Hamels Seeks to Continue Phillies Hot Streak

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Philadelphia Phillies (39-32) at Toronto Blue Jays (39-35)
Cole Hamels, LHP (6-5, 3.75ERA) vs. Shaun Marcum, RHP (6-3, 3.24 ERA)

The Phillies are back to their old ways of offensive explosions and lights out pitching. This is the team that Philadelphia fans love to watch.

There was certainly no home field advantage for the Blue Jays, who were given a 9-0 beat down from the Phillies. The Blue Jays will remain the home team throughout this series, but at Citizens Bank Park, the advantage always goes to the team dressed in red pinstripes (but in this case, the gray road uniforms).

Shaun Marcum, who missed all of 2009 due to an injury, will take the hill for the Jays. Marcum has been solid in 15 starts this season. His earned run average sits at 3.24 and he has a decent WHIP of 1.14. Opponents are batting just .238 against him, however the newly re-surged Phillies offense could give him a surprise.

Cole Hamels continues to look stellar. In his last outing, he had one rough inning before settling in. This seems to be a reoccurring theme for Hamels. Hamels tends to be inconsistent, but lately he's pitched very well. Hamels just needs to avoid that one bad inning, and his ERA will slowly drop, and the wins will pile up.

Braves Exchange Vazquez for Melky

And... the Phillies biggest competition in the National League East just got weaker! The New York Yankees traded Melky Cabrera to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Javier Vazquez.

Melky is a career .269 hitter and has a career .716 on-base plus slugging percentage. He has five major league years under his belt, and he is only 25.

Vazquez, a former Yankee, is 142-139 with a 4.19 career ERA. Vazquez pitched excellently with the Braves last season. He went 15-10 with a 2.87 ERA in 219.1 innings pitched. He struck out 9.8 batters per nine.

The Yankees got the better end of the deal. Melky's decent, but the Braves are losing a solid pitcher, who pitched well for them last year. A good pitcher is arguably more valuable than an average outfielder, at best. Pitching can be hard to come by; there is a lot of outfield depth throughout the league.

With Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens, and Derek Lowe, the Braves have a solid rotation, but it won't be as strong without Vazquez. The Yankees, on the other hand add Vazquez to a rotation that already involves CC Sabathia and A.J Burnett.

This could open the gate for a return of free agent Johnny Damon. Right now, the Yankee outfield consist of Nick Swisher and Curtis Granderson. Brett Gardner would be the next best on the depth chart, but knowing the Yankees, they would want to do better.

In other MLB news, the Blue Jays acquired Brandon Morrow from the Seattle Mariners. Morrow would have been a great piece in the deal for Cliff Lee. Morrow is somebody that the Phillies need -- a reliever. Even if it wasn’t Seattle, plenty of teams would have listened on a Lee offer, so the Phils could have gotten more in return.

Speaking of the Lee trade and relievers, the Phillies are interested in Fernando Rodney. Rodney is seeking a 2-year $12 million deal. If that deal goes down, I won’t be happy. Some of that money could have belonged to Lee. The Angels are also interested.

Is it True: Lee for Halladay?

A couple days ago, Ken Rosenthal "had a hunch" that Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee could be traded in the same deal. Either he knew what he was talking about, or he had one lucky guess. Ken Rosenthal's hunch appears to be 100% accurate.

The Phillies are reportedly close to getting Roy Halladay. Cliff Lee would go to the Seattle Mariners for prospects. Those prospects would go to Toronto. The Phillies don't appear to be going anywhere with a Cliff Lee extension; Lee might require $23 million per year, and might want to test the free agency market. On the other hand, Halladay may sign for the Phillies cheaper, due to the chance to contend. Halladay wants around $20 million per year. He would want a contract extension before waving his no-trade clause. The Phillies have been rumored to offer him 3-4 years as of now.

But the deal is not official.

The Phillies may have to give another prospect for the deal to be complete. Michael Taylor seems to be the appropriate choice: major league ready, a great prospect, but not the Phillies top prospect. The Phillies are already losing their ace (granted, they get a better ace in return), but they shouldn't have to give up their best prospect, Drabek, who is now rumored to be involved in the deal.

But if Drabek is dealt, does that mean that Lee still goes? We have yet to find out. There are so many rumors surrounding this trade, that it's almost impossible to keep track of.

