Howard's Smash Backs Moyer

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Sporting a uniform that was worn by the Phillies in the year he was born, Jamie Moyer cruised along retiring the first eight batters he faced. Moyer had a comfortable four run lead with the opposing pitcher due up, and was bound for another easy inning.

Instead, Felipe Paulino doubled and the wheels fell off. Moyer struggled to get a single out as the next eight batters reached base. Jason Michaels' and Hunter Pence's home runs tied the game. Michaels' homer was the Astros' first home run of the season. The Astros' 2010 firsts did not end there. They took their first lead of the season on a sharp ground ball that was mishandled by Placido Polanco.

You could go on and on about how bad that inning was for Jamie Moyer and the Phillies. But you could also go on and on about how ridiculously hot the Phillies offense is right now. They're only averaging 8.2 runs per game.

The Phillies played a little small ball to score the first four runs. The fact that the Phillies aren't relying on the home run ball is an excellent sign. They are drawing walks, getting on base any way they can, and bringing those runners home to score.

But it's always nice to hit the long ball. Trailing 5-4, Ryan Howard provided the smash. Howard cranked a two-run homer off the concrete wall in deep left-center field. The Phillies took a 6-5 lead, and did not look back.

Jayson Werth went 3-for-4 with 3 runs batted in. Shane Victorino joined the fun with a RBI single and a ninth inning home run. Victorino hit into tough luck all week, but finally found a hole.

Moyer settled in after a rough third inning, and was able to make it through six. He earned the win in the Phillies 9-6 victory over the Houston Astros. It will be a battle of the Roy's (Halladay-Oswalt) tomorrow as the the Phillies go for the sweep against the win-less Astros.

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

Texas Headlines Day 3 of Winter Meetings

The Texas Rangers made the most headlines during day three of the Winter Meetings:

Rich Harden is close to a deal with the Rangers, which would be a terrific move. When healthy, Harden can be a great pitcher. The Rangers have a great offense, however their pitching could use a boost, although they have a lot of up and coming talent in Scott Feldman and other starters. Their bullpen was toward the top in ERA (3.95) last season. With their potent offense and improved pitching, the Rangers could finally get over the hump and be in the playoffs.

Speaking of the Rangers and pitching, they traded Kevin Millwood to the Baltimore Orioles for Chris Ray. I'm not sure how much of an upgrade this is. Ray was great in 2005 and 2006. He had Tommy John Surgery in 2007 and hasn't returned to his old form. He had an awful 2009: an ERA over seven. Millwood was one of the Rangers best pitchers in 2009, but he has had a history of injuries. The move serves as a salary dump more than anything. Millwood had a 3.67 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 2009.

The Rangers are done yet. They're also discussing a deal with the Red Sox for Mike Lowell.

Staying in the state of Texas, the Houston Astros acquired Matt Lindstrom from the Florida Marlins. The Marlins will receive Robert Bono and Luis Bryan.

Feliz Slams Past 'Stros

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Wilton Lopez made a huge mistake by hanging a slider to Pedro Feliz. Feliz took advantage and sent the pitch into the left field seats. The salami and Ryan Madson's six-out save led the Phillies to a 7-4 victory.

J.A Happ pitched better than his line indicated. In 5.2 innings, he allowed four runs (three earned) on nine hits. He struck out six. Happ became the first Phillies rookie to win 12 games since 1959. Happ made two mistakes: a down and in fastball to Lance Berkman and a middle-in fastball to Kaz Matsui. Both pitches resulted in home runs.

Jimmy Rollins' 42nd double of the season put the Phillies on the board, but it was Feliz who provided the big blow. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Feliz jumped on the first pitch and took it for a ride. The grand slam put the Phillies ahead, 5-1. It was Feliz's second grand slam of the year, and it extended the franchise record for most grand slams in a season (11). The rally towels proudly waved and it was loud for the rest of the night.

In the fifth inning, Jayson Werth added insurance with a two-run home run. The runs proved to be key since the ninth inning is always nerve-racking.

Jamie Moyer ate 1.1 scoreless innings in relief. However, on the last pitch he threw, he fell to the ground with a groin injury.

Ryan Madson threw nine pitches in the eighth inning, and returned to the mound in the ninth to a standing ovation. Madson allowed two singles, but struck out Hunter Pence to end the game. Madson did a perfect job of mixing his pitches and locating them in the right spots.

