The Phillies are the National League Division Champions... AGAIN! No big deal. Been there, done that. It's another red October, and according to Roy Halladay, "it's only going to get funner."
Showing posts with label NL East. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NL East. Show all posts
NL East Champs... AGAIN
The Phillies are the National League Division Champions... AGAIN! No big deal. Been there, done that. It's another red October, and according to Roy Halladay, "it's only going to get funner."
Mailbag: Who's the Phillies Biggest Threat?
In this post, I answered a question that was presented by Pat Gallen of Phillies Nation.
The Phillies play the Mets, Marlins, and Braves this week. The Braves were looked at as the 2nd best team in the NL East before the season started but haven't quite lived up to that hype. The Marlins are who they are. The Mets are the bottom feeder right now, but have had an up and down season. Who of these three teams do you believe will give the Phillies the closest race in the NL East and why?
This is a tough question. So far, the Phillies have been superior in most categories, but you can never count any team out. They can all be a threat.
Entering Sunday, the Marlins were 11th in baseball in overall ERA. However, they have a better rotation than the Mets and Braves. From Josh Johnson to Anibal Sanchez, all five guys in their rotation can get the job done. However, their bullpen is a little worrisome. Leo Nunez has been a solid closer, but they don't really have anybody other than him.
Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla can get the job done offensively. Even Cody Ross and Jorge Cantu have done well. Chris Coghlan hit a sophomore slump, and Cameron Maybin has yet to play to his potential, but you have to like the Florida offense. However, I think the Mets have more offensive potential than the Marlins.
The Mets are last of the four teams in runs scored, but with players like Jose Reyes, David Wright, and Jason Bay, you'd have to imagine that they will snap out of the funk.
The thing that will hold the Mets back is their pitching. Entering Sunday, the Mets were 8th in the majors in ERA, but they've had all kinds of problems, from injuries to moving Oliver Perez to the bullpen. Johan Santana hasn't been "the best pitcher in the NL East" as he proclaimed, but you'd have to figure he'll come around. Francisco Rodriguez can close the doors, but they have to get to him. Pitching is not something the Mets can rely on right now.
The Braves have yet to play to their expectations, but they still can't be counted out. Every pitcher hates facing Chipper Jones and Brian McCann, and Jason Heyward is finding his way onto that list.
The Braves have the better bullpen of all the teams in the National League, but other than Tommy Hanson, they haven't gotten much from their starting rotation.
Of course, there are the Nationals, who can't be counted out. They've been streaky, but I don't see them contending this year. Much improved? Absolutely. Stephen Strasburg is going to make his debut soon, but I still give them two more years, maybe when Bryce Harper is on the team.
So, after all this, I have yet to answer the question, but I really had to think it out, and break it down. I think I'm going to have to go with the Marlins, but it is very close. They have the NL East's best rotation, plus a solid offense.
Blog of Note: WhatIfSports put together an all budget team, comprised of the biggest bargains and revenue risks. They also interviewed general manager Jim Bowden about his thoughts on small market baseball.
The Phillies play the Mets, Marlins, and Braves this week. The Braves were looked at as the 2nd best team in the NL East before the season started but haven't quite lived up to that hype. The Marlins are who they are. The Mets are the bottom feeder right now, but have had an up and down season. Who of these three teams do you believe will give the Phillies the closest race in the NL East and why?
This is a tough question. So far, the Phillies have been superior in most categories, but you can never count any team out. They can all be a threat.
Entering Sunday, the Marlins were 11th in baseball in overall ERA. However, they have a better rotation than the Mets and Braves. From Josh Johnson to Anibal Sanchez, all five guys in their rotation can get the job done. However, their bullpen is a little worrisome. Leo Nunez has been a solid closer, but they don't really have anybody other than him.
Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla can get the job done offensively. Even Cody Ross and Jorge Cantu have done well. Chris Coghlan hit a sophomore slump, and Cameron Maybin has yet to play to his potential, but you have to like the Florida offense. However, I think the Mets have more offensive potential than the Marlins.
