Cole Hamels (1-2, 5.04) tries to give eight relievers reason to twiddle their thumbs when the Phillies open a three-game set against Johnny Cueto (4-1, 1.93) and the Reds. Meanwhile, the Phils have seen enough of Chan Ho Park in the rotation. They will replace him with J.A. Happ and stick Park in the 'pen, according to two reports.
Park returns to the bullpen after pitching to a 7.06 ERA in seven starts. Reportedly signed to be a reliever all along, but promised an opportunity to compete for the rotation, he won a spot in the starting five during spring training. In 2008 with Los Angeles, he was largely used in middle relief and performed well there. Happ, who had Saturday's scheduled start erased by a Brad Lidge blown save, is 2-0 with a 2.49 ERA in 12 appearances this season, used mostly in mop-up or extra frames. He has started five games for the Phillies.
Beerleaguer: It's an easy call, but it could be window dressing if the rest of the rotation can't get it together. After all, we're talking fifth starter, a spot where teams can afford to experiment.
Game preview: As expected, Sergio Escalona survived the off day and stayed on for the trip to Cincinnati, bringing the grand total to eight bodies who will have Hamels’ back. The ace hasn’t needed much support against the Reds, the team he debuted against in 2006. Lifetime, he’s 3-0 with an 0.60 ERA against Cincinnati, including two of his four career complete games. He’s also pitched very well at Great American Ball Park (0.80). Hamels, who looks fully recovered from myriad freak setbacks, pitched a season-high seven innings in a no-decision on Thursday against Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the Reds will be without Joey Votto, who suffering from an unexplained ailment that’s causing him chronic dizziness and an inability to focus.
Lineups have been announced and Charlie Manuel is sticking with what works: Rollins, Utley, Ibanez, Howard, Werth, Victorino, Feliz, Ruiz.
"Meanwhile, the Reds will be without Joey Votto, who suffering from an unexplained ailment that’s causing him chronic dizziness and an inability to focus."
JRoll is trying to come back from the same thing.
BTW, how long until Park is available for some 'pen work?
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:10 PM
Missing Votto is a break but Cueto is still pretty tough. Hopefully the Phils actually remember to support Hamels tonight.
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:16 PM
tonight will be a good test for Rollins. Cueto's been pitching very well.
Posted by: TNA | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:17 PM
"Meanwhile, the Reds will be without Joey Votto, who suffering from an unexplained ailment that’s causing him chronic dizziness and an inability to focus."
Just throwing it out there, but perhaps Joey Votto should wait til after the games to get stoned.
Posted by: High Hopes | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:19 PM
MG - i think Utley will have Hamels' back tonight. At least two hits, 1 HR.
Posted by: TNA | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:23 PM
Okay Happ, don't make us Beerleaguers look bad now!
Posted by: timr | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:28 PM
"Meanwhile, the Reds will be without Joey Votto, who suffering from an unexplained ailment that’s causing him chronic dizziness and an inability to focus."
Maybe he hit his head & thinks he's a Met.
Posted by: G-Town Dave | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:30 PM
I don't know why we'd think the Phils can experiment with a 5th starter. We rarely or never seem to skip them, so they're just as important as the other 4.
Of course, come October it means something, but that's a long way from now.
Posted by: EastFallowfield | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:30 PM
'bout time. Chan Ho Park your ass in the bullpen.
Posted by: ozark | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:36 PM
timr- a good number of BLers aren't that optimistic about Happ (or Park, or Moyer, or Blanton). sounds like what the phillies are looking out of their 5th starter is consistent mediocrity, or something akin or a bit better than what Blanton has given them up until now. which makes sense; with this offense, the team can probably win more games if you consistently give up 4ER/6IP as opposed to giving up 2ER/6IP in half your games and 6ER/6IP in the rest.
Posted by: TNA | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:37 PM
I'm digging this lineup.
Posted by: bananagrabbers | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:43 PM
what is "window dressing"?
Posted by: seth. | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:43 PM
there's not really too much pressure on Happ. If he goes out and gives up 4ER/6IP (6.00 ERA), he'll be appreciated by fans by the sole fact that Park isn't in the rotation. The pressure is more on Blanton and Moyer. Those two really need to start picking it up.
Posted by: TNA | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:47 PM
seth: "The act or an instance of making something appear deceptively attractive or favorable" (Merriam-Webster)
Meaning if the rest of the rotation continues to suck, this move won't end up mattering much, anyway.
