Cliff Lee is on the bump tonight against Ian Kennedy in the first of three against the Snakes.
In two career starts against Arizona, Lee has a 2-0 record with a 2.57 ERA. Current members of the D-Backs sport this beautiful slash line against Lee: .221/.260/.250 with 16 Ks and four walks in 73 plate appearances. First pitch tonight at Chase Park is 9:40. The Phils will take the field looking like this: Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, Rollins SS, Howard 1B, Francisco RF, Ibanez LF, Ruiz C, Valdez 2B. Rookie reliever Mike Stutes, who had his contract purchased after yesterday's game, joins the Phillies' bullpen in place of Jose Contreras, who has returned to Philadelphia and is scheduled for an MRI on his injured elbow. - M. Grassie
So Rube signs a reliever quite probably in his 40s to a 2-year deal and then complains about 'overuse' on April 25th, about 3 weeks into the deal?
Next up, Amaro is going to complain that he isn't platooning Ibanez. You're the one making these deals Rube!
Posted by: Iceman | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 08:58 PM
Scoring at least 5 runs would be a novel change.
Posted by: basil fomeen | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:18 PM
It dosn't matter if the team you are playing has a winning or losing record. What matters is how you and your opponent are playing when you actually meet, same in April as it is in October. It only takes a few guys being hot or cold, or a key player missing, to decide a short series. (Cody Ross,anyone?) This is what makes every game interesting. I can watch a game for three hours and judge the results in the context of a 162 game season. Others seem to use the next 21 hours to judge the team or players on what they did the last 3 hours, or last 3 pitches.
Posted by: goody | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:28 PM
A 14th game in a row with under 5 runs would actually tie the Phillies' longest such stretch in the last 30 years.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:34 PM
I have to be at work at 4:30 in the morning. The baseball junkie in me will still watch this game, though. Stupid west coast swings...
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:37 PM
Lets do this!!
Posted by: JAY | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:38 PM
Polanco is hitting machine.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:42 PM
Roof open-85 degrees. Good or bad for us?
Posted by: goody | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:42 PM
There goes Polanco even further messing up his pitches per PA numbers.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:43 PM
Phillies best offense is poor defense by adversaries.
Posted by: kuvasz | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:43 PM
goody: I'm gonna say "Good" ... Isn't the ball supposed to carry better there w/ the roof open?
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:44 PM
Rollins swing is just so bad right now.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:45 PM
K
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:46 PM
This game feels like a loss
Posted by: BloodStripes | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:47 PM
This guy completely stymied the Phillies last year, so there is no reason to believe that he won't do exactly the same thing tonight.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:47 PM
Still looks like he's guessing up there. At least he guessed right on saturday.
Posted by: Steve | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:49 PM
b_a_p: Randy Wolf completely stymied the Phillies. Why wouldn't this guy?
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:49 PM
G-Town: I think Adam Eaton could stymie the Phillies.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:51 PM
Good start Cliff
Posted by: BloodStripes | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:53 PM
This is an interesting strike zone
Posted by: Steve | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:54 PM
I guess Cholly fears the apocalypse if he scrambles this highly unproductive lineup one or twice.
Posted by: curt | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:55 PM
GTD: I would take that as bad, since our BP is prone to "long fly balls."
Posted by: goody | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:56 PM
How low is that Ibanez batting average now?
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:57 PM
goody: But Charlie sez the Phillies need to hit more of those ...
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:58 PM
Petco Field continues to make the Phillies' offense look inept. Oh wait . . .
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:58 PM
Since so many negative posters are in the process not results camp with Kendrick, I can't wait to see the wild adulation with which Raul will certainly be showered for crushing a line drive to straightaway center.
Posted by: Noah | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:58 PM
.184
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:59 PM
Fata - .184 for Raul.
Posted by: No1 | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 09:59 PM
Noah: He certainly didn't crush it & I don't shower anyone with praise for making an out. But he did make better contact than he has made in quite awhile and, yes, I would count that as mildly encouraging.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:00 PM
My prediction that Raul will get as low as .175 before he gets a hit is looking good right now.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:01 PM
Did Wheels just call the Drew brothers terrific tools?
