Hamels Looks To Keep It Going vs. Twins

For full gameday, visit Phillies Nation.

The Minnesota Twins (38-31) play versus the Philadelphia Phillies (35-30). Kevin Slowey, RHP (7-4, 3.84 ERA) starts vs. Cole Hamels, LHP (6-5, 3.74 ERA).

Three in a row, Phils. Keep it going!

In last night's victory, there was quite a power display from Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. There's nothing like a little boost in the 'ole slugging percentage, and hopefully the middle of the order can continue to show off their power against Kevin Slowey. Slowey, like Nick Blackburn, is not exactly overpowering, therefore there could be more crooked numbers today.

Cole Hamels will try for his seventh win of the season. His win-loss record does not reflect the way he has pitched because of the lack of run support at times. Hamels has shown signs of returning to his 2008 form, however he still tends to get plagued by the long ball. Hamels has already allowed 14 home runs this year, and the Twins have plenty of hitters who are capable of going yard.

Luckily, Joe Mauer (.271 in June) and Justin Morneau (.204 in June) are not as hot with the bat as they can be. Despite still having great offensive numbers, they are both in a little bit of a funk, compared to some of the numbers they have put up throughout their careers.

Utley & Howard Help Offense Explode for Nine Runs

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The middle of the order’s struggles were a large reason why the Phillies were in a month long slump. With today’s 9-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins, the Phillies have now won three in a row. They aren’t exactly out of the skid, however they are steps closer to getting out of it. Production from the middle of the order is a big reason as to why the offense is improving. Tonight, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard led the charge.

The Phillies immediately got on the board thanks to Utley’s RBI single. Howard followed with a triple, on a ball that was misplayed by right fielder Jason Kubel. Jayson Werth added a sacrifice fly, giving the home team a 3-0 advantage.

The runs kept pouring in. Utley launched a fly ball over the right field wall, only to be followed by a Howard shot in almost the same exact spot. The back-to-back jacks put the Phillies ahead 8-0, providing plenty of breathing room for Joe Blanton.

Blanton cruised along, surrendering three runs in six innings of work. He allowed two of those runs to start the seventh inning, before being lifted. Blanton didn’t exactly dazzle, but he got the job done. He also received plenty of help from his defense, especially Utley, who made three web gems.

The first hit Blanton allowed was a triple to Kubel, however he did not put on the brakes. The third base coach waved Kubel around, trying for the inside-the-park home run. If not for a perfect relay from Shane Victorino to Utley to Carlos Ruiz, Kubel would have been safe. Instead, Utley made a perfect throw and Ruiz (who later left due to an injury) applied the tag.

Utley didn’t stop flashing the leather there. He made a barehanded grab to turn a quick double play. In addition, he made a tremendous diving stop to take a hit away. Not only did he do it with the glove, but he did it with the bat, finishing the night with four runs batted in.

Howard, who has lacked power all season, finally had a power surge. He finished 4-for-4 – all extra base hits. He homered twice, tripled, and doubled. He was a single shy of the cycle.

There was never a doubt that the Phillies would hold their lead, although it did get interesting in the ninth inning when Scott Matheison came on in relief. Matheison surrendered a few runs, but Brad Lidge sealed the deal by getting Joe Mauer to line out to end the game.

The Phillies desperately needed this win. Perhaps they can carry the momentum, put together a nice winning streak, and put their previous struggles behind.

Phillies/Twins Preview & Other Notes

As seen on Phillies Nation.

With the rain pushing back J.A Happ’s start, the Phillies altered their rotation for the week. On Monday, Roy Halladay will start and Jamie Moyer will pitch in a B game. Cole Hamels will pitch on Tuesday, Joe Blanton Wednesday, Kyle Kendrick Friday, and Halladay on Saturday. The Phillies have off on Thursday, when Happ will throw again.

Happ will start in today’s game against the Minnesota Twins. It can be seen on MYPHL 17 and MLB Network at 1:00 p.m. Carl Pavano will take the hill for the Twins.

