Friday: Aggressive managing paying off on the road

Charlie Manuel exhausted his bench to get the lead and put the game in the hands of his bullpen. For the second time on this trip, the age-old strategy of playing to win on the road worked according to plan.

The luxury of having a lights-out 'pen and a deep bench (perhaps the two greatest strengths of the young season) has allowed Manuel to pull out all the stops late in ballgames. There’s no better example than last night, as the Phils won a high scoring footrace to the ninth inning, putting it in the hands of stopper Brad Lidge to seal the deal in a 7-5 win. And in addition to Pat Burrell, who we’ll get to momentarily, it also showcased the virtues of a versatile bench, where someone like Eric Bruntlett can man multiple positions in an emergency.

The jackpot move was lifting Greg Dobbs for Burrell to start the eighth. True to form, it was another patient Burrell at bat capped by a nice, easy swing on a 3-2 fastball. Burrell rocked it like it was April 2008. In the bottom half of the inning, Manuel lifts Burrell for So Taguchi, who tracks down a ball tight to the line. A minor point, but it seemed like every move worked in their favor.

The Phils and Astros sprayed 26 hits all over the place in a back-and-forth contest that could have gone to anyone really. Roy Oswalt and Kyle Kendrick didn’t have it, but it was also a night of good hits and just as many lucky ones. The game featured lots of opposite field action, including Ryan Howard’s bomb to left field, part of a three-for-five night. Astros' pitching relentlessly tried to get him to chase outside; one couldn’t help but notice that Howard was aware of that and saw it all the way. Oswalt’s offering would have been an out pitch against Howard two days ago.

Comments

[NEPhilliesPhan]

I believe the consensus is that we should bash Utley today as we did Howard yesterday... That said Utley is a complete bum who shouldn't be on a AA roster let alone the Phillies. Cut him now!!!

It's been a good week overall for Charlie's hunches and Howard's bat (somehow even with the Ks) so I'm happy so far. I'll be happier if we win another series.

[Willard Preacher]

Some would say "aggressive," others might say "idiotic." So glad it worked though. Extra innings would have been a nightmare.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Hats off to PtB and UC!

[NEPhilliesPhan]

One quick comment...not that I believe in this kind of jinx stuff but I posted on my blog back on May 7th(www.NEPhilliesPhan.blogspot.com) a special counter for Howard's strike outs back when he hit a season low batting average of .163. Ever since I started tracking his Ks (games streak, amount, projected total) on a daily basis, He has raised his average 44 points.

I would like at this time to personally take credit for ending Howard's season long slump as he is clearly an ardent reader of mine.

[Steve Jeltz]

The Mets are closer to last place than they are to 1st place. That just makes me happy.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Just read the Rangers are talking to Josh Hamilton about a long term deal. I don't know how close it was, but I remember reading the Phils inquired about Hamilton on or before the Rule V draft, where he was selected by the Reds. Imagine Hamilton in the Phils lineup?

[Andy]

NEPhan -
Uggla's much better.

In fact, right now, I'd have to say that the third spot is a major hole in the line-up. Just when the Gnome got good, too.
Trade Utley.

:-)

[El Capitan Obvioso]

Last night was picture perfect. The top of the order got on base, the meat of the order drove em in. Every substitution worked to perfection. It was actually a fun night to be a Phillies fan.

[NEPhilliesPhan]

Yeah...except for the bum Chase Utley...Ive never seen a player who cares less about his teammates than him.

[Furnstein]

Perfect: "Burrell rocked it like it was April 2008."

[michael smith]

well, i was at last thursday's braves game. i yelled at ryno that i support him and to wait for his pitch. clearly he has taken my advice and turned it all around.

i have no doubt that he heard me from the 10th row behind the left field wall.

:)

[The_Godfather]

Uh Guys, I hate to say this, but what if criticizing Utley has the opposite effect criticizing Howard has?

[NEPhilliesPhan]

Do you really want to take the chance of Not Criticizing him though?

[Furnstein]

Man, The_Godfather, that's like an eerie old episode of Tales From The Darkside.

[MG]

Crystal ball:

- June 1 will roll around and Brains will no longer be the manager of the Mets. Mets have basically the next week or so to turn it around somewhat or Brains will be gone.

Surprised to hear it but it made sense last night when Gammons said the Mets have been a sub. 500 team since mid-May last year.

