Results tagged ‘ All-Star ’
Home Run Derby 2009
The St. Louis crowd loves Ryan Howard. But when Albert Pujols made his entrance, the fans officially went nuts. Both sluggers were favorites to win the 2009 Home Run Derby; Pujols playing for the Cardinals and Howard, a St. Louis native, both had a lot of support going into the contest.
The first round results, which put Pujols into a swing-off with Joe Mauer and Carlos Pena, ended with both Pujols and Howard making the second round along with Prince Fielder and Nelson Cruz. Pujols ended round #2 with 11 total homers and Howard wound up hitting 15. Cruz stepped in for his turn and out-did Howard by just one home run for 16 total. Howard’s last hope was that Fielder, the final batter in round 2, would not surpass his 15 homers. Sadly for Phillies fans, Fielder wound up hitting 17, knocking Howard out of the contest. Ryan seemed relieved though, as exhaustion set in and he was likely happy to be done.
It was a nice effort all around, although not as exciting as last year’s derby where Josh Hamilton put on a show that will probably never been repeated. Hamilton hit 28 homers in the first round, many of which disappeared from sight in old Yankee Stadium. Although he went on to take 2nd place to Justin Morneau, those of us who witnessed the amazing display of power and grace will not soon forget it. I had a feeling this year’s derby would pale in comparison, but how could it not?
But the derby is always an entertaining event that I look forward to seeing every year. And the 2009 champion is Prince Fielder, who hit 6 in the final round to Cruz’s 5. Congrats to Fielder!
Tune in for the All-Star Game tomorrow night at 8pm on FOX. Tim Lincecum will start for the NL and Roy Halladay for the AL. As for your Phillies, Chase Utley gets the start at 2nd, Raul Ibanez in left and Shane Victorino in center. Howard and Jayson Werth will be available on the bench.
My predictions for the game are as follows:
- The NL will finally break the curse of 11 straight AL wins (plus 1 tie) and win the game!
- Chase Utley will look FABULOUS, even if he strikes out multiple time. I guarantee it.
- Tim Lincecum will be asked by at least 15 fans if he is the teenage son of one of the other players.
- St. Louis fans will chant “RAUUUUUUL!” even if they do not know why they are doing it.
- The broadcasters for FOX will screw up simple facts at an approximate rate of 2.3 times per inning.
- The FOX broadcast will also be boring, redundant and completely void of any redeeming value…sorry to have to break it to you. But, enjoy the game…with the volume turned down :O)
Photos by Jenn
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*
Phillies Sweep With A Slam
It has been a slamming first half for the Phillies who today, hit their 7th Grand Slam of 2009. Three went to Ryan Howard and then one a piece to Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez, and today, Pedro Feliz. 
Howard had a chance at a slam early in the 1st inning this afternoon, but hit a sac fly instead. But then Feliz came to bat later that same inning and took care of the salami for him. The five runs in that inning were the only offense of the day for the Phils, but that was all they needed to sweep this 3-game series with the Pirates.
Today’s 5-2 win made this a 9-1 home stand for the Phillies who had struggled most of the year at home. It also marked the 3rd most wins during any home stand in history for the Phillies. The pitching and offense finally worked together; sprinkle in some great defense, like the three double plays turned today, and things are looking very bright for this team going into the break.
And as usual, JA Happ did an outstanding job on the mound. Happ went 7 innings and allowed just one run. There have been many rumors lately about Happ being involved in a possible trade for Roy Halladay, but it seems like it would be a foolish move to make. Happ has been the most consistent starter since he was handed the job and he is unwavering on the mound when under pressure. We would all like to see Halladay in Philly, but losing Happ is too steep a price.
So the All-Star break is now upon us. Here is a rundown of the major events in St. Louis:
Monday, 7/13:
Home Run Derby featuring the Phillies’ Ryan Howard and Workout Day. The Derby begins at 7pm.