Posted by: G-Town Dave | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Can't put it on a salad and has nothing to do with windows?
Posted by: joe l | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 06:23 PM
timr - The bar has been set at 7. I don't think Happ will be outstanding but that he will be a bit more steady and tend to not as erratic as Park has been. If Happ can average close to 6 IP/start and give the Phils around a 4.50-4.75 ERA, he will be fine in the rotation and give them a bit of a lift.
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Odds-makers just posted the over-under on how long it will take before at least 1 semi-regular member of Beerleaguer concludes that Happ sucks and needs to return to the bullpen: 1.5 games.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 06:25 PM
I'm glad for Happ. Cholly probably told Happ in ST that we'll humor Park for 6 or 7 turns then you're it!
Posted by: Lake Fred | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 06:29 PM
Cueto is filth nasty, don't be surprised when the Phils can't support Hamels.
Posted by: thephaithful | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 06:32 PM
thephaithful: I was thinking the same thing. The Phils aren't even that great at supporting Hamels vs. poor pitching, let along good pitching.
Posted by: G-Town Dave | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 06:40 PM
I had Park going past June 1st. Another prognostication bites the dust!
Posted by: Klaus | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 06:42 PM
bap: 1.5 games?????? I figured the over/under would be in innings, not games.
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 06:43 PM
As far as I can tell, the Phils still have more bases loaded walks (12) than team errors (11).
How is this team on pace for 90 wins with the worst ERA in baseball?
Easy, we still play great defense which means we're not giving any runs away. And we are killing the ball in clutch situations. This team is still batting .295 with RISP (.930 OPS!). The National League is batting .259 w/RISP (.766 OPS).
Here's how the team is hitting with a runner on third (NL OPS in parentheses):
Just 3rd: BA .344, OPS 1.169 (.890)
1st and 3rd: .424, 1.197 (.874)
2nd and 3rd: .478, 1.352 (.808)
Bases full: .425, 1.327 (.823)
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 06:56 PM
CJ: Pitches.
Posted by: thephiathful | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 06:57 PM
"semi-regular member of Beerleaguer"
We need a scorecard to determine who is regular or semi-regular. Then there's the ever-elusive definition of "beerleaguer elite."
I'll take the UNDER because someone will mention it the first time Happ gives up runs. I'll just be glad to watch someone other than Chan Ho. I also enjoy watching young players try to latch on with the big club. Rube, can you call up Mayberry for the weekend for me?
Posted by: J.R. King | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 06:58 PM
I think there's a large number of fans who'd prefer to see a kid out of the farm system stink cheaply instead of an aging import from somewhere else doing the same, so Happ has that advantage.
Then again, there are some who'd like the import to pitch and stink so they can condemn the GM and the owners over and over and over...
Posted by: EastFallowfield | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 07:04 PM
I don't really care what Happ does. Park belongs in the bulpen, period.
Posted by: RSB | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 07:13 PM
Cueto looking good so far.
Posted by: thephaithful | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 07:17 PM
Howard RULES!!!!!! :-D
Posted by: G-Town Dave | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 07:28 PM
Rhyno!
Posted by: Ryan | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 07:28 PM
and the big man takes cueto deep. nice.
Posted by: redbeard | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 07:28 PM
The Big Man!
With the way Hamels historically pitches against these guys, that may be all we need.
Posted by: p. Red | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 07:29 PM
I'm late, but from the last thread: klaus is right. Brian Saben is 5x worst than Omar Minaya as a GM. Minaya actually makes very good small moves. He has just hamstrung his payroll with Castillo, Schneider and Oliver Perez. Sabean failed to put a decent lineup around the greatest hitter of all time (Bonds). Signed Zito to 100mil when it was obvious he was going backwards. Edgar Renteria for 2 years at 9m per?
Sabean is not even close to Minaya.
Posted by: mikes77phillies | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 07:29 PM
The hitters seem to be seeing the ball a lot better this inning.
Posted by: RSB | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 07:34 PM
41 pitches for Cueto through two is a good sign. Phils need to stay patient and get to the Cincy bullpen ASAP.
Posted by: Steve Jeltz | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 07:37 PM
JR: The "Beerleaguer Elite" actually has an official roster which is on file with the National Archives and Records Administration. But you have to fill out a FOIA request to get it.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 07:38 PM
Technically, Zito signed a seven year deal worth 126 million, with a club option for an additional year for and additional $18 million, which becomes Zito's option if he pitches 200 innings in 2013.
