The ever-evolving lineup will be without Jayson Werth this afternoon as Joe Blanton (3-6, 6.03) and the Phillies reach for the brooms against Jason Hammel (7-5, 4.23) and the breathless Rockies. First pitch is 1:05.
Notes: There is reportedly no subtext with Werth sitting; it’s just a routine day off, according to reports. Ross Gload, part of an improving bench, starts in right and hits fifth. Placido Polanco mans second once again with Greg Dobbs starting at third, keeping with the recent trend of getting “heftier” lumber into the lineup. Wilson Valdez has not started in three games, suggesting that Charlie Manuel has concluded that the light-hitting utilityman has been overexposed. … On the trade front, ESPN’s Jayson Stark reports that the Astros seek "a young, front-line player off the big-league roster, two high-end prospects and one more prospect" for Roy Oswalt. Stark was a guest on yesterday’s Phillies postgame show and wondered if J.A. Happ, who is 27, controllable and has experienced proven success, was too great a sacrifice for Oswalt. Stark also reminded viewers of the Phillies’ possible pursuit of Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada, noting that the Orioles are typically very slow to make deals. Looking at Tejada's numbers (.272/.311/.368, 7 HR), one wonders if he could be acquired at a minimal cost.
Minor league signings: The Phillies recently acquired a couple of independent league All-Star relievers: right-hander Joe Esposito of the Long Island Ducks and left-hander Derrick Loop from across the river in Camden. Esposito, 25, spent three seasons in the Orioles system before he was released at the end of 2010 spring training. He has been assigned to Lakewood. Loop spent last season with Double-A Portland (Red Sox). He has been added to Clearwater. The Phils also signed right-hander Mike McGuire from the Can-Am league.
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Garza threw 101 FB tonight (96 four-seam). 120 total pitches.
Posted by: Sophist | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 10:07 PM
That really is a pathetic ball park.
Posted by: Old Phan | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 10:07 PM
Sophist: A good fastball is still the best pitch in baseball. Garza proved that tonight.
Posted by: Jack | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 10:13 PM
What does everyone think the market will be for someone like Brandon Webb in the off-season?
He is coming off a lengthy injury but should be ready to go for the last month of the season. If he pitches well what do you think that makes his asking price?
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 10:30 PM
I forgot about the stupid cowbells in TB.
Posted by: Lynsk | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 10:32 PM
That was a no hitter, but definitely not a no-spitter.
Posted by: phlipper | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 10:41 PM
TTI: His asking price is a 1-year, incentive-laden deal. He hasn't pitched in 2 years.
Posted by: Jack | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 10:44 PM
I think I read he should be ready to pitch in September. That may have changed though.
I was thinking he might be an intriguing guy to look at if the price is at the right point. He throws a ton of sinkers which would make him ideal for CBP if he is healthy.
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 10:48 PM
Whatever happened to all of the Mets fans that were posting the words to the "Meet the Mets" song (from second place) a few weeks ago?
Posted by: DH Phils | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 11:01 PM
Minnesota 19 - KC 0, top of the 9th.
Posted by: dlhunter | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Also, pitching for MN right now,
"Anthony Slama", surely a male porn star's pseudonym w/ the mustache to boot.
Posted by: dlhunter | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 11:06 PM
You can't get through airport security with that thing.
Posted by: dlhunter | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 11:13 PM
2 TDs, a field goal and a safety.
Posted by: Old Phan | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 11:14 PM
"This summer, Anthony Slama is 'Goin' Deep' ... You haven't seen hardball 'til you've seen his balls!"
Posted by: Dick Gozinya | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 11:26 PM
Haren just got absolutely drilled in his right forearm by a comeback liner. His Angels debut is now over after 4.2 innings.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 11:33 PM
Adult movie star or minor cop in movie from the mid-70s.
Posted by: MG | Monday, July 26, 2010 at 11:48 PM
Too bad about Haren.
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 01:02 AM
Giants finally lose a game, in a nail-biter to the Fish. Florida's bullpen & defense did everything possible to blow it but they managed to hang on. Phils are 2.5 out of the WC.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 01:28 AM
It feels way to early to even think about the WC. Not that one shouldn't watch the numbers, but the goal is to win the division.
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 01:52 AM
Goats love mustaches like that.
Posted by: Andy | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 03:36 AM
When did Toby Borland come back to pitch for the Twins?
Posted by: ftljohn | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 07:17 AM
I don't have the heart to go back and read the portion of this thread during the time that Lidge was warming up / on the mound yesterday. Sorta glad I missed the game.
Amazing bounceback with the sweep of Colorado and glad to see that we're facing Rodrigo Lopez today while the Braves draw STrasburg.
(I think Greenman was at teh Flaming Lips show in Central Park last night. At least, the guy looked like him. Green all over.)
Posted by: Hugh Mulcahy | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 08:15 AM
I picked the wrong week to compare Matt Garza to J.A. Happ...
Posted by: Bruce Ruffin | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 08:27 AM
Your Drew Carpenter plea was really a much better week for you...
Posted by: Deutsche Phan | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 08:46 AM
Pretty sure Marlins lead the league in losses attributable to the 'pen.
Posted by: Sophist | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 08:48 AM
Yo, new thread
Posted by: EastFallowfield | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 08:48 AM
Hugh, just be glad you didn't SEE it (I'm assuming you didn't).
Personally, I have no problem with Charlie designating Bromine Brad as the closer. But the obvious problem is that we don't know which Brad will show.
So, the bone I have to pick with Charlie is that he doesn't go to Plan B, when Lidge obviously doesn't 'have' it.
Yesterday Lidge walked 2 guys. That is unacceptable in a save situation.
Posted by: awh | Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 08:50 AM