The Twins lineup will consist of almost all regulars, except Joe Mauer: Denard Span, Orlando Hudson, Justin Morneau, Jim Thome, Michael Cuddyer, Wilson Ramos, Delmon Young, J.J Hardy and Nick Punto.

For the Phillies, all the regulars are in the lineup for the first time this spring: Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Ben Francisco, and Carlos Ruiz.

Other Notes:

Phillippe Aumont, Yohan Flande, Scott Mathieson, Drew Naylor, J.C Ramirez, Jesus Sanchez, Joe Savery, Bill White, Tuffy Gosewisch, Kevin Nelson, John Suomi, Freddy Galvis, Quentin Berry and Tyson Gillies have all been re-assigned to minor league camp.

Scott Matheison is the most surprising name on the list. Ruben Amaro said that Matheison could appear in the big leagues in 2010, but also said that he needed to “refine” his secondary pitches.

It is still uncertain if J.C Romero and Brad Lidge will be ready by April 5. Romero says not to count him out for Opening Day, although it appears to be a long shot at this point.

Romero threw 30 pitches yesterday, and mixed in a few changeups. Romero will start throwing sliders tomorrow.

Today, Lidge threw to a few hitters. On Monday, Lidge will likely throw in a minor league game. Both Lidge and Romero see progress.

2010 Preview: AL Central

This is a preview of the 2010 season. We will look at the different divisions, teams, and players. This is also featured on Phillies Nation, as part of their 2010 preview.

Last season, it took 163 games to decide the winner of the American League Central. The Detroit Tigers had a three game lead with four games left, but were unable to hold it as the Minnesota Twins forced a tiebreaker. In a game for the ages, the Twins defeated the Tigers, 6-5. Alexi Casilla's 12th inning walk-off single dramatically sent the Twins into the postseason. Unfortunately, the Twins were unable to make it past the first round of the postseason.

Minnesota Twins

The Metrodome would give a slight advantage to the home team, but this April, Target Field will become the new home of the Minnesota Twins. Last year, the Twins ranked fifth in runs scored (817); it'll be interesting to see if their new ballpark will benefit pitchers or hitters. Either way, the Twins have a scary lineup that includes the American League MVP and batting champion, Joe Mauer.

Along with Mauer, the Twins have several players who are capable of hitting 20 or more home runs: Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer, and their newest addition, Jim Thome. In addition, the Twins acquired a new double play combination: J.J Hardy and Orlando Hudson.

Pitching is the Twins biggest question mark. Joe Nathan, a top-notch closer, has been sidelined with an elbow tear. Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey will anchor the rotation, but the Twins would like a comeback from Francisco Liriano, who had a phenomenal rookie season. Liriano has been plagued with injuries and struggles since 2006.

2009: 87-76, 1st in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 88-74, 1st place

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers made headlines when they traded Edwin Jackson and Curtis Granderson for Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, Austin Jackson, and Phil Coke. While they got some key players in return, losing a player of Granderson's caliber is huge. They also lost Placido Polanco to free agency.

Among other off-season moves, the Tigers signed Johnny Damon to a one-year, $8 million contract. With the health problems of flame-throwing Joel Zumaya, the Tigers also signed closer Jose Valverde to a two-year, $14 million deal.

Since his trade to Detroit, Miguel Cabrera hasn't been in the spotlight, but he always has an All Star type season. Additionally, the Tigers have a solid 1-2 punch with Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello.

2009: 86-77, 2nd in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 82-80, 3rd place

Chicago White Sox

In 2009, the Chicago White Sox made a couple trades that didn't impact the team at the time. However, Jake Peavy and Alex Rios could make big impacts on the team in 2010. With Mark Buehrle and a healthy Peavy, the White Sox could have an impressive front of the rotation.

The health of Peavy is important, but so is the health of Carlos Quentin, who has been bothered with injuries over the last few years.

2009: 79-83, 3rd in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 86-76, 2nd place

Cleveland Indains

Over the course of the last two years, the Cleveland Indians traded most of their team to get younger. They have plenty of prospects (Carlos Santana to name one), but aren't likely to contend in 2010.

