***OFFICIAL Philadelphia Phillies 2010 Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Jaysus]

Going to the WS parade was probably the greatest experience of my life as a sports fan.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Going to the WS parade was probably the greatest experience of my life as a sports fan.

I was at Broad and Spruce. It was great.

 

[Billy Bats]

Oswalt to start Friday night against the Nationals. Nice.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Oswalt to start Friday night against the Nationals. Nice.

Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels...Oh my!

 

[Please See Mine]

Do the Phillies have the best front 3 in baseball now?

Certainly STL is in the running, though it depends on how much you trust Garcia. Yanks and Rays would be up there, but I'm not sure that I would switch with anyone right now.

 

[Please See Mine]

It's amazing how much better Joe Blanton looks when he is the number 4 behind these 3 guys.

 

[JerseyEagles]

It's amazing how much better Joe Blanton looks when he is the number 4 behind these 3 guys.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Do the Phillies have the best front 3 in baseball now?

Certainly STL is in the running, though it depends on how much you trust Garcia. Yanks and Rays would be up there, but I'm not sure that I would switch with anyone right now.

I don't think there is any question about that. The question is will the bullpen blow it for them in the playoffs?

 

[crewmember]

Nice trade, but I wish Ruben would just shut up. On mlb network talking about having pitcher under their terms for the next year. They traded for Lee last year and had him under control for the next year and now didn't like it because he wasn't signed for 2011. Well yea, the last year of someone's contract is eventually going to happen. I don't think I want Oswalt 2 years from now, so by Ruben's logic they trade Oswalt this offseason. It also ignores the fact that they risk not making the playoffs this year because they had no upper tier pitcher to go with halladay and hamels. He's acting like this was the plan all along. Give me a break.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Nice trade, but I wish Ruben would just shut up. On mlb network talking about having pitcher under their terms for the next year. They traded for Lee last year and had him under control for the next year and now didn't like it because he wasn't signed for 2011. Well yea, the last year of someone's contract is eventually going to happen. I don't think I want Oswalt 2 years from now, so by Ruben's logic they trade Oswalt this offseason. It also ignores the fact that they risk not making the playoffs this year because they had no upper tier pitcher to go with halladay and hamels. He's acting like this was the plan all along. Give me a break.

Injuries changed the offseason plan, which I believe would have worked.

 

[crewmember]

Nice trade, but I wish Ruben would just shut up. On mlb network talking about having pitcher under their terms for the next year. They traded for Lee last year and had him under control for the next year and now didn't like it because he wasn't signed for 2011. Well yea, the last year of someone's contract is eventually going to happen. I don't think I want Oswalt 2 years from now, so by Ruben's logic they trade Oswalt this offseason. It also ignores the fact that they risk not making the playoffs this year because they had no upper tier pitcher to go with halladay and hamels. He's acting like this was the plan all along. Give me a break.

Injuries changed the offseason plan, which I believe would have worked.

What plan is that? When the World Series without Cliff Lee just because they are that damn good. Stupid plan if you ask me. Injuries happen.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Nice trade, but I wish Ruben would just shut up. On mlb network talking about having pitcher under their terms for the next year. They traded for Lee last year and had him under control for the next year and now didn't like it because he wasn't signed for 2011. Well yea, the last year of someone's contract is eventually going to happen. I don't think I want Oswalt 2 years from now, so by Ruben's logic they trade Oswalt this offseason. It also ignores the fact that they risk not making the playoffs this year because they had no upper tier pitcher to go with halladay and hamels. He's acting like this was the plan all along. Give me a break.

Injuries changed the offseason plan, which I believe would have worked.

What plan is that? When the World Series without Cliff Lee just because they are that damn good. Stupid plan if you ask me. Injuries happen.

