In this post, I answered questions presented by Pat Gallen of Phillies Nation. Click the link to see answers from other bloggers. If you have a question, please e-mail me at amanda@swingandalongdrive.com.
If the season ended right now, would Roy Halladay get your vote for the NL Cy Young award?
If the season ended today, no, I would not vote for Halladay, although it is very close. I would probably put him second behind Josh Johnson, who has had an incredible year. For a while, Ubaldo Jiminez was first or second, but he has really struggled over his past couple of starts, and has fallen to around the 4-5 range.
Johnson may have the better ERA, but there is still enough time for Halladay to gain ground on Johnson for a Cy Young vote. They are both very close in WHIP. Halladay has the most innings, and will likelycontinue to lead the league. Halladay also has the best strikeout/walk ratio in the National League. There’s still a very good chance Halladay could surpass Johnson, at least in my book.
Showing posts with label Johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Johnson. Show all posts
Year In Review: Phils Rally in 9th on Victorino's Salami
Swing and a Long Drive will be looking at some of 2009's top moments. We had a similar "Year in Review" last year, but instead of month-by-month, we'll look at some of the top games. They are also a part of Phillies Nation's Top 25 Moments of 2009.
On April 24, Brett Myers pitched six solid innings against the Florida Marlins. All three runs he allowed came in the first inning, thanks to Dan Uggla's three-run bomb. Myers was stellar, but Josh Johnson was better.
Johnson dominated, as he did all season. He struck out eight in seven shutout innings. The Phillies had trouble getting on base as Johnson only allowed three hits and two walks.
Clay Condrey and Ryan Madson combined for three scoreless innings to keep the Phillies in the game. Still, the Phillies trailed 3-0 in top of the ninth, and were practically without hope. One swing of the bat changed everything.
Jayson Werth started the rally by smacking a one-out double to center field. He later scored on Matt Stairs' single that squeaked through the right side of the field. Jimmy Rollins drew a bases loaded walk. The bases remained juiced for Shane Victorino, who followed with a high drive down the right field line. Victorino smashed his first official grand slam, and erased the Phillies' deficit.
Chase Utley followed with a two-run home run, and all of a sudden the Phillies put up a crooked seven on the scoreboard. It was an unbelievable 7-3 victory, all thanks to the Flyin' Hawaiian.
Other Top Moments: Jayson Werth steals second base, third base, and home in the same inning!
On April 24, Brett Myers pitched six solid innings against the Florida Marlins. All three runs he allowed came in the first inning, thanks to Dan Uggla's three-run bomb. Myers was stellar, but Josh Johnson was better.
Johnson dominated, as he did all season. He struck out eight in seven shutout innings. The Phillies had trouble getting on base as Johnson only allowed three hits and two walks.
Clay Condrey and Ryan Madson combined for three scoreless innings to keep the Phillies in the game. Still, the Phillies trailed 3-0 in top of the ninth, and were practically without hope. One swing of the bat changed everything.
Jayson Werth started the rally by smacking a one-out double to center field. He later scored on Matt Stairs' single that squeaked through the right side of the field. Jimmy Rollins drew a bases loaded walk. The bases remained juiced for Shane Victorino, who followed with a high drive down the right field line. Victorino smashed his first official grand slam, and erased the Phillies' deficit.
Chase Utley followed with a two-run home run, and all of a sudden the Phillies put up a crooked seven on the scoreboard. It was an unbelievable 7-3 victory, all thanks to the Flyin' Hawaiian.
Other Top Moments: Jayson Werth steals second base, third base, and home in the same inning!
Hot Stove Commentary
Here is the latest Hot Stove news and rumors, and some unnecessary commentary:
Roy Halladay said that he would approve a trade to the New York Yankees. Traitor! Going to a division rival!? The Blue Jays want a pitcher and a hitter for him.
The Marlins might be looking to deal Josh Johnson. Typical Marlins: draft a good player. Bring him up through the farm system. Have a successful first few years in the big leagues. Then, trade him away for some prospects. Have those prospects come up and put together a successful team. Possibly win, then trade those players away. Repeat the process.
