Jimmy Rollins checks in, but Carlos Ruiz checks out, when Jamie Moyer (7-6, 4.76) and the Phillies open a three-game series with Mitch Talbot (7-5, 4.21) and the Indians starting at 7:05 from Citizens Bank Park.
Preview:
Just as the Braves and Mets have padded the win column against the
dregs of the American League, the Phillies must do the same here
against the 26-42 Indians, who rate in the league's bottom quarter in
runs and ERA. There's no better time to regroup than now, with Rollins back in the fray after a pair of month-long stints on the disabled list. As
you recall, Rollins was off to a great start, posting a .462 on-base
percentage with 10 walks in 12 games. The Phils remain cautious about
his health, however, as evidenced by the presence of both Juan Castro
and Wilson Valdez. Rollins reclaims the leadoff spot tonight, followed by
Polanco, Utley, Howard, Werth, Ibanez, Victorino and Schneider, which
is close to the original blueprint.
Prospect updates: Since the
Tribe is in town, here is your obligatory update on the prospects
traded last summer for Cliff Lee. The only one who’s done anything
noteworthy has been infielder Jason Donald, who made his Major League
debut May 18 and has started in 29 games, all but four at short. Young
flame-thrower Jason Knapp had shoulder surgery and hasn’t pitched.
Isn’t it funny what happens to 18-year-old arms that throw high-90s
heat? Lou Marson was demoted after hitting .191 and will never become
the Indians starting catcher as long as Carlos Santana is around. And
Carlos Carrasco, at this point, is probably a non-prospect. After
getting his feet wet in the Show with five starts late in ’09, the
Venezuelan right-hander is having a middling season for Triple-A
Columbus. He continues to be very inconsistent. So overall, it appears
to be a small price to pay for a 4-0 record in the postseason and a
1.53 ERA. We’ll stop there.
Notes: Outfielder Domonic Brown and right-hander Jarred Cosart, arguably the two best prospects in the Phillies' chain, will represent the Phillies in All-Star Futures Game.
So is what your sayin'...the prospects that we gave up for Lee have played about as well as the prospects we got for Lee ???
I think jettisoning some payroll nad getting Cliff back might be a good idea !
Posted by: 64 survivor | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 05:51 PM
Storms currently ripping through Chester County are headed towards Philly. Looks to be moving pretty quickly, so if it affects the game, it shouldn't be for too long...
Posted by: Scott | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 05:51 PM
Tornado warning for Philadelphia county. Wonder if the game will be played in Oz tonight.
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 05:56 PM
There's thunder up here by the art museum and the sky is turning dark. As yet, no rain.
Posted by: gobaystars! | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 05:56 PM
Really a warning for Philadelphia? I've always assumed there wasn't enough clear space for a tornado to happen in the city. Even the northeast and fairmount park have enoughg things to obstruct tornados, right?
Posted by: gobaystars! | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 06:00 PM
Carrasco has stalled, but he's 23 years old and still throws 95 mph, so he's still a prospect. If he were 25 or 26, then he'd be a suspect, not a prospect.
Posted by: clout | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 06:02 PM
Ground Crew just put the tarp on the field, & it's thundering ominously. Looks/sounds like we're in for a delay.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 06:12 PM
And a 27 year old who topped out at 101(kph) two years ago whould be...?
Posted by: gobaystars! | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 06:13 PM
gobaystart - No it is severe thunderstorm warning only. Actually believe my over anxious coworker. NOAA verified. Still wouldn't want to be headed down to CBP tonight.
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 06:16 PM
Clout: Didn't realize he was throwing that hard. I always thought he was around 93.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 06:17 PM
JRoll back . . . 20 games until the ASB and with the somewhat easier schedule I expect the Phils to start to look a bit better and go 12-8 & actually start winning some series again. Teams that go to the playoffs win more than 2 or 3 series over a 2 month stretch (Phils only have won 2 of their last 11 series).
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 06:22 PM
Tarp now coming off of the field. Looks like the worst of it just missed the Ballpark. Good deal. I didn't love the thought of Jimmy returning on a wet night.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 06:36 PM
the sun is out up here. I don't think it ever really rained on my block. Game on!
Posted by: gobaystars! | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 06:42 PM
Carrasco may hit 95 but he sure as hell doesn't sit there. He's always been more of a 92-93 mph guy.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 06:44 PM
****Wonder if the game will be played in Oz tonight.****
As long as we don't drop the soap, we should be fine either way.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 06:48 PM
MG: 12-8 between now and the ASG is not good enough; it's only .600 agv. If Atlanta continues to play .600 ball, they'll end up with 97 wins. For the Phillies to win 98, they have to win at a .663 rate, starting tonight.
It looks grim to me.
Posted by: James in San Francisco | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:04 PM
There is a tornado warning. I just say T-Mac fly by and he said "I'm Goooooooone!"
Posted by: Scotch Man | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:06 PM
ATL won't play .600 ball the rest of the way.
Posted by: gobaystars! | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:11 PM
This is the moment we've been waiting for. I can feel the electricity. Jimmy seriously adds something to the game regardless of what he puts in the box score.
