This is featured in part of Phillies Nation's NLDS Preview.
The Phillies have established themselves as an offensive ball club. The Phillies have become one of the league’s top powerhouses offensively. It might be surprising to hear that the Reds collected better offensive stats as a whole, however the Phillies were without several of their star players over the course of the year.
From the top of the order to the bottom, the offense is now completely healthy.The Phillies scored 772 runs this year, and batted .260 as a team. They only hit 166 home runs, which is 58 fewer than last year. The lack of home run production can be blamed on Ryan Howard, who hit an career-low 31 home runs this year. The power drop-off can also be a side effect of numerous injuries. Chase Utley hit half as many home runs as he averages, but he didn’t get near as many at-bats with his injury.
The Phillies have relied on small ball this year more than ever. Even without Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies still managed to have the best stolen base percentage in the majors (84%).
Johnny Cueto will start game three, and the Phillies have rocked him. Cueto has a 5.96 ERA in his career against the Phillies.
Ryan Howard has faired well in his career against the Reds. He has a 1.030 OPS against Cincy. Chase Utley has similar success. He has a 1.078 OPS in his career against the Reds. With the exceptions of Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz, none of the regulars had career years. Compared to their potential, most of them had down years. That says a lot, considering that the Phillies still managed to finish with one of the league’s top offenses.
Watch out for: Ryan Howard (.921 career postseason OPS), Carlos Ruiz (.400 OBP this year, .905 career postseason OPS).
Postseason Predictions:
Division Series
Phillies over Reds in 4
Giants over Braves in 5
Rangers over Rays in 4
Twins over Yankees in 5
Championship Series
Phillies over Giants in 6
Rangers over Twins in 7
World Series
Phillies over Rangers in 5
Showing posts with label Offense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Offense. Show all posts
BoSox Crush Moyer
As seen on Phillies Nation.Welcome to third place, Philadelphia. That was ugly. The Boston Red Sox destroyed the Phillies, 12-2 at Fenway. There really is not much to say about Moyer’s awful performance and the same old slacking offense.
Moyer, who came off a complete game, couldn’t get an out in the second inning. Lasting just over an inning, Moyer surrendered nine runs, all earned. At least the Red Sox hit their way on. Moyer gave up six doubles and one home run, but only walked one.
The Red Sox added three more runs off David Herndon. Antonio Bastardo and Kyle Kendrick both got work in out of the bullpen.
It was the usual offense (meaning, the offense that we’ve seen for the past month) for the Phillies. No, they did not get shut out, but they only scored two runs off John Lackey. Both runs came on ground outs, so the Phillies weren’t exactly driving runners in.
Lately, the pitching has clicked, but today neither the pitching or offense found a rhythm. The game was terrible, and there is no other way to put it. This slump is getting old.
Iverson Returns; Baseball News
Allen Iverson is back in Philadelphia. Iverson almost retired, however he met with the Philadelphia 76ers, who eventually offered him a contract. He accepted, and is back with the team that he became a Hall of Fame player with.Iverson led the 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001, but the Sixers haven't been back since. When Iverson left the Sixers, he started to decline and the Sixers became a weak team.
Adding Iverson is exactly what the Sixers needed. Before the Iverson talks, nobody cared about the Sixers (sorry to those few die-hards). But once the AI Rumors came out, the Sixers were mentioned before any other team, including the Philadelphia Eagles. That never happens, not even for the playoffs.
The Iverson move will help the Sixers more than record-wise. Without him, the franchise would continue to lessen in popularity. Now, more tickets will sell, and perhaps increase the Sixers' popularity. With Iverson on the court, more fans will watch. When more fans watch, they will notice some of the other, younger stars. They needed that, because right now they're not very popular in a football town.
Adding Iverson is exactly what the Sixers needed. Before the Iverson talks, nobody cared about the Sixers (sorry to those few die-hards). But once the AI Rumors came out, the Sixers were mentioned before any other team, including the Philadelphia Eagles. That never happens, not even for the playoffs.
The Iverson move will help the Sixers more than record-wise. Without him, the franchise would continue to lessen in popularity. Now, more tickets will sell, and perhaps increase the Sixers' popularity. With Iverson on the court, more fans will watch. When more fans watch, they will notice some of the other, younger stars. They needed that, because right now they're not very popular in a football town.
We're aware that this is a baseball blog, so here's your daily dosage of MLB:
The Atlanta Braves signed Billy Wagner. The deal is worth $7 million with an option for 2011.
There is a "strong possibility" for a Pat Burrell-Milton Bradley trade. The Cubs are Rays could make the deal, although it's also possible to see Burrell in a Mets uniform. With a left fielder in Alfonso Soriano, the Cubs could flip him to the Mets. The Mets are in need of a left fielder. They could get rid of Luis Castillo and get Burrell in return.
The Phillies have their eyes on J.J Putz. Putz missed most of last season due to arm troubles. The Pirates and Astros also appear to be interested. The Phillies are also being linked to Randy Wolf and Rafeal Bentancourt for the first time this offseason.