Hindsight is 20/20 but the opening day roster here is where the Phillies stood.The 2009 Phillies won 93 games, the NL East and the NL Pennant with the exact same team EXCEPTThey added 35 starts from Roy Halladay, the best pitcher in baseball. UPGRADE from the previous season. They upgraded their bench. UPGRADE from the previous season.They came with the exact same bullpen minus Chan Ho Park and Clay Condrey but added Contreras and Baez. NEUTRAL move from the previous season.Every other major piece was the same.The opening day team was good enough to win the NL East. Unfortunately, the opening day starting lineup has played a total of 6 games together (6-0 in those games averaging 7 runs a game).EDIT: Agree injuries happen but losing Rollins for 58 games, Utley for 29 so far, Polanco for 27. Madson missing 2 months, Blanton missing 6 starts. Happ missing 18 starts. Victorino now out. Moyer now out. A lesser team would be 10+ games out.

 

[Please See Mine]

wow, Phillies now have the 2nd and 3rd leading Active ERA starters (min. 1000 IP).

 

[crewmember]

Nice trade, but I wish Ruben would just shut up. On mlb network talking about having pitcher under their terms for the next year. They traded for Lee last year and had him under control for the next year and now didn't like it because he wasn't signed for 2011. Well yea, the last year of someone's contract is eventually going to happen. I don't think I want Oswalt 2 years from now, so by Ruben's logic they trade Oswalt this offseason. It also ignores the fact that they risk not making the playoffs this year because they had no upper tier pitcher to go with halladay and hamels. He's acting like this was the plan all along. Give me a break.

Injuries changed the offseason plan, which I believe would have worked.

What plan is that? When the World Series without Cliff Lee just because they are that damn good. Stupid plan if you ask me. Injuries happen.

Hindsight is 20/20 but the opening day roster here is where the Phillies stood.The 2009 Phillies won 93 games, the NL East and the NL Pennant with the exact same team EXCEPT

They added 35 starts from Roy Halladay, the best pitcher in baseball. UPGRADE from the previous season.

They upgraded their bench. UPGRADE from the previous season.

They came with the exact same bullpen minus Chan Ho Park and Clay Condrey but added Contreras and Baez. NEUTRAL move from the previous season.

Every other major piece was the same.

The opening day team was good enough to win the NL East. Unfortunately, the opening day starting lineup has played a total of 6 games together (6-0 in those games averaging 7 runs a game).

EDIT: Agree injuries happen but losing Rollins for 58 games, Utley for 29 so far, Polanco for 27. Madson missing 2 months, Blanton missing 6 starts. Happ missing 18 starts. Victorino now out. Moyer now out. A lesser team would be 10+ games out.

It didn't take hindsight, just a little common sense. Lee cost the Phils 8 million when he is really worth about 30million plus. Trading him away for a couple prospects when you have an aging ball club at its peak and a great chance for a championship is not a good move. Also, the Phils lost the world series last year and had a great chance to up their chances, instead they made a lateral move.I wish Ruben would just admit they made a mistake. He insults our intelligence with his lies. I am happy we got Oswalt but when he comes on tv and talks about Lee only having 1 year left on his deal(which his new spin since they got Oswalt) or they needed to restock the system I want to go through my tv and strangle him.

 

[Billy Bats]

Nice trade, but I wish Ruben would just shut up. On mlb network talking about having pitcher under their terms for the next year. They traded for Lee last year and had him under control for the next year and now didn't like it because he wasn't signed for 2011. Well yea, the last year of someone's contract is eventually going to happen. I don't think I want Oswalt 2 years from now, so by Ruben's logic they trade Oswalt this offseason. It also ignores the fact that they risk not making the playoffs this year because they had no upper tier pitcher to go with halladay and hamels. He's acting like this was the plan all along. Give me a break.

Amaro also has an option for Oswalt for 2012. The bottom line is he felt he had zero chance at resigning Lee, so they traded for guaranteed 3 years of Halladay instead. Right or wrong in our minds, Halladay and Lee in the same rotation was never an option in their eyes. We never would've traded for Halladay if we signed Lee to an extension. Does anyone understand that?

 

[crewmember]

Nice trade, but I wish Ruben would just shut up. On mlb network talking about having pitcher under their terms for the next year. They traded for Lee last year and had him under control for the next year and now didn't like it because he wasn't signed for 2011. Well yea, the last year of someone's contract is eventually going to happen. I don't think I want Oswalt 2 years from now, so by Ruben's logic they trade Oswalt this offseason. It also ignores the fact that they risk not making the playoffs this year because they had no upper tier pitcher to go with halladay and hamels. He's acting like this was the plan all along. Give me a break.

