Before you get too excited, the Phillies will not be trading Joe Blanton to the Toronto Blue Jays for Roy Halladay. However, that does not mean that the Phillies couldn't use Blanton to try to acquire Halladay.
Recent reports have indicated that the Phillies are open to the possibility of trading Blanton. These seems odd as the Phillies' only needs are pitching (since they signed Placido Polanco to play third base and addressed their bench needs by signing Juan Castro, Brian Schneider and Ross Gload). The back end of the Phillies' starting rotation is already uncertain, so trading Blanton would create an unnecessary hole. It would seem odd for the Phillies to trade Blanton for another pitcher. Blanton is going to be due an arbitration raise on his $5.5 million salary this year, but certainly the Phillies can afford that raise. So with so no non-pitching needs and an affordable salary, why are the Phillies considering trading Joe Blanton?
Perhaps, the Phillies are looking to obtain prospects. The Phillies are in anything but a rebuilding mode right now but they could flip some of these prospects to Toronto in a trade to acquire Halladay while keeping their farm system in tact. Trading Blanton would also allow the Phillies to free payroll space to afford Halladay's $15 million salary in 2010.
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Showing posts with label joe blanton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joe blanton. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Year End Wrap-Up
Well, that was tough to take. It was very evident that the Philadelphia Phillies did not play their best baseball in the World Series while the New York Yankees looked pretty damn good. Despite all of the attention that Brad Lidge and his perfect season received last year, this series showed how easy it is to take the end of a game for granted when a game is virtually over after seven or eight innings. Anyway, let's give out some season end awards for the Phillies and take a quick look at each individual Phillie's season and what could be in store for the future.
PHILLIES' ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: J.A. Happ
There's no doubt about this award as Happ is a favorite to win the National League Rookie of the Year as well. The 26-year-old left-hander's 2.93 ERA ranked eighth in the National League to go along with an impressive won-loss record of 12-4. No other rookie on the Phillies had close to this much of an impact on the team.
STEVE CARLTON AWARD: Joe Blanton
Blanton's 12-8 record with a 4.05 ERA may not be as good as Happ's numbers but Blanton wins the Steve Carlton Award because of the stretch of games from May 26th through September 5th. During this time period, Blanton was by far the team's most consistent starter. In these 18 appearances, Blanton failed to record a quality start only once, went at least five innings in every outing and logged a 2.59 ERA to go along with a 7-3 record. Blanton's ability to pitch lots of quality innings in this time period decreased the Phillies' reliance on a much maligned bullpen and minimized the number of starts needed from struggling starters such as Rodrigo Lopez, Antonio Bastardo and Jamie Moyer.
MOST VALUABLE PHILLIE: Chase Utley
A number of players could have won this award, including, but Utley has had the best all-around season. His .282 batting average and 31 home runs may not seem that impressive compared to the rest of the team, but Utley led the team with a .397 on-base percentage, which was especially important as he hit in front of mashers Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez in the lineup. This contributed to Utley's team leading 112 runs, which was also the third best total in the National League. An argument for Shane Victorino to win this award could be based on his speed but Utley only stole two fewer bases than Victorino this year and, while Victorino was caught stealing eight times, Utley was not even caught once. Lastly, not only does Utley play a tough defensive position, he was the best fielder on the team, according to Fangraphs.
ADAM EATON AWARD: Brad Lidge
This is another very easy award to give as the numbers speak for themselves. Compare Lidge's excellent 2008 season to his, well not so excellent, 2009 season:
2008-72 games, 69 1/3 innings, 50 H (6.5/9 inn), 1.23 WHIP, 17 R (15 ER), 2-0, 1.95 ERA, 92 K, 42/42 SV
2009-67 games, 58 2/3 innings, 72 H (11.0/9 inn), 1.81 WHIP 51 R (47 ER), 0-8, 7.21 ERA, 61 K, 31/42 SV
LEAST VALUABLE PHILLIE: Lidge
See the commentary for the Adam Eaton award.
