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.

Phillies, Flyers, Share Spotlight

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Tonight, at least in Philadelphia, the center of attention was not on the Phillies. Philadelphia sports fans were mainly focused on the Flyers, who miraculously came back from a 3-0 deficit in both the series and tonight’s game. The impressive comeback led to a large celebration in Philadelphia, a similar glory that the Phillies experienced over the past few years, and hopefully again this upcoming October.

The Phillies weren’t going to step aside and let the Flyers steal the spotlight. The Phillies also made highlights with their 9-5 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Ryan Howard finally broke out of his power slump by putting the Phillies on the board with a two-run first inning home run. In the second inning, Wilson Valdez chipped in with a RBI double to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead.

Jamie Moyer became a victim of the the long ball in the second. Prince Fielder, Jim Edmonds, and George Kottaras each hit solo home runs to tie the game at three. Moyer finished the night after 6.1 innings. He surrendered five runs (four earned), struck out three, and walked three.

The Phillies and Flyers seemed to score simultaneously. When Howard hit his home run, the Flyers scored. When Simon Gagne scored the Flyers’ fourth and ultimately game winning goal, Raul Ibanez drove in the Phillies’ fourth run with a solo home run seconds prior.

The Phillies continued to pour on runs. Shane Victorino (3-for-5) drove in three runs with a triple and a single. In the ninth inning, Chase Utley accidentally hit a home run on a very short and compact swing. The bullpen held the Brewers to 2.2 scoreless innings, securing the first win of the series.

Whether you are a hockey fan or not, there is no denying that what the Flyers did tonight was impressive. Their never-say-die attitude is similar to the mentality that the Phillies display. The Phillies may have been somewhat overshadowed by the Flyers’ amazing comeback tonight, but the Phillies played well tonight and have been in that situation before. Regardless, it was a great day to be a Philadelphia sports fanatic.

Phillies Finish Home Stand on High Note

As seen on Phillies Nation.

There was some magic in those pink bats that Jayson Werth, Placido Polanco, and Shane Victorino used. They each smashed solo home runs to help the Phillies wrap up a 7-3 home stand. But it was the bullpen that was the story in the Phillies 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

Cole Hamels lasted just five innings, but was backed by solid defense. In the first inning, Omar Infante rounded third as Werth threw a laser to Carlos Ruiz, who applied the tag. Infante was gunned down, and the inning came to an end. Hamels allowed three earned runs on eight hits. He struck out five, but was a tad wild as he walked four. Luckily for Hamels, he received run support unlike his last start.

The Phillies loaded the bases in the first inning. Werth was hit by a pitch by Kenshin Kawakami to force in a run. Ibanez followed with a shallow fly ball to right field. It was nowhere deep enough to score a run, however when Chase Utley is on third base, nothing is shallow enough. Melky Cabrera took his time, and Utley took advantage and tagged from third to score. By the third inning, the Phillies led 4-0 thanks to home runs by Polanco and Werth.

The Braves inched back off Hamels, but the bullpen stepped in and dominated. Chad Durbin pitched two perfect innings and struck out four. Jose Contreras has made us all forget about his poor spring training. He threw a scoreless inning to set it up for Brad Lidge.

Eric Hinske and Infante hit two loud fly balls. On any day, those balls probably would have left the yard, but thankfully the wind knocked them down. After all the fans took a deep breath, Lidge retired Martin Prado to record his first save of the season.

The Phillies' bullpen combined for four scoreless innings. Nor Durbin, Contreras or Lidge allowed a single base runner. The bullpen needs to continue this sort of dominance, and the Phillies will continue to succeed.

Sunday's Recap and Injury Updates

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies lost in extra innings to the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-3, however there were some positive notes from Sunday.

First, Brad Lidge said that he will be able to throw to live hitters during batting practice on Wednesday. He could appear in a minor league game on March 15.

Shane Victorino, who is nursing a sore shoulder, will not make the trip to tomorrow’s game at Tampa. However, Charlie Manuel said that there is a chance that Victorino could play on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves.

Now back to the game. Domonic Brown continues to make spring highlights. He went 3-for-5 with two runs batted in. He grounded into a key double play, but since he has seven hits in the last three games, we’ll let it slide — for now. The other run came off the bat of Jimmy Rollins: a solo home run.

J.A Happ pitched 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks. Phillippe Aumont managed to make it through 2.2 innings without surrendering a run, bouncing back from his poor outing against Florida State University. On the other hand, Joe Savery and Yohan Flande each struggled.