[MG]

Crystal ball:

- June 1 will roll around and Brains will no longer be the manager of the Mets. Mets have basically the next week or so to turn it around somewhat or Brains will be gone.

Surprised to hear it but it made sense last night when Gammons said the Mets have been a sub. 500 team since mid-May last year.

[CJ]

National League 2B Rankings:

1. Dan Uggla
2. Brandon Phillips
.
.
.
14. Eric Bruntlett
15. Luis Castillo
16. Abe Nunez when he gets the call
17. Chase Utley

[MG]

Marlins series against the DBacks has been really interesting. First time I give the Marlins a real notice.

Still more concerned about the Braves. Hudson has picked up from last year, Glavine is still serviceable most nights, and Jurrjens looks like a steal. Bullpen has been their Achilles ' heel though but you have to wonder if Smoltz and Soriano would be able to really solidify it.

[MG]

Marlins series against the DBacks has been really interesting. First time I give the Marlins a real notice.

Still more concerned about the Braves. Hudson has picked up from last year, Glavine is still serviceable most nights, and Jurrjens looks like a steal. Bullpen has been their Achilles ' heel though but you have to wonder if Smoltz and Soriano would be able to really solidify it.

[TG082]

OK, I'm sorry if this was mentioned elsewhere, but did anyone hear the trade rumor (apparently reported by Gammons) of Feliz for Zimmerman?

This makes no sense for the Nats. He's a young guy, probably the closest thing they have at the moment to a "face of the franchise." If what Macnow said is true, he still has three years until he gets paid the big bucks.

Plus, from the Phillies standpoint, I can understand giving up Feliz, but the Nats MUST want someone else; probably starting pitching. And, although Zimmerman would definitely solidify the Phils as having the best, youngest infield in the majors, we can't afford to get rid of any of our starters.

So, has anyone heard anything about this? What, exactly, did Gammons say?

[Jonesman]

MGs gonna go get the papers, get the papers

[Ryan]

I think the NL East is starting to shape up to be a contest between the Marlins, Phils, and Braves. The Braves are playing better than I thought they would this year. Everyone keeps waiting for the wheels to fall off the Marlins but they keep rolling.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Ed Wade on SR950: When he was GM, he considered, but turned down, a deal that would've sent Utley, Madson and Bourn to the A's for Zito.

[TonyG]

Why is it that most Phillies pitching and hitting slumps end on the road???

Seems odd that that added pressure a Philly player "puts on himself" seems to fade on foreign soil.

What's up with that???

[NEPhilliesPhan]

***Ed Wade on SR950: When he was GM, he considered, but turned down, a deal that would've sent Utley, Madson and Bourn to the A's for Zito. ***

Thank God! Can you imagine that trade taking place?

[vegas]

I'd take Zimmerman and Rauch for Feliz and Vic.

[Andy]

CJ:
I'm sure you meant:
14. Eric Bruntlett
15. Luis Aguayo coming out of retirement
16. Luis Castillo
17. Abe Nunez when he gets the call
18. Chase Utley

I mean, really, what's with the little snap swing. He needs to lengthen his stroke or he's never gonna hit for any power.

[bay_area_phan]

I have an inside source with the Phillies who tells me that Feliz for Zimmerman is just about a done deal. Not only that, but the deal is just step 1 in the plan to fortify the Phillies for a playoff run. In step 2, which is also a done deal, the Phillies will be trading Bruntlettt and cash considerations for Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain.

[Andy]

vegas - yup. I'd take Peavy for Eaton, too.

[J. Weitzel]

"I'd take Zimmerman and Rauch for Feliz and Vic."

Um, yeah. Anyone would. Seems like the most important part is being left out of this rumor: That the Phils would need to send their best pitching propects to Washington. There's no other way a deal for Zimmerman, who's 23 and could become one of the game's best all-time defenders at third, goes for Feliz and 'something else.'

[bay_area_phan]

Within 30 seconds, I expect to get the following reply:

"BAP, we know that rumor can't be true. The Phillies would never give up cash considerations."

[Jimmie J.]

Zimmerman and a couple minor leaguers for Myers & Feliz

[Bedrosian's Beard]

There was a pre-Thanksgiving rumor that the Phils were on the verge of acquiring Zimmerman. Bowdon would milk the Phils for every prospect we have to get Zim.