Amaro also has an option for Oswalt for 2012. The bottom line is he felt he had zero chance at resigning Lee, so they traded for guaranteed 3 years of Halladay instead. Right or wrong in our minds, Halladay and Lee in the same rotation was never an option in their eyes. We never would've traded for Halladay if we signed Lee to an extension. Does anyone understand that?

I heard Ruben say the other day that it was an option but they wanted prospects in the system and it wasn't a money decision. I think they have been caught in lies about resigning Lee also, I understand they would rather have Halladay and I don't have a problem with that but resiging Lee isn't the longshot they have made it out to be. Hell I heard Cliff Lee would still like to come back here next year. As for the 2012 option I think that is essentialy a buy out for 3 million, does anyone expect them to pay Oswalt big bucks 3 years from now?As far as the last point, I don't understand what your saying. They didn't need a Lee extension, they could have had both for this year then Cliff and the Phillies could have parted ways, each with their 2011 world series rings.

 

[crewmember]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/stor...&id=5421538

good article about the deal. Warning- espn video autoplay

 

[Billy Bats]

Nice trade, but I wish Ruben would just shut up. On mlb network talking about having pitcher under their terms for the next year. They traded for Lee last year and had him under control for the next year and now didn't like it because he wasn't signed for 2011. Well yea, the last year of someone's contract is eventually going to happen. I don't think I want Oswalt 2 years from now, so by Ruben's logic they trade Oswalt this offseason. It also ignores the fact that they risk not making the playoffs this year because they had no upper tier pitcher to go with halladay and hamels. He's acting like this was the plan all along. Give me a break.

Amaro also has an option for Oswalt for 2012. The bottom line is he felt he had zero chance at resigning Lee, so they traded for guaranteed 3 years of Halladay instead. Right or wrong in our minds, Halladay and Lee in the same rotation was never an option in their eyes. We never would've traded for Halladay if we signed Lee to an extension. Does anyone understand that?

As far as the last point, I don't understand what your saying. They didn't need a Lee extension, they could have had both for this year then Cliff and the Phillies could have parted ways, each with their 2011 world series rings.

Here's what I think happened. They don't like to sign pitchers to longer than 3 year contracts, it's been an organization philosphy forever. At the time the Phils approaced Lee about extending him, they got the impression he wanted to test the market, or get a 6 year contract at CC type money. That soured them on Lee immediately. They then turned their attention to back to Halladay, figuring they were close during the season let's see if we can get him now. Along with adding more salary they were going to unload even more prospects, and their best ones for Halladay. So they decided if we can get Halladay, we have to trade Lee to replenish the farm and cut salary. I don't think having them both was ever an option in their minds. They stated it was solely because of depleting the farm system, but it was also because of the money. I believe if they extended Lee they never would've looked to trade for Halladay. But you'll say they gave Joe Blanton 8 million, when they could've had Lee for 9. True, but it goes back to control, like Amaro brought up again today with Oswalt. For whatever reason, they want/like having pitchers under control, but for no more than 3 years usually. See Halladay's extension. At the time they chose 3 years of Halladay/Blanton over 1 year of Lee/Blanton OR only 1 year of Halladay/Lee and no Blanton.

And they got a questionable return for Lee because they were forced to deal him asap with the Halladay deal happening. Knowing they wouldn't keep both, they couldn't let Halladay and Lee stay on the roster for even a day because that would've caused an even bigger uproar amongst the fans. So they took the best offer they could for Lee in order to get the Halladay deal done.

Trust me, I'm not defending what they did, just trying to understand how/what they were thinking when it all went down. I could be crazy and way off base, but I think that's how it happened to an extent.

 

[The Goat]

Something I started thinking about today...

Cliff Lee has now been on four teams in just over a year. I understand that he's one of the best pitchers in baseball right now, but why hasn't ANY of those four teams signed him to an extension?

