With Ernesto gone, only the Phillies’ bullpen has stood in their own way. After yesterday's bitter split, the Phils now trail San Diego by a full game in the NL Wild Card race.
The best way for the Phillies to take the bullpen out of the equation is to do what they did last night in Game 2 by battering their opponent into submission. The Phils rattled off 20 hits in a 16-4 win over Atlanta, getting plenty of help from their new acquisitions. Only a deep fly ball to right field separated Jose Hernandez from a 5-for-5 night. Jeff Conine went 3-for-5 with three RBIs. And the newest addition, Randall Simon, is two-for-two in red pinstripes, with an RBI single in the second game. In addition to the new guys, Mike Lieberthal hit a two-run homer and knocked in four runs.
Ryan Howard may not have homered, but the day ended with the MVP candidate seeing his batting average climb to .301 on the season. Howard was on base six times in the two games, and has his on-base percentage up near .400.
Second only to Howard for sustained offense lately is Shane Victorino, who’s slapping the ball all over the place. The speedy second-year center fielder went 6-for-10 in yesterday's action, and also made a fine play in Game 1 to double Chipper Jones off second base.
Jamie Moyer (1-1, 6.00 ERA) will make his first career start at Citizens Bank Park. The 43-year-old left-hander will look to bounce back after a loss to the Mets on Monday. The Braves will counter with Tim Hudson (11-10, 4.85), looking to extend his win streak to four games.
Flash could return today
According to this morning's Inquirer, Tom Gordon could be back in action today. Flash made his second rehabilitation appearance last night for
single-A Clearwater and allowed one hit and struck out two in
two scoreless innings.
If i aint starting then i aint departin
Posted by: Tom Gordon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 01:30 PM
Wow, dig that play by "Scoop" Howard!
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 01:43 PM
Hey does anybody know if TBS is broadcasting the second game today? I read on another board that they were but it isn't in any listings.
Posted by: krub16 | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 01:46 PM
Jimmy Rollins' fielding: overly aggressive or necessary to protect Dellucci?
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 01:54 PM
50!
Posted by: michael smith | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:04 PM
.300, 50 HRs, 130 RBI. On September 3. If the Phils make the playoffs, this guy's the MVP.
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:12 PM
Who thinks Victorino is a weak CF, again?
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:13 PM
The Phils may have finally started to miss Gordon, but they aren't exactly missing Rowand, are they? Victorino's been sensational, all-around.
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:14 PM
sweet. first phillies game I've watched in a month and a half, and I get a great double play by V-fer-Victorino and a howitzer homerun. The baseball gods are being kind.
Posted by: Oisin | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:14 PM
All my childhood dreams of Richie Allen are coming true with MR. Howard.
Posted by: Crazy Bob | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:15 PM
umm. obviously I'm not suggesting the baseball gods are being kind in that they are guaranteeting a phillies win. no sir.
Posted by: Oisin | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:21 PM
Anyone have the +/- on how many runs the Phils score with Victorino in the starting lineup? He's scoring runs with his bat, his speed, and creating outs with his glove. He doesn't sit when Rowand comes back. No way. He's got a better arm, better speed, and he's a much, much better fit in this lineup. If Rowand must play, then he plays right.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:27 PM
51!
Posted by: michael smith | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:28 PM
What is this thing they call Ryan Howard?
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:28 PM
Wow - no doubt about that one!
Posted by: Jim | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:28 PM
Anyone see the Howitzer sign in the stands? Yes!
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:31 PM
Ryan Howard is *ungodly*. Bow down. It's a good day to be a Phils fan.
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 02:31 PM
Howard is incredible! However, the fans need to support the Howitzer section and get rid of Ryan's Lions. That is beyond weak...
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:03 PM
52!!!
Posted by: michael smith | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:06 PM
good jayses, as we say back home.
Posted by: Oisin | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:07 PM
What kind of baseball twilight zone is this?
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:07 PM
Amazing!! What else can one say??
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:07 PM
This is truly an honor to watch this as it unfolds.