The Florida Marlins took care of business in Atlanta, beating the Braves 5-4. This means that the magic number is down to one.

Manuel Has Meeting as Phils Try to Rebound

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Houston Astros (73-83) at Philadelphia Phillies (90-66)
Wilton Lopez, RHP (0-0, 8.44 ERA) vs. J.A Happ, LHP (11-4, 2.79 ERA)

The Houston Astros always seem to torture the Phillies in September, but don't jump off the bandwagon yet! The beauty of baseball is that there is always a tomorrow. After a painful loss on Monday, the Phillies will try to rebound.

Last night, the Phillies struggled against Yorman Bazardo. Once again, they'll be seeing a new face. Wilton Lopez is making his first major league start. In 10.2 innings in relief, the rookie has struggled mightily. He has allowed 20 hits and his ERA is over eight. Over the course of the year, the Phillies' bats have been silent against young pitchers that they've never faced before, even if they own high ERA's.

J.A Happ will try to help his case for the 2009 Rookie of the Year Award. The left-hander is seeking his twelfth win of the year. Opponents have batted .236 against him this season. Happ has been the stopper. He is a perfect 7-0 after Phillies losses.

Charlie Manuel did most of the talking during a closed-door meeting this afternoon. Hopefully that will pump up the team and get them back on the right track. Manuel later said to the media: "Ever since I’ve been in baseball, I’ve been a fighter and I’ve come to whip your [butt] every day.” So let's whip some Astro-butt tonight.

Tonight's lineup: Rollins (SS), Victorino (CF), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Ibanez (LF), Werth (RF), Feliz (3B), Bako (C) and Happ (P).

Phils Have Chance To Clinch During Astros Series

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Houston Astros (72-83) at Philadelphia Phillies (90-65)
Yorman Bazardo, RHP (0-2, 9.55 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels, LHP (10-9, 4.11 ERA)

This could be the deciding series for the Fightin’ Phils. With their magic number at three, the Phillies could clinch as early as Tuesday depending on the Braves’ outcome. The Phillies need to take care of their own business by beating the Houston Astros, who swept them in four games at the beginning of September.

When the games get bigger, Cole Hamels gets better. In his last six starts, Hamels is 3-1 with a 2.01 ERA. He struggled against Houston, allowing four earned runs in six innings.

Hamels will be opposed by Yorman Bazardo, who his seeking his first win of 2009. Bazardo is making his fourth start of the season. He has not lasted more than five innings in any of his starts. Bazardo allows a lot of base runners, 2.08 walks and hits per innings pitched. Opponents are batting .341 against him.

The offense has been better lately, and they should be able to handle Bazarado. However, they have a tendency to struggle against pitchers they’ve never faced before. The “RISP” stat will be a key stat to look at during tonight’s game.

The Phillies were unable to clinch on the road, but it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise if they can clinch in front of the home crowd. The rally towels will be out tonight, and the rest of the series.

Note: J.C. Romero has been activated from the DL. Carlos Ruiz could be back as early as Wednesday.

Astros Sweep Phillies

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Four years ago, Craig Biggio sent Billy Wagner's offering into the left field seats, diminishing the Phillies' Wild Card hopes. The Astros completing a four game sweep isn't as devastating, but it is still tough to take in.

J.A Happ was a late scratch due to a mild oblique strain suffered during batting practice. Jamie Moyer was penciled in, but the short notice worked to his advantage. Moyer pitched six innings, giving up two runs, three hits and one walk. The only damage came on Hunter Pence's 413-foot blast. Beat that, Ryan Howard.

Howard's RBI single gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead before Pence's bomb. Next, Howard hit an estimated 445-foot opposite field moonshot. Howard and Raul Ibanez went back-to-back. It was Ibanez's second home run in 123 at-bats. The Phillies led 3-2 headed into the seventh.

In a crucial situation in the sixth inning, Charlie Manuel opted to leave Moyer in, even though Michael Bourn was on base. Moyer escaped the jam, something Chan Ho Park failed to do an inning later. Miguel Tejada and Pence hit back-to-back doubles, tying the game at three. Park, who normally does not walk many batters, walked three in a row (one intentional), bringing home the go-ahead run. Manuel waited too long to make the call to Scott Eyre, who ended the inning without further trouble.