Posted by: gobaystars! | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:14 PM
He's a bum.
You're not a power hitter Jimmy! Hit the ball on the ground!! Willie Mays Hayes!! Be more like Bowa!
Posted by: gobaystars! | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:17 PM
Ryan, with your speed you should be hitting them on the ground and legging them out.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:21 PM
Who is this Rollins guy you speak of?
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:24 PM
RR looking down at Jamie right now as he tied the record.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:31 PM
I just started watching. Does Jamie hold the record for most HR's now?
Posted by: Mick in Houston | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:40 PM
Jamie is now tied with Robin at 505 a piece.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:40 PM
7 of the top 10 guys on the list are HoF pitchers...the three that aren't:
Randy Johnson
Burt Blyleven
Jamie Moyer.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:41 PM
Thanks NEPP, my question was sandwiched in between the answer
Posted by: Mick in Houston | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:43 PM
Jimmy's definitely not pushing it down the line...probably smart not to do that on a routine grounder.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:45 PM
Dammit, Jimmy! Don't hit it on the ground, like Exxon! Hit it in the air, like Dobbs! ...
No, wait ... :-S
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:46 PM
46 pitches through 4 for Jamie? Looks like he's on pace for another CG.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:56 PM
Pops is dealing, but it would be nice for the Phils offense to give their 48 year old pitcher a bigger cushion.
Posted by: Spitz | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:56 PM
James in SF, if there's an over under on ATL playing .600 the rest of the way, i'll take the under.
Posted by: awh | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 07:57 PM
I'm here @ the game. JRoll looks about 90%.
Posted by: awh | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:01 PM
definitely interference there by Raul
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:07 PM
I hear FIFA is looking for refs.
Posted by: phillyBlunt | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:07 PM
Well, I was about to note how disoriented I was feeling, watching the Phillies bring home runs from 3rd base with less than 2 outs. What team is this that I'm watching, I wondered?
And then they called interference on Ibanez and took away Werth's run, and I felt at home again.
Posted by: philwynk | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:08 PM
Just because he's back:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuLb0Tnr3Ls
Posted by: phillyBlunt | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:08 PM
phillyblunt beat me to the joke.
Posted by: gobaystars! | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:09 PM
Why would Charlie argue that to the point of ejection? That was ridiculously blatant. And not even close to the first time Ibanez has done it.
Posted by: tutpsu | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:10 PM
Here's your periodic reminder:
Cliff Lee
Posted by: nate from newtown | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:12 PM
Enjoy the game, awh!
Posted by: GBrettfan | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:12 PM
you argue because it is a bogus thing to call because umps randomly pick and choose when to enforce the rule and raul's slide had no impact on the play.
Posted by: gobaystars! | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:13 PM
Thanks Nate. Its interesting that you would bring up Cliff Lee on a night where Moyer is absolutely dealing. Idiot.
Posted by: Spitz | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:13 PM
gobaystars: The rule on interference is pretty clear and that play was a textbook example of it.
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:19 PM
thanks gbrett
Posted by: awh | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:21 PM
Welcome back, Jimmy.
Don't be a front runner.
Posted by: Chris | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:23 PM
Yeah the rule is clear but it isn't called all of the time so umpires have made it into a bogus rule that they call when they feel like it. Watch a game.
Posted by: gobaystars! | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:25 PM
Talbot has been struggling all night long and they have scored 2 runs through 5 IP. Offense needs to pick it up. No excuses tonight with JRoll back.
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:28 PM
When it is as blatantly obvious as that though you have to call it.
Only a person who is a silly homer would try to say what you are saying
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:33 PM
Our offense really is average at best this year. 3 hits of Talbot? Come on guys!
At least Young Jamie showed up ready to play.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:34 PM
The interference was the correct call...not even close to being a borderline call.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:35 PM
NEPP: Maybe baystars will tell you to watch a game too
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:38 PM
I am...guess I'm a bit more objective. It was blatant.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:39 PM
I would be really curious to see what Moyer's overall record is against team that have seen him for the 1st time in a Phils' uniform (especially NL teams).
Still odd how he has so thoroughly denominated the Fish/Nats and been ~.500 pitcher against everyone else.
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:40 PM
Please score some runs off this tomato can, who has thrown as many balls as strikes up to this point
Posted by: Voice of Reason | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:41 PM
Howard is having a solid, but not spectacular year.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:41 PM
Howard is a hot week or two from his best season since '06. Or he could just get warmer over the next few months. Would be surprised if he finishes the year on this SLG pct..
Posted by: Sophist | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:48 PM
I'll call it right now...Rube will give Jamie a 1 year extension this winter.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:48 PM
To Sophist: I agree. He's not having a bad year at all. He really hasn't had his hot streak yet and he's batting .294. Its a bit of a hollow .294 but its not bad by any means. I would expect his SLG to end up in the .550-.575 range by the end of it.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:50 PM
Jamie Moyer continues to amaze me. Wow.
Posted by: Bay Slugga | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:51 PM
NEPP: do you think Jamie would agree to that, or would he want a two-year deal? I'm being serious!