The Mariners are pursuing Rich Harden.
The Astros and Rangers are interested in Brett Myers. The Rangers would likely want him as a reliever.
Surfin', Beltre, Moyer, and MLB News
Looks like Jimmy Rollins found a new hobby. Rollins, who recently attended Shane Victorino's wedding, was caught surfing in Hawaii.
In Phillies related news:
The Phillies are targeting free agent Adrian Beltre. Money could be an issue; Beltre, 30, could be seeking a four-year deal. Additionally, Beltre is represented by Scott Boras.
Mark DeRosa, a personal favorite of Charlie Manuel, is still an option as well as Placido Polanco, Chone Figgins, and Pedro Feliz. A friend of Feliz says that he would like to sign elsewhere, possibly Seattle.
The Phillies signed DeWayne Wise and Wilson Valdez to minor league contracts. Both had a significant amount of major league playing time in 2009, but they will most likely spend most of 2010 in Triple-A.
Wise, an outfielder, is known for saving Mark Buehrle’s perfect game in July. The 32-year old spent most of the season as a defensive replacement. He batted .225 in 142 at-bats with the White Sox in 2009.
Valdez, a utility infielder, batted .256 in 86 at-bats for the New York Mets in 2009.
Jamie Moyer has been hospitalized at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital with recurring symptoms from his September groin surgery. Dr. Michael Ciccotti, the team doctor, said that Moyer is not seriously ill, however the pain in the area where he had surgery has increased since the weekend.
Moyer, 47, is being evaluated. “He’s completely comfortable and fine. We’re just taking appropriate precautions and also wanting to do what we can to make sure he’s on track for spring training,” Ciccotti said.
Around MLB, the Chicago White Sox signed Andruw Jones. Jose Lopez is likely to remain in Seattle. The Minnesota Twins are looking at Rich Harden.
The Red Sox might be making a push for Roy Halladay. They are also interested in Marco Scutaro and Kelvim Escobar.
Call of the Day: Travis Lee hits a walk-off home run in 2001.
"Well hit! Game over! 3-run homerun Travis Lee! Can you believe it? What a
tremendous comeback from the Fightin' Phils! A 10 to 8 win!"
Do You Want to Face LAA or NYY?
Also featured on Phillies Nation. Most of the country is assuming that it will be a Phillies-Yankees World Series, even though the latter isn't there yet. The New York Yankees had a 3-1 series lead against the Los Angeles Angels, but lost to send the series back to New York. The 2004 American League Championship Series is still fresh in every body's minds; the Boston Red Sox beat the Yankees despite trailing the series 3-0. A similar comeback is possible for the Angels, but right now their backs are against the wall.
That leads to the question: who do you want the Phillies to play in the World Series? The players don't have a preference. The Angels and Yankees are each elite teams; they are playing in the ALCS for a reason. When compared head to head, the Phillies, Angels, and Yankees are closer than you think.
The mentality of facing the Yankees is to play the better team. The Yankees had the best record in baseball during the regular season (103-59). To be the best, you have to beat the best. A Phillies-Angels series may appear to be "easier" on paper, but the Angels put together a 97-65 record under Mike Scioscia.
If the Phillies were to play the Yankees, slug-fests would be expected. The Yankees scored the most runs (915) and hit the most home runs (244) in baseball. The Phillies weren't far behind, ranking first in the National League in runs scored (820) and home runs (224). In the "bandboxes" these two teams play in, high scoring games would be expected.
The Angels' offense shouldn't be taken lightly. They don't hit many home runs (173), but they play small ball effectively. The Angels crossed the plate 883 times this year. They're also a running threat, stealing 148 bases (2nd in MLB).
The Phillies had the best team ERA out of the the three (4.16). The Yankees' team ERA (4.26) was tied for third in the American League. Despite having John Lackey and acquiring Scott Kazmir, the Angels are toward the bottom of the pack in team ERA (4.45). Both the Phillies and Yankees allowed 1.25 walks and hits per innings pitched, while the Angels allowed 1.41. The Yankees (7.82 K/9) are more of a strikeout club than the other two.
It may be thought that the Phillies have the weakest bullpen of the three, but their bullpen ERA is equivalent to the Yankees' 3.91. The Angels rank much lower (4.49). With Mariano Rivera as a closer, the back end of the Yankees bullpen is automatic. The Phillies and Angels have had trouble in the ninth. Brad Lidge's story is well known, but he has been great in the postseason. Brian Fuentes led the majors in saves, but he also blew seven and allows too many base runners. He blew a save earlier in the ALCS, and came close to doing it again on Thursday.
The Phillies took two out of the three against the Yankees in May. If not for a blown save, the Phillies would have swept them. Each game was close, with the difference coming in the late innings. The Phillies last played the Angels during interleague play in 2008. The Angels swept them at Citizens Bank Park.
Game six of the ALCS will be played tonight. A New York win would end it, but a loss will send it to game seven. No matter who the Phillies play, the World Series will not be easy. Exciting? You got that right!
Part II: NLDS Preview: Offensive Player Breakdown
This is Part II of a NLDS preview for the offense. For Part I, click here. Or, view the full version on Phillies Nation.The Phillies and Rockies have very similar offenses. The lineups are almost identical to the ones that were seen two years ago, with the biggest difference being in left field. Matt Holliday is now with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pat Burrell has moved on to the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Phillies star-studded offense leads off with Jimmy Rollins. Rollins has come a long way since being benched in late June because of a career worst 0-for-28 slump. During the second half of the season, the former MVP batted .272 with 14 home runs. Rollins’ shadow, Shane Victorino, was the team’s leading hitter. Nobody can forget Victorino’s heroics in last year’s NLDS when he homered against C.C Sabathia.
The meat of the order is capable of doing a lot of damage. Chase Utley is currently in a 0-for-15 slump and batted .204 in September, but he is always a major offensive threat. Ryan Howard was tied with Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder for the most runs batted in the major leagues with 141. Jayson Werth finished a RBI short of reaching 100 for the season. He had a career high .879 on-base plus slugging percentage. Raul Ibanez had a monster first half, but struggled when he returned from a groin injury.
Pedro Feliz and Carlos Ruiz sit at the bottom of the order, but they are each capable of starting rallies and coming up clutch. Feliz has been arguably the team’s most clutch hitter, leading the team with a .325 average with runners on base.
The bench has been one of the Phillies Achilles’ heels. Matt Stairs’ home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2008 National League Championship will never be forgotten, but the big hacker is hitting .194. Like the NLCS blast, Stairs’ home run against the Rockies this season will always be remembered. The game-winning shot was Harry Kalas’ last home run call before tragically passing away in April.
An average under the Mendoza line isn’t strange for a Phillies bench player. Eric Bruntlett, a career .231 hitter, was left of the roster after Miguel Cairo made a strong push during the final weeks of the season. Ben Francisco, who was acquired with Cliff Lee, has been a reliable bat off the bench. Greg Dobbs set a Phillies record last season for the most pinch hits, but he has been plagued with injuries this season. Paul Bako has done a fine job as the backup catcher after Chris Coste was let go.
The Rockies will have to look out for the Phillies on the basepaths. They’ve had a healthy mix of speed and power throughout the season. They are second in the National League with 119 steals.
The Rockies lineup doesn’t feature as many big names, but they still have a potent offense. The Rockies start at the top with speed. Dexter Fowler and Carlos Gonzalez have spent time leading off for the Rockies. Fowler stole 27 bases this season, and Gonzalez batted .284 in 89 games. The outfield also includes Seth Smith. Smith batted .293 with 15 home runs and a .889 OPS.
The middle of the lineup features a possible future Hall of Famer, Todd Helton. Helton hit .325 this year, very close to his career average of .328. The 36-year old doesn’t hit the long ball like he used to. In 2001, he hit a career high 49. This year, he hit 15 home runs, ten below his career average. The Rockies lineup also includes Troy Tulowitzski. Tulo may be known for his defense and strong arm, but he can also rake. Tulo started the year slowly, batting .200 in April. Like Rollins, the shortstop turned his season around. He finished the season with a .297 average, 32 home runs and a .930 OPS. Following Tulo is one of the game’s most underrated hitters, Brad Hawpe. Hawpe batted .285 with a .519 slugging percentage. Hawpe finished the season with ten runs batted in during his final ten games.
Second baseman Clint Barmes slugged 23 home runs this season. Ian Stewart and Garrett Atkins have been sharing time at third base. Atkins, Chase Utley’s UCLA teammate, disappointed many with a .226 average and nine home runs this season. Ian Stewart’s average is not much better sitting at .228, however he smacked 28 home runs. Backstop Chris Iannetta has the same average, but he is still a dangerous hitter. It’s notable that he has a .804 OPS.
The platoons in the outfield and at third base make their bench deeper. The bench includes Ryan Spilborghs, who the Phillies almost acquired at the trade deadline. Yorvit Torreabla is the backup catcher, and the Rockies added Jason Giambi from the Oakland A’s. Giambi provides a left handed bat off the bench, much like Stairs for the Phillies.
The Phillies batted .302 with nine home runs in six games against the Rockies this season. Four of those home runs came at Coors Field. The Rockies cumulative lineup batted .251 with six homers against the Phillies this season.
The first game of the series will open in Philadelphia, and head to Colorado for game three. The Phillies seek redemption after the Rockies swept them in 2007. When these two teams meet, slugfests are anticipated. It wouldn’t be a shock to see a couple of them in this best of five series.
Part I: NLDS Preview: Head to Head
This is Part I of a NLDS preview for the offense. The full article can be viewed on Phillies Nation.October baseball has arrived! The Philadelphia Phillies and the Colorado Rockies square off in the National League Division Series on Wednesday. With the 2007 NLDS fresh in mind, the Phillies hope for a better outcome this time around.
