David Wright's Helmet

David Wright returned to the lineup for the first time since being beaned in the head. Wright decided to sport the new helmet, which provides extra padding and is much safer for a hitter. The helmets will be mandatory in the minor leagues next season.

If you like Mets failures, you should visit Deadspin , who has a lovely photo and video gallery. Hard to believe SI picked the Mets to go to the World Series this year.

In other news, Carlos Carrasco, the former Phillies farmhand, made his major league debut. His line: 3 IP, 6 ER, 9 H, 3 BB, 3 K. He allowed three home runs. The Cleveland Indians lost to the Detroit Tigers, 8-5.

PHOTO COURTESY: The 'Ropolitans and The Fightins

Pedro Pitches; Brown Promoted

Pedro Martinez made his second rehab appearance; only this time with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Martinez struggled in the IronPigs 9-6 loss to the Columbus Clippers.

“I got better, and it showed that I got better as it got going,” said Martinez.
“Without a doubt, I’m going to have to pitch a little more to get to the
consistent level I’m used to being.”

In five innings, Martinez allowed five runs, four earned, on three hits and three walks. He struck out four and allowed a home run to Michael Brantley.

Former Phillies farmhand, Carlos Carrasco earned the victory against his former club. He allowed four earned runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings. He walked one and struck out six. Michael Taylor homered off him.

QUOTE SOURCE: IronPigs Official Website

In other Phillies organizational moves, Dominic Brown has been promoted to Double-A Reading.

With the Gulf Coast League and Clearwater Threshers, Brown batted .310 with a .394 OBP, and .532 SLG. He hit 11 home runs and had 44 runs batted in. He stole 15 bases and his on-base plus slugging percentage was .926. Many scouts believe that Brown is a better prospect than Michael Taylor.

The Other Side of the Trade

Many are calling the cops on Ruben Amaro Jr. for stealing. As you know by now, the Indians traded Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco to the Phillies in exchange for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson.

The edge appears to be for the Phillies who got a Cy Young winner, a right handed bat, and saved their best prosepcts in J.A Happ, Kyle Drabek, Dominic Brown and Michael Taylor. While they aren't the highest ranked prospects, the Indians got four decent prospects in return, two who are very close to being Major League ready.

The Indians are set in the catching department with Victor Martinez and Kelly Shoppach, but Marson is very close to being MLB ready. The 23 year old doesn't have much power, but hits for a high average. His catching abilities are impressive; he blocks the ball well and has a strong arm.

Donald, like Marson, is returning from an injury this year. Donald can also hit for average, but has a little more pop than Marson. Donald is very versatile. Primarily a plays shortstop, he can also play second and third. In the long haul, I think second will be a better option for him because he doesn't have the greatest arm strength. Asdrubal Cabrera is doing okay for the Tribe this year, but Donald could make an impact in 2010.

Jason Knapp has the most potential of the bunch, and he was the centerpiece of this deal. He is a strikeout machine, and he is only 18. He has 111 strikeouts in 85.1 innings, that's 11.7 K/9.

Carlos Carrasco has fallen off the radar, but he once touted as the Phillies best prospect. He has a very good curveball, and people forget how young he is (22). He'll probably be a middle of the rotation starter in the future, but he has always been a top prospect despite a shaky year this season. A change of scenery might help him too. He can turn around his struggles, he is a talented pitcher.

Even though the Indians didn't get the Phillies best prospects, the Indians still received a good amount of talent in return.

Lopez Starting Friday

For a few days it looked like Carlos Carrasco would make his Major League debut. However, that is not the case. Rodrigo Lopez will start on Friday against the New York Mets.

Lopez is 65-65 with a 4.80 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in his Major League career. In 2007, he had Tommy John Surgery and spent most of the 2008 season recovering. The Phillies signed Lopez to a minor league deal after spring training. In 13 starts with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Lopez is 5-4 with a 3.91 ERA and opponents are batting .292 against him.

I think the Phillies should have given Carrasco a chance. Yes, he has struggled at Triple-A, but he has proven to be a great pitcher in the past. A change of scenery may help him, and that could of been minor leagues to majors.

Lopez has experience, but his numbers do not blow anyone away. He has been very inconsistent in the minors. One day he'll pitch six shutout innings, the next outing he will pitch three innings and give up five earned runs. You never know what to expect from Lopez.

In other news, Raul Ibanez will not be playing at Reading tonight for pre-cautionary reasons. Even though there are no setbacks, it is unlikely he will return this weekend, but should be able to start rehabbing tomorrow.