And he's only 26!!!
Posted by: Jim | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:08 PM
The only thing left to say is get him up there again, let's go for four!
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:09 PM
They need to sign him long term now. His value increases with each swing of the bat!
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:10 PM
How many HRs could he hit in one day?
Holy sh#t.
Posted by: enrico | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:14 PM
fun fact: only two players in the history of baseball have hit 60 HR and knocked in 160 RBI - Sammy Sosa in 2001 and Babe Ruth in 1927. neither one of them won the MVP (Sosa finished second to Bonds' 73 HR; Gehrig won the MVP in '27 as Ruth didn't receive a single vote).
Posted by: ae | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:15 PM
Not taking anything away from The Howitzer, but how bout that Jamie Moyer?? He is pitching a much needed gem today in the first game of two!!
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:16 PM
Jon, absolutely. Gillick's recent pickups have all been performing well. Too bad the round he got in the offseason were such duds, but he's had much better luck as the year's gone on.
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:32 PM
Uh oh, the game's within the Braves' reach now and he just pulled Moyer. Let's see if he goes to Rhodes again..
Posted by: Tray | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:34 PM
hoping for insurance runs. It would be nice if the first game I see in ages is a win.
Posted by: Oisin | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:40 PM
Even his singles are line drives! 4 for 4 with 3 homers! Not a bad start to the DH!
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:42 PM
madson in the 9th. nice surprise.
Posted by: Oisin | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:53 PM
Someone mentioned how Burrell's wrist problem was affecting his bat speed. Boy, no kidding. His power is not going to be there in the last month...which makes the addition of Conine all the more crucial.
I have to say that Burrell has been admirably game through the whole season, playing with a bad foor and now a bad wrist. He doesn't complain, and he plays through it.
I assume they're saving Gordon in case there's a save situation in game 2, not wanting to use him in both ends...or is he kust not available, period?
Well, I see they have Castro up, so how about that? I guess we may get to see him in a tight spot just as everyone's been clamoring for.
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:54 PM
Pat Burrell will not be outdone by Ryan Howard! Nobody strikes out more than Burrell, and he'll prove it!
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:54 PM
Castro is warming up to face a potential left handed bat. It's 6-3, why not?
Nunez needs to make that play!
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:55 PM
oh, I'm not liking this. not at all.
Posted by: Oisin | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:56 PM
Now I don't know about Castro coming in here with the bases loaded and no outs...
Why is someone else not up?????????
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:57 PM
Hope castro took his daily dose of moxie this morning. He'll need it.
Posted by: Oisin | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:58 PM
Well, here we go, Fabio Fan Club. Here's your big moment.
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:58 PM
And not Rhodes...
Geary or Fultz should have been up with Castro. If this game is lost, it is again pinned on Manuel!
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:58 PM
Here's where I either look like a prophet or a complete moron. Go commies!
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:58 PM
Bring him on! FABIO! FABIO! FABIO!
Let's see what the Little Dictator can do!
Posted by: strange | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 03:59 PM
So Madson's given up hits to the first 3 guys he's faced. Who says Madson is a "damn good reliever"?
Posted by: Tray | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:00 PM
That was me, Tray!
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:00 PM
I do, you saw Madson shut the door in the 8th. Maybe if Manuel brought Geary or Fultz or Castro in to finish the 8th and Madson in to start the 9th you wouldn't be making that statement.
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:01 PM
I don't like this Diaz-Castro matchup...
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:02 PM
#$^%!$%^$%^@!!!!!
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:03 PM
I HATE CHARLIE MANUEL!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:03 PM
Well crap. So much for that experiment in communism.
Posted by: strange | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:03 PM
Bun of a sitch!!!
Posted by: Jim | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:03 PM
ugh.
Posted by: enrico | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:03 PM
Why must socialist reform fail every time? WHY?
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:04 PM
so, with nunez coming up, think charlie puts ruiz or lieberthal in for nunez and shifts coste to third? we need this win, and we can't be relying on nunez batting.