Lastly, I'll end with a blurb for each of the member of the Phillies' 40-man roster, reflecting on their 2009 season and what is in store for 2010:
Paul Bako-I will probably never fully warm up to you because you replaced Chris Coste as backup catcher but I don't really have anything against you personally. If you decide to play another season, I have no problem with you trying to earn the backup catcher's spot again.
Antonio Bastardo-You showed some impressive flashes this season. You still need to improve your pitching if you want to be a Major League starter. Hopefully, you will be back with the Phillies soon.
Joe Blanton-You were the Phillies' most consistent pitcher this year and I look forward to seeing what you are able to do in your contract year in 2010.
Eric Bruntlett-Even the 25th man on the roster should be able to hit a little bit. You're due a raise in arbitration from your $800,000 salary and I don't think you'll be worth it and should be non-tendered. Thanks for the unassisted triple play, Eric.
Miguel Cairo-I suppose the quality of your play is slightly above Bruntlett's. If you're willing to accept another 1 year, $500,000 contract, I'd welcome you back, if not, we can find your level of (lack of) production elsewhere.
Drew Carpenter-I haven't seen much promise from you yet and I doubt that you have a future in the Major Leagues. I guess you're okay as the guy who gets called up from AAA for a few days a year when the bullpen is worn out or the Phillies need a spot starter.
Clay Condrey-You got shoved out of the way during the postseason but I like what you've been able to do for the team the past two years and hope you can continue your strong play in 2010.
Greg Dobbs-2009 was a disappointment but I'm still happy with you as a left-handed option off of the bench. If the Phillies exercise Feliz's option, I'd be comfortable giving you some more starts next season.
Chad Durbin-The first half of 2008 was probably a fluke, but I think you're still good enough to keep a spot on the team for next year, if you are able to lower your walk rate as 6.1 walks per nine innings is unacceptable.
Sergio Escalona-I like your enthusiasm and think that you'll be a decent relief pitcher someday. You deserve a shot at making the Major League roster next year, especially if Scott Eyre retires.
Scott Eyre-If you choose to come back next year, I would welcome you back with open arms. You've done a tremendous job filling in as the top left-handed option in the bullpen with J.C. Romero suspended and injured for much of the season. You also are also a great clubhouse presence.
Pedro Feliz-Pete Happy, you represent one of the most difficult decisions for the Phillies this offseason. I've already covered your option for next year and I think it's going to be a close call as your offensive and defensive skills are on the decline. If the Phillies can't get anyone better in the offseason, then you should be back next year, otherwise, good luck in your hunt to land a starting job for next season, Pedro.
Ben Francisco-Well, my gut feeling that you would have a big postseason did not come to fruition, but I still think you are a very good fourth outfielder and will play an important role on the 2010 squad.
Cole Hamels-I was comparing your peripheral statistics the other day between 2008 and 2009 and noticed that they were eerily similar. You probably won't post a 3.09 ERA again but I suspect that you will return to ace form again. A lot of good, young pitchers (Justin Verlander, Jake Peavy) have had off years in their age 25 season and I suspect that you are no different.
J.A. Happ-As I stated earlier, you've had a fantastic season, possibly worthy of an NL Rookie of the Year award. I think the Phillies should reward you for your great season with a trade. Your peripheral numbers (such as a .270 BABIP and a whopping 85.2% of runners leyour great year and affordability, the Phillies should look to see what they can get for you in the trade market.
Paul Hoover-You aren't good enough to be on a Major League team but I don't think I've ever seen somebody not on the roster get so excited over playoff wins. Congratulations on having the last hit (a walkoff RBI single) of the Phillies' 2009 regular season.
Ryan Howard-You had another good year and I'm looking forward to seeing another 40+ home run, 130+ RBI season in 2010. However, when your contract is up after the 2012 season, I hope the Phillies let you move on rather than overpay to keep an aging slugger.
Raul Ibanez-That was certainly a great first season in Philadelphia, Rauuuuuul! Hopefully, 2010 and 2011 can be just as successful.
Kyle Kendrick-After the 2008 season I thought you were a lost cause but you didn't look too bad in 2009. Keep working on your pitches and I think you at least deserve a shot at being the #5 pitcher on the 2010 team.