Sore Shoulder Keeps Victorino Away from Drills

It was a quiet day in Clearwater, as the team prepares for their first spring training game. However, the news reported was not something that Phillies fans want to hear.

Shane Victorino suffered from soreness in his right shoulder. Victorino took batting practice, but did not participate in outfield drills for precautionary reasons.

Luckily, the injury is not serious. Charlie Manuel is unsure if Victorino will play in Wednesday’s exhibition against Florida State.

In other news, Brad Lidge is ahead of schedule, but will likely not be ready for Opening Day. If that continues to be the case, Ryan Madson, Danys Baez or Jose Contreras would close.

Call of the Day: It's been awhile since we had one of the these, but The Fightins dug up a clip of Chase Utley's first career hit and grand slam.

"Long drive! Could it be? It is outta here! Grand slam home run,
Chase Utley! Welcome to the show Mr. Utley."

Year In Review: Phils Rally in 9th on Victorino's Salami

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.

On April 24, Brett Myers pitched six solid innings against the Florida Marlins. All three runs he allowed came in the first inning, thanks to Dan Uggla's three-run bomb. Myers was stellar, but Josh Johnson was better.

Johnson dominated, as he did all season. He struck out eight in seven shutout innings. The Phillies had trouble getting on base as Johnson only allowed three hits and two walks.

Clay Condrey and Ryan Madson combined for three scoreless innings to keep the Phillies in the game. Still, the Phillies trailed 3-0 in top of the ninth, and were practically without hope. One swing of the bat changed everything.

Jayson Werth started the rally by smacking a one-out double to center field. He later scored on Matt Stairs' single that squeaked through the right side of the field. Jimmy Rollins drew a bases loaded walk. The bases remained juiced for Shane Victorino, who followed with a high drive down the right field line. Victorino smashed his first official grand slam, and erased the Phillies' deficit.

Chase Utley followed with a two-run home run, and all of a sudden the Phillies put up a crooked seven on the scoreboard. It was an unbelievable 7-3 victory, all thanks to the Flyin' Hawaiian.

Other Top Moments: Jayson Werth steals second base, third base, and home in the same inning!

NL Gold Glovers Announced

Congratulations to the 2009 National League Gold Glove Winners:

C: Yadier Molina (2nd GG)
1B: Adrian Gonzalez (2nd GG)
2B: Orlando Hudson (4th GG)
3B: Ryan Zimmerman
SS: Jimmy Rollins (3rd GG)
OF: Shane Victorino (2nd GG)
OF: Michael Bourn Astros
OF: Matt Kemp
P: Adam Wainwright

Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino each won a National League Gold Glove Award at their respective positions. This is the eleventh time in franchise history that the Phillies have had multiple Gold Glove winners.

With the award, Rollins becomes the first Phillie to win three consecutive Gold Gloves since Mike Schmidt. Rollins led all shortstops with a .990 fielding percentage. His six errors were the fewest in baseball among qualified players.

Victorino wins his second consecutive Gold Glove. Victorino had the second best fielding percentage among all outfielders (.997).

While Rollins and Victorino were honored, Chase Utley was snubbed. Utley had a 10.8 Ultimate Zone Rating, which was the best among NL second baseman. Orlando Hudson, the NL second base Gold Glove winner, had a UZR of -3.3. With that being said, Victorino probably wasn't the best option either. He had a -4.1 UZR.

Blog Notes: Make sure you take the Swing and a Long Drive Survey! Also, in honor of Veterans Day, More Hardball has the best games at Veterans Stadium.

Staying Alive: Series Headed to NY

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The World Series is headed back to the Bronx! Facing elimination, Chase Utley and Cliff Lee led the Phillies to an important 8-6 victory.

Red-hot Alex Rodriguez quickly put the Yankees on the board. A-Rod's World Series slump is history, but Chase Utley made history of his own. Utley's first inning three-run bomb started a long night for A.J Burnett. Utley was far from done.

The Phillies tacked on runs in the third inning via Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez, and Carlos Ruiz RBI's. Burnett was the complete opposite from game two. He lasted two innings and gave up six runs. In the meantime, Cliff Lee was cruising.

Lee wasn't lights out, but he pitched better than his line indicated. He pitched seven innings, but tired as he approached the 100+ pitch mark. Three of the five earned runs he allowed came in the eighth inning, including one inherited run.

Once again, it was A-Rod with the big hit. Shane Victorino was hit by a pitch in the first inning, so Charlie Manuel opted to rest him with a commanding lead. It was controversial since Raul Ibanez was unable to make a tough catch and Ben Francisco, Victorino's replacement, could not make a strong throw on a sacrifice fly. The Phillies six-run lead was cut in half.

Chase Utley's second home run and Ibanez's solo shot were a big reason why the Phillies put together a large lead. Utley has five home runs in the World Series, tying Reggie Jackson's record in 1977. The home runs proved to be key since the Yankees continued to fight back.

Chan Ho Park pitched a solid inning, and Ryan Madson was asked to close. Jorge Posada's double and Hideki Matsui's single were the beginning of another potential ninth-inning nightmare. Instead, a run was traded for a double play and Madson struck out Mark Teixeira to end the game.

Breathe a little easier, but there are still two more games that the Phillies need to win. They'll have to do that on the Yankees' turf, but they play their best with their backs against the wall.

NY Post and Myers

In case you didn't see today's New York Post, here is the cover:



As Shane said, "It's funny I have to be the guy. But at least my legs look good."

In other news, Brett Myers (or Meyers?) has been added to the World Series roster. The Phillies opted to go with 12 pitchers, leaving Miguel Cairo, a former Yankee, off the roster.

Myers, who was left off the National League Championship roster, made progress from a strained muscle. Ruben Amaro Jr. said that Myers “looked sharper.” Cairo went 0-for-5 during the playoffs this year.

In Yankees news, Eric Hinske has been added to the roster. Remember him?

QUOTE SOURCE: Susan Lulgjuraj's Twitter.

Phillies Win the Pennant!

This doesn't get old! For the first time in franchise history, the Phillies win back-to-back National League pennants. The Phillies 10-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers sends them back to the World Series!

Andre Eithier's solo home run put the Dodgers on the board, but Jayson Werth's three-run shot changed the entire atmosphere. Werth, who smacked two home runs, tipped his cap and raised his arms to the fired up crowd. That was the attitude for the rest of the game. The Phillies took a 3-1 lead and didn't look back. Even when the Dodgers loaded the bases with nobody out in the eighth inning, there was never doubt that the Phillies would lose.

It wasn't a good homecoming for Vicente Padilla, who allowed six runs. The Phillies kept tacking on. Pedro Feliz and Shane Victorino each homered. Raul Ibanez added a RBI double. Victorino waited for Ronnie Belliard's fly ball to reach his glove as Carlos Ruiz and Brad Lidge rejoiced on the pitcher's mound with the rest of the team joining them.

Cole Hamels, who looked shaky in his 4.1 innings, handed over his NLCS MVP to Ryan Howard. Howard deservedly earned honors, driving in a run in eight consecutive games (which ended on Wednesday). Howard batted .333 with two home runs and eight RBI during the Championship series.

This series was amazing. Cliff Lee's eight inning shutout and Jimmy Rollins' walk-off were two of the top highlights during one of the best postseason series in franchise history. Celebrate Philadelphia, but we still need four more wins!

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Long Delay, but Phillies Beat Braves

As seen on Phillies Nation.

An hour and fifty-one minute rain delay halted play, but it did not prevent the Phillies from beating the Atlanta Braves, 4-2. With the win, the Phillies took the series, 2-1.

Cliff Lee pitched four innings before it poured. Phillies-killer Matt Diaz drove in the only run against Lee, who allowed five hits and struck out two.

It looked like Lee would pitch after a 45-minute delay, but the tarp was put back on before play could resume. The bullpen was busy during the Atlanta series. Thanks to the rain and a couple injuries, no starter pitched beyond four innings. Once again, it would be up to the bullpen to hold the lead.

Prior to the delay, the Phillies scored four runs. Trailing 1-0 in the third, Ben Francisco's RBI double tied the game. Francisco entered the game after Shane Victorio was ejected. Victorino was caught stealing. He slammed his helmet and had a few kind words for Chad Fairchild before being tossed.

Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz each drove in a run. Chase Utley's RBI triple in the fifth inning extended the Phillies lead to three.

The bullpen was excellent. Tyler Walker pitched two shutout innings. Ryan Madson struck out the side in the eighth inning. The ball was handed to Brad Lidge in the ninth, and he saved his 31st game of the season. He allowed a run, but struck out two in the save.

The bullpen will be able to rest during tomorrow's off day. The Phillies head to Florida where they could possibly clinch the division. The magic number lowers to six.

