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KTE: Philadelphia Phillies (June 5-7)

Gwreck Jun 04 2007 12:21 AM

We last saw Philly at the home opener series, and one game in Philadelphia (the first game of the two game series was rained out), both in early April. Lots has happened to our enemies to the south since then. A quick recap: Myers moved to Bullpen After unsuccessfully shopping surplus starter Jon Lieber for bullpen help, the Phillies decided to move Lieber back to the starting rotation and move accused wife-beater Brett Myers to the bullpen. (This was actually announced on April 18, the day of the last Mets game vs. the Phillies, although neither pitcher has appeared against the Mets in their new role). Jayson Stark of ESPN called it a "desperation move." Things seemed to work out ok, though: Myers's numbers as a starter: 0-2 (3 starts), 16 1/3 IP, 9.39 ERA, 5 HR. As a reliever: 20 2/3 IP (18 appearances), 2.61 ERA, 32 Ks, 9 BB, 1 HR, 6-7 in save chances. His ERA was actually a lot better, too, before a 4-ER-in-2/3 IP outing on May 23 at Florida (more on that below). Lieber's numbers as a reliever: 2 2/3 IP (2 appearances), 11.57 ERA, 4 H, 2 BB As a starter: 1-3 (8 starts), 51 1/3 IP, 3.51 ERA, 33 K, 15 BB Phillies hit rock bottom The April 17 loss to the Mets put the Phillies at 3-9; after the game, Charlie Manuel's press conference included an expletive-loaded tirade to reporters, including challenging a radio reporter to a fight. Manuel had to be restrained by a coach. The next night, the Phillies lost to the Nationals in 13 innings. The beleagured Philly 'pen actually performed quite well, until the Nationals scratched out a run against the 6th reliever the Phils used that night. The loss dropped them to last place. Injury Bug Closer Tom Gordon, who had a sore shoulder back in Spring Training hit the DL on May 2, with Myers inheriting the closer job. Gordon had been 5-8 in save opportunities with a 4.82 ERA. Ryan Howard, who missed a few games in April with strained ligaments also had a two-week DL stint in May with a strained quadricepts. Ineffective setup man Ryan Madson missed a couple of weeks in May with a strained oblique. On May 23 against the Marlins, with a 4 run lead in the 9th inning, the Phillies brought in Brett Myers, who proceeded to give up 2 singles, a triple, strike out 2, hit a batter, another single, and then injure his arm in ugly fashion. For the morbidly curious, a [url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070523&content_id=1982410&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi]Link[/url] to the game recap, with has the video footage. Inconsistent Play After the April 18 loss to Washington, the Phillies reeled off a 7-3 run (it helped that they were playing the likes of the Reds, Nationals, and Astros). They had a good run in May as well, beating the Cubs, Brewers and Blue Jays in 3 consecutive series. Overall, though, they look like a .500 team, incapable of stringing together consistent hot streaks. They swept Atlanta last weekend on the road, but then got swept by the Diamondbacks at home. They faced the Giants this weekend at home, getting drubbed 13-0 Friday night but taking the next two. Shane Victorino hit a walkoff homer on Sunday afternoon, on Victorino Bobblehead (he was depicted in a hula skirt) Day. Pitching Matchups Tue: Jamie Moyer (L) v. Tom Glavine Moyer is 5-4, 4.23. He's been an unspectacular innings-eater, with a typical start of 2-4 runs in 7 innings. Got knocked around (3 Homers) by the the Diamonbacks last time out. Glavine and Moyer faced on May 12, with Glavine winning. Neither pitcher was spectacular, but Glavine held the Phils to 3 runs, while Moyer gave up 4. Wed: Adam Eaton (R) v. Orlando Hernandez 5-4, 6.28 ERA. 67 H and 32 BB in 61 2/3 IP. Eaton got knocked out in the 3rd inning on Friday night vs. the Giants. Easily the most favorable pitching matchup for the Mets this series. Eaton was the winning pitcher in the Oliver Perez 7 walk game (7 IP/2 ER). Thu: Cole Hamels (L) v. John Maine Hamels last outing was a complete game 5-hitter against the Giants (2 ER). He's having an excellent year: 8-2, 3.55 ERA, 91 K/21 BB in 83 2/3 IP. HR seems to be the biggest weakness (11 allowed so far this year). He could easily have 2 more wins, as the bullpen blew his first two starts (one of which was the Mets' home opener). Phillies Lineup Jimmy Rollins - SS (S) After 9 HR in April, he's returned to earth: .263-9-33, .311 OBP .400 SLG. Shane Victorino - RF (S) is finally using his speed more on the bases, 16-for-18 in steal attempts. .272-4-22 .349 OBP/.388 SLG. Strong arm in RF. Chase Utley - 2B (L) is still a monster. .300-10-44 RBI (3rd in NL) .384 OBP/.555 SLG. 35 of his 66 hits for extra bases. Ryan Howard - 1B (L) After a slow April, some power has returned, but he's still not hitting much. 10-35-.224. .387 OBP/.512 SLG. Pat Burrell - LF (R) The Phils would love to get him out of town, but he's making $13M this year, $14M next and has a no-trade clause. 6-24-.225. 42 walks with only 39 Ks is somewhat encouraging. Aaron Rowand - CF (R) is having a great season, 8-28-.325. .400 OPB/.700 SLG. Has hit safely in 47 of 56 games. He plays aggressively in the OF (many will remember him breaking his nose while robbing Xavier Nady of a triple last year) but has frusted the Phillies with inconsistent defensive play, including taking the wrong route on balls and some missed dives. Abraham Nunez - 3B (S) / Greg Dobbs (L) are platooning. Wes Helms lost the starting job. Dobbs looks ok, .278-5-22 in 97 ABs. Not much plate discipline. Nunez isn't good enough to start in the majors. 0-10-.271 in 107 ABs. Carlos Ruiz - C (R) 3-19-.270. .324 OBP/.401 SLG. Solid defensively, has caught 10 of 31 trying to steal. Bench and Bullpen Michael Bourn (L) A rookie, he has speed, an arm and good defensive skills. Hitting .265 in 34 ABs so far. Looks promising. Wes Helms (R) 0-16-.261, 30 Ks in 138 ABs. Jason Werth (R) has some pop, 3-9-.276 in 58 ABs. Rod Barajas (R) is a no-hit backup catcher. 4.72 bullpen for the Phils is better only than the Reds and Rockies in the NL, despite the third-fewest bullpen IP in the league. Antonio Alfonseca (R) is closing games with Myers and Gordon out. 1 for 2 in save chances. Doing reasonably well of late - unscored upon in 7 of his last 8 outings. Geoff Geary (R) is the staff workhorse, with 26 appearances. Has given up a few longballs but pretty solid, 3.58 ERA in 27 2/3 IP, 18 Ks, 11 BB, 25 H. Clay Condrey (R) has been hit hard several times and is carring around an unsightly 11.57 ERA in 11 appearances. Yoel Hernandez (R), a rookie has been very impressive. 1 ER, 4 H and no walks in 7 2/3 IP (6 appearances). Francisco Rosario (R) and Ryan Madson (R) are both still maddeningly (for the Phils) inconsistent. Mike Zagurski (L), a rookie, is the only lefty. Has only thrown 4 1/3 innings, all good except the one where he gave up a 3-run homer to Ray Durham. Who's Hot Cole Hamels leads the NL with 8 wins, is 2nd in the majors in Ks with 91 (one behind Peavy), and 4th in the majors in IP, plus the aforementioned CG 5-hitter in his last start. Who's Not Howard and Burrell have been somewhat cold all year, and Rollins has been colder of late as well. Who's Hurt Tom Gordon has just started throwing on flat ground. Survey says he will be lucky to be back after the All-Star break. Myers should be able to throw soon and could be back by the next time the Mets and Phils meet at the end of the month. --- Looking forward to this series. After stumbling against the D'Backs, we need to get 2 of 3. Going Tuesday and probably Thursday, which will be the last of the "Bronze" (ie. $9 upper reserved tickets) games until September.

