays we have that same Werth, the same alert and smart runner getting picked off of bases at least once every few games or so it seems. Last night, Werth gets picked off at second during an intentional walk! An Intentional Walk! A play during which you know exactly what is going on. You don't even need to be a good base-runner to get it. You don't mosey back to your base with your head down assuming that the play is over, but sadly, that is the type of plays that Werth has been making this year.
We all know he has his mind on the contract he may obtain at the end of the season, that is evident, but at least he could act like he cares about this season. I have been an avid baseball fan for many years and that may have been the worst baseball play that I have ever seen in my life.
Before I discuss the Bourn play and why Mr. Gibson is making himself look like a crooked umpire, I will discuss another error of stupidity that occurred. I have seen plenty of replays of this play by now and excluding the fact that it does appear that Howard tags him out, I also notice that he has ample time to throw it to first base. Why even take a risk in trying to tag the speedy outfielder when a simple flip to first base would do just as well. Instead Howard made a stupid play and it cost us majorly.
But as it stands, we are discussing this type of controversial call that seems to occur a lot more frequently in baseball the past few seasons. I'm not going to explain the play again as you probably have seen multiple replays of it as I have. Well this play is nearly identical to a play that occured on June 24th of this season with Shane Victorino running to first base. The most curious part is that it is the same umpire who called Victorino out of the basepaths, but allowed a young Michael Bourn to reach first base safely last night eventually costing the Phillies the game.
Victorino stopped to talk to Gibson on his way into the dugout. He reminded Gibson of that play and asked how this was any different. Gibson told him "Carmona had established the tag attempt and Victorino was more than three feet away from it." I still don't see the difference from last night. Howard established the tag attempt, by tagging him! Bourn was tagged out and Mr. Gibson missed so many things on this play.
Now in the past, umpires often talk to the media about controversial calls such as this one. Jim Joyce did it after the call that ruined a perfect game and Bob Davidson talked after making the call earlier this year in Florida that cost the Marlins a game against the Phillies. I'm sure we all remember that lucky break. So when a reporter came up to Gibson after the play to ask about it after the game and Crew chief Sam Holbrook said Gibson was not available and said only this: "Per MLBpolicy, we're not allowed to talk", it is kind of suspicious.
I'm not saying that there are biased umps out there, but I have a new ump on the top of my sh** list. He is 2nd behind C.B. Bucknor, who may never be surpassed. He ranks just ahead of the guy who threw Victorino out from center-field a few years back. I mean the guy totally contradicts himself making one call against the runner and then the same call for the runner (both of which go against the same team) and than refuses to comment. What does that say to you? I really hope he is not behind the plate tonight. I wouldn't want any Phillies to be swinging out of the base-paths which I am not sure if even a rule, but with General Gibson on the case, you never know what is going to happen.
The bottom line is that stupidity lost the game for the Phillies, not the atrocious calls of a questionable ump. It doesn't help though.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
I know my posts have not been as frequent as they once were and I apologize for that. As most of you know, I have had a computer malfunction which disabled my ability to get online daily to post. However, as school is about to start, my computer is on the brink of getting fixed and should be ready this week sometime. Once that occurs, I will do my best to post more often than I have been.
But I digress...
Over the weekend, I had the honor of seeing Roy Oswalt pitch for the first time as a Phillie and boy was I impressed. There seems to be something about the name Roy and being a complete pitcher.
As a baseball fan, I love seeing quality pitchers with 4+ quality pitches they can use and the pair of Roys in the Phillies' rotation seems to fit that bill. Granted he struggled in the start, but Oswalt settled down and pitched shut out ball for the Phillies as like Roy Halladay had done just 2 days before. This weekend, the Roy Duo allowed zero; 0 earned runs in 14 innings against the pesky Nationals. That was impressive. Oswalt is a quality pitcher and I hope he keeps up this good streak.
Next up for the Phillies is the Houston Astros. Now the Phillies handled the Astros back in the beginning of the season, but this is a different Astros team. They are actually hitting now.
This should be a good series. A pair of former Phillies' starters will be facing their old club and a pair of former outfielders also make their reappearance in Philadelphia.