No Rain In Forecast For Rubbermatch

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San Francisco Giants (73-60) at Philadelphia Phillies (76-54)
Tim Lincecum (13-4, 2.33) vs. Pedro Martinez (2-0, 4.50 ERA)

Pedro Martinez will be glad to hear that there is no rain in tonight's forecast. However, with Tim Lincecum on the mound, a long rain delay doesn't sound like a bad idea.

The Phillies bats need to wake up for the rubber match of the series. They've scored only one run during the entire series, and 11 in the last six games. It will not be easy to manufacture runs off, arguably, the best pitcher in the National League. Like Brad Penny last night, Lincecum pitched eight scoreless innings against the Phillies this season.

Ryan Howard has two home runs in his career against Lincecum. Randy Winn is 6-for-9 with 4 RBI against Pedro since 2004.

In case you have not seen David Wright's ridiculous looking helmet that is mandatory for all minor leaguers next season, don't be surprised to see Shane Victorino sporting a large, "Great Gazoo" type helmet. Victorino will be trying out the new helmet tonight. As usual, Shane will bat second in the lineup. Victorino is batting .267 with a home run in 15 at-bats against Lincecum.

Cole's Back

As seen on Phillies Nation

He’s back. It has been a roller coaster season for the lefty, but the 2008 version of the NLCS and World Series MVP showed up today. Cole Hamels pitched a complete game shutout en route to a Phillies 1-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants. It is the first time all season that the Phillies won a one to nothing game.

In a game that lasted only two hours and twenty minutes, Hamels and Jonathan Sanchez worked a pitchers’ duel, but it was Hamels who won the battle.

About 46% of the time, the Phillies rely on the long ball. Tonight, they played small ball. Shane Victorino flared a single, stole second, and advanced to third on a ground out. Ryan Howard’s RBI double down the right field line scored Victorino. It was plenty of support for a dealing Hamels.

In most of his starts, Hamels lacked location of his fastball. Tonight, he was in complete control, getting ahead of hitters. With the command of his fastball, he was able to throw his changeup effectively, and boy was it effective. He struck out nine, and at one point retired 21 straight. He allowed only two hits, a career best. He walked one.

Heck, Hamels even stole a bag, becoming the first pitcher since Curt Schilling in 1997 to do so.

Hamels has been working on his pick-off move. Practice makes perfect and the hard work payed off. Rich Aurilia greeted Hamels with a single in the ninth inning. With a big hacker in Pablo Sandoval at the plate, pinch runner Fred Lewis attempted to steal. Hamels had him picked off, but it was up to Howard to make a perfect throw. Howard normally has trouble throwing, but this time he threw a strike to second base, gunning down Lewis.

Edgar Renteria popped up to Howard in foul territory to end the game and secure Hamels’ fourth career complete game shutout.

Hamels has now thrown 19 scoreless innings. As it gets closer to the postseason, this is the Cole Hamels the Phillies need and the Cole Hamels we all expect to see.

Just Plain Miserable: Marlins Sweep Phillies

Also posted on Phillies Nation.

There is no other way to put it. The 12-3 loss to the Florida Marlins was the Phillies worst loss of the season. The early morning thunderstorms in the Philadelphia region set the tone for a miserable day. Blame Ed Rapuano. Blame Jamie Moyer. Blame Jayson Werth. Blame anybody. The Phillies were awful on all cylinders.

Actually, Moyer didn't pitch that bad. He pitched 5+ innings giving up 3 runs, 2 earned. He gave up 11 hits, but they were all singles-- bloop singles. The Marlins weren't hitting the ball hard against Moyer, who has had so much success against the Fish throughout his career.

The Phillies were the first to get on the board. Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino each reached base to start the first inning. Chase Utley flew out to center field, and Rollins advanced to third. Ryan Howard smoked the ball to right, but Jermey Hermida made a spectacular leaping catch against the wall. Or was it? It may have bounced off the wall and into his glove, but it was ruled a catch. Victorino was doubled off first base for the unconventional double play. Rollins tagged from third on the sacrifice fly, crossing the plate before Victorino was out.

The Phils held the 1-0 lead until the fifth. Jorge Cantu, Wes Helms, and Cody Ross each hit consecutive RBI singles, and the Marlins jumped to a 3-1 lead.

The Phillies had trouble manufacturing runs off Josh Johnson (6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 6 SO). The Phillies were hitting the ball hard, but hit into a lot of tough luck. The Phillies are having problems with runners in scoring position, but they only had three runners past first base. Luckily, the Marlins stranded 12 men themselves. The Phillies were able to keep it close-- that was until the floodgates opened in a controversial seventh inning.

