Phillies Notes: Halladay, Injuries, Minor Deals

As seen on Phillies Nation.

March is quickly coming to an end. The Phillies play one more game in Clearwater before returning north for an exhibition series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. April 5th will be here before we know it. There was plenty of Phillies news to end the third month of the year:

The Phillies lost to the Toronto Blue Jays, 5-2.

Roy Halladay surrendered four runs in the first inning. He would settle down by striking out the side in the second, and retiring the side in order in the third. In the three innings he worked, he struck out five.

Placido Polanco and Ben Francisco provided the Phillies with their only two runs. They each hit solo shots.

Brad Lidge received a Cortisone shot.

Lidge is having elbow troubles once again. Lidge has inflammation on the outer part of his elbow. His off-season surgery was on the inner part. No MRI will be required for this injury, as there is no structural damage.

Michael Ciccotti, the team physician, said that the injury is due to “[Lidge's] reconditioning routine.” Lidge’s goal is to return by mid-April, although it could be later.

Joe Blanton injured his left oblique muscle.


The Phillies will not know more about the injury until tomorrow, when Blanton is examined by the team doctor. Blanton, who was scheduled to pitch on Saturday, felt the injury when throwing a bullpen session today.

Blanton has never been placed on the disabled list in his career. If Blanton were to miss time during the season, Kyle Kendrick would likely be the one to fill his shoes.

If the Blanton and Lidge injuries weren’t bad enough, Carlos Ruiz was kept out of today’s lineup after being hit by a pitch on the arm yesterday. The move was just cautionary though.

The Phillies signed right handed pitchers Josh Fogg and Ty Taubenheim to minor league contracts.

Both pitchers will report to minor league camp. These moves could kick Brandon Duckworth out of Triple-A.

Fogg was recently released by the New York Mets. He has a career 62-69 record, and 5.03 ERA. Taubenheim has only pitched in 46 major league innings, and also has an ERA over five.

2010 Preview: Houston Astros

This is a preview of the 2010 season. We will look at the different divisions, teams, and players. This is also featured on Phillies Nation, as part of their 2010 preview.

In 2009, the Houston Astros went 74-88, placing fifth in NL Central.

Five years ago, the Houston Astros painfully knocked the Phillies out of playoff contention. Time flies. No more Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, or Roger Clemens. Despite having an entirely different core, the Astros have plenty of experienced players. In 2009, the Astros relied on Lance Berkman, Hunter Pence, and Carlos Lee.

Although they had power hitters like Berkman and Lee, the Astros finished towards the bottom in runs scored. Their pitching was not much better, collecting a 4.54 team earned run average. Roy Oswalt, who was once a Cy Young candidate, had a poor year that was plagued with injuries. The only consistent pitcher was Wandy Rodriguez, who surprised us all with 14 wins and a 3.02 ERA.

The Astros made several moves this off-season, giving them a familiar look. Ed Wade, the Phillies former general manager, signed Pedro Feliz and Brett Myers, who join former teammates Michael Bourn and Jason Michaels.

The Astros weren’t done. With the departure of Jose Valverde, the Astros traded for Matt Lindstrom and found a new closer in Brandon Lyon. Lyon was given a very pricey three-year, $15 million contract.

The Astros made a significant amount of changes, but still have plenty of question marks. Does anybody know who Tommy Manzella is? He’s their shortstop. J.R Towels was once a highly touted prospect and will be given the opportunity to catch everyday. However, the 25-year old’s hasn’t been able to reach the Mendoza line during his time in the majors.

Berkman and Oswalt have both been bothered with injuries this spring. In addition, Wandy Rodriguez will have to prove that 2009 was not a fluke.

The outfield is set with Lee, Bourn, and the emerging star Pence, but they will not be enough to carry the Astros towards playoff contention.

Prediction: 79-83

2010 Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers

This is a preview of the 2010 season. We will look at the different divisions, teams, and players. This is also featured on Phillies Nation, as part of their 2010 preview.

