Mid Season Report Card: Offense

This is a midseason review, which is also featured on Phillies Nation. Visit Phillies Nation for the full feature, which includes other blogger's opinions.

Jimmy Rollins: C+

Since he missed most of the season due to injury, it's hard to put a grade on Rollins. Before he was first placed on the disabled list, he showed tremendous patience at the plate. However, after his second return, all his numbers dipped off. The injured calf is mainly to blame, but Rollins is a player who is capable of stealing many bases; he only has two this season. The Phillies are a much better team when Rollins is healthy; they need him to be the spark plug.

Placido Polanco: B+

Despite losing at-bats due to his injury, Polanco remains near the league leaders in average (.318). He's not going to hit for power, but his slugging percentage is up from where it was at this point last year (.386 midway through '09, .433 midway through '10). Defensively, he has adjusted fine from second to third. The Phillies have gotten what they expected from Polanco. It's just a shame he's hurt.

Chase Utley: B+

He's the best second baseman in baseball, but he's having a down year -- for Chase Utley. His month long slump put a toll on his stats. He's batting .277; he's usually around the .290 mark. He's slugging .466; he's usually over .500. His OPS is .849; it's usually over .900. It just shows how spoiled we are to watch a player like Chase. His "down year" is above average for most players. It hurts that he'll be out so long.

Ryan Howard: B+

His batting average is way up. His strikeout numbers are way down, but so are his power numbers. Decide which Ryan Howard you like more: the one that will hit tons of home runs but strike out quite a bit, or the one that will hit for average, strike out less, but will also hit less home runs? You decide. He's having a very good season, but I'd still like to see a bigger power display from him.

Jayson Werth: A

Werth has had his ups and downs, but he has put together a solid year at the plate. A line of .286 AVG/ .371 OBP/ .531 SLG/ .902 OPS isn't too shabby. He has 26 doubles midway through 2010; that was his total for ALL of last year. He has slumped, however when he is hot, he's on fire.

Raul Ibanez: D+

There have been a lot less "RAAUUUUUUUL" chants this year. Last season was one of Raul's better seasons, but this year he can't even come close to the numbers he put up with Seattle and Kansas City.

Shane Victorino: C+

I like that Victorino is attempting to steal. It seems like he is only Phillie that is attempting to. His slugging percentage is about where it usually is (.446), but his average (.252) and on-base percentage (.322) are lower than normal. The Phillies need him on base.

Carlos Ruiz: C+

Chooch was having one of his better years at the plate before suffering an injury. The backstop is known more for his catching abilities, and has done a tremendous job defensively behind the plate, from calling the game to making game-saving plays.

Bench: D+

During the offseason, Ruben Amaro gave the bench a whole new look, hoping to improve on 2009. Many of those bench players have turned into "everyday" players, thanks to numerous injuries. Charlie Manuel always says that he needs to give his bench players at-bats for them to do well. Players like Wilson Valdez and Juan Castro have done a decent job filling in for hurt players. However, when guys are called off the bench to pinch hit, like Ben Franciso, it usually doesn't end up in any sort of production. Filling in nicely, yes. Pinch hitting, not so much.

Year In Review: Howard's NLDS Sac Fly

Swing and a Long Drive will be looking at some of 2009's top moments. We had a similar "Year in Review" last year, but instead of month-by-month, we'll look at some of the top games. They are also a part of Phillies Nation's Top 25 Moments of 2009.

The third game of the National League Division Series was truly one for the ages. It had to wait an extra day due to snow, but for four hours and six minutes, the Phillies and the Rockies see-sawed in one of the most well played games of the postseason.

Chase Utley opened the scoring with a solo shot in the first inning. The Rockies answered back off J.A Happ, who couldn't seem to find a rhythm. It wasn't often Happ struggled, but the frigid temperatures got to Happ. He lasted only three innings, surrendering three runs.

The Phillies finally got to Jason Hammel in the fourth. Howard stroked a RBI single, Raul Ibanez drew a bases loaded walk, and Carlos Ruiz slapped a single to give the Phillies a 4-3 lead. After Carlos Gonzalez tied the game with a home run (he gave the Phillies plenty of trouble during the NLDS), Chooch delivered again to continue his unbelievable postseason hitting. But again, the Rockies tied it.

In the ninth inning, Chase Utley checked his swing, and the baseball bounced off his foot. However, the umpires missed the call (like they did so many times during the postseason), and a hustling Utley was ruled safe at first. Ryan Howard followed with a deep sacrifice fly that scored Jimmy Rollins from third. The Phillies took a 6-5 lead, and Brad Lidge completed the save despite allowing a couple base runners.

It is notable that Game 3 was the coldest game in playoff history, and it wasn't over until 2:14 AM Eastern time. The Phillies took a 2-1 series lead, and Philadelphia fans could finally get some sleep -- but it was worth the late night.

Other Top Moments: The Phillies had some exciting moments against the New York Mets. One includes Chase Utley's game winning home run into "Utley's Corner." Another is Raul Ibanez's tenth inning home run. Pelota, no regressa!

Player Recap: Carlos Ruiz

This article was featured on Phillies Nation under 2009 Player Reviews.

His offensive statistics weren't eye popping, but he played a crucial role. Carlos Ruiz had arguably the best season of his major league career -- and at a bargain. The backstop made just $475,000 in 2009.