Michael Taylor, Travis D'Arnuad, Dominic Brown, Kyle Drabek, J.A Happ, Joe Blanton, Cole Hamels, the Phillie Phanatic, a Schmitter, the Liberty Bell, the bat boy, a dead Veterans Stadium jail cell rat, Chase Utley's hair gel, Ruben Amaro himself, a cheese steak, 6 beer men, FIVE World Series rings, Chris Wheeler's toupee, two beat writers to be named later, and a partridge in a pear tree have all been rumored to be in the deal (well, not the last few!).

We'll see what happens, but one thing is official: the Red Sox and John Lackey agree to a five-year deal. Why is this important? Because the Angels have now lost Chone Figgins and Lackey. If the Mariners do land Lee, watch out. They've made some improvements and could be a surprise after finishing last year at the bottom of the American League West.

Rosenthal: Halladay for Lee Deal?

As seen on Phillies Nation.

I originally wasn't going to post this because there is "no proof" that the Phillies are considering this. However, there seems to be a lot of talk regarding this topic.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports wonders if Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay could be traded in the same deal. It sounds absurd, but if you read into it more, it makes a little bit of sense. It would not be a straight up exchange; it would be a part of a three or four team trade. Basically, Lee would be traded for prospects. Those prospects would be sent to Toronto for Halladay. If the Phillies send more prospects, there is a chance that the Blue Jays would eat some of Halladay's salary. Remember, "it's just a hunch."

Most of you are thinking: the idea is to have Lee AND Halladay. Todd Zolecki of MLB.com also breaks down the idea. Money is the issue. Moving Lee would free up about $2 million. The Phillies aren't making much progress on a contract extension with Lee, who might want to test free agency next year. Halladay, also a free agent next season, would most likely require a contract extension for him to wave his no-trade clause. Then, the Phillies would have Halladay long term instead of Lee. If Lee and Halladay are on the same team, and even if the Phillies are able to lower their payroll (Joe Blanton would probably be the first one to go), it's unlikely that the Phillies would be able to keep both Lee and Halladay past 2010.

With that being said, I do not think trading Lee for Halladay is a good idea. I'd take the risk of having Lee and Halladay on the same team for one year; a year that instantly makes the Phillies World Series favorites. If that can't happen, I'm perfectly fine with signing Lee long term.

What do you think? Is trading Lee for Halladay a good or bad idea?

Clutchley's Triple Puts Phils Ahead

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies won their first series since early June with Sunday's 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Phillies were trailing 4-1 after Jamie Moyer gave up two home runs to Aaron Hill and a two-run shot to Jose Bautista. Moyer gave up five hits over five innings, however the long ball hurt him.

Eric Bruntlett had been hit-less since filling in for Jimmy Rollins, who was benched for the fourth straight day. With two men on base and no outs, Bruntlett laid down a perfect bunt and beat out the throw. With the bases loaded, Carlos Ruiz hit a grounder to third baseman Scott Rolen, who threw to second hoping to turn a double play, however Bruntlett's hard slide avoided the twin killing. A run scored, and Shane Victorino's sacrifice fly brought in another run.

The Phillies were within one until Chase Utley smoked a triple off the right center field wall bring in the tying and go-ahead runs. With their power, the Phillies aren't known to play small ball, but used it in the fourth inning putting together a big inning.

Chan Ho Park and Ryan Madson were able to hold the Blue Jays and Brad Lidge closed it out with his fourteenth save of the year. With the win, Jamie Moyer passed Bob Gibson for 43rd on the all time wins list with 252.

Phils/Jays Rubbermatch Preview

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The Philadelphia Phillies (38-34) will play the Toronto Blue Jays (41-35) this afternoon at Rogers Centre.

Jamie Moyer (5-6, 5.97 ERA) will start against Brian Tallet (5-4, 4.36 ERA).
The Phillies look to win their first series since the beginning of June when the took two out of three from the New York Mets. Hopefully they saved some runs from last night’s offensive outburst.

Jamie Moyer has been very inconsistent this year. In his last start against the Tampa Bay Rays, Moyer gave up only one run over six innings. Moyer pitched six innings against the Blue Jays last week. He allowed six earned runs on ten hits and two walks.