In 2009, the Los Angeles Dodgers finished 95-67, 1st place in NL West.

For the second consecutive year, the Phillies ended the Dodgers' season by winning the National League pennant. The series was highlighted by Jimmy Rollins' walk-off against Jonathan Broxton, one of the league's premier closers. The Dodgers may not have advanced to the World Series, but they had strong combination of offense and pitching to build a very good team.

Manny Ramirez received a 50-game suspension, leading many to think that the Dodgers' season would be in jeopardy. However, players like Matt Kemp and Andre Eithier stepped up and led the Dodgers to the postseason.

Chad Billinsgley was not the ace he was in previous years, but the Dodgers still had one of the league's top pitching staffs. At just 21 years of age, Clayton Kershaw proved that he can be a dominant Major League pitcher. In addition, the Dodgers had one of the best bullpens in all of baseball.

During the off-season, the Dodgers did not make any significant moves to improve their team. After a 95-win season, did they really need to?

The Dodgers' lineup will look exactly the same. Ramirez, Kemp, and Eithier make up a star-studded outfield, and will provide much of the offense. The Dodgers are hoping catcher Russell Martin can rebound from 2009, when he batted .250 with a .680 on-base plus slugging percentage.

At this time, the fifth spot in the rotation is undecided. Kershaw and Billingsley will be the Dodger's one-two punch. If Hiroki Kuroda remains healthy for the 2010 campaign, the Dodgers could have one of the strongest rotations in baseball.

George Sherill, a former closer, will be the set-up man for Broxton. While Sherill and Broxton are the biggest names in the 'pen, relievers like Ramon Troncoso, Ronal Belisario, and James McDonald are ones to keep an eye on.

The Dodgers have the talent to reach the postseason once again, but can they avoid the heartbreak ending?

Prediction: 93-69

Blog of Note: Please go to The Phield and vote for Phillies Nation!

Fifth Spot: Kendrick or Moyer?

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Entering spring training, Ruben Amaro Jr. said that the fifth spot in the rotation was Jamie Moyer’s to lose. While Kyle Kendrick has made his case for the fifth spot, Moyer has done nothing to lose it.

In 19.2 innings this spring, Kendrick has a 1.37 earned run average. In that span, he has given up 12 hits, walked four and struck out seven. He has yet to allow a home run.

Kendrick made his last start against the Astros. In 5.2 innings, he allowed one earned run on five hits.

On the other hand, Moyer has a 0.77 earned run average in 11.2 innings. The 47-year old has only allowed six hits and has yet to walk a batter. He has also struck out 12.

Moyer spent a majority of spring pitching in “B” games, but perhaps he sealed the deal with 6.2 shut out innings against the New York Yankees. Tossing 74 pitches against the Bronx Bombers, Moyer struck out six.

Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee have yet to name the fifth starter. So, who will the fifth rotation spot belong to? Kyle Kendrick or Jamie Moyer?

Help Your Fellow Blogs

Have you filled out your brackets? Kansas, Syracuse, Duke, West Virginia... But that's not the bracket I'm talking about. I'm talking about The Phield. That's right. The best Philadelphia Phillies blog will be decided on. There are 64 blogs, but one winner will emerge.

Swing and a Long Drive was ranked 6th in the Salisbury Region. Our partner site, Phillies Nation, was ranked at number one in the Lauber region. It won't be an easy ride for each site. Swing and a Long Drive faces Fire Eric Bruntlett in the first round. We Should be GMs and The Zo Zone are also in the same region.

Phillies Nation could be facing the popular website The Fightins to get into the final four. It may be surprising that The Fightins only received a three seed, but the battle in the Lauber Region should be epic.

YOU can help your favorite sites! Vote for each matchup on Twitter by following @ThePhield.




*Click image for larger bracket.*

Phillies/Twins Preview & Other Notes

As seen on Phillies Nation.