[El Capitan Obvioso]

With all this Utley bashing, don't forget about Howard. We want this trend to continue. Howard sucks. We should have kept Thome.

[JD]

Dice-K to Philly for Ruiz and 9 guys to be named later.

[flipper]

Congrats to Burrell for delivering the game winning hit last night.

And can I get some credit for bashing Burrell since I first showed up at Beerleaguer. Also note, that my reverse jinx has also worked. Since I showed up here defending Feliz he's started to hit a little better.

[NEPhilliesPhan]

Dice-K annoys the hell out of me...he's a nibbler. He's got awesome stuff but he pitches like he's a journeyman. It pisses off Sox fans a bunch. He could easily be leading the league in Ks but he'd rather walk a guy than take a chance of a HR.

[king myno]

Anyone else nervous that the Mets will fire Slick Willie and then start to turn it around? It seems like he has absolutely no idea how to handle that clubhouse anymore; I'm hoping for a little three or four game winning streak to confuse management into keeping him around. Immediately followed, of course, by lots more inconsistent play.

[CJ]

Well, last night's win must have boosted our spirits. This is one of the funnier threads we've had in awhile.

I think it would be awesome to get Ryan Zimmerman. Howard-Utley-Rollins-Zimmerman for the next couple years? Not bad at all.

[CJ]

king myno: That is the ideal scenario. The Mets show a little life every couple of games... on the verge of "turning it around" only to revert to their lifeless, gutless, losing ways.

[The Theory]

myno- yes. can't say I'm a fan of rocking the boat when another team is down.

[vegas]

Any word on Werth and his oblique strain? Should Golson get some big league play?

[JD]

Yea, I would hate to have an 8-0 journeyman pitcher in the starting rotation. Oh, how we would suffer.

[vegas]

cj- winning makes everyone feel good

King Mayo- Willie is a good fit for the Mets

[vegas]

King Myno-sorry

[NEPhilliesPhan]

****Anyone else nervous that the Mets will fire Slick Willie and then start to turn it around?****

I'm terrified that it will be like the Marlins in 03 with McKeon...

****Yea, I would hate to have an 8-0 journeyman pitcher in the starting rotation. Oh, how we would suffer.****

I didn't mean it like that...I just meant that he pitches like his fastball is 88 mph instead of 94. He could be so much more dominating than he is right now.

[Malcolm]

Maybe we pull off a five-team trade, and since five-team trades are so complex, we somehow end up with the best pot and nobody realizes!

Phillies get:
Ryan Zimmerman, Tim Linecum and Jake Peavy

Giants get:
Tim Redding, Pedro Feliz and Mike Napoli

Angels get:
Josh Bard and Adam Eaton

Padres get:
Bengie Molina, Jose Castillo and Jesus Colome

Nationals get:
Kevin Kouzmanoff and Clay Condrey

No one would ever know.

[Andy]

In all the Zimmerman talk - and my needing to vent at another useless performance by that worthless Chase Utley - I forgot about Werth going down. I kinda like the idea of giving Golson some time up. He'll strike out in every at-bat, of course, but what a great pinch-runner/defensive sub for Burrell in the late going.

My guess is that they'll be adding him to the 40-man roster before the end of the year anyway (don't want him going away as a Rule 5 at this point). Might as well do it now. A few weeks to sip the big leagues might help him focus all the more on the "pitch recognition" thing.

[CJ]

Quick question:

What would you offer for Ryan Zimmerman? I'm not sure the Nats are really dealing him. If they are, they want young pitching... since everyone wants young pitching.

We'll assume we're sending them Feliz to just play third for him... but then, how good of a pitching prospect would you include?

Zimmerman is young... has a GREAT glove... and has a career OPS+ of 109 at just the age of 22.

[Andy]

Malcolm...

very funny.

[GM-Carson]

Where's this Feliz for Zimmerman rumor coming from? I want to see the article/link.

Phils have been entertaining the past 2 games, and that's why I watch, to be entertained. Keep on rollin' to a season high 4 games in a row.

[Morty]

I'm loving these trade proposals, can anyone come up with a way to get Webb from Arizona? He's not bad.

Also ... Howard and Utley can't hold Feliz's jockstrap. Burrell as well.

