Park's Problems Mystery Solved

In his first game as a Yankee, Chan Ho Park didn't do too well. The next outing, he was lights out. So what was Park's problem the first game? He tells all:

Former Phillies News

Some players from the former Phillies rosters made the latest baseball headlines:

Matt Stairs signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.

The deal has a major league invitation to spring training. With a weak hitting Padres club, Stairs has a good chance to make the big league roster as a left-handed bat off the bench.

The Padres also signed Jon Garland.

The Washington Nationals reached a one-year agreement with Tyler Walker.

Walker, 33, pitched well in 35.1 innings with the Phillies in 2009. In July, I was surprised a team like the Nationals, who had a weak bullpen, didn’t take a chance on him when he was designated for assignment by the Phillies. Instead, he stayed in the Phillies system and pitched well down the stretch.

The Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays are among teams looking at Chan Ho Park. The Cubs also signed Xavier Nady.

Park was a huge factor in the Phillies bullpen last season, and it’s a shame the Phillies can’t bring him back. Park mentioned that he wants to start again, but he was more effective in the bullpen last season.

The New York Yankees acquired former Phillies prospect Greg Golson.

Golson was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers last week. After being designated for assignment, a team has a certain amount of days to trade the player. The Rangers are trading Golson to the Yankees for Mitch Hilligoss and cash considerations.

The Minnesota Twins and Jim Thome agree to terms. No terms were announced, but the deal is one-year, with incentives.

The Phillies claimed Brian Bocock, a 24-year old, off waivers. Bocock was an infielder on the Blue Jays. Bocock brings the Phillies 40-man roster up to 37.

In other baseball news, the Athletics signed Ben Sheets, and are thinking about Johnny Damon. Sheets will get $10 million in 2010 without even throwing a pitch in 2009.

Lastly, the Cardinals signed Rich Hill.

Player Recaps: Bullpen

This article was featured on Phillies Nation under 2009 Player Reviews.

Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson were the main arms in the bullpen, but there were other important arms, such as Scott Eyre, Chan Ho Park, and Brett Myers. Tyler Walker, Sergio Escalona, Antoino Bastardo, Jack Taschner, and Kyle Kendrick also spent time in the big league bullpen.

Collectively, the Phillies bullpen had a 3.91 ERA, which ranked 14th in the majors, and ninth in the National League.

With J.C Romero suspended and injured, Scott Eyre was a key factor in the bullpen, serving as a left-handed specialist. Eyre only pitched 30 innings, but he posted a 1.50 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. It’s unknown if Eyre will return in 2010. Eyre had injury problems, and had surgery in the off season. Eyre, a free agent, also tossed around the idea of retiring.

Chan Ho Park won the fifth starter’s spot in spring training. In seven starts, he posted a 7.29 ERA and lost his starting spot to J.A Happ. Park moved to the bullpen, and was extremely effective, posting a 2.52 ERA. His role as a reliever was undefined. Sometimes we would eat two or three innings; in other situations he acted as a set-up man in close games. Like Eyre, Park is a free agent, and a return is uncertain.

For the second year in a row, Brett Myers was the Opening Day starter. However, Myers missed most of the season due to a hip injury. Myers beat the odds and returned from surgery before the season ended. He struggled at the end of the regular season and in the postseason, but his determination was still there. The Phillies already notified Myers that he will not be a Phillie in 2010.

After a few bullpen injuries, Tyler Walker’s contract was purchased from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Walker pitched well in 35.1 innings with the Phillies. He had a 3.06 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He later earned trust from the skipper in close game situations.

Sergio Escalona had a busy travel schedule. The young lefty shuttled back and forth between the majors and minors. The 24-year old went 1-0 with a 4.61 ERA in 14 games.

Antonio Bastardo tore up the minor leagues before being called up to start. However, he struggled during his time in the majors. He had a 6.46 ERA, then was placed on the disabled list. In need of bullpen help, Bastardo made the NLDS and NLCS roster. Despite only pitching 0.1 innings in the postseason, the decision to add Bastardo to the postseason roster was bold, and showed that the Phillies think highly of him. The 23-year old has a hard fastball, a nasty slider and changeup, and the potential to be a good major league pitcher.