With the rain pushing back J.A Happ’s start, the Phillies altered their rotation for the week. On Monday, Roy Halladay will start and Jamie Moyer will pitch in a B game. Cole Hamels will pitch on Tuesday, Joe Blanton Wednesday, Kyle Kendrick Friday, and Halladay on Saturday. The Phillies have off on Thursday, when Happ will throw again.

Happ will start in today’s game against the Minnesota Twins. It can be seen on MYPHL 17 and MLB Network at 1:00 p.m. Carl Pavano will take the hill for the Twins.

The Twins lineup will consist of almost all regulars, except Joe Mauer: Denard Span, Orlando Hudson, Justin Morneau, Jim Thome, Michael Cuddyer, Wilson Ramos, Delmon Young, J.J Hardy and Nick Punto.

For the Phillies, all the regulars are in the lineup for the first time this spring: Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Ben Francisco, and Carlos Ruiz.

Other Notes:

Phillippe Aumont, Yohan Flande, Scott Mathieson, Drew Naylor, J.C Ramirez, Jesus Sanchez, Joe Savery, Bill White, Tuffy Gosewisch, Kevin Nelson, John Suomi, Freddy Galvis, Quentin Berry and Tyson Gillies have all been re-assigned to minor league camp.

Scott Matheison is the most surprising name on the list. Ruben Amaro said that Matheison could appear in the big leagues in 2010, but also said that he needed to “refine” his secondary pitches.

It is still uncertain if J.C Romero and Brad Lidge will be ready by April 5. Romero says not to count him out for Opening Day, although it appears to be a long shot at this point.

Romero threw 30 pitches yesterday, and mixed in a few changeups. Romero will start throwing sliders tomorrow.

Today, Lidge threw to a few hitters. On Monday, Lidge will likely throw in a minor league game. Both Lidge and Romero see progress.

2010 Preview: AL Central

This is a preview of the 2010 season. We will look at the different divisions, teams, and players. This is also featured on Phillies Nation, as part of their 2010 preview.
Link
Last season, it took 163 games to decide the winner of the American League Central. The Detroit Tigers had a three game lead with four games left, but were unable to hold it as the Minnesota Twins forced a tiebreaker. In a game for the ages, the Twins defeated the Tigers, 6-5. Alexi Casilla's 12th inning walk-off single dramatically sent the Twins into the postseason. Unfortunately, the Twins were unable to make it past the first round of the postseason.

Minnesota Twins

The Metrodome would give a slight advantage to the home team, but this April, Target Field will become the new home of the Minnesota Twins. Last year, the Twins ranked fifth in runs scored (817); it'll be interesting to see if their new ballpark will benefit pitchers or hitters. Either way, the Twins have a scary lineup that includes the American League MVP and batting champion, Joe Mauer.

Along with Mauer, the Twins have several players who are capable of hitting 20 or more home runs: Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer, and their newest addition, Jim Thome. In addition, the Twins acquired a new double play combination: J.J Hardy and Orlando Hudson.

Pitching is the Twins biggest question mark. Joe Nathan, a top-notch closer, has been sidelined with an elbow tear. Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey will anchor the rotation, but the Twins would like a comeback from Francisco Liriano, who had a phenomenal rookie season. Liriano has been plagued with injuries and struggles since 2006.

2009: 87-76, 1st in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 88-74, 1st place

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers made headlines when they traded Edwin Jackson and Curtis Granderson for Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, Austin Jackson, and Phil Coke. While they got some key players in return, losing a player of Granderson's caliber is huge. They also lost Placido Polanco to free agency.

Among other off-season moves, the Tigers signed Johnny Damon to a one-year, $8 million contract. With the health problems of flame-throwing Joel Zumaya, the Tigers also signed closer Jose Valverde to a two-year, $14 million deal.