The Phillies were lucky it wasn't worse. But once again, the offense wasn't able to do much. They were 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base. The small ball in the first inning worked, thanks to Shane Victorino's steal and Howard's single. If they do more of this, they'll see themselves putting up more runs.

Since 2004, the Astros have given the Phillies trouble. They are 24-11, the highest winning percentage (.686) of any National League club against the Phillies. The last time the Astros swept the Phillies in a four game series was September 6-9, 1999. It must not be a good time to face the 'Stros.

On Labor Day, Phils Need To Work

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Philadelphia Phillies (77-57) at Houston Astros (66-70)

J.A Happ (10-4, 2.77 ERA) starts vs. Brian Moehler (8-10, 5.11 ERA).

Happy Labor Day! The Phillies offense has been on vacation for the last couple of weeks. Today would be a good day for them to get back to work. The Astros are on the verge of sweeping the four game series.

J.A Happ can't seem to win his eleventh game. He'll go for it today against Brian Moehler. Moehler has lost five of his last six decisions. He has struggled against the Phillies throughout his career (11 G, 7 S, 2-3, 6.38 ERA). The lineup collectively has good numbers against Moehler: Ryan Howard- .471, 2 HR; Chase Utley- .412, 2 HR; Jimmy Rollins- .250, 2 HR; Shane Victorino- .545.

Former Phillie, Michael Bourn has been trouble. He is 5-for-13 with three stolen bases and two runs scored. The Phillies need to keep the speedster off the base paths.

Good News Turned Bad

As seen on Phillies Nation.

From the get-go, it was a game of good news and bad news. The good news: Chase Utley returned to the lineup after missing Saturday’s game with a bruised foot. The bad news: Shane Victorino (knee) and Ryan Madson were unavailable due to injuries.

Jimmy Rollins greeted Bud Norris with a lead-off home run. After Lance Berkman’s RBI single, Ben Francisco homered. The Phillies regained the lead, 2-1. Good news.

There was more good news. Cole Hamels carried in a 19 consecutive scoreless inning streak. All good things come to an end, and for Hamels his streak halted at 21.1 innings. In the fifth, the ‘Stros took a 3-2 lead on Carlos Lee’s two-run double. Miguel Tejada followed with a RBI double of own.

Hamels didn’t pitch poorly. He pitched six innings and allowed four runs on eight hits. Despite Michael Bourn’s blazing speed, Hamels did not get help from his defense. Twice, Hamels had Bourn picked off. Even with a strong throw from Ryan Howard, Rollins was unable to apply the tag. Bourn scored both times, proving costly for the Phillies.

A fan reached out and snagged Jayson Werth’s 31st home run of the year, putting the Phillies within one. The late rally wasn’t in them. Rollins popped up the offering from Jose Valverde. He immediately put his head down and trotted to first base. That summed up the Phillies struggles. Berkman squeezed his glove for the final out, securing the Astros third win of the series. In eight of their last ten games, the Phillies have scored three runs or less.

The Phillies homered three times, but they were each solo shots. Their troubles have been with runners in scoring position, but they had only one runner beyond first base. While every bleeder fell the Astros way, the Phillies couldn’t find any holes.

The bad news was that the Phillies lost 4-3. However, the good news is that their magic number decreases to 21 thanks to Ryan Zimmerman’s walk-off home run against the Florida Marlins. So take the good news with the bad.

Hamels Looks to Continue Hot Streak

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Philadelphia Phillies (77-56) at Houston Astros (65-70)
Cole Hamels (8-8, 4.26 ERA) vs. Bud Norris (3-3, 6.61 ERA)

After losing the first two games, the Phillies must salvage a game of the series. They almost won last night's game, but Brad Lidge blew his Major League leading 10th save of the year. Still, the offense is lacking.

Cole Hamels will try to extend his hot streak. He has thrown 19 consecutive scoreless innings. Hamels is 3-0 with a 4.41 ERA against Houston. Last year, Hamels gave up six runs in four innings at Minute Made Park.

The Phillies have been facing numerous tough pitchers lately. They might be catching a break with Bud Norris on the mound. Unlike Hamels, Norris is in the midst of a cold streak; he is 0-3 with a 13.11 ERA in his last three starts.

Today's Lineup: Chase Utley was listed as day-to-day with a swollen right foot, but he is in today's lineup. However, Shane Victorino is not. Victorino left last night's game with swelling in his knee.