 

[fred_1_15301]

Something I started thinking about today...Cliff Lee has now been on four teams in just over a year. I understand that he's one of the best pitchers in baseball right now, but why hasn't ANY of those four teams signed him to an extension?

If you don't wanna have to worry about a bullpen, go with Lee. Seriously this guy is disgustingly good. I'm pretty sure he'll be on team # 5 (*cough cough yankees*) after this year.........

 

[Snotbubbles]

Nice trade, but I wish Ruben would just shut up. On mlb network talking about having pitcher under their terms for the next year. They traded for Lee last year and had him under control for the next year and now didn't like it because he wasn't signed for 2011. Well yea, the last year of someone's contract is eventually going to happen. I don't think I want Oswalt 2 years from now, so by Ruben's logic they trade Oswalt this offseason. It also ignores the fact that they risk not making the playoffs this year because they had no upper tier pitcher to go with halladay and hamels. He's acting like this was the plan all along. Give me a break.

Injuries changed the offseason plan, which I believe would have worked.

What plan is that? When the World Series without Cliff Lee just because they are that damn good. Stupid plan if you ask me. Injuries happen.

Hindsight is 20/20 but the opening day roster here is where the Phillies stood.The 2009 Phillies won 93 games, the NL East and the NL Pennant with the exact same team EXCEPT

They added 35 starts from Roy Halladay, the best pitcher in baseball. UPGRADE from the previous season.

They upgraded their bench. UPGRADE from the previous season.

They came with the exact same bullpen minus Chan Ho Park and Clay Condrey but added Contreras and Baez. NEUTRAL move from the previous season.

Every other major piece was the same.

The opening day team was good enough to win the NL East. Unfortunately, the opening day starting lineup has played a total of 6 games together (6-0 in those games averaging 7 runs a game).

EDIT: Agree injuries happen but losing Rollins for 58 games, Utley for 29 so far, Polanco for 27. Madson missing 2 months, Blanton missing 6 starts. Happ missing 18 starts. Victorino now out. Moyer now out. A lesser team would be 10+ games out.

It didn't take hindsight, just a little common sense. Lee cost the Phils 8 million when he is really worth about 30million plus. Trading him away for a couple prospects when you have an aging ball club at its peak and a great chance for a championship is not a good move. Also, the Phils lost the world series last year and had a great chance to up their chances, instead they made a lateral move.I wish Ruben would just admit they made a mistake. He insults our intelligence with his lies. I am happy we got Oswalt but when he comes on tv and talks about Lee only having 1 year left on his deal(which his new spin since they got Oswalt) or they needed to restock the system I want to go through my tv and strangle him.

I don't disagree, I would rather have Halladay and Lee. But the point you are not considering is that the Phillies have a payroll set at $140M. Rube is not going over that. 9M doesn't seem like a lot of money when someone else is paying it. The Phillies ownership, doesn't want to pay it. Having Lee and Halladay for 18M was never an option because together, they cost too much money. If we were the Yankees and money were no object, then I guarantee we'd still have Cliff Lee. However, it's still a business and the owners don't want to lose money, plain and simple.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Something I started thinking about today...Cliff Lee has now been on four teams in just over a year. I understand that he's one of the best pitchers in baseball right now, but why hasn't ANY of those four teams signed him to an extension?

If you don't wanna have to worry about a bullpen, go with Lee. Seriously this guy is disgustingly good. I'm pretty sure he'll be on team # 5 (*cough cough yankees*) after this year.........

If you're Cliff Lee, do you want to sign the only big contract you are going to get without having the Yankees throw in an offer? If the Phillies or the Mariners or the Rangers offer 20M a year for 6 years, doesn't it make sense to wait and see if the Yankees make you an offer you can't refuse. When there's a player they want and there's competition for him they usually pay a couple million more a year to make sure they get their guy.

 

[crewmember]

I don't disagree, I would rather have Halladay and Lee. But the point you are not considering is that the Phillies have a payroll set at $140M. Rube is not going over that. 9M doesn't seem like a lot of money when someone else is paying it. The Phillies ownership, doesn't want to pay it. Having Lee and Halladay for 18M was never an option because together, they cost too much money. If we were the Yankees and money were no object, then I guarantee we'd still have Cliff Lee. However, it's still a business and the owners don't want to lose money, plain and simple.