The last time the Rockies entered the postseason, they were the hottest team in baseball, winning 21 out of their last 22 games. This year, they closed the season 18-9 in September. They haven’t been as impressive as they were in their pennant year, although they had an impressive turnaround. The Rockies opened April with a record of 8-12 before firing manager Clint Hurdle. Jim Tracy took over as skipper, leading the Rockies to a Wild Card berth.
Charlie Manuel’s crew will try to defend their 2008 World Championship. The Phillies finished the year with a record of 93-69, one more win than the Rockies. The Phillies won the season series, 4-2, and outscored the Rockies, 31-28.
This Division Series may be loaded with offense. Both Citizens Bank Park and Coors Field are extremely hitter friendly. In addition, these two teams are power houses that rank first and second atop many offensive categories. The Phillies 820 runs scored rank first in the National League. The Rockies are right behind with 804 runs. The Phillies led the National League with 224 home runs and a .447 slugging percentage. The Rockies finished second with 190 home runs and a .441 slugging percentage. The Rockies have a .343 on-base percentage, which is higher than the Phillies’.
The Phillies struggled with runners in scoring position, batting .255 in that situation. The Rockies were slightly better, hitting .259, just below the league’s average.
A Collapse is Unlikely
It’s the 45th anniversary of 1964, and the Phillies recent struggles have some fearing that history will repeat itself. Everybody knows about the 6.5 game lead with 12 to play. Their ten game losing streak gave the division to the Cardinals. However, there is reason to believe that this will not be a re-occuring nightmare.The 2007 New York Mets ”choke” is compared to 1964. With a seven game lead and 17 to go, the Mets blew their lead to the Phillies on the final day of the season. It is ironic that the Phillies end their 2009 campaign against the Marlins (the team that eliminated the Mets), and the Mets end their season against the Nationals (the team that the Phillies clinched the division against). It is safe to say that the Mets (16.5 GB) don’t have a chance. However, the Florida Marlins (6.5 GB) and Atlanta Braves (8.5 GB) are still lingering.
The Phillies are in a major offensive funk, scoring three runs or less in eight of their last ten games. Still, the Phillies have one of the best offenses in the league ( .257 AVG/ .344 OBP/ .447 SLG / .780 OPS ). They lead the National League in home runs (186), and are third in baseball behind the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers.
Despite their struggles with runners in scoring position, their totals are not much different than their overall stats (.253 AVG/ .356 OBP/ .445 SLG/ .800 OPS). In addition, their RISP numbers are around the league’s average.
The Phillies batting stats are pathetic (.205 AVG/ .277 OBP/ .282 SLG/ .540 OPS) in September. The only team that has been worse is the Los Angeles Angels, another first place team. The stats are poor, but it is only six days into the month. The Phillies offense is very streaky, but when they are hot, they’re on fire. Currently, they are relying on the long ball and most of the players are cold offensively. It is something that has happened before and they will snap out of it.
The offense may be slumping, but the pitching has kept them close. The team has a 3.50 ERA and opponents are batting .228 against them this month. They are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for best ERA (3.25) in all of baseball since the All Star Break.
It has been a slow start for the month of September, but the Phillies had a similar slump is June, when they went 11-15. The team batted .248, but the difference was that the pitching had a 4.38 ERA. They started July (20-7) with two straight losses and August (16-11) with three.
This Phillies team is too good to collapse. Of course, the same was said about the ‘64 team as World Series tickets were printed. The difference is that Cliff Lee and Joe Blanton will not be pitching every other day like Jim Bunning and Chris Short. If Brad Lidge continues to fail as closer, Brett Myers could take over. And frankly, the Phillies are a better team than the Marlins and Braves. The Marlins don’t have the pitching, and the Braves don’t have the offense. The Phillies proved that they have pitching, offense, and defense. The Phillies have an advantage in that they have recently played in a playoff-type atmosphere.
It’s only the beginning of September. The Phillies are in a slump right now, but they’ve been through slumps before. The Phillies are a streaky team, and once they reach a hot streak, they will be unstoppable. Even though it is toward the end of the season, a slump now with a marginal lead is much better than a slump during the postseason.
The ‘64 collapse didn’t begin until September 20, so unless the lead diminishes dramatically this week or somebody steals home a la Chico Ruiz, a 2009 Philadelphia Phillies collapse is highly unlikely.
Originally featured on Phillies Nation.
Offense Can't Buy a Run
As seen on Phillies Nation.
What comes around goes around. Last night, Cole Hamels pitched a complete game shutout against the San Francisco Giants. Tonight, the Giants shutout the Phillies, 4-0.
You know your offense is going bad when the telecast finds a shot Jupiter before any runs are scored. Perhaps that is where the Phillies offense went. They've scored only 11 runs in the last six games. They were shutout for the fifth time this season. The last time they were shutout was on August 1, against tomorrow's starter, Tim Lincecum.
J.A Happ didn't necessarily pitch poorly, although he did give up four runs for the first time since July 24, when he allowed five runs against St. Louis. He played Houdini for the first four innings, but ran into trouble in the fifth and sixth.