Phillies Looking Everywhere for Pitching

Antonio Bastardo will be unable to make his next start on Wednesday due to a strained shoulder.

Cole Hamels will start Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves. The Phillies are expected to call up Carlos Carrasco from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and he will make his Major League debut on Thursday.

The Phillies will likely be buyers at the July 31 trade deadline. In the past, they may have been looking for a right-handed bat, but now the priority is pitching, starters and relievers. There are a few pitchers the Phillies scouted.

They have looked at Brad Penny the most, but it is unsure whether the Red Sox make him available with Daisuke Matsuzaka on the disabled list. They scouted Chien-Ming Wang in case the Yankees decide to make him available. They have also looked at Jarod Washburn and Jason Marquis.

Pharm Phriday: 6/12

In this edition of Pharm Phriday, IRONPIGPEN brought in some of his insight on the IronPigs.

Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA): 24-35, 5th in INT North

Pablo Ozuna was suspended 50 games for using perfomance enhancing drugs.

Carlos Carrasco: 1-7/ 5.56 ERA/ 1.42 WHIP/ 67 SO/ 66.1 IP

IRONPIGPEN: I think a book was published and distributed throughtout International League on Carrasco and everyone has now read it. I think Carrasco is a strikeout, hard-thrower type, but doesn’t know how to “pitch” – use off speed, locate stuff and have a “trick pitch.” And I think when things start to go bad he loses concentration and starts to unravel quick. The veteran hitters in AAA are killing him. This is like 11 or 12 starts now so…

Andrew Carpenter: 5-0/ 2.75 ERA/ 68.2 IP/ 1.15 WHIP/ 45 SO

IRONPIGPEN: He really has done well since coming back after Washington game; I don’t think he’s flashy SO guy like Carrasco but I think he’s learning to get guys out.

Reading Phillies (AA): 35-23, 2nd in EAS South

Joe Savery: 7-1/ 3.78 ERA/ 1.38 WHIP/ 47 SO/ 66.2 IP

Kyle Drabek: 2-0/ 1.50 ERA/ 12 IP/ 7 SO/ 1.50 WHIP

Clearwater Threshers (A+): 28-28, 2nd in FSL North

The Threshers had to cancel all Phillies related giveaways due to Major League Baseball's policy. No minor league affilaite can sell or give away merchandise more than 60 miles away from its parent team after Spring Training.

Tim Kennelly: .311 AVG/ 3 HR/ 32 RBI/ .859 OPS

Lakewood Blue Claws (A): 34-24, 1st in SAL North

Jim Murphy: .315 AVG/ 6 HR/ .934 OPS/ 28 RBI

Pharm Phriday: 5/15

This edition of Pharm Phriday is a bit more laid back. It was featured on Phillies Nation earlier in the week, but I updated the stats.


The Phillies Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, are 14-19, 5th place in International North League.

Standout Star

Mike Cervenak: .328 AVG/ 3 HR/ 22 RBI/ .832 OPS

Jason Donald and Carlos Carrasco are two minor leaguers that everybody has their eye on. Donald has been up and down so far this season, but is tearing up lefties. He is hitting .421 against them. Overall he is batting .254 with one home run and 13 runs batted in. His on-base plus slugging percentage is .679. He has played the majority of the time at shortstop, but has played a few games at third base.

Carrasco was off to a terrific start, but has struggled in his last four starts. In his first three starts he lacked run support from the IronPigs so he had no wins to show for it. In 35.1 innings, he has 37 strikeouts, but is 0-4 with a 6.62 earned run average and allowed 1.75 walks per innings pitched.

Kyle Kendrick is 2-2 with a 3.75 ERA in seven starts. He has allowed a lot of hits (39 in 36 innings), but has been able to escape jams.

The Double-A Reading Phillies are 18-13, and in 3rd place in the Northern Eastern League.

Standout Stars

Michael Taylor: .310 AVG/ 6 HR/ 23 RBI/ 5 SB/ 9.65 OPS

Vance Worley: 3-0/ 2.11 ERA/ 0.86 WHIP/ 34 SO/ 38.1 IP

Class A Advanced team, the Clearwater Threshers, are 18-15. They are in 2nd place in the Florida State League North.

Standout Star-

Dominic Brown: .317 AVG/ 6 HR/ 26 RBI/ .974 OPS

Dominic Brown has been the standout star by far, but Kyle Drabek is a player to watch. So far he has rebounded nicely from Tommy John surgery. He is 3-0 with a 2.21 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. He has struck out an amazing 51 batters in 40.2 innings.