Posted by: Oisin | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:06 PM
Hell, put Wolf in for Nunez if you have to.
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:07 PM
Unfortunate. Couple of ground balls from Madson, and the pitch frrom Fabio wasn't a bad pitch. Like a nightmare.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:08 PM
My confidence is not shaken. Madson/Castro is still a better move than Rhodes.
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:09 PM
I don't get it, if Gordon was activated, why is he still not available? What's going on there?
They don't get any tougher than that. Assuming they'll lose. They seem to have a knack for ruining Howard's big games. What a shame.
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:10 PM
There is no excuse for Castro to face the right-handed bat of Diaz there! I have no problem with Castro getting a shot against the left-handed LaRoche, but be glad he got the him out and go bring in Geary (whom should have been warming up all along!). I am so tired of Manuel's ineptness! I didn't like him before, but thought he should keep his job if the team makes the playoffs. Now I don't even care. I want him gone. He has cost this team so many games the years that he has been here. What a disgrace... He doesn't have a freaking clue...
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:10 PM
RSB- I said I would admit when I'm wrong...well there you have it. My personal apologies to you. I understand if you don't care about an apology or not from me, but I have been humbled. It took a lot for me to just post that.
Posted by: Drama Queen | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:10 PM
Castro has only two pitches, and his fast ball generally tops out at 94 mph. He's been effective against lefthanded batters, and in non-close situations, but good right-handed hitters are still going to take him deep when he gets behind in the count. That's why the hesitation in using thus far in using Castro in these situations. Castro is certainly no panacea in a closing role. Hopefully Gordon is physically ok and can be back very shortly.
Posted by: Davthom73 | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:10 PM
How good a move can Madson be, since he became a reliever opposing hitters are still hitting .290 off of him. Anyeone can get a couple outs here and there, but over time he's probably going to burn your team.
Posted by: Tray | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:12 PM
DQ, I'm sure it did. But just because Castro gave it up doesn't mean you were wrong. Note that he did get the LH hitter out (LaRoche). What I think it does underscore, however, is that whether you put Madson, Rhodes, Castro, or Geary out there in the ninth, there isn't a good option among them. It's more likely to go wrong than right with any of those miscast pitchers in that situation.
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:14 PM
Don't discount the guy, though. He was catapulted from mop up to inherited-bases-loaded-no-outs save situation. Though I was excited, even I didn't think that was an apporpriate move. Fabio needs some time in close 7th-8th innings before critical 9th innings. Geary was the appropriate choice once Madson gave up his second base hit.
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:16 PM
Jon, if he brings in Geary earlier, either Ward or McCann pinch hits. It's not all that much better a matchup.
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:16 PM
Teams are hitting .333 against Rhodes at home this year. He also has a WHIP of 2.08 and an ERA of 7.32 at home. I will take my chances with Madson.
The bottom line is Manuel's horrible handling of a pitching staff. I would have brought in a Geary-Fultz-or-Castro into the 8th and had Madson start the 9th. It may have been a different outcome then.
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:17 PM
Although there is no sure thing in the PHils bullpen, Manuel still mixes-n-matches with little success...but I have no leg to stand on right now.
Posted by: Drama Queen | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:19 PM
Basically, w/o Gordon, our bullpen is as bad as the Royals'. We might as well be throwing Ambriorix Burgos out there.
Posted by: Tray | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:20 PM
What about having Fultz up then? Manuel and Dubee need to be doing a better job than they have been lately.
BTW, since Gordon pitched again last night while on rehab, they said he was not available today. Why even bother activating him then? Seems pointless...
J-Roll, come on and be a hero!
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:21 PM
boy, he's loading up the bases with fast runners. nice ab by simon - and J-ROLL HITS! YUSH!
Posted by: Oisin | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:21 PM
He had success doing in the ten days prior to the last game vs. Washington. It's not always going to work out, and it's not always Manuel's fault if it doesn't.
HOW ABOUT JIMMY ROLLINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:21 PM
Thank God. Signs of life.