The Phillies needed a lefty, so they shopped Ronny Paulino to the San Francisco Giants for Jack Taschner. Taschner’s stay in Philadelphia wasn’t a pleasant one. He had a 4.91 ERA in 29 innings before getting the boot.

From the beginning of spring training, it was Kyle Kendrick’s goal to show that his sophomore slump was just a fluke. He didn’t win the final spot in the rotation, although he did make a few spot starts. Kendrick spent most of the season in Triple-A, only pitching 26.1 innings in the majors. He had a 3.42 ERA, but he was very inconsistent. Kendrick has another opportunity to redeem himself and win the fifth starter’s job in 2010.

The 2009 bullpen was recognized more for their reality show, “The Pen,” than anything else. The bullpen wasn’t the Phillies strong point like in 2008, however it was about average. They had guys like Park who could get the job done, but they also had guys like Taschner who couldn’t.

Phillies News & Notes

There are only 137 days until opening day, but there is still plenty of Phillies news during the off season.

The Phillies added Quintin Berry (OF), Yohan Flande (LHP) and Jesus Sanchez (RHP) to the 40-man roster.

Chan Ho Park wants to start in 2010. Park had his eyes on starting entering 2009. It didn’t work out for him, as he lost his starting job to J.A Happ. Park, a free agent, posted a 2.52 ERA out of the bullpen in 2009. The Phillies could use him back — as a reliever.

The Phillies are the favorites to land Mark DeRosa, but don’t buy into this too much. Weren’t the Phillies the “favorites” to land Roy Halladay? There are still other options: Chone Figgins, Placido Polanco, Adrian Betlre, etc. Pedro Feliz isn’t out of the picture either.

Pedro Martinez intends to pitch in 2010, but this time for the entire season. Pedro spent half of the season in the Dominican Republic, and he wasn’t happy about that. As of now, the Phillies fifth starter is Jamie Moyer (by the way, happy 47th birthday, Jamie!), but the Phillies could bring him back for 2010.

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.

No Raul, No Problem

Raul Ibanez was given the day off (later reported his foot was bothering him, but should play Tuesday), but the Phillies still managed to pound out 11 runs against the Boston Red Sox in their 11-6 win.

In the first, Chase Utley hustled out a single as Josh Beckett couldn't make an accurate throw to first. Jayson Werth singled to score Utley and the Phillies took a 1-0 lead.

The Red Sox took a 4-1 lead off J.A Happ, thanks to homers by Rocco Baldelli and Nick Green.

The Phillies weren't going to quit off Josh Beckett. Down 4-3, Ryan Howard hit a two run double giving the Phillies a 5-4 lead, captivating a four run inning. The lead didn't last long because Beckett hit a solo home run in the top of the sixth.

The Phillies blew the game wide open in the bottom of the seventh putting up six runs. Rollins started the rally with a solo home run, breaking a 0-16 hitless streak. Pedro Feliz, who went 3-for-5, doubled in the inning.

It looked like a brawl could of broke out after Rollins was hit by a pitch. Rollins was obviously upset and took his grand old time walking to first base. Shane Victorino was nearly hit, but drew a bases loaded walk off Takashi Saito, who couldn't find the strike zone.

Chan Ho Park, who earned the win, ate innings from a tired bullpen. In 2.1 innings, he allowed only two hits and one walk.

Beckett went 6+ innings, allowing 6 earned runs on 11 hits. Happ pitch 5.2 innings allowing 5 earned on seven hits.

The Red Sox took 2 of 3, but the Phillies avoided a sweep, and with the Mets loss, take a 4 game lead in the National League East.

Call of the Day: Jimmy Rollins started off hot in his MVP Year.

"Long drive! Watch this baby! It is.. Outta here! Number EIGHT for Jimmy Rollins
and the Phillies now lead it by a score of 9 to 3. How about the kind of April
JRoll is having. Wow. "

Happ Moved To Rotation

J.A Happ was moved to the starting rotation and Chan Ho Park was moved to the bullpen.

"I'm disappointed," Park said. "I lost the job as a starter, which is what I
wanted. I don't make the decision, but I lost the job. I've got a new job. I
have to figure out how to prepare to be good with the new job in the bullpen. I
have good memories of the bullpen last year. I know it's not easy, that's why I
don't like being in the bullpen. But the team expects more from me out of the
bullpen. I have to do my best."