Cliff Lee-I have no reason to believe that you can't be win the NL Cy Young Award in 2010. The Phillies have talked about giving you a contract extension this offseason but I don't think that's necessary given how cheap your option ($9 million) is for next year.
Brad Lidge-Well, this year was a disaster. Perhaps you are the type of player who just needs a change of scenery every couple of years (you experience similar trouble near the end of your Houston Astros career). Perhaps the Phillies will be able to match up with another team and engage in a "bad contract swap" and you will get a third chance to prove yourself.
Ryan Madson-You had another fine season although you did struggle at times in save opportunities in the ninth inning. I think you deserve an extended look in the ninth inning to see if you can be next year's "closer" (barring a comeback season by Lidge or the acquisition of another closer).
Pedro Martinez-Last night's game was certainly not the way you wanted to end your Hall of Fame career. It was fun while it lasted but I'm not confident you will be able to perform at a high level for an entire season. Don't call us, we'll call you if we need your services at some point in 2010.
John Mayberry-I wasn't very impressed by your call-up when you filled in for the injured Ibanez. You appear to be a AAAA-level player. Hopefully, you can improve your hitting so you can succeed as a pinch hitter or as a fourth outfielder somewhere.
Jamie Moyer-It was a somewhat rough season for you but I do think you are still a good enough pitcher and you deserve a chance to be the #5 starter next year. Best of luck recovering from your offseason surgery.
Brett Myers-I've gotten used to your bizarre and often childish behavior (as demonstrated here, here, here and here), but you may be someone else's problem next year as you are a free agent. Whether or not you are back in Philadelphia may depend if you attempt to be a starter or a reliever next year. Despite your tumultuous tenure in Philadelphia, you have expressed an interest in returning and you do seem to fit in very well with your teammates.
Drew Naylor-You will be 24 next season and have not yet made it above single-A ball. It might be time to start thinking about life after baseball.
Chan Ho Park-I thought it was foolish to put you in the starting rotation, but after you were sent to the bullpen you emerged as the team's best reliever. You're a free agent this offseason, and I certainly wouldn't have a problem bringing you back in 2010.
Steven Register-Who?
Jimmy Rollins-You've experienced your third straight season of decline and at your age it may not be the last season of the slide. While it may be wise to trade you while you still have some val ue, I don't think it would be a good move to get rid of the team's leader who plays an important position defensively.
J.C. Romero-Injuries and a suspension made this a frustrating season for you but you still have a lot of talent and I look forward to watching you have a great season in 2010.
Carlos Ruiz-You're not going to confuse anyone with Ivan Rodriguez but you do a fine job for a #8 hitter and the pitchers and management seem to like the way you call games.
Matt Stairs-Your home run in the 2008 National League Championship Series will not be forgotten but a second-half of 2009 line of .070/.245/.186 makes me think that your career might be over. If you try to hang around for another year, I certainly wish you luck but I hope it is with a team outside of the Phillies.
Jack Taschner-Happy Jack, you are a class act but a borderline Major League pitcher. I hope you get the chance to make a Major League team next year either in Philadelphia or elsewhere.
Andy Tracy-As long as you want to continue living the Minor League lifestyle for five months of the year (and the Major League lifestyle for one with a September call-up), I'm fine with it.
Chase Utley-You are going to be one of the best players in baseball history never to win an MVP award. Keep up your level of production for a few more years, and we will be talking about you as a Hall of Fame second baseman.
Shane Victorino-You had another great year Shane, keep it up for 2010 and beyond!
Tyler Walker-You were a pleasant surprise for the bullpen and depending on what happens with Myers, Park and Lidge there might be room for you to get another crack at making the team in 2010.
Mike Zagurski-Injuries have derailed your career but hopefully you will get another chance at making the Major League roster soon after having a decent year at AA Reading.
Read more!
PHILLIES' ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: J.A. Happ
There's no doubt about this award as Happ is a favorite to win the National League Rookie of the Year as well. The 26-year-old left-hander's 2.93 ERA ranked eighth in the National League to go along with an impressive won-loss record of 12-4. No other rookie on the Phillies had close to this much of an impact on the team.
