Game chat: New-look Phils ready to rock the Bank

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[pleasesteak]

Start Luna on the next Full Moon on June 4th.

[Cyclic]

Seen: Chase Utley booking it up and down the warning track. