Right-hander Freddy Garcia hopes to build on yesterday's complete game from Cole Hamels when the Phillies take on rookie Tim Lincecum and the Giants this afternoon at 1:35 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park. [Live Boxscore]
Phillies 5, Giants 2: If you didn’t watch last night, you missed what’s quietly going to be referred to as Cole Hamels’ best yet. It's certainly his most economic: a 97-pitch complete game masterpiece, showcasing another dimension of the budding star’s arsenal. After surrendering a home run in the first inning, the left-hander breezed through his next five frames, relying on his change-up and breaking ball almost the entire evening. The Giants would score on a sac fly in the seventh, but with his pitch count low, Hamels stayed on to finish the deal. The most impressive moment came against Barry Bonds with one on and one out in the ninth inning. Hamels fed Bonds a steady diet of off-speed stuff, which Bonds kept fouling away. Hamels refused to give in and fed the future home run king a fifth and final change-up, this one in the dirt, which Bonds chased for the strikeout.
We’ve seen a lot of great things from Hamels: a 15-strikeout game; he’s flirted with a no-hitter twice. This was his best. His stuff goes without saying, but this time he did it with guile and followed a plan. It was a truly special night.
Today's preview: Fans wishing Hamels could pitch again today will have to settle for Freddy Garcia (1-4, 4.59 ERA). Garcia’s been hard to watch. That would include his eight-inning, three run, nine-strikeout performance on Memorial Day. One reader who was at the game said it was more like Garcia endured than pitched well, never topping 90 mph, relying on slop more than anything. Physically, there’s no rhythm, too much upper body and no pop. But hey, at least he’s avoided total meltdowns. Four runs is the most he's allowed. Based on nothing in particular, I think Garcia builds on Monday’s game and goes seven strong.
The Giants counter with 22-year-old right-hander Tim Lincecum (2-0, 3.64 ERA), who made his major league debut against the Phillies on May 6, when he yielded five runs, five hits and five walks in 4 1-3 innings. Since then, he’s been solid, giving up just seven earned runs over 29 innings while striking out 28, holding hitters to a .168 average. With Bonds sitting out, Mark Sweeney starts in left field.
Gordon, Myers updates: Because of Hamels' complete game, the 13-0 thrashing Friday night and the losses to Arizona, the back-end of the bullpen has been taken out of play lately. Meanwhile, Brett Myers is to begin throwing any day, according to a weekend report. Tom Gordon is considered weeks away.
Minor stuff: Ottawa reliever Kane Davis (19.1 IP, 2.33 ERA) moves into the Lynx starting rotation today and makes his first professional start since 2000. Mike Drago of the Reading Eagle features Chris Coste in his Sunday column and also gives an update on the progress of third baseman Mike Costanzo. [Link]
Sad note from Drago's column: more than half of Reading's roster is 28 or older. That's terrible.
Posted by: Steve Jeltz | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Steve -- Just one of the consequences of having the fewest picks in the top 5 rounds of any ML team since 2000.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Let it be noted that gutting the farm system did not result in a single playoff team. I guess it was all Ed Wade's fault.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 12:49 PM
I'm not sure what the most impressive aspect of King Cole's outting last night was: 98 pitches for 78 strikes? Going through the line up the first time staying away from his change up (at least according to the SF announcers that's what he did)? Being smart enough to wave off Rod's calls for fastballs in the 9th? Or was it that after he gave up the home run in the first he didn't mentally give in, like other pitchers would after watching their team produce 0 runs the night before and get tagged for 13?
Posted by: Phila Fan In DC | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 01:29 PM
When was it decreed that Phillie pitchers must allow at least 1 HR before fans are even in their seats?
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 01:39 PM
PtP is almost an automatic out these days.
I'll be surprised if Howard gets to swing the bat at all today.
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 01:54 PM
How to tell when Cholly has stopped lieing about "putting the best lineup out there regardless of salary": When the 5th hitter in the top scoring offense in the league is not a guy on pace to drive in 69 runs.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 01:54 PM
Damn.
It would be nice if Garcia didn't allow each inning's leadoff hitter to take him yard.