STEVE CARLTON AWARD: Joe Blanton
Blanton's 12-8 record with a 4.05 ERA may not be as good as Happ's numbers but Blanton wins the Steve Carlton Award because of the stretch of games from May 26th through September 5th. During this time period, Blanton was by far the team's most consistent starter. In these 18 appearances, Blanton failed to record a quality start only once, went at least five innings in every outing and logged a 2.59 ERA to go along with a 7-3 record. Blanton's ability to pitch lots of quality innings in this time period decreased the Phillies' reliance on a much maligned bullpen and minimized the number of starts needed from struggling starters such as Rodrigo Lopez, Antonio Bastardo and Jamie Moyer.
MOST VALUABLE PHILLIE: Chase Utley
A number of players could have won this award, including, but Utley has had the best all-around season. His .282 batting average and 31 home runs may not seem that impressive compared to the rest of the team, but Utley led the team with a .397 on-base percentage, which was especially important as he hit in front of mashers Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez in the lineup. This contributed to Utley's team leading 112 runs, which was also the third best total in the National League. An argument for Shane Victorino to win this award could be based on his speed but Utley only stole two fewer bases than Victorino this year and, while Victorino was caught stealing eight times, Utley was not even caught once. Lastly, not only does Utley play a tough defensive position, he was the best fielder on the team, according to Fangraphs.
ADAM EATON AWARD: Brad Lidge
This is another very easy award to give as the numbers speak for themselves. Compare Lidge's excellent 2008 season to his, well not so excellent, 2009 season:
2008-72 games, 69 1/3 innings, 50 H (6.5/9 inn), 1.23 WHIP, 17 R (15 ER), 2-0, 1.95 ERA, 92 K, 42/42 SV
2009-67 games, 58 2/3 innings, 72 H (11.0/9 inn), 1.81 WHIP 51 R (47 ER), 0-8, 7.21 ERA, 61 K, 31/42 SV
LEAST VALUABLE PHILLIE: Lidge
See the commentary for the Adam Eaton award.
Lastly, I'll end with a blurb for each of the member of the Phillies' 40-man roster, reflecting on their 2009 season and what is in store for 2010:
Paul Bako-I will probably never fully warm up to you because you replaced Chris Coste as backup catcher but I don't really have anything against you personally. If you decide to play another season, I have no problem with you trying to earn the backup catcher's spot again.
Antonio Bastardo-You showed some impressive flashes this season. You still need to improve your pitching if you want to be a Major League starter. Hopefully, you will be back with the Phillies soon.
Joe Blanton-You were the Phillies' most consistent pitcher this year and I look forward to seeing what you are able to do in your contract year in 2010.
Eric Bruntlett-Even the 25th man on the roster should be able to hit a little bit. You're due a raise in arbitration from your $800,000 salary and I don't think you'll be worth it and should be non-tendered. Thanks for the unassisted triple play, Eric.
Miguel Cairo-I suppose the quality of your play is slightly above Bruntlett's. If you're willing to accept another 1 year, $500,000 contract, I'd welcome you back, if not, we can find your level of (lack of) production elsewhere.
Drew Carpenter-I haven't seen much promise from you yet and I doubt that you have a future in the Major Leagues. I guess you're okay as the guy who gets called up from AAA for a few days a year when the bullpen is worn out or the Phillies need a spot starter.
Clay Condrey-You got shoved out of the way during the postseason but I like what you've been able to do for the team the past two years and hope you can continue your strong play in 2010.
Greg Dobbs-2009 was a disappointment but I'm still happy with you as a left-handed option off of the bench. If the Phillies exercise Feliz's option, I'd be comfortable giving you some more starts next season.
Chad Durbin-The first half of 2008 was probably a fluke, but I think you're still good enough to keep a spot on the team for next year, if you are able to lower your walk rate as 6.1 walks per nine innings is unacceptable.
Sergio Escalona-I like your enthusiasm and think that you'll be a decent relief pitcher someday. You deserve a shot at making the Major League roster next year, especially if Scott Eyre retires.
