Recalled right-hander Vance Worley (2-0, 1.13) makes his fifth career start tonight when the Phillies and Reds meet in the second of four from Citizens Bank Park. Johnny Cueto (2-1, 1.45) counters for the Reds.
Notes: Lost in the all the talk about Chase Utley's return and Monday's rout was another solid performance by the Phillies' pitching staff, which has the second lowest ERA in the Majors (3.01) and holds the league lead in strikeouts (387) and complete games (6). Good pitching, combined with a reliable defense (.991 fielding percentage leads baseball), continues to make up for a less than optimal offense, which has been the big reason why the Phils are just 8-9 instead of 12-5 or something similar over their recent stretch against winning clubs. … The Phils go with the same lineup as last night against the right-hander Cueto. Ben Francisco's days as a starting player have essentially ended.
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Benny Stale just isn't an everyday player. Personally I'd love it if we flipped him for a reliever.
Posted by: Scotch Man | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 06:46 PM
GTown Dave: I'm curious... how did you determine that the only options the team seriously considered were Werth or Brown?
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 06:47 PM
Vance Worley: Ancient Chinese secret, huhhh?
Posted by: whitey | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 06:47 PM
feels like a win.....
Posted by: Jay | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 06:53 PM
End of the Ben Francisco era!
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 06:57 PM
What happened to Ben?
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:00 PM
Old Phan: He's become relegated to a PH role as Mayberry and Brown have gained playing time.
The question that remains: What happens when Vic returns?
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Johnny Cueto . . . 'Mortal Combat' contestant?!
What would his finishing move be?
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:07 PM
CJ, OK, I thought something actually happened.
I, too, assumed that Werth or Brown were Rube's options for this season, and the more it looked like Jayson was gone, the more it was going to be Dom. Obviously, once they signed Clifton, Dom and/or BenFran were the options at that point.
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:08 PM
CJ: Pretty simple, I would think. When Vic comes back, your starting lineup is Raul-Vic-Brown against righties (meaning most games), and Raul-Vic-Mayberry against lefties, with the occasional Francisco-Vic-Mayberry start against a lefty. Basically, Vic starts everyday (other than your basic maintenance day every couple months), Raul and Dom start most days, and Mayberry and Francisco get spot starts in RF or LF against lefties.
Posted by: Jack | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:10 PM
Vance Worley, meet Joey Votto... the most dangerous hitter you've likely faced in the majors.
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Bandbox. 1-0, Reds.
Wait, what?
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Give me anyone I could build a club around right now for the next 5 years and Joey Votto would be at the top of that list. Love watching him hit. One of the reasons why I wish the Phils played more NL teams outside of the NL East.
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Jack: So you think the Phils will send down Mini Mart and carry just one backup IF despite Utley's question mark?
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Bad luck on that pop up. 1-0 Reds. It wasn't bad luck that Votto hit one to the wall, however.
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Mayberry is now the regular backup at all 3 OF positions when Vic comes back...he should be getting pretty regular time as long as he handles it well.
In the short term Francisco is a backup/PH while they figure out what they have with Brown. Nice to see Mayberry grab a legitimate role on the team when given the opportunity in ST.
Posted by: Chris in VT | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Ooooh... a little attitude from Worley as he blew two fastballs by a very good hitter in Jay Bruce. Nice way to finish the inning and not get rattled after the bloop RBI hit.
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Votto is good.
CJ, yeah I forgot they had to send someone down when Vic is activated. With all of the injuries I honestly have no idea who is on the active roster and who isn't. Are we carrying 7 relievers? If so, I'd send a bullpen guy down (personally I'd cut Baez, but if they won't do that then Stutes, whose role is diminished with Truck back and who has options obviously) for Vic and go with a big bench.
Posted by: Jack | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:16 PM
For whatever reason when I think of Votto, I think of what Griffey Jr was supposed to be when the Reds acquired him in that blockbuster deal (Tomko, Cameron, and 2 minor leagues who never amounted to anything).
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:20 PM
I like the way Worley's red glasses are done in the graphic. Made me laugh.
Posted by: GBrettfan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Jack: 6 relievers seems a little risky, particularly with Contreras just coming off the DL and Oswalt recently off the DL.
The roster math seems a little tricky right now.
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Votto is good...now Worley really understands that fact.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:22 PM
I always liked the way Harry said "Vott-Toe"
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:24 PM
CJ: True, but unless you're willing to cut Francisco (which seems crazy, despite his struggles) or send down Mayberry (when he's our best defensive OF behind Vic), you either have to go with 6 relievers or 1 backup IF, right?
There's no way they'll send Brown down, right? They said they wanted to give him every opportunity. Two weeks of platoon starts is nowhere close to every opportunity. I would find that to be really poor player development, but maybe that's what they'll do. Who knows right now.
Posted by: Jack | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:24 PM
I see Brown has been working on his throwing with Ibanez.
Posted by: rauls grandpa | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:24 PM
Ugh... two BS pop up singles for the Reds. The BABIP monster is eating Worley.
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:25 PM
Worley fills in for Oswalt ... he pitches like Oswalt. He fills in for Blanton ... he pitches like Blanton.
Posted by: Jack | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:26 PM
Nice job, Chase!
Posted by: GBrettfan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:26 PM
Jack: Not so sure. I'd say Brown should be here to stay, but Morning Call just reported this:
Dom Brown might not be here to stay. "We haven't decided anything yet until we get a chance to see him play," Amaro said. "If he’s playing well and we need him, he'll stick around. If he's struggling, we'll see."
Posted by: CJ | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:26 PM
Nice throw Chase.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:27 PM
So stupid...just keep him up and let him get reps.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:28 PM
CJ: This whole thing sounds like Amaro really doesn't like Brown as a major-league player right now, and Charlie does.
Amaro has shown he lovesveteran guys. Charlie can seem like that too at times, except he also comes across as a guy who just wants the most talent he can get.
I like Charlie's way of business better, personally. For a guy who doesn't seem risk-averse at all in terms of trades and contracts, Amaro seems incredibly risk-averse when it comes to relying so heavily on veterans instead of giving young guys a chance.
Posted by: Jack | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:30 PM
Just relax, Vance. 1 out and you're clear.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:30 PM
Johnny Cueto and Doug E. Doug = seperated at birth
Posted by: rauls grandpa | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:30 PM
Wow. Great K there.
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:32 PM
This feels less like a loss than it did 5 minutes ago, although it still feels like a loss.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:32 PM
That was a huge out. Up 3-0 early and Cueto can start throwing more fastballs & challenging hitters in spots.
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:32 PM
Worley getting tested here by the Reds. He weathered the storm without too much damage other than to the "looks good" standard and pitch count. Hopefully he can gather himself a bit between innings.
Posted by: Bob | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:33 PM
Well done, Vance.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:33 PM
Worley showing serious 'nads
Posted by: Dick Dorkface | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:33 PM
And that's the difference between a pitcher such as Worley, & a pitcher such as Herndon.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:33 PM
Vance shows a lot of composure. Impressive.
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:34 PM
So close.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:37 PM
I smell a Dom Brown RBI this inning.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:38 PM
Washed Up!
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:39 PM
Ibanez . . . Streaky (Good)!
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:39 PM
WP - Did you leave the gas on again?
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:39 PM
I feel younger every time Raul gets a hit.
Posted by: Kutztown Fan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:39 PM
RAULLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:39 PM
Give him a chance, MG. I just feel it.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:41 PM
If nothing else, Domonic Brown is the master of the sac fly.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:41 PM
There's something to be said for having someone on the team who can hit the ball out of the infield.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Nice job, Rook!!!
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:42 PM
WP - Nice Karnak prediction
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Props WP!
Posted by: Mick O | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Were Cueto and Mini Mart separated at birth?
Posted by: Kutztown Fan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Wow, wall ball (Howard and Ibanez) and small ball (Chooch and Dom) in the same inning? Did I take a time machine back to 2007?
Posted by: Spitz | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:42 PM
:)
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Not bad.
Posted by: Old Phan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:43 PM
"Go ahead" RBI at that.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:43 PM
It sure is nice to have a major league offense once again.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Hopefully the bats don't stop there. I feel like Phils will need 5 or 6 to win tonight.
Posted by: Spitz | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:44 PM
Cueto is a better hitter than Mini Mart.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:44 PM
Bucky Walters is the Stump the Fans answer.
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Kutztown Fan: Were Cueto and Mini Mart separated at birth?
Yes, they were.. and one was schooled in baseball, the other left untrained as a control. Soon the results of this experiment will be revealed in a paper published in Theoretical and Applied Genetics
Posted by: Mick O | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:46 PM
It sure is nice to have a major league offense once again.
You think this is good, just wait until Chase Utley is back in the lineup!
Oh. Nevermind.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Can't walk the guy in front of Votto.
Ever.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Truth: Very nice. It definitely stumped this fan.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:47 PM
I'll tell you, I like this kid. He's got moxie.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Solid inning by Vance.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:51 PM
If/when Blanton comes back, can we make sure we keep Worley stretched out on the big league roster? Preferably by DFA'ing Blanton?
