Behind seven strong innings by Kyle Kendrick (W, 2-2), the Phillies cruised to their sixth win in seven tries, beating the Pirates 8-4 Saturday. They aim for the series sweep this afternoon at 1:35 ET.
Beerleaguer: One of the easiest wins of the season, but a very good win nonetheless in getting everything they could have asked out of Kendrick, who pitched into the 8th inning and didn’t walk anyone, recording most of his outs by way of groundouts. He received plenty of help from his defense, which appears to have turned the corner on this road trip. Kendrick was also able to buy a night's rest for the back-end of the bullpen.
Meanwhile, the Bucs continue to play sloppy baseball, and the futility of Matt Morris, who couldn’t find his way out of the second inning, cannot be overstated. It's going to be another horrible summer for Pittsburgh.
On the mend: Jimmy Rollins took batting and fielding practice yesterday and told the Inquirer he’s getting close to 100 percent. Kris Benson suffered a groin strain during extended spring training. Shane Victorio can come off the DL on Tuesday.
Game chat: Today, the Phils send Brett Myers (2-1, 4.78 ERA) to the mound as they try for their fourth-straight win to finish the road trip 6-1. The Pirates counter with Paul Maholm (1-2, 4.22). Discuss it here. [Live Boxscore]
Who believes it, Kris Benson got hurt!? He's always been so tough, durable and reliable. I'm still glad we have him on the payroll instead of Lohse. Who needs innings when you've got him. I don't know who's the bigger pu$$y - Benson or his wife.
Posted by: Hugh Mulcahy | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Good Road Trip at 6-1. Could have easily been 7-0, but without a couple come from behind victories in Colorado, could have been worse.
I can't wait until we get the full lineup back together possibly by the end of the week.
Posted by: kkreider13 | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 11:14 AM
At least we have the 0-5 JD Durbin as depth in lieu of Benson's services. The Real Deal lasted .1 yesterday for the now 3-21 Iron Pigs. Ouch. Outmam, however, struck out 9 in 5 innings and belted a HR.
What kind of prospect is Naughton? He's a lefty-hitting catcher that seems to be hitting very well this season.
Posted by: Reed | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Nice to see the boys beating the teams they're supposed to beat, especially in April. Too bad we don't play the Bucs more often.
Posted by: brio | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Reed: And to think that kdon declared JD Durbin would be as good as Chad Durbin, Eaton or Kendrick. Bizarre.
Posted by: clout | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 11:47 AM
I'll admit I expected more out of J.D., but he's just been awful for months. If he's in Philadelphia this season, it means the Phillies have gone down the toilet.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 11:50 AM
The only way Bad Durbin is in Philadelphia this year is if he's selling hot dogs in the stands.
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Well last year he was nearly as good as Chad Durbin, so, while wrong, it's really not so bizarre. Not to mention that it's too soon to say what people like Kendrick and Eaton will do. Two starts ago people were predicting Kendrick's demise.
Posted by: Tray | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Tray: "Well last year he was nearly as good as Chad Durbin" Huh?
2007 stats:
J.D. Durbin ERA+ 76, WHIP 1.76
Chad Durbin ERA+ 97, WHIP 1.42
You're even more willfully ignorant on J.D. Durbin than you are on Feliz!
Posted by: clout | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Mr. Mulcahy,
It's quite possible that Mrs. Benson had something to do with Mr. Benson's groin strain. If that's the case, then more power to Mr. Benson.
Posted by: AWH the RBP | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 12:12 PM
If I'm Manuel, I'm expecting Myers to come in today and attack the Pirates lineup with lots of strikes. They have to be feeling demoralized after the bad news bears display the last couple days. If he can blow through that lineup once today, they may fold the tent. After Mclouth and Sanchez, they get extremely vulnerable to a strong right hander, especially with Larouch hitting like he belongs in the pitcher's spot.
Posted by: Hugh Mulcahy | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Tray and clout, way to start the thread off! I haven't seen a really good argument on BL in a while.
The bullpen has been great so far. Seanez, a healthy Madson, and Good Durbin are, IMO, pitching to expectations.