Tuesday, 7/14:
Red Carpet Parade, 2pm
80th All-Star Game, 7pm
After that, the Phillies will have just one day off (Wednesday) and have to return to play a day earlier than all but one other team, the Florida Marlins. Due to an NFL scheduling conflict, a Phillies-Marlins game that was to take place in September, has been moved to Thursday, 7/16 in Miami at 7:10pm. Hopefully, the shortened break for the Phillies will have no effect.
But for now, get ready to cheer on Howard at the Derby tomorrow night!
Feliz Photo by Jenn
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*
Howard Powers Phillies To Come From Behind Win
Ryan Howard showed everyone today why he is an All-Star; Howard went 3 for 3 with 3 RBI and 2 walks. But more importantly, he came up to bat in the 9th inning with 1 out, 2 men on base and the Phillies trailing by 3 runs and he saved the day. Howard nailed a 3 run home run to centerfield to tie up a game which, until that moment, looked like a sure loss for the Phillies against the last place Pirates.
Howard had some help though; Raul Ibanez, in his first start since coming off the DL, doubled after Howard’s home run; it was Ibanez’s 2nd hit of the night. After that, Pedro Feliz singled, Jayson Werth was walked to load the bases and Paul Bako stepped to the plate. 
You may be asking, Bako who? Bako, in his 12th year in the majors and playing for his 10th different team as a back-up catcher, made name for himself in Philly tonight. He whacked a single through a hole in the infield, scoring Ibanez and giving the Phils an 8-7 win. Bako is batting only .214 and his lifetime average hovers right around only .230, but that did not matter tonight. With his second hit of the game, he got the job done.
The Phillies really needed some heroics tonight after Cole Hamels had another bad outing. In 6 innings, Hamels allowed 6 runs on 7 hits, which included 3 home runs. Hamels even allowed a home run to Andrew McCutchen, who had only 1 homer the entire year until tonight. Another went to Delwyn Young, who in a 4 year career, had only 5 home runs until Hamels helped him to #6. Can you say BAD location? Apparently, Hamels can and we all wish he would unlearn that particular phrase.
The bullpen had a bad night too; Chad Durbin allowed 2 runs, one of which scored when Scott Eyre came in to relieve him and walked a run home; a combination bad effort. But we are all entitled to have bad days, and for the Phillies pitchers, this was certainly one of those; especially since it came against the Pirates. But it was all erased with the outpouring of offense late in the game.
Only one game left before the All-Star break! The Pirates will try to salvage a game and the Phillies will try to stop them; 1:35pm tomorrow.
Sale At The Spectrum
Did anyone else attend the Spectrum sale earlier today? I was there and oh boy, what a mess! For the first time ever, the Phillies, Sixers and Flyers joined forces to host a blow-out sale of discontinued merchandise at low prices.
I spoke to a Spectrum representative as the horror was unfolding and he told me that they were expecting, and only prepared for, 500 people. What they got was thousands upon thousands and as a result, a lot of very unhappy customers. Check out lines, which began with 2 cashiers on each side (Phillies side & Sixers/Flyers side) took hours to get through. No exaggeration…hours. And it was like watching cattle being herded; the small shopping area was jam packed with shoulder-to-shoulder shoppers and you could barely move. Meanwhile, thousands of other shoppers formed a line outside the building waiting to be let in.
I got there early, as I expected a crowd, unlike the Spectrum management, so I did get in with the first group and got some pretty cool stuff. But, it took me over 2 hours, with help, to do so. Most of the merchandise was old playoff gear, but a few nice finds were there. And the lines began to thin out after the management added a cash only line and a few more cashiers. I do believe that next year, they will be a bit more prepared. At any rate, it was a real adventure.