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 01:57 PM
Desperate times. With Utley the only hitter in Cholly's regular lineup looking like he has a chance to actually hit, & with ptB locked in at #5, it's time to try the opening day gig again - flip Utley & Howard. Howard might see a few more pitches, and Utley might drive him in if he walks. Nothing to lose.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 02:28 PM
Nice to see the Phils respond with a couple of jacks; seems like they've been giving up a lot more than they've hit lately. Garcia has a rare lead, let's see what he does with it.
Posted by: RSB | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 02:36 PM
Balls are carrying today. Thankfully a couple of them have been for us...
Posted by: Phila Fan In DC | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 02:37 PM
Utley is a perfect #3 hitter. But I'm with you, Curt. Unless one of the Phils' right handed hitters can protect Howard (Rowand), Charlie's gotta do it.
Posted by: J.R. King | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 02:37 PM
Sorry for the dis there, Mr. Aaron "Best Hitter on the Team and Best CF in the League" Rowand.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 02:40 PM
Looks like the team woke up a bit with Utley's jack. Even Pat got in on the action.
Hope Garcia can hold it.
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 02:42 PM
He held it...for about 5 minutes.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 02:50 PM
I wish I knew how many times this season the Phillies pitchers have been handed a lead and immediately hand it back to the other team the following half inning!!!
So frustrating!!!
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Some tough breaks. Interested to see how the Phils respond -- this seems like the kind of situation where they'd ball up until (maybe) the ninth.
Posted by: John | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 02:53 PM
I've seen enough. Season is more than 1/3 over. Freddie can't leave town fast enough for me.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 02:55 PM
I'm sorry, but Garcia is a joke.
Posted by: Malcolm | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 02:55 PM
He is a joke.
I've been a stauch defender of him - holding out hope that he would turn things around.
Isn't he supposed to be a big game pitcher? He was handed a lead with the bottom of the order up, and he gives up three runs.
WTF!?!?!?!?
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 02:58 PM
Lincecum, a 22 year old pitcher, just showed up Garcia. Facing the top of the Phils' order, easy as 1-2-3.
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:01 PM
People forget that Garcia who was injured earlier in the season, should have won his last two games, and should be 3-2. He even struck out the side in the 8th inning in the last game.
I really want everyone of us to think about this - "why is Jamie Moyer's slop (an old white guy) masterful, and Garcia's slop so bad? (A brown guy who struck out the side with it in the 8th inning of the last game before he had Madson give it up in the 9th for him to blow all his hard work).
Look at the hatred of Abreu vs. the milder hatred of Burrell with basically the same contracts, the vitriolic hatred of Bonds vs. the milder hatred of one dimensional far less talented Mark McGuire.
We all do it, I eat up pitching batting 3rd in my softball league, and look more like John Kruk when he played than than Ryan Howard. We want our heros like Coste to identify with, hating that he is crushed -with his and our hearts ripped out of us by the signing of Helms, Dobbs, Werth, and Barajas, not Barajas alone.
Before you all knee jerk attack this post, please take a moment to ponder it, before you attack back. I was here when our greatest modern day hitter Dick Allen was ridden out of town, and watched him write the word "BOO" in 2 foot letters in the dirt during the last days of Sept and Oct 1.
All I am asking everyone of us, is to think about it.
Posted by: SirAlden | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:01 PM
Freddie is like a million of other pitchers past their prime, only hanging around because the alteratives are worse. Mussina is another one I watched last night - fastball gone, no out pitch. Nibbling & finesse can only get you so far.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Last inning was the kind of jam that Garcia told everyone that he wanted to stay in and work his way out of. And this inning became the same thing.
Wonder what it was Garcia said to Manuel on his way out?
Posted by: Phila Fan In DC | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:07 PM
Agreed, Curt. The horrible thing is, he'll get a huge contract after this season. You know some team, like the Cubbies this offseason - or the Phillies with Eaton, will overpay for his services.
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:08 PM
I wouldn't be so sure of that, Bridoc. At least with Eaton you can make the argument that he has some good stuff. Garcia, however, is certainly on the decline. The Phils get hosed once again.
Posted by: John | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:14 PM
Sir alden you bringing up the race card now?
Posted by: fljerry | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:17 PM
I guess Mike "Single A" Zagurski isn't the savior after all.