Andres Torres did what the Phillies did not do: drive in a runner in scoring position. In the fifth inning, the Giants took a 1-0 lead with his RBI single up the middle. Juan Uribe and Aaron Rowand hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth extending the lead to 4-0.
Happ's line: 6 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO.
Brad Penny returned to the National League in grand fashion, pitching eight scoreless innings. He gave up five hits, walked one, and struck out two. He was able to get the Phillies to ground out 13 times, including two double play balls. Penny, who was cut by the Red Sox, has not lasted eight innings since 2007.
There's no denying that the Phillies offense is in a major funk. Luckily, the pitching has kept them close during the rough patch. It's cliche, but you can't win if you don't score.
What comes around goes around. Last night, Cole Hamels pitched a complete game shutout against the San Francisco Giants. Tonight, the Giants shutout the Phillies, 4-0.You know your offense is going bad when the telecast finds a shot Jupiter before any runs are scored. Perhaps that is where the Phillies offense went. They've scored only 11 runs in the last six games. They were shutout for the fifth time this season. The last time they were shutout was on August 1, against tomorrow's starter, Tim Lincecum.
J.A Happ didn't necessarily pitch poorly, although he did give up four runs for the first time since July 24, when he allowed five runs against St. Louis. He played Houdini for the first four innings, but ran into trouble in the fifth and sixth.
Andres Torres did what the Phillies did not do: drive in a runner in scoring position. In the fifth inning, the Giants took a 1-0 lead with his RBI single up the middle. Juan Uribe and Aaron Rowand hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth extending the lead to 4-0.
Happ's line: 6 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO.
Brad Penny returned to the National League in grand fashion, pitching eight scoreless innings. He gave up five hits, walked one, and struck out two. He was able to get the Phillies to ground out 13 times, including two double play balls. Penny, who was cut by the Red Sox, has not lasted eight innings since 2007.
There's no denying that the Phillies offense is in a major funk. Luckily, the pitching has kept them close during the rough patch. It's cliche, but you can't win if you don't score.
Lee Has Worst Start Since Joining Phillies
As seen on Phillies Nation.
It turns out that Cliff Lee is human after all. Since joining the Phillies, Lee has dominated by going deep into games and not allowing any more than two runs in each start. When he is handed the ball, a win is expected as he fills fans with confidence. Saturday was a different story.
The start of the game was delayed about 25 minutes due to rain. Once the game got underway, Chase Utley smacked his 28th home run of the year to put the Phillies on the board.
Entering the game, Lee hadn't allowed a home run as a Phillie. His ERA was a minuscule 0.68. Those numbers quickly changed. Garrett Anderson's three-run home run in the fourth inning put the Braves ahead. It was the first home run Lee allowed since July 21. Matt Diaz and Yunel Escobar also homered, adding to the lead. It was the first time since 2007 that Lee gave up multiple home runs in a game, let alone three.
In his shortest outing as a Phillie, Lee was finished after five innings. All six runs he allowed were earned. He gave up ten hits and struck out five. His ERA dramatically increased to 1.80 with Philadelphia, and 2.83 on the season.
If it was any indication, Lee gave up an unusual lead-off single to Diaz to open the game. Lee gets into trouble when he surrenders too many hits; that was the case tonight. The Braves did an excellent job of slowing down the quick worker by stepping out of the box and taking pitches.
Other than Utley's homer, the Phillies offense was silenced by Lowe. Improving to 6-1 lifetime against the Phillies, the sinker-baller continues to have success against them. As a home run hitting team, the offense generally does not have success against most sinker ball pitchers.
The offense had many chances, but went 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position. In addition, they left 12 men on base. Even when they were trailing 9-1, they had a perfect opportunity with the bases loaded any nobody out. Whatever the case may be, this team can not produce runs when runners are past first base. They're heavily relying on the long ball.
The Braves added a few more runs off the bullpen, but the rain came down in buckets during the eighth inning to force another delay. As a swimming pool formed in the outfield, the decision was finally made to call the game. The 9-1 loss puts the Braves seven games behind the Phillies in the National League East.
It turns out that Cliff Lee is human after all. Since joining the Phillies, Lee has dominated by going deep into games and not allowing any more than two runs in each start. When he is handed the ball, a win is expected as he fills fans with confidence. Saturday was a different story.
The start of the game was delayed about 25 minutes due to rain. Once the game got underway, Chase Utley smacked his 28th home run of the year to put the Phillies on the board.
Entering the game, Lee hadn't allowed a home run as a Phillie. His ERA was a minuscule 0.68. Those numbers quickly changed. Garrett Anderson's three-run home run in the fourth inning put the Braves ahead. It was the first home run Lee allowed since July 21. Matt Diaz and Yunel Escobar also homered, adding to the lead. It was the first time since 2007 that Lee gave up multiple home runs in a game, let alone three.In his shortest outing as a Phillie, Lee was finished after five innings. All six runs he allowed were earned. He gave up ten hits and struck out five. His ERA dramatically increased to 1.80 with Philadelphia, and 2.83 on the season.