Photos by Jenn
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*
The Stars Are Out For The Phillies
It has been a very weird day for the Phillies. For starters, Raul Ibanez returned to the team and is expected to play the next two games before the All-Star Break. Then, Chris Coste was let go and picked up by the Houston Astros. Coste has not had a great year off the bench and apparently, the Phillies prefer Paul Bako’s skills behind the plate as the back-up; neither Coste nor Bako have performed well offensively, so the defense was the deciding factor. Coste is a great guy and has been a huge part of this team; he will be missed :O(
And then to round out the day of weirdness, Charlie Manuel chose his outfield replacement for the All-Star game – it is Jayson Werth. Many have questioned the selection as Werth’s batting average is below many others who could have been picked, like Matt Kemp, but it is Charlie’s team and he gets to make the decision. The Phillies have gotten screwed several times in the past with All-Star picks, like Pat Burrell last year, so I guess what comes around, goes around. But Werth has been great and his power numbers are excellent; many players deserve to go and he is certainly one of them. Either way, the Phillies now have 5 players headed to St. Louis :O)
Then tonight the Phillies began a series with the Pirates. Joe Blanton had another great start and pitched through 7 1/3 innings, allowing just 1 run, a solo homer. It was a great job by Blanton and a real boost to the starting rotation.
The offense did not score much, but got just enough to win the game for Blanton. Werth rewarded Manuel for his All-Star decision by smacking a 2-run double in the 3rd inning. Shane Victorino did the same for the fans who voted him in by going 3 for 4 on the night. And Chase Utley, Mr. All-Star himself, had 1 hit, 1 walk and scored a run. Final score was 3-2 with Brad Lidge getting the save, although another nerve-wracking one after he gave up a solo homer. But, a win is a win :O) We’ll take it.
By the way, for anyone who has been following the Friday Night Phever game on CSNPhilly.com with Ricky Bottallico, I just won! Whoo Hoo!
Photo by Jenn
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*
Utley Goes Inside The Park To Help Phils Win
The Phillies got behind early against the Reds last night who scored 3 runs in the 2nd inning, but Chase Utley was not giving up so soon. In the 3rd, Utley hit a ball which bounced off the centerfield wall as he rounded the bases; Utley was so fast that he scored standing and the Reds did not even bother throwing home. Here are a few shots from that home run:
After that, back-to-back doubles from Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth brought the Phillies within a run. Werth also hit a solo homer, the over-the-wall kind, in the 6th; it was his 4th consecutive game with a home run and his 20th of the season. In fact, that home run made history for the Phillies; they are the first National League team ever to have 4 players with 20 home runs before the half way point of the season.
Jamie Moyer struggled last night, but the offense picked him up and even got him the win with a final score of 9-6. Moyer pitched 5 innings and allowed 6 runs on 8 hits and a walk. Chan Ho Park was amazing through 3 innings of relief pitching and did not surrender any hits. Park has really found his groove in the pen and triumphed over his disappointment about not starting. He appears so happy and relaxed that on Wednesday, he danced around the field with a “Vote Victorino” sign and then last night, I watched during batting practice as he played catch with a bunch of kids in the stands for a good 5 minutes. Park has really found a home here in Philly and, more importantly, in the bullpen.
Pitching Search Heats Up
Rumors abound that the Phillies are close to a deal with former Met, Pedro Martinez. Many teams have scouted Pedro, but none have shown any interest. Martinez returned to the Mets in 2008 after a hamstring injury and was simply not the same pitcher after that. No one picked him up in 2009 so he continues to try to prove he can still pitch. In my opinion, this guy is done and the Phillies need not take out the trash. But if you follow the Phillies, you know that they have a penchant for doing just that. It is the trash to treasure mentality. Sometimes it works out (ie: Scott Eyre) and sometimes, it is a disaster (ie: Freddie Garcia…the 10 million dollar disaster). To me, Martinez is a disaster waiting to happen. He is almost 38 years old, appears unable to recover from injury and has a long history of mental issues. Not to mention, can every other team in major league baseball who has passed on him be wrong? It is a scary thought.
All-Star Update
Phillies fans united this week and voted Shane Victorino into the All-Star game! Victorino thanked the fans last night as he waved to the crowd during warm-ups. He will join teammates Utley, Ibanez and Howard in St. Louis for his first All-Star experience. Congratulations to Shane!!!!!