Scott Eyre-If you choose to come back next year, I would welcome you back with open arms. You've done a tremendous job filling in as the top left-handed option in the bullpen with J.C. Romero suspended and injured for much of the season. You also are also a great clubhouse presence.
Pedro Feliz-Pete Happy, you represent one of the most difficult decisions for the Phillies this offseason. I've already covered your option for next year and I think it's going to be a close call as your offensive and defensive skills are on the decline. If the Phillies can't get anyone better in the offseason, then you should be back next year, otherwise, good luck in your hunt to land a starting job for next season, Pedro.
Ben Francisco-Well, my gut feeling that you would have a big postseason did not come to fruition, but I still think you are a very good fourth outfielder and will play an important role on the 2010 squad.
Cole Hamels-I was comparing your peripheral statistics the other day between 2008 and 2009 and noticed that they were eerily similar. You probably won't post a 3.09 ERA again but I suspect that you will return to ace form again. A lot of good, young pitchers (Justin Verlander, Jake Peavy) have had off years in their age 25 season and I suspect that you are no different.
J.A. Happ-As I stated earlier, you've had a fantastic season, possibly worthy of an NL Rookie of the Year award. I think the Phillies should reward you for your great season with a trade. Your peripheral numbers (such as a .270 BABIP and a whopping 85.2% of runners leyour great year and affordability, the Phillies should look to see what they can get for you in the trade market.
Paul Hoover-You aren't good enough to be on a Major League team but I don't think I've ever seen somebody not on the roster get so excited over playoff wins. Congratulations on having the last hit (a walkoff RBI single) of the Phillies' 2009 regular season.
Ryan Howard-You had another good year and I'm looking forward to seeing another 40+ home run, 130+ RBI season in 2010. However, when your contract is up after the 2012 season, I hope the Phillies let you move on rather than overpay to keep an aging slugger.
Raul Ibanez-That was certainly a great first season in Philadelphia, Rauuuuuul! Hopefully, 2010 and 2011 can be just as successful.
Kyle Kendrick-After the 2008 season I thought you were a lost cause but you didn't look too bad in 2009. Keep working on your pitches and I think you at least deserve a shot at being the #5 pitcher on the 2010 team.
Cliff Lee-I have no reason to believe that you can't be win the NL Cy Young Award in 2010. The Phillies have talked about giving you a contract extension this offseason but I don't think that's necessary given how cheap your option ($9 million) is for next year.
Brad Lidge-Well, this year was a disaster. Perhaps you are the type of player who just needs a change of scenery every couple of years (you experience similar trouble near the end of your Houston Astros career). Perhaps the Phillies will be able to match up with another team and engage in a "bad contract swap" and you will get a third chance to prove yourself.
Ryan Madson-You had another fine season although you did struggle at times in save opportunities in the ninth inning. I think you deserve an extended look in the ninth inning to see if you can be next year's "closer" (barring a comeback season by Lidge or the acquisition of another closer).
Pedro Martinez-Last night's game was certainly not the way you wanted to end your Hall of Fame career. It was fun while it lasted but I'm not confident you will be able to perform at a high level for an entire season. Don't call us, we'll call you if we need your services at some point in 2010.
John Mayberry-I wasn't very impressed by your call-up when you filled in for the injured Ibanez. You appear to be a AAAA-level player. Hopefully, you can improve your hitting so you can succeed as a pinch hitter or as a fourth outfielder somewhere.
Jamie Moyer-It was a somewhat rough season for you but I do think you are still a good enough pitcher and you deserve a chance to be the #5 starter next year. Best of luck recovering from your offseason surgery.
Brett Myers-I've gotten used to your bizarre and often childish behavior (as demonstrated here, here, here and here), but you may be someone else's problem next year as you are a free agent. Whether or not you are back in Philadelphia may depend if you attempt to be a starter or a reliever next year. Despite your tumultuous tenure in Philadelphia, you have expressed an interest in returning and you do seem to fit in very well with your teammates.