Edgy DC Jun 04 2007 10:12 AM

Nice show. Beltran says he expects to be back in tle lineup for this series.

TransMonk Jun 04 2007 10:22 AM

Good job, Gwreck. I wish there were a game today.

metirish Jun 04 2007 10:27 AM

Excellent KTE,might Alou get activated for this series?

TransMonk Jun 04 2007 10:40 AM

Daily News says no. ="Daily News"]Alou's return pushed back BY ADAM RUBIN DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Sunday, June 3rd 2007, 4:00 AM Moises Alou plans to visit a doctor today after his left quadriceps muscle felt sore and tight when he tested it running yesterday morning. Alou, who last played May 12, had hoped to return for the Phillies series that opens Tuesday, but concluded: "I think that is out. "It's kind of frustrating because it's taking so long," he said. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2007/06/03/2007-06-03_alous_return_pushed_back-1.html

Edgy DC Jun 04 2007 10:53 AM

Well, let's keep going. Valentin?

TransMonk Jun 04 2007 11:53 AM

Mr. Rubin answers all our questions this morning: ="Daily News"]Beltran due back tomorrow; Pedro set to take mound BY ADAM RUBIN DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Monday, June 4th 2007, 4:00 AM Carlos Beltran, who missed the weekend series with the Diamondbacks, vowed to return to the starting lineup tomorrow when the Mets open a series with the Phillies at Shea. Beltran bruised his right knee in a collision with San Francisco's Rich Aurilia on Thursday. He's having more difficulty batting righty, which the switch-hitter would be required to do tomorrow since he'd be scheduled to face Phillies southpaw Jamie Moyer. The Mets also will see a lefty in Thursday's series finale with Cole Hamels. "(Tomorrow) I'm going to be in the lineup for sure," Beltran said. "When I run I feel a little bit of pain, but I believe it isn't going to get worse. It's sore. Right now it's better than the last two days." Beltran did squat behind home plate yesterday to receive the ceremonial first pitch from welterweight champ Miguel Cotto, who faces Zab Judah at the Garden on Friday. The center fielder suggested he would've been willing to pinch-hit. "Today I was available for Willie (Randolph)," Beltran said. PEDRO WATCH: Pedro Martinez is scheduled to throw off a mound tomorrow in Port St. Lucie for the first time since surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. The Mets expect an August return. ... Jose Valentin, nearing a return from the DL, may begin a rehab assignment with Class-A St. Lucie today. Valentin, nursing a torn ACL in his right knee, was off yesterday but had been playing in extended spring training games. ... Moises Alou is expected to get his balky left quad checked out after he experienced difficulty running Saturday. He's all but ruled out returning from the DL for the Phillies series. ... Oliver Perez has pitched seven innings in a career-best five straight starts. ... Carlos Gomez went 2-for-4. The 21-year-old rookie, who snapped an 0-for-18 skid Saturday in his lone at-bat, raised his average 35 points, to .229. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2007/06/04/2007-06-04_beltran_due_back_tomorrow_pedro_set_to_t.html