The Class A Lakewood Blue Claws are 18-14. They are in 2nd place in the Northern South Atlantic League.

Jason Knapp is the player to watch for the Blue Claws. Overall he is 2-3 with a 3.82 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, but was practically lights out in his first four starts. He was rocked in two of his outings, but his 53 strike outs in 37.2 innings is unbelievable.

Pharm Phriday: 4/17

Every other week, Swing and a Long Drive will take a look at the progress of the Phillies minor league teams. We'll also look at the progress of top rated prospects in baseball. There will be stats, win-loss records, and expert opinions from other bloggers.

IRONPIGPEN has been kind enough to provide analysis on the IronPigs and Reading Phillies.

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (AAA): 2-5

Jason Donald: .290 AVG/ .333 OBP/ .484 SLG/ .817 OPS/ 4 2B/ 1 RBI

IRONPIGPEN: Jason Donald has been swinging the bat productively since Opening Night and has given the IronPigs offensive production from the shortstop position unparalleled in team history. On defense, the former University of Arizona star has shown good range as well as an outstanding arm. Heading into Thursday night's game, the IronPigs led the International League in double plays, with Donald, naturally, playing a pivotal role.

Carlos Carrasco: 0-0/ 12 IP/ 1.50 ERA/ 0.92 WHIP/ 10 SO

IRONPIGPEN: Carlos Carrasco has been very strong in both of his starts. The Venezuelan has twice given the IronPigs six solid innings and has been very unfortunate to remain winless. Perhaps most importantly, Carrasco has shown good control, as evidenced by zero walks in his twelve innings pitched.

Rich Thompson: .343 AVG/ .361 OBP/ .457 SLG/ .818 OPS/ 5 RBI/ 1 HR

IRONPIGPEN: Perhaps the Lehigh Valley IronPig to be in the best of form right out of spring training would be leadoff batter and centerfielder Rich Thompson, who would not be considered a prospect. An eastern Pennsylvania boy via James Madison University, Thompson went 0 for 5 on Opening Night but has since put things in gear. Thompson has also continued the steady play on defense he demonstrated last season and nailed a runner at home late in the game to help preserve the IronPigs first victory of the season earlier this week. The veteran has also swiped his first two bases of the season and now boasts an impressive 27 for 29 (93.1%) career record for the IronPigs.

John Mayberry Jr.: .222 AVG/ .841 OPS/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI

Mike Cervenak: .286 AVG/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ .500 SLG

Kyle Kendrick: 1-0/ 11 IP/ 1.64 ERA/ 1.36 WHIP/ 5 SO

Reading Phillies (AA): 3-3

Gus Milner: .333 AVG/ .400 OBP/ .500 SLG/ .900 OPS/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 SB

IRONPIGPEN: Six games into the AA Reading Phillies' new Eastern League season, a pleasant surprise would have to be the play of outfielder Gus Milner. Milner, 25 later this April, beat out more experienced players such as Javon Moran and Wilkin Ruan this spring for an R-Phils roster spot. Last year with the A+ Clearwater Threshers, Milner batted .261 (6 HR 53 RBI) in 132 games. Thus far as a rookie at the AA level, the Phillies' 2006 14th round pick from the University of Kansas is off to a fine start. At least for the time being, he has established himself as a regular in the R-Phils outfield.

Michael Taylor: .278 AVG/ 3 RBI/ .714 OPS/ 2 SB

IRONPIGPEN: As for the one player Philadelphia Phillies fans would probably be most concerned with 23 year old outfielder Michael Taylor, the former Philadelphia 2007 5th round pick from Stanford University can be said to be doing just fine.

Joe Savery: 0-1/ 10 IP/ 3.60 ERA/ 1.30 WHIP/ 11 SO

Clearwater Threshers (A+): 5-2

Dominic Brown: .231 AVG/ .641 OPS/ 2 RBI

Kyle Drabek: 2-0/ 12 IP/ 0.75 WHIP/ 16 SO

Lakewood Blue Claws (A) : 4-4

Zachary Collier: .222 AVG/ .767 OPS/ 2 RBI

Jason Knapp: 0-2/ 11.1 IP/ 3.18 ERA/ 1.06 WHIP/ 16 SO

Phils Lose to Yanks

The Phillies loss to the New York Yankees, 10-2 on Thursday.