And as always, here is a Photo Album from last night’s game. I did not have great seats, so these are not as fun as the ones I usually post, but it is a different perspective :O)
And finally, I would like to dedicate this blog to the memory one of my best friends, Fuzz the cat, who had watched Phillies games with me for the last 15 years. He was a big fan as well and I will miss him very much :O(
Photos by Jenn
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*
Victorino’s Final All-Star Bid With Walk-Off Win
Tonight the Phillies faced the Reds in game 3 of this 4-game series and drama ensued. Homer Bailey started the game for the Reds and true to his name, gave up a homer to Jayson Werth in the 6th inning, Werth’s 19th of the season. What a horrible name for a pitcher…Homer. Poor guy. But for most of the game, he was very good and kept the Phillies hitters off balance.
The home plate umpire, Ron Kulpa, created a lot of controversy with his rather large strike zone; 20 strikeout’s were recorded in the game and 14 of those batters went down looking. And so the game remained very tight throughout.
The Phillies entered the 9th inning with a 2-2 tie and needed a hero to nail this one down. With 2 outs and 2 on, The Flyin’ Hawaiian, Shane Victorino, stepped to the plate and solidified his campaign for an All-Star roster spot. Shane singled into centerfield and Pedro Feliz scored to win the game, 3-2!
Rules of Engagement
One of the more entertaining aspects of tonight’s game, as I mentioned earlier, was watching the Reds hitters argue and scream and cuss at the home plate umpire, Ron Kulpa. To sum it up, basically every pitch was bound to be called a strike. But he called it the same way for both side. Yet, no less than 3 Reds players got right up in his face and yelled about strike calls. It makes you wonder, why were none of these players thrown out of the game? Not that I like watching guys get tossed, but how much grief is any umpire supposed to take? Granted, this was one of the worst umpiring jobs I have seen in a long time, but the Phillies maintained controlled and did not try to rip his head off like the Reds did. In fact, it is a rule that no one is allowed to argue balls and strikes (Official baseball rules section 9.02(a)). After the first or second player, the ump needs to start ejecting guys. Just sayin’…
Pitching Possibilities
Rodrigo Lopez did a great job through 5 innings tonight, but was removed from the game early with right shoulder inflammation. That is certainly not good news. However, maybe the push to get a quality starting pitcher like Roy Halladay of the Jays will reach a new level with the possibility of Lopez no longer being available.
The Phillies front office has been insistent that certain minor league prospects are “untouchable” but frankly, that attitude will not get them far when competing with other teams who are more flexible. Understanding the value of prospects in the farm system, teams need also be reminded of the value of winning, and winning right now. With the Phillies core players in place, coming off a World Championship, the window of opportunity to win it again will likely only remain open for a few years. So, if they need to give up 2-3 big prospects to get another ring, it seems like a fair trade off.
If the Phillies can get a #1 starter like Halladay, they would be foolish to let him go to another team. Last year, they did miss out on CC Sabathia and even Manny Ramirez, and yes, they still won it all. But the 2009 team has run into pitching trouble after losing Brett Myers, who was a big part of the World Series win. The bullpen has been overworked and their production is way down from 2008. This is a different team; the Phillies need a big starter if they are to have a shot at repeating.
Keep Voting!
The clock is ticking! Shane Victorino has a chance to go to the All-Star game in St. Louis but he needs our help! Gizmo the Chinchilla has been typing away all day long, but his little paws are getting tired. Won’t you please help him out? You can
Photo by Jenn
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*
Full Reversal
As is usually the case the day after a team scores big, the following day, runs are difficult to come by. Yesterday, the Phillies gave the Reds a 22-1 spanking. Today, they left 12 men on base, including leaving the bases loaded with no outs in the 3rd. All those squandered opportunities came back to bite them as they lost the game, 3-4.
JA Happ pitched another very good game and should have gotten the win. Happ pitched 7 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits and did not walk anyone. But the rest of the team did him no favors. They got hits and ran the bases, but it looked like there was a brick wall in front of home plate for much of the game because no one could manage to score.