Tallet is coming off a six innings shutout against the Cincinnati Reds. Tallet has faced the Phillies as a reliever, but never as a starter.

CG For Happ

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The last time Charlie Manuel called for a team meeting, Cole Hamels responded by striking out 15 batters in 9 innings. A 20 minute meeting was held on Friday night due to an embarrassing Phillies slump. Today, J.A Happ responded with a complete game shutout.

The Phillies scored early and often, pounding ten runs onto the Blue Jays. They rocked rookie Brad Mills for eight runs in four innings.

Jayson Werth went 4-for-4 with two home runs, a double, and a walk. He was a triple shy of the cycle. Werth's first home run came in the first inning, a moon shot that landed in the fifth deck of the Rogers Centre.

Pedro Feliz also homered and Ryan Howard went 3-for-4 with a RBI, walk, and two runs scored.

The Phillies couldn't have asked for a better, or more timely, outing from Happ. He was brilliant, and gave the tired bullpen much needed rest. He threw 100 pitches in his first career shutout. He gave up only five hits, but was able to get key double plays. He did not walk a batter and struck out four.

The 10-0 victory was exactly what the Phillies needed; an offensive outburst, terrific pitching, but more importantly, a win.

Call of the Day: Jayson Werth destroys the Blue Jays. Last year he tied a franchise record for most RBI in one game.

"Long drive! Is it a salami? Yes! Way outta here!
Grand slam home run Jayson Werth, who now has knocked in seven run and the
Phillies are pounding the Toronto Blue Jays. It is 8-nothing Phils.
Not a bad night for Mr. Werth."

Phillies Need Offense In Game 2

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The Philadelphia Phillies will play the Toronto Blue Jays (41-34) at 1:07 PM at the Rogers Centre.

J.A Happ (4-0, 3.47 ERA) will start against Brad Mills (0-0, 9.82 ERA).

The Phillies had a 20 minute closed door meeting after Friday's game and hopefully that can put some fire under their belts after a month long struggle.

An offensive explosion would be perfect for the Phillies to redeem themselves after being quieted by Ricky Romero last night. They are facing Brad Mills, who they knocked around in the series in Philadelphia. Mills took the no decision in the Blue Jays' 8-7 win. In his Major League debut, Mills threw 94 pitches in 3.2 innings. The Phillies scored four runs off Mills including home runs by Jayson Werth and Jimmy Rollins. Also, the Phillies need to take advantage of Millis eight day layoff.

Offense helps, but the Phillies also need good pitching from starter J.A Happ and from the bullpen.

Another Embarrassing Loss

Seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies have made mental mistakes. Their pitching has given up key runs. But like the last 11 of 13 games they have played, they have found a new way to lose.

Ricky Romero no-hit the Phillies for six innings before Chase Utley broke up the no-hit bid with a single in the seventh. He pitched seven shutout innings allowing only two hits and one walk. He struck out seven.

Cole Hamels struggled and was ejected for arguing balls and strikes after he left the game in the fifth inning. In 4.2 innings, Hamels allowed four earned runs on eight hits and two walks.

The bullpen continues to have its woes. Chan Ho Park left the game with a knee contusion. Brad Lidge gave up two earned runs in 0.1 innings.

The Phillies ended their streak of 97 straight games with an extra base hit. They scored a run on a sacrifice fly in the ninth, however, this loss is on the offense. Tip of the cap to Ricky Romero who pitched a terrific game by keeping the Phillies off-balance, however, it is always embarrassing when a potent lineup like the Phillies is no-hit for six innings.

The Phillies lose 6-1, and pending the outcome of the subway series, the Phillies could fall to a half game behind the New York Mets.

Note: Vote for the ESPY Awards! Several great athletes, and Phillies, are up for nomination.

Phillies Looking for Revenge Against Jays

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The Philadelphia Phillies (37-33) will take on the Toronto Blue Jays (40-34) at 7:07 PM at Rogers Centre.

Cole Hamels (4-3, 4.24 ERA) will face Ricky Romero (4-3, 3.59 ERA).

The Phillies seek revenge on the Toronto Blue Jays after last week's three game sweep. The Phillies hope to stay in first place as their lead in the National League East was cut to a half game.

The match-up, Cole Hamels and Ricky Romero, is an exact rematch of game one at Citizens Bank Park, a ten inning Blue Jays victory.