If it was any indication, Lee gave up an unusual lead-off single to Diaz to open the game. Lee gets into trouble when he surrenders too many hits; that was the case tonight. The Braves did an excellent job of slowing down the quick worker by stepping out of the box and taking pitches.
Other than Utley's homer, the Phillies offense was silenced by Lowe. Improving to 6-1 lifetime against the Phillies, the sinker-baller continues to have success against them. As a home run hitting team, the offense generally does not have success against most sinker ball pitchers.
The offense had many chances, but went 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position. In addition, they left 12 men on base. Even when they were trailing 9-1, they had a perfect opportunity with the bases loaded any nobody out. Whatever the case may be, this team can not produce runs when runners are past first base. They're heavily relying on the long ball.
The Braves added a few more runs off the bullpen, but the rain came down in buckets during the eighth inning to force another delay. As a swimming pool formed in the outfield, the decision was finally made to call the game. The 9-1 loss puts the Braves seven games behind the Phillies in the National League East.
Pirates Take Series With Late Comeback
As seen on Phillies Nation.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have nothing to play for. Being in last place (19 games under .500, 19 games back), the Pirates can only play spoiler. The Phillies swept the Pirates in July, but the Pirates wanted redemption. They welcomed in the reigning World Champs, and embarrassed them.
The Phillies had an excellent opportunity to knock around Charlie Morton right from the chute. The Phillies only had one run to show in a bases loaded, nobody out situation. Ryan Howard’s RBI ground out put the Phillies on the board, but Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez each popped out to end the threat. The Phillies added another run in the second inning on Paul Bako’s (2-2, 2 BB) homer.
Andrew McCutchen greeted J.A Happ with a lead-off home run. After that, Happ didn’t allow anything– until the eighth inning.
The Phillies learned about Garrett Jones at Citizens Bank Park, when he homered in each game of a three game series. With two outs in the eighth, he struck again. His two-run homer to center field gave the Pirates a 3-2 lead.
Other than the two homers, Happ pitched well. He pitched eight innings giving up three runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out four.
With a struggling closer in Matt Capps, the Phillies had an opportunity to take the lead in the top of the ninth. Matt Stairs represented the go-ahead run, but he’d have to snap an 0-for-24 streak . The last time he had gotten a hit was on July 11, when he homered against Capps. It wasn’t meant to be, because although he swung for the fences, he struck out.
Jimmy Rollins grounded out to end the game. The offense struggled all series long. When the Phillies bats are hot, they’re on fire. When they’re cold, they’re frozen. The offense has been very streaky and they’ve become too reliant on the home run.
Expecting to sweep, the Phillies learned they can not take the Pirates lightly. With the 3-2 loss, the Phillies now have a record of 9-13 at PNC Park since 2002. The Phillies have a history of falling to bad teams, but they still have a comfortable lead in the division.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have nothing to play for. Being in last place (19 games under .500, 19 games back), the Pirates can only play spoiler. The Phillies swept the Pirates in July, but the Pirates wanted redemption. They welcomed in the reigning World Champs, and embarrassed them.The Phillies had an excellent opportunity to knock around Charlie Morton right from the chute. The Phillies only had one run to show in a bases loaded, nobody out situation. Ryan Howard’s RBI ground out put the Phillies on the board, but Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez each popped out to end the threat. The Phillies added another run in the second inning on Paul Bako’s (2-2, 2 BB) homer.
Andrew McCutchen greeted J.A Happ with a lead-off home run. After that, Happ didn’t allow anything– until the eighth inning.
The Phillies learned about Garrett Jones at Citizens Bank Park, when he homered in each game of a three game series. With two outs in the eighth, he struck again. His two-run homer to center field gave the Pirates a 3-2 lead.
Other than the two homers, Happ pitched well. He pitched eight innings giving up three runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out four.
With a struggling closer in Matt Capps, the Phillies had an opportunity to take the lead in the top of the ninth. Matt Stairs represented the go-ahead run, but he’d have to snap an 0-for-24 streak . The last time he had gotten a hit was on July 11, when he homered against Capps. It wasn’t meant to be, because although he swung for the fences, he struck out.
Jimmy Rollins grounded out to end the game. The offense struggled all series long. When the Phillies bats are hot, they’re on fire. When they’re cold, they’re frozen. The offense has been very streaky and they’ve become too reliant on the home run.
Expecting to sweep, the Phillies learned they can not take the Pirates lightly. With the 3-2 loss, the Phillies now have a record of 9-13 at PNC Park since 2002. The Phillies have a history of falling to bad teams, but they still have a comfortable lead in the division.
Unclutch Offense Struggles in Loss
Also seen on Phillies Nation.Eleven men stranded. 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position. The Phillies offensive woes continued in the 6-4 loss to the Florida Marlins. A poor outing from Cole Hamels didn't help.
Chris Coghlan greeted Hamels with a home run to lead off the game. It was just the beginning of his troubles.