Posted by: donc | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Cliff trying to outdo Roy, apparently.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:03 PM
Lee really spotting his pitches tonight.
Posted by: Iceman | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:04 PM
Randy Johnson.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Typical misinterpretation of an innocent comment (see first post above): All Amaro said about Contreras is that he's been used a lot lately. Of course, the Philly Phaithful interpret it to mean he's been "overused" by Manuel. Now, let's all agree that UC may just be the dullest knife in the drawer. He gets his panties (Depends) in a bunch and blows steam also (mis)interpreting Amaro's comment.
Let's all just calm down and let things play out as they will about Contreras' pitching health. He just may not have the rubber arm that the FO thinks he has. So, put Madson in his place and work out the bullpen rotation. No big deal. Next.
Posted by: mainerob | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:07 PM
This offense is pathetic.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Quick question:
Where can I listen to Phils' radio broadcasts online? I thought WPHT 1210 was covering the games but all I'm hearing is political talk right now. What gives?
Posted by: Buddy Ryan in 2008 | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Here comes our offense. Both of them.
Posted by: curt | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Buddy, are you trying to listen to 1210 online?
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Give me a shot vs. our lineup.
Posted by: David Herndon | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:10 PM
I see that the extra batting practice certain Phillies' players took today is paying big dividends.
Posted by: mainerob | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Trade Hamels for this Kennedy guy NOW!
Posted by: No1 | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Fata: yes.
Posted by: Buddy Ryan in 2008 | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Well, it IS Ian Kennedy.
Posted by: STHS | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Buddy - You gotta pay at mlb.com. 20 bucks for the season
Posted by: BloodStripes | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Yeah Buddy, you can't listen to phillies game on 1210 using the internet. It gets blacked out. Only way to listen to 1210 is with a normal radio.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Bloodstripes: that shouldn't be.
You guys can tune in to Franzke et al on your radio. Where do you tune and does MLB really prevent them from streaming. Sh!theads if so.
Posted by: Buddy Ryan in 2008 | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Buddy - I'm along way from Philly. I paid 100 bucks to watch the season on mlb.tv
Posted by: BloodStripes | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:14 PM
Siddown, Rico Suave.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:14 PM
Balkin Bob didn't get the new strike zone memo.
Posted by: curt | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:15 PM
That last pitch to Parra didn't look like a strike. But it probably didn't help that he looked like a petulant child after the strike two call.
Posted by: Iceman | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Buddy, they're just trying to make their money.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:15 PM
I'm far enough away from Philly for it to be tuesday afternoon
Posted by: BloodStripes | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Bloodstripes, China?
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Oh, Bob Davidson. That explains a lot.
Posted by: Steve | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Australia Fata
Posted by: BloodStripes | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Noah: Excellent point.
Should we have an LG for hitters too? Since results don't matter to BAP for pitchers, to be consistent they shouldn't matter on offense either. A hard liner to center, even if caught, is worth far more than a dribbler single. Thus Raul is 1 for 1 tonight by BAP standards.
Posted by: clout | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Hahaha. Lee didn't want to have to use the curve on the pitcher but he didn't have a choice after all those fouls. Take a seat pal.
Posted by: Iceman | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Game over.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Swings & hits one in the direction of South America ...
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:18 PM
He killed that ball. Wow.
Posted by: Iceman | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:19 PM
That ball was hit REALLY hard.
Posted by: jim/jj | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:19 PM
guten nacht
Posted by: phanatic's brother | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:20 PM
If Benny Fresh were a good defender, he wouldn't have had to dive.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:20 PM
great play benny frank
Posted by: HammRadio | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:21 PM
I guess BenFran's just been playing possum w/ regard to his awesome defense.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Time for the vaunted Phillie offense to come alive and... oh, wait...
Posted by: No1 | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:22 PM
BS: Since you live in the future, what was the final score?
