Dobbs Has Cooties

OK all kidding aside, Greg Dobbs has the flu or stomach virus and the Charlie Manuel had him send home so he doesn't infect the rest of the team. He won't be allowed back until he is completely healthy Ruben Amaro Jr. said. Tyler Walker, who wasn't on the 25-man roster but with the team, was also sent home because of sickness and Pedro Martinez complained of feeling ill before his start on Tuesday but is still with the team.

One player on the Phillies decided to board up Dobbs' locker with cardboard, masking, tape, and yellow "Caution" tape with a sign that read:

Greg Dobbs Update
Thomas Jefferson Hospital
Room #---
Visiting hours for family and friends from 6-8 p.m.

Please be advised to wear a mask!!

Gotta love the togetherness this team has. Hopefully Dobbs' gets well in time to be with the team before this series is over.

UPDATE: Dobbs is feeling better and is cleared to play tonight via Susan Lulgjuraj of the AC Press.

Blanton to Pitch Game 4

Todd Zolecki just reported on his Twitter that Charlie Manuel is going to pitch Joe Blanton in game four in Philadelphia on Sunday versus CC Sabathia. This will line up Cliff Lee for game five, Pedro Martinez for game six, and Cole Hamels for game seven. Lee will be eligible to pitch out of the bull pen for game seven if necessary.

Manuel's reasoning via @ToddZolecki: "Manuel said he didn't want to pitch Lee on short rest in Game 4 because he's never done it, he's pitched a lot of innings this year, etc."

Blanton this year in the post season has only made one start in the NLCS and two relief appearances in the NLDS, posting a 4.50 ERA. In his start versus the Dodgers, he went six innings, allowing four runs and three earned on six hits and two walks, striking out two. In last years playoffs, he went 2-0 in three starts with a 3.18 ERA. He also hit a home run in game four of the World Series versus the Tampa Bay Rays.
I think this is a good move. Manuel actually makes a lot of good moves just the players don't perform and it makes him look bad. It will make sure Lee is fresh plus it puts the Phillies three best hitting pitchers at the plate in Philadelphia. Also Martinez seemed to enjoy the negative response from the Yankees crowd during game two because he's a little twisted. "I know they really want to root for me. If I was on the Yankees I’d probably be like a king over here."

Gotta love Pedro.

Bats Falter, Series Tied

Runners on first and second for Chase Utley. The swing and a ground ball to Robinson Cano who flips to Derek Jeter and retires Utley to end the inning. The Phillies situational hitting from the regular season returned as they squandered numerous opportunities much like that one as they allow the Yankees to tie the series up, losing 3-1.

Pedro Martinez pitched a quality outing but was not supported at all by the offense, who went 1/5 with runners in scoring position. Martinez lasted 6+, allowing three runs on six hits, two walks, and striking out eight. Two of the runs he allowed were solo homers by Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui.

AJ Burnett looked like a stud in his outing, going seven strong innings and allowing a run on four hits and two walks, striking out nine. His only blemish came off of Matt Stairs' RBI single scoring in Raul Ibanez. Mariano Rivera pitched the 8th and 9th to get the save.

Those struggles are something that really has to disappear. In a series where both teams should be hitting, struggles at the plate should not be there. Looking at the third strike is also something bad teams do. The Phillies are not a bad team and should not be staring at pitches that close to the plate.

Stars of the Game:
Game 1: Cliff Lee
Game 2: AJ Burnett

Next Game: Saturday in Philadelphia, 7:57 EST
Series: Tied 1-1
Pitching Probables: Andy Pettitte vs. Cole Hamels
Gameday Discussion: Liberty Bell Sports

Hamels needs to show up this game. The Phillies do not want to be trailing at all to the Yankees this series. They are one of those teams that can get on a roll if the momentum swings their way. Pettitte has been great for the Yankees in the post season.

The Phillies bats need to come back alive. It's as simple as that. There really is nothing else to write. The Yankees are good and the Phillies are good. Pettitte his clutch and Hamels is nothing like his 2008 form. Hopefully the roles get reversed and Hamels is back to being the World Series MVP he once was.

Lee, Utley Lead Phils in Game 1

The weather was ugly but Cliff Lee and Chase Utley were the complete opposite. Lee went pitched a complete game and Utley hit two homers en route to a 6-1 Phillies win and putting them ahead 1-0 in the World Series over the Yankees.

C.C. Sabathia was once again thwarted by the Phillies as he lasted seven innings, allowing both of Utley's home runs. He gave up two runs total on four hits, walking three and striking out six. Lee dominated his former team mate, going nine and allowing a run on six hits, no walks, and matching a career and Phillies best 10 strike outs in the post season (Lee in the NLCS, Schilling in the 1993 World Series, and Steve Carlton in the 1980 World Series).

Utley was on fire at the plate, hitting solo homers in the third and sixth inning. Ryan Howard tacked on two doubles and an RBI, Raul Ibanez had two RBI's, and Victorino drove in another. Derek Jeter had the only multiple-hit game for the Yankees, getting three. Alex Rodrigue struck out three times.

It was the first World Series game versus the Yankees since they were swept in 1950 and the Phillies completely turned the tables on them. If the Phillies can keep this up for the remainder of the series, you will be looking at your back-to-back world champion Phillies.

On a side note, Utley reached base in his 26th straight game, a new record.

Next Game: Game two in New York, 7:57 EST

Series: Phillies lead 1-0

Probables: Pedro Martinez vs. A.J. Burnett

Game Discussion: Liberty Bell Sports

The Phillies already did what they needed to do and that was take at least one game in New York. If they can take game two, that would be perfect. For the Yankees, they do not want to go to Philadelphia down 0-2 in the series with Hamels set up for game three.

This will be a big spot for Pedro Martinez. He has a lot of bad blood with the Yankees. He is also one of the best big-game pitchers of all time. When he gets in the zone, he is the Pedro of old. AJ Burnett has not been effective in the post season with his 4.42 ERA in 3 starts. He will look to give the Yankees a strong outing versus a very tough offense.

Myers On, Cairo Off

And the Phillies 25-man roster is set for the World Series. Brett Myers was added to the roster, taking the place of Miguel Cairo via @ToddZolecki. I guess he will be the right-handed bat off the bench option for the Phillies vs. CC Sabathia.

This leaves the Phillies with 13 hitters and 12 pitchers.

Hitters: Ruiz, Howard, Utley, Rollins, Feliz, Ibanez, Victorino, Werth, Bako, Dobbs, Bruntlett, Francisco, Stairs

Pitchers: Lee, Martinez, Hamels, Blanton, Happ, Myers, Park, Durbin, Eyre, Bastardo, Madson, Lidge

Blog Stroll 10/27/09

I figured I haven't done one of these in a long time so I might as well post some of the funnier things I read the past couple of days:

The Fightins did a hilarious post titled "The Bandwagoners Guide to the 2009 Yankees." In it they talk about some of the current and recently former players of the Yankees to just give those who are hopping back on thier bandwagon for the first time in about five years a heads up of who to watch and who to fear.

Phillies Nation did a post comparing the attractions, food, and traffic of New York and Philadelphia. They then capped it off with showing why it's easy to root for a team with 26 rings but difficult to be as passionate, if not more passionate than the Yankees fans with only seeing two rings, 10,000 losses, and Joe Carter and 1964.

Red Pinstripes Are Cooler re-bashed the New York Post for their crappy attempt at humor in depicting the "Frillies" fans and thier city as second rate and used a poorly photo-shopped picture of Shane Victorino in a skirt on thier cover. I guess desperated times call for desperate measures for the Post.

Macho Row did a nice little flash back to the 1950 World Series featuring the Whiz Kids. The Yankees swept the Phillies 4-0.

And also, don't forget to join the World Series discussion on Liberty Bell Sports, a forum for all you Philly fans.

Howard On SI Cover

Ryan Howard is the next Phillies to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, an honor in itself. Though there have been many talks of the "SI Cover Jinx," the Phillies should not play into the over-hyped lore.

The last Phillie to grace the cover was Cole Hamels back on February 23. Howard was on the cover for Sports Illustrated for Kids back in 2007.

Phillies Pitching Takes Shape

Charlie Manuel just reported on a radio show this morning that Pedro Martinez will pitch game two and Cole Hamels will pitch game three via David Murphy on Twitter.

Here are the probables for the first three games:
Wed: PHI: Lee, Cl (2-0, 0.74), NYY: Sabathia (3-0, 1.19)
Thu: PHI: Martinez, P (0-0, 0.00, 7 IP)
Sat: PHI: Hamels (1-1, 6.75)

In my opinion, I think this was the best way to go. Hamels is a better hitter than Martinez so his bat would be useful at Citizens Bank Park. Also Martinez has proved he can still pitch well in the post season. All three of these guys are very capable of beating the Yankees.