Hamels was moving well, though. In an attempt to sacrifice bunt, Hamels legged out a single as the throw pulled Dan Uggla off the bag. Then, Hamels broke up a double play, which allowed a run to score. Shane Victorino followed Jimmy Rollins' force out with a RBI single. The Phillies led 2-1, but it didn't last long. The Marlins tied it up in the next inning.
Throughout the night, the Marlins played shabby defense, and Carlos Ruiz caught a break. Nick Johnson dropped a pop-up (a la Luis Castillo), and a run scored. The Phillies regained the lead.
Unfortunately, Hamels struggled with his command. Cody Ross hit his 20th home run of the year, which gave the Marlins a 4-3 lead in the sixth inning. The two home runs and four walks hurt Hamels. He was pulled after 5.1 innings after allowing four earned runs on five hits.
It was up to the bullpen to keep it close. Chan Ho Park, who has been excellent since his transition to the bullpen, was due for a bad outing. He pitched two innings, but gave up two runs, both in the eighth inning.
The offense never gave the Phillies a chance. Their first three runs were mostly luck, coming on Marlin miscues. For the rest of the game, the offense couldn't come through in the clutch. Jayson Werth left six men on base, Raul Ibanez left two, Pedro Feliz left five, and Rollins left three.
The Phillies made some noise in the ninth after Victorino (2-for-5) led off with a triple. Chase Utley's ground-out (which may have been a foul ball) drove in Victorino. Ryan Howard (4-for-4) singled to put the tying run on base. The no-doubles defense took a hit away from Werth, but Ibanez flied out to end the game.
The Phillies dropped the series to the Marlins, but hope to avoid the sweep tomorrow. The Phillies still have a five game lead over the second place Fish in the division.
Chris Coghlan greeted Hamels with a home run to lead off the game. It was just the beginning of his troubles.
Hamels was moving well, though. In an attempt to sacrifice bunt, Hamels legged out a single as the throw pulled Dan Uggla off the bag. Then, Hamels broke up a double play, which allowed a run to score. Shane Victorino followed Jimmy Rollins' force out with a RBI single. The Phillies led 2-1, but it didn't last long. The Marlins tied it up in the next inning.
Throughout the night, the Marlins played shabby defense, and Carlos Ruiz caught a break. Nick Johnson dropped a pop-up (a la Luis Castillo), and a run scored. The Phillies regained the lead.
Unfortunately, Hamels struggled with his command. Cody Ross hit his 20th home run of the year, which gave the Marlins a 4-3 lead in the sixth inning. The two home runs and four walks hurt Hamels. He was pulled after 5.1 innings after allowing four earned runs on five hits.
It was up to the bullpen to keep it close. Chan Ho Park, who has been excellent since his transition to the bullpen, was due for a bad outing. He pitched two innings, but gave up two runs, both in the eighth inning.
The offense never gave the Phillies a chance. Their first three runs were mostly luck, coming on Marlin miscues. For the rest of the game, the offense couldn't come through in the clutch. Jayson Werth left six men on base, Raul Ibanez left two, Pedro Feliz left five, and Rollins left three.
The Phillies made some noise in the ninth after Victorino (2-for-5) led off with a triple. Chase Utley's ground-out (which may have been a foul ball) drove in Victorino. Ryan Howard (4-for-4) singled to put the tying run on base. The no-doubles defense took a hit away from Werth, but Ibanez flied out to end the game.
The Phillies dropped the series to the Marlins, but hope to avoid the sweep tomorrow. The Phillies still have a five game lead over the second place Fish in the division.
Lincecum Wins Pitchers' Duel
Originally posted on Phillies Nation.
It was a treat on Friday night to watch a reigning Cy Young winner. From a Phillies standpoint, Saturday night wasn't as fun with a different reigning Cy Young winner on the mound.
The Phillies were shutout for the second time in four days, but Tim Lincecum deserves loads of credit. He pitched eight scoreless innings and allowed seven hits and one walk. He struck out eight and his ERA lowered to 2.18. Tonight further proved why Lincecum is one of the best, young pitchers in the game, silencing a potent Phillies lineup.
Joe Blanton didn't pitch badly and kept pace in the pitchers' duel. He gave up two earned runs in seven innings. He allowed seven hits, but majority were bloop hits. He allowed only one extra base hit and did not walk a batter. He struck out five. He was the tough-luck loser as the Phillies continue to slump with runners in scoring position. On the current road trip, the Phillies are hitting .103 (6-for-56) with RISP.
Juan Uribe has quietly been trouble. He broke up Cliff Lee's no-hitter (double) and shutout (run scored) last night. Tonight, his two sacrifice flies put the Giants ahead, 2-0. Aaron Rowand scored on the first sac fly at a close play at the plate. Matt Stairs caught a shallow fly and fired home, but the throw was a tad wide and Rowand slid past Paul Bako, who could not apply the tag. (Injuries to Shane Victorino, knee, and Carlos Ruiz, thumb, made room for Stairs and Bako in the lineup).
