Wright "may be a Phillie" By Kevin KFinally it took me to come to this, but I have been saying it since Friday. On Friday I received a text from someone who has been 100% correct in the past (Schnieder signing, Rollins signing, arbitration hearings, etc.), but never in the past did I receive a text on a trade; until Friday.Friday I received a text stating, "David Wright may be playing 3B very, very shortly". Now since Friday we have been ripped by Phillies, Mets, and Braves fans like crazy .... but we also said that we wouldn't believe it until it was actually done. I just passed along the information that was given - like many reporters and bloggers. On Friday I did say we would shut down if the source is wrong, yesterday I shut down our Twitter account. As for now, the Facebook and website continue to run, we gave until January 1st - that may have all of a sudden changed. Sure I may change my mind and keep the blog going a little longer, because as a Mets fan pointed out on Twitter, "The fact is that @ThePhillyPhans was wrong, yet have not shut down. Typical Philadelphia fan". Yet I didn't realize that Philadelphia Phans were typical for following what they hear and post, not to mention know how to read. And yes there are Twitter accounts of other Mets, Phillies, and Braves fans counting down the days until we shut down. Consistently tweeting and writing on the Facebook wall the number of days until the shut down occurs. Then there is Matt Smith of the DelcoTimes, who ripped us and said we put the "Twit in Twitter". Mr. Matt Smith has yet to respond to my tweets attacking his story. Let's be honest, where is the actual reporting in this:http://m.delcotimes.com/delcotimes/db_/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=pGhkszkL&full=true#displayNow he has gone to Twitter and attacked supporters of ours by saying it is an editorial not a report, but once again I am waiting on a reply from him (@KevinThePhan - see I can do that too!). But all I would really continue to say is what I have said .... and what an unlikely aid in SBNation Philly's Geoffery Detweiler said:Newspaper Writer Gets On High Horse, Trots Out Bitter StereotypesI praise Geoffery Detweiler for actual digging into a story - like an actual reporter should do - and read what was written. Even the Philadelphia Inquirer got in it today where Bob Brookover writes, "You cannot entirely dismiss the Wright rumors because the Mets are a financial mess and they know they need to tear things apart". You can read more from Brookover here: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20111228_Inside_the_Phillies__Phillies_may_have_a_few_moves_left.html Brookover (a reputable writer) and Detweiler (a "blogger") actually did some reporting and digging in this story.As I told you on Friday, time will tell. I can't tell you that what was given to me was fact, but it is definitely something that could happen. Phi
Castillo is a Phillie By Kevin KAdam Rubin of ESPN is reporting Castillo appears to be poised to join the Phillies. Rubin's report reads, "On the day he officially was eligible to sign, Castillo quickly narrowed his focus and appears poised to join the Philadelphia Phillies, according to a baseball source. The Phillies’ second base situation is unsettled because of All-Star Chase Utley’s knee woes. Castillo, 35, hit .235 with no homers and 17 RBIs last season in 247 at-bats. The Mets began the process of releasing Castillo on Friday, despite owing him $6 million in the final season of a four-year, $25 million deal. Castillo’s new employer will only be responsible for the major league minimum."This move makes sense for one reason and one reason only, Chase Utley. There is still no clear explanation to the severity of Utley's knee injury. The Castillo deal is minor league deal and the Phillies won't owe him $414,000 until he makes MLB team. The signing of Castillo brings depth to an ailing infield position for the Phillies. Look at the competition for Utley's replacement right now (thanks to Todd Zolecki for the post): - Wilson Valdez, who I believe remains the favorite to be the Opening Day second baseman, has hit .439 (18 for 41) with three doubles, one home run and six RBIs.
- Josh Barfield has hit .344 (11 for 32) with three doubles, one triple and three RBIs.
- Pete Orr has hit .333 (12 for 36) with three doubles, three triples and two RBIs.
- Michael Martinez has hit .292 (14 for 48) with three homers, two home runs and six RBIs.
- Delwyn Young, who is more of an outfielder than a second baseman, has hit .292 (14 for 48) with two doubles, one home run and three RBIs.
If it works out for the Phillies, they owe him very little in salary, if not, then the release him. It's a win win for the Phillies.You can read Rubin's report here
Phillies the Front-runner for Maine
By Kevin K
ESPN New York reports:John Maine remains unsigned, but the Philadelphia Phillies continue to appear the most likely landing spot for the right-hander, a baseball source told ESPNNewYork.com.