[Andy]

Rollins
Utley
Zimmerman
Howard
Burrell
Victorino
LF
Feliz
C
Who really needs a P anyway?

The trade will never happen. But it's fun to drool.

[NEPhilliesPhan]

For Zimmerman???

Lets see:

Carrasco
Savery
Bastardo
Feliz

[chaz]

I live in DC, and they really have made Zimmerman the face of the franchise here. I can't imagine a package that would pry him away. It would take pitching and, uh, we don't have any.

[Andy]

NEPhan - I would not divest of Tony Bastard. Since they're already getting quality in CC and Savery, I'd send them something ostensibly useful, but not really worth anything like Mazone.

[CJ]

Andy: Is that an American League lineup where Feliz is the DH?

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Andy,

Feliz and Zimmerman in the same lineup?

[NEPhilliesPhan]

****NEPhan - I would not divest of Tony Bastard. Since they're already getting quality in CC and Savery, I'd send them something ostensibly useful, but not really worth anything like Mazone.****

Even though we're just BSing here lets be serious...no one's interested in a 31 year old journeyman like Mazone. My thought was to trade high on Bastardo who might fool the Nats scouts with his K/9 totals this year despite only having 2 pitches. Carrasco was the centerpiece of that deal along with Savery...That would leave us with Outman and Naylor still in the minors as well as Edgar Garcia maybe.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Perhaps a team would like a major league ready lefty-happ.

[GM-Carson]

The Lil' Piggies won again last night. It's good to see them turning the season around after losing 73 games in the month of April.

[JD]

The odds of the Phils getting Zimmerman are about as good as them getting Lowell, so let's just hope Feliz continues improving and platoon with Dobbs.

[NEPhilliesPhan]

JD...that's the serious answer. Not exactly what we're going for here.

[naylman]

Where did Gammons report this at?

[stjoehawk]

If we're looking at 3B, I wonder what the Rockies would want in return for Ian Stewart.

[GM-Carson]

How many homeruns does Eaton give up tonight in that bandbox?

[Burt]

MG--since June 1 of last year, the amazin' New York Mutts are just 76-79. Willie's days are numbered

[don]

Preacher still can't stand Chollie. I hope they win the World Series this year and your stuck with him until he wants to retire, something akin to Jopa at Penn State.

[GM-Carson]

Willie Randolph is rightfully criticized, in fact should probably be criticized more. It has ZERO to do with his race. The Mets had a historical collapse last September and are now a game under .500 this year, despite lofty expections and a big-ass payroll. Not only does he do a crappy job managing his team on the field, he can't manage them in the clubhouse either, guys always running theirs mouths (Wagner, LoDuca)...he's just not a good manager.

[JD]

NE....I know it's fun to dream!

[GM-Carson]

I can't stand Charlie either, he's done too much wrong over the first 3 years for me to ever forget. Although, this is by far his best year of managing the Phils to date.

[don]

I would argue he has more to work with this year GM. A better bench and a far better pen. Funny how that makes a guys move look smarter.

[clout]

The Zimmerman rumors were created by the idiot bastard son of a trained monkey.

Backe gives up the long ball and I like the Phillies chances tonight, especially with the big boppers finally coming around.

[NEPhilliesPhan]

Charlie did a great job last year too...

[GM-Carson]

I like the Phils chances this entire weekend against the Asstros actually. Perfect time to get on a roll offensively.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Gammons is denying that he said the rumor, per Jody Mac. I hereby declare the idea DOA, as if it really ever was.

[don]

Is it time to offer Lidge and Burrell both 3 years at 30 mill plus some incentives? I think they both deserve It.

[GM-Carson]

I'd give Lidge 3/30 in a heartbeat.

[NEPhilliesPhan]

I'd pay lidge that much...I'm not sure about Burrell yet though.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

I feel a giant Howard love fest coming on, if we are not already in the middle of one.

Howard for Lincecum? SF would laugh all the way to the Bank (and every time Howard jacked out out of it).

@ Dude: Still feeling good about a Howard sub 20 HR performance pre-Allstar break?

Best Line from Radio Broadcast last night:
Milo Hamilton: "Howard is now over the Mendoza Line, and he is not going to see it again this season."

[don]

I figure that Burrell and Lidge are already making 20 mill this year between them so it would not raise the payroll higher than it already is.