In 2008, Ruiz struggled at the dish, batting .219 with a .620 on-base plus slugging percentage. Despite being plagued with neck, oblique, and wrist injuries, Ruiz had a huge turn-around. He batted .255 with a .355 on-base percentage and .425 slugging percentage. He reached career highs in home runs (9), runs batted in (43), and OPS (.780).

Ruiz grounded into eight double plays, but he made contact. Ruiz struck out only 39 times in 322 at-bats.

Always a reliable defender behind the plate, Ruiz did a tremendous job handling the pitching staff. He knew which pitch to call, where to locate it, and the appropriate time for a mound visit. Pitchers didn't see many passed balls or wild pitches; Ruiz is skilled at blocking balls in the dirt. Because of this, extra base runners were limited, and he caught 23 people stealing. On a play at the plate, it was rare to see Ruiz unable to hold onto the ball. In result, he owned a 4.00 catcher's earned run average.

Ruiz was solid through the regular season, but he took the postseason to a new level. It didn't take long for "Choochtober" to take over. Ruiz, or Señor Octubre as they call him now, batted .341 with 2 home runs, nine RBI, six extra base hits, and had a 1.082 OPS during the playoffs. He made a case for NLCS MVP, batting .385 with four RBI.

In a sample of at-bats during the playoffs, everybody saw the type of offensive player Ruiz is capable of being. Ruiz was under-rated in 2009. He was much improved at the plate and always provided stellar defense. For his performance and at his price, Ruiz deserves a lot of credit. Chooch will remain behind the plate in 2010.

Year In Review: NLCS Game One

Swing and a Long Drive will be looking at some of 2009's top moments. We had a similar "Year in Review" last year, but instead of month-by-month, we'll look at some of the top games. They are also a part of Phillies Nation's Top 25 Moments of 2009.

It didn't take long for the Phillies to get their first victory in the National League Championship Series. The pitching was shaky, but home runs from Carlos Ruiz and Raul Ibanez proved to be the difference in the 8-6 victory.

Young Clayton Kershaw cruised through the first four innings, but it wouldn't last. Carlos Ruiz smacked a three-run home run to left field, giving the Phillies a 3-1 lead. "Choochtober" has a .303 batting average and a .905 OPS in his playoff career.

Ryan Howard started his NLCS MVP campaign with a two-run double. Not only did Howard's eighteenth RBI give the Phillies a 5-1 cushion, but Howard set a Phillies record for most RBIs in a postseason.

Hamels continued to struggle and the Dodgers took advantage. The first of Chase Utley's throwing errors led to Manny Ramirez's two-run home run. The lead was cut to one. Raul Ibanez changed that with a three-run blast, and some breathing room. Ibanez was the first left-handed hitter to homer off George Sherrill in over a year.

Chad Durbin, J.A Happ, and Chan Ho Park picked up Hamels’ pieces. Brad Lidge closed the doors to secure the Phillies first win in the National League Championship Series.

Other Top Moments:

May 2 vs the New York Yankees: For the second straight night, Brad Lidge blew a save. However, Carlos Ruiz came up big with a RBI double in the 11th. Phillies win, 4-3.

Phillies Survive Game One With 8-6 Win

As seen on Phillies Nation.

It’s never easy. The Phillies survived an 8-6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, taking a 1-0 advantage in the National League Championship Series. The pitching was shaky, but home runs by Carlos Ruiz and Raul Ibanez proved to be the difference.

There were hopes that Cole Hamels would return to form, especially against a team that he had so much success against. However, he is a completely different pitcher than the one who posted a sub-2 earned run average during the 2008 postseason. The Dodgers took a 1-0 lead on James Loney’s second inning home run. For awhile, it looked like that was all Clayton Kershaw would need. The 21-year old left-hander shut out the Phillies for four innings, but his 5.23 ERA against them this season showed that it wouldn’t last.

Carlos Ruiz showed why it’s ”Choochtober.” Ruiz is batting .348 with 10 RBI, five extra base hits, and eight walks in 18 postseason games. Ruiz’s three run home run gave the Phillies a 3-1 lead. In the same inning, Ryan Howard stroked a double down the right field line, similar to his hit during the final game of the division series. Howard’s 18 postseason runs batted in set a Phillies record. The Phillies took a 5-1 lead, but it didn’t take long for the Dodgers to strike back.

Hamels needed a “shut down inning.” He allowed a few base runners, but was close to escaping the jam. Andre Eithier grounded a dead double play ball, but Chase Utley airmailed the throw to first. The play was not fully Utley’s fault. Jimmy Rollins failed to get the ball out of his glove quickly. A run scored with Manny Ramirez due up. We all remember the troubles “Mannywood” gave the Phillies in last year’s NLCS. He had no trouble causing more problems. Manny smashed a deep fly ball to center field, stared at it for 15 minutes, then rounded the bases for a two-run home run. The lead was cut to one.

Hamels didn’t last much longer. He gave up four runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings. He struck out four and walked one. He now has a 6.97 ERA this postseason.

George Sherill hadn’t allowed a home run to a left-handed batter since June 14, 2008 against Adam LaRoche. The Dodgers acquired Sherill from the Baltimore Orioles for a reason: to get out lefties. Raul Ibanez had a different plan. Ibanez’s two-run shot gave the Phillies an 8-5 lead, and a little more breathing room.

