No Utley, Brown, or Werth? No problem. The Phillies start the season 3-0 following a home sweep against the lowly Astros. The team scored 21 runs over the 3 games, lead by Ryan Howard who hit .538 with a HR and 7 RBIs. The pitching was fantastic in the series, and Cliff Lee didn't disappoint in his return to Philadelphia. The crowd was electric Saturday night for Lee's return. They watched Lee pitch 7 strong innings, surrendering 3 ER and striking out 11.
The fans are giddy thinking about what the 2011 season will hold for the Phils. Expectations and support that may have been subdued following the loss of Werth and injuries to Utley and Brown have been revived following this dominating performance to start the season. While the competition was not good and it's far too early to predict where this season will go, the team could not have started any better. The weekend series at Atlanta, which follows three at home against the Mets, should provide a nice early test for the team.
Yo! You're not logged in. Why am I seeing this ad?
2011 Phillies Season Thread
Started by
bandito0
, Apr 04 2011 07:05 PM
16 replies to this topic
#2
-
-
- 631 posts
Posted 06 April 2011 - 07:42 AM
Cole Hamels did not have a good start last night, only lasting 2 2/3 innings and giving up 6 ER. All of the runs came in the 3rd inning, and Mets pitcher Chris Young had two hits in the inning, including a 2 out RBI single that finally chased Hamels from the game.
In other news of note from last night, Kyle Kendrick pitched 2 1/3 solid innings in relief of Cole on the same day that it was announced that his 2008 World Series Ring was stolen. And the first fan on the field happened yesterday during the middle of the 9th, as a fan came out of the stands and slid headfirst into 2nd base. No tazers required.
In other news of note from last night, Kyle Kendrick pitched 2 1/3 solid innings in relief of Cole on the same day that it was announced that his 2008 World Series Ring was stolen. And the first fan on the field happened yesterday during the middle of the 9th, as a fan came out of the stands and slid headfirst into 2nd base. No tazers required.
#3
-
-
- 631 posts
Posted 12 April 2011 - 05:05 PM
The Phillies went 4-2 last week against two division rivals. They are currently sitting at 7-2, two games clear of the second place Marlins and 3.5 ahead of the Braves. The Phillies once again found plenty of offense to compliment their pitching, and currently hold the second best run differential in the league at +26 (59-33).
Cole Hamels, who I felt would be turn into the joker of the vaunted 4 aces (horrible, I know), pulled his best Dice K imitation last Tuesday against the Mets. He lasted only 2.2 innings, giving up 6 ER on 7 hits, and was booed off the field at Citizens Bank. However, Sunday against the Braves was a much different story. Cole went 7 strong innings, allowing only 4 hits and striking out 8, using only 102 pitches to accomplish this. If the Phils can get consistent solid outings from Hamels in the 4 spot, they are going to be extremely tough to beat regardless of what shape the offense is in.
Cliff Lee took the other loss this week with a terrible outing against the Braves. He gave up 10 hits and allowed 6 runs in 3.1 innings. His ERA is currently at 7.81. Yes, it's early, etc, but his command was shaky on Friday and he didn't look all that comfortable with his fastball. While logic tells me it's an anomaly, one rough start out of what should be 30+, I'm interested to see how he responds Wednesday against Natstown! and old friend Jayson Werth.
In the pen, Antonio Bastardo has become quite the reliever for the Phils. He has a 0.00 ERA on the season over 4.2 innings pitched, and has 9 strikeouts. He's a hard throwing lefty that was up with Phillies as a starter in 2009, and again last season as a reliever. Keep an eye on him, especially as a darkhorse candidate to step in as a closer in the event the ageless Jose Contreras starts to struggle.
Offensivley, Carlos "Chooch" Ruiz had a great week, hitting .438 with a HR and 6 RBI. Shane Victorino hit .500 last week, with a bomb of his own and 2 stolen bases. Even without Utley and Dominic Brown, the Phillies still have the best offense in the NL statistically, leading the league in batting average (.334), on base percentage (.380), and are second in slugging (.484). Will this continue to keep up? I'm not so sure. Ruiz and Ibanez seem like two candidates to start dropping off a bit sometime soon. It all may rest on the shoulders of Ryan Howard soon enough.
This week, the Phils hit the road to play 3 @ Natstown! and then have 3 back home against the Marlins. Tomorrow's game is the ESPN national game, which will feature Roy Halladay pitching for Philadelphia.
Cole Hamels, who I felt would be turn into the joker of the vaunted 4 aces (horrible, I know), pulled his best Dice K imitation last Tuesday against the Mets. He lasted only 2.2 innings, giving up 6 ER on 7 hits, and was booed off the field at Citizens Bank. However, Sunday against the Braves was a much different story. Cole went 7 strong innings, allowing only 4 hits and striking out 8, using only 102 pitches to accomplish this. If the Phils can get consistent solid outings from Hamels in the 4 spot, they are going to be extremely tough to beat regardless of what shape the offense is in.
Cliff Lee took the other loss this week with a terrible outing against the Braves. He gave up 10 hits and allowed 6 runs in 3.1 innings. His ERA is currently at 7.81. Yes, it's early, etc, but his command was shaky on Friday and he didn't look all that comfortable with his fastball. While logic tells me it's an anomaly, one rough start out of what should be 30+, I'm interested to see how he responds Wednesday against Natstown! and old friend Jayson Werth.
In the pen, Antonio Bastardo has become quite the reliever for the Phils. He has a 0.00 ERA on the season over 4.2 innings pitched, and has 9 strikeouts. He's a hard throwing lefty that was up with Phillies as a starter in 2009, and again last season as a reliever. Keep an eye on him, especially as a darkhorse candidate to step in as a closer in the event the ageless Jose Contreras starts to struggle.
Offensivley, Carlos "Chooch" Ruiz had a great week, hitting .438 with a HR and 6 RBI. Shane Victorino hit .500 last week, with a bomb of his own and 2 stolen bases. Even without Utley and Dominic Brown, the Phillies still have the best offense in the NL statistically, leading the league in batting average (.334), on base percentage (.380), and are second in slugging (.484). Will this continue to keep up? I'm not so sure. Ruiz and Ibanez seem like two candidates to start dropping off a bit sometime soon. It all may rest on the shoulders of Ryan Howard soon enough.
This week, the Phils hit the road to play 3 @ Natstown! and then have 3 back home against the Marlins. Tomorrow's game is the ESPN national game, which will feature Roy Halladay pitching for Philadelphia.
#4
-
-
- 631 posts
Posted 19 April 2011 - 08:59 PM
A mini-Phils update:
The Phils took 2 of 3 from Washington and went 1-1 with the rainout against the Marlins last week. They're about to drop the second game of a 3 game home series against the Brewers after losing last night in 12. Halladay gave up 6 earned over 6 1/3 innings tonight. On the other side, old friend Randy Wolf combined with 3 relievers to pitch a 2 hitter. The offense has calmed down a bit, and their run differential, no doubt aided by tonight's lopsided score, is now at +16. Howard, Victorino, and Francisco have all cooled off, hitting under .200 over the last 10 days. This is a cooler stretch for the Phillies right now, but it's not one that is really surprising.
After tomorrow's day game against the Brewers, the Phillies will fly across the country to start a 4 game series against San Diego Thursday night.
The main reason for this post is this little piece of news. Maybe a candidate for Kyle Kendrick's pen spot?
This is kind of interesting. I wonder why they decided to keep it around 40. Maybe in the event of a malfunction or something?
Oh thank goodness. This was concern #1 for me.
SI
The Phils took 2 of 3 from Washington and went 1-1 with the rainout against the Marlins last week. They're about to drop the second game of a 3 game home series against the Brewers after losing last night in 12. Halladay gave up 6 earned over 6 1/3 innings tonight. On the other side, old friend Randy Wolf combined with 3 relievers to pitch a 2 hitter. The offense has calmed down a bit, and their run differential, no doubt aided by tonight's lopsided score, is now at +16. Howard, Victorino, and Francisco have all cooled off, hitting under .200 over the last 10 days. This is a cooler stretch for the Phillies right now, but it's not one that is really surprising.
After tomorrow's day game against the Brewers, the Phillies will fly across the country to start a 4 game series against San Diego Thursday night.
The main reason for this post is this little piece of news. Maybe a candidate for Kyle Kendrick's pen spot?
PhillieBot for Cy Young? It's unlikely.
But the one-armed, three-wheeled robot, designed by engineers at the University of Pennsylvania, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Wednesday's game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers as part of Science Day festivities at Citizens Bank Park, said Evan Lerner, a spokesman for Penn's engineering school.
The ball appeared to be traveling no more than 30 or 40 miles an hour, the Inquirer reported. But that was by design, since the Phillies didn't want the pitch approaching Major League speeds.
This is kind of interesting. I wonder why they decided to keep it around 40. Maybe in the event of a malfunction or something?
The team's head groundskeeper, Mike Boekholder, told the newspaper that he has been assured the machine won't tear up the playing surface.
Oh thank goodness. This was concern #1 for me.
SI
#5
-
-
- 631 posts
Posted 21 April 2011 - 02:57 PM
Booooooooo!!! Of course they did, Phillies fans wouldn't have it any other way.
#6
-
-
- 4,851 posts
Posted 21 April 2011 - 04:55 PM
http://www.youtube.c..._embedded#at=65
Booooooooo!!! Of course they did, Phillies fans wouldn't have it any other way.
They should have thrown batteries.
#7
-
-
- 631 posts
Posted 25 April 2011 - 07:04 PM
Philadelphia has now won 5 in a row, beating the Brewers last Wednesday followed by sweeping the Padres at Petco. Philadelphia pitching has been outstanding during this latest winning streak, giving up 6 total runs. Roy Oswalt pitched 6 innings against the Padres, giving up only 1 hit and striking out seven. Oswalt is 3-0 in his 4 starts this season, with an ERA at 1.88. He's struck out 21 and walked only 6 hitters. The fans love Halladay and Lee and their relationship is so fickle with Hamels that Oswalt's great start has not received enough attention in the area. He's pretty much pitching in anonymity in Philadelphia this season. Oswalt hasn't lost a start for the Phillies since his first start after joining the club at last year's trade deadline.
The bullpen took a hit today, when Jose Contreras was placed on the 15 day DL with a right flexor pronator strain. An MRI may be needed following an examination by a team doctor in Philadelphia. There is no timetable for his return. The new closer for the Phils is none other than Ryan Madson. Madson has not had much success as the team's closer in the past. He's been the first option the last two years when Lidge has gone down, and he was promptly replaced during both stints. It'll be interesting to see if the third time is a charm with him or he just doesn't have the makeup to be a closer. Antonio Bastardo did earn the save in yesterday's game, so he may be an option if Madson falters again.
The Phils stay out West for three at Arizona, and then head home for 3 against the Mets this weekend. Cliff Lee, who starts tonight, will also be pitching against the Mets on Sunday Night Baseball.
The bullpen took a hit today, when Jose Contreras was placed on the 15 day DL with a right flexor pronator strain. An MRI may be needed following an examination by a team doctor in Philadelphia. There is no timetable for his return. The new closer for the Phils is none other than Ryan Madson. Madson has not had much success as the team's closer in the past. He's been the first option the last two years when Lidge has gone down, and he was promptly replaced during both stints. It'll be interesting to see if the third time is a charm with him or he just doesn't have the makeup to be a closer. Antonio Bastardo did earn the save in yesterday's game, so he may be an option if Madson falters again.
The Phils stay out West for three at Arizona, and then head home for 3 against the Mets this weekend. Cliff Lee, who starts tonight, will also be pitching against the Mets on Sunday Night Baseball.
#8
-
-
- 631 posts
Posted 26 April 2011 - 09:05 AM
Quick Utley update:
While there is no definite date for return, I've read some speculation that he may be back around the end of May. This is certainly good news for the team, as Utley's initial thought was returning sometime after the all-star break.
Philly Inquirer
Amaro said he does not have a target date for Chase Utley (chronic knee pain) to begin a rehab assignment. Utley ran, hit, and fielded grounders Monday.
While there is no definite date for return, I've read some speculation that he may be back around the end of May. This is certainly good news for the team, as Utley's initial thought was returning sometime after the all-star break.
Philly Inquirer
#9
-
-
- 631 posts
Posted 27 April 2011 - 12:40 PM
After losing last night's game against the Diamondbacks, in which he gave up 5 runs over 3 innings (sorry for the jinx), Roy Oswalt has left the Phillies for personal reasons. There is no more information about this right now, other than Rotoworld speculating that more information will be available in the next day or two. This is unrelated to Oswalt leaving last night's start after 3 innings, as manager Charlie Manuel was quoted as saying that he left for ineffectiveness.
Stay tuned.
Twitter
Stay tuned.
#10
-
-
- 631 posts
Posted 09 May 2011 - 08:20 AM
Been a little busy as of late, so this thread has been ignored. But here is a quick update:
The Phillies drop 2 of 3 at home against the Braves. They sit at 22-11, 2 clear of the Marlins and 3.5 ahead of the Braves. After returning from home in Mississippi, where he helped to clean up damage left by the tornadoes, Roy Oswalt was scratched from his start Saturday because of his back. Kyle Kendrick started in his place, and pitched 5 solid innings without giving up a run.
Vance Worley was the spot starter who did a great job this week. On Wednesday, he started for Joe Blanton against the Nats, and pitched 6 strong innings, allowing only 1 run while striking out 7. Blanton is back tonight, pitching against the Marlins. but Worley is someone to keep an eye on. He has been great in his two starts for Joe, and if Blanton struggles, it will be interesting to see what the Phillies do.
Chase Utley went 5-7 with 2 home runs in an extended spring training game yesterday. While he is not close to returning, it has to be an encouraging sign to have him hitting the ball with authority and playing in the field every other inning as well.
Carlos Ruiz was moved to the 15 day DL, retroactive to April 28th. This means he should be back this weekend for the Braves series. Brian Schneider will fill in as the starting catcher.
The Phils head to Miami to play the Marlins in a 3 game set, then head to Atlanta this weekend for 3 more against the Braves. The road does not get any easier for Philadelphia. Their next four series after the Braves are 2 @ STL, 2 vs. Colorado, 3 vs. Texas, and 4 vs. the Reds. These next 17 games should provide a better barometer of where this team is at.
The Phillies drop 2 of 3 at home against the Braves. They sit at 22-11, 2 clear of the Marlins and 3.5 ahead of the Braves. After returning from home in Mississippi, where he helped to clean up damage left by the tornadoes, Roy Oswalt was scratched from his start Saturday because of his back. Kyle Kendrick started in his place, and pitched 5 solid innings without giving up a run.
Vance Worley was the spot starter who did a great job this week. On Wednesday, he started for Joe Blanton against the Nats, and pitched 6 strong innings, allowing only 1 run while striking out 7. Blanton is back tonight, pitching against the Marlins. but Worley is someone to keep an eye on. He has been great in his two starts for Joe, and if Blanton struggles, it will be interesting to see what the Phillies do.
Chase Utley went 5-7 with 2 home runs in an extended spring training game yesterday. While he is not close to returning, it has to be an encouraging sign to have him hitting the ball with authority and playing in the field every other inning as well.
Carlos Ruiz was moved to the 15 day DL, retroactive to April 28th. This means he should be back this weekend for the Braves series. Brian Schneider will fill in as the starting catcher.
The Phils head to Miami to play the Marlins in a 3 game set, then head to Atlanta this weekend for 3 more against the Braves. The road does not get any easier for Philadelphia. Their next four series after the Braves are 2 @ STL, 2 vs. Colorado, 3 vs. Texas, and 4 vs. the Reds. These next 17 games should provide a better barometer of where this team is at.
#11
-
-
- 3,687 posts
Posted 10 May 2011 - 12:55 PM
After returning from home in Mississippi, where he helped to clean up damage left by the tornadoes, Roy Oswalt was scratched from his start Saturday because of his back. Kyle Kendrick started in his place, and pitched 5 solid innings without giving up a run.
Out of curiosity, had Oswalt already been suffering from back issues, or is it possible that he injured his back while helping to clean up damage in Mississippi?
#12
-
-
- 631 posts
Posted 16 May 2011 - 07:36 PM
Out of curiosity, had Oswalt already been suffering from back issues, or is it possible that he injured his back while helping to clean up damage in Mississippi?
He complained about it after coming back from a road trip in Arizona a couple of weeks ago, but this is the first time I've heard about it since he was traded to Philadelphia. He is starting tomorrow night at St. Louis.
As for the rest of the team, the Phillies dropped two on this past weekend's trip to Atlanta, but they did take two of three against the Marlins earlier in the week. The offense has been anemic on this road trip, especially in support of Roy Halladay. Halladay pitched two complete games this past week, gave up 4 earned runs, and lost both games. In those two games, the Phillies scored 3 combined runs.
Simply put, this team needs Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz back. Both are starting to get closer, Utley is playing for High A Clearwater and Ruiz just started playing in extended spring training games. But there is still no definite timetable for both of them. Pete Orr, Wilson Valez, and Dane Sardinha are among those who have been starting in their absence.
Help is also on the way in the from of Domonic Brown, but a little later than expected. Brown sprained a ligament in his right thumb yesterday, an injury that will cost him a week. Whether or not he is ready to be the everyday starter when he comes back is debatable, but there is no doubting this kid's talent. I seriously doubt that he will be worse than Ben Francisco (.222/.336/.357, 1 for his last 24).
When all of these players, Oswalt included, come back, the Phillies are going to have some roster decisions to make. Obviously there are some guys that can go, like Orr and Sardinha, but the decision with the OF is going to be interesting. John Mayberry, Jr. has faired pretty well since coming up when Brown got hurt. Over 45 AB, Mayberry's slash is .295/.407/.489. He's also displayed some power(2 HR) and can run a little too (3 SB). The decision is to either option Mayberry back to AAA, or cut Ben Francisco. While Raul Ibanez has looked absolutely cooked in left field, I think he's safe. Ibanez makes $10 million and I doubt the Phillies want to go with two rookie OF at the corners. As much as I think keeping Mayberry is the better move, I have a feeling he'll be back down when Brown returns.
After playing two at the Cardinals to start the week, the Phillies return home to play 2 vs. the Rockies before hosting Texas over the weekend. Halladay-Lee-Oswalt get the starts against the Rangers.
#13
-
-
- 631 posts
Posted 18 May 2011 - 07:48 AM
Oswalt was activated last night and pitched 5 innings and gave up 1 run. The Phillies lost again last night because they could only manage 1 run of their own against Jaime Garcia. Baez and Romero combined to give up the game winning run in the 9th inning.
To make room for Oswalt, Vance Worley, who pitched great in two spot starts and some relief appearances, was optioned back to AAA.
To make room for Oswalt, Vance Worley, who pitched great in two spot starts and some relief appearances, was optioned back to AAA.
#14
-
-
- 631 posts
Posted 23 May 2011 - 09:14 AM
Help is on the way for the Phillies, as Chase Utley will be activated today. The consensus seems to be that Pete Orr will be the one optioned back down, as he has one remaining, while Michael Martinez and Wilson Valdez do not.
Jose Contreras is scheduled to be back on Tuesday.
Vance Worley was brought back up as Joe Blanton was put on the 15 day DL.
Philly.com
Thankfully Utley is on his way back, as the Phillies scored 9 runs in 7 games this week, getting shutout twice. He won't fix the offense himself, but any help is welcome at this point.
4 at home against the Reds, followed by a weekender at the Mets.
Jose Contreras is scheduled to be back on Tuesday.
Vance Worley was brought back up as Joe Blanton was put on the 15 day DL.
Philly.com
Thankfully Utley is on his way back, as the Phillies scored 9 runs in 7 games this week, getting shutout twice. He won't fix the offense himself, but any help is welcome at this point.
4 at home against the Reds, followed by a weekender at the Mets.
Edited by bandito0, 23 May 2011 - 09:15 AM.
#15
-
-
- 631 posts
Posted 24 May 2011 - 08:44 AM
Nothing to do with the big club, but Philadelphia's Florida State League team in Clearwater lost a 2-1 game in 23 innings to Jupiter, who are affiliated with the Marlins.
ESPN
A minor league game in the Class-A Florida State League lasted 23 innings Monday night before the Jupiter Hammerheads finally beat the Clearwater Threshers 2-1.
With one out in the bottom of the 23rd, Jose Duarte singled home Jaime Ortiz with the winning run to end it after 5 hours, 37 minutes. Ortiz had singled off losing pitcher Justin Friend, who entered to start the 23rd.
Clearwater put two players on the mound who began the game batting fourth and fifth, respectively. First baseman Darin Ruf pitched scoreless ball in the 21st and 22nd innings after designated hitter Joe Savery tossed a pair of shutout innings.
ESPN
#16
-
-
- 192 posts
Posted 24 September 2011 - 07:18 PM
R.A. Dickey flirts with no-hitter as Mets hand Phillies 7th straight loss
Quietly, the presumed best team in the majors, has gone into a fairly substantial slump. Of course there is some player resting going on, but they definitely aren't finishing hard going into the playoffs. Its covered mostly by their completely dominant season til now, and the very early clinch in the weak NL East.
1 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users