Since his trade to Detroit, Miguel Cabrera hasn't been in the spotlight, but he always has an All Star type season. Additionally, the Tigers have a solid 1-2 punch with Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello.

2009: 86-77, 2nd in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 82-80, 3rd place

Chicago White Sox

In 2009, the Chicago White Sox made a couple trades that didn't impact the team at the time. However, Jake Peavy and Alex Rios could make big impacts on the team in 2010. With Mark Buehrle and a healthy Peavy, the White Sox could have an impressive front of the rotation.

The health of Peavy is important, but so is the health of Carlos Quentin, who has been bothered with injuries over the last few years.

2009: 79-83, 3rd in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 86-76, 2nd place

Cleveland Indains

Over the course of the last two years, the Cleveland Indians traded most of their team to get younger. They have plenty of prospects (Carlos Santana to name one), but aren't likely to contend in 2010.

The only "big name player" left is Grady Sizemore. While Sizemore is an All Star caliber player, the Indians have other established players, such as Travis Hafner and Shin-Soo Choo. Most of their club consists of up and coming players like Matt LaPorta and Justin Masterson.

2009: 65-97, Tied for last in AL Central
2010: 70-92, last place


Kansas City Royals

The Royals didn't have too many bright spots last year, but one of them was Zach Greinke. The American League Cy Young winner dominated, despite being on one of the worst teams in basbeall.

Besides Greinke, the Royals have a few players they can count on. They've added Rick Ankiel to the outfield and have gotten some production out of first baseman Billy Butler. Joakim Soria doesn't get too many save opportunities as a Royal, but when he does, he gets the job done.

The Royals seem to be high on their third baseman, Alex Gordon. He has been bothered with injuries and so far has yet to live up to his potential.

2009: 65-97, Tied for last in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 71-91, 4th place

Kendrick Making His Case

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Kyle Kendrick is on a mission. He's been picking Roy Halladay's brain. Some days, he beats Halladay to the ballpark -- which is usually as early as 5:00 a.m! By his current work ethic, it's easy to tell that Kendrick wants to be the Phillies' fifth starter.

The New York Yankees defeated the Phillies 7-5 on Monday, but the Phillies received an impressive outing from Kendrick, who continues to make his case for the final spot in the rotation. Kendrick tossed three scoreless innings. In the process, he struck out one. He allowed just one hit and did not walk a batter.

On the other hand, Jose Contreras pitch terribly. In 1.2 innings, he surrendered six runs on six hits and three walks. There was a very slight chance that Contreras would be the fifth starter, but it's more realistic for him to fill Chan Ho Park's spot in the bullpen, with Kendrick and Jamie Moyer dishing it out for the fifth slot.

Also in the game, Jimmy Rollins (2-for-4) smashed his second home run of the spring. For the first time this spring, Domonic Brown did not get a hit (0-for-2).

Halladay will start tomorrow against the Braves. Andrew Carpenter, Danys Baez, and Ryan Madson are slated to pitch. Billy Wagner is scheduled to pitch for the Braves.

Sunday's Recap and Injury Updates

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies lost in extra innings to the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-3, however there were some positive notes from Sunday.

First, Brad Lidge said that he will be able to throw to live hitters during batting practice on Wednesday. He could appear in a minor league game on March 15.

Shane Victorino, who is nursing a sore shoulder, will not make the trip to tomorrow’s game at Tampa. However, Charlie Manuel said that there is a chance that Victorino could play on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves.

Now back to the game. Domonic Brown continues to make spring highlights. He went 3-for-5 with two runs batted in. He grounded into a key double play, but since he has seven hits in the last three games, we’ll let it slide — for now. The other run came off the bat of Jimmy Rollins: a solo home run.

J.A Happ pitched 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks. Phillippe Aumont managed to make it through 2.2 innings without surrendering a run, bouncing back from his poor outing against Florida State University. On the other hand, Joe Savery and Yohan Flande each struggled.