Together, Chad Durbin and J.A Happ picked up Hamels’ pieces. Happ worked through a bases loaded jam without allowing a run to cross. Chan Ho Park, who just returned from a hamstring injury, was excellent in his seventh inning relief appearance. Park retired the three batters he faced and clocked 96 mph on the radar gun. On the other hand, Ryan Madson was atrocious in the eighth inning. He was lucky he did not allow more than two runs.

The ninth inning brought on Brad Lidge. Matt Kemp greeted him with a single. When the lead-off runner reaches base against Lidge, it’s usually a bad sign. However, Casey Blake hit a sharp ground ball to Utley. Utley made a fantastic play on a short hop, and was able to turn the double play. Ronnie Belliard flied out to end the game.

Friday, Pedro Martinez will start against former Phillie Vicente Padilla. A 2-0 series lead would be nice to return to Philadelphia with. Since the League Championship Series was extended to seven games, game one winners are 28-18. 29 doesn’t sound too bad.

Phillies Injury Updates

Here is the latest injury news, as seen on Phillies Nation:

◦J.A Happ left Friday’s game after tweaking his oblique. However, Happ said he was fine and that he did not tweak his muscle nor experience any pain. Charlie Manuel removed him for “pre-cautionary reasons”.

◦Carlos Ruiz left Friday’s game with a sprained left wrist. Ruiz’s wrist has been bothering him for a few days, but he aggravated it on a close play at the plate. Ruiz stayed in after the play, but left the game in the sixth inning. X-Rays were negative. Although he is not in tonight’s lineup, Manuel does not expect him to miss a significant amount of time.

◦Ryan Howard was hit by a pitch in the forearm last night. He was hit in the same spot a night earlier. Howard said he was sore and that he would wait and see if he could play today. As of now, he is in tonight’s lineup.

◦Scott Eyre (left elbow) threw a bullpen session today. His session went well and he hopes to pitch on Tuesday. He will have surgery after the season.

◦J.C Romero (strained left forearm) also threw a bullpen session. Romero will report to Clearwater tomorrow for a week. Rich Dubee liked what he saw from both Eyre and Romero.

◦Chan Ho Park, who pulled his hamstring, reportedly played catch in the outfield today.

◦Shane Victorino (gastrointestinal problems) is not in tonight’s lineup. However, he claimed that he is “no longer sick.”

◦Jack Taschner has a mid-back strain. He is rehabbing in Clearwater.

Chooch Comes Up Clutch

Also posted on Phillies Nation.

Hits with runners in scoring position and 1-2-3 saves have not been the Phillies specialty as of late. The Phillies got both in their 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Martin Prado killed the Phillies in a previous series in Atlanta. He continued the beating with a first inning solo home run against Joe Blanton. That was all Blanton allowed in seven innings. He gave up three hits, walked four, and struck out seven.

In the fourth, Chase Utley tied the game with his 29th homer of the season. Over 46% of the Phillies runs have come via long ball.

The Phillies had a golden opportunity in the fifth inning with the bases loaded and nobody out. Blanton didn't follow the "don't swing" policy and lined into a double play. Jimmy Rollins grounded out to end the threat. Luckily, an error and a timely hit put the Phillies ahead.

Raul Ibanez walked and Pedro Feliz successfully laid down a sacrifice bunt. However, Chipper Jones made a throwing error and everybody was safe. Carlos Ruiz's two-run double gave the Phillies the lead.

Ryan Madson has been struggling, giving up three earned runs, seven hits, and a walk in his last four innings. Matt Diaz was drilled and Prado singled to start the eighth inning. Chipper Jones' RBI single drove in a run, making it 3-2 with two on and nobody out. Jayson Werth made a strong throw to the plate, but it was a tad wide for Ruiz to make the tag. Charlie Manuel made the call to the bullpen to escape the jam.

Scott Eyre, who hadn't pitched since August 16, was called upon. Eyre got Brian McCann to ground into the unconventional 4-6-5 double play. Chase Utley made a fantastic pick, and flipped to Rollins. Heads up, Rollins fired to third. Feliz and Prado got into a pickle, which Feliz won. A triple play was almost turned after McCann was a little too far away from the first base bag.

Garrett Anderson grounded out, and Eyre left the mound with a nice first pump. Brad Lidge would do the same. After two quick fly outs, Greg Norton went around on Lidge's nasty slider to end the game.

The Phillies took the rubber match game of the series and extend their divisional lead to eight games. Their magic number decreases to 26.

Hamels Can't Find Location In Loss

Also seen on Phillies Nation.

Location, location, location. Cole Hamels' problem haunted him as he continued to struggle with his command in the Phillies 4-2 loss to the New York Mets.

After an hour and sixteen minute rain delay, baseball was underway. Ryan Howard continued his hot hitting with a RBI single in the first inning. The Mets tied the game at one on Daniel Murphy's ground out.

Hamels can't seem to find control of his fastball. Carlos Ruiz set up down and in to Angel Pagan. The pitch was right down the middle, resulting in a run batted in for Pagan. For Jeff Francouer, Ruiz's glove was positioned high and out of the strike zone. Again, the pitch was down the middle, and Francouer took advantage. Francouer (3-for-4) homered and the Mets had a 3-1 lead. The Mets added another run on Omir Santos' sacrifice fly in foul territory, in which Howard made a terrific catch on.