The Cubs are looking for an outfield bat. They still have to get rid of Monopoly-- errr, Milton Bradley.
Pirates would like to bring Mike Gonzalez back, but would it matter? They also might be looking at Blalock and Ankiel. Iwamura, Gonzo, Blalock, Ankiel, are they trying to be contenders?
The Baltimore Orioles would consider Erik Bedard and Ben Sheets. This is not much of a risk. Orioles probably won't contend in 2010 and both these guys have health issues. It would be worth a shot, as long as it's not too expensive.
Tim Lincecum is looking for a one year deal. Probably smart for him because when he wins another Cy Young, he'll be able to get another contract that makes even more money.
Jamie Moyer is doing well after minor surgery. Moyer had surgery to wash out a small collection of blood cells that could have been infected.
“The surgery is not likely to impact his rehab schedule and is likely to have minimal impact on his spring training schedule,” said Michael Ciccotti, the team doctor. Moyer will remain hospitalized until Monday.
Roy Halladay said that he would approve a trade to the New York Yankees. Traitor! Going to a division rival!? The Blue Jays want a pitcher and a hitter for him.
The Marlins might be looking to deal Josh Johnson. Typical Marlins: draft a good player. Bring him up through the farm system. Have a successful first few years in the big leagues. Then, trade him away for some prospects. Have those prospects come up and put together a successful team. Possibly win, then trade those players away. Repeat the process.
The Cubs are looking for an outfield bat. They still have to get rid of Monopoly-- errr, Milton Bradley.
Pirates would like to bring Mike Gonzalez back, but would it matter? They also might be looking at Blalock and Ankiel. Iwamura, Gonzo, Blalock, Ankiel, are they trying to be contenders?
The Baltimore Orioles would consider Erik Bedard and Ben Sheets. This is not much of a risk. Orioles probably won't contend in 2010 and both these guys have health issues. It would be worth a shot, as long as it's not too expensive.
Tim Lincecum is looking for a one year deal. Probably smart for him because when he wins another Cy Young, he'll be able to get another contract that makes even more money.
Jamie Moyer is doing well after minor surgery. Moyer had surgery to wash out a small collection of blood cells that could have been infected.
“The surgery is not likely to impact his rehab schedule and is likely to have minimal impact on his spring training schedule,” said Michael Ciccotti, the team doctor. Moyer will remain hospitalized until Monday.
Final Tuneup Before NLDS
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Florida Marlins (87-74) at Philadelphia Phillies (92-69)
Josh Johnson (15-5) vs. J.A Happ (12-4)
This is it. Game number 162. The final game of the regular season. It will be the Phillies final tuneup before facing the Colorado Rockies in the National League Division Series on Wednesday.
J.A Happ will make his final campaign for the Rookie of the Year Award, but he may also be pitching for a spot in the postseason rotation. "When I think about it, you want him in [the rotation] because he is a starter, but missing [J.C] Romero ... if [Happ] pitches one inning in three days, he could come back and pitch on his regular turn. I'm not saying we're going to do that, but that does enter my mind," Charlie Manuel said.
It is unlikely Happ will pitch more than six innings today. He'll pitch long enough so he doesn't become rusty, but short enough to avoid an injury. It will also allow relievers to audition for a spot on the playoff roster. Happ pitched seven shutout innings when he last faced the Marlins.
Happ will be opposed by the Marlins' ace, Josh Johnson. Johnson is 1-1 with a 2.50 ERA against the Phillies this year. In 18 innings, Johnson has struck out 24 Phillies. Phillies hitters are batting .212 against him.
It is Fan Appreciation Day at Citizens Bank Park. The fans would really appreciate a win, ending the season on a positive note. Being swept is not a good way to enter the postseason.