Now the only question left to be answered is if Cliff Lee will go game four or will it be between Joe Blanton and JA Happ.

J-Roll-adamus

This was a very entertaining bit Jimmy Rollins did on Jay Leno. In the segment "Ten @ Ten" where Leno asks the guest 10 questions, Rollins talked about Shane Victorino's rituals, Elton John, and his crappies job in Oakland.

His final question was a World Series prediction. He said the Phillies will win in five and if they are nice, let it go to six games. Let's hope you're right, J-Roll.

World Seres: New York Yankees vs Philadelphia Phillies

This is it, folks. The Phillies now know who they are playing in the World Series after the Yankees beat the Angels in six games. This is the match up many fans have dreamt up in the beginning of the season. The Yankees went into the past offseason and made big splashes that have really paid off. They include Cy Young candidate C.C Sabathia, MVP candidate Mark Texiera, and re-signing Andy Pettite.

The Phillies also made a couple moves during the offseason and regular season. Those big moves include letting Pat Burrell go and signing Raul Ibanez, who had an all star year. They signed Pedro Martinez mid-season to a one year deal. They also traded a package of prospects to Cleveland in exchange for ace Cliff Lee.

Fun Facts: The Phillies won the season series 2-1 back in May… The Yankees are playing in their 40th World Series. The Phillies are in their 7th… This is the rematch of the 1950 World Series… New York and Philadelphia are two of the biggest sports markets on the east coast… Sabathia and Lee were team mates on the Cleveland Indians… Martinez was a part of the historic 2004 Red Sox who came back to beat the Yankees after being down 3-0 in the ALCS.

Schedule: (times not announced yet but will be updated)

Wed. 10/28

Thu. 10/29

Sat. 10/31

Sun. 11/1

*Mon. 11/2

*Wed. 11/4

*Thu. 11/5

*if necessary

Teams by Positions: Post season stats

1B) Ryan Howard vs. Mark Teixeira

Howard: .355 (11-31), 8 runs, 4 doubles, triple, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 7 walks, 8 K

He led the league in RBI's and was second in homers. He tied Lou Gherig’s record for consecutive playoff games over multiple seasons at eight and set the single season record. He was the NLCS MVP. Phillies fans call him Mr. Red October. Jimmy Rollins calls him the Big Piece.

Teixeira: .205 (8-39), 5 runs, double, home run, 5 RBI, walk, K

He is one of the leading candidates for the AL MVP award. He is also probably the best fielding first baseman in the league. He has been cold all post season and the Phillies can hopefully take advantage of that.

2B) Chase Utley vs. Robinson Cano

Utley: .303 (10-33), 8 runs, HR, 2 RBI, 8 walks, 7 K's

He is the Phillies best player and best two-bagger in the league. He really sizzled in the NLDS but fizzled in the NLCS. The Phillies will need a big series from him.

Cano: .229 (8-35), 5 runs, double, 2 triples, 5 RBI, 4 walks, 4 K

Cano is very fast on the base paths and can be a threat to stretch hits, take an extra base, or steal.

3B) Pedro Feliz vs. Alex Rodriguez

Feliz: .161 (5-31), 3 runs, double, triple, HR, 2 walks, 7 K's

He still didn’t so a thing in the NLCS and right now is their worst bat in the lineup. He does have the ability to heat up but hasn’t showed signs of that yet.

Rodriguez: .438 (14-32), 10 runs, 2 doubles, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 9 walks, 5 K

A-Rod quieted everyone who said he wasn’t clutch. He is the most dangerous hitter in the Yankees line up. He and Howard are going to be the stories of this series. Both are battling for the “Mr. October” title.

SS) Jimmy Rollins vs. Derek Jeter

Rollins: .241 (10-41), 6 runs, 3 double, 3 RBI, 8 K's

He is the spark to the Phillies offense but has been spark-less minus his clutch hits in the NLDS and NLCS. If he continues to struggle, the Phillies will have to turn to Shane Victorino for a spark.

Jeter: .297 (11-37), 9 runs, 2 doubles, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 9 walks, 5 K

He’s the captain. He is everything about Yankees baseball and baseball itself. My friend wrote a great post on Jeter and I think any baseball fan should read it. I don’t like the Yankees but I love everything about Jeter.

LF) Raul Ibanez vs. Johnny Damon

Ibanez: .226 (7-31), 6 runs, 2 doubles, HR, 9 RBI's, 5 walks, 8 K's

After a good NLDS, Ibanez disappeared in the NLCS. He will either have a good game or a really bad one. His struggles are due to playing with a tear in his abdomen since June. He needs to consistently play better in the World Series.

Damon: .238 (10-42), 1 double, 2 HR, 5 RBI's, 2 walks, 6 K's

Damon is a clutch hitter but hasn’t been to spectacular in the post season. He did have a very good regular season. He is not one of their best fielders or arms.

CF) Shane Victorino vs. Melky Cabrera

Victorino: .361 (13-36), 8 runs, 2 doubles, triple, 3 HR, 3 walks, 3 K

Victorino assumed the catalyst role from the two-hole while Rollins struggled. He led the league in triples and is a very speedy CF who can track balls and throw out runners. He has been the Phillies second best offensive player behind Howard.

Cabrera: .314 (11-35), 4 runs, 2 doubles, 4 RBI, 11 K

Cabrera has been awesome in the bottom of the line up for the Yankees. He can turn over the line up and get Jeter up to bat.

RF) Jayson Werth vs. Nick Swisher

Werth: .281 (9-32), 10 runs, triple, 5 HR's, 10 RBI, 6 walks, 11 K

He is having an amazing year in his first full year, hitting .268 with 36 homers, 98 runs, and 99 RBI's. After tearing up the Rockies, he struggled greatly in the NLCS but heated back up in games 4 and 5. He protects Howard at the plate and needs to be dangerous to allow the Yankees to pitch to him.

Swisher: .125 (4-32), 2 runs, double, RBI, 3 walks, 11 K

He is the playing awful in the post season. He actually makes Feliz look good for the Phillies. I don’t understand how he is still playing for the Yankees with the way he is playing in the post season.

C) Carlos Ruiz vs. Jorge Posada

Ruiz: .346 (9-26), 4 runs, double, HR, 7 RBI, 7 walks, 2 K

Carlos Ruiz is one of the best defensive catchers in the game. He has turned into “Senior Octobre.” Batting in the 8th spot, he can play a role similar to Cabrera for the Yankees.

Posada: .258 (8-31), 4 runs, double, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 5 walks, 7 K

Posada has been OK in the post season for the Yankees. He is still one of their leaders and can be dangerous at the play at any moment in the game.

DH: The Yankees will have the advantage in this department like every AL team does. They have Hideki Matsui to fill this line up spot. The Phillies are unsure who their DH could be but will likely be Raul Ibanez and put Ben Francisco in LF.

Starting Rotation:

Phillies: Cliff Lee will start game one and has been their best pitcher by far in the post season. After him, the rotation isn’t set yet but it’s likely that Martinez will go game two and Hamels in game three. JA Happ and Joe Blanton will start in the bull pen and will either pitch game four or remain in the pen.

Yankees: Sabathia will likely be their game one starter. Behind him, they only have AJ Burnett and Andy Pettite. Using three pitchers throughout the playoffs can wear their rotation down and could be very beneficial for the Phillies offense.

Bull Pen:

Phillies: This unit is still a danger to blow games. Luckily the offense can bail them out. Chan Ho Park came back from injury and pitched really well. Brad Lidge is perfect in saves. Blanton looked good in relief but is a better starter. Ryan Madson has been better, JA Happ has not looked good at all, and Brett Myers may be back. They can’t keep the Yankees close.

Yankees: They have had bull pen struggles as well, Only Mariano Rivera has been lights out all post season. He is supported by Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Phil Coke, and Damaso Marte. If the Phillies can get to this unit early and wear them down, it may be an easy series.

Bench:

Phillies: The Phillies have relied on Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs in hitting situations, a huge mistake in my opinion. They both were amazing in 2008 and sucked in 2009. Ben Francisco is their fielding option and is also a very good hitter. Miguel Cairo earned a post season spot after having a hot bat in September.

Yankees: They only go to the bench for speed and fielding. Jerry Hairston Jr. and Brett Gardner are those two guys. With a DH, there really won’t be a need for pinch hitting but when the series goes to Philly, they may need to rely on someone for a timely hit late in the game. They also feature the Phillies' best friend, Eric Hinske, who was the Rays player Lidge struck out to end the World Series.