Drew Naylor-You will be 24 next season and have not yet made it above single-A ball. It might be time to start thinking about life after baseball.
Chan Ho Park-I thought it was foolish to put you in the starting rotation, but after you were sent to the bullpen you emerged as the team's best reliever. You're a free agent this offseason, and I certainly wouldn't have a problem bringing you back in 2010.
Steven Register-Who?
Jimmy Rollins-You've experienced your third straight season of decline and at your age it may not be the last season of the slide. While it may be wise to trade you while you still have some val ue, I don't think it would be a good move to get rid of the team's leader who plays an important position defensively.
J.C. Romero-Injuries and a suspension made this a frustrating season for you but you still have a lot of talent and I look forward to watching you have a great season in 2010.
Carlos Ruiz-You're not going to confuse anyone with Ivan Rodriguez but you do a fine job for a #8 hitter and the pitchers and management seem to like the way you call games.
Matt Stairs-Your home run in the 2008 National League Championship Series will not be forgotten but a second-half of 2009 line of .070/.245/.186 makes me think that your career might be over. If you try to hang around for another year, I certainly wish you luck but I hope it is with a team outside of the Phillies.
Jack Taschner-Happy Jack, you are a class act but a borderline Major League pitcher. I hope you get the chance to make a Major League team next year either in Philadelphia or elsewhere.
Andy Tracy-As long as you want to continue living the Minor League lifestyle for five months of the year (and the Major League lifestyle for one with a September call-up), I'm fine with it.
Chase Utley-You are going to be one of the best players in baseball history never to win an MVP award. Keep up your level of production for a few more years, and we will be talking about you as a Hall of Fame second baseman.
Shane Victorino-You had another great year Shane, keep it up for 2010 and beyond!
Tyler Walker-You were a pleasant surprise for the bullpen and depending on what happens with Myers, Park and Lidge there might be room for you to get another crack at making the team in 2010.
Mike Zagurski-Injuries have derailed your career but hopefully you will get another chance at making the Major League roster soon after having a decent year at AA Reading.
Read more!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
NLCS Preview
There is an old saying that familiarity breeds contempt. If that statement is true, then this should be an ugly National League Championship Series between the Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers. There is already bad blood between the two teams stemming back from last year's NLCS. Moreover, several players have played for both teams including Jayson Werth, Pedro Martinez, Paul Bako, Chan Ho Park, Randy Wolf, Vicente Padilla and Jim Thome.
The Dodgers finished the regular season with the best record in the National League and swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series. However, the Dodgers are only four games over .500 since the All-Star Break. Their offense is full of right-handed hitters such as Manny Ramirez, Matt Kemp, Ronnie Belliard and Casey Blake. Andre Ethier and James Loney are the only left-handed hitters. Their pitching is solid with left-handers Clayton Kershaw and Wolf as well right-handers Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda and Padilla. Their bullpen is anchored by closer Jonathan Broxton.
Game 1 will feature new father Cole Hamels pitching for the Phillies against 21-year-old Kershaw for the Dodgers. Hamels has struggled on the road this year, posting just a 3-6 record with a 4.99 ERA. He also took the loss in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Rockies. However, Hamels has been brilliant against the Dodgers this year posting a 1-0 record in 2 starts with just a 0.56 ERA. Hamels has a 1.12 ERA at Dodger Stadium in his career. Kershaw had a breakout season posting a 2.79 ERA and pitched well against the Cardinals in the NLDS but had just an 8-8 record in the regular season. Kershaw lost both of his appearances against the Phillies this year, but with the exceptions of Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz, the Phillies' batters have not fared that well against Kershaw.
In Game 2, Martinez will oppose Padilla. Martinez has not pitched since September 30 and has logged only seven innings in the last month. He has not faced the Dodgers this season. In his career, Martinez is a 7-7 with a 2.93 ERA at Dodger Stadium. As a team the Dodgers have not fared very well against Martinez, especially Ramirez who has a line of .167/.194/.233 with no home runs in thirty at-bats. Padilla has pitched well for the Dodgers after being released by the Texas Rangers earlier in the season. He also threw seven scoreless innings against the Cardinals in the NLDS. If any of last season's bad feelings between the two teams re-emerges in this season it will probably be started by former Phillie Padilla, who has a reputation for throwing at opposing batters. With the exception of Pedro Feliz, Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz (whom he has never faced), all of the Phillies' batters have at least a .900 career OPS against Padilla, who has not faced his ex-team this season.