Park could be available out of the bullpen as early as Wednesday. Happ will pitch Saturday against the New York Yankees.

QUOTE SOURCE: Zo Zone

The Many Styles of Chan Ho Park

Like Jayson Werth, Chan Ho Park has many different styles. Noticeably, each time Chan Ho has pitched this year, his hair gets shorter and shorter, whether it's a new haircut or a trimmed beard.

Park sports this look with the Dodgers. He has short hair, and a goatee.

The "I am a rich man" look. Chan Ho sports the long hair and facial hair as he signs his million dollar contract with the Phillies.

Park's most recent look. Short hair. No beard.



Park shows off his long hair and his scruffy beard.

Parks hair is recognizably long. He goatee is trimmed.

Notice long hair and short beard.

Park's holiday look.

Park looking stylish on his big day.

Call of the day: In 1983, the Phillies won the National League pennant.

"Nothing-and-two to Bill Russell.. Al Holland.They're going crazy here at
Veteran's stadium. Struck him out! Phillies have won it! Holland
dives on Mike Schmidt! Paul Owens coming out. The Phillies have won
the National League pennant. The score 7-2, as the Phillies are the 1983
National League Champs winning it 3 out of 4 against the Los Angeles
Dodgers."

Chan Ho Earns Another Go

If Chan Ho Park was indeed pitching for his spot in the rotation on Wednesday night, he earned another start.

Park pitched six shut out innings and didn't allow the Met's lone hit until the fifth inning. He walked two and struck out five, having the best outing of any Phillies starter this season, by far.

The only problem, Johan Santana was better. In seven innings, Santana allowed two hits and three walks while striking out 10.

The Phillies had a couple of opportunities, but could not get any run support for Park. However, the Mets were having just as much trouble for Santana. They scored the only run of the game on a throwing error by Pedro Feliz and a double clutch by Jayson Werth in the seventh inning.

That is all the Mets needed as Pedro Feliciano and Francisco Rodriguez finished out the 1-0 game.

Despite the loss, the Phillies remain in first place, and Shane Victorino extended his hitting streak to 15 consecutive games.

Jamie Moyer will go for career win number 250 against Mike Pelfrey tonight at Citi Field.

Call of the day: In May of 2006, Xavier Nady of the Mets hit a deep fly ball with two outs and the bases loaded off Gavin Floyd. But Aaron Rowand was there to save the day.

"Driven to deep center field. Rowand back, are you kiddin' me? What a
great, great perhaps GAME SAVING catch, by Aaron Rowand!"

Chan Ho Must Go and the Rest of the Rivalry

The New York Mets beat the Phillies yesterday, 7-4, in the rivals first meeting of the year.

Chan Ho Park stunk, once again. He gave up 7 earned runs in 4.2 innings.

Charlie Manuel may say that Park his his fifth starter for now, but his spot in the rotation is finally in jeopardy. I didn't think his spot in the rotation would last long, especially once Romero gets back with all the lefties in the bullpen. Park could be out of the rotation before Romero returns.

A basrunning mistake probably cost the Phillies, but the Mets were able to take advantage of the Phillies mistakes.

It wasn't like some of the games in the past where these games are usually down to the wire, down to the final pitch.

“It’s one of those things where it’s two totally different mentalities, two
different attitudes, everything. We just don’t believe in the same things. Our
two teams, it’s like oil and water. Some of the guys on their team just wouldn’t
fit in our clubhouse, and some of the guys here just wouldn’t fit with their
guys. That’s just how it is.” Ryan Madson said.

Moyer goes to today against Perez. Lidge should be available today.

Call of the day: With just one out and runners at the corners in the top of the 9th, Shawn Green hit a ground ball that wasn't hard enough for a double play. Tadahito Iguchi tried to turn it until Marlon Anderson attempted to break it up.

"Bouncing ball, chopped to short. It's not a double play ball. OH, they
called interference! They ruled interference on Marlon
Anderson and that will end the game!"

"...No they didn't have to go get 'em, its not a double play ball.
They could not of turned the double play, but Marlon Anderson, takes out
Tadahito Iguchi and is called for interference- a game ending interference
call."

Tie in 9th, Win in Extras

It was Chan Ho Park who opened the scoring, hitting a home run to put the Phillies on the board. It was the third home run of his career, but he gave it back on Jorge Cantu's three run home run, and a solo home run by Dan Uggla.