Because Hamels is unable to locate his fastball, he can not throw his changeup effectively. His velocity is there, he just needs command of his fastball to set up his off-speed pitches. It isn't that he is close; he is missing his spots badly. Once Hamels gains command of his pitches and stays away from the middle of the plate, he'll be the successful pitcher he once was.

Hamels lasted five innings. He gave up four earned runs on ten hits. At least he made them hit their way on. He struck out six and did not walk a batter. No Phillies starter has walked a batter since Sunday. Chan Ho Park's walk to Jeremy Reed ended a 33 walk-less streak by the Phillies staff.

The Phillies had plenty of chances to score, but did not capitalize. They were 3-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on base. After Pedro Feliz's RBI single, the Phillies had a golden opportunity to score in the sixth inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Ben Francisco and Jimmy Rollins each popped out to the infield, ending the threat.

Down 4-2, the Phillies made some noise in the ninth. With one out and runners at the corners, Francisco Rodriguez struck out Chase Utley and Howard to end the game. Even though the Phillies have a 13.5 game lead over the Mets, this series isn't one to take lightly. As shown in K-Rod's game ending strikeout celebration, the Mets want to beat their arch rivals.

Out of Bullpen, Moyer Dominates

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Jamie Moyer was clearly upset about the team's decision to move him from the starting rotation to the bullpen after the addition of tonight's starter, Pedro Martinez. Moyer isn't a left handed specialist. He is there to serve as a long man. Tonight, Moyer pitched in relief, but had the line of a starter.

The Phillies had a chance for a big inning in the bottom of the first with the bases loaded and nobody out. The problem for the Phillies hasn't changed; they continue to struggle with runners in scoring position. Ryan Howard struck out, Jayson Werth popped out, and Raul Ibanez grounded out to end the inning. The Phillies were 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position, and left 11 men on base.

Stephen Drew greeted Pedro with a lead off home run, but he settled down. He pitched three innings, allowing one run. He gave up two hits and struck out three until the rain came down in buckets. A one hour and six minute rain delay halted play, but when it resumed, the Phillies quickly got on the board.

As shown during the series in Arizona, the Diamondbacks' defense is horrible. Tonight, the Phils were able to capitalize on Ryan Roberts' mistakes. He misplayed Jason Werth's double which scored Chase Utley, tying the game at one. Roberts made a throwing error on Pedro Feliz's RBI single. It gave the Phillies a lead, and moved the runners up. Carlos Ruiz's single gave the Phillies a 3-1 lead in the third.

Because of the thunderstorm, Pedro was forced to stop after three innings, however Jamie Moyer filled in nicely. He made his first appearance out of the bullpen since 2004 and officially became the oldest non-knuckleballer to pitch in relief since 1945. Moyer already had success against the Diamondbacks earlier this year, shutting them out in 6.2 innings.

It took only 69 pitches for Moyer to pitch six shutout innings. He did not walk a batter and struck out five. At the plate, Moyer had two hits-- the same amount of hits he allowed. It was Moyer's first multi-hit game since May, 2008.

There was talk about Moyer and Martinez sharing the fifth rotation spot, and it worked like that tonight."You never know what you get when you put two old goats out there. It's a scary combination," said Martinez. Since Martinez did not pitch at least five innings, Moyer was credited with the win. His 257th career win was his sixth win in relief, and first since 1996.

Werth homered in the 5th inning, and Carlos Ruiz homered in the sixth. Werth's 25th homer of the year set a new career high for the 30 year old.

Moyer came out of the bullpen with a vengeance, and dominated in the Phillies 5-1 win. Against the Diamondbacks this year, Moyer has shut them out in 12.2 innings. Although he relieved, he pitched like a starter tonight.

Francisco's Homer Makes Up For Lidge

It was fitting that Ben Francisco caught Alfonso Soriano's fly ball to end the game. After all, Francisco played hero by picking up the pieces for an offense that continued to struggle with runners in scoring position, and a closer that failed at a save attempt.

The Cubs were the first to get on the board. Jake Fox's RBI single in the third and Soriano's sacrifice fly gave the Cubs a 2-0 lead.

J.A Happ allowed only two runs, but wasn't the J.A we're used to seeing. He lacked command, but wiggled out of jams. He gave up seven hits, walked four, and struck out three in six innings. A couple key double plays helped Happ avoid further damage as the Cubs left a total of 12 men on base throughout the evening.

On the other hand, Rich Harden was dealing. He was perfect through five innings. In the sixth, Carlos Ruiz drew a huge walk. Not only did it end the perfect game, but Jimmy Rollins followed with a home run to end the no-hitter and the shutout. The homer tied the game at two.

The Phillies were 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left five men on base. However, an important run came without a hit. Ruiz drew another big walk. Shane Victorino was plunked, and Chase Utley walked to load the bases.

Surprisingly, Lou Pineilla did not have a left-handed pitcher ready to face the Phillies lefties. Instead, he left it up to Carlos Marmol, who was having trouble finding the strike zone. Patient, Ryan Howard drew a walk to bring the run home. The Phillies took a 3-2 lead.

Lidge has the highest earned run average and the most blown saves among any reliever in baseball. The Phillies would have liked some insurance. Ruiz came close to it-- well, not really. Ruiz hit a fly ball to left field that was clearly foul. Originally, the umpire ruled it fair, but it was reviewed and overturned. Ruiz grounded out to end the inning.