Lidge has been above expectations, as has Romero.
Gordon is the wild card. If he somehow remains healthy and effective for the entire season, and Lidge and Romero continue to pitch well (to their averages), then maybe winning the division isn't out of the question.
Posted by: AWH the RBP | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 12:18 PM
RWH - yes, that could be the case. I wouldn't mind straining my groin with her - probably need a few weeks of spring training before trying it. Fact is that Benson has cashed more paychecks he didn't deserves - he's come up small in big spots and hit the DL with regularity with pissant strains and tweaks everywhere he's been.
Posted by: Hugh Mulcahy | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 12:19 PM
http://go.philly.com/eliarant
If you've never heard this, you're in for quite a treat. Hide the women and children first.
Posted by: RSB | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 12:19 PM
RSB - After what, 10 years?, night games still don't look right at Wrigley. What a rant though.
Posted by: joe l | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Clout, I was just talking about the 90 ERA+ he had with us in 18 games. Of course if you include those two thirds of an inning with Arizona, things look very different.
Posted by: Tray | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Just turned on Baseball Tonight. Bottom ticker says Jose Reyes is 2-26 with 0 runs in his last 6 games. Man behind the desk says the Pirates have released Morris.
Posted by: Sophist | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 12:38 PM
::steps out of cave:: Err, make that 20 years of lights at Wrigley.
Posted by: joe l | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Tray: Oh, OK. If you leave out J.D.'s worst game but keep in Chad's worst game, the numbers are closer. Got it.
Posted by: clout | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Is it encouraging or discouraging to the Phillies that they just murdered someone's career last night?
Posted by: mm | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Unless he decides to retire Morris will make 10M this year. His career was over already.
Posted by: Sophist | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:10 PM
I think it's fair, clout, just as it's fair to, when comparing Romero to other pitchers, talk about what Romero did last year for us exclusive of what he did for the Red Sox.
Posted by: Tray | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Kendrick Throw/Howard Miss (Last thread):
The basic point that I was trying to make was that I would rather Howard miss the ball than collide with the runner, or have his arm hit by a guy running full speed (In an 8-2 game, otherwise do whatever to get the ball). If that means that Kendrick should have held the ball, or if Howard should have just not attempt to catch it. I can see some argument that he should have come off the bag to get it to keep it from going away, but he would not have been able to get the runner if he did that. The angle of the throw pretty much put him on a collision course with the runner if he gets the ball.
Posted by: Inside/Outside the Parker | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Tray: If you say so.
Posted by: clout | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Is it sad or funny that whenever I go on mlb.com and see a headline like "Ryan set standard for strikeouts," I think they're talking about Howard?
Posted by: Tray | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Tray - both.
Jason - I love your headline. I'm sharpening my fork. It got dull sticking it into Morris last night.
In re: the Real Drool
The Real problem is that he's a major headcase. It's not reflected in anyone's statistical sample.
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Great start for Brett...
Posted by: CJ | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Anybody else reminded (however slightly) of Nails when they see McClouth play? Just me? I like this kid (of course, I'd prefer he wasn't hitting homers off of Myers, too).
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:45 PM
MANCHINE can't play defense, eh?
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:46 PM
What defensive replacement?
Posted by: CJ | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:47 PM
It might behoove Myers to make an effort to keep the ball down. He is getting hammered again.
Posted by: Inside/Outside the Parker | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Gameday could be wrong..but it looked like all four of those pitches to Howard were balls.
Posted by: johnnysanz3 | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Pete Happy's new look is nice. Unfortunately, it doesn't prevent him from hitting the first pitch into a dead double-play ball.
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Howard and Feliz... bailing out wild pitchers since 2008.
Posted by: johnnysanz3 | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:52 PM
The Pedro Feliz is a WEAPON with runners on base.
Unfortunatley, he's a weapon for the other team...
Posted by: CJ | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:53 PM
No shortage of Feliz flack on Beerleaguer, but much of it is deserved, including his reputation as being an out machine. It seems like three in four ABs end that exact way.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Jeltz: In Pedro's defense, he totally waited until the second pitch to make two outs.
