The much-hyped series with the Red Sox started on Tuesday. Oh, the Sawks, the best offensive team in the majors, but just off two series losses to the Padres at Fenway and the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Philadelphia was next up.
The Sox were without Carl Crawford and their DH. The Phillies were on their fourth closer. In fact, the bullpen, with the exception of Danys Baez, was all from Triple-A.
Tuesday night was a vaunted match-up between Josh Beckett, having a comeback year, and Cliff Lee. It took Lee just five pitches to dispatch the 'patient' Red Sox hitters in the first, which pretty much set the tone for the rest of the game. Lee threw a complete game two-hit shut-out. Domonic Brown hit a two-run homer in the second, then doubled in the fifth and scored on a Lee sac fly. Phillies 3, Red Sox 0.
Everyone predicted a slugfest for Wednesday, which pitted rookie Vance (the Vanimal) Worley against struggling veteran John Lackey. Before the game there was a lot of whining about the DH, or lack thereof. Francona decided to move Adrian Gonzalez to right and put Ortiz at first. Yawn. Worley was super, attacking the strike zone and piling up the outs. Lackey too looked good. Raul Ibanez singled in the first run of the game, in the second. The Sox tied it on a booming double in the fifth by Lackey. (!) Ibanez then untied it in the seventh with a solo homer to right. worley went seven and Stutes and Bastardo came in for, respectively, the hold and the save. Phillies 2, Red Sox 1.
Today's matinee between Jon Lester and Cole Hamels fizzled in the fourth when Adrian Gonzalez drove Hamels out of the game with a wicked liner that took off the pitcher's glove. Hamels finished the play, then got the final out of the inning, but did not come back. X-rays were negative for what is being called a contusion. David Herndon came in and gave up three runs pretty much on bloops. Drew Carpenter later gave up back-to-back shots. The Phillies did nothing till the ninth, when Howard hit a two-run homer off of Bobby Jenks. Red Sox 5, Phillies 2.
In his postgame presser, Charlie Manuel said Hamels is expected to make his next start. Whew.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
shane victorino, the flyin' hawaiian
That's the name of a recently-released biography of Phillie center fielder Shane Victorino. Written by Alan Maimon, the book focuses on Victorino's childhood on the island of Maui and his rocky rise to professional fame in the city of Philadelphia.
At age five, the future All-Star was diagnosed with attention-deficit hyper-activity disorder (ADHD), when four teachers at his pre-school threatened to quit because of his uncontrollable behavior. But rural Maui turns out to be a place where the adage that 'it takes a village to raise a child' is a way of life. Blessed with a strong, nurturing family and community and good medical help, Victorino eventually got his ADHD under control. His family encouraged his athletic talents (soccer, track, football, and baseball) as a way to channel his energy, little thinking that their somewhat undersized (5'8") son would eventually be drafted by the L.A. Dodgers.
After some years of toiling in the Dodger system, Victorino was claimed in the Rule 5 draft by San Diego, then later offered back to the Dodgers. A couple of years later, the Phillies picked him up in another Rule 5 draft. When they later offered him back to the Dodgers, LA declined and Philadelphia sent him to its Triple-A team, then in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he ended up becoming the MVP of the International League---on a last-place team. Eventually he made it to the big leagues and the World Series. He still struggles with adult ADHD and now channels more of his energy into a variety of charity efforts in Philadelphia and Hawaii. The account of his first date with his now-wife is a startling, if hilarious, example of the competitive nature of a pro athlete.
This is an insightful baseball book that transcends sport. It's also a warm and wry account of an unusual young man. For all of his struggles with ADHD, Victorino's childhood in some ways sounds almost idyllic.
At age five, the future All-Star was diagnosed with attention-deficit hyper-activity disorder (ADHD), when four teachers at his pre-school threatened to quit because of his uncontrollable behavior. But rural Maui turns out to be a place where the adage that 'it takes a village to raise a child' is a way of life. Blessed with a strong, nurturing family and community and good medical help, Victorino eventually got his ADHD under control. His family encouraged his athletic talents (soccer, track, football, and baseball) as a way to channel his energy, little thinking that their somewhat undersized (5'8") son would eventually be drafted by the L.A. Dodgers.
After some years of toiling in the Dodger system, Victorino was claimed in the Rule 5 draft by San Diego, then later offered back to the Dodgers. A couple of years later, the Phillies picked him up in another Rule 5 draft. When they later offered him back to the Dodgers, LA declined and Philadelphia sent him to its Triple-A team, then in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he ended up becoming the MVP of the International League---on a last-place team. Eventually he made it to the big leagues and the World Series. He still struggles with adult ADHD and now channels more of his energy into a variety of charity efforts in Philadelphia and Hawaii. The account of his first date with his now-wife is a startling, if hilarious, example of the competitive nature of a pro athlete.
This is an insightful baseball book that transcends sport. It's also a warm and wry account of an unusual young man. For all of his struggles with ADHD, Victorino's childhood in some ways sounds almost idyllic.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
halladay gets his 10th
Folks should be used to the low-scoring games by now, especially when the Phillies are playing the team with the best ERA in the American League. This weekend series with the A's and their terrific young pitching staff was a case in point.
In Friday night's game, Worley and Moscoso went toe to toe, each working on a no-hitter through five. Worley labored to escape the five-and-dive mode he's been in of late, allowing just one hit in six innings. Moscoso went seven, giving up just two hits. The game went scoreless into the bottom of the ninth, when the Phillies finally got to one-time closer Brian Fuentes, who had previously in his career held them to no runs. With two outs and men on second and third, pinch-hitter Ben Francisco chopped a single over the third baseman's head, scoring Victorino for the 1-0 win.
Saturday night it was Cole Hamels vs. Trevor Cahill. The Phillies scored first but the A's eventually got two off of Hamels, who went eight innings. In the ninth, Michael Stutes had his first real glitch of the year, giving up two more to the A's, who went on to win 4-1. In five games this month, Hamels has a 2-2 record and a 1.45 ERA. He has received a total of 13 runs in support. That number is less impressive when you consider that nine of those runs occurred in a 9-1 win over the Marlins.
If the Phillies continue to play as they did Saturday, which is to say flatfooted and lackadaisical, not to mention incapable of hitting breaking balls, they will be doomed.
Today Roy Halladay went again for his 10th win and was not to be denied. The Phillies scored two in the first off former Phillie farmhand Josh Outman (nice to see him pitching well in the majors)and later added a third in a 3-1 victory. Halladay went the distance for his fifth complete game of the season, helping to save a thin bullpen that has now lost its third closer.
In Friday night's game, Worley and Moscoso went toe to toe, each working on a no-hitter through five. Worley labored to escape the five-and-dive mode he's been in of late, allowing just one hit in six innings. Moscoso went seven, giving up just two hits. The game went scoreless into the bottom of the ninth, when the Phillies finally got to one-time closer Brian Fuentes, who had previously in his career held them to no runs. With two outs and men on second and third, pinch-hitter Ben Francisco chopped a single over the third baseman's head, scoring Victorino for the 1-0 win.
Saturday night it was Cole Hamels vs. Trevor Cahill. The Phillies scored first but the A's eventually got two off of Hamels, who went eight innings. In the ninth, Michael Stutes had his first real glitch of the year, giving up two more to the A's, who went on to win 4-1. In five games this month, Hamels has a 2-2 record and a 1.45 ERA. He has received a total of 13 runs in support. That number is less impressive when you consider that nine of those runs occurred in a 9-1 win over the Marlins.
If the Phillies continue to play as they did Saturday, which is to say flatfooted and lackadaisical, not to mention incapable of hitting breaking balls, they will be doomed.
Today Roy Halladay went again for his 10th win and was not to be denied. The Phillies scored two in the first off former Phillie farmhand Josh Outman (nice to see him pitching well in the majors)and later added a third in a 3-1 victory. Halladay went the distance for his fifth complete game of the season, helping to save a thin bullpen that has now lost its third closer.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Woohoo
Yellow jerseys rule! Lots of heartache for A's fans this year with all the bumbling and injuries and poor managing and fielding errors, but the team played their hearts out today against a World Series caliber team. Thanks Cahill, thanks Bailey!!
Mrpotani
Mrpotani
meet me in st. louis
So the Phillies went from Seattle to St. Louis this week for what turned out to be a rather loopy series. On Tuesday night, Roy Halladay, trying for win #10, was lifted after the sixth with the Phillies down a run. They tied it, then the Cards went ahead by one. But all hell broke loose in the eighth, when the Phillies scored nine unanswered runs off of five Cardinal relievers, who combined to walk three, hit two, and give up five hits. The final score: 10-2.
On Wednesday it was all Cliff Lee again. He started the game throwing seven balls, then went on to pitch his second complete-game shutout in a row. Rollins hit a solo homer in the 3rd, Howard his a two-run shot, and the Phillies won 4-0.
Thursday's story was Roy Oswalt, who gave up four runs in two innings, then left the game with a sore back. The Phillies went on to lose ingloriously 12-2. But the story was Oswalt, who seemed to suggest that the back may be a season- (f not career-) ending injury. Oi vey.
Other injuries to ponder: Jose Contreras is back on the DL and Ryan Madison, conspicuously missing in action this week, has had numbness in his hand. The bullpen is again falling apart. J.C. Romero refused an assignment to Lehigh Valley and is now a free agent. All the work is being carried by the kids.
On Wednesday it was all Cliff Lee again. He started the game throwing seven balls, then went on to pitch his second complete-game shutout in a row. Rollins hit a solo homer in the 3rd, Howard his a two-run shot, and the Phillies won 4-0.
Thursday's story was Roy Oswalt, who gave up four runs in two innings, then left the game with a sore back. The Phillies went on to lose ingloriously 12-2. But the story was Oswalt, who seemed to suggest that the back may be a season- (f not career-) ending injury. Oi vey.
Other injuries to ponder: Jose Contreras is back on the DL and Ryan Madison, conspicuously missing in action this week, has had numbness in his hand. The bullpen is again falling apart. J.C. Romero refused an assignment to Lehigh Valley and is now a free agent. All the work is being carried by the kids.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Fine, Thanks!
Sell out for Bay Bridge Series. Giants and A's fans have a spirited rivalry but all seemed good-natured.
Sweeping is sweet! A gem of a game on Sunday between Cain and Cahill. Both have struggled lately but a perfect summer's day at the O.co Coliseum enabled them to pitch their best games. The A's were miserable a week ago but now with new manager Melvin and their good-luck yellow jerseys their play has finally picked up. And Jemile Weeks, up from Sacramento when Ellis got injured, has brought a bright light to an otherwise undistinguished team.
Monday, June 20, 2011
sleeping in seattle
The Phillies were in Seattle for the weekend, at one of my favorite ballparks. Friday night it was Oswalt vs. rookie phenom Michael Pineda. Oswalt was pedestrian and Pineda had the edge in a 4-2 Phillies' loss. Did I mention Ichiro?
Saturday it was rookie Vance Worley vs. Felix Hernandez. The offense was primed from the get-go, scoring one run in the first. Worley promptly gave it back to prospect Dustin Ackley, making his debut, but hung on for five innings to keep the Mariners from any more scoring. Victorino doubled, tripled, and homered in the 5-1 win, which went to Michael Stutes, out of the bullpen.
Cole Hamels, going for his 10th, was terrific Sunday afternoon but soft-tossing lefty Jason Vargas put the Phillie offense to sleep. Hamels lost 2-0 on a couple of bloops. Vargas tossed his second complete-game shut-out of the season. Yawn. The game was played in front of an enthusiastic sell-out crowd, the second sell-out of the season for the M's.
Saturday it was rookie Vance Worley vs. Felix Hernandez. The offense was primed from the get-go, scoring one run in the first. Worley promptly gave it back to prospect Dustin Ackley, making his debut, but hung on for five innings to keep the Mariners from any more scoring. Victorino doubled, tripled, and homered in the 5-1 win, which went to Michael Stutes, out of the bullpen.
Cole Hamels, going for his 10th, was terrific Sunday afternoon but soft-tossing lefty Jason Vargas put the Phillie offense to sleep. Hamels lost 2-0 on a couple of bloops. Vargas tossed his second complete-game shut-out of the season. Yawn. The game was played in front of an enthusiastic sell-out crowd, the second sell-out of the season for the M's.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
zasshiki warashi
Doll artist friend Ozawa Yasuko recently sent an envelope of clippings, including a piece that appeared in the Asahi shinbun last year on the 100th anniversary of the publication of the Tono monogatari (legends of Tono), a seminal work in the history of Japanese folklore.
The piece opened with an account of a fire at an inn in Ninohe, a coastal town in Iwate prefecture. Rumor had it that a child dressed in a red kimono was seen darting form the fire and fleeing to the little shrine behind the inn. People said that it was a zasshiki warashi, a child imp believed to bring good fortune to whatever house the child chose to inhabit.
Stories of zasshiki warashi are found elsewhere in Japanese folklore but they are most common in Iwate and other parts of the northeast. When I lived in Kyoto, I used to watch a long-running animated series on NHK television about Japanese folk tales. When I moved to Tono, I ran into the tales in my neighborhood.
A house in a neighboring hamlet had an old wooden statue of what the family called a Kannon, though all agreed that it looked like a Jizo. About 150 years old, the statue was smooth and polished by age. Its story was one I had seen on the NHK series. Once long ago, in the middle of a busy rice harvest the family ran out of help. Suddenly there appeared from nowhere a little boy who pitched in and worked all day helping to harvest the rice. At the end of the day, the family wanted to thank him for his work but he was nowhere to be found.
When they returned home, however, someone noticed muddy footprints leading up to the house, then into the house, and straight to the parlor. There the people of the house found the wooden statue, which has been revered in their family ever since. I got chills hearing the tale and handling the statue.
Zasshiki warashi were rarely seen except in glimpses. Their laughter, however, was sometimes heard. They were believed to insure the good fortunes of the household. When they left, the households inevitably fell into ruin.
The piece opened with an account of a fire at an inn in Ninohe, a coastal town in Iwate prefecture. Rumor had it that a child dressed in a red kimono was seen darting form the fire and fleeing to the little shrine behind the inn. People said that it was a zasshiki warashi, a child imp believed to bring good fortune to whatever house the child chose to inhabit.
Stories of zasshiki warashi are found elsewhere in Japanese folklore but they are most common in Iwate and other parts of the northeast. When I lived in Kyoto, I used to watch a long-running animated series on NHK television about Japanese folk tales. When I moved to Tono, I ran into the tales in my neighborhood.
A house in a neighboring hamlet had an old wooden statue of what the family called a Kannon, though all agreed that it looked like a Jizo. About 150 years old, the statue was smooth and polished by age. Its story was one I had seen on the NHK series. Once long ago, in the middle of a busy rice harvest the family ran out of help. Suddenly there appeared from nowhere a little boy who pitched in and worked all day helping to harvest the rice. At the end of the day, the family wanted to thank him for his work but he was nowhere to be found.
When they returned home, however, someone noticed muddy footprints leading up to the house, then into the house, and straight to the parlor. There the people of the house found the wooden statue, which has been revered in their family ever since. I got chills hearing the tale and handling the statue.
Zasshiki warashi were rarely seen except in glimpses. Their laughter, however, was sometimes heard. They were believed to insure the good fortunes of the household. When they left, the households inevitably fell into ruin.
Friday, June 17, 2011
4 in 48
The floundering Fish came in Tuesday night for a four-game stand, including a rain make-up, which was played in under 48 hours.
Game 1 on Tuesday night was a tale of two teams. Cole Hamels gave up one run in the first, then dazzled into the eighth, when he left with a tight back. The offense also dazzled, scoring eight of its nine runs on home runs. First there was a two-run shot by Howard in the bottom of the first, all that the Phillies would need. But there was more: two-run homers by Utley and Rollins and two solo homers by Domonic Brown. Five homers in all, including the last one by Brown, which went way into the upper deck. The Phillies won 9-1.
Game 2 on Wednesday afternoon featured a spot start by Kyle Kendrick, who 'did' a Hamels. He gave up one run in the first, then was solid for the next six. Again, the offense, highlighted by a three-run triple by Valdez and a three-run homer by Rollins, sprang to life. The Phillies won 8-1.
Game 3 on Wednesday evening pitted Anibal Sanchez, who had petitioned manager Edwin Rodriguez for match-up against Roy Halladay. Sanchez wanted Halladay, he got him, and he almost beat him, leaving with a 4-2 lead. But the Phillies tied the game in the 9th off closer Leo Nunez and, with two outs and two on, won it in the 10th 5-4. Ruiz's game-winning single was set up by a HPB and a walk. A stunning loss for the Marlins.
Game 4 on Thursday afternoon was pretty much the Cliff Lee show. Lee pitched a complete game two-hit shutout and knocked in the first run of the game with a booming double. The Phillies then tacked on two more runs, including a Howard solo homer. Final score: 3-0. And the sweep was done.
The Fish looked as if they had lost their souls. What is going on with that team? It's scary. Two weeks ago they were one back and in second place in the NL East. They are now 11 and a half games out and in last place.
After the game reliever J.C. Romero was designated for assignment. We shall see where he ends up. Maybe Lehigh Valley?
Brian Gordon, formerly of the 'Pigs, was effective in his debut with the Yankees. The feel-good story will continue for him next week in Cincinnati. Go, Gordon!
Game 1 on Tuesday night was a tale of two teams. Cole Hamels gave up one run in the first, then dazzled into the eighth, when he left with a tight back. The offense also dazzled, scoring eight of its nine runs on home runs. First there was a two-run shot by Howard in the bottom of the first, all that the Phillies would need. But there was more: two-run homers by Utley and Rollins and two solo homers by Domonic Brown. Five homers in all, including the last one by Brown, which went way into the upper deck. The Phillies won 9-1.
Game 2 on Wednesday afternoon featured a spot start by Kyle Kendrick, who 'did' a Hamels. He gave up one run in the first, then was solid for the next six. Again, the offense, highlighted by a three-run triple by Valdez and a three-run homer by Rollins, sprang to life. The Phillies won 8-1.
Game 3 on Wednesday evening pitted Anibal Sanchez, who had petitioned manager Edwin Rodriguez for match-up against Roy Halladay. Sanchez wanted Halladay, he got him, and he almost beat him, leaving with a 4-2 lead. But the Phillies tied the game in the 9th off closer Leo Nunez and, with two outs and two on, won it in the 10th 5-4. Ruiz's game-winning single was set up by a HPB and a walk. A stunning loss for the Marlins.
Game 4 on Thursday afternoon was pretty much the Cliff Lee show. Lee pitched a complete game two-hit shutout and knocked in the first run of the game with a booming double. The Phillies then tacked on two more runs, including a Howard solo homer. Final score: 3-0. And the sweep was done.
The Fish looked as if they had lost their souls. What is going on with that team? It's scary. Two weeks ago they were one back and in second place in the NL East. They are now 11 and a half games out and in last place.
After the game reliever J.C. Romero was designated for assignment. We shall see where he ends up. Maybe Lehigh Valley?
Brian Gordon, formerly of the 'Pigs, was effective in his debut with the Yankees. The feel-good story will continue for him next week in Cincinnati. Go, Gordon!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
ryne sandberg takes the 'pigs to cooperstown
It's an off-day for the IronPigs, who finished off the recent home stand last night with a win over the Louisville Bats. Today is a lovely late spring day and the 'Pigs are headed to Cooperstown with Ryne Sandberg, their Hall of Fame manager. I don't know whose idea this was but it's marvelous. Wish I were there!
After touring the hall with Sandberg, the team will head for Pawtucket, Rhode Island, for a set with the PawSox. There the road will get tougher for the first-place 'Pigs as they will be without Brian Gordon, a mainstay of the rotation this season, and may be losing Vance Worley, their top pitching prospect, as well, should he be called back to Philadelphia to pitch on Saturday in Seattle.
After touring the hall with Sandberg, the team will head for Pawtucket, Rhode Island, for a set with the PawSox. There the road will get tougher for the first-place 'Pigs as they will be without Brian Gordon, a mainstay of the rotation this season, and may be losing Vance Worley, their top pitching prospect, as well, should he be called back to Philadelphia to pitch on Saturday in Seattle.
brian gordon to start at yankee stadium
I first heard the news yesterday afternoon that RHP Brian Gordon of the IronPigs had signed a major league deal with the NY Yankees. He will reportedly start for the pitching-strapped Yankees on Thursday in New York against the Texas Rangers.
What a wonderful day it must have been for Gordon, a career minor-leaguer who joined the Diamondbacks' organization in 1997 as an outfielder. What a day, too, for his wife and three kids. In 2007, still in the minors, Gordon made the switch to pitching, eventually earning a call-up to the Rangers, for whom he pitched in just three innings of relief.
Last year he signed with the IronPigs. As a starter this year, Gordon went 5-0 in nine starts, with a 1.23 ERA. He struck out 53 while walking just five in 51.1 innings of work. His overall ERA of 1.23 with the IronPigs was the best in the International League. He was also the first IronPig pitcher to homer in a game.
For Thursday to happen, the Phillies had to release the 32-year-old Gordon, which they did. All the best to Brian Gordon, who took another chance in the minors and made the most of it.
What a wonderful day it must have been for Gordon, a career minor-leaguer who joined the Diamondbacks' organization in 1997 as an outfielder. What a day, too, for his wife and three kids. In 2007, still in the minors, Gordon made the switch to pitching, eventually earning a call-up to the Rangers, for whom he pitched in just three innings of relief.
Last year he signed with the IronPigs. As a starter this year, Gordon went 5-0 in nine starts, with a 1.23 ERA. He struck out 53 while walking just five in 51.1 innings of work. His overall ERA of 1.23 with the IronPigs was the best in the International League. He was also the first IronPig pitcher to homer in a game.
For Thursday to happen, the Phillies had to release the 32-year-old Gordon, which they did. All the best to Brian Gordon, who took another chance in the minors and made the most of it.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
"we're gonna get swinging, baby"
Seven runs, 14 hits, and 16 LOB. Ryan Madson's laughing response to that in the postgame interview: "We're gonna get swinging, baby." Madson was in for the ninth to get some needed work in what was a much-needed 7-3 Phillie win. And with that the four-game losing streak is over.
Today's game went much too long but a win is a win, especially for Roy Halladay, who goes to 8-3. He also walked, singled, and scored a run. Raul Ibanez hit the 1,000th RBI of his career. Both Valdez, in for Rollins, and Utley made spectacular defensive plays. Ryan Howard had three RBI and Domonic Brown just missed getting several. The weirdest Brown miss was a surefire hit up the middle with the bases loaded. However, the ball clipped the 2nd-base umpire, positioned in the infield, and was ruled dead. If the ball had hit the umpire in the outfield, it would have been a fair ball. Who knew? Who knew, too, that 2nd-base NL umpires traditionally have positioned themselves in the infield and Al umps in the outfield.
The attendance for the three-game set was the fourth-largest in PNC Park history. The other three came in the first year's of the park's history.
Today's game went much too long but a win is a win, especially for Roy Halladay, who goes to 8-3. He also walked, singled, and scored a run. Raul Ibanez hit the 1,000th RBI of his career. Both Valdez, in for Rollins, and Utley made spectacular defensive plays. Ryan Howard had three RBI and Domonic Brown just missed getting several. The weirdest Brown miss was a surefire hit up the middle with the bases loaded. However, the ball clipped the 2nd-base umpire, positioned in the infield, and was ruled dead. If the ball had hit the umpire in the outfield, it would have been a fair ball. Who knew? Who knew, too, that 2nd-base NL umpires traditionally have positioned themselves in the infield and Al umps in the outfield.
The attendance for the three-game set was the fourth-largest in PNC Park history. The other three came in the first year's of the park's history.
rollins injured
In the first inning of last night's game in Pittsburgh, Jimmy Rollins hit a foul ball off his right knee and had to beg out in the third. I pretty much gave up on the game at that point. Charlie Morton of the Pirates did his best Roy Halladay imitation and the Phillies put on their usual PNC Park performance, in front of the largest-ever crowd in the history of the park. Credit the crowd to a combination of a large influx of Philadelphia fans and postgame fireworks. The Phillies lost 6-3, with the bases loaded in the ninth. Salvage time today with the 'real deal' on the mound. Rollins is out and, for now, day-to-day.I saw the sweet sign above at an intersection yesterday on my way to the Mennonite food store in Dryville. Even in miniature, there's something about a turquoise vintage car.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
conspicuously absent
Cole Hamels threw eight innings of one-hit ball, but was undone by an unfocused sixth, allowing the Pirates to tie the game 1-1 without benefit of a hit. The Pirates won in the 12th, when Danys Baez gave up a go-ahead single to Jose Tabata. The Phillies had just six hits in 12 innings; two were from Cole Hamels and two from Jimmy Rollins. Other starters were conspicuous by their absence. The Pirates had just five hits. All hits in the game were singles. Gosh.
At least Hamels did not get tagged with another hard-luck loss.
At least Hamels did not get tagged with another hard-luck loss.
Friday, June 3, 2011
together at last
Shane Victorino is activated from the DL and will be in the line-up tonight in Pittsburgh. That means that the starting line envisaged in spring training will be on the field together for the first time this year. Last year the regular starting line-up played together for maybe 15 games all season. Let's hope that will not be the case moving forward this year.
To make room for Victorino on the roster, John Mayberry, Jr. was optioned to Triple-A. No doubt there is a continuing hue and cry in the blogosphere about the move, where people are as exercised over Michael Martinez, this year's Rule 5 player, as they were last season about David Herndon, another Rule 5 guy. But really, Mayberry has not exactly seized the day, something we who watch him in Lehigh Valley keep waiting for him to do. Back in Triple-A, he will get another shot at that---and at hitting right-handed pitchers.
Martinez, a spark plug in spring training, has appeared sparingly during the season. For the time being, his Rule 5 status keeps him safe. So does the need for an extra back-up utility infielder.
To make room for Victorino on the roster, John Mayberry, Jr. was optioned to Triple-A. No doubt there is a continuing hue and cry in the blogosphere about the move, where people are as exercised over Michael Martinez, this year's Rule 5 player, as they were last season about David Herndon, another Rule 5 guy. But really, Mayberry has not exactly seized the day, something we who watch him in Lehigh Valley keep waiting for him to do. Back in Triple-A, he will get another shot at that---and at hitting right-handed pitchers.
Martinez, a spark plug in spring training, has appeared sparingly during the season. For the time being, his Rule 5 status keeps him safe. So does the need for an extra back-up utility infielder.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
nixed
Layne Nix's solo home run in the third was the difference in today's 2-1 loss to the Nationals, the first time in 14 tries that John Lannan has beat the Phillies. Nix also made the defensive play of the game, a great full-out catch that kept the Phillies from no doubt taking the lead. The limp, listless, lifeless offense mustered five hits in all. Yawn. Roy Oswalt was tagged with the loss.
It's now off to Pittsburgh for a three-game series that starts Friday night. Is this already the start of the annual June swoon?
It's now off to Pittsburgh for a three-game series that starts Friday night. Is this already the start of the annual June swoon?
'hit in the crystals'
Jason Marquis was good, Cliff Lee was not, the bullpen was largely suspect, and the Phillies lost to the Nationals down in D.C. 10-2. The only offense for the Phillies came in the fifth via back-to-back homers by Domonic Brown and John Mayberry, Jr. For Brown, now hitting .333, it was his first of the year. In the bottom of the eighth, Carlos Ruiz got, as Charlie Manuel put it, 'hit in the crystals'.
Young second baseman Danny Espinosa, who homered off Roy Halladay in Monday's game, homered twice off of Lee. Those knocks were pretty much the story of the game.
Young second baseman Danny Espinosa, who homered off Roy Halladay in Monday's game, homered twice off of Lee. Those knocks were pretty much the story of the game.
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