Maine is coming off of shoulder surgery but his agent tells ESPN New York that the pitcher is feeling good.
Maine had nine starts last year, where he went 1-3 with a 6.13 earned run average. He has a 4.35 career ERA over seven seasons in New York and Baltimore.
Knowing the Phillies have the starting five and Kyle Kendrick in the bullpen, it is hard to see where Maine would fit on the Phillies roster.
In his career, he has only appeared in three games in which he was not the starter.
My Fellow Phans, Over the next week, I am going to be reviewing the Phillies season in a countdown of the 15 greatest moments of the Phillies 2010 season. I will start with 4 this post and then give 3 a day until the final 5 when I will post a new one daily. Without further ado, the top 15 moments of the Phillies 2010 season: # 15 – 12. Phillies Moment #15. May 2nd – Victorino’s Grand Slam helps Phillies thrash Mets. Shane Victorino connected on a Grand Slam to help send the Phillies to a series win against the Mets. The homer backed the ageless Jamie Moyer who outpitched Johan Santana in the rubber game of the series at Citizens Bank Park.After Victorino’s legendary grand slam off of C.C. Sabathia in the postseason; his hit on this night was eerily similar. Moyer worked out a walk before Shane came to the plate; similar to that of Brett Myers in that postseason game. That brought up Victorino who sent a fly ball into the left-field seats amidst the rowdy Philadelphia faithful who were going ballistic after the homer. Not only did the game give the Phillies a series win against the rivals from the north; it also helped them regain first place in the division. Phillies Moment # 14 April 28th – The Giants pull Tim Lincecum Early and the Phillies Take Full Advantage Jayson Werth hit a game tying, bases clearing double in the 9th inning with the Phillies down 4-1 to help send the game to extra innings. Manager Bruce Bochy pulled young gun Tim Lincecum for Brian Wilson in the 9th inning and the Phillies were ready to pounce. Lincecum gave up just 2 runs in 8.1 innings while striking out 11, so the Phillies were relieved when he left the ball game. In the 11th inning Wilson Valdez doubled in the go-ahead run and the Phillies hung to win 7-6 in extras avoiding the sweep at the hands of the Giants. The bullpen was shaky, but the Phillies hung on in the end. Phillies Moment # 13 July 29th – Wilson Valdez Helps Phillies Walk-Off Vs. Diamondbacks Wilson Valdez Singled in the game winning run as the Phillies won their 7th straight ballgame at home and 8th straight win overall. The game had been a close battle with the feisty Diamondbacks when the Phillies eeked out an extra innings victory. Spoiler alert! This date will come up later in the countdown for another important event that took place during the Phillies season. Stay tuned. Phillies Moment # 12 July 15th-17th – Phillies Take 2 Out of 3 in World Series Rematch The Phillies opened the series with a rare tough start by Roy Halladay. With Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick lined up in the next two starts; the Phillies chances of winning the series looked unlikely. However, Moyer and Kendrick, who both came into their starts struggling, proved many doubters wrong with two superb starting pitching performances. Moyer pitched 8 brilliant innings allowing just a pair of runs on just 3 hits. The Phillies rocked A.J. Burnett as Shane Victorino’s bases clearing triple proved to be the key in the victory. In the third game, Kendrick was matched with Andy Pettitte. Although Pettitte proved a worthy adversary for the Phillies, Kendrick was just one pitch better. Shane Victorino homered for the Phillies and Kyle Kendrick surrended just 1 run in 7 innings as the Phillies roughed up the Yankees’ bullpen and took the rubber match of the three game series. Tomorrow’s Post: Phillies moments # 11-9 Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
- Johnny S.
Phillies Achilles Heel
By Kevin K
There have to be teams looking for knuckle ball pitchers now after the Phillies bats have been completely shutdown by the Knuckle ball.
For the first time since April 1983 the Phillies faced two knuckle-ballers in a row (Phil Niekro and Joe Niekro). On Sunday the Phillies were shutdown by Red Sox Pitcher Tim Wakefield and then Tuesday against Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey.
The Phillies bats have been silenced by the Knuckle Ball in the past two games. On Tuesday the Phillies fell to the Mets 8-0 in an embarrassing loss.