The only "big name player" left is Grady Sizemore. While Sizemore is an All Star caliber player, the Indians have other established players, such as Travis Hafner and Shin-Soo Choo. Most of their club consists of up and coming players like Matt LaPorta and Justin Masterson.

2009: 65-97, Tied for last in AL Central
2010: 70-92, last place

Kansas City Royals

The Royals didn't have too many bright spots last year, but one of them was Zach Greinke. The American League Cy Young winner dominated, despite being on one of the worst teams in basbeall.

Besides Greinke, the Royals have a few players they can count on. They've added Rick Ankiel to the outfield and have gotten some production out of first baseman Billy Butler. Joakim Soria doesn't get too many save opportunities as a Royal, but when he does, he gets the job done.

The Royals seem to be high on their third baseman, Alex Gordon. He has been bothered with injuries and so far has yet to live up to his potential.

2009: 65-97, Tied for last in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 71-91, 4th place

Buehrle Sets Record

Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game in his last outing. Tonight, Buehrle tried to be Johnny Vander Meer and pitch back to back no hitters. Buehrle was on a good pace; he had a perfect game through five innings.

After 5.2 innings, he walked Alexi Casilla to end the perfect game. The next batter, Denard Span singled to end the no-hit bid. He lost the shutout after the next batter, Joe Mauer, hit a ground rule double.

Buehrle set a record for most consecutive batters retired in a row. Previously, the record was set by Buehrle's teammate, Bobby Jenks with 41 in 2007. Buehrle retired 45 in a row.

The Minnesota Twins got to Buehrle, though. He allowed 5 earned runs through 6.1 innings.

Cuddyer Hits For Cycle

Michael Cuddyer of the Minnesota Twins hit for the cycle on Friday, becoming the second Twins player to hit for the cycle this season, and the 10th in team history. Jason Kubel hit for the cycle on April 17.

Cuddyer hit a three run home run in his first at bat against the Brewers' Manny Parra. In his last at bat, he got a triple to complete the rare feat.

Cuddyer's five runs batted in tied a career high.

Orlando Hudson and Ian Kinsler also hit for the cycle this season.

Call of the Day: In 2004, Jim Thome his his 400th career home run.

"Could it be? Could it be? It is.. OUTTA HERE! Number 400, for
Jim Thome! Take a bow big man! There is no more popular player in Phillies
history than that big guy."

Ozzie Pulls Team Off Field

I know this is a day late, but I did not find out about this until today. Maybe because the incident did not happen in Philadelphia?

The Minnesota Twins' Denard Span attempted to bunt at a ball, but it appeared that he pulled back and got hit in the leg. Home plate umpire, Bill Welke appealed the call to the third base umpire, Marty Foster. Marty Foster called it strike three.

Furious, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire argued the call with Foster. Gardenhire was ejected as Twins fans chanted "Gardy! Gardy!" On the way to the dugout, Gardenhire punted his cap like a football. That wasn't the only cap thrown. Fans threw hats, balls, bottles and other objects onto the field.

In response, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen pulled his team off the field. In my opinion, pulling his team off the field was a good move. He was protecting his players from being injured.

The Twins PA announcer warned fans to stop throwing objects, and if they continued, the Twins would have to forfeit the game by rule. The Twins fans listened, and stopped, and the game was continued.

Gardenhire apologized for his actions. And oh by the way, the Twins won the game.

I'm not trying to bust on Twins fans, but like I mentioned earlier, if this incident occurred in Philadelphia, it would of been the first thing, and top story on ESPN. That is the rep Phillies fans get. But, you get that kind of stuff everywhere. It happens in every stadium. Fans booing, throwing objects, running on the field, etc.

There are both good and bad fans in every single fan base. Whether it is Philadelphia, New York, St. Louis, or Minnesota. You can not judge an entire fan base on certain actions by just a few fans. They do not make up for the rest of the fans. Also, don't judge a person by the team they root for. Get to know the fan before you make an assumption. All different types of fans make up an entire fan base.