Posted by: CJ | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Jeltz, I think McLouth's stance and swing are very similar to Dykstra. I've posted something about that before with regards to the Phillies potentially picking him up last offseason.
Posted by: Inside/Outside the Parker | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Ewwww...I don't like the Phils matchup on Wednesday. Chris Young pwned the Phils last year.
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:56 PM
The pirates are bound to give him away for nothing eventually.
Posted by: johnnysanz3 | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Another pitch up. That is Myers kryptonite.
Posted by: Inside/Outside the Parker | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:58 PM
CJ: Well, that's an improvement, I guess.
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Feliz is the worst hitter on this team. Just completely undisciplined. Maybe I can see swinging at a first-strike pitch from Maholm but why does he swing so often at guys who are struggling to find the plate?
Like the Duke game on Friday night where he was hacking away at the first pitch offerings at a guy who couldn't find the strike zone. Does Feliz ignore what the pitcher is throwing and just go up there and do his business?
Posted by: MG | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Let's go. Malholm stinks.
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:03 PM
I see the Mendoza Squad is out in force today. Runs will be scare.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Ruiz walks, amazing.
Posted by: Inside/Outside the Parker | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Figured Maholm would get out to a nice start against this team. Maholm actually has pitched pretty well in PNC Park the past two years. Plus, he is a lefty starters and even marginal lefty starters have a tendency to perplex this team at times the past few years.
With a bunch of guys struggling in the lineup (including Howard), I figured the Phils would have a problem scoring today.
Posted by: MG | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:07 PM
And sac bunt futility continues.
Posted by: CJ | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:08 PM
Any lefty that can't throw a strike is the Phillies kryptonite.
Posted by: johnnysanz3 | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Hey Myers, don't throw a meatball this time.
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:09 PM
One guy who has largely ignored criticism here is Taguchi. I haven't seen one thing from him I like yet. His supposed strong suits are defense (he has been the shakiest OF on this team so far) and running (doesn't seem as fast to me as advertised either and certainly not fast enough to steal a bag when needed).
I will be really glad that his playing time take a huge hit when Victorino comes back on Tues. Maybe a start a week but strictly a limited role player at most.
Plus, his "99" really annoys me. It would be more fitting if he was "00"
Posted by: MG | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Am I remembering correctly that Jamie Moyer can pretty regularly lay down a decent sac bunt? Or just imagining it? Couldn't find any stats in a cursory search.
But if it's true, maybe he could hold a short clinic on the subject for the rest of the pitching staff? If Manuel insists on calling for the sac bunt from his pitchers, he coudl at least make sure they know how to do it.
Posted by: strange | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Taguchi actually made a nice play last inning tracking down a ball down the line. I'm willing to wait on Taguchi; he'll help them yet.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:14 PM
MG: I agree, except for one game, Taguchi has been average. His history is good though. He led the league in Pinch hits last year, edging out Mr. Dobb's.
Great play by Nady.
Posted by: Inside/Outside the Parker | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Phillie pitchers have never been able to bunt during Cholly's reign. He obviously doesn't think it's important.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:16 PM
This looks like it's going to be one of "those" games, doesn't it?
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Where's T-Mac?
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Doing a pointless interview with someone from the Phils FO?
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:20 PM
I do think Taguchi will help this team down the road if he is used in a limited role. He just annoys me for some reason.
Posted by: MG | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Buying hot dogs and soda for Sarge, Harry, and Wheels?
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Just another Maholm no hitter.
Lefties are going to be tough til we get Rollins, Howard, Vic and Coste back. Oh right...
Posted by: curt | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:21 PM
While on the irrational front - does Doumit look kind of evil? Maybe I am reaching here. . . .
Posted by: MG | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:21 PM
MG - Taguchi was able to get to third in the Phils' loss to the Brewers earlier this week in the 9th. Werth just couldn't get him in. I think he can steal.a bag when needed (since he's, in fact, done it once already) and is a good bat off the bench.
Posted by: Sophist | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:22 PM
What are the odds on a Maholm no-hitter today?
Can't be better than 50%, right?
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Hanging slider. Myers can't do that, he just can't.