Benjamin Grimm Jun 04 2007 12:04 PM

Alou in 2007 is starting to remind me of Reyes in 2004.

TransMonk Jun 04 2007 12:08 PM

Can't say I didn't expect this going in. Moises is oft injured, but more often than not, when he's healthy, he is an asset to the team. At this point, I'm less concerned how many games he misses in May and June as long as he is healthy in September and October.

Gwreck Jun 04 2007 12:28 PM

Should add that Wednesday is a national ESPN broadcast for the out-of-towners.

Edgy DC Jun 04 2007 12:35 PM

One bad series, and we'll need Moises NOW!!!

Johnny Dickshot Jun 04 2007 12:37 PM

Eh. I think the slow-healing injury + the danger of it happening again at any moment + the fact that other than being a GREAT hitter Alou sucks at fielding and baserunning + the fact that Endy more resembles a pumpkin every series = We should consider trading for a reliable corner outfielder this summer.

Centerfield Jun 04 2007 12:44 PM

There's this guy on the Cubs... Though I don't know if he exactly qualifies as "reliable".

Benjamin Grimm Jun 04 2007 12:50 PM

Maybe the Mets can lure Darryl Strawberry out of retirement. He's only five months older than Roger Clemens.

Johnny Dickshot Jun 04 2007 12:52 PM

Well, I wouldn't mind Floyd getting bench time here -- which is pretty much what he's geting from the Cubs. His career would be helped if he would play first base again.

seawolf17 Jun 04 2007 01:34 PM

It's a discussion that doesn't belong in this thread, but Cliff Floyd is worthless as a pinch-hitter; Gary Cohen said during the Cubs series that Cliff even admits that. No thanks.

Johnny Dickshot Jun 04 2007 02:34 PM

Yabbut wouldn't you interpret a comment from a guy at Cliff's point in his career to mean "I'D PREFER NOT TO PINCH HIT, THANKS." and not "I REALLY CANNOT HIT." I understand there's an adjustment to a reduced role that some guys make more easily than others. I don't believe it's a physical thing, though. If you can't hit sometimes then you sure shunt be hitting always.

Edgy DC Jun 04 2007 02:38 PM

The Phils, according to Newsday are approaching their 10,000 loss, unprecdented in American professional sports. According to bb-r.com, they're at 9,984.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 04 2007 02:41 PM

I don't remember the URL, but I heard that there's a fan site out there somewhere that "celebrates" the 10,000 losses.

Johnny Dickshot Jun 04 2007 02:46 PM

That could be us June 29-July 1 at Philly.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 04 2007 03:06 PM

Note to ticketholders (I'm one of them): The Sunday July 1 game at Citizens Bank Park has been switched from 1:10 p.m. to 8:09 p.m. for ESPN.

metirish Jun 05 2007 08:27 AM

As Edgy mentioned earlier,here is the link. [url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ny-spphillies055243428jun05,0,1747790.story?coll=ny-sports-mezz]Countdown to futile Phillies' 10,000th defeat[/url]

bmfc1 Jun 05 2007 08:44 AM

Yancy Street Gang wrote: Note to ticketholders (I'm one of them): The Sunday July 1 game at Citizens Bank Park has been switched from 1:10 p.m. to 8:09 p.m. for ESPN. That's going to be a long weekend in Philadelphia (make your own joke about every weekend in Philadelphia being a long one): they have a day/night DH on Friday (after a night game at Shea), a mid-afternoon game on Saturday, and now a late game on Sunday before traveling to Denver for a game the next night.

Willets Point Jun 05 2007 08:47 AM

Maybe we can pick up this guy from Japan for outfield/bench.

metirish Jun 07 2007 07:21 AM

Johnny Dickshot wrote: Eh. I think the slow-healing injury + the danger of it happening again at any moment + the fact that other than being a GREAT hitter Alou sucks at fielding and baserunning + the fact that Endy more resembles a pumpkin every series = We should consider trading for a reliable corner outfielder this summer. Ugh,how about trade for some help now,sucks that Milledge is still hurting. I was looking forward to Hamels pitching,not so sure now.