After jumping out to an early 2-0 lead on back-to back homers by Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth, the offense sputtered. And with the game tied at 3-3 in the 9th, Charlie Manuel made the mistake (again) of sending in Brad Lidge to pitch in a non-save situation. Of course, Lidge gave up the lead and the Phillies entered the bottom half of the inning down 3-4. And in keeping with the theme of the evening, the Phils got a base runner in the 9th, but failed to score again. So, although the Phillies out hit the Reds 10-8, they still lost the game. A frustrating loss…very frustrating.
The Phillies have 2 more games against the Reds to try to find the bats from last night’s win. Game time tomorrow is 7:05pm.
Keep Voting!
The clock is ticking! Shane Victorino has a chance to go to the All-Star game in St. Louis but he needs our help! Shane is one of 5 candidates to fill the final roster spot which will be voted on by the fans. You can VOTE as many times as you are able to! No more 25x limit…we have until Thursday at 4pm to get him in! VOTE FOR SHANE!
Photo by Jenn
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*
10 Run 1st Inning Propels Phillies To Big Win
Stop rubbing your eyes; yes, the Phillies scored ten runs in the first inning of the ballgame tonight against the Reds. Pitcher Johnny Cueto was responsible for 9 of those. The ten run inning tied a franchise record for the Phillies, making the 4th time in history it had been done. The last time was 6/2/02 against the Expos.
And the brutality did not end there; the smokin’ hot offense burned Reds pitching for a total of 22 runs on 21 hits. While the Reds felt like they were walking in bare feet over hot coals all night, the Phillies players enjoyed the equivalent of a relaxing day at the spa, complete with a soothing foot rub and a Frangipani scalp massage. Ahhhhh….this is the life.
Here is just a sampling of tonight’s treats:
Chase Utley: 3 for 3 with 4 RBI and a 3-run homer = Aromatherapy European Facial
Shane Victorino: 4 for 5, 4 RBI and a 2-run homer = Mineral Seaweed Body Wrap (plus a trip to the All-Star game??)
Greg Dobbs: 4 for 6 and 2 RBI on a homer = Deep Tissue Massage
Jimmy Rollins: 3 for 4, 1 RBI, 2 walks and a revival of his season = Manicure & Pedicure
Jayson Werth: GRAND SLAM, 2 hits, 5 RBI = Honey Papaya Scrub & Hot Stone Massage
Cole Hamels: 7 innings pitched, 1 run allowed, 2 for 4 and 2 RBI at the plate = Chakra Crystal Healing
REDS Pitching – Full Body Wax…ouch!
All-Star Update
Ryan Howard will participate in the Home Run Derby for the Phillies! In 2006, Howard won the event and in 2009, he will try it again. But this time, he will be in his home town of St. Louis. Good luck, Ryan!
The Phillies centerfielder, Shane Victorino, also has a chance to go to St. Louis. He is one of 5 candidates to fill the final roster spot which will be voted on by the fans. You can VOTE as many times as you are able to! No more 25x limit…so, go for it! VOTE FOR SHANE!
Dobbs photo by Jenn
Spa photo: manchestergrand.hyatt.com
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*
Phillies Sweep The Mets & Send 3 To All-Star Game
After a horrific month of June, the Mets proved to be the cure for what has been ailing the Phillies. Even the great Johan Santana could not hold them down today. With little offense on either side, a pitching duel erupted and Joe Blanton emerged the victor. In perhaps his best outing of the year, Blanton nailed down 7 1/3 scoreless innings of 4-hit ball. Santana was not too shabby either; he allowed only 3 hits. But 2 of those hits won the ballgame for the Phillies. Jimmy Rollins led the game off with a home run and later, in the 6th inning, Chase Utley went deep to give the team a 2-0 lead, which was the final score. There were some spectacular defensive plays as well, which added to the drama. Overall, it was a very entertaining game for both teams.
Also noteworthy, Carlos Ruiz did start the game after a suspicious absence the last few games. I had speculated that he may have been possible trade bait, but he is still with us :O) Maybe Charlie Manuel was just giving him an extra long rest? That remains to be seen…
Here are a few photos from the game:
Cuteness Abounds!