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:22 PM
Take that you #%@#ers.
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:23 PM
Victorino leads the Phils to a VICTORY!! Man, we are lucky to have survived that one!! Let's take two!!
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:23 PM
Lovin' it. sweet, sweet win.
Posted by: Oisin | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:23 PM
Wow, I don't believe it! I don't believe they won that game! I cannot believe it!
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:23 PM
Wickman was bound to blow one!! Nice comeback, Phils!!!
Posted by: BushLig | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:24 PM
that was awesome...I must be bipolar with the ups and downs i experience gamely.
Posted by: Drama Queen | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:24 PM
YES YES YES!!! JIMMY! Great slide by Coste! Great AB by Simon! And SHANE!!!!! YES!!!!
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:24 PM
Vicorino named player of the game in a game when Howard hits three bombs!
The Phillies aren't supposed to win these games!
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:25 PM
Blown save by Wickman of all people...
Anyway...
My contention is that the bullpen is being used suboptimally. Charlie puts the wrong guys in and pulls them too early/late. I realize the closer situation sucks, but Manuel isn't doing a good enough job with it. I expect to lose games but not in the way they're being lost.
I admit Madson is not an ideal closer.
I admit Castro is not ready.
I stand by Rhodes is worse than the above two.
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:27 PM
Big win, though.
I love to see this from our team for once.
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:28 PM
Its been a joy watching victorino grab every chance thrown his way. Same for coste. here's hoping that's a demoralising kick in the teeth for the braves and we take two no bother.
anyone else shocked at how much simon let whelke throw in that AB? usually a phillie lets rip at a dumb pitch at some point in that situation and blows it.
Posted by: Oisin | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:29 PM
Howard only needs two in the next game to tie record for HR in DH.
Posted by: sean | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:29 PM
Sheesh, what a rollercoaster. Unreal. Everything was important in that ninth inning. Coste's miracle dash, Nunez's bunt, Simon's patience, Rollins' ultra-clutch hit, and Victorino getting the winning knock after he almost had to come out of the game with an injury. Teamwork! That was a game for the ages, right there. Harry Kalas sounded like he was choking up when Diaz hit the homer, and then back to rapturous hollering fifteen minutes later.
Did I mention I can't believe they won that game?
Posted by: RickSchuBlues | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:37 PM
Great win
Any out of towners know if TBS is carrying the second game? The Braves site says yes but I think it's chick flick day on TBS and it looks like they're starting a second movie.
Posted by: krub16 | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:49 PM
I had a bad feeling about this game the moment Todd Pratt stepped to the plate in the 8th inning, even before his home run. Don't know why, but it's one of those gut feelings a Phillies fan gets. Ex-player burns 'em, current bullpen struggles, and the fact that they're still the Atlanta Braves.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:50 PM
Isn't the HR record for a double header held by Nate Colbert, then of the San Diego Padres, in a DH in Atlanta against these same Braves sometime back in the mid-1970's? It would be great for Howard to do it to the Braves again.
Posted by: Davthom73 | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 04:56 PM
Krub: I watched the Atlanta broadcast of the game today and the guys said that there was no Atlanta TV coverage for the second game. Puzzling that the Braves site says that the game will be televised. Start time is 5:05, wouldn't hurt to check back.
Posted by: BushLig | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 05:02 PM
Isn't it funny how that works, Jason? I had the same inclination. Must have been something in Pratt's swagger that made me think it would be better to walk him when he stepped up to the plate. On the last pitch, even though textbook says to aim down and in, I didn't think Moyer could get away with it again--and he couldn't.
Posted by: Whelkman | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 05:05 PM
The team picked up their manager today. Nothing like easing Castro into progressively more difficult situations. Bases loaded, nobody out in the 9th of a critical game. That's mitake #1. #2 (which is inexcusable) is leaving him out there for the righthander with Geary up in the pen. Absolutely no excuse for that. He gets the lefty out, and you move on, Gomer.
Posted by: SamDracula | Monday, September 04, 2006 at 02:32 PM