The Mets are last of the four teams in runs scored, but with players like Jose Reyes, David Wright, and Jason Bay, you'd have to imagine that they will snap out of the funk.
The thing that will hold the Mets back is their pitching. Entering Sunday, the Mets were 8th in the majors in ERA, but they've had all kinds of problems, from injuries to moving Oliver Perez to the bullpen. Johan Santana hasn't been "the best pitcher in the NL East" as he proclaimed, but you'd have to figure he'll come around. Francisco Rodriguez can close the doors, but they have to get to him. Pitching is not something the Mets can rely on right now.
The Braves have yet to play to their expectations, but they still can't be counted out. Every pitcher hates facing Chipper Jones and Brian McCann, and Jason Heyward is finding his way onto that list.
The Braves have the better bullpen of all the teams in the National League, but other than Tommy Hanson, they haven't gotten much from their starting rotation.
Of course, there are the Nationals, who can't be counted out. They've been streaky, but I don't see them contending this year. Much improved? Absolutely. Stephen Strasburg is going to make his debut soon, but I still give them two more years, maybe when Bryce Harper is on the team.
So, after all this, I have yet to answer the question, but I really had to think it out, and break it down. I think I'm going to have to go with the Marlins, but it is very close. They have the NL East's best rotation, plus a solid offense.
Blog of Note: WhatIfSports put together an all budget team, comprised of the biggest bargains and revenue risks. They also interviewed general manager Jim Bowden about his thoughts on small market baseball.
Lidge, Contreras, Fans, NL East News
As seen on Phillies Nation.
There's eighty days until Roy Halladay (I'm already penciling him in as the Opening Day starter) throws the first pitch of 2010. There's 35 days until pitchers and catchers report. The season is quickly approaching, and soon we'll be hearing more Phillies news on a daily basis. There was still plenty of baseball news today:
"The surgery went well, and Brad is expected to begin his throwing program in 10 days," head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said. "We're not sure if he'll be ready by Opening Day, but we don't expect that he'll be too far behind. This surgery was not directly related to any previous surgeries."
Loose bodies and a portion of his meniscus were removed. This is Lidge's second surgery this off season (elbow). This is his third surgery on his right knee since 2007. Lidge missed opening week in 2008 due to knee surgery, and also missed part of 2009 due to knee pain.
Contreras, 38, had a 4.92 ERA in 131.6 innings with the White Sox and Rockies last year. Contreras would likely relieve, despite spending some time as a starter last year. If you were hoping for a reliever like D.J Carrasco, cross his name off the list. He reached an agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Phillies need bullpen help, but personally I don't think Contreras is the answer.
The Mets' injury woes continue into 2010. Beltran is expected to miss at least twelve weeks.
In other Mets news, the Mets are close to signing catcher Bengie Molina. Molina batted .265 with 20 home runs with the San Francisco Giants last year.
The Nationals could offer Hudson a two-year deal -- at the right price. Hudson could want as much as $9 million, which may be too much for the Nationals.
The Marlins? You may have noticed that they haven't been spending a lot of money. Well, they reached an agreement with the players' union to increase spending due to complaints about the team's payroll violating baseball's revenue sharing provisions.
Blog of Note: We Should be GM's has a nice motion picture of the man, Chase Utley.
There's eighty days until Roy Halladay (I'm already penciling him in as the Opening Day starter) throws the first pitch of 2010. There's 35 days until pitchers and catchers report. The season is quickly approaching, and soon we'll be hearing more Phillies news on a daily basis. There was still plenty of baseball news today:
- The Phillies announced that Brad Lidge had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, and his status for Opening Day is questionable.
"The surgery went well, and Brad is expected to begin his throwing program in 10 days," head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said. "We're not sure if he'll be ready by Opening Day, but we don't expect that he'll be too far behind. This surgery was not directly related to any previous surgeries."
Loose bodies and a portion of his meniscus were removed. This is Lidge's second surgery this off season (elbow). This is his third surgery on his right knee since 2007. Lidge missed opening week in 2008 due to knee surgery, and also missed part of 2009 due to knee pain.