Lidge started the ninth by walking Kosuke Fukudome. With the wind blowing in, the Cubs played small ball, and Ryan Theroit bunted him over. Next, Milton Bradly singled which drove in Fukudome. It tied the game at three, and Lidge blew another save. Lidge didn't give up anything else, so the game headed to extra innings.

Tyler Walker and Scott Eyre did a tremendous job keeping the game knotted at three. In the 11th, it looked like Milton Bradley won the game for the Cubs as he started his trot around the bases. Victorino lined up against the ivy wall and made the catch. Walker and Eyre got hitters out and gave the offense a chance.

Kevin Gregg left a curveball in Francisco's wheelhouse, and he drove a bomb into the left field basket. The Phillies took a 4-3 lead in the twelfth inning on Francisco's twelfth home run of the year. Francisco now has more homers in the month of August (2) than Utley, Howard, and Raul Ibanez combined (0).

Chad Durbin finished with the save to secure the 4-3 win. It was a long night filled with a range of emotions, but the Phillies pulled this one off.

Phillies Overcome BS

The Philadelphia Phillies overcame Brad Lidge's BS- blown save. Lidge blew his second straight save, and fourth of the season.

Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Raul Ibanez each had RBI hits. Mark Teixiera homered and Johnny Damon had a RBI for the Yankees, making it 3-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth.

Cole Hamels and CC Sabathia dominated the game. Hamels pitched six innings allowing just the two runs on eight hits. He struck out five and did not walk a batter. Sabathia struck out four in eight innings, allowing three runs on nine hits.

Melky Cabrera, the hero of Saturday's game, drove in the tying run off Lidge in the ninth. Lidge managed to get out of the inning without further damage, but he still blew the save.

With two outs, Chase Utley, who did not start the game, drew a walk and stole second. Carlos Ruiz doubled to score Utley and the Phillies took a 4-3 lead in the 11th inning. Three of the four runs the Phillies scored came on two outs.

Earlier in the game, Ruiz blocked the plate perfectly and Damon was thrown out at the plate for the second time of the series.

The Phillies took two out of three from the Yankees, who won nine in a row coming into the series.

12th Inning Rally Lifts Phils

This game would have been really tough to take in if the Phillies lost. However, they managed to pull out a win by the skin of their teeth.

Over four and a half hours before the game ended, Carlos Ruiz gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Ruiz, who was batting under the Mendoza line, raised his average to .293 in a matter of a week.

The Nationals took the lead off starter Joe Blanton when Ryan Zimmerman and Wil Nieves hit RBI singles and Blanton walked in a run with the bases loaded. In five innings, Blanton allowed four earned runs on five hits and six walks.

The Phillies inched back when Ruiz and Pedro Feliz, who went 4-5, each drove in runs in the sixth inning. In the seventh, Ryan Howard hit a towering, 400+ foot bomb to right center field, giving the Phils a 6-4 lead.

In the ninth inning, a struggling Brad Lidge came in to close the game. The Nationals managed to reach base on a couple of bang-bang plays. Willie Harris doubled, and on a Chase Utley error on the relay, the Nationals tied the game at 6. Lidge's ERA is now over nine.

It wasn't until the 12th inning when the Phillies scored again. Raul Ibanez didn't hit it hard, but managed to drive in two runs. Feliz doubled to give the Phillies a 10-6 lead.

J.A Happ earned the win in his two innings in relief. He was scheduled to start game two of the double header, but instead, Miguel Cairo was designated for assignment and Andrew Carpenter will make his second major league appearance.

The Phillies decided to go with Carpenter instead of Kyle Kendrick, who is scheduled to pitch with the IronPigs on Saturday.

Call of the day: On September 23, 1983, Steve Carlton won his 300th game, striking out 12 in the process. He became the 16th player in Major League history to win 300 games.

"Struck him out! Ball game is over! Phillies win it by a score of
6-2. Steve Carlton wins his 300th major league game, and the big left
hander is the first one to go out and shake the hand of Al Holland. Steve
Carlton, 300 Major League wins, 199 losses. Paul Owens is hugging the big
left hander. What a pleasure it was to watch him pitch over the years
since joining the Phillies in 19 hundred and 72. Thanks left hander.
You've given us a lot of thrills."

Rally in 9th Not Enough

Down by two, the Phillies rallied to tie the game in the ninth inning. However, it wasn't enough for the Phillies who lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 5-3.

Cole Hamels dominated in the 7 innings he pitched. He allowed 2 runs, just 1 earned. He struck out nine, walked one, and allowed 7 hits.

Chad Billigsley was just as dominating. In 7 innings, he allowed just one run on three hits and four walks.

Brad Lidge continued his struggles, surrendering an earned run in the ninth inning.

Jonathan Broxton came out to close the game for the Dodgers, but with two strikes, two outs and two on, Carlos Ruiz smoked a double to right field. Greg Dobbs scored tying the game at three.

Russell Martin and James Loney each had RBI doubles off Chad Durbin with two outs in the tenth and the Dodgers retook the lead.

The Phillies couldn't rally back in the tenth. Instead, they took the series loss to the Dodgers.

Call of the day: In 2008, the Phillies rallied in the ninth and Pedro Feliz hit a walk off double.