Oh, and Alden, you have my permission to pat yourself on the head for being righteous today.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:17 PM
Why Geary? If you're going to bring him in, don't you do it when you're trying to get out of Garcia's inning?
Posted by: John | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:29 PM
Sir Alden you can bring up race all you want but Garcia still stinks. No way you can compare Garcia with Moyer. Moyer knows how to use the speed of his pitches where Garcia doesn't. As far as Abreu and Burrell, Burrell has been booed lots more and he had the no trade clause or he would of been traded.
Posted by: fljerry | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:36 PM
John -- you know Cholly, he always likes to turn to the rook when the game's on the line....(?)
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:37 PM
Wes!
Posted by: ZT | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:39 PM
After consideration, SirAlden, I've decided you're connecting dots in a way I don't appreciate, implying there's some kind of racial agenda behind my earlier remarks on Garcia getting by on slop.
This hasn't gone unnoticed by anyone. He's a shadow of what he was in the American League, and he's neither old or injured. Garcia and his 10 million contract were added to bolster the front of the rotation and replace Gavin Floyd, Ryan Madson and the short-inning, high run burden featured in today's game.
Damaged goods come in all shapes and colors, SirAlden. Garcia's just happens to be "brown."
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:40 PM
Looks like the Giants fear their BP as much as we do ours.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:40 PM
Anybody have any idea when the great J-Roll plans on rejoining the team?
Posted by: Rich | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:45 PM
Do we think that White Sox take returns? We can offer them Garcia around the deadline for Gio. Straight up!
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:46 PM
Rich becareful about remarks on rollin - sir alden may think its because hes black
Posted by: fljerry | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:47 PM
Can I say hes back now?!
Posted by: ZT | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:52 PM
MVP! MVP! MVP!
Posted by: hititonthegroundjroll | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:53 PM
MVP!!!
Sweet shot by Howard.
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Molina did not seem too happy with that result!
Nice, big, clutch, etc. HR, Howard. Now, relievers--put it away.
Posted by: Sad Panda | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:54 PM
Managers make no sense. Taschner came in to face the same guys yesterday and was terrible. And once Utley's walked, how do they not walk Howard there?
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:55 PM
Clutch. Just clutch.
Posted by: Phila Fan In DC | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:55 PM
Great hit - let's go, bullpen ...
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:55 PM
I couldn't believe they pitched to him, either. Pat shouldn't scare any manager these days.
So nice to see Ryan make pitchers pay for their mistakes.
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:56 PM
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:56 PM
stop with the race card. please, put it to rest. do you remember how when Thome was injured and struggling, us fans couldn't wait to see him go and see the savior Howard (who, last time i checked, happened to be "brown") take over the mantle of first base.
the race card is so overplayed at this point. personally, it's ludicrous that it's brought up in this situation. just enjoy the game and go phils!
Posted by: hititonthegroundjroll | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Sir Alden,
An interesting post, but i don't think you make any valid points. People in Philly like Moyer because he uses his junk to get batters out, whereas Garcia is using junk b/c he has nothing left in the tank, AND HE NEVER GETS ANYONE OUT. The Phils signed Moyers to be a junk ball pitcher, they certainly did not sign Garcia to be a junk ball pitcher. That argument is ridiculous. The Coste thing is even more absurd. I don't think a single person in this city would mind Ruiz (who is not white) starting over Coste (who is). But to pay $3 millon for a catcher with a .240 career batting average to take the place of a guy who hit .328 last year and makes half a million is PATENTLY ABSURD. And Coste sure as hell doesn't guard the plate like a china doll, then laugh it off when he s responsible for blowing out the arm of our best closer. Phillie fans love Ryan Howard and love Jimmy Rollins. When either hits a slump I never hear a single person boo. People didn't like Abreu because he's lazy and they put up with Pat b/c although he's slow, he's not lazy. I am sure there are idiots who might like certain players just b/c they are white, but 99.9% of Phillies fans wouldn't care if the entire roster consisted of purple ogres, as long as it won baseball games.
Posted by: Johnny Goodtimes | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Was Sweeney's fly ball close to going out? MLB Gameday seems to think so.
Either way, I worry about Geary pitching longer than an inning.
Posted by: J.R. King | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 03:58 PM
Huge shot by Howard, but he ain't no Travis Lee.