- The Phillies, along with four other teams, are interested in Jose Contreras.
Contreras, 38, had a 4.92 ERA in 131.6 innings with the White Sox and Rockies last year. Contreras would likely relieve, despite spending some time as a starter last year. If you were hoping for a reliever like D.J Carrasco, cross his name off the list. He reached an agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Phillies need bullpen help, but personally I don't think Contreras is the answer.
- Smile! The Hardball Times named Phillies fans "the happiest in MLB."
Honestly, I was kind of surprised to see the Phillies listed as number one. I was expecting the 3-5 range, thinking Philadelphia would recieve the usual Philly fan stereotypes. A championship, two pennants, and three division titles in three years; yeah, that makes me happy.
- Brandon Duckworth and Jason Standridge sign minor league deals with the Phillies.
The Duck Pond is back!! I can’t believe I missed this news. Honestly, Duckworth was one of my favorite players in the early 2000’s, despite his struggles.
Since leaving the Phillies, Duckworth, 34, has spent time in the Astros’ and Royals’ system. Standridge, 31, was a first-round draft pick in 1997.
National League East news:
- The Atlanta Braves are pursuing Johnny Damon.
- Carlos Beltran had surgery on his knee without asking the Mets for permission.
The Mets' injury woes continue into 2010. Beltran is expected to miss at least twelve weeks.
In other Mets news, the Mets are close to signing catcher Bengie Molina. Molina batted .265 with 20 home runs with the San Francisco Giants last year.
- The Washington Nationals are interested in Orlando Hudson.
The Nationals could offer Hudson a two-year deal -- at the right price. Hudson could want as much as $9 million, which may be too much for the Nationals.
- What about that other team in the National League East?
The Marlins? You may have noticed that they haven't been spending a lot of money. Well, they reached an agreement with the players' union to increase spending due to complaints about the team's payroll violating baseball's revenue sharing provisions.
Blog of Note: We Should be GM's has a nice motion picture of the man, Chase Utley.
NL East Champs!
The Phillies are the 2009 National League Eastern Division Champions! The Phils have won three consecutive NL East titles. The last time that happened was 1976-1978. The Phillies will now fight for home field advantage.
Phashback: September 30, 2007
On this day in 2007, the Philadelphia Phillies clinched the National League East. The Mets fell to a 7-0 hole against the Florida Marlins before the first pitch was thrown in Philadelphia.
The epic Mets collapse helped the Phillies win the division for the first time since 1993. There was a huge celebration at Citizens Bank Park that evening, as if it were a World Series title.
Click here to see the video and re-live the moment.
2009 Preview: NL East
After looking at the AL East, here are my predictions for the National League East:1. Philadelphia Phillies- Division Winners
The Phils will try to defend their title, something that hasn't been done since the Yankees from 1998-2000. Other than a few minor injuries, the Phillies stayed healthy in 2008, an important key to a World Series team. Chase Utley and Pedro Feliz each had surgery and Cole Hamels experienced soreness in his elbow during spring. Jayson Werth, Chris Coste, Chad Durbin and Brad Lidge all had a few setbacks this spring, but all appear to be healthy now.
Another key factor for the Phillies success was their bullpen, one of the best in baseball. Lidge was perfect in save opportunities, a rare feat that seems impossible to repeat. J.C Romero, a key contributor is also suspended for 50 games.
With Pat Burrell in Tampa, the Phillies will have to rely on Raul Ibanez in left, who should put up numbers somewhere in Burrell's ballpark. That makes three left handed bats in the batting order, a nightmare for right handed pitchers. The Phils have a potent lineup that includes Ryan Howard, who led MLB in HR and RBI last season.
The rotation looks the same, other than Chan Ho Park will be the fifth starter instead of Kyle Kendrick, who is the minor leagues. If Park does not succeed, the Phillies always have J.A Happ.