"Smoked down the left field line, going ALL the way down to the
corner! Here comes Jenkins, being waved around. The throw to the
plate.. he's safe at home plate! Phillies win 4-3, with a four run 9th
inning! Pedro Feliz with a big game winning double. Jenkins was
flying around third, scored the winning run. What a comeback by the
Phils. The led the majors in comeback from behind wins next year, and they
have several this year and they come back 3-0 in the ninth inning to win it
4-3. Wow."

Werth Is A Thief

Jayson Werth is a thief; he stole second, third, and home. All in the same inning.

It was his team leading sixth steal of the year and fourth of the night, tying Gary Maddox and Sherry Magee for the franchise record of most steals in a game. Magee did it twice in 1906, and Maddox did it in 1978.

Werth became the 49th player in Major League history, and the ninth since 1942 to steal second, third, and home in the same inning. The last Phillie to complete this feat was Pete Rose during the seventh inning on May 11, 1980. The last major league player to do it was Eric Young of the Colorado Rockies in 1996.

It is rare that one player can do such a task, but Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner each did it four times, the most in the history of baseball.

Werth was 2-for-4 from the 3 hole. Jimmy Rollins even picked up a big hit from the sixth spot. Chan Ho Park settled in and pitched six solid innings allowing just two runs as the Phillies beat the Dodgers 5-3.

Call of the day: The last Phillie to steal home was Carlos Ruiz on a double steal in June 2007.

"Bourn goes. Ross' throw is strong, and its a double steal! Delayed double
steal! Coming into score is Ruiz and the Phillies lead it 5-1."

Ruiz Scratched from Rehab Start

Carlos Ruiz took batting practice on Monday, but felt discomfort in his strained right oblique. He was scratched from the Triple-A IronPigs lineup.

Ruiz was eligible to come off the disabled list on Sunday, but he continued to rehabbing, catching nine innings with the IronPigs.

Ruiz will be re-evaluated on Tuesday.

Brad Lidge is also day to day with inflammation in his right knee, according to Charlie Manuel. Ryan Madson got the save in Monday's win.

Call of the day: The Phillies hit two grand slams yesterday. In June 2007, Aaron Rowand hit a grand slam off his former team, the Chicago White Sox.

"Long Drive.. it is a GRAND SLAM HOME RUN, AARON ROWAND! And the Phillies have
jumped to an 8-3 lead here in the seventh inning on the slam by Rowand. Wow."

A Ruiz Return? and Other Updates

Carlos Ruiz is eligible to come off the disabled list on Sunday, but will likely not be activated. However, the Phillies feel it won't be long before he is back.

Ruiz caught a bullpen session on Tuesday and hit off the tee. He felt no pain in his strained right oblique.

Lakewood Blue Claws minor league pitcher, Jason Knapp, allowed just one hit and struck out 14 in 7 innings.

Pat Burrell is batting .225 with 1 HR and 4 RBI with his new team, the Rays. Adam Eaton is 0-2 with an 11.25 ERA with his new team, the Orioles.

Call of the day: On a June day during interleague play, Ryan Howard had 7 RBI against the New York Yankees. The Phillies lost the game, but Howard had a great night, and Kalas couldn't of called it any better.

"Towering drive! Watch this baby, way outta here! Tremendous
home run, Ryan Howard, into the upper deck!"

"Line drive, and that is going to be a fair ball! Down into the
corner! Utley scores! Burrell is going to be waved around. The relay
throw home.. not in time! Ryan Howard does it again! What a
night! He now has all 7 RBI and the Phillies lead it 7-5."

Ruiz Strains Oblique

During today's game against Colorado, Carlos Ruiz left the game because he suffered a right oblique strain after catching a high pop in foul territory

The Phillies will know more about the injury on Saturday, but as of now Ruiz is said to be day to day. However, Lou Marson was scratched from the IronPigs lineup fifteen minutes before their game, indicating the Phillies are concerned about Ruiz’s injury and do not want Marson to suffer an injury in case he needs to be called up.

UPDATE Friday, 9:30 PM: Marson is flying to Denver tonight just in case Ruiz is placed on the Disabled List tomorrow. Ruiz could miss up to two weeks.

UPDATE Saturday, 5:00 PM: Ruiz has been placed on the 15 Day Disabled List. Marson is with the team.

Ruiz OK After Neck Strain

Sunday morning, Phillies assistant GM Scott Proefrock updated news on the injury to Carlos Ruiz:

“Apparently there was a collision in the game. Subsequent to that, I guess he
was chasing a pop up, he flipped his mask off and he felt it. So they took him
out of the game. It was diagnosed as a neck strain. He was treated, sent home
after the game and they’ll reevaluate him today when he comes back in.”

Bruce Chen, Panama's pitcher, diagnosed Ruiz with a nerve pinch after the injury happened.

Carlos Ruiz took batting practice and will be in Panama’s lineup tonight against the Dominican Republic.

QUOTE SOURCE: Philly.com

Year In Review: World Series

After clinching the pennant, the Phillies were headed to the World Series for the first time since Joe Carter's World Series clinching home run off Mitch Williams in 1993.

Mitchy-Poo threw out the first pitch of the 2008 postseason at Citizen's Bank Park. He threw the ball just a bit outside, into the backstop. Maybe it worked as a double negative. The message to the fans was get wild, but maybe it took a bad pitch to cross out all the other bad postseason moments.