With runners at the corners in the sixth, Howard struck out. The pitch was clearly low, but Rapuano called it a strike. He had an inconsistent strike zone all day. In the first inning, Utley clearly did not agree with some of the pitches Rapuano called. It seemed like Johnson was getting certain pitches called, and Moyer wasn't.

In the seventh, Rodrigo Lopez threw a pitch to Wes Helms, which looked like a strike. Victorino disagreed, and threw his arms up in the air as he stood in center. Nobody seemed to notice, except Rapuano, who ejected Victorino. At first, Victorino jogged in like it was no big deal, but once he reached the infield, he sprinted towards the home plate umpire. Pumped up from last night's UFC fight, Victorino was restrained by teammates Paul Bako and Howard. Jayson Werth came into replace Victorino, and that was when the doors opened for the Marlins.

The sold-out crowd was into it, booing every pitch that wasn't a strike. However, it didn't take long for the fans to head to the exits.

Chris Coghlan (4-for-6) has been trouble all series. With the bases loaded and two outs, Lopez could see his way out of the inning. That wasn't the case as Coghlan singled to center. Werth was unable to keep the ball in front of him as he completely missed it. Three runs scored on the error.

The Marlins weren't quite finished. Hanley Ramirez doubled over the head of Werth. Jorge Cantu singled to Werth. Instead of getting the ball into the infield, Werth fired home, and the ball scooted past the catcher. The Marlins blew the game wide open, 9-1.

The Phillies had a long ways to rally, but showed signs of life when Pedro Feliz homered. The Marlins got those runs back against Brad Lidge, who gave up a RBI single to Hanley Ramirez and a two-run homer to Helms.

It was a pathetic day for the Phillies, committing three errors, managing just six hits, and giving up 12 runs. The lead in the division is down to four games, thanks to the sweep.

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.

Philis/Giants Open Series

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Philadelphia Phillies at San Francisco Giants
Rodrigo Lopez (3-0, 3.09 ERA) vs. Jonathan Sanchez (3-9, 4.92 ERA)

The Phillies open up a four game series against the San Francisco Giants. The Giants are a better team than in previous years. They are well over .500 and lead the National League Wild Card by a half game.

This is most likely Rodrigo Lopez’s last start because of the additions of Cliff Lee and Pedro Martinez. A great outing would make a tough decision for the Phils. He is pitching for his job so he has not choice but to step it up.

Jonathan Sanchez threw a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres on July 10, but he barely became a starter. Moved from the rotation to the bullpen, he found himself back in the rotation due to injuries. Other than the no-no, Sanchez has struggled with an ERA close to 5.

Shane Victorino will not be in the lineup due to a knee contusion. Tonight’s lineup: Rollins (SS)/ Utley (2B)/ Werth (RF)/Howard (1B)/ Ibanez (LF)/ Francisco (CF)/ Feliz (3B)/ Ruiz (C)/ Lopez (P)

Hamels Outpitches Haren

Also seen on Phillies Nation.

It's amazing Dan Haren has allowed only four unearned runs during the entire season with the defense he is backed with. The Diamondbacks continue to make poor defensive plays and the Phillies took full advantage.

In the first inning, Cole Hamels allowed a solo home run to the second batter of the game, Ryan Roberts. It looked to be a long night for the Phillies, who trailed 1-0 against arguably the best pitcher in baseball this season.

In the third inning, Shane Victorino said aloha to Haren's fastball up in the zone. The homer tied the game at one, and Victorino was far from finished.

With one out in the fifth, Hamels doubled to start a rally. Jimmy Rollins reached base on Stephen Drew's error, and Hamels headed to third. The Phillies were in perfect position to take a lead. They did so on Victorino's ground-rule double.

Jimmy Rollins scored on a fielder's choice and a throwing error. Chase Utley grounded to first, and Rollins was a dead duck at the plate. However, Utley made a terrific move, running in the throwing lane, but without interference. It worked, because Chad Tracy airmailed the throw, and the Phillies took a 3-1 lead.

It was thought that the Phillies would have trouble against Haren, but the Phillies were able to knock out Haren after five innings.

Hamels looked like one of the league's finest tonight, returning to 2008 postseason form. He wiggled out of a couple jams, but overall was brilliant. He pitched eight innings, allowing one run on four hits. He did not walk a batter and struck out nine. It's been a while since Hamels has been able to tally up the strikeouts, but he did today against the Diamondbacks.