Managers:

Phillies: Charlie Manuel wants another ring. He knows how to keep this team together through any situation and knows how to rally them.

Yankees: This is Joe Girardi’s first trip to the post season with the Yankees. He would love to bring a ring back to the Bronx.

Probable Lineups:

NY: Jeter/Damon/Teixeira/Rodriguez/Posada/Matsui/Cano/Swisher/Cabrera

PHI: Rollins/Victorino/Utley/Howard/Werth/Ibanez/Feliz/Ruiz/Francisco

Prediction: The Phillies seem to be a more complete team right now. Their starting pitching has been tight and the bats have been clutch. The Yankees are relying on intimidation and hunger for their first ring in nine years. Phillies in 6.

The Dream Match Up

This is when the blog gets personal. It's when I put aside being objective and let you look through the eyes of a Phillies fan.

Ever since I was a kid playing "Bases Loaded" for NES, "Roger Clemens Baseball" for Super NES, "All Star Baseball" for Game Boy, "Griffey Slugfest" for N64, and all the way up to "MLB 2K7" for X-Box 360, I would always play the Phillies versus the Yankees. Why you ask? Because to me, that would be the dream World Series for me.

Living in the shadow of New York sports my entire life as a Phillies fan, I always wondered, up until last year, what greatness tasted like. Now I get to watch my Phillies not only defend their championship in the World Series this year but to do it against the Evil Empire. I get to see the Phillies go up against the greatest franchise in not only baseball but in all of sports. It's David versus Golliath. Team USA versus Team Russia. Buster Douglas versus Mike Tyson.

This is cheese steaks versus cheese cakes. The City of Brotherly Love versus the City that Never Sleeps. It's "New York, New York" versus "High Hopes." The Liberty Bell versus the Statue of Liberty. Comcast versus YES. Rocky versus Vito Corleone.

The Phillies have the loveable players like Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Jimmy Rollins. The Yankees have their beloved captain in Derek Jeter, evil Alex Rodriguez, and the new kid in town, Mark Texiera. It's Joe Girardi and Charlie, two managers that have been under fire from their fans all year but still made it to the big show. Neither park welcomes opposing fans and neither city really likes eachother. This will be the best World Series since 2001.

I have longed for nothing more than beating the Yankees in the World Series. It's like beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl, the Lakers in the NBA Finals, and the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals. Those are three things Philly has failed to do during my life time.

I say the fourth time's a charm! Avenge the Whiz Kids of 1950! Let's go Phillies! Win this one for Harry!

Filling In the Void

Here are a few things I read during the past couple days in the wake of the Phillies second straight NL championship. We are all sitting here watching the Angels refuse to go away as the series heads back to New York for game six with the Yankees up 3-2.

Rollins, Victorino Fine:

Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino were both hit by pitches during Wednesday's 10-4 win over the Dodgers. Rollins took a pitch off his left foot and hobbled to first. He was visibly frustrated after the pitch and was also noticeably hurt during the remainder of the game. Victorino was hit in the left elbow. Both had X-rays done and both came back negative.

After Lee, Rotation Not Set:

A very interesting scenario is starting to play out for the Phillies as they wait to see how the rest of the Yankees/Angels series plays out. Regardless of the opponent, the Phillies will be on the road for the first two, at home for the next three, and will close the series on the road.

Cliff Lee is the starter for game one but after him, it isn't clear who will pitch games two through four. The Phillies are thinking about Cole Hamels for game two and I actually disagree. Hamels is a better hitter than Pedro Martinez and I would rather see him at the plate for at least two at-bats.

I also feel that putting Hamels versus the Yankees third starter is a better match up even though it could very well be C.C. Sabathia. Andy Pettite will start game six tomorrow for the Yankees and Sabathia likely in game seven. This is all assuming the Yankees do win the series.

My rotation looks like this: Lee, Martinez, Hamels, Blanton

Phillies Don't Care Who Opponent Will Be:

Sure beating the Yankees would be sweeter but if they face the Angels, the task will still be difficult. Regardless of who they play, the Phillies know what needs to be done and that is win.

David Montgomery had this to say:

"We're happy to represent the National League and I'm sure we'll be facing the best of the American League," Phillies president David Montgomery said. "In the case of the Angels, they're the only team other than us who has won their division three [years] in a row. And the Yankees have the best record in baseball. Now it's set up, whichever team we play, we absolutely can feel that we'll be facing the best of the American League."

Ibanez Playing Hurt

It was Chase Utley last year who saw a dramatic decrease in productivity in the second half of the season and now this year it was Raul Ibanez suffering the same fate. And like Utley, Ibanez has been hurt for the second half of the season.

From SI.com:

But by the third week in June, Ibañez was suffering from a sore left groin and, unbeknownst to the public, a small but serious muscle tear near his abdomen. On a trip to Toronto he was confronted with an excruciating decision: He could have surgery to repair the tear and miss a large chunk of time, or he could return after a short stint on the disabled list and play his dream season hurt. "We all asked him if he would have the surgery," Phillies first base coach Davey Lopes says, "and he told everyone, 'I won't do that. I'll do anything but that.'"

One logical explanation as to why Ibanez is risking the rest of his career for this World Series run is his age. He's been in the league for 17 years and has been on mediocre teams his whole career. I compare this situation with the senior starting goalie for the Rowan women's soccer team. She is playing with a concussion, separated shoulder, and sprained AC joint. Rowan is ranked 10th in the nation for Division 3 schools and this is her last chance at a championship and she will go all out because it is more important to her than being hurt permanently.

Ibanez sees this as his only shot probably and wants a ring more than anything. That's the sign of a winner.

Back to the World Series

The Phillies showed no signs of slowing down as they rolled through the Dodgers once again 10-4, and winning the NLCS 4-1. The offensive was led by Jayson Werth with a pair of HR's and four RBI's, breaking out of his terrible NLCS slump going into the World Series, and by Shane Victorino with a double, home run, and three RBI's.

The only thing I saw in this game that will have me worrying going into the World Series is seeing Cole Hamels struggle again. He only lasted 4.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk and struck out three. He was taken deep in the first and second inning, settled in for a few innings, and then struggled to get anyone out. 

The bull pen was really impressive, going 4.2 innings and allowing a run on three hits and a walk. Chad Durbin was credited with the win since Hamels didn't pitch the minimum of five innings.

The Dodgers attacked the Phillies early, going up 1-0 after Andre Ethier's solo homer in the first. The Phillies then responded with a two-out rally. After Jimmy Rollins and Victorino were retired, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard drew walks and Werth hit a 3-2 pitch out to right field to give the Phillies the 3-1 lead. The Dodgers answered in the second inning with a lead off homer by Matt Kemp but the Phillies kept pace with a solo homer by Pedro Feliz. 

Vicente Padilla's run of consistency in the playoffs ended. He only lasted three innings, allowing six runs on four hits. The Dodgers' bull pen, which was the talk of the series as being one of the best in the majors, complete collapsed once again to the Phillies high-powered offense. 

The Phillies will look to be playing the Yankees, who lead the seres 3-1. But as the Red Sox have proven in the past, no lead in any series is safe anymore. The Yankees and Angels play tonight. 

Notes: Phillies became the first team to make it to consecutive World Series' since the 1998-2001 Yankees and first NL team since the 1995-1996 Braves... Chase Utley reached base safely in 25 straight post season games, tying the record with Boog Powell... Ryan Howard's eight-game streak with an RBI in the post season ended Wednesday. He currently shares the record with Lou Gherig but his eight-game streak was done in one post season, a new record... The Dodgers and Phillies combined with six home runs last night, tying a record done numerous times... The Phillies have won their respective series' in four and five games, the same path they took last year in winning the World Series.

Happ Honored

JA Happ was named by panel of players as the Sporting News National League Rookie of the Year. Along with American League winner Gordon Beckham of the White Sox, Happ was very well deserving of this award. One thing to consider is that this is not the official ROY honors. Those will get announced after the World Series.


Happ went 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 35 games (23 starts) during the season. He struck out 119 batters in 166 innings pitched and had two shutouts. He has made to appearances in the NLDS as a reliever and starter and has made to relief stints thus far in the NLCS.


After overcoming just barely making the Opening Day roster, getting thrown in to start when Chan Ho Park couldn't get the job done, and bein thrown around in numerous trade talks for Roy Halladay, Happ settled in real nice and helped lead the Phillies to their third straight NL East championship and second straight NLCS (and likely World Series) berth.

MLB.com Fails

Spoke too soon, assclowns.