Carlos Carrasco was given another opportunity to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation. In five innings, he allowed four earned runs on six hits. Hideki Matsui and Cody Ransom each hit home runs off Carrasco. Carrasco walked one batter and struck out four.

Scott Eyre allowed five earned runs on five hits in one inning of work. Nick Swisher and Melky Cabrera each hit home runs off Eyre.

Chase Utley, who went 2-for-4, and Ryan Howard each hit solo home runs off Joba Chamberlin in the first inning. The Phillies offense only managed six hits.

Rotation Race

The picture for the 5th spot in the rotation may be becoming clearer for the Phillies as each of the 4 candidates up for the job have made several appearances this spring.

J.A Happ: 4 G, 11 IP, 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 9 SO, 10 H, 2 BB, .244 AVG, 2 HR

Carlos Carrasco: 4 G, 2-1, 10 IP, 6.30 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 13 H, 3 BB, 10 SO, .295 AVG, 2 HR, 9.00 K/9

Chan Ho Park: 2 G, 1-0, 7 IP, 2.57 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 7 H, 0 BB, 5 SO, .269 AVG, 1 HR,

Kyle Kendrick*: 3 G, 1-1, 15.81 ERA, 2.70 WHIP, 19 H, 1 BB, 3 SO, 4 HR

*- includes scrimmage against World Baseball Classic team Canada.

Rich Dubee previously declared the 5th spot was Kendrick's job to lose, and maybe he was right. It looks like Kendrick is well on his way to losing the job. So far it looks like its down to Happ and Park, however Happ could be the favorite. I think the Phillies would like Park in the bullpen, where he had success with in 2008 with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Carrasco Will Likely Start in AAA

As seen on Philliesnation.com

His name appeared in rumors this offseason, but the Phillies have high expectations for him in the future. A prized prospect, nobody bidded high enough for Carlos Carrasco.

The 21 year old is young and talented, but does he have what it takes to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation up against the likings of J.A. Happ, Kyle Kendrick, or Chan Ho Park?

In 2007, the Phillies named him the best prospect in the organization. According to Baseball America, the only Phillies prospect who is ranked higher than Carrasco is outfielder Dominic Brown. Keith Law ranked Carrasco 60th out out 100 of the top prospects.

Last season in Double-A Reading, Carrasco struggled posting a 4.32 ERA but still managed to strike out 109 batters in 114.2 innings. In 36.2 innings at Triple-A Lehigh, Carrasco was 2-2 with a 1.72 ERA with 46 SO. Carrasco was 3-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 11 games with Venezuela during the winter leagues.

According to different scouting reports, Carrasco’s fastball can range anywhere from the high 80’s to low 90’s, occasionally topping 95. His changeup is his bread and butter pitch and his curve ball continues to improve. Carrasco’s career WHIP in the minors is 1.32 and walks an average of 3.7 per nine innings. Carrasco needs to limit base-runners in order to be successful at a major league level.

Even if Carrasco impresses the Phillies this spring, participating in the World Baseball Classic could effect his chances at winning the starting job. He will not appear in many Phillies spring training games, therefore the Phillies will not be able to evaluate him the same way.

Carrasco will likely start in AAA with the Iron Pigs, but could be called up in September or anytime during the season if another pitcher is injured. Carrasco will have time to season in the minors and help become major league ready.

Participating in the World Baseball Classic

Some of the world's best players will be competing in the 2009 World Baseball Classic in March. Many current and former Phillies participated in the last tournament in 2006.

In this years tournament, many Major League players opted out of the global event. Brad Lidge, Cole Hamels, Chan Ho Park, and Ryan Howard are among Phillies who chose to sit out. Chase Utley partcipated in 2006, but is forced to sit out recovering from hip surgery.

Despite his suspension, J.C. Romero will participate on Team Puerto Rico. Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino (USA), Matt Stairs (Canada), Ronny Pualino (Dominican Republic) and Carlos Ruiz (Panama) will be Phillies to participate in the event. Mike Schmidt will be apart of Team USA's coaching staff.

Minor leaguers Carlos Carasco (Venezula), Mike Bolsenbroek (Netherlands), Drew Naylor, Joel Naughton, Brad Harman (Australia), and Michael Spidale (Italy) will also participate.

Fomer Phillies Bobby Abreu, Carlos Silva, Endy Chavez (Venezula), Rod Barajas (Mexico), Brian Mazone, Nick Punto, Mike Costanzo (Italy), Rheal Cormier, R.J. Swindle (Canada), Travis Blackley (Australia), Randall Simon (Netherlands), and Bruce Chen (Panama) will also participate.

It is a shame baseball was eliminated from the Olympics since Major League players can't leave their teams during pennant races, but this could replace it. Although it may not be as big as soccer or hockey world events, it is important for many players to represent their countries, especially those from the Dominican Republic. The event itself is great, but for the Phillies sake, it might be better if some of their stars sit this one out.

There are many risks involved. A player could get hurt, and be done for the year. Having a Major League team losing one of their star players would be a huge blow to a team, especially one who has a chance to make the postseason. Although there is a 65 pitch limit for pitchers, there is always that risk, and pitching is one of the most important aspects of the game.

The Phillies did an excellent job of using Cole Hamels during the 2008 season. Hamels set a career high, and was third in all of baseball in innings pitched. The Phillies were careful not to overuse him, avoiding short rest. Hamels is more successful when he is rested. Hamels has a history of injuries, and the WBC could increase his risk of injury, rushing into competitive games. Hamels, normally a slow starter in Spring Training, needs extra time to get ready for the season.

Howard usually has excellent springs, so he would probably impact Team USA. Howard needs to use spring to see the ball better and work on mechanics to be consistent and cut down on strikeouts. It is also likely Howard will be hearing for arbitration during this time.

Brad Lidge is due for a blown save, unfortunately. Brad, you can blow as many saves as you want in Spring Training, so use that time wisely. Get it all out bud. Team USA wouldn't be too happy about that.

USA manager Davy Johnson stated that for the shortstop posistion he will not share time between Derek Jeter and Jimmy Rollins. If Jeter gets the job, it would be a disadvantage to Rollins. Rollins would not get the at bats he would normally get in Spring Training. This could lead to a slow start for Rollins.

Ronnie Paulino is in a similar situation as Rollins. Paulino will be a backup, therefore not getting at bats in.

For a minor leaguer such as Carrasco, participating in the event will effect his chances of being on the Major Leagues roster. The 5th spot in the Phillies rotation is up in the air, and Carrasco has a chance of getting the job. Chances may be slim, but participating in the WBC takes those chances away as it will be tougher for the Phillies coaching staff to evaluate him.

I'm a fan of the World Baseball Classic. I think it is excellent for the game of baseball and different countries. It promotes the game and gives us all a chance to see different players. I'm excited to watch, but from a biased Phillies standpoint, it is better some players report to camp.

For the counterpoint of this argument, please visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

Winter League Update

Many of baseball's top prospects are taking part in Winter Leagues, including several Philadelphia Phillies prospects. Players are taking part in the Arizona Fall League, Hawaii Winter League, and Caribbean Leagues.

Here are some player updates (statistics as of November 14, 2008):

Arizona Fall League:

SS, Jason Donald: 22 G, .405 AVG, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 1.162 OPS

C, Lou Marson: 7 G, .286 AVG, 6 RBI, .899 OPS

P, Andrew Carpenter: 21 IP, 0-2, 6.86 ERA, 1.67 WHIP

CF, Quentin Berry: 19 G, .325 AVG, 1 HR, 7 RBI, .785 OPS

Caribbean Leagues:

P, Carlos Carrasco: 19 IP, 1-0, 19 SO, 2.84 ERA, 1.16 WHIP

P, Antonio Bastardo: 12 IP, 8 SO, 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP

Hawaii Winter League:

P, Kyle Drabek: 16.1 IP, 1-1, 14 SO, 2.76 ERA, .067 ERA

OF, Dominic Brown: 20 G, .344 AVG, 1 HR, 8 RBI, .959 OPS

"Wake Me Up When September Ends"

September. Pennant Races. Back to school. Callups. Fighting for a spot in the one and only October.

Currently down 1.5 games in the National League East, the Phillies are fighting to make another September to remember. Last year they were out 7 games with 17 to play. The rest was history.

We all want to win in October, but right now the key for Phillies is getting there. It is just a matter at getting hot at the right time. Look at the Colorado Rockies last year. The funny thing is they have a chance to do it something similar again this year.

The Phillies could skip Kyle Kendrick in the rotation with an off day on Thursday. His next scheduled start is Sunday, but the Phillies could go with Cole Hamels to face the Mets.

Kendrick has struggled as of late. In his last 10 games, he pitched 51.0 IP and has a very high ERA of 6.35. Kyle Kendrick is normally a contact pitcher, and as of late its almost as if he is afraid to hit the strike zone and let hitters make contact.