Game 3 will feature Cliff Lee versus Kuroda. Lee was absolutely brilliant in the NLDS against the Rockies. However, the Dodgers have had success against Lee in their careers. Notably, Ramirez has a .429/.571/1.071 line against Lee with two home runs in fourteen at-bats against Lee. Kuroda was injured and did not pitch in the NLDS.It makes sense for the Dodgers to pitch Kuroda since he has been an absolute Phillies killer. Kuroda defeated the Phillies in Game 3 of the 2008 NLDS and has an 0.95 ERA against the Phillies in the regular season (although he only has 1 win in 3 starts). Collectively, the Phillies have hit .118/.179/.157 with no home runs in their careers against Kuroda.
The Phillies have not announced whether J.A. Happ or Joe Blanton will start Game 4. Blanton might be the better pick here so Happ can be used in the bullpen to pitch to Loney and Ethier in late innings. Blanton started once against the Dodgers this season, allowing one run in six innings in a no-decision on June 6. The Dodgers will counter with Wolf, who is 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA against the Phillies this season. He also only lasted 3 2/3 innings in a start against the Cardinals in the NLCS. The top and bottom of the order have had success against Wolf as Rollins and Victorino are a combined 6-for-15 with 2 home runs off of Wolf while Feliz and Ruiz are a combined 9-for-23 with 4 home runs. Utley, Howard, Werth and Ibanez are a combined 6-for-37 in the careers off of Wolf.
Other factors to consider:
*Clubhouse leader Brett Myers is not the NLCS roster. He is replaced by Chan Ho Park. Eric Bruntlett also replaced Kyle Kendrick on the roster.
*The Dodgers have not played a baseball game since Sunday.
*Brad Lidge recorded both of his save attempts against in the NLDS but Scott Eyre faced the first four batters in the ninth of Game 4 against the Rockies.
*The Dodgers were 4-3 against the Phillies in the regular season.
*Prediction: Phillies in 6 Read more!
The Dodgers finished the regular season with the best record in the National League and swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series. However, the Dodgers are only four games over .500 since the All-Star Break. Their offense is full of right-handed hitters such as Manny Ramirez, Matt Kemp, Ronnie Belliard and Casey Blake. Andre Ethier and James Loney are the only left-handed hitters. Their pitching is solid with left-handers Clayton Kershaw and Wolf as well right-handers Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda and Padilla. Their bullpen is anchored by closer Jonathan Broxton.
Game 1 will feature new father Cole Hamels pitching for the Phillies against 21-year-old Kershaw for the Dodgers. Hamels has struggled on the road this year, posting just a 3-6 record with a 4.99 ERA. He also took the loss in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Rockies. However, Hamels has been brilliant against the Dodgers this year posting a 1-0 record in 2 starts with just a 0.56 ERA. Hamels has a 1.12 ERA at Dodger Stadium in his career. Kershaw had a breakout season posting a 2.79 ERA and pitched well against the Cardinals in the NLDS but had just an 8-8 record in the regular season. Kershaw lost both of his appearances against the Phillies this year, but with the exceptions of Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz, the Phillies' batters have not fared that well against Kershaw.
In Game 2, Martinez will oppose Padilla. Martinez has not pitched since September 30 and has logged only seven innings in the last month. He has not faced the Dodgers this season. In his career, Martinez is a 7-7 with a 2.93 ERA at Dodger Stadium. As a team the Dodgers have not fared very well against Martinez, especially Ramirez who has a line of .167/.194/.233 with no home runs in thirty at-bats. Padilla has pitched well for the Dodgers after being released by the Texas Rangers earlier in the season. He also threw seven scoreless innings against the Cardinals in the NLDS. If any of last season's bad feelings between the two teams re-emerges in this season it will probably be started by former Phillie Padilla, who has a reputation for throwing at opposing batters. With the exception of Pedro Feliz, Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz (whom he has never faced), all of the Phillies' batters have at least a .900 career OPS against Padilla, who has not faced his ex-team this season.
Game 3 will feature Cliff Lee versus Kuroda. Lee was absolutely brilliant in the NLDS against the Rockies. However, the Dodgers have had success against Lee in their careers. Notably, Ramirez has a .429/.571/1.071 line against Lee with two home runs in fourteen at-bats against Lee. Kuroda was injured and did not pitch in the NLDS.It makes sense for the Dodgers to pitch Kuroda since he has been an absolute Phillies killer. Kuroda defeated the Phillies in Game 3 of the 2008 NLDS and has an 0.95 ERA against the Phillies in the regular season (although he only has 1 win in 3 starts). Collectively, the Phillies have hit .118/.179/.157 with no home runs in their careers against Kuroda.
The Phillies have not announced whether J.A. Happ or Joe Blanton will start Game 4. Blanton might be the better pick here so Happ can be used in the bullpen to pitch to Loney and Ethier in late innings. Blanton started once against the Dodgers this season, allowing one run in six innings in a no-decision on June 6. The Dodgers will counter with Wolf, who is 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA against the Phillies this season. He also only lasted 3 2/3 innings in a start against the Cardinals in the NLCS. The top and bottom of the order have had success against Wolf as Rollins and Victorino are a combined 6-for-15 with 2 home runs off of Wolf while Feliz and Ruiz are a combined 9-for-23 with 4 home runs. Utley, Howard, Werth and Ibanez are a combined 6-for-37 in the careers off of Wolf.
Other factors to consider:
*Clubhouse leader Brett Myers is not the NLCS roster. He is replaced by Chan Ho Park. Eric Bruntlett also replaced Kyle Kendrick on the roster.
*The Dodgers have not played a baseball game since Sunday.
*Brad Lidge recorded both of his save attempts against in the NLDS but Scott Eyre faced the first four batters in the ninth of Game 4 against the Rockies.
*The Dodgers were 4-3 against the Phillies in the regular season.
*Prediction: Phillies in 6 Read more!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Recent slide is not encouraging
The Phillies have not been playing very good baseball recently. The last few games have not technically mattered since the Phillies have clinched the division and have now secured the #2 seed in the National League playoffs and will host the Colorado Rockies in the National League Divisional Series (I will cover the first round matchup in a later post). However, this slump is still problematic for the Phillies.
Since the Phillies clinched the division, they have dropped four straight games. While benchwarmers such as Miguel Cairo and Andy Tracy have been seeing some playing time, most of the regulars are still in the starting lineup. Even though Charlie Manuel has been pulling his starting pitchers early in games, none of the starters has impressed lately. The last time a member of their current starting rotation had a quality start was back on September 22nd when Joe Blanton threw seven shutout innings to beat the Florida Marlins 9-3.
These performances may not make a difference for the standings but teams that have had to coast for awhile have not done well in the playoffs. Last season, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Angels had been assured playoff spots well in advance of the postseason and those two teams managed to win just one playoff game between the two of them. While it is tough to simply turn a team around, the Phillies will be fortunate that the Rockies assured themselves of a playoff spot a few days ago. Read more!
Since the Phillies clinched the division, they have dropped four straight games. While benchwarmers such as Miguel Cairo and Andy Tracy have been seeing some playing time, most of the regulars are still in the starting lineup. Even though Charlie Manuel has been pulling his starting pitchers early in games, none of the starters has impressed lately. The last time a member of their current starting rotation had a quality start was back on September 22nd when Joe Blanton threw seven shutout innings to beat the Florida Marlins 9-3.
These performances may not make a difference for the standings but teams that have had to coast for awhile have not done well in the playoffs. Last season, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Angels had been assured playoff spots well in advance of the postseason and those two teams managed to win just one playoff game between the two of them. While it is tough to simply turn a team around, the Phillies will be fortunate that the Rockies assured themselves of a playoff spot a few days ago. Read more!
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