Well if thats the case then Ruben goes on TV and lies everyday, proving my point on why he boils my blood. I still think they could have fit him in 140 million if they got creative, like 4xchamp mentioned with trading away Blanton. I would have gave a team Blanton for nothing in a heartbeat, the fact that they may be trying to save a few pennies in the next couple years for a very average pitcher is a sin. They could have paid off some of ibanez's contract to ship him elsewhere. I would have taken Francisco and Lee over Ibanez and no Lee. If they couldn't fit in Lee to the Budget then it's Ruben's fault for not being creative enough and all the stupid deals. Moyer makes around 8 million himself and what 10 or 12 for Ibanez. If he can't fit in Lee's 9mil into 140 million payroll then it's his own fault. Other GMs said they never got the chance to give a better package for Lee this offseason, that is embarassing.

 

[Please See Mine]

I don't disagree, I would rather have Halladay and Lee. But the point you are not considering is that the Phillies have a payroll set at $140M. Rube is not going over that. 9M doesn't seem like a lot of money when someone else is paying it. The Phillies ownership, doesn't want to pay it. Having Lee and Halladay for 18M was never an option because together, they cost too much money. If we were the Yankees and money were no object, then I guarantee we'd still have Cliff Lee. However, it's still a business and the owners don't want to lose money, plain and simple.

Well if thats the case then Ruben goes on TV and lies everyday, proving my point on why he boils my blood. I still think they could have fit him in 140 million if they got creative, like 4xchamp mentioned with trading away Blanton. I would have gave a team Blanton for nothing in a heartbeat, the fact that they may be trying to save a few pennies in the next couple years for a very average pitcher is a sin. They could have paid off some of ibanez's contract to ship him elsewhere. I would have taken Francisco and Lee over Ibanez and no Lee. If they couldn't fit in Lee to the Budget then it's Ruben's fault for not being creative enough and all the stupid deals. Moyer makes around 8 million himself and what 10 or 12 for Ibanez. If he can't fit in Lee's 9mil into 140 million payroll then it's his own fault. Other GMs said they never got the chance to give a better package for Lee this offseason, that is embarassing.

He said today on 610 that Lee had nothing to do with budget. He said that it had to do with control of the pitchers/contracts. He also claimed that they are paying out more than they are taking in.

 

[crewmember]

I don't disagree, I would rather have Halladay and Lee. But the point you are not considering is that the Phillies have a payroll set at $140M. Rube is not going over that. 9M doesn't seem like a lot of money when someone else is paying it. The Phillies ownership, doesn't want to pay it. Having Lee and Halladay for 18M was never an option because together, they cost too much money. If we were the Yankees and money were no object, then I guarantee we'd still have Cliff Lee. However, it's still a business and the owners don't want to lose money, plain and simple.

Well if thats the case then Ruben goes on TV and lies everyday, proving my point on why he boils my blood. I still think they could have fit him in 140 million if they got creative, like 4xchamp mentioned with trading away Blanton. I would have gave a team Blanton for nothing in a heartbeat, the fact that they may be trying to save a few pennies in the next couple years for a very average pitcher is a sin. They could have paid off some of ibanez's contract to ship him elsewhere. I would have taken Francisco and Lee over Ibanez and no Lee. If they couldn't fit in Lee to the Budget then it's Ruben's fault for not being creative enough and all the stupid deals. Moyer makes around 8 million himself and what 10 or 12 for Ibanez. If he can't fit in Lee's 9mil into 140 million payroll then it's his own fault. Other GMs said they never got the chance to give a better package for Lee this offseason, that is embarassing.

He said today on 610 that Lee had nothing to do with budget. He said that it had to do with control of the pitchers/contracts. He also claimed that they are paying out more than they are taking in.