Jayson Werth's RBI grounded out in the seventh gave the Phillies a 4-1 lead, and they needed every bit of it with Brad Lidge coming in for the save. Lidge gave up a two-run home run to Mark Reynolds, but sweat through the save.

The 4-3 win give the Phillies four wins in a row, and the series against the Diamondbacks. Tomorrow, they'll go for their fourth sweep in July.

JRoll Slams Past Cards

As seen on Phillies Nation.
There is no doubt the Phillies have been clutch with the bases loaded. Jimmy Rollins joined the club. His sixth inning salami gave the Phillies the lead in their 14-6 win. It also was their eighth grand slam of the season, which tied a franchise record set in 1993 and 2005 for most grand slams in a season.

It didn't take long for the Phils to jump on their former teammate, Kyle Lohse. Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz's RBI singles gave the Phillies a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Lohse lasted only four innings. He gave up three earned on four hits and three walks. Luckily for him, he was not tacked with the loss because Julio Lugo tied the game at three with a RBI double.

When the Phillies saw Rick Ankiel earlier in the year, he landed on the disabled after making a fantastic catch, running into a brick wall. He has given the Phillies a lot of trouble in this series. He went 3-for-4 with three runs batted in during the opening game. Today, he homered to give the Cardinals a 4-3 lead in the sixth. Ankiel finished the day 3-for-5.

Then, Jimmy Rollins struck. With two outs, and two on, Greg Dobbs had a great at-bat fouling off pitches and worked a walk to load the bases. Rollins didn't disappoint, breaking his 0-for-8 streak with the bases loaded by clubbing a go-ahead grand slam to right field. Victorino immediately followed with a homer to make it back-to-back jacks. The Phillies lead 8-4 and did not look back.

The Cardinals inched a run closer in the seventh after a brief delay because a fan shined a laser on Julio Lugo. The delay may have took Chan Ho Park out of his rhythm. He allowed a RBI double to Matt Holliday (2-for-4), but escaped further damage by getting out of a jam.

The runs kept pouring in for the Phils, who scored 11 runs in the sixth and seventh inning combined. Carlos Ruiz singled, Rollins (2-for-5) doubled, Victorino (4-for-4) singled, and Howard (2-for-5) doubled, each driving in runs.

The Phillies 14 runs were plenty for Rodrigo Lopez and the depleted bullpen. Lopez made it through six innings, allowed four runs (3 earned) on 10 hits and a walk.

Call of the Day: Phillies clinch the 1980 NLCS.

"Swing and a drive to right center field. Maddox is there!"

Twins: Victorino and Werth

Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth are twins... or at least they celebrate the same.

Other Options for Halladay

Also featured on Phillies Nation.

Left and right, fans are making fantasy trade proposals for Blue Jays' ace, Roy Halladay. Who to give up, who to keep, are the popular questions. We hear about digging deep into the farm system trading away some of the most promising talent. Popular names include Kyle Drabek, Michael Taylor, and J.A Happ. The fact is, nobody wants to get rid of these rising young stars, but in order to get Halladay, at least one of them has to be packaged.

Halladay has been one of the best, if not the best, pitchers in baseball. No matter the cost, getting Halladay would be worth it. Nobody can predict the future, but there may be a Cy Young in Drabek's future, or a MVP award in Taylor's.

The Phillies will scrutinize all options, which may be at the Major League level. Happ, yes, but the Phillies would prefer to keep him. Right now, Happ is the ace of the staff. Will he face a sophomore slump? Time will tell. Happ may not be an ace down the road, but could find himself as the number two or three starter. Having a middle of the rotation guy like Happ is important. There is other Major League talent that could be explored. Not many people have mentioned him, nor thought about trading him. How about Shane Victorino?

Nobody wants to see Victorino go, but he is a trade alternative. The Blue Jays would like to dump outfielder Vernon Wells and put him in a trade with Halladay. With the move, Jayson Werth could move to centerfield, and Wells in right. Wells is batting .263 with nine home runs, however a change of scenery may do him good. Citizens Bank Park would be a nice fit for Wells, who has hit for power in the past. Or the Phillies could do the same deal, only Werth instead of Victorino.

The deal would mean that at least one top prospect would stay, meaning Drabek or Taylor. The Phillies would get the best pitcher in baseball, plus hold on to a potential Cy Young or MVP winner. One prospect that will not stay is Jason Donald. The Blue Jays want a shortstop, and the Jays scouted him in the past, liking what they saw.

I am not saying the Phillies should make this deal. I am simply exploring all trade possibilities and this is something to consider. Would you be willing to trade Victorino/Werth for Halladay?