Today's Lineup: Cairo 2B, Dobbs 3B, Werth RF, Stairs LF, Francisco CF, Tracy 1B, Bruntlett SS, Bako C, Happ P
Florida Marlins (87-74) at Philadelphia Phillies (92-69)Josh Johnson (15-5) vs. J.A Happ (12-4)
This is it. Game number 162. The final game of the regular season. It will be the Phillies final tuneup before facing the Colorado Rockies in the National League Division Series on Wednesday.
J.A Happ will make his final campaign for the Rookie of the Year Award, but he may also be pitching for a spot in the postseason rotation. "When I think about it, you want him in [the rotation] because he is a starter, but missing [J.C] Romero ... if [Happ] pitches one inning in three days, he could come back and pitch on his regular turn. I'm not saying we're going to do that, but that does enter my mind," Charlie Manuel said.
It is unlikely Happ will pitch more than six innings today. He'll pitch long enough so he doesn't become rusty, but short enough to avoid an injury. It will also allow relievers to audition for a spot on the playoff roster. Happ pitched seven shutout innings when he last faced the Marlins.
Happ will be opposed by the Marlins' ace, Josh Johnson. Johnson is 1-1 with a 2.50 ERA against the Phillies this year. In 18 innings, Johnson has struck out 24 Phillies. Phillies hitters are batting .212 against him.
It is Fan Appreciation Day at Citizens Bank Park. The fans would really appreciate a win, ending the season on a positive note. Being swept is not a good way to enter the postseason.
Today's Lineup: Cairo 2B, Dobbs 3B, Werth RF, Stairs LF, Francisco CF, Tracy 1B, Bruntlett SS, Bako C, Happ P
Just Plain Miserable: Marlins Sweep Phillies
Also posted on Phillies Nation.
There is no other way to put it. The 12-3 loss to the Florida Marlins was the Phillies worst loss of the season. The early morning thunderstorms in the Philadelphia region set the tone for a miserable day. Blame Ed Rapuano. Blame Jamie Moyer. Blame Jayson Werth. Blame anybody. The Phillies were awful on all cylinders.
Actually, Moyer didn't pitch that bad. He pitched 5+ innings giving up 3 runs, 2 earned. He gave up 11 hits, but they were all singles-- bloop singles. The Marlins weren't hitting the ball hard against Moyer, who has had so much success against the Fish throughout his career.
The Phillies were the first to get on the board. Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino each reached base to start the first inning. Chase Utley flew out to center field, and Rollins advanced to third. Ryan Howard smoked the ball to right, but Jermey Hermida made a spectacular leaping catch against the wall. Or was it? It may have bounced off the wall and into his glove, but it was ruled a catch. Victorino was doubled off first base for the unconventional double play. Rollins tagged from third on the sacrifice fly, crossing the plate before Victorino was out.
The Phils held the 1-0 lead until the fifth. Jorge Cantu, Wes Helms, and Cody Ross each hit consecutive RBI singles, and the Marlins jumped to a 3-1 lead.
The Phillies had trouble manufacturing runs off Josh Johnson (6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 6 SO). The Phillies were hitting the ball hard, but hit into a lot of tough luck. The Phillies are having problems with runners in scoring position, but they only had three runners past first base. Luckily, the Marlins stranded 12 men themselves. The Phillies were able to keep it close-- that was until the floodgates opened in a controversial seventh inning.
With runners at the corners in the sixth, Howard struck out. The pitch was clearly low, but Rapuano called it a strike. He had an inconsistent strike zone all day. In the first inning, Utley clearly did not agree with some of the pitches Rapuano called. It seemed like Johnson was getting certain pitches called, and Moyer wasn't.
In the seventh, Rodrigo Lopez threw a pitch to Wes Helms, which looked like a strike. Victorino disagreed, and threw his arms up in the air as he stood in center. Nobody seemed to notice, except Rapuano, who ejected Victorino. At first, Victorino jogged in like it was no big deal, but once he reached the infield, he sprinted towards the home plate umpire. Pumped up from last night's UFC fight, Victorino was restrained by teammates Paul Bako and Howard. Jayson Werth came into replace Victorino, and that was when the doors opened for the Marlins.