Posted by: Scott | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:51 PM
Was Rube posting to BL there?
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:52 PM
Scott: In all honesty, he'd probably at least want a club or vesting option.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:53 PM
You're right. I didn't even see the play. The internet is lame. I quit.
Also, "Tomato Can" ha I like that.
Posted by: gobaystars! | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:53 PM
Two runs in one small-ball inning off the Indians is completely unacceptable. The offense is mediocre. With this lineup, even on JR's first night back, this is without excuse.
Posted by: philwynk | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:54 PM
we need a screengrab of that close-up of Rube on the laptop.
Posted by: Ryan | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:54 PM
When T-Mac gives an update on Yankees-Diamondbacks to fill time, I miss Harry the K.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:56 PM
The Indians are one of the worst teams in the Majors and we have 4 hits...how ridiculous is this?
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:58 PM
on gameday -- what was the injury delay after raul's at bat?
Posted by: Voice of Reason | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:58 PM
Bad feeling on this.
Posted by: Rob | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:59 PM
If we win I could really give a damn if we had one hit.
Wins are the name of the game. You don't get anything for style points.
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 08:59 PM
We're letting them stay in this way too long is the issue TTI.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:00 PM
Howard needs to make that play...tough play though.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:01 PM
Dom Brown: 3 for 4, 2 HRs
5 HRs in his last 7 games.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:03 PM
How many runs or hits you get in a game only matter in relation to what your opponent gets.
Would you rather your offense score 2 runs and win or score 10 runs and lose?
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:04 PM
Jamie Moyer is just unreal.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:05 PM
Young Jamie is quite the competitor.
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:06 PM
Old Phan...I agree completely. I just worry too much in close games like this.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:06 PM
Domo and Tagg are pounding the ball.
Posted by: Meyer | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:07 PM
If Jamie keeps pitching like this, I would like to see a three year deal this winter.
Posted by: Mick in Houston | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:07 PM
Hats off to another gem
Posted by: Sophist | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:07 PM
Old Phan and TTI are completely missing the point.
Yes, the win is the most important item in the night's performance. Moyer's performance has been stellar, and IF the bullpen produces a scoreless 9th, we win.
No, the offense that scores only 2 runs on 4 hits off this rookie is not likely to win most of their games going forward.
How hard is that to grasp?
Posted by: philwynk | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:08 PM
NEPP: Then the issue is how much you worry
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:08 PM
Romero's still up?
Lidge not going in the 9th? I mean, I saw him standing up too but Romero's staying warm.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:09 PM
philwynk: I'm not even going to begin to try and tell you what is wrong with your statement. You figure out the logical fallacy there.
Sorry i don't share your propensity to complain about a game we may win 2-1
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:11 PM
"No, the offense that scores only 2 runs on 4 hits off this rookie is not likely to win most of their games going forward."
Are you certain about that?
It's not hard to grasp (especially since I'm wearing my special theoretical gloves), I just don't agree with it.
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:12 PM
I agree that winning is what's important whether it be 2-1 or 32-1 it doesnt matter. Still, I hate watching our bullpen in 1-run games this year.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:12 PM
Anybody want to see Lidge in a 1-run save situation especially when he can't hold a runner on 1st?
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:14 PM
Honest question: Will Dom Brown be the #1 prospect going into 2011? At his current rate of production and the graduation to the Majors of almost all the guys ahead of him, I think its a possibility.
He's really dominating at AA.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:15 PM
TTI, my logic is better than yours in my sleep, you insufferable horse's ass, and if you're trying to pretend there's some logical fallacy in "if your team doesn't hit well you're not going to win games," well, good luck with that.
F'ing idiot.
Posted by: philwynk | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:15 PM
Can someone explain why Romero is up against a RG hitter?
Strange, indeed.
Posted by: phlipper | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:16 PM
Sorry, RH hitter.
Posted by: phlipper | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:16 PM
You talk about a fairly damning assessment of Lidge's role as the closer - Lidge isn't out here in a 1-run game in the 9th?
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:16 PM
I guess UC didn't want to see Lidge in a 1 run game either.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:16 PM
So, it didn't seem like we gave the rookie pitcher much of a run for his money. Are we done slumping or not?
Jamie Moyer - Wow!
Posted by: GBrettfan | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:17 PM
Jimmy, even at 3/4 speed is still head and shoulders above Castro/Valdez when it come to range. He needs a bit more work to knock the rust off on his throws but its good to see him back.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:18 PM
Is Lidge not pitching b/c he pitched 2 days in a row, although they had the day off yesterday, or b/c Charlie isn't feeling it with him right now?
Posted by: GBrettfan | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:18 PM
I'm guessing that UC isn't feeling Lidge in a 1 run game at this point...not with his issues with holding guys on.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:19 PM
Maybe Lidge is re-injured? But what about Contreras?
Posted by: phlipper | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:19 PM
I will say this for Romero - at least he keeps the runner somewhat closer to 1B and gives Schneider a catch to throw him out if he runs.
It is ridiculous you are paying a guy $12.5M this year and you don't use him in the exact spot where you should be.
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 09:20 PM