In his start against the Blue Jays, Hamels allowed two runs over six innings. He did not pitch as deep as he would have liked as his pitch count exceeded 110 pitches. Against the Phillies, Ricky Romero pitched seven innings and gave up three runs in the no decision. He struck out nine Phillies, a career high for Romero.

Alex Rios and Vernon Wells are probably the two most feared hitters in the Jays lineup. However, former Phillies Rod Barajas and Scott Rolen destroyed Phillies pitching last week. Barajas was 4-for-9 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI. Rolen was 6-for-14 with 4 RBI and a home run.

Jimmy Rollins will find himself on the bench once again even though he is batting .500 against Romero.

Call of the day: In 1994, John Kruk returned from cancer with a base hit.

"Swing and a line shot to right center! It's a gapper! And would you
believe it! The Krukker at second with a double!"

Blue Jays Sweep Phillies

The Phillies were swept by the Toronto Blue Jays with their 8-7 to loss.

The Phillies lost game one of the series in extra innings, 8-3. They were blown out in game two, 7-1. Game three was down to the wire, but the Phillies could not come out with a victory.

In the first game of the series, the Phillies had a 3-2 lead, however Lyle Overbay drew a bases loaded walk to tie the game off new closer Ryan Madson for his first blown save of the year. The Blue Jays put up a 5 spot in the 10th inning to seal the deal.

Game two wasn't close. Game three went back and forth.

The Blue Jays had a 3-1 lead at one point, but Jimmy Rollins hit a two run home run putting the Phillies ahead 4-3. The Jays tied the game at 5 on Adam Lind's single, but then jumped to a 7-5 lead.

A Greg Dobbs home run and a Shane Victorino RBI single tied the game at seven, but in the top of the 9th, Rod Barajas hit a solo home run putting the Blue Jays ahead.

There were numerous factors that led to a Phillies loss. Marco Scutaro took advantage of the Phillies middle infielders by completing a walk-steal. Scott Rolen stretched a single into a double on John Mayberry Jr.'s lazy hustle.

In the end, it was the former Phillies that hurt the Phillies. Rod Barajas hit just .230 with 4 HR with the Phillies in 2007. In this series, he was 4-for-9 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI. Rolen was 6/14 with 4 RBI and a HR.

Moyer To Start Against Jays

Jamie Moyer will start his 13th game of the year tonight, hoping to save the bullpen. The Phillies have played 4 extra inning games and a rain delayed game in less than a week.

The Phillies lucked out since Roy Halladay will not make his start tonight due to an injured groin.

Although Jamie has a 6.11 ERA this season, he is 1-2 with a 3.77 ERA in his last five starts. His command has improved since his 3-3 start with an 8.15 ERA.

Last year against the Blue Jays, Moyer pitched 6.2 innings allowing 3 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks. He struck out 5.

Scott Richmond will likely start for the Blue Jays. His fastball tops in the low 90s and has a decent slider. He has a tough time against lefties, so the Phillies should play former Jay Matt Stairs in left over Jayson Werth.

Let's take a look back at Jamie's career.




Call of the Day: Chase Utley hit a home run in game 3 of the World Series.

"The 2-1 pitch. Swing and a LONG drive. Watch this baby.. WAY
outta here! Tremendous home run, Chase Ut-ley! And the Phillies take a 3
to 1 lead here in the sixth inning.

Phillies Aquire Matt Stairs

With the non-waiver deadline approaching, the Phillies acquired Matt Stairs from the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Fox Sport's Ken Rosenthal.

Phillies GM Pat Gillick has not made an official announcement yet.

The Blue Jays will receive a prospect to be named later.

Stairs will be a backup outfielder and give the Phillies a lift off the bench. He will benefit by hitting at Citizen's Bank Park.

Stairs has 6 homeruns and 10 RBI at Citizens Bank Park in his career.

Stairs is hitting .250 this year with 11 homeruns and 44 RBI. He has an OPS of .736.

He is a career .266 hitter with 252 homeruns in a 16 year career.

The Blue Jays will rely on their prospect Travis Snider to take over in right field. The 20 year old was drafted in 2006, and jumped from A-MLB in a matter of a season.

A good addition for the Phillies, who lost today to the Cubs 3-2, after the bullpen blew the lead one again.