The Phillies Are J-Roll-in'

This team is incredible. They keep you on the edge of your seat for 26 outs while you bite your nails all the way to your elbow. Then with one mighty swing, they win the game and rip the hearts out of their opponent, sending the Phillie Phaithful into a euphoria.

The Phillies overcame a rocky start by Joe Blanton and a good start by Randy Wolf to win game four in dramatic fashion and take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Jimmy Rollins' walk-off two-run double off of Jonathon Broxton tied and won the game. Brad Lidge pitched the 9th and earned the win. It was game four last NLCS when Matt Stairs hit the game winning two-run homer in the top of the 9th off Broxton.

Blanton came out firing, retiring the first ten batters but then hit a snag in the 4th inning. He finished six innings, allowing four runs, three earned on six hits, two walks, and two strike outs. He allowed a solo home run to Matt Kemp in the 5th inning to give the Dodgers the 3-2 lead. They then added another off Blanton in the 6th.

The Phillies quickly got a run back in the bottom of the 6th off of a Shane Victorino triple and a Chase Utley RBI single. The bull pen was rock solid from the 6th inning on, only allowing two hits, two walks, and striking out five.

In the bottom of the 9th, Raul Ibanez led off with a ground out. Matt Stairs then pinch hit and walked on four pitches. Eric Bruntlett came in to pinch run and Carlos Ruiz was hit by a pitch to put two on. Greg Dobbs then pinch hit and hit a weak line drive for out number two. With two men on and two outs, Rollins took Broxton's 99 MPH fastball to right-center for to score Bruntlett and Ruiz to win the game.

Ryan Howard got the game going in the first inning with his two-run homer. That homer tied him up with Lou Gherig for most consecutive games with an RBI in multiple post seasons with eight games.

Of course I saw some bad things but I really don't give a damn. This team never gives up and never will and that is the formula a World Series team has.

Next Game: Wednesday in Philadelphia, 8:07 EST

Series: Phillies lead 3-1

Pitching Probables: LAD: Padilla (1-0, 0.63), PHI: Hamels (1-1, 6.97)

Game Day Discussion: Liberty Bell Sports

The Phillies have the Dodgers where they want them. For LA, it's win or go home. The only thing the Dodgers have going for them is the day off on Tuesday to maybe shake off the heart breaking loss. The Phillies are 2-0 in game five's under Charlie Manuel.

Cole Hamels may not have been the same pitcher he was in the 2008 post season but he is still one of the best pitchers in the league and can close this series out. If the Phillies bats can rock Vicente Padilla early, this game and series will be in the bag. The faster the Phillies win this series, the more rest they will have going into the World Series so they can have a fully rested rotation ready for the Yankees/Angels.

Simp-Lee Amazing

The weather was cold but the bats were on fire. The Phillies battered and beat the Dodgers 11-0 in game three to take a 2-1 series lead in the NLCS. From the start of the game with a 1-2-3 top and a four-run bottom first inning to the 1-2-3 9th pitched by Chad Durbin that ended with a great snag by Carlos Ruiz, the Phillies dominated this game for 27 outs.

Ryan Howard drove in three runs tonight. With his two-run triple in the first, he has driven in a batter in all seven games this post season, a new MLB record, and is now one game shy of tying Lou Gherig's eight-game streak that spanned over multiple post seasons. Pedro Feliz also added a triple and Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino hit home runs to spark a potent Phillies offense that only managed a run on four hits during game two on Friday.

Cliff Lee was fantastic in his third start of the post season. He went eight shut out innings, allowing three hits and striking out 10. He tied Curt Schilling (1993) and Steve Carlton (1980) for the Phillies record with strikeouts in a single post season game. He also went 1-3 at the plate with a single and a run scored.

The offense got rolling early with Howard's two-run triple. Werth followed that up with a two-run home run that got the Phillies on the board early. Victorino capped off the fire works with his three-run homer in the eighth.

Manny Ramirez managed two hits out of Lee and Ronnie Belliard got the third.

Next Game: Monday in Philadelphia, 8:07 EST

Series: Phillies lead 2-1

Probables: LAD: Randy Wolf (0-0, 4.91); PHI: Joe Blanton (0-0, 4.91)

Game Day Discussion: Liberty Bell Sports

The Phillies have the momentum back in their favor and will look to go for the kill. Joe Blanton will be making his first post season start this year after pitching 3.2 innings of relief. Randy Wolf will look to get the Dodgers evened up versus his former team. Expect no love from the Wolf Pack in this one.

The Phillies are 4-0 in game four since Charlie Manuel took over. The last game four the Phillies played versus LA: Victorino hit a two-run homer to tie the game at five and then Matt Stairs hit a two-run homer later in the same inning to put the Phillies up for good, 7-5.

This game means a lot to both teams. It will either put the Phillies closer to going back to the World Series and the Dodgers on the brink of elimination or it will tie the series up for the Dodgers.

Pen Can't Hold Lead

Pedro Martinez pitched his heart out and got nothing out of it as the Phillies lost 2-1. The were able to earn a split on Los Angeles and will come home to Philadelphia for three games. They still have momentum going into these next three games and have nothing to worry about.

Martinez went seven innings, allowing no runs on two hits and striking out three. Chan Ho Park came in to pitch the 8th and was charged for both of the Dodger's runs. Park earned the loss. Former Phillies pitcher Vicente Padilla got the start for LA and was dominant. He allowed a run in 7.1 innings of work on four hits and striking out six. The lone run he gave up was on Ryan Howard's homer in the 4th.

I wasn't able to watch any of the game so I can't make any fair assessments outside of the fact that the bull pen and poor defense blew another game for the Phillies. At least it wasn't Lidge this time but Ryan Madson really needs to pick his game back up. It's the NLCS for crying out loud.

Next Game: Sunday in Philadelphia, 8:07 EST

Series: Series tied 1-1

Probables: LAD: Kuroda (0-0, -.--), PHI: Lee, Cl (1-0, 1.10)

Game Day Discussion: Liberty Bell Sports

Cliff Lee was absolutely dominant in his two starts versus the Rockies in the NLDS. Hiroki Kuroda will be making his first start of the post season. Last time he pitched versus Philadelphia, Shane Victorino told him to throw out his back, not his head.

The series shifts in the Phillies favor despite losing game two. The next three games will be in a very loud Citizens Bank Park where the fans show up hours BEFORE the game starts. Dodgers fans strolled into games one and two around the 3rd inning. That's disgusting. It's going to be louder and more electric than Dodger Stadium in Philadelphia and that should impact the Phillies.

Phillies Bats Heat Up

What a marathon game. If you thought there wouldn't be anymore four-hour games (NLDS game 3) then you were in for a real shock. The Phillies were able to stay on top of the Dodgers with timely hitting, winning the first game, 8-6.

Cole Hamels was a little shaky but got the job done and Chan Ho Park and Brad Lidge were clutch in the late innings to seal the win. Hamels' line through 5.1 IP: four runs on eight hits and a walk, and four strike outs. He surrendered home runs to James Loney in the second and Manny Ramirez in the 5th.

Loney got the offense going with his solo shot in the third. The Phillies then answered in the top of the 5th, putting up five runs on a three-run homer by Carlos Ruiz and a two-run double by Ryan Howard. After Howard's double, Clayton Kershaw was yanked. Kershaw got knocked around for five runs on four hits and five walks in 4.2 IP. Kershaw also became the first pitcher to throw three wild pitches in one inning, doing so in the 5th.

The Dodgers immediately answered in the bottom half, getting a huge three runs back off a shot by Ramirez, who stared down the Phillies dug out after his shot. After a few scares on the mound, the Phillies came up in the top of the 8th. Howard and Jayson Werth absorbed back-to-back walks for Raul Ibanez, who took George Sherrill deep to make it an 8-4 game. Ibanez's shot was the first homer Sherrill allowed to a lefty since mid-2008.

Ryan Madson came in to pitch in the bottom of the 8th and the wheels fell of his bus again. He allowed a pair of runs on four hits but got out of the inning. Lidge came in to pitch the ninth. He allowed an early base runner, got a double play ball, walked Loney, and then got Ronnie Belliard to pop up to end the game.

It was a nail biter the whole way through. My only concerns are Madson's reliability. Hamels will be fine and the offense turned it on like usual. If they keep this up, my playoff beard will get even longer.