Dickey had a career high seven strikeouts in his victory against the Phillies.
The good news for the Phillies is that they are unlikely to face back-to-back knuckle ball pitchers again this season. Heck the last time it happened, as I said, was 1983.
The Phillies bats need to step it up if they want to continue winning and head to their third straight World Series Appearance.
Phillies Take Series & First
By Kevin K
It was only Friday when we started complaining that the Phillies bats were sleepy and the pitching was horrific then the calender changed to May. Ahh May, where the flowers start blooming and so do the Phillies bats, I love it.
Not only did the weather heat up, but so did the bats of the Phillies.
What a perfect night to be at the ballpark, the weather was beautiful, the bats were on fire, and so were us Phillies Phans.
If I were to tell you that Jamie Moyer was to out pitch Johan (now known by me is joHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAn) Santana, you wouldn't believe me. Heck I wouldn't believe me. But the Phillies came out on fire. Not letting David Wright's 3-Run Home Run get to them, the Phillies struck with two homers of their own in the first.
The Mets then took a 5-2 lead .... and on came the implosion of joHAHAHAHAn Santana, and the 5 RBI of the Phans ! Now we Phans do not want to take all the credit in that two out rally, 9 run 4th inning .... so we will take credit for 5 of those runs.
Yup, when Moyer stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs, we will admit, we were a little scared. But we got behind the 47 year old Moyer and willed the walk ... which send home one, making it 5-3. Then with the crowd pumping, screaming, and going nuts .... Shane Victorino took the ball out with a grand slam .... willed by the Phans. Now I give those 5 RBIs to the Phans. Willing it, and taking Santana out of the game.
The Phillies came into May a new team .... a team ready to win and explode, that is exactly what they did.
21 total runs in 2 days ..... WOW!
The Phillies now have a 1/2 game lead over the Mets in the NL East.
Notes: Joe Blanton returns from injury tomorrow against the Cardinals ..... Antonio Bastardo optioned to Triple A
Charlie Manuel said Werth left game with sore hip or leg. Said he should be fine.
Goodbye April, Hello May
By Kevin K
The worst of the Phillies is not behind us. April is officially at an end, and it ended terribly for the Phillies .... however, May opened our eyes to the real Phillies today.
The Phillies bats and ace were on today. Ten runs for the Phillies in a 10-0 dismantling of the Mets.
Roy Halladay tossed a three-hitter for his second shutout -- and third complete game -- of the season.
Victorino had three RBI for the Phillies, Raul Ibanez, Jayson Werth, and Juan Castro all had two RBI of their own. The offense finally came alive for the Phillies today.
Ok Now I am going to go off for a second. I am on the Phillies website and reading their article on the win today, and see Mets fan react to it.
Here is what they have to say:
xtramedium said: Phillie fans. You are delusional!!! Who is pitching good besides Halladay????? please tell me. Your pitching (besides Halladay) is putrid. Your bullpen is awful. Lets be real, your offense is good, but you guys have some issues....way more issues than us. Halladay cant pitch every day, good luck winning the wild card...
Wow take it like a champ man. Lets see the Phillies have taken the Mets out the last three seasons in the NL East, have been to the World Series two of those three years. OK so our bullpen has been bad, and we have some issues, but last time I checked it was April ! Now its the first of May ..... these team is just starting their domination. The bullpen gets a rest when Halladay pitches, and will only get better because of all the injuries the Phillies have had.
This Phillies team isn't the Mets of 2009, they can work with the injuries they have, and win. One Met goes down and there goes your team. So don't go on our website and try to talk trash .... good luck finishing fourth in the division.
And that's this weeks Rant of the Week
Phrustrating
By Kevin K
The Phillies went into last nights game 1/2 game behind the Mets for first place, after a disgraceful 9-1 loss last night, the Phillies fall to 3rd in the NL East, behind the Mets and Nationals.
All the little things that we were worried about in the offseason are coming true already in April.
With injuries to Brad Lidge, JC Romero, Ryan Madson, JA Happ, Joe Blanton, and Jimmy Rollins this team is faltering. Now I am not pushing the panic button mainly because April is usually the worst month for the Phillies, but this team is too good to fall to third in the division behind the NATIONALS.