2. New York Mets (Wild Card Winners)
The reason the Mets didn't win the division in 2008 was because of their bullpen. The Mets turned their bullpen from the worst to one of the best this off season with the additions of J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez.
The Mets ace remains Johan Santana, one of the best in the business. Mike Pelfrey, who had a good 2008 season will start behind Santana. John Maine will back in the rotation after recovering from an injury and newly acquired Livan Hernandez will be the 5th starter.
The Mets also have to MVP caliber players in David Wright and Jose Reyes. Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado also return.
3. Florida Marlins
The Marlins have a lot of young talent. Ricky Nolasco, their ace, had a terrific season last season, and Chris Volstad looks to be a promising young pitcher. While Hanley Ramirez is the best player on team, the Marlins could have a rising star in outfielder Cameron Maybin.
4. Atlanta Braves
The Braves improved their rotation with the additions of Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez. They have a lineup that included Brian McCann, and if Chipper Jones stays healthy and Jeff Francouer comes back from a down season, they have a terrific lineup.
5. Washington Nationals
The Nats aren't going to lose 100 games again, but they will likely finish last. They are an improved team and have some young talent on the rise. They added slugger Adam Dunn, Scott Olsen, Daniel Cabrera, and Josh Willingham. They are also high on catcher Jesus Flores and fifth starter Jordan Zimmermann.
3. Florida Marlins
The Marlins have a lot of young talent. Ricky Nolasco, their ace, had a terrific season last season, and Chris Volstad looks to be a promising young pitcher. While Hanley Ramirez is the best player on team, the Marlins could have a rising star in outfielder Cameron Maybin.
4. Atlanta Braves
The Braves improved their rotation with the additions of Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez. They have a lineup that included Brian McCann, and if Chipper Jones stays healthy and Jeff Francouer comes back from a down season, they have a terrific lineup.
5. Washington Nationals
The Nats aren't going to lose 100 games again, but they will likely finish last. They are an improved team and have some young talent on the rise. They added slugger Adam Dunn, Scott Olsen, Daniel Cabrera, and Josh Willingham. They are also high on catcher Jesus Flores and fifth starter Jordan Zimmermann.
Chip Off The 'ol Block
Chipper Jones spoke to The Sporting News and had a few words about the National League East."From a Mets standpoint, they've had a running feud with the Phillies the
past couple of years. It's kind of weird not to be in it.
We won for 14 consecutive years, and you never, ever saw any bulletin board
material. And now that these two teams are on top of the division, they can't
keep their mouths shut. Just go play baseball. It's Cole Hamels now. It was
Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Beltran the past couple of springs. These two teams are
constantly going at each other verbally. You know, win with class, lose with
class. Just keep your mouth shut and go play your game."
Did he just trash talk trash talking? The heat in the east continues to flare up between all the teams within the division. When somebody speaks in the division, there is usually an answer. Will somebody respond to Jones? It definitely adds talk.
Year In Review: Clinching the NL East
It was the second to last game of the season. A Phillies win or a Mets lost equaled the second straight National League East crown.The Phillies would play the Washington Nationals, who they beat in 2007 to clinch the division. The Mets opposition would be the Florida Marlins, the team that kicked them out of postseason contention just a year before. Jamie Moyer, who won the 2007 clincher, started the clinching game of 2008.
The rally towels were waving way before the game started. The Mets had won their game 2-0 against the Marlins, but the all the Phillies had to do was worry about their own business.
The Phillies got on the board in the fourth inning with two sacrafice flies to take the lead. However, the Nationals answered back as Anderson Hernandez smacked an RBI double off the wall and just above the glove of Jayson Werth.
Jayson Werth added a solo home run of his own, and Pedro Feliz drove in another run for the Phillies to give the Phillies a 4-2 lead, on their way to clinching the postseason. Jimmy Rollins potentially saved a run with an over the shoulder, Willy Mays style grab, collding with Shane Victorino. Shaken up, each stayed in the game.
With a perfect Brad Lidge on the mound, the lead felt comfortable. However, it wasn't the case as number 41 was quite then adventure.