The Phillies have made several callups this September. Greg Golson, Andy Tracy, Mike Cervanak, Lou Marson, Les Walrond, J.A. Happ, and Adam Eaton have all been called up.

The Phillies promised Eaton when he was sent down that he would be recalled in September. In my opinion, that was a big no-no. Eaton's ERA was over 7 in the minor leagues. He may of figured that he was gonna get the call anyway, so he might not of worked on the things he should have while in the minor leagues. But, he brings back his 5.80 ERA in the Major Leagues this season.

I'm also surprised Greg Golson was called up. I am not sure if he is quite ready for the big leagues. He is a talented prospect, but I don't know if he is big league ready yet. Golson has great speed and defense. He has some pop as well. However, during Spring Training it was said that he had a lot of work to do in the minor leagues offensively. I don't think he could of fixed everything in 6 months. His on-base-percentage is also very low, and he strikes out quite a bit. Golson will probably come in as a pinch runner or a defensive replacement for Pat Burrell.

J.A Happ has been shuttled between the Majors and Minors all year. He made a few spot starts and a few relief appearances with the big club. He pitched well in the rotation, but struggled out of the bullpen.

Les Walrond was also in the bigs earlier and struggled. He has done well in the minors, but struggled with the big club. Cervanak, and Tracy also were with the Phillies this season.

I'm surprised Jason Donald has not been called up. He is having a very good year in AA. He also was arguably Team USA's MVP during the Olympics.

Donald was teammates with Marson during the Olympics. Marson got the callup. Marson will be an extra catcher so every now and then Manuel can use Carlos Ruiz or Chris Coste as a pinch hitter and not have to worry about who to catch. Marson has also had a good year in the minor leagues. If Marson is up, why isn't Donald?

Some may think why isn't Carlos Carrasco up? Why not him over Eaton? I thought the same thing. But after I thought about it, bringing him up could effect him in a negative way. His future is as a starter. Currently, the Phillies are full in the rotation. Also, if somebody were to miss a start, Happ would likely fill in. Moving Carrasco from the rotation to the bullpen, then back again wouldn't be the best thing to do. Also, his WHIP is around 1.30 in the minor leagues. That isn't bad at all, but I bet he can get it a bit lower. Let him keep developing in the minors, and maybe next year he will fight for a rotation spot in Spring Training.

The Phillies will hope to get the offense going and get the bullpen back to their form. If they work it out, they could once again overtake the New York Mets. Either way, it will be a good race until the end.

Keeping the Lead

2-1, Philadelphia. Bottom of the 9th. Brad Lidge on the mound. Albert Pujols, Ryan Ludwick, and Troy Glaus due up. Albert Pujols. Brad Ligde. They go way back.

In the 2005 playoffs, Albert Pujols took Brad Lidge deep. After that, Lidge just wasn't the same. That was until he came to Philadelphia.

Lidge got Pujols to ground out to shortstop Jimmy Rollins. He would strike out Ludwick. Two outs. Glaus worked a walk to represent the tying run, and bring up the winning run. Rick Ankiel came in to pinch hit for Yadier Molina. Ankiel has been sidelined due to abdominal pain. But he would come into pinch hit.

The Cardinal crowd roared hoping for a walk off. The intensity rose. Nerves jittered throughout both Philadelphia and St. Louis fans. The 2-2 pitch...

Struck him out! Brad Lidge completed his 27th consecutive save as a Phillie.

There was a game before the 9th inning though. And Joe Blanton dominated. He earned the win lasting 7.0 innings. He would only give up 1 earned run, a solo homerun to Ryan Ludwick in the 7th inning. He gave up 4 hits, walked 2 and struck out 5. His first win as a Phillie was an impressing one.

J.C Romero and Chad Durbin got through some trouble in the 8th to set it up for Lidge. Romero walked a batter, but with one out, Durbin came in and got the double play ball. Durbin has been excellent for the Phillies. His ERA is a minuscule 1.65.

The Phillies received their only run support by solo homeruns by Greg Dobbs and Ryan Howard.

There's no place like home, and that's the case for Ryan Howard. Howard just tears apart his hometown Cardinals. With family and friends in the stands, Howard does not disappoint.

Additionally, the Phillies top prospect, Carlos Carrasco, is a step closer to the Major Leagues. Carrasco was promoted to AAA Leigh-High Valley. He has pitched 114.2 innings with an ERA of 4.32 in AA Reading. The Phillies feel that he ready to pitch against higher competition, so he can make a run for a spot in the 2009 rotation.