I believe in this team, but the way they are pitching and hitting, nothing is working for the Phillies. The bullpen and starting pitching (besides Roy Halladay) continues to implode, and the Phillies are being carried by a player who may not be on the team next season (Jayson Werth).
Its getting completely frustrating that all the bats are cold at the same time. This lineup is way to powerful to have slumps like this, and last night is no difference.
There is no reason why the Mets should have came into our house and kicked our butts. The Phillies didn't even put up a fight.
Today and tomorrow the Phillies are on National T.V., Fox and ESPN, and if they continue to play the way they have, the Phillies are going to be completely embarrassing.
My hope is that this teams bats can wake up again and play Phillies baseball again.
Watching this team is frustrating lately, but they are such a good team that they should be able to turn it on again and take out the Mets.
note: We are trying something a bit different here at the Phans, today we have a guest blog from Phan John Shields, a well written piece on this weekends series vs the Mets .... I hope you like it
A Great Weekend to Be in Philly
By John Shields
I guess there is not a better place to begin, than with the greatest sports team around, The Philadelphia Phillies. I know they have seemed to hit a rough patch, but let's face it, it is still early and these are the Phillies and nothing is ever easy with them. I think Wednesdays amazing comeback win over the Giants is going to provide a very positive boost to this team's confidence and momentum.
Tonight begins the best rivalry that the National League has to offer as the Phillies square off with the mets in Philadelphia. With both teams situated at the top of the division right now, this should prove to be a very intriguing and exciting series. Lets hope that the Phillies can build some momentum and kick some met ass this weekend. I surely hope so. LETS GO PHILLIES! I'm glad the rest of the league has noticed this rivalry as I do believe, we are being shown on Fox tomorrow and ESPN on Sunday. I am admittedly not a huge fan of either network when it comes to sports, but it is nice to be recognized finally.
The pitching matchups are as follows:
Friday: Kyle Kendrick vs. Jon Niese - I know Kendrick has struggled this season in all but one of his starts, and Niese has pitched well enough for the Mets thus far, but there is no reason to believe that this will be a good matchup. Why? Because it the Phillies and Mets. It is the one team that the entire Phillies roster seems to step up their game against in order to beat.
Saturday: Roy Halladay vs. Mike Pelfrey - Its a shame that the Phillies are skipping Figueroa's spot in the rotation as Sunday night will not be a battle of the aces. Although this matchup provides the two hottest pitchers on each team's staff. This is the game to watch this series, if I had to recommend. Although, it is pretty sure that I will be watching all 3 games.
Sunday: Jamie Moyer vs. Johan Santana - So the battle of lefties on ESPN on Sunday night. This should be a good one. The ageless Moyer facing off against one of the best pitchers in the game today, Santana. Another dandy of a game this weekend. Although, would you expect anything less when it comes the Phillies and the Mets?
So this is turning out to be one great weekend for baseball, but that is not the only sport in Philly this weekend.
Phils End Slump, Looking towards the Mets
By Kevin K
The Phillies were able to make a comeback last night to beat the San Francisco Giants and end their losing streak. Tim Lincecum took the mound yesterday for the Giants against Cole Hamels. Hamels gave up four runs in six innings to put the Phillies down 4-1. The Giants make a mistake and pull Lincecum in the ninth inning with one out and one on. Jayson Werth tied it with a 3 RBI double.
The Phillies forced extras and took the lead in the tenth inning, but in came Madson who blew his second save of the year. The game was then tied in the eleventh when the Phillies took the lead right back and went up 7-5.
Nelson Figuorora came in and gave up a run in the 11th, Ryan Howard with a game saving throw home, and the Phillies ended their losing streak with a 7-6 win over the Giants.
The Mets come to town this weekend for a three game series. The Mets currently sit 0.5 games ahead of the Phillies in first place in the NL East.
The Phillies bullpen struggles have definitely affected the Phillies this season and need to step up this weekend against the Mets. News is that Brad Lidge is expecting to come back for the series on Friday, and Joe Blanton is ready to come back.
The main problem I have with this series is that on Sunday Night Baseball we will not be seeing Johan Santana vs Roy Halladay, instead it will be Santana vs Moyer, a great pitching duel?
Here are your Probables for the Weekend series:
Kendrick vs Niese Friday at 7:05
Halladay vs Pelfrey Saturday at 3:10
Moyer vs. Santana Sunday at 8:05
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