Here are the pitching matchups for the upcoming series at Citizens Bank Park:
Monday: Brett Myers vs. Joe Blanton Tuesday: Bud Norris vs. Cole Hamels Wednesday: J.A. Happ vs. Roy Halladay Thursday: Wandy Rodriguez vs. Kyle Kendrick
Synopsis: I can see the Phillies winning 3 of 4 here. We have a pair of our aces going along with our two more inconsistent starters. I think the Phillies will be amped up to face their former mates and we should know what to expect as having had these pitchers pitch for us the past few seasons. The Astros are a below average team, but they are perfectly capable of playing spoilers. The Phillies can't look ahead to the Padres this weekend or they may falter big time. Regardless, it should be a good series.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
Before a baseball season, fans talk about a couple different stats that include the number 100; 100 wins and 100 RBI. People do not mention 100 straight sell outs at a ballpark, but that is exactly what happened in Philadelphia Thursday Night against the Giants.
Citizens Bank Park has become the place to be for all ages in the last few years. The Phillies not only have given us fans a good product to watch, but also a great place to watch the product. Ask any fan, there is not a bad seat at Citizens Bank Park. Even if you can’t sit, Citizens Bank Park gives you plenty of standing room in all different places; the most loved being Ashburn Alley.
For those fans who cannot get lucky and get tickets (now that the Phillies season tickets have even sold out) they enjoy being in the atmosphere around Citizens Bank Park. Fans have been known to sit out in the parking lot just to hear the roar of the crowd. For those over 21 years old, fans can take in the game as close to being in the stadium, but not in the stadium. Fans can go to McFaddens at the Ballpark, where they can take in the game on T.V.’s at the bar/restaurant.
It is truly amazing the number of fans who take in the game each and every night that don’t actually have tickets to go into the stadium. The crowd in the parking lot and in McFaddens, as well as in Citizens Bank Park truly shows the passion and energy of Philly Phans.
“Without you, we would not have had reached this milestone. Each and every night our ballpark is filled with fans that have more energy than I have ever seen in this game. It’s that energy and passion that gives us a true home field advantage.You fans are once again giving us the drive and determination to strive for our ultimate goal, another World Series Championship. So thank you Phillies fans, thank you a hundred times over” – Raul Ibanez
Coupled with this Phillies/Giants Preview is a brief note on what plans to be a terrific week as two Phillie greats from the '08 World Series team plan to return; although their tales are entirely different.
Over the weekend, the Phillies received what may be the best news that any person in the organization has muttered all year and that is the possible return of Chase Utley tonight, August 17th, versus the Giants at Citizens Bank Park. As I finish up this piece, I give you great news as Utley is indeed in the starting lineup tonight and hitting second. Its actually quite an odd lineup at that too, we can dissect that at a later time.
The other man that I referred to in the title will be here for sure, and that is Mr. Pat Burrell. Now Burrell is not returning from injuries; he is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum and is returning as an opposing player while playing for the Giants.
Now, I know that I am not the only one who is delighted to see Pat back in town; despite the fact that he is technically the enemy. Regardless of the uniform that Burrell wears, he will always be a Phillie to me. I think this will be his first game in Philly since that clutch double he hit in the 7th inning of Game 5 of the World Series. Nobody in this area will ever forget what he has done here for us and I don't see any reason to dislike the man. He was a class act during his time here and I am happy to see him succeeding once again.
That doesn't mean that I want to see the Giants succeed this weekend while they play here. Here is a look at the upcoming series:
Pitching Matchups:
Tuesday: Roy Oswalt vs. Barry Zito Wednesday: Joe Blanton vs. Matt Cain Thursday: Cole Hamels vs. Jonathon Sanchez
Synopsis: The Phillies will need to beat at least one tough left hander in order to win this series. Can this be done? I see no reason it cannot be done. As long as our pitching keeps us in the game, we have a chance to win this series. Watch out for the return of Utley and see if he can pick up and play at an All-Star level once again. Expect low scoring games all around and tightly fought battles until the end. This will be a series between two teams that are both good enough to make the postseason.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
Before I begin, I would like to mention that I tried something new this post by adding pictures and links to my post. Let me know what you think!