Park lasted 7 inning, giving up 4 earned runs on 5 hits. He walked one, and struck out five.

Park was rattled when calls didn't go his way, leading to two home runs for the Marlins. Once he was out of the fourth inning, he was able to settle down. In order for Park to succeed, he can not be rattled when he allows runners on base, or calls don't go his way. When that happens, it is obvious he thinks about it and worries.

Ryan Howard hit a home run, but it was Eric Bruntlett who tied the game in the ninth inning when the Phillies were trailing, 4-3. After Friday's struggles, Matt Lindstrom was not given another opportunity, and Joel Pinto couldn't close out the game.

The bullpen shut the Marlins down, giving the Phillies a chance in the 10th. Shane Victorino, Friday's hero, led off the inning with a single. he stole second, and Chase Utley hit a shot that Hanley Ramirez couldn't control. Victorino scored, and the Phillies took the lead. Werth followed with an RBI of his own, and the Phillies were leading, 6-4.

It was shaky, but Brad Lidge closed the doors in the ninth. He loaded the bases, but was able to capture his fourth save of the year, and close the door on another come from behind victory for the Phightin Phils.

Call of the Day: In 2007, the Phillies faced the New York Mets in a crazy four game series. The last game was a thriller, down to the wire, and both teams putting up offensive explosions. The Phillies were able to come off in the ninth, off closer Billy Wagner.

"Line drive hit to right field, here comes Iguchi, the throw to the
plate... Late! Phils win, 11-10, on an RBI single by Chase Utley!
What a huge win, what a huge series for the Phigtin Phils, who sweep the New
York Mets! Wow! Chase Utley delivers off Billy Wagner, and the Phillies swept
this four game series."

Ibanez Walks Off

Welcome to Philadelphia Raul Ibanez. Greeted with chants of "Rauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuul" and shaving cream pies, Ibanez loves every minute of it.

Chan Ho Park started today against Josh Geer, and lasted 5 innings. He allowed four earned runs on eight hits and a walk, including Adrian Gonzalez's fifth home run of the year. His brother, Edgar Gonzalez hit a tripe in which Ibanez could not make the play on, eventually resulting in two runs for the Padres.

The Phillies didn't start to get to Geer until the 6th inning. Eric Bruntlett, who got the start at shortstop over the slumping Jimmy Rollins, reached on an error. The error proved to be costly when Chase Utley smoked his fourth home run of the season, a two run shot putting the Phils within two runs.

In the eighth inning Jimmy Rollins came off the bench and hit a pinch hit solo home run and it became a 4-3 game.

Padres closer Heath Bell, who is 7/7 in save opportunities, was not available after pitching several days without rest. The Padres opted to go with Edwin Moreno, who hadn't allowed a run in seven innings.

Ryan Howard led off the ninth with a bloop single that Jody Gerut couldn't make the diving catch on. Ibanez got ahead 2-0, and Moreno threw a changeup that Ibanez crushed. The only question, fair or foul? Moreno waved it foul, but it stayed fair for his team leading fifth home run. A walk off Raul Ibanez!

"Our lineup is good for him. He fits," Charlie Manuel said of Ibanez. "I
always liked him as a hitter in the American League. He was an offensive player
back when I saw him. He's swinging the bat real good right now."

QUOTE SOURCE: Phillies.com

Stairs Does Best NLCS Impression

Matt Stairs was the hero in the 2008 National League Championship when he crushed a 2 run home run off Dodger's closer Jonathan Broxton in the eighth inning, giving the Phillies a 7-5 lead in game four.

Stairs heroics were familiar in the Phillies 7-5 win over the Colorado Rockies for their third win of the season, almost exactly six month after his butt was hammered in the visitors dugout at Dodger Stadium.

In his first start of the season, Chan Ho Park struggled and surrendered four earned runs in the first inning. Park lasted just 3.1 innings, allowed 5 earned runs on seven hits and three walks. He allowed a home run to Dexter Fowler.

Like game four of the NLCS, the Phillies were trailing, but kept chipping away. Jayson Werth's 2 RBI put the Phillies within reach. Similar to the NLCS, the eighth inning was key to keeping the Phillies alive. Shane Victorino tied the NLCS with a two run home run, but Chase Utley would take over his role in Sunday's game, tying the game at 5 with his first home run of the season.