With no preference as to who to play, the Phillies waited a few days to find out. The Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox battled each other for 7 games in the American League Championship Series. The Rays came out on top, heading to the World Series for the first time in their brief history.

The layoff hurt the Colorado Rockies in 2007, but the Phillies knew about the business ahead of them. A week after Nomar Garciaparra popped out to Carlos Ruiz, Scott Kazmir threw out the first pitch at Tropicana Field to start the World Series.

In July, Kazmir earned the win in the All Star Game, giving the American League home field advantage. The loser was Brad Lidge, who was perfect all year. It was ironic that these two teams would be playing for rings.

It wasn't long before the Phillies scored. With a shift on and runner on first, Chase Utley decided he'd try to bunt down to an empty third base. His bunt attempt failed, fouling the pitch. However, a few pitches later, Utley jacked one into the right field bleachers. A 2-0 lead was all Cole Hamels needed. The Phillies took game one 3-2.

James Shields dominated the Phillies in game two. He didn't allow a run in 5.2 innings. Dan Wheeler and David Price limited the damage out of the bullpen. The Rays scored on a couple of ground outs off Brett Myers, and the Rays won 4-2.

The Phillies were struggling offensively, leaving many runners in scoring position. They left 24 men on base in game one, and 26 in game two.

The series headed back to Philadelphia, hoping their hitter friendly park would snap some of the struggles. Losing the All Star Game suddenly became a home field advantage with 3 games in a row at Citizen's Bank Park.

Rain delayed the start of game 3 over an hour, but it wasn't enough to stop the Phillies, and an ill Jamie Moyer. Moyer, who had a stomach virus a few nights before, made his first World Series appearance. He was shaky in the NLDS and NLCS, but the Rays and Moyer were a perfect match. Young, anxious hitters. In 6.1 innings, Moyer allowed 3 earned runs, striking out 5. He even made a fantastic diving play, however, like many other plays during the series, the umpire missed the call.

Carlos Ruiz, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard each homered off Matt Garza, the ALCS MVP. The Phillies had a 4-1 lead before the Rays rallied and tied the game. B.J. Upton reached on an infield single, stole second, stole third, and scored on a Carlos Ruiz throwing error.

Tied in the 9th, Eric Bruntlett was hit by a pitch. After a wild pitch, Bruntlett moved up to second, however Dionner Navarro's throw sailed into center field. The Rays brought in an unusual 5 man infield, walked Victorino and pinch hitter Greg Dobbs. Carlos Ruiz was up, having a chance to redeem himself.

With the bases loaded, Ruiz got ahead in the count early in the at bat. He fouled off a few pitches, and then hit the biggest hit of his life. It didn't go very far, but it went far enough. Ruiz chopped the ball down the third base line. Bruntlett was on his way home while Evan Longoria barehanded the ball flipping it to the cather. The ball sailed well over Navarro's head, scoring Bruntlett, and capturing a game three, 5-4 win.

The bats came alive in game 4 as the Phillies won 10-2. Ryan Howard hit two home runs, and Jayson Werth also hit a home run. Starting pitcher Joe Blanton even got into the action hitting a home run of his own. Blanton also worked well on the mound, giving up just 2 runs in 6 innings of work.

The Phillies had a 3-1 series lead, with an opportunity to win the World Series on their home field. The weather forecast was not looking good, with chances of rain throughout the area.

Despite some rain, the game started anyway. As the game went on conditions got worse.

Once again, the Phillies scored early off Kazmir. Victorino laced a 2 run single down the left field line.

Cole Hamels continued his playoff domination, but weather conditions worsened. Rollins missed a fly ball, the infield puddled. Conditions were affecting the game. BJ Upton reached on an infield single. He hydroplaned into second base on a steal, and scored on a base hit by Carlos Pena, who hadn't had a hit in the World Series prior to the at bat. Instead of letting the Phillies bat, or not letting the Rays bat, the game was called.

The game tied, and perhaps MLB was off the hook. Commissioner Bud Selig did not make it clear that no matter what happened, all 9 innings would be played, despite the fact that any game longer than 5 innings is official. The game was suspended for the first time in World Series history.

46 hours later, the game resumed. Geoff Jenkins was called to lead off the bottom of the 6th. He doubled, Rollins moved him to third, and Jayson Werth's bloop single scored the go ahead run.

However, Rocco Baldelli homered to tie the game at 3. The Rays threatened to take the lead with Jason Bartlett on second base, and Akinori Iwamura do up. Iwamura grounded up the middle, however Utley was able to scoop up the ball, preventing it from reaching the outfield. Utley faked to first, and Bartlett kept running. Utley threw a strike to the plate, nailing Barlett.

Pat Burrell hadn't had a hit all World Series until the 8th inning. Off the bat, it looked like it were headed for the seats, but it just missed, bouncing off the wall. Burrell reached with a double, and Pedro Feliz drove him in, which proved to be the winning run.

Brad Lidge was on the verge of not only being perfect, but on the verge of becoming a World Champion. While flashbacks of Albert Pujols danced in every baseball fan's head, Lidge thought different. He came into the 9th inning with a 4-3 lead.