Rollins (SS)/ Werth (CF)/ Utley (2B)/ Howard (1B)/ Ibanez (LF)/ Francisco (RF)/ Feliz (3B)/ Ruiz (C)/ Hamels (P).

Phillies Need Offense

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Philadelphia Phillies (77-55) at Houston Astros (64-70).

Joe Blanton (9-6, 3.77 ERA) starts vs. Roy Oswalt (8-5, 3.80 ERA).

Since Sunday, the Phillies have scored six lonely runs. Even though the pitching allowed 14 runs, the Phillies have been able to win three games. Subtracting Cliff Lee's poor outing, the Phillies were only outscored 8-6. They have been facing great pitching, and today will be no different. Regardless, the offense needs to get back on track.

Joe Blanton will take the mound against Roy Oswalt. Blanton is 5-2 with a 2.41 ERA in his last 12 starts. Blanton won his only career start against Houston. He pitched seven innings and allowed three runs.

Oswalt is 6-1 with a 3.28 ERA in 10 games against the Phillies. Oswalt starts to pick it up in the second half, especially September. He is 28-8 with a 2.54 ERA in September/October.

Tonight's Lineup: Chase Utley is out with a bruised, swollen foot.

Shane Victorino (CF)/ Jayson Werth (RF)/ Jimmy Rollins (SS)/ Ryan Howard (1B)/ Raul Ibanez (LF)/ Pedro Feliz (3B)/ Miguel Cairo (2B)/ Paul Bako (C)/ Joe Blanton (P).

Another Potential Pitchers' Duel

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Philadelphia Phillies (77-54) at Houston Astros (63-70).

Cliff Lee (12-10, 2.83 ERA) starts vs. Wandy Rodriguez (12-9, 2.93 ERA).
Coming off a 4-2 home stand, the Phillies head to Houston to take on the Astros. The Astros sit in fourth place in the National League Central. The Phillies offense is due to come alive; they averaged only 1.8 runs per game during their six game homecoming.

Lately, the Phillies have been apart of many pitchers' duels. Tonight might not be any different. Lee is 5-1 with a 1.80 ERA since joining the Phillies. However, he will try to rebound from his worst start since joining the team.

Wandy Rodriguez has been a pleasant surprise this season. A career .500 pitcher, he has a 2.93 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and strikes out 8.3 batters per nine. He was the National League Pitcher of the Month in July, when he posted a 0.75 ERA. Perhaps he is starting to return to his old form, because he posted a 4.00 ERA in August. Rodriguez is 0-1 with a 8.10 ERA in three career appearances against the Phillies.

Raul Ibanez will be given the day off. Ben Francisco will start in left field.

Myers To Face Streaking 'Stros

Brett Myers will face the Houston Astros in Kissimmee, Florida, preparing for his potential start on Opening Night. Game time is 1:05 PM.

To this point, Myers is 1-1 with a 2.63 ERA in his starts this spring. Roy Oswalt will be on the hill for the Astros, making his first start since returning from the World Baseball Classic.

The Phillies look to halt the Astros, who have won six games in a row.

Came Out of Nowhere

Don't look now, but the Houston Astros have pulled themselves to within 4 games back of the Wild Card.

They have a huge series with the Cubs coming up, however 2 games have been rained out due to Hurricane Ike.

The Astros are on a tear. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games, and have won 13 of their last 14. Could they pull a 2007 Colarado Rockies? Unlikely, but possible.

Roy Oswalt, who hasn't had the type of year that was expected of him, has picked it up lately. He has pitched 17.1 scoreless innings. In his last 10 starts, 66.1 innings, Oswalt has an ERA of just 2.17.

Lance Berkman is having an MVP type year. At this point, he is my runner up to Albert Pujols. Berkman is hitting .330 this year with 28 HR and 100 RBI. His OBP is .433 and his SLG is .601. with a 1.034 OPS.

Despite losing RBI machine Carlos Lee for the remainder of the year, and a retired Craig Biggio, the Astros have hung in there.

The Astros have a lot of former Phillies thanks to the Brad Lidge trade. It has worked out quite nice for the Phillies. Michael Bourn, Randy Wolf, and Geoff Geary are all current Astros. You can find out how they are doing in my previous post, "Where are They Now". Of the three, Geary has been the best. In 59 IP, he is 3-3 with an ERA of 2.44 with a WHIP of 1.14.

Ty Wiggington and Hunter Pence also provided some power for the Astros with 22 homeruns each.