This is what I heard yesterday. But his story has changed, before this trade it was about the farm system and now since they got Oswalt its about "control". Which like I said before doesn't make any sense because when they had Lee they had him in control for a year and half. The phillies will most likely buyout Oswalt for 3m in 012. So more or less its the same length as Lee when they got him. Are they gonna trade Oswalt after this year because they don't have "control" for much longer, doubt it. They traded Lee and they didn't have "control" of any pitcher for half a season. Trying to follow Ruben's sense of logic, really does give me an anyeursm.

 

[Billy Bats]

I don't disagree, I would rather have Halladay and Lee. But the point you are not considering is that the Phillies have a payroll set at $140M. Rube is not going over that. 9M doesn't seem like a lot of money when someone else is paying it. The Phillies ownership, doesn't want to pay it. Having Lee and Halladay for 18M was never an option because together, they cost too much money. If we were the Yankees and money were no object, then I guarantee we'd still have Cliff Lee. However, it's still a business and the owners don't want to lose money, plain and simple.

Well if thats the case then Ruben goes on TV and lies everyday, proving my point on why he boils my blood. I still think they could have fit him in 140 million if they got creative, like 4xchamp mentioned with trading away Blanton. I would have gave a team Blanton for nothing in a heartbeat, the fact that they may be trying to save a few pennies in the next couple years for a very average pitcher is a sin. They could have paid off some of ibanez's contract to ship him elsewhere. I would have taken Francisco and Lee over Ibanez and no Lee. If they couldn't fit in Lee to the Budget then it's Ruben's fault for not being creative enough and all the stupid deals. Moyer makes around 8 million himself and what 10 or 12 for Ibanez. If he can't fit in Lee's 9mil into 140 million payroll then it's his own fault. Other GMs said they never got the chance to give a better package for Lee this offseason, that is embarassing.

He said today on 610 that Lee had nothing to do with budget. He said that it had to do with control of the pitchers/contracts. He also claimed that they are paying out more than they are taking in.

He'll never admit to trading Lee because of money, if it wasn't the main factor, it had something to do with it. And he's probably not lying about paying out more than they're taking in, depending on what figures he can quote you. But I can guarantee you, after all is said and done, and all revenues are in, they are not in the red down there at the "bank".

On the lineup side of things, Rollins back in the lineup tonight.

 

[Darth Cheney]

I don't disagree, I would rather have Halladay and Lee. But the point you are not considering is that the Phillies have a payroll set at $140M. Rube is not going over that. 9M doesn't seem like a lot of money when someone else is paying it. The Phillies ownership, doesn't want to pay it. Having Lee and Halladay for 18M was never an option because together, they cost too much money. If we were the Yankees and money were no object, then I guarantee we'd still have Cliff Lee. However, it's still a business and the owners don't want to lose money, plain and simple.

Well if thats the case then Ruben goes on TV and lies everyday, proving my point on why he boils my blood. I still think they could have fit him in 140 million if they got creative, like 4xchamp mentioned with trading away Blanton. I would have gave a team Blanton for nothing in a heartbeat, the fact that they may be trying to save a few pennies in the next couple years for a very average pitcher is a sin. They could have paid off some of ibanez's contract to ship him elsewhere. I would have taken Francisco and Lee over Ibanez and no Lee. If they couldn't fit in Lee to the Budget then it's Ruben's fault for not being creative enough and all the stupid deals. Moyer makes around 8 million himself and what 10 or 12 for Ibanez. If he can't fit in Lee's 9mil into 140 million payroll then it's his own fault. Other GMs said they never got the chance to give a better package for Lee this offseason, that is embarassing.

He said today on 610 that Lee had nothing to do with budget. He said that it had to do with control of the pitchers/contracts. He also claimed that they are paying out more than they are taking in.

He'll never admit to trading Lee because of money, if it wasn't the main factor, it had something to do with it. And he's probably not lying about paying out more than they're taking in, depending on what figures he can quote you. But I can guarantee you, after all is said and done, and all revenues are in, they are not in the red down there at the "bank".

On the lineup side of things, Rollins back in the lineup tonight.

I think they are pushing it. People on 610 (particularly Gargano) were saying it at the beginning of the year....that if they did not make the playoffs...they'd be losing money this year. Ruben realized he has a window with the nucleus of Howard, Utley, Ruiz,Rollins and Hamels...realized that he needed a big time pitcher and understood that Lee wasn't going to sign an extension and wasn't going to give a hometown discount. After that...it was all about the prospects he got....which I don't think he did a good job. I'm sure that if he could have it all over again...he'd go back, trade for Halladay and keep Lee for the year. He's just not going to admit it.

 

[Lehigh98]

Ugh

 

[fred_1_15301]

Round 1 goes to Happ...........

 

[Please See Mine]

Ugh

x2

 

[crewmember]

2 years of Lidge sucking, can we move on?

 

[Billy Bats]

2 years of Lidge sucking, can we move on?

To what? There isnt a closer on the roster. Good job to get Oswalt but Amaro failed to help the most troubling part of this team. Starting pitching means nothing if your bullpen cant close it out. We managed to get by last year, I dont think we can pull it off two years in a row.

 

[crewmember]

2 years of Lidge sucking, can we move on?

To what? There isnt a closer on the roster. Good job to get Oswalt but Amaro failed to help the most troubling part of this team. Starting pitching means nothing if your bullpen cant close it out. We managed to get by last year, I dont think we can pull it off two years in a row.

To anyone. I am sick of the idea that no one else can close just because they never have. Plus you have nothing to lose if Lidge is blowing games. Put Contereras in there, Durbin, or Madsen. And if they blow one don't just automatically go back to Lidge. Get someone in the minors, or off waivers. You are right, someone like Octavio Dotel would have been nice.

 

[JZilla]

Man, that Ryan Howard ankle turn wasn't pretty

 

[Limp Ditka]

Man, that Ryan Howard ankle turn wasn't pretty

That what?

 

[Billy Bats]

2 years of Lidge sucking, can we move on?

To what? There isnt a closer on the roster. Good job to get Oswalt but Amaro failed to help the most troubling part of this team. Starting pitching means nothing if your bullpen cant close it out. We managed to get by last year, I dont think we can pull it off two years in a row.

To anyone. I am sick of the idea that no one else can close just because they never have. Plus you have nothing to lose if Lidge is blowing games. Put Contereras in there, Durbin, or Madsen. And if they blow one don't just automatically go back to Lidge. Get someone in the minors, or off waivers. You are right, someone like Octavio Dotel would have been nice.

I agree, but the only one I would try is Contreras. Madson has proven he cant handle it, and im not sure I trust anyone else on the roster. But it cant be any woree than Lidge right now.

 

[crewmember]

Good inning today, not sure if that is good news or not. I remember last year I was sort of hoping he would do bad so we didn't rely on him in the playoffs. Seems like one good outing and they think he is back in 08 form. Seems impossible Charlie will stop going with him, so I guess we just have to root for the best.

Braves lose, and Giants are a good reason to watch Sunday night baseball.

 

[Billy Bats]

Good inning today, not sure if that is good news or not. I remember last year I was sort of hoping he would do bad so we didn't rely on him in the playoffs. Seems like one good outing and they think he is back in 08 form. Seems impossible Charlie will stop going with him, so I guess we just have to root for the best.Braves lose, and Giants are a good reason to watch Sunday night baseball.

Way too inconsistant. But like you said, he's Chollie's man so we'll have to deal. Hopefully he gets something going, maybe we should complain about him everyday?! And to think we have another year of this.....

 

[belljr]

I know all teams have guys hurt but the Phils are walking wounded here, I can't believe they are still hanging around to be honest.

 

[derek245583]

I know all teams have guys hurt but the Phils are walking wounded here, I can't believe they are still hanging around to be honest.

They have a GREAT top end of the rotation...that hides a lot of flaws/injuries.

 

[Billy Bats]

According to reports Howard looking to go on the 15 day DL. Nothin but speculation right now but it doesnt sound good.

Cant wait to see tonights lineup. Will Amaro try and add a player??

 

[JaxBill]

Ryan Howard To Miss Marlins SeriesRyan Howard said on Tuesday afternoon he expects to be out of the Phillies lineup between four and 10 days.Howard was examined in Philadelphia and then was flying back to Miami to rejoin the Phillies. The Phillies play the Mets and the Dodgers in Philadelphia after the Marlins series in Miami.Howard was sent back from Florida on Monday for more tests on his injured left ankle.Howard was in Miami with the Phillies as they begin a three-game series against the Marlins in Florida.He was examined by Dr. Michael Ciccotti, the team's director of medical services and head team physician.Howard and manager Charlie Manuel initially thought the all-star player would be back on the field in several days.Howard suffered the injury in the first inning of Sunday's win over Washington, as he appeared to turn the ankle while trying to get back to second base after over-rounding it.He was helped to the dugout by Manuel and a team trainer, and was later diagnosed with a sprain.

 

[JaxBill]

Well the first 2 games of the Marlins series has shown what happens when a team full of backup position players with good pitching and fundamentally sound baseball goes up against a team willing to throw the ball around and beat themselves. Phils have done a good job getting the runs in from third with sacrifices.

Maybe Werth gets himself back on track after that broken bat single last night.

 

[Please See Mine]

Well the first 2 games of the Marlins series has shown what happens when a team full of backup position players with good pitching and fundamentally sound baseball goes up against a team willing to throw the ball around and beat themselves. Phils have done a good job getting the runs in from third with sacrifices. Maybe Werth gets himself back on track after that broken bat single last night.

back on track? he was 21 for his last 49 coming into this series.

 

[JaxBill]

Well the first 2 games of the Marlins series has shown what happens when a team full of backup position players with good pitching and fundamentally sound baseball goes up against a team willing to throw the ball around and beat themselves. Phils have done a good job getting the runs in from third with sacrifices. Maybe Werth gets himself back on track after that broken bat single last night.

back on track? he was 21 for his last 49 coming into this series.

It's not just that he was 0 for 9 in the series before that but he had SEVEN K's.

 

[crewmember]

Can't argue Werth's numbers. I think its because it seems like he fails everytime with a runner on 3rd less then 2 outs latley.

Bases Empty 102 209 10 67 19 1 9 9 23 61 0 0 .321 .391 .550 .941

Runners On 97 158 54 40 17 0 6 47 33 47 7 1 .253 .374 .475 .849

RISP 87 94 48 14 4 0 3 35 26 35 2 0 .149 .326 .287 .613

RISP w/2 Outs 56 50 17 5 2 0 3 16 17 24 0 0 .100 .338 .320 .658

Bases Loaded 16 10 4 3 2 0 0 10 2 2 0 0 .300 .429 .500 .929

This would explain why people think he is having a bad year, when he is having a good year.

 

[crewmember]

Love San Fran and Atlanta in a 4 game series this weekend, Phils take care of buisness and they will be right there.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Can't argue Werth's numbers. I think its because it seems like he fails everytime with a runner on 3rd less then 2 outs latley.

Bases Empty 102 209 10 67 19 1 9 9 23 61 0 0 .321 .391 .550 .941

Runners On 97 158 54 40 17 0 6 47 33 47 7 1 .253 .374 .475 .849

RISP 87 94 48 14 4 0 3 35 26 35 2 0 .149 .326 .287 .613

RISP w/2 Outs 56 50 17 5 2 0 3 16 17 24 0 0 .100 .338 .320 .658

Bases Loaded 16 10 4 3 2 0 0 10 2 2 0 0 .300 .429 .500 .929

This would explain why people think he is having a bad year, when he is having a good year.

Your 5 hole hitter can't bat .149 with RISP. That's almost like hitting a 2 run HR in the 9th when you're down 11-1. Looks good on the stat sheet, but they are just empty numbers. Your 5 hole hitter has to protect your 4 hole hitter and make teams pay if they want to pitch around Howard. He's not doing that.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Love San Fran and Atlanta in a 4 game series this weekend, Phils take care of buisness and they will be right there.

Not only that but the Braves have to face Lincecum, Cain, Zito and Sanchez. And if the pitching matchups hold, when San Fran comes to Philly, we will miss Lincecum.

 

[JaxBill]

So you go up against a closer who has nothing left and you get 3 people thrown out on the basepaths. Nice.