With a runner on second base and one out, Ben Zobrist ripped a ball into right field. Thankfully, it hung up long enough for Jasyon Werth to catch it for the second out. Eric Hinske came to pinch hit, and the rest was history.

One strike away; nothing-and-two, the count to Hinske. Fans on the their feet;
rally towels are being waved. Brad Lidge stretches. The 0-2 pitch — swing and a
miss, struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of
baseball! Brad Lidge does it again, and stays perfect for the 2008 season!
48-for-48 in save opportunities, and watch the city celebrate! Don't let the
48-hour wait diminish the euphoria of this moment, and the celebration. And it
has been 28 years since the Phillies have enjoyed a World Championship; 25 years
in this city with a team that has enjoyed a World Championship, and the fans are
ready to celebrate. What a night!" -Harry Kalas

Brad Lidge went down to his knees. Carlos Ruiz ran to hug him, but both were clobbered by Ryan Howard to start the dogpile, which everyone joined. They phinally did it! The Phillies are 2008 World Series Champions!

Manuel exclaimed "this is for Philadelphia!" before Jimmy Rollins delivered the World Series Champs newspaper headline. Kalas sang "High Hopes." Burrell's dog Elvis accompanied for the parade. The series MVP, Cole Hamels insisted to be in the parade "again, and again, and again." Chase Utley cursed on TV for the second time. In words of Jamie Moyer, it blew 1980 away.

The moment we dreamed of and waited for became reality. The city went nuts. Players showered each other with champagne. 2 million people came to the parade. A baseball team had not only brought a World Championship to the city, but brought the city together.

Chooch Chooch Train

It was one of the latest games played in the World Series. After 1:31 rain delay, the first pitch was thrown at 10:07 PM. Carlos Ruiz' walk off dribbler ended the game at 1:47 AM. A late night in Philadelphia, but everybody will sleep well.

Jamie Moyer grew up watching the Phillies as a kid. He skipped school to attend the 1980 World Series parade. Moyer, who had never pitched in a World Series, was living his life long dream.

Moyer had a tremendous regular season for the Phillies posting a 3.71 ERA. Not bad for a 45 year old. However, Moyer struggled during his first two postseason starts, posting a 13.00 ERA.

Moyer would try to redeem himself against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays, a young, fastball hitting team, is just the team Moyer excells against. If he got the corners called, the Rays would be in for a long night. And that is just what happend.

Moyer was able to get the Rays hitters off balance. He lasted 6.1 innings, allowed 3 earned runs on 5 hits. He struck out 5, and walked just 1. Most of his troubles came in the 7th inning. Carl Crawford bunted down the first base line. The ball was hit into no man's land. However, Moyer made a spectacular diving play, with an amazing glove flip to Ryan Howard. Howard bare handed the ball. The replay shows that Crawford was clearly out, but the call was safe, and it led to 2 Rays runs.

The Phillies offense got off to a good start. Matt Garza, the Rays starter, started the game wild. With 2 runners on and Chase Utley up, Joe Maddon made a trip to the mound to talk with his young, emotional pitcher. Whatever he said worked for the time, as he escaped the inning only allowing one run.

In the second inning, Carlos Ruiz hit a solo homerun to give the Phillies a 2-1 lead.

Ruiz has stepped it up big time during the postseason. He did not have a very good regular season. He hit just .219 with 4 HR, and 32 RBI. What he did well all year was handling the pitching staff and playing very well defense. Despite making a throwing error in the 8th, which led to a tie game, Ruiz has been outstanding behind the plate.

This postseason, Ruiz' bat has started to awaken. His postseason numbers might not be eye popping, hitting .263, 1 HR, 4 RBI, but its the time of his hits. Many of his hits has led to big innings for the Phillies. Perhaps his biggest hit, besides last night's walk off, was his single to bring up Matt Stairs in the NLCS. Timely hitting, especially from the bottom of the order, is what the Phillies need, and that is what Carlos Ruiz has provided.

Chase Utley and Ryan Howard hit back to back homeruns in the 6th inning for the Phillies, which gave them a 4-1 lead at the time. Tampa faught back with that crazy inning against Moyer to make it 4-3. B.J. Upton's infield single, 2 stolen bases, and Ruiz' error tied the game.

Garza, the ALCS MVP, was not as good as he was in the ALCS. He allowed 4 ER in 6 IP. He struck out 7, and walked 2.

Evan "Don't call me Eva" Longoria came so close to giving the Rays a lead. He smoked the ball of Moyer, but the wind blew it in so Burrell could catch it right in front of the fence. Any other time of the year, that ball is in the second deck.

The 9th inning was wild. Grant Balfour was asked to keep the game tied and make the night even longer by getting to extra innings. However, that was not the case. He hit Eric Bruntlett with a pitch. After wild pitch and an overthrow Bruntlett moved to third base. Nobody out.

Joe Maddon had a confrence on the mound. He decided to go with a 5 man infield, bringing in his right fielder, Ben Zobrist, to play right behind second base. They walked Greg Dobbs to load the bases. With just 2 men in the outfield, the Rays hoped for a force out at home. Carlos Ruiz was up to bat, another golden oppurtinty for him to get another big hit. His hit wasn't so big, but it got the job done. The ball was squeaked down the third base line. Longoria charged the ball, as Eric Bruntlett charged home. Evan flipped the ball to Dioner Navarro, but it sailed over his head, and the run scored. Phillies win!