Anyways,
So how many of you watched the entire Phillies game last night? Well for those who raised your hands, you were treated to what may have been the best Phillies game of this season; despite the fact that the first 7 innings may not have appeared to be so. When the bottom of the 8th inning rolled around, things began to change and in a hurry. With the Phillies trailing 9-2, they put together a succession of hits to rally together and get the score to 9-6.
I'm not one to say that the Phillies are in the head of Jonathon Broxton, but he was far from unhittable when he entered the game in the 9th inning. The usually strong closer proved, once again, that he cannot retire the Phillies in a big game. Broxton was all over the place and allowed 4 runs which was capped off by a walk-off double by Carlos Ruiz off the left-center-field wall. Of course, a critical error by third baseman Casey Blake on a sure double play ball opened the flood gates just a bit more.
So are the Phillies in the head of Broxton, or was he being hexed? During the 9th inning, the camera repeatedly flashed back to this kid who was doing his best Phanatic Impression in an attempt to jinx the Dodgers' pitcher. (see picture above). I recall telling my mom that if the Phillies win, this kid is going to be the talk of the town. The "Hex Kid" as he is being called is being sought by every media outlet for interviews.
Either way, Broxton seems to be frazzled by the Phillies. Since game 4 of the 2008 NLCS, , when Matt Stairs hit an eighth-inning home run, Broxton is 2-2 with a 9.82 ERA, one save and three blown opportunities against the Phillies.
But back to the more important part of this game which was the fiery comeback that the Phillies served to the Dodgers. This is the type of game that we haven't seen from the Phillies in a long time. This is the type of game that the 2008 and 2009 teams threw at you from time to time; it was that passion, that fire that this year's squad had seemed to be lacking. Not too shabby from a team missing its two top hitters due to injuries. The way this team has adapted since Howard went on the DL has been unbelievable.
All the players have contributed, whether it would be new guys like Mike Sweeney and Domonic Brown to mainstays Raul Ibanez, Jayson Werth, Jimmy Rollins, everyone has played their part recently.
I would like to offer a special mention of Placido Polanco and Carlos Ruiz; whom, despite how bad the rest of the team was playing, always seemed to keep their heads in the game. You want me to pick an MVP for the Phillies? Well, I honestly cannot. However, I have to nominate those two guys are Co-MVPs on this team up to this point in the season.
I think there is nothing else to say, but lets hope they keep this up. Just imagine what this team could do with a healthy Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.. I guess we will have to wait and see....
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
So it begins again. Tonight's game begins yet another chapter in the recent Mets and Phillies rivalry. Over the years, the battles between this two historic franchises have developed into a series of duels between two teams whom have very negative feelings towards each other.
The results are knock-out, drag out fights that are frequently close and constantly go down to the wire. Does anyone see this weekend being any different? The best rivalry, and second best in all of baseball, is taking place this weekend and if you're not packing the adrenaline, than you may not be a true fan.
There is something extra special when it comes to playing and, hopefully, beating the Mets here in Philadelphia. Maybe its the loathing for players like Jose Reyes or Fernando Tatis, who act like the greatest show on Earth simply after getting an RBI. Maybe its the fieriness and overzealous, over-cocky attitude that pours out of their closer Francisco Rodriguez every time he records a strike. These are just a few of the reasons to get yourself "pumped" when our neighbors from the north come to town. This weekend should be no exception.
Are the Mets the most hated team by Phillies fans? Take my poll over on the right if you haven't already to let me know what you think.
So after all that comes my preview for this upcoming weekend and the pitching matchups are as follows:
Friday: Joe Blanton vs. Jonathon Niese Saturday: Cole Hamels vs. Johan Santana Sunday: Roy Halladay vs. R.A. Dickey
Synopsis: The Phillies have two of their 3 aces going in this series against the Mets. There is no reason that they cannot win 2 of 3 this series thus burying the Mets deeper in the NL East. However, it is never that simple in this rivalry games. Both teams come to play and both teams seem to play their hardest against each other. Expect three close, and well-played games. Hopefully the Phillies can be on the winning side....
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
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