Phillies Start 2nd Half at Wrigley

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Philadelphia Phillies (47-40) at Chicago Cubs (39-50)
Jamie Moyer (9-8, 4.51 ERA) vs. Ryan Dempster (7-7, 3.61 ERA)

The Phillies closed the first half with a four-game sweep over Cincinnati. The Phillies would like to begin the second half with a victory, extending the win streak. During this time last year, the Phillies found themselves a hot streak, ultimately winning ten in a row. Of course, that team had a comfortable first place lead, while this team battles back to first. The Phillies have been a second half team for the past few years, and hope this year is no different.

Jamie Moyer will take the hill against the team that he debuted with in the 80's. Overall, Moyer is 3-2 with a 4.46 ERA against his former club. Moyer will be facing an underachieving Cubs offense. Aramais Ramirez and Derek Lee have struggled all season. Alfonso Soriano has been very streaky, although he has picked it up after a slow start.

Ryan Dempster has been the Cubs' most consistent starter. Dempster is 4-3 with a 5.15 ERA against the Phillies in his career, but the collective lineup is batting .221 against him. He last faced the Phillies in May, surrendering four runs in six innings.

Both teams are 1-1 head-to-head this season, and both are well rested. It's been a few days since either team has swung a bat or threw a baseball. Will they start off slow to try and regain their rhythm? Or will they look fresh with a new boost of energy?

MLB News & Notes

The offseason moves on, and here is the lastest from the Hot Stove.

The Phillies could have interest in Jermey Hermida and Raul Ibanez. Hermida hit 17 homeruns in 2008. He missed a significant amount of time due to an injury. Ibanez is a .286 career hitter. He hit 23 homeruns in 2008.

Mike Mussina of the Yankees announces his retirement. In 2008, Mussina reached 20 wins for the first time in his career. His career record is 270-158 with a career 3.68 ERA and 2,813 strikeouts.

Ryan Dempster and the Cubs agree to a 4 year deal worth $52 million. Dempster moved to the starting rotation in 2008 and was 17-6. In 200+ innings, he had an ERA of 2.96.

The Red Sox trade Coco Crisp to the Royals for reliever Ramon Ramirez. Ramirez pitched 71.2 innings in 2008. He had a 2.64 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. He struck out 70 batters. The Red Sox make Jacoby Ellsbury their everyday starter with the move. Crisp batted .283 in 2008 with 7 homeruns and 41 RBI.

The Mariners also name Wakamatsu their new manager. Wakamatsu becomes the first Asian-American manager