The sold-out crowd was into it, booing every pitch that wasn't a strike. However, it didn't take long for the fans to head to the exits.
Chris Coghlan (4-for-6) has been trouble all series. With the bases loaded and two outs, Lopez could see his way out of the inning. That wasn't the case as Coghlan singled to center. Werth was unable to keep the ball in front of him as he completely missed it. Three runs scored on the error.
The Marlins weren't quite finished. Hanley Ramirez doubled over the head of Werth. Jorge Cantu singled to Werth. Instead of getting the ball into the infield, Werth fired home, and the ball scooted past the catcher. The Marlins blew the game wide open, 9-1.
The Phillies had a long ways to rally, but showed signs of life when Pedro Feliz homered. The Marlins got those runs back against Brad Lidge, who gave up a RBI single to Hanley Ramirez and a two-run homer to Helms.
It was a pathetic day for the Phillies, committing three errors, managing just six hits, and giving up 12 runs. The lead in the division is down to four games, thanks to the sweep.
Phils Trying to Avoid Sweep
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Florida Marlins (57-53)
at Philadelphia Phillies (61-47)
Josh Johnson (10-2) vs. Jamie Moyer (10-8, 5.55 ERA)
The Phillies need to avoid the sweep against the Florida Marlins. A loss would cut their lead in the division to just four games.
The offense has struggled, especially with runners in scoring position. It will not be an easy task against Josh Johnson. In his last start, Johnson had one bad inning against the Washington Nationals. He gave up four consecutive hits before recording an out and the Marlins ended up losing. Overall he has a 3.66 career ERA against the Phillies.
The Phillies have their fisherman, Jamie Moyer on the mound. Moyer pitched seven shutout innings against the Fish in July. While the rotation and Moyer's future remains up in the air, Moyer is 13-2 with a 2.83 ERA against the Marlins in his career.
Florida Marlins (57-53)
at Philadelphia Phillies (61-47)Josh Johnson (10-2) vs. Jamie Moyer (10-8, 5.55 ERA)
The Phillies need to avoid the sweep against the Florida Marlins. A loss would cut their lead in the division to just four games.
The offense has struggled, especially with runners in scoring position. It will not be an easy task against Josh Johnson. In his last start, Johnson had one bad inning against the Washington Nationals. He gave up four consecutive hits before recording an out and the Marlins ended up losing. Overall he has a 3.66 career ERA against the Phillies.
The Phillies have their fisherman, Jamie Moyer on the mound. Moyer pitched seven shutout innings against the Fish in July. While the rotation and Moyer's future remains up in the air, Moyer is 13-2 with a 2.83 ERA against the Marlins in his career.
Another Deep Outing for Blanton Is Key
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Philadelphia Phillies (50-38) will face the Florida Marlins (46-46) jn game three of the four game series.
Joe Blanton (6-4, 4.44 ERA) starts vs. Josh Johnson (8-2, 2.74 ERA).
Joe Blanton's ERA keeps lowering. In his last nine starts, Blanton is 4-1 with a 2.44 earned run average. Blanton is coming off back-to-back great outings after out-dueling Johan Santana and dominating the Pirates. It was the first time Blanton pitched seven innings in consecutive starts since April of 2008. In his last start against the Marlins, Blanton pitched seven shutout innings while striking out eleven. The Phillies could use another seven inning performance from Blanton after every bullpen pitcher was used in last night's 12 inning marathon.
Josh Johnson's Tommy John surgery last season hasn't slowed him down. Out of the 19 games he has started, 16 have been quality starts. The Marlins have the perfect guy on the mound to try to end their two game skid. Joshnson is 3-1 with a 3.66 ERA in his career against the Phillies.
Call of the Day: Despite trailing 9-3 at one point, the Phillies first lead of the 2009 season on the day they received their rings.