At the time of the signing, it was the largest contract ever signed by a pitcher in MLB.
Just random factoid of the day.
On to other news, how about letting Feliz wear the Green & Gold for a few seasons?
Posted by: Out of my league | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 07:50 PM
Good so far...
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:09 PM
Willis so far tonight, 4 innings 1 hit 4 K. I always liked him, hope he does well and turns it around for good.
Posted by: illuminati | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:09 PM
FOIA requests can be a bear to process (trust me, I'm a gov't bureaucrat and have to deal with them)..file away!
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:12 PM
the picture of Philips in gameday is probably the goofiest thing I have ever seen
ridiculous
Posted by: Benson | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:12 PM
illuminati: So long as he's not pitching against the Phillies, I absolutely agree! :-)
Posted by: G-Town Dave | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:14 PM
Is it me, or is the CF camera blurry? (At least it is on MLB.tv)
Posted by: joe l | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:15 PM
well, that sucks.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:15 PM
dang...
Posted by: Benson | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:15 PM
JAY BRUCE!
Posted by: Tom | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:15 PM
I am surprised Hamels pitch count is so high right now, I guess people have been fouling off a lot of pitches.
Posted by: Benson | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:18 PM
Hamels is usually good for 110-120 pitches when he's on...so he's easily good for 7 innings here.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:20 PM
Ok phillies time to score runs for the best pitcher on your staff....seriously now.
Posted by: illuminati | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:22 PM
mr. bionic back doin no wrong
Posted by: redbeard | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:22 PM
Feliz is on fire, eh?
Posted by: Jack | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:23 PM
When do we start the discussion about moving Feliz up in the order? hah
Posted by: Benson | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:23 PM
What's with Feliz and RHP this year? He is actually hitting them better.. He is not Feliz, he is someone else in a Feliz suit, only explanation.
Posted by: illuminati | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:23 PM
Happy Pete must have gotten new contacts this offseason. His play at the plate is probably the biggest surprise so far!
Posted by: rjb360 | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Wow, what a throw by Bruce.
Posted by: Jack | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Sooooo...what? Pinch hit Gnome for J-Roll? (Just kidding. Mostly.
Posted by: Doohickey | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:25 PM
nice bloop hamels
Posted by: redbeard | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:25 PM
Healthy back and an unbelievable BABIP of .337 (career BABIP of .270).
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:26 PM
Hamels realizes he has to help out the offense if he wants any W's this year.
Posted by: illuminati | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:26 PM
j-rollin!
Posted by: redbeard | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:28 PM
Good job, Jimmy!!! That's the way to do it!!! :-D
Posted by: G-Town Dave | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:28 PM
CLUTCH!
Posted by: Benson | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:29 PM
Helping Hamels out, I like to see that.
Posted by: illuminati | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:30 PM
I'm happy to say it but Jimmy is back. Good Deal!
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:30 PM
I don't miss Pat one bit...Its great to have a guy who makes the fundamental hit when you need it instead of going for the walk.
Don't get me wrong, I loved Pat when he was here (he was my favorite player) but Raul is a great fit for this lineup with his contact skills.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:34 PM
This is a very punchless Cincy lineup. We shouldn't need 5 runs tonight.
Posted by: curt | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:36 PM
4-1...now hopefully Hamels can pound the strike zone and try and get through 7-8.
Posted by: Benson | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:38 PM
Votto is a huge loss for them right now. I guess flu symptoms can last for weeks? Maybe dehydration? Other than that, you just hope it is not a heart problem.
Posted by: IOP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Funny, I read Votto's condition as "hung-over". Not officially, but that's what it sounded like to me.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:40 PM
2 of those pitches on gameday looked like strikes that were called balls on cuento.
Posted by: illuminati | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:41 PM
NEPP: That would be funny, but I don't think you go through multiple examinations and go to the hospital on the road if you are "hung-over."
Posted by: IOP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:43 PM
That is why Hamels is our ace. He walks the pitcher and comes back and strikes out the next batter.
Chan Ho doesn't get a call and things explode into 7 runs. Guess that is why Park has to adjust to a new and "more difficult" role.
Posted by: Benson | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:43 PM
We'll be luck to see Cole thru 7 with how careful UC is with him at his current PC
Posted by: kilbillrain | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:44 PM
That's why Park sucks...most of it anyway.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Concerning calling up Mayberry as a RH bat. He's been on fire lately so it might happen:
Last 10 games
.343 AVG(12 of 35), 7 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 10 K, .378 OBP .629 SLG, 1.007 OPS
Maybe he deserves a callup...