In the ninth inning, Pedro Feliz lead off the inning by blooping a double down the left field line. Chris Coste bunted him over to third, and all Matt Stairs, the pinch hitter, needed to was get the ball in the air to the outfield. He did more than just that. In his best NLCS impression, he got a hold of a fastball and crushed a two run home run off the Rockies closer Huston Street.

Like game four, Ryan Madson earned the win, and Brad Lidge recorded the save in the Phillies all too familiar win.

Park Wins Rotation Job

Chan Ho Park won the role for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, beating out J.A Happ. Where Happ will pitch in 2009 is yet to be determined. He'll fight for a bullpen spot, and if not, he'll pitch in Triple-A.

Park pitched in 54 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen last season. He went 4-4 with a 3.40 ERA. Park signed with the Phillies because he was given a chance to start. He didn't play on Korea's World Baseball Classic team because he wanted to prove he can be a starter with the Phillies.

During spring training, he was 2-0 with a 2.53 ERA. Happ, who pitched 1.1 innings less than Park, and gave up just one more run, was 0-0 with a 3.15 ERA. Park walked 2 and struck out 25 while Happ walked 6 and struck out 14.

Happ makes his final spring appearance on Thursday. Park makes his 2009 debut on April 12 against the Rockies.

Walk Off Phashion

The Phillies beat the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, 2-1.

Jason Werth homered in the 1st inning giving the Phillies an early lead. It was his second home run in two days.

Chan Ho Park continues to make a case as to why he should be in the starting rotation, pitching 4.2 scoreless innings. He allowed just 3 hits, struck out 6 and did not allow a walk. He lowered his spring ERA to 1.54.

Aside from Werth's home run, Kyle Lohse dominated his former team for 5 innings. He allowed 5 hits, and struck out 5 giving up just the one run.

The Cards tied the game in the 7th inning when Brendan Ryan hit an RBI single.

Jason Ellison drove in the winning run after a walk off double scoring Miguel Cairo.

Utley was 0-2 with a strikeout in his debut.

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.

Park Wants to Start

As seen on Philliesnation.com

During the offseason, the Phillies signed pitcher Chan Ho Park to a one year, $2.5 million deal. The Phillies know Park has a chance to win the starting job, but they also signed him because of the depth he brings to the bullpen.

Park appeared in 49 games as a reliever in 2008 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 70.1 innings, Park was 3-4 with a 3.84 ERA and a high 1.46 WHIP. Park serves as a long man or middle reliever.

However, Park’s mindset is not on the bullpen. The decision wasn’t easy, but Park decided not to participate in the World Baseball Classic with Korea because he wants to win the fifth starter’s job with the Phillies.

Park made 5 starts last season, and was successful. He had a 2.16 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. He struck out 10.80 batters per nine, and opponents hit .234 off him.

Whether he’s starting or relieving, Park wants to have a successful year. He has a career ERA of 4.34, however since 2001, the veteran has an ERA of 5.48.

The Phillies will look to give Park a job this spring, but Park will be more satisfied if he starts.

Phillies re-sign Moyer; Sign Park

The Phillies re-signed 46 year old Jamie Moyer to a 2 year deal. The Phillies also agreed to a one year deal with Chan Ho Park, reportedly worth $2.5 million.

Moyer, pitched the last two National League East clinching games. Moyer finished 2008 with a 16-7 record and a 3.71 ERA and 123 SO. With his time with the Phillies, Moyer hasa 4.33 ERA. In his career, Moyer is 246-185 with a 4.19 ERA and 1.32 WHIP.

The Phillies are considering using Park a starter, if not, he will relieve. If Park picthes well, the Phillies will give him a bonus, raising the deal to $5 million.

I was a little worried about the Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Phillies,
which is hitter-friendly," Park was quoted. "But as they considered me a
starter, I signed with Philadelphia."

That's always a great thing to hear as a fan, a player's confidence... Sounds like he doesn't thinks he'll be getting that bonus.

In 15 Major League seasons, Park has a 4.34 ERA and a high 1.40 WHIP. Chan Ho's time with the Phillies should be a "walk in the Park."

QUOTE SOURCE: Phillies.com