Next Game: Friday in Los Angeles, 4:07 EST

Series: Phillies lead 1-0

Probables: Pedro Martinez (0-0, -.--) vs. Vicente Padilla (1-0, 0.00)

Game day discussion: Liberty Bell Sports

Vicente Padilla threw seven shut out innings in game three of the NLDS versus St. Louis. Pedro Martinez hasn't pitched since Sept. 30 versus Houston. If the Phillies can get a 2004 effort from Martinez, they could very well go into Philly with a two-game lead. The Phillies bats can heat up at any time and so can the Dodgers'.

This game is important more so for LA than Philly. You want to win every game but if the Dodgers fall behind 2-0 like last year, they won't have a home field to fall back on. It's cold and loud in Philly and the Dodger's don't want to go there already in the hole.

Pitching Probables; Myers, Kendrick Off Roster

Unlike in the NLDS, we are pretty sure who the Phillies and Dodgers will throw at each other for the NLCS. Cole Hamels and Clayton Kershaw were already definates for game 1 and the Phillies are leaning for Pedro Martinez in game 2. Cliff Lee was guaranteed game 3 so he could have five days of rest. Here are the probables for games 1-4:

Thursday: Cole Hamels vs. Clayton Kershaw
Friday: Pedro Martinez vs. Vicente Padilla
Sunday: Cliff Lee vs. Hiroki Kuroda
Monday: Joe Blanton/JA Happ vs. Randy Wolf

With the match ups like this, it could set up Lee for game 7.

In other news, Kyle Kendrick and Brett Myers were left off of the roster. Eric Bruntlett and Chan Ho Park were added. Here is Todd Zolecki's tweet:

Pedro will start Game 2. Myers, Kendrick off NLCS roster. Park, Bruntlett are on. Myers is not happy about being left off, either.

NLCS Preview: #1 Dodgers vs. #2 Phillies

The Phillies are coming into the NLCS off of a huge series win versus the hottest team in baseball. Now they get to face the Dodgers, who stumbled into the post season but swept the Cardinals in the NLDS. The winner of this series will go on to the World Series to face the winners of the Angels/Yankees series. Whoever wins either series will set up an amazing World Series match up.

People want to see LA vs NY or LA vs LA. There is no love for the Phillies, who happen to be the reigning world champs. The "Road to a Repeat" now goes through Los Angeles as Joe Torre and his Dodgers will look to knock off the Phightin' Phillies.

Fun Facts: Dodgers won the season series 4-3 but the last time they played each other this year was in June. Last time these two teams met in the post season was last year’s NLCS which the Phillies won 4-1. The Dodgers have three former Phillies: starting pitchers Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla and bench bat Jim Thome.

Schedule: (I'll update the probables when they are known)
Thu. 10/15, 8:07 EST, PHI: Hamels (0-1, 7.20) vs Clayton Kershaw (0-0, 2.70)
Fri. 10/16, 4:07 EST
Sun. 10/18, 8:07 EST
Mon. 10/19, 8:07 EST
*Wed. 10/21, 8:07 EST
*Fri. 10/23, 8:07 EST
*Sat. 10/24, 8:07 EST
*if necessary

Teams by Positions: Post season stats

1B) Ryan Howard vs. James Loney

Howard: .375 (6-16), 3 runs, 3 doubles, 6 RBI, walk, 4 K's
He led the league in RBI's and was second in homers. He came up huge in the Rockies series, having the game tying and go ahead hits in games three and four. Phillies fans call him Mr. Red October. Jimmy Rollins calls him the Big Piece.

Loney: .250 (3-13), walk, K
The 25 year old is one of the best young stars of the game. This is his second full season as a starter. He killed the Phillies this year, batting .393 (11-28) with a couple homers and six RBI's.

2B) Chase Utley vs. Ronnie Belliard

Utley: .429 (6-14), 5 runs, HR, RBI, 4 walks, 3 K's, 2 SB's
He is the Phillies best player and best two-bagger in the league. He really sizzled in the NLDS, a series he struggled in the past two years. He can only get better in this series versus the Dodgers.

Belliard: .273 (3-11), 2 runs, RBI, 2 walks, 5 K's
He joind the Dodgers late in the season and took the starting job when Orlando Hudson got hurt. He kept that job through the NLDS and will look to be the guy vs. Philly.

3B) Pedro Feliz vs. Casey Blake

Feliz: .214 (3-14), double, walk, 3 K's
He led the Phillies in average with RISP but failed to do anything in the NLDS. The Phillies hope his bat heats back up so the bottom of the line up isn't a dead zone.

Blake: .273 (3-11), run, RBI, 2 walks, K
Blake adds pop to the bottom of a line up that was 23rd in homers in the majors.

SS) Jimmy Rollins vs. Rafael Furcal

Rollins: .263 (5-19), run, double, 5 K's
He is the spark to the Phillies offense. Despite a weak NLDS, the Phillies were able to get runs. He did spark the game 4 rally. They won't be as lucky if Rollins continues his struggles vs. the Dodgers.

Furcal: .500 (6-12), 2 runs, triple, 2 RBI's, walk, K
Furcal is also the spark to LA's offense. He was stellar in the NLDS. He has also killed the Phillies in his career.

LF) Raul Ibanez vs. Manny Ramirez

Ibanez: .308 (4-13), 2 runs, double, 5 RBI's, 4 walks, 2 K's

Ibanez enjoyed an all star year. He tailed off after the break but heated back up at the end of the season and into the NLDS, driving in crucial runs when needed. The Phillies will need that bat to show back up if they want to beat LA.

Ramirez: .308 (4-13), 3 doubles, 2 RBI's, walk, 2 K's
He had such a down year this season. He was very solid in the NLDS and was the only Dodger to really be effective versus the Phillies last post season. He has the ability to change a game with one swing of the bat so the Phillies lefty-heavy rotation better pitch smart to him.

CF) Shane Victorino vs. Matt Kemp

Victorino: .353 (6-17), 4 runs, double, HR, walk, K, SB
Victorino assumed the catalyst role from the two-hole while Rollins struggled. He led the league in triples and is a very speedy CF who can track balls and throw out runners.

Kemp: .143 (2-14), 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI's, 8 K's
As LA's number two hitter, Kemp has not performed like it in the post season yet. He is ver capable fo doing so though.

RF) Jayson Werth vs. Andre Ethier

Werth: .357 (5-14), 5 runs, triple, 2 HR's, 4 walks, 4 K's
Werth tore up the Rockies in the NLDS. He is having an amazing year in his first full year, hitting .268 with 36 homers, 98 runs, and 99 RBI's.

Ethier: .500 (6-12), 5 runs, double, triple, 2 HR's, walk, 2 K's
He is the best player on the Rockies, even better than Manny. Look at what he did all year and in the playoffs versus the pitching of St. Louis and tell me he is not the best player on the
Dodgers.

C) Carlos Ruiz vs. Russell Martin

Ruiz: .308 (4-13), 3 RBI, 2 walks, 2 K's
Carlos Ruiz is one of the best defensive catchers in the game but his offense is lacking. Hopefully he will feed off of his good NLDS.

Martin: .111 (1-9), RBI, 3 walks, K
Martin was awful in the NLDS. He has become a very over rated hitter but still a really good catcher.

Starting Rotation:

Phillies: Cliff Lee is the ace of the staff but won't see action until game three at the latest. Cole Hamels will pitch game one. He was dominant all year versus LA this year (In two starts: 16.0 IP, 12 H, 2 R (1ER), 1 BB, 14 K). Joe Blanton and Pedro Martinez are the Phillies' two options for game two and throw in JA Happ for game four.

Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw will go game one. Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla are both former Phillies. Chad Billingsly rounds out a very solid rotation . Their starters held the offense of St. Louis in check in the NLDS. Kershaw and Wolf both throw left-handed. The Dodgers hope those two can silence Howard, Utley, and Ibanez.

Bull Pen:

Phillies: This unit is still blowing games. Luckily the offense bailed them out. Scott Eyre, Chad Durin, Antonio Bastardo, and Ryan Madson (despite the bad outing) all looked good. Brad Lidge scared everyone a bit but is 2/2 in saves. Blanton looked good in relief but is a better starter. The only thing hurting this pen right now is the fact that they don't know who will pitch in what scenario. Chan Ho Park may be ready for the NLCS.

Dodgers: This is probably the best unit in baseball and certainly showed in keeping the Cardinals down in the NLDS. The pen is deep and showed that in game one when they went to the pen in the 4th inning and didn't allow a run for the rest of the game. Jon Broxton is their closer and has blown saves this year (6). George Sherrill and Jeff Weaver are their other top options out of the pen.

Bench:

Phillies: The Phillies have relied on Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs in hitting situations, a huge mistake in my opinion. They both were amazing in 2008 and sucked in 2009. Ben Francisco is their fielding option and is also a very good hitter. Miguel Cairo earned a post season spot after having a hot bat in September.