Posted by: goody | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Do two Rollins foul line drives qualify him for positive process status or is it bad that he reached base on a grounder?
Posted by: Noah | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:25 PM
I don't really want to add to the pile-on here, but I remember when this offense used to punish mistakes like that.
Guys like Kennedy can go up there and throw mistakes all game and never pay for it. Lee will probably make only a few mistakes, has only made one so far, and paid for it dearly.
Posted by: Iceman | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:25 PM
It might be common to think that team's will look at having to face the Phillies rotation and be scared, but knowing that your pitcher is facing the Phillies anemic offense means that you don't have to do much against Doc, Lee, Oswalt and Hamels. And since none of those guys have 0.00 ERAs, it makes facing them a lot less daunting.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Remember when Ryan Howard used to absolutely murder right handed pitchers like Kennedy?
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Cue Howard apologists with career numbers...
Posted by: STHS | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:27 PM
/sighs
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:28 PM
LOL @ Goody.......Phils 3-2 in 16. Kendrick threw 5 perfect innings and Baez k's the side for the save.
Posted by: BloodStripes | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:28 PM
iceman, so what happend?
Posted by: phanatic's brother | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:29 PM
I remember when Howard killed the likes of Kennedy. It was 2 weeks ago. He'll be doing it again soon.
Posted by: gobaystars! | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:29 PM
I thought offense would be a problem, but I never imagined it would be this bad. I'm hoping this is just a bad stretch like the White Sox are currently enduring.
Posted by: Ron Jones | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:31 PM
I know it looks bad but I've seen a couple of these baseball seasons before and they are really long. There are ups and downs and weird dry spells. Trust me ot won't be like this forever.
Posted by: gobaystars! | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Again, this same cast of characters was punchless for weeks on end last year. Why should anything be different this year?
Posted by: curt | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Gold Glover.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Did Cliff forget to bring his tilt to the ballpark again?
Posted by: No1 | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:35 PM
I get it Curt
but why Manual nervous and cautious about the offense before the season started? whats the difference. Some one say.
Werth , I dont think so.
Utely, maybe, but I am not so sure thats the reason Rollins cant see m to hit and Howard is "Howard"
Just weird. Weird I tells ya.
Do you guys think RyHo will ever hit 40 HR mark again?
oops here it comes...
Posted by: phanatic's brother | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:38 PM
phanatic- a number of things.
Posted by: Iceman | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:38 PM
phanatic, you're blowing my mind. your posts are like performance art.
Posted by: Baron von Hayes | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:41 PM
good job cliff.....
Posted by: JAY | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:42 PM
.182
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Cue the Raul griping.
Posted by: curt | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:44 PM
.182
Posted by: No1 | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:44 PM
I am fully confident we will be shut out tonight, and I'm usually not much of a doom and gloomer. But we just aren't driving any balls at all.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Turning a 3-0 Count into a Ground Out ... Impressive, Raul.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Raul can't buy a hit. At least he's squaring the ball up, which is a far cry from what he was doing last week.
Posted by: Iceman | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Anthony Bourdain in Vienna in between innings.
Posted by: phanatic's brother | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:45 PM
phan's bro, thanks, i like Bourdain.
Posted by: awh | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:46 PM
L.A., on the current Phillies Hot Topic of Rest:
"The Phillies bats have had plenty of rest."
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:46 PM
Oh, well, there's that early meeting tomorrow to look forward to.
Posted by: No1 | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:47 PM
Well, Valdez didn't turn over the lineup, but at least he made Kennedy work.
Posted by: awh | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:48 PM
It also appears that Chooch has gone into one of his patented slumps. He starts out hot, & usually ends the season scorching, but the in-between can be brutal.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:49 PM
I really have no doubt the offense is not going to stay this bad. But if they are anywhere near this bad through the end of June, you know Rube is going to be hot for the best bat on the market, no matter the price.
Posted by: Iceman | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:50 PM
GameCast Predicted Winner now to 100% with special Phillies algorithm
Posted by: STHS | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:50 PM