Philadelphia Phillies (50-38) will face the Florida Marlins (46-46) jn game three of the four game series.Joe Blanton (6-4, 4.44 ERA) starts vs. Josh Johnson (8-2, 2.74 ERA).
Joe Blanton's ERA keeps lowering. In his last nine starts, Blanton is 4-1 with a 2.44 earned run average. Blanton is coming off back-to-back great outings after out-dueling Johan Santana and dominating the Pirates. It was the first time Blanton pitched seven innings in consecutive starts since April of 2008. In his last start against the Marlins, Blanton pitched seven shutout innings while striking out eleven. The Phillies could use another seven inning performance from Blanton after every bullpen pitcher was used in last night's 12 inning marathon.
Josh Johnson's Tommy John surgery last season hasn't slowed him down. Out of the 19 games he has started, 16 have been quality starts. The Marlins have the perfect guy on the mound to try to end their two game skid. Joshnson is 3-1 with a 3.66 ERA in his career against the Phillies.
Call of the Day: Despite trailing 9-3 at one point, the Phillies first lead of the 2009 season on the day they received their rings.
"There's a line drive, base hit! Into right field! Everybody
moves up one, and it is now a one run game!"
"Tapper. They're gonna get one out on this play, and the go-ahead run
is going to score in the presence of Jimmy Rollins. Phils take an 11-10
lead off the bat of Ryan Howard."
Randy Johnson Wins 300th Game
Randy Johnson won his 300th game of his career, beating the Washington Nationals. The San Francisco Giants cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Nationals.Johnson pitched six innings and allowed just one earned run on two hits and two walks. He struck out two.
Rookie Jordan Zimmerman pitched superb, ( 6 IP, 2 ER, 7 SO), but the Giants were able to score early and give Johnson run support.
The defense also helped out with a sliding catch by Aaron Rowand and a fantastic double play started by the diving Emmanuel Burris.
Brian Wilson earned the save, striking out Wil Nieves to end the game and finish off Johnson's 300th win.
In 22 seasons, the future Hall of Famer is now tied for 22nd on the all time wins list with a record of 300-164. He has a career ERA of 3.29 and ranks second in all time strike outs with 4846.
Johnson could be the last to reach 300 wins. The next closest is 46 year old Jamie moyer with 250.
Runners Left On Base: A Phillies Tradition
The Atlanta Braves beat the Phillies 4-0, their second straight loss to start the season.Kelly Johnson led off the game with a solo home run off Jamie Moyer. Chipper Jones later scored on an error by Chase Utley giving the Braves an early 2-0 lead.
Johnson later hit an RBI single and Jones eventually hit a solo home run of his own. The Braves had a total of five home runs this series, each by different players.
Moyer lasted five innings allowing the four earned runs on eight hits and two walks. The umpire wasn't giving him much of the corners, and he struck out just two.
The story once again was the Phillies offense, which was silenced by Jair Jurrjens, who pitched 5.2 scoreless innings. Charlie Manuel even changed the order of the lineup, moving Victorino second and splitting up the lefties with Jayson Werth, but to no avail.
The Phillies were able to manage seven baserunners, four hits and three walks, but were not able to get any runs in. The Phillies left 11 men on base, and in many innings with two outs.
The Phillies bullpen was superb once again, but so was the Braves. Unlike Sunday, the Phillies were unable to spark up a rally in the ninth and went down 1-2-3, putting the loss in the books.
Giants Sign Randy Johnson
The San Francisco Giants signed future Hall of Famer, Randy Johnson, to a one year contract worth $8 million. The deal could included a $2.5 bonus if Johnson is effective.Randy Johnson is only 5 wins away from 300. He has a career 3.26 ERA in 21 seasons in the Major Leagues. Johnson has 4,789 strikeouts, good for second on the all time list, behind only Nolan Ryan.
Johnson, the 45 year old, has missed a significant amount of time over the past 2 seasons due to injuries. When healthy, and even at 45 years of age, Johnson can still be effective.