Dodgers: Former Phillies Jim Thome is a very good hitter still and always a threat to hit a pinch hit HR. Mark Loretta is their other hitting option. Juan Pierre and Orlando Hudson can come in for base running and fielding situations.

Managers:

Phillies: Charlie Manuel wants another ring. He knows how to keep this team together through any situation and knows how to rally them.

Dodgers: Joe Torre is a future HOF manager. He has been in the post season more times than Phillies fans can contemplate. He's a winner and he will make sure his Dodgers are winners too.

Probable Lineups:
LA: Furcal/Kemp/Ethier/Ramirez/Loney/Blake/Belliard/Martin
PHI: Rollins/Victorino/Utley/Howard/Werth/Ibanez/Feliz/Ruiz

Prediction: I'm an optimist. I love the Phillies and I believe this team can beat LA and go back to the World Series. I also know it's really hard to repeat success and that this Dodgers team is really good. Dodgers in a heart-breaking 7 games.

9th Inning Heroics Send Phils to NLCS

Vengeance: as cold as the Rocky Mountains. The Phillies showed why they are the best come-from-behind team in the majors last night in their 5-4 win over the Rockies, lifting them into an NLCS rematch versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Cliff Lee was once again stellar in his second start in the playoffs, going 7.1 innings and allowing three runs, one earned. After walking Deter Fowler, Todd Helton hit a soft grounder to Chase Utley, who attempted to place a tag on Fowler. Instead, Fowler jumped over Utley and was safe at second after Jimmy Rollins failed to hold onto Utley's flip. Ryan Madson came in to the game and this is when the wheels fell off.

Ben Francisco also entered because it was a double switch and played left field in place of Raul Ibanez. Troy Tulowitzki hit a shot to left but Francisco made the incredible diving catch. With two outs now, Jason Giambi hit an RBI base hit to tie the game and Yorvit Torrealba hit a two-run double to right center that put the Rockies up 4-2.

Everyone was writing this game off and Cole Hamels was probably mentally preparing for game 5 but the Phillies offense told Cole to start doing his home work on the Dodgers. After Greg Dobbs pinch-hit for Francisco and struck out, Rollins redeemed his error with a base hit. Shane Victorino then hit a ground ball that got Rollins out but Victorino's hustle kept the Phillies alive. Victorino then stole second and Utley drew the walk.

Up to the plate came Ryan Howard, aka Mr. Red October. He sent a shot well over the head of right fielder Carlos Gonzonlez that scored both Victorino and Utley to knot the game up at 4. The Jayson Werth continued his hot bat with an RBI base hit that scored Howard to put the Phillies on top 5-4.

Scott Eyre started the 9th and got into a bit of a jam. With two outs and runners on 1st and 2nd, Brad Lidge entered the game with a one run lead. While listening to "Soldier" by Drowning Pool, Lidge's entrance song of 2008, I watched as he struck out Tulowitzki on his patinent slider to end the game.

I will post a series preview of the Phillies vs Dodgers series either tonight or tomorrow. They first play on Thursday at 4:07 EST. Hamels will be the game 1 starter.

Timely Hitting Sparks Phils

Nothing like some manufactured runs and solid pitching. Now if the Phillies can get that every game, who knows how far it will take them. I saw some things last night that worried me but at the same time saw some things that worked and I liked.

JA Happ and Joe Blanton combined for 5.2 innings, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks with Happ striking out four in the Phillies 6-5 win over Colorado to take the 2-1 series lead. Chad Durbin got the win as he pitched a flawless 8th and Brad Lidge came on in the 9th after the Phillies go ahead run to close out the game.

Chase Utley had a solo home run in the first but the Phillies saw that lead quickly diminish with a pair of Rockies runs in the bottom. Colorado tacked on another runs in the third inning and the Phillies exploded in the 4th for three runs to take the 4-3 lead. That lead was quickly vanished after Carlos Gonzalez's solo homer in the fourth.

With the game tied at five in the top of the ninth, Jimmy Rollins got on with a single and Shane Victorino bumped him to second on a sacrifice bunt. Utley then reached base on a check-swing infield single. With runners on 1st and 3rd and Ryan Howard at the plate, the league leader in RBI's could do only 1 thing: hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Rollins for the go ahead and game winning score.

Some of the bad things I saw included Happ's performance. He was bad all night, struggling to find the strike zone, getting worked into deep counts, and then getting hit hard by the Rockies. The other bad thing I saw was pinch hitting. Matt Stairs and Greg Dobbs have not been getting the job done. Use Miguel Cairo or if you want you use Ben Francisco, work out a double switch so he can play the field.

Eyre injured his ankle in the 7th inning but appeared to be fine. "I'll be fine, but I sure would love Cliff Lee to throw a seven or eight innings in Game 4 to give me a couple days to rest it." - Eyre. Ruben Amaro Jr. would have to hold me down and tie me up and that's not going to happen because I'm bigger than he is." - Courtesy of Macho Row's Twitter

Some of the good things I saw included Blanton's pitching out of the bull pen. Durbin also looked real nice and Lidge got a huge confidence booster by being given the opportunity to close out a 1-run playoff game.

Next Game: Today at 6:07 EST in Colorado

Weather: 51 degrees at game time

Probables: PHI: Lee, Cl (1-0, 1.00), COL: Jimenez, U (0-1, 9.00)

The Phillies will want to close out this series so they can rest up and get prepared for the NLCS. The Rockies can't afford to lose or else they will have to book their ski trips at Vail. The pitching match ups are going to be the repeat of game 1.

The Phillies offense was consistent throughout the game, getting support from all parts of the line up. The can definitely do that again tonight facing Ubaldo Jimenez, who got beat up in game 1. Lee will look to have a performance similar to his in game 1. If those two things happen, bring on the Dodgers.

Phillies/Rockies Only Undecided Series

No magic. No dramatic come backs. Well for the Red Sox I mean. They were up 5-1 going into the 6th when the Angels were able to get a run there and then two in the 8th to make it a 5-4 game. Boston got Jonathan Papelbon some breathing room by tacking on a run in the bottom of the 8th. With two outs and a man on base, the Angels strung together some key hits to get three runs in the top of the 9th to take a 7-6 lead. Brian Fuentes secured the game and the Angels swept the Sox to move onto the ALCS to face the Yankees, who swept the Twins tonight.

NLCS: Dodgers versus Phillies/Rockies (series tied at 1)
ALCS: Angels versus Yankees

UPDATE: Game 4 will be tomorrow at 6:07 EST. Game 5 still TBA.

Happ to Pitch Game 3

Sorry I wasn't around today to post this but as you may know, tonight's game was cancelled due to it snowing and being below 20 degrees in Colorado. The Phillies will play tomorrow night and Monday in Colorado. Pedro Martinez, who was slated to pitch today, will not be the starter tomorrow. Instead it will be JA Happ. A game four starter was not named yet. Tomorrow's game will be at 10:07 EST and Monday's will be late as well. The Rockies will put Jason Hammel, who was scheduled for game three, on the mound versus Happ.

In other news, The Dodgers beat the Cardinals yesterday 5-1 to cap off the sweep and earning them a spot in the NLCS versus the winner of the Phillies/Rockies series, currently tied at 1 game apiece. The Dodgers will have home field regardless of who wins the series.

UPDATE: Game 4's time was not announced yet but Cliff Lee and Ubaldo Jimenez are the probables for that game. Lee out pitched Jimenez in game 1 and both will be working on five days rest.

Dumbass Steals Phils WS Rings

And I thought the greedy mother in Miami who got custody of Ryan Howard's 200th home run ball was bad. This guy is a freakin' moron. This putz thought he could get away with stealing three World Series rings, worth $1,100 each, from the Phillies office after being ejected from the second game of the NLDS for being too rowdy.

And to make it even better was that not only did the security see it on the survelance camera but the idiot left a job application behind in the office. How stupid can you really be? I'm gonna steal your rings. Can I have a job?

It's A Boy!

@Todd Zolecki - Hey, Heidi Hamels had a boy at 9 a.m. this morning. No other details available. Congrats, Cole and Heidi.

@philliesnation - Cole and Heidi had a boy. He's currently on a flight to Denver to be ready for possible long relief tomorrow night.

Congratulations to Cole and Heidi Hamels. Now get your ass back to Colorado, Cole! We have a series to win!

UPDATE: The baby was named Caleb Michael Hamels.