Tim Lincecum doesn't need much support. Two runs were plenty. Brian Wilson closed the game with an easy 1-2-3 save as the Giants moved past the Phillies, 2-0. The Giants took a 2-1 series lead over the Phils, who hope to even it out tomorrow.
It was a treat on Friday night to watch a reigning Cy Young winner. From a Phillies standpoint, Saturday night wasn't as fun with a different reigning Cy Young winner on the mound.The Phillies were shutout for the second time in four days, but Tim Lincecum deserves loads of credit. He pitched eight scoreless innings and allowed seven hits and one walk. He struck out eight and his ERA lowered to 2.18. Tonight further proved why Lincecum is one of the best, young pitchers in the game, silencing a potent Phillies lineup.
Joe Blanton didn't pitch badly and kept pace in the pitchers' duel. He gave up two earned runs in seven innings. He allowed seven hits, but majority were bloop hits. He allowed only one extra base hit and did not walk a batter. He struck out five. He was the tough-luck loser as the Phillies continue to slump with runners in scoring position. On the current road trip, the Phillies are hitting .103 (6-for-56) with RISP.
Juan Uribe has quietly been trouble. He broke up Cliff Lee's no-hitter (double) and shutout (run scored) last night. Tonight, his two sacrifice flies put the Giants ahead, 2-0. Aaron Rowand scored on the first sac fly at a close play at the plate. Matt Stairs caught a shallow fly and fired home, but the throw was a tad wide and Rowand slid past Paul Bako, who could not apply the tag. (Injuries to Shane Victorino, knee, and Carlos Ruiz, thumb, made room for Stairs and Bako in the lineup).
Tim Lincecum doesn't need much support. Two runs were plenty. Brian Wilson closed the game with an easy 1-2-3 save as the Giants moved past the Phillies, 2-0. The Giants took a 2-1 series lead over the Phils, who hope to even it out tomorrow.
Offense A Key in Home Struggles
As featured on Phillies Nation.
On June 16, 2008, the Philadelphia Phillies had an overall record of 41-30. Exactly one year later, the Phillies are on the same pace as last season with a 36-25 record in less games. The Phillies could have a better record than indicated with tough losses on blown saves or bad calls by umpires. All hurt, but it is the play on their home turf that has hurt the most.
The Phillies Pythagorean winning percentage is 34-27, two more losses than their real record. A Pythagorean winning percentage estimates a teams win-loss record given their runs scored and runs allowed. In the Phillies case, they have scored 337 runs and allowed 298.
The Phillies are a major league best 23-9 away from Citizens Bank Park. However, they are 13-16 at the same place they went undefeated during the 2008 postseason.
It is obvious a hitters park like Citizens Bank Park will lead to problems for pitchers. The Phillies have a 5.22 ERA at home. They've allowed 49 home runs, however it isn't much different from their road total (42). On the road they are not lights out, but have a tolerable 4.15 ERA.
With a potent lineup at a hitter's paradise you'd figure that the Phillies would be an offensive scoring machine. The Phillies are first in the National League in runs per game (5.5) and fifth in batting average (.263), however much of their offensive success has come away from Philly.
The Phillies are batting .252 with 39 HR, 145 runs scored, and are slugging .450 at home. On the road, they are batting .273 with 51 HR, 192 runs and are slugging .471. There isn't a dramatic difference in games played at home and on the road. Just 3.
The Phillies struggles at home can be targeted at the pitching, but the offense has not played to their expectations at a place where they can easily light up the scoreboard.
On June 16, 2008, the Philadelphia Phillies had an overall record of 41-30. Exactly one year later, the Phillies are on the same pace as last season with a 36-25 record in less games. The Phillies could have a better record than indicated with tough losses on blown saves or bad calls by umpires. All hurt, but it is the play on their home turf that has hurt the most.The Phillies Pythagorean winning percentage is 34-27, two more losses than their real record. A Pythagorean winning percentage estimates a teams win-loss record given their runs scored and runs allowed. In the Phillies case, they have scored 337 runs and allowed 298.
The Phillies are a major league best 23-9 away from Citizens Bank Park. However, they are 13-16 at the same place they went undefeated during the 2008 postseason.
It is obvious a hitters park like Citizens Bank Park will lead to problems for pitchers. The Phillies have a 5.22 ERA at home. They've allowed 49 home runs, however it isn't much different from their road total (42). On the road they are not lights out, but have a tolerable 4.15 ERA.
With a potent lineup at a hitter's paradise you'd figure that the Phillies would be an offensive scoring machine. The Phillies are first in the National League in runs per game (5.5) and fifth in batting average (.263), however much of their offensive success has come away from Philly.
The Phillies are batting .252 with 39 HR, 145 runs scored, and are slugging .450 at home. On the road, they are batting .273 with 51 HR, 192 runs and are slugging .471. There isn't a dramatic difference in games played at home and on the road. Just 3.
The Phillies struggles at home can be targeted at the pitching, but the offense has not played to their expectations at a place where they can easily light up the scoreboard.