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:50 PM
How much older is Park than Hamels?
How much more mature is Hamels than Park?
Posted by: EastFallowfield | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:51 PM
When Hamels gets tired he gives up HRs ... *sigh*
Posted by: G-Town Dave | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:53 PM
Hamels is really laboring through this one. It's nice though..when Hamels is laboring through a start, it's 2 or 3 runs, when our other starters struggle, its 7 runs.
Posted by: illuminati | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:53 PM
darnit...c'mon Hamels...kick it up and get out of this inning!
Posted by: Benson | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:55 PM
Have to limit the damage here. Coming out of the inning with the lead would be nice.
Posted by: Knight | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:55 PM
Hairston is a "real" utility player. The guy can play every position except pitcher and he can swing a bat.
Posted by: IOP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:56 PM
What had been a very strong start has devolved into a average one...damn.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 08:57 PM
The pitching woes continue. Our "Ace" barely turns in a QS against a AAAA lineup.
Posted by: curt | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:01 PM
Cincinnati has had some good AB today. Lots of fouling the ball off.
Posted by: illuminati | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:02 PM
ugh...can we please get a pitcher under 4.50 era?
Posted by: kilbillrain | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:03 PM
It should not take Cole 117 pitches to get through a lousy 6 inning vs. the *bleeping* Reds, esp. w/ Votto out of the lineup. I'm disappointed. :-(
Posted by: G-Town Dave | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:03 PM
I actually like the Reds to win the Central. With Harang, Cueto, Volquez as interchangeable #1 pitchers, Arroyo as #4 and Micah Owings as #5, you could make a decent argument that they have the best rotation in the NL.
They also have a shut down closer with Cordero. The middle relief is hit or miss, but has potential if a few guys get hot and/or have career years.
Assuming Votto can return and Encarnacion gets healthy (25+ HR power), their offense is solid. I don't think they will really miss Dunn if Votto returns.
Posted by: IOP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:03 PM
What is this now, Hamels third start since those freaky injuries happened? For Hamels, it is like it is still April. I'll take 3r and 6ip with this offense any day. (except when Santana is pitching)
Posted by: Benson | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:03 PM
Listen to the Phillies Talk podcast at
www.fightinphillies.com
we're on iTunes as well!
Phillies rock, Beerleaguer rules..
god, life is good
Posted by: Rich | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:07 PM
Unlike CB Park, which has an undeserved reputation as a bandbox, the Great American BallPark really is a bandbox. Some of these balls today haven't even been hit all that hard, like Feliz's double or Jay Bruce's homerun. But it's like there's a wind tunnel in the park where every fly ball just keeps on carrying. If Hamels had a 6-innning, 3-run game in this park, I shudder to think how Moyer will do tomorrow.
In short, we need to pull this game out because tomorrow is an automatic loss.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:07 PM
Difference between our pitchers is they get tired in 6th while others may give up runs but not because of being tired and can continue into the later innings saving the BP. What is Dubee doing down there. He looks like a genius last year with all the career years, but when his method is needed to improve form and stamina he doesn't look so special...
Posted by: kilbillrain | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:08 PM
Cincinnati battled Hamels all day with fouling a lot of good pitches off and working counts. Hamels did what a good pitcher does when he doesn't have his best stuff. Gets a quality start with 7 SO.
Posted by: illuminati | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:08 PM
There you go again. A routine fly out in most ball parks. A near homerun in this one.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:09 PM
What's Wheels talking about...the Braves had three 40-homer guys in 1973 and Aaron was one of them.
Posted by: RSB | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:10 PM
How long before he gets his good stuff? Its almost June, enough with the excuses already!
Posted by: kilbillrain | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Kind of an odd spot for Condrey.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:14 PM
Looking through the scoreboard for tonight, some nice starting pitching going on tonight.
Posted by: illuminati | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:16 PM
Josh Outman, 6in 3 hits 6 K. ERA down to 3.31
Posted by: illuminati | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:17 PM
everyday clay, holding down the 7th
Posted by: redbeard | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:19 PM
Hamels is having a hard time getting it going this year. It sometimes happens to pitchers who are pitching a lot of innings in october. You remember when he was winning world series games for us late last year?
Guy pitched a QS tonight, give him a break.
Posted by: Benson | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:19 PM