Phils Fail to Come Back; Series Tied at 1

Cole Hamels was not the Cole Hamels of 2008 and Aaron Cook proved once again that the Phillies can't hit sinker-ballers as the Rockies won the nail-biter, 5-4. In a game that saw the Phillies fight back from 4-0, it ended with them coming up short with runners in scoring position once again.

The Rockies jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first and the got a two run homer from Yorvit Torrealba in the fourth. Hamels got yanked after the fifth when he allowed one more run. Joe Blanton pitched the sixth and some of the seventh before he was replaced by JA Happ, who left after taking a line drive off his left knee. Scott Eyre came in and allowed a run that was earned by Blanton. Brett Myers, Antonio Bastardo, and Ryan Madson also got some work.

The Phillies offense was dead up until the sixth when they got three runs off an RBI double by Howard and a two-run single by Ibanez. After Colorado made it a 5-3 game, Jayson Werth ripped a solo homer in the eighth.

In the bottom of the ninth and Houston Street in to close for Colorado, the Phillies got a one-out walk from Matt Stairs, who was replaced by Cliff Lee on the bases and then followed up by an out from Ben Francisco and a base hit from Jimmy Rollins. With runners on second and third, Shane Victorino lined out to end the game and Street got the shaky save.

Some things I observed will start with the offense. The Phillies are getting production from 2-6 in the line up but there is no consistency. If this offense can be consistent, they will win games. Hamels shouldn't be entirely to blame due to him not having any support and was thinking about his wife, who went into labor during the game.

Now the other observation I made that really confused me was how Charlie Manuel handled the bull pen. He used Blanton and Happ in this game, a completely asinine move. Now Blanton and Happ should be eligible to start Sunday but who knows now with the health of Happ's left leg, where he suffered a contusion.

Next Game: Saturday 9:37 EST @ Colorado

Probables: PHI: Pedro Martinez, COL: Jason Hammel

This is a must win for either team as it will put the loser on the brink of elimination. The Phillies could be looking at playing 30 degree weather and a chance of snow. "I'm going to enjoy the snow. Maybe I'll be rounding the bases in a snowmobile," said Martinez via Todd Zolecki's Twitter.

I love the attitude of Martinez. This guy is so relaxed and calm but knows how to turn on the intensity and win the game. If the Pedro from 10 years ago (or even a couple weeks ago) shows up, expect a 2-1 series lead in favor of the Phillies.

UPDATE: Game 4 will be Sunday at 10:07 EST in Colorado.

Greedy Mother Robs Howard's Homer

I really hate greedy people:

Ryan Howard hit his 200th career home run 2 1/2 months ago versus the Marlins in Florida. It was caught by a 12-year old girl. After she caught the ball, she was escorted to the Phillies club house where she exchanged the ball with an autographed ball by Ryan Howard. Her mother was pissed.

The mother sought a memorabilia specialist and learned that the home run ball was worth more than the autographed ball so she sued the Phillies and won. The Phillies had to return the ball to the family.

The Phillies didn't fight it because they didn't need bad PR and a distraction going into October.

What the hell? Are people really that greedy that they need to screw over an athlete's amazing feat? And if you watch the video of Norman Kent, the attorney and memorabilia expert the girls mother sought, you would want to reach into the screen and choke the shit out of that douche bag.

I'm sorry Big Brown that this had to happen to you. I hope the organization sent back to this girl a fake ball and demand that you get the autographed ball back.

Lee Dominates Game 1

Cliff Lee fell only one out from a complete game shut out in his first playoff start but he did just fine as the Phillies won 5-1 to start the NLDS. The Phillies take an early 1-0 lead in the best of five series versus Colorado, a huge win for a team that struggled down the stretch in September.

I couldn't watch most of the game because I was in class from 3:15 until 6:00 but from what I was able to see when sneaking a peak online (channelsurfing.net is a great site to watch games), I was very impressed and very pleased to see this team manufacture five runs without the long ball.

The bats came alive in the 5th inning when the Phillies got two runs off of an RBI double by Raul Ibanez and an RBI single by Carlos Ruiz. They then tacked on three more runs in the sixth with Ryan Howard's RBI double, Jayson Werth's RBI triple off th left-centerfield wall that would have been gone if it weren't for the hurricane-like winds, and then an RBI single by Ibanez to cap off the scoring.

Lee was phenomenal in his start, pitching a complete game, allowing one run on six hits, a walk, and striking out five. It was nice having him go the whole way because I think the Phillies are still uncertain with their bull pen.

Ubaldo Jimenez was doing fine until that 6th inning came around. He got yanked after Werth's triple and got charged with the run when Ibanez singled him in.

Next Game: Thursday at 2:37 PM EST
Probables: COL: Aaron Cook, PHI: Cole Hamels

The Phillies would love to take both home games versus the Rockies so they can go to Denver for one and be done with this series. The faster they end this series, the more rest Lee and Hamels will get and be ready to be the #1 and #2 for the NLCS.

The Rockies need this win bad in order to earn a crucial split in Philadelphia and not be on the brink of elimination if they go down 0-2. They are a come back team so the Phillies should not ease up at all this series.

If Hamels can follow up Lee's stellar performance, look for the Phillies to turn to JA Happ for game three. The Rockies had trouble with the left-handed Lee all day today and could continue to struggle versus Hamels and possibly Happ.

NLDS/ALDS schedules

For those who want to watch every game: here is the schedules for the other three series':

#1 Los Angelas Dodgers vs #3 St. Louis Cardinals
1) Oct. 7, 9:37 EST
2) Oct. 8, 6:07 EST
3) Oct. 10, 6:07 EST
*4) Oct. 11, TBA
*5) Oct. 13, TBA

#1 New York Yankees vs #3 Minnesota Twins
1) Oct. 7, 6:07 ET
2)Oct. 9, 6:07 ET
3) Oct. 11, TBA
*4) Oct. 12, TBA
*5) Oct. 14, TBA

#2 Los Angelas Angels vs # 4 Boston Red Sox
1) Oct. 8, 9:37 EST
2) Oct. 9, 9:37 EST
3) Oct. 11, TBA
*4) Oct. 12, TBA
*5) Oct. 14, TBA

Phillies NLDS Roster

Here is the 25-man roster for the Phillies versus the Rockies in the NLDS:

Starters: Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Pedro Feliz, Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth

Bench: Paul Bako, Greg Dobbs, Miguel Cairo, Ben Francisco, Matt Stairs

Starting Rotation: Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, *Joe Blanton, *JA Happ, *Pedro Martinez
*Currently in pen. Manuel will decide who his game 3/4 starters will be

Bull Pen: Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Brett Myers, Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, Kyle Kendrick, Antonio Bastardo

Being left off the roster were Clay Condrey, Tyler Walker, and Eric Bruntlett. Taking their place was Kendrick, Bastardo, and Cairo.

Cair played real well at the end of the season (5-13 with a homer) to earn the spot over Bruntlett. Kendrick also pitched real well when the rosters were expanded to earn himself a spot as a long reliever. The interesting choice was Bastardo though it does make sense. Eyre is the only other lefty in the pen and this gives the Phillies another option. It also allows us to believe JA Happ may get the start in game 3, especially if the Rockies can't hit the lefties Lee and Hamels in the first two games.

As far as starting pitchers goes, Blanton, Happ, and Martinez were all placed in the pen to start the playoffs. Charlie Manuel will choose from those three guys who will be his game three and game four (if necessary) starters will be. Like I said in the previous paragraph, if Lee and Hamels shuts down the Rockies in games 1 and 2, Happ should be the likely candidate for game 3. If either or both fail, I could see Blanton and/or Martinez taking games 3 and/or 4.

NLDS Preview: #2 Phillies vs #4 Rockies

This is it folks, October baseball is here. The Phillies have won their third straight NL East title and own the second best record in the National League. They will face the Colorado Rockies, the winners of the NL Wild Card because the #1 Dodgers can not face a division opponent in the first round.

The Phillies finished the regular season with the second best record in the NL at 93-69, one more win than last year's championship team. The Rockies were 92-70, three games behind the Dodgers in the West. The Phillies won the season series 4-2.

Random facts: Harry Kalas' last game he called was in Colorado when Matt Stairs hit a walk off homer back in April. JA Happ pitched a complete game shut out versus the Rockies back in August. The last time these teams met were in the 2007 NLDS when the Rockies swept the series 3-0 and went on to get swept in the World Series by the Red Sox. The Rockies are 74-42 since Jim Tracy took over for Clint Hurdle.

Schedule: (I'll update the probables when they are known)
Wed. 10/7; 2:37 PM - COL: Jimenez, U @ PHI: Lee, Cl
Thur. 10/8; 2:37 PM - COL: Cook, A @ PHI: Hamels
Sat. 10/10; 9:37 PM - PHI: TBA @ COL: Hammel
*Sun. 10/11; TBA - PHI: TBA @ COL: TBA
*Tues. 10/13; TBA - COL: TBA @ PHI: TBA
*if necessary

Teams by position:

1B: Todd Helton, at 36, is still one of the best hitting first basemen in baseball. He hit .325 on the season but saw his power numbers drop a bit, hitting only 15 homers and 86 RBI's. Ryan Howard is one of the best power hitters in the game. He led the majors with 141 RBI's and was second only to Albert Pujols in homers (45). He batted .279, 28 points higher than last years average.

2B: Clint Barmes isn't anything special for the Rockies but he did hit 23 homers. He doesn't compare at all to the Phillies best player and best two-bagger in the league, Chase Utley. Utley certainly is the man but Barmes can be a dangerous bat in the bottom of the order.

3B: Garrett Atkins and Ian Stewart both will see time at this position due to Stewart's poor batting average vs. lefties (.178). Pedro Feliz is one of the top fielding third basemen in the league and has had a career highs in hits, RBI's and OBP.

SS: Troy Tulowitzki is such an incredible athlete. He has also been probably their hottest player since August 1, batting .348 with 13 homers and 40 RBI's. He is also one of the best fielders in the game. Jimmy Rollins is a very similar player and is the catalyst to the Phillies offense.

OF: Dexter Fowler, Seth Smith, and Brad Hawpe are a very good and very reliable offensive outfield. Carlos Gonzalez will also get plenty of playing time for the Rockies. Hawpe has really cooled down since the break. Fowler is their lead off man and is the spark to their offense. Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth are all enjoying all star years. Victorino led the league in triple and is a very speedy CF who can track balls and throw out runners. Werth is having an amazing year in his first full year, hitting .268 with 36 homers, 98 runs, and 99 RBI's.

C: Yorvit Torrealba and Chris Ianetta could split time due to Ianetta's .296 average vs. lefties. Carlos Ruiz is one of the best defensive catchers in the game but his offense still sucks.

Rotation: This unit for Colorado is going to be without lefty Jorge de la Rosa, their leader in wins (16). Jason Marquis had a great start to the season but really tailed off down the stretch. Ubaldo Jimenez was already named the Rockies game 1 starter and Aaron Cook will go in game 2. The Phillies will look to Cliff Lee for game one and Cole Hamels for game 2. Both eat up innings and can throw a lot of pitches. They will be followed up by the consistent Joe Blanton, JA Happ, or the best big-game pitcher Pedro Martinez for games 3 and 4.

Bull Pen: Huston Street went 35-37 this year in saves, something the Phillies wished Brad Lidge would do (31-42). Jose Contreras, Matt Daley, and Rafael Battencourt will be the guys to set up Street. The Phillies pen is injury riddled and the closer role is a mystery. I wouldn't be surprised if Charlie Manuel sticks to his guns and closes with Lidge. He won't be hesitant to go to Ryan Madson or Brett Myers if Lidge can't get the job done. The pen will also be without JC Romero and Jamie Moyer for the season and Chan Ho Park for this series.

Manager: Jim Tracy replaced Clint Hurdle, who was fired early in the season. He rallied the Rockies and got them to where they are. Charlie Manuel has one ring under is belt and is looking to go for two. He kept this team together even when they were struggling. Be is the second manager to lead the Phillies to three straight division titles (Danny Ozark in 1976-78).

Lineups:
COL: Fowler, Gonzalez, Helton, Tulowitzki, Atkins, Torrealba, Hawpe, Barmes
PHI: Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Werth, Ibanez, Feliz, Ruiz

Series prediction: The Phillies are the better team but the Rockies are on fire. Should be a tight series; Phillies in 4.

Happ or Pedro?

A huge decision the Phillies will have to make is who there 4th starter will be for the NLDS. It's down to JA Happ or Pedro Martinez. Here is a short list of positives for each player to consider:

Pedro (RHP):
-Has pitched will in September.
-Has been in the playoffs before and has the composure to pitch when it matters.
-He's 100% healthy.
-Will balance the playoff rotation with two lefties and two righties.

Happ (LHP):
-Has been the Phillies best pitcher since he became the starter.
-Colorado's line up features lefties.
-Earned a CG SHO in August versus Colorado.

It's Playoff Time

Bring on the Colorado Rockies. The Phillies finished the season with a 93-69 record, one more win than last year's World Championship team. To make everyone feel better, Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson blew 17 saves combined. That probably could have given the Phillies at least 10 more wins but it's not something to dwell on.

The post season is where it really matters. Sure the Yankees flew into October with 103 wins but that won't amount to anything if they don't win the World Series. The same goes for the Phillies third straight division title. It's safe to say that the Phillies don't want to have another blue or white flag flying on their flag polls in center field as red is the color of victory here in Philadelphia.

2009 Regular Season Team Stats:

Runs scored: 840 (4th)

Total bases: 2493 (4th)

HR's: 224 (t2nd)

Batting average: .258 (24th)

ERA: 4.16 (8th)

Strikeouts: 1153 (11th)

Saves: 44 (9th)

Fielding %: .987 (5th)

Phillies leaders (league standings):

Runs scored: Utley - 112 (t4th)
Hits: Victorino 181 (21st)

RBI's: Howard - 141 (1st)
HR's: Howard - 45 (2nd)
Batting average: Victorino - .292

Stolen Bases: Rollins 31 (10th)
ERA (SP): Happ - 2.85 (9th)

ERA (RP): Condrey - 3.02

*Innings pitched: Blanton 193.1
*Strikeouts: Hamels - 168
Saves: Lidge - 31 (15th)

*Lee had more when combing his AL stats

Here is my 25-man roster that I feel should make the post season:

Starters: Ruiz, Howard, Utley, Feliz, Rollins, Ibanez, Victorino, Werth

Bench: Bako, Dobbs, Bruntlett, Cairo, Francisco, Stairs

Rotation: Lee, Blanton, Hamels, Martinez

Bull Pen: Lidge, Madson, Condrey, Durbin, Myers, Eyre, Happ

*Out for season*: Park, Romero, Moyer, Ennis

I will do a playoff preview tomorrow with the NLDS schedule and probables versus the Rockies. I will also post the final playoff roster when it's announced and compare both teams. I will also do a recap after every game.

I will fo a full season recap after the World Series. Whether the Phillies are in it or not, I will keep updated with the rest of the playoffs.

Phillies Ready For Playoffs?

This past series was filled with frustration and relief. The Phillies managed to earn two wins versus the Houston Astros, who took the season series 6-2, and see Atlanta lose to Florida to lock up the NL East for the third straight year. The Phillies host Florida for three and get set for October baseball on Wednesday.

The hitting and pitching were again not in sync and the bull pen showed flashes of the brilliance it had last October but then showed the mediocrity and defeated look it had almost all year.

Injuries have killed this unit and it can hurt them in the playoffs. JC Romero's season is likely done and Jamie Moyer's is already finished. Chan Ho Park, who is rehabbing, just had another set back which could be season threatening as well. From Todd Zolecki's article:

Park left Thursday's instructional league game in Clearwater, Fla., after facing five hitters. Park had been instructed to notify the team's athletic trainers if he felt anything in his strained right hamstring and he did.

The Phillies announced after Thursday's 5-3 loss to the Astros that Romero still has symptoms in his strained left forearm. He will seek a second opinion from Dr. David Altchek in New York.

Charlie Manuel said he is leaning on bringing 12 pitchers to the first round of the playoffs with him. That means likely four starters and eight relievers. The relievers should include Clay Condrey, Brett Myers, Scott Eyre, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Pedro Martinez/JA Happ, and one more if Romero and/or Park are finished. Chad Durbin and Tyler Walker will stand on in case they are needed.

12 pitchers means 13 hitters: Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Pedro Feliz, Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth and the bench featuring Ben Francisco, Matt Stairs, Greg Dobbs, Paul Bako, and Eric Bruntlett.

Next Series: Florida Marlins (85-74; 42-36 on road) @ Philadelphia Phillies (92-67; 44-34 at home)

Pitching Probables:

Friday: FLA: VandenHurk (2-2, 4.44), PHI: Blanton (12-7, 3.95)

Saturday: FLA: Sanchez, A (3-8, 4.10), PHI: Hamels (10-10, 4.25)

Sunday: TBA

The probables are likely going to change because the Phillies might not want Cole Hamels pitching Saturday. The Marlins are playing for pride and the Phillies are only one game behind the Dodgers for the top seed and are on the verge of locking up at least the second seed.