[bay_area_phan]

I seem to be in the minority with this view but, unless he agrees to a hometown discount, I can't imagine Burrell getting a penny under the $14M per year that he's making now.

[NEPhilliesPhan]

I'm somewhat wary of giving Burrell a 3 year deal at his age. He should be good for it but who knows...

[NEPhilliesPhan]

No one out there will offer Burrell $14 million a season...he knows it, the Phillies know it. He'll take less in the end.

[J. Weitzel]

We've got NE Phans, and bay_area_phans. We need more midwest representation.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Pat's bat would fit right in as DH in Tampa next year...

[NEPhilliesPhan]

I was thinking Pat in Toronto next year...they have a need for a legit DH...

Tampa might make more sense as he's from Florida isn't he? (U. of Miami afterall)

[Andy]

Jason - don't forget phargo.

Observant phans - yup. Messed up again. It's hard to even get rid of Feliz in my subconscious mind.

In reality, of course, clout is correct about the deal. NEPhan is right about Mazone. But I would not easily surrender Bastardo who continues to post unreal K numbers. I wanna see what he does at AA first.

[MG]

BAP - Burrell isn't going to get an average of $14 M/year in his next contract. No way. The real issue is the length of his contract.

I would be shocked if any NL team offered him more than 3 years.

[clout]

"clout is correct" - Andy | Friday, May 23, 2008 at 01:30 PM

[clout]

BedBeard: Who's the .900+ OPS guy that replaces Burrell in LF next season?

[BENTZ]

I have a real problem with Malcolm's trade offer...couldn't you have sent Tim Redding to the American League as long as we're talking fantasy trades?? JUST KIDDING - good joking trade offer

[clout]

Latest for the Benson fantasizers:

"Kris Benson (groin) threw four innings in an extended spring training game Thursday.

Benson threw 58 pitches and reportedly topped out at 87 mph, with the Philadelphia Inquirer noting that he worked primarily in the mid-80s."

[MG]

GM-Carson - It really makes me angry when someone like Brains is playing the "race card" in a situation where it holds almost no water at all. Takes away from the real reason why he might be canned and it diminishes the others in sports where racism does exist yet.

Feel the same about the "number of African Americans" in baseball and some of the comments last year by Sheffield and others. There are reasons why African Americans are playing baseball in lower numbers (e.g., other opportunities, lack of popularity of baseball, lack of playing fields in inner cities) but being denied a chance due to their race is not one of them.

[bay_area_phan]

I think you all underestimate the market. Carlos Lee got 6 years, at $16.66M per year. Is he really an appreciably better all-around player than Burrell? He hits for higher average, but their power is about identical, Burrell draws way more walks, and they are about equally terrible on defense.

I would definitely give Lee a slight overall edge, but it isn't more than a $2.6M per year edge. Since Burrell is a couple years older than Lee was when he signed the contract, I agree that he is probably looking at no more than 3 or 4 years. But I say he'll get his $14M, if not more.

[Steve Jeltz]

MG: I don't think he's worth $14 million/year, but if you were Burrell would you start negotiations under that number? I certainly wouldn't. In the end I think he'll end up around $12 million/year for 2 years unless an AL team wants him as a DH which might add a year or 2 to the deal.

If the Phils could get him at 3/30 right now they should do it in a second. They won't get anyone better to fill his spot in the lineup.

[NEPhilliesPhan]

****Benson threw 58 pitches and reportedly topped out at 87 mph, with the Philadelphia Inquirer noting that he worked primarily in the mid-80s."****

Wow...mid-80's from a guy that used to get by with low-90's stuff...yup, He's gonna contribute this year.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

"BedBeard: Who's the .900+ OPS guy that replaces Burrell in LF next season?"

Why are you asking me this?

[NEPhilliesPhan]

****Since Burrell is a couple years older than Lee was when he signed the contract, I agree that he is probably looking at no more than 3 or 4 years. But I say he'll get his $14M, if not more.****

I don't know...I think the market for early 30's, below average defensively corner outfielders has changed a bit in the last couple years. We've seen a bunch of teams looking internally for solutions rather than shell out big bucks for a guy like Burrell. Maybe a team desperate for a legit DH like the Royals, Jays, or Rays might do it, but I don't see any NL teams giving Burrell $14 million per.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

He was throwing in the 70's a few months ago, so it's an improvement.