Posted by: Malcolm | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:00 PM
Uncle Cholly is OUT OF CONTROL with these double switches! haha
Posted by: hititonthegroundjroll | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:03 PM
However this game turns out, it should be noted that we have 8 runs on 8 hits. Rowand, Helms & Howard deserve congrats for picking up the runs.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:09 PM
HUGE OUT by Ryan. Hopefully a confidence-builder, though I wouldn't mind an extra run or three here.
Posted by: Bridoc10 | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:10 PM
Safe to say Garcia won't be re-signed this off-season I think.
Posted by: Ben Keeler | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:14 PM
Sir Alden: last night I referred to Mark G. as the most asinine poster on this site, but my apologies, he's got absolutely nothing on you.
Freddy Garcia irritates me more with each passing game. Again he has the nerve to flippantly mutter when Manuel comes out to remove him from the game. It's not enough that he's a profound bust, he's a disgrace for the way he handles himself on top of it.
But it's awesome to see Howard play the hero today. It was the rarest of moments where the crowd, in spite of its better judgment, got behind the hitter and the team and he actually responded. Something to savor.
Posted by: RSB | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:17 PM
I'm looking forward to seeing Bouchy's press conference to see his explanation on why he pitched to Howard over Burrell. It's not like his lefty was Wagner.
Posted by: kells | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:18 PM
If anyone figures out why a guy who has hit about .350 all season is a #7 hitter, I'd like to hear the explanation.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:19 PM
BTW, nice job with the double switch in the 8th, Chollie.
Posted by: Malcolm | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:22 PM
Now, the moment we've all been fearing for ten days: Ryan Madson as closer.
Posted by: RSB | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:23 PM
Curt I somewhat agree with you on rowand batting 7th. Originally thought that was his best position, but seeing how bad Burrell is doing, I would move him to 5th and burrell back to 7th. (these are from Left handed pitchers) But now I think he should be 5th against all pitchers
Posted by: fljerry | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:24 PM
As much as I can't stand Gillick I do have to give him this: Ed Wade would have probably signed Garcia to a 4 year, $40 million dollar deal with a no trade clause. At least we can dump this garbage at the end of the season.
Posted by: Johnny Goodtimes | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:25 PM
Wheels and Sarge: Please shut up. I could deal with your defense of Charlie if he was a numbers guy. He's not. Stop pretending he is.
I actually like the move, though!
Posted by: John | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:25 PM
Also: there's no way they should be playing right now. As much as I'd like to see the game end ... pull 'em off, umps.
Posted by: John | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Somebody break out the smoke and mirrors...
Posted by: RSB | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Let the 2nd guessing begin!!!
Posted by: Johnny Goodtimes | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:29 PM
It's never easy.
Posted by: Sad Panda | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Where's the guy that said I was an idiot for saying J-Roll stinks?
0-4 today...terrible since May 1st.
Posted by: Crazy Jon | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Anyone left in the pen?
Posted by: joe l | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:31 PM
how many chances has Madson been given to do something good....and how many times does he not....about everytime it seems to me for the last 3 years
Posted by: Ben Keeler | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:31 PM
Crazy john don't let Sir alden hear you say Rollin stinks. By the way he does not stink. He's in a slump and he has this every year - he will come out of it.
Posted by: fljerry | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:32 PM
Where the hell is YOEL?
Posted by: Malcolm | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:32 PM
...I hate this team
Posted by: ZT | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:33 PM
WOOOOOOOO!
Posted by: Malcolm | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:33 PM
Every reliever on this team deserves to be sent to Ottawa. They are, without a doubt, useless sacks of sh....
Posted by: Sad Panda | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:33 PM
Re: J-Roll slump.. fine, let him slump somewhere other than the leadoff spot.
Posted by: joe l | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:34 PM
(Rooting for an enormous shakeup starting tomorrow.)
Posted by: Malcolm | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:35 PM
Rollins would be the first guy, other than the obvious ones (Rowand, Lieber, Garcia) that I would trade - he has the most value, because he's very overrated.
Posted by: Crazy Jon | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:38 PM
Now they need good at bats from Rollins and Vic. It might be just our pitchers, but it looks like it's tough to throw strikes in that slop.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:38 PM
I should say, you would get the most value for Rollins, b/c he is overrated.