Before the game, the Phillies hosted their annual Father-Child wiffle ball game which can only be described as adorable! Little ones scattered the field, running amuck while their parents chased them around the bases. We have some awfully good-looking families in the Phillies organization. Take a deep breath; the cute is about to get out of control; (top to bottom, left to right) Ibanez Family; Greg Dobbs & daughter; Brad Lidge & baby; The Romero Family; Chad Durbin & son; Chan Ho Park’s baby:
All-Star Roster
Also announced today, the Phillies will send at least 3 players to the All-Star game in St. Louis; Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez were voted in as starters and Ryan Howard, as chosen by Manuel, will be a reserve, along with 3 other very deserving 1st basemen (Pujols, Fielder, A. Gonzalez)! Nice to see Charlie did not worry about positions as much as who deserved to be there. That is not usually the case with most managers who are chosen to pick players.
The Phillies centerfielder, Shane Victorino, also has a chance to go to St. Louis. He is one of 5 candidates to fill the final roster spot which will be voted on by the fans. Victorino is batting .300 with 5 homers, 35 RBI and 13 stolen bases so far this year. His defense has been outstanding as well. Please VOTE FOR SHANE! He deserves to be there!
Tomorrow, the Phillies begin a 4-game series with the Reds and Cole Hamels will attempt to put the spring back in his step. Game time is 7:05pm.
Here is the full Photo Album from today’s game and also the Father-Child game which includes the photos above and many more! Enjoy!
Photos by Jenn
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*
Big Trouble
For a change, the Phillies got a great outing from a starting pitcher; JA Happ went 7 innings and only allowed 2 runs. However, Ryan Madson, who has been nothing short of awful lately, was still sent out to pitch the 8th inning, despite his troubles. Madson gave up 3 runs and threw away any possibility of a win for the Phillies. Madson has made a habit out of blowing games in the past month and manager Charlie Manuel is doing him no favors by continuing to put him on the mound. Clearly, Madson has issues to straighten out and during tight games is not the time for him to “work” on his pitches. Manuel cannot keep putting the same guys out there and expect different results; especially when the team is on the verge of being swept and coming off a horrible road trip.
Well, they got swept alright, and it was ugly. Not only that, but as I predicted, they are now nearly out of 1st place (tied with Marlins) and quickly plummeting down the ranks of the NL East. Manuel needs to deal with the players that are not producing and dealing with them should not include putting blind faith in players when things have gotten this bad.
Jimmy Rollins did attempt to turn his season around tonight; he went 2 for 4, but it was all for nothing. The entire game, the entire road trip, has been an exercise in futility as the Phillies cannot seem to win a game. The only real entertainment tonight was watching Chase Utley impersonate a charging bull, as he slammed into the Braves catcher, Brian McCann, to score the first of only 2 runs for the team on the day. Greg Dobbs had a nice day as well, but again, it did not matter.
The Phillies struggled in the first half of last season, and they still won the World Series. However, the struggles this year are a completely different animal. Mental errors, lapses in judgment and very bad pitching have thrown 2009 into a much different level of awful. It is officially time to be worried, Phillies fans. This team has let a potentially big lead in the division wander on by and now, nothing is going right.
Injury Update
Raul Ibanez was supposed to play in a rehab game yesterday in Reading, but the start was pushed back to today. Then, today’s appearance was pushed back as well… Is this reason for concern or are the Phillies just playing it really safe? Ibanez has been sorely missed in the line-up and everyone is anxious to get him back. Of course, the Phillies need him back healthy. And so we wait…
One Last Time – Vote!
Only a few hours left! Please ignore how bad this team has gotten and keep VOTING for your Phillies All-Stars! (I need something to look forward to) VOTE up to 25 times. Voting ends at 11:59 PM ET tonight! Utley & Ibanez should be locks for a spot, but Howard, Victorino and Rollins are still teetering on the brink…so, keep on voting!
Utley Photo by Jenn
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*
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