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:53 PM
As much moxie as Kyle Kendrick, circa 2007!!
Posted by: Spitz | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:53 PM
Gotta be honest, I didn't think JRoll was going to make it this far into the season without another injury. Glad I'm wrong about that. He might not be a world-beater anymore, but it beats the alternative.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:56 PM
So...yeah, dont run on Stubbs.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Wow, he was about by a mile.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Preacher: I'm thinking we won't have to worry about Blanton again this season. His elbow is all kinds of messed up.
Spitz: Actually, Worley is reminding me of Happ, c. '09 & '10.
OK, who screwed the pooch on that one, Rollins or Samuel?
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:56 PM
That one is on Sammy. Shouldn't have sent him.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:56 PM
I'm really happy we got Steve Smith back at 3B.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Don't run with 1 out and your best situational hitter coming up!!
Posted by: Spitz | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Good one, Mick O
Posted by: Kutztown Fan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Utley goes 0 for his first 6, and the team scores runs like crazy.
He finally gets a hit, and the team can't get the run.
Posted by: Jack | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Jimmy giveth, Jimmy taketh away...
Posted by: Mr. Mack | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Big time wasted opportunity there.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:59 PM
Pitching and defense...
Posted by: Fatalotti | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:02 PM
NEPP - Yeah. Sammy hasn't exactly shined the past month. Several guys either getting nailed on their way to 3B or at home.
Posted by: MG | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:04 PM
Ruiz is raking right now!!
Posted by: Fatalotti | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:08 PM
Chooch. Nuffield said.
Posted by: HammRadio | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:08 PM
Chooooooooch!!!!!!!!! :-D
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:08 PM
Chooch is finally heating up
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:09 PM
Ugh, not a strike.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:09 PM
Prior to last night, I used to feed the dogs, take out the trash, head to the fridge, hit the head, etc. during offensive 1/2 innings.
Oddly enough, I have prioritized Utley and Brown AB's over and above everything else. I've had to pee for about 45 minutes now.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:11 PM
Nice AB.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:11 PM
Nice AB, Dom!
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:11 PM
Great stuff here from David Hale on Dom Brown:
"Brown’s first at-bat resulted in a double — his first hit of the year. But it was his second at-bat, one that ended in a fly out, that really caught my attention.
With the bases loaded and one out in the third inning, Brown came up against Bronson Arroyo.
He took the first pitch — an 87-mph fastball — for ball 1.
The second pitch was a 75-mph slider that Brown hit deep into the stands but foul.
The third pitch was another fastball, and Brown absolutely demolished it. The pitch was up and in — the area of the plate critics have wondered if Brown could cover what with those high hands and all — and he tagged it down the right-field line, hooking just foul.
As Scott Franzke remarked on the radio broadcast, if the ball had stayed fair, it wouldn’t have cleared the fence. But it might have gone through it.
After pulling two straight pitches deep down the right-field line, the tendency for a young hitter — particularly in a big RBI situation like that — would be to look fastball again and try to smack one out of the park.
Brown did the exact opposite.
Arroyo’s 1-2 pitch was an 85-mph sinker — the first one Brown had seen in that at-bat. Brown shortened up his swing and went with the pitch, dumping it into shallow left field.
Only a sliding grab by Fred Lewis kept it from being an RBI single. Only some ugly base running by Ryan Howard kept it from being a sacrifice fly. Instead, it simply shows up as a fly out in the box score.
But while it’ll go down as an 0-for-1 on the back of Brown’s baseball card, it was probably the best evidence we’ve seen so far that the kid is ready for the big leagues.
(Of course, in his next at-bat he popped out on the first pitch and in his fourth at-bat he struck out on three pitches — so there’s still some work to be done.)"
Posted by: Fatalotti | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:11 PM
Very nice at bat by Brown there. Love to see him exercising some patience at the plate.
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:12 PM
Great AB by Dom. Man, Utley makes a difference in this lineup.
Posted by: Spitz | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:12 PM
wow, dom recognized a few breaking balls there. That is impressive considering he couldn't do that last year (limited plate appearances)
Posted by: nonamePHame | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:13 PM
Great AB by Brown.
Posted by: NEPP | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:13 PM
Mayberry has really cooled off quickly. Maybe he gets sent back down for Vic, although his defense probably keeps him on the roster.
Posted by: Jack | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:14 PM
With the speed of brown and mayberry, that walk helped clear the pitcher at the very least...gave Mayberry a chance to do something.
Posted by: nonamePHame | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 08:14 PM