Posted by: Crazy Jon | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:39 PM
please, Jimmy, get on base
Posted by: svc | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:39 PM
I have no confidence that any pitcher besides Hamels and maybe Moyer can get anyone out.
Nice bullpen.
Posted by: Ben Keeler | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:40 PM
I'd call a leadoff bunt attempt for a hit. Get it in the grass and wet.
Posted by: joe l | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:41 PM
VICTORINO!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Sad Panda | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:42 PM
Hawaiian VIctory!!
Posted by: Jon | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:42 PM
WALK-OFF HOMER SHANE-O!
Posted by: ZT | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:42 PM
Phillies bullpen BAILED OUT!!!!!
Posted by: joe l | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:43 PM
Classic - Vic hits a walk-off HR on the day they give away the hula bobblehead.
Who gives him the pie in the face?
Posted by: Crazy Jon | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:43 PM
VICTORYYY-NO!!
Posted by: Jake | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:44 PM
Damn Eaton got him good with that shaving cream
Posted by: ZT | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:45 PM
Damn this team! Damn this team! Everytime I try to get out they pull me right back in!
Posted by: Johnny Goodtimes | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:46 PM
jayson werth and adam eaton giving pies in the face to shane??? that's a far cry from tomasssssss perezzzzzz
Posted by: hititonthegroundjroll | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:46 PM
And on Hawiain bobble head day, the should make a movie out of this!
Posted by: Tim from Williamsport | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:46 PM
It's probably about time to admit that Madsen isn't going to "return to form" for us. Mental or not, it's time for a change of scenery. Hopefully he is still valued by someone out there. There is a good chance tht he will pitch well elsewhere, but it doesn't look like it will happen here. So add Ryan to the soon-to-be ex-Phillie mob.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:54 PM
That was awesome. Well done Vic. Too bad our bullpen sucks.
Posted by: BloodStripes | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:56 PM
The starter sucked, the bullpen sucked, and the weather sucked, but let's face it guys: it's games like this that remind us why we love baseball and why, for better or for worse, we keep watching this damn team. This has to be the one of the most dysfunctional, aggravating, and entertaining .500 teams in the history of baseball (assuming this years Cubs don't get to .500).
Posted by: Johnny Goodtimes | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:57 PM
Oh, and never expected to see Vic go opposite field. He may hit 20 HR some yr.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 04:57 PM
Game thoughts:
The entire game was ugly in a beautiful way, beautiful only because of the win. Weather sucked, should have been called in the 7th/8th, but the umps let it go on. Freddy Garcia continues to be a piece of poop. The bullpen showed wildness yet again. Charlie was second guessed, and the best thing about it was Chris Wheeler kept talking about it before it actually happened. It was like he knew Ryan Madson was going to suffer a meltdown, but since Wheels is a brown-noser, he backed Manuel's decision.
Hey the Mets and Braves lost, not that it matters.
Back at .500...I'm so bipolar.
Posted by: GM-Carson | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 05:02 PM
Nice comeback but I cannot believe that was a home run. The Grand Slam during the 13-0 game was the worst the other night as well.
CBP is a beautiful baseball park but the game that is played on it is more like going to a carnival, not a professional sports venue.
Not to mention the quality and style of play of this and recent Phillies teams.
It is more akin to attending a minor league game from the caliber of play and amusement-park conditions.
Posted by: JB | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 05:13 PM
curt, are you down on him because he wasn't a first rounder? All you have to do to build a winning team is keep your first round draft picks. Scouting and personnel decisions haven't hurt the Phillies. It's those darn missing first rounders, right, curt?
Posted by: clout | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 05:22 PM
JB: You're dead on about CBP when the weather is hot and humid. The ball just flies out of there. When the weather is cool or dry it plays more like a regular park. My theory is ownership knew exactly what it was getting. Offense puts non-fans in the seats. The whole Giles theory is give 'em anything but baseball. When players and fans began to complain, ownership acted all shocked at how extreme it played. Remember when Bowa went out with a laser to get an exact measure of the alley in left and found it was 8 or 10 feet off what his bosses said it was?
Posted by: clout | Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 05:26 PM