Blanton Changes Grip, but Struggles

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies did not win on Saturday. Nor did they lose. After ten innings, the Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates called it a tie, with the game knotted at three.

Joe Blanton made his spring debut, and allowed three first inning runs. In his two innings of work, he surrendered five hits, three for extra bases. Blanton explained that he is working on a new grip for his sinker since he was uncomfortable with the previous grip.

Danys Baez made an impressive Phillies spring debut. He allowed one hit and struck out two in two scoreless innings.

Also, Domonic Brown continues to impress this spring. He went 2-for-3 against the Pirates. On the other hand, Ryan Howard remains hitless. Howard is trying to work on hitting breaking balls, but he has struck out four times in five at-bats.

Hamels & Moyer Have Solid Outings

As seen on Phillies Nation.

In Friday's 14-9 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays, Cole Hamels made his 2010 spring training debut.

Tossing 32 pitches in two innings, Hamels allowed one run (a solo home run), two hits, and walked one. Hamels' fastball topped at 89 mph, but he also showed a cutter and curveball. Hamels was confident in his cutter. In addition, Charlie Manuel acknowledged that Hamels' curveball was good, especially to left-handed hitters.

In a "B" game, Jamie Moyer also made his spring debut. In three shutout innings, he allowed three hits and struck out three. 23 of his 31 pitches were for strikes.

Also on Friday, Tyson Gillies homered and Domonic Brown went 2-for-4. However, pitchers J.C Ramirez, Ryan Vogelsong, and Bill White struggled.

Today's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates is currently being aired on 1210 WPHT.

Aumont Struggles in 13-6 Win

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies cruised to a 13-6 victory in their exhibition game against Florida State University.

In the process, Phillippe Aumont, the team’s number one pitching prospect, struggled. Aumont, who was acquired in the Cliff Lee trade, surrendered five runs in 2/3 of inning. But let’s not call it a career for him just yet. Aumont admitted feeling pressure from the trade, and said he wanted to make a good first impression. He’s only 21 and it was his very first outing. Heck, Tim Lincecum allowed three runs during an inning of work today.

The Phillies did receive stellar performances from J.A Happ (2 IP, 0 R), Drew Naylor (2 IP, 4 SO), and Joe Savery (1 IP, 2 SO). Domonic Brown also drove in a run.

Listen Live to Exhibition vs FSU

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Philadelphia Phillies will face Florida State University in an exhibition game at 7:05 p.m. J.A Happ, Phillipe Aumont, Drew Naylor, Yohan Flande, Joe Savery, Jesus Sanchez, and David Herdon will each pitch in tonight’s game against the Seminoles.

The Phillies last played Florida State in 2007, and roughed them up, 12-4.

This year, Florida State’s baseball team is ranked second in the country. It will be interesting to see how Aumont and other players do, however, keep an eye on college players such as Staurt Tapley and Tyler Holt. Some of these players could potentially be a Major League draft pick in the future.

Click this link to listen to the game on the official athletic site of the Seminoles.

Sore Shoulder Keeps Victorino Away from Drills

It was a quiet day in Clearwater, as the team prepares for their first spring training game. However, the news reported was not something that Phillies fans want to hear.

Shane Victorino suffered from soreness in his right shoulder. Victorino took batting practice, but did not participate in outfield drills for precautionary reasons.

Luckily, the injury is not serious. Charlie Manuel is unsure if Victorino will play in Wednesday’s exhibition against Florida State.

In other news, Brad Lidge is ahead of schedule, but will likely not be ready for Opening Day. If that continues to be the case, Ryan Madson, Danys Baez or Jose Contreras would close.


Call of the Day: It's been awhile since we had one of the these, but The Fightins dug up a clip of Chase Utley's first career hit and grand slam.

"Long drive! Could it be? It is outta here! Grand slam home run,
Chase Utley! Welcome to the show Mr. Utley."