The Nationals came back in the 9th inning to score a run, making it a 4-3 game off Lidge. There was just one out, and the bases were juiced. Their best hitter, Ryan Zimmerman was due up.
"The pitch to Zimmerman... ground ball up the middle, J-Roll dives, to Utley
one.. the relay, double play! The Phillies are the National League Eastern
Division Champions on a spectacular double play! To J-Roll, to Utley, to Howard.
What a play by J-Roll!" - Harry Kalas
And just like that, the Phillies became back to back NL East Champs. Brett Myers made a promise. To go further than they went last year, which was 3 and out. Charlie Manuel agreed, and the Phillies would do just that.
The post game celebration was down played from 2007 as the Phillies knew there was still unfinished business.
PHOTO COURTESY: MLB.com, Seattle Times
The Philly Way: NL East Champs!
Photos courtesy of Phillies.com.
In words of Jimmy Rollins, they did it the Philly way. They did it, but it wasn't easy. Either way, the Phillies are the 2008 National League East Divison Champions.
It marked the second straight division title for the Phillies. It was the first times since 1981 the Phillies won back to back division titles.
It was deja vu all over for Jamie Moyer. He earned the win in the last game of the season in 2007 when the Phillies clinched, and again today when the Phillies clinched.
Moyer pitched 6 innings, allowed just one run on 6 hits, and one walk.
Two sacrifice flies by Pat Burrell and Carlos Ruiz accounted for the Phillies first two runs.
The Nationals moved to within a run when Anderson Hernandez doubled off Moyer. Jayson Werth also made a great catch, but dropped the ball as he banged into the fence.
Werth would get that run back on his next at-bat with a solo homerun that gave the Phillies a 3-1 lead.
In the 8th, Ryan Madson got into a jam. The first two runners reached base. Lastings Milledge hit a sacrifice fly which drove in the run. On the play, Jimmy Rollins made a terrific over the shoulder catch as he tripped over Shane Victorino who was coming in on the play. Victorino was down for a few minutes, but stayed in the game. As we later found out, it wasn't the best play of the game for JRoll, and Victorino seemed to be OK.
In the bottom half of the 8th inning, Victorino reached base on an infield single. Pedro Feliz followed with a gapper that scored Victorino from first base.
The extra run proved to be huge.
With Brad Lidge coming in for the 9th the game appeared to be over. But that was far off. At a perfect 40/40, Lidge almost blew his first save of the year.
Lidge started the inning with a strikeout to Emilio Bonafacio. Hernandez blooped a single with a runner on second to make it a 4-3 game. The bases would be loaded with just one out, and with Ryan Zimmerman due up.
Zimmerman grounded up the middle. The ball had eyes, but Rollins came up with a diving stop. He flipped the ball to Chase Utley, who finished off the double play by throwing it to Ryan Howard. Howard made the catch, raised his arms, a perfect 41/41, a heart attack, ballgame. National League East Division Champs.
The players rushed out to Jimmy Rollins to celebrate. Champagne and beer were poured over everybody. Unlike last year, the players wore goggles, learning from a rookie mistake.
Who the Phillies play in the NLDS is unknown. It will either be the Mets, Brewers or Dodgers. The Mets won today, and the Brewers loss, therefore the Wild Card is tied.
While the Mets and Brewers will have to use one of their best pitchers and position players, the Phillies can save some guys and allow some players to get an extra day of rest.
The celebration was quick. Players and fans were excited. However, it was not as intense as 2007. 2007 was the first time in 14 years the Phillies made the playoffs, therefore the celebration was absolutely nuts. In 2007, the players squirted fans with hoses, and used twice as much beer and champagne as this year.
The celebration was excited and intense by fans and players, but nothing matched the 2007 celebration. Corks were still popped, and beer was still poured over heads, and players rode police bikes around the stadium. The Phillies already had a taste of playoff experience, and know there is still unfinished business. The fans know it too. A World Series celebration would beat out both.