Posted by: Inside/Outside the Parker | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Myers hasn't been terrible today, but just a few too many gifts over the plate. They've hit him very hard today.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Glad I got to see Bautista's hit for this month.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Great throw by Werth. Myers just wanted to give him some practice.
Posted by: Inside/Outside the Parker | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:27 PM
2 Sub-.200 hitters combining for that run.
Fantastic
Posted by: diggitydave | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Beautiful throw by Werth. That was big. Now it's time to score some runs.
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:27 PM
What an amazing throw. Werth has to stay in this lineup, Victorino or no Victorino.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:27 PM
While Lidge has performed better than anyone could expect, Myers really hasn't lived up to his billing as No. 2 starter.
Plus, he is getting hurt today but scrubs. Rivas is as marginal a player as you would find in MLB and he has smoked two balls from Myers.
Posted by: MG | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:28 PM
JW, I agree. This lineup (W/Werth) looks much more dynamic than the same one with the only difference being Victorino subbed for Werth.
Posted by: Inside/Outside the Parker | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:29 PM
But diggity, if you add their averages up they're hitting .340!
Posted by: Tray | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Let's see, apart from Burrell, none of the next six Phillies is hitting over .222. Nice. Amazing. Great.
No wonder Maholm is sporting that huge drool stain.
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Jenkins has to sit when Vic gets back, no? Although Jenkins has been hitting better lately.
Manchine breaks up the no-no, even running in slo-motion.
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:30 PM
The BAAATTT.
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:31 PM
A healthy Burrell is slower than Kirk Gibson running around the bags with one bad knee.
Posted by: Inside/Outside the Parker | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Burrell shoves the no-no up Maholm's butt.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Awesome that PtB got a double on that, because that would have been a DP if he handn't. Feliz stinks.
Posted by: Spitz | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Well, at least Howard is frustrated. I heard that "****" from 900 miles away.
Posted by: Zach Morris | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:32 PM
$10 says the Gnome makes an out on the right side of the infield.
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:32 PM
C'mon gnomester, bring him home.
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Good hit, Bruntlett.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:33 PM
At least I got the right side part right. That'll do, Gnome, that'll do.
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Either the crowd is really small, or really quiet, because when Howard used the F word I thought he was in the next room.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:33 PM
I'll see that Smurf and raise you a Gnome.
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Well, Bruntlett quickly made up for his contribution by being promptly picked off...
Posted by: TGod082 | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Of course, he then gets picked off. Classic.
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Roaming Gnome gets the immovable object home from second and then gets caught roaming where he shouldn't.
Posted by: Inside/Outside the Parker | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:34 PM
This team really misses Lopes at 1B. Too many guys have been picked off or made bad decisions on when to steal. Get well soon Lopes because this team really misses you at 1B.
Posted by: MG | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:35 PM
One guy who hasn't been an issue so far is "Send'em Home" Smith at 3B. Don't recall a single Phil being thrown out at home on a bad decision by Smith yet unlike so many times last year.
Posted by: MG | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:37 PM
What are there, like 5 Pirates fans at the stadium today? They're probably all at the Penguins game.
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Well, in ex-Phillie news, Figueroa's shutting out the Braves, Iguchi hit a walk-off the othernight, and Wes Helms just struck out against a LHP - he's hitting .150.
Posted by: Tray | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:38 PM
STOP PITCHING TO MCCLOUTH!!! JEEBUS!!!
Posted by: Jeltz for the Hall | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:39 PM
You've got to be kidding me. Nate McClouth???
Posted by: TG082 | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Good grief. Time to head for the beach.
Posted by: curt | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Sorry to say it, but I'm pretty tired of Brett Myers. The guy just never seems to live up to his reputation.
Posted by: The Other Kevin | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:40 PM
What is Myers doing out there? He just treated Maholm like he was Babe Ruth, and treated McLouth like the Disney creation.
Posted by: Inside/Outside the Parker | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:41 PM
Inside/Outside: McClouth is Ruth. Apparently Maholm is Walter Johnson.
It's really surprising that the Pirates aren't a better club with these two future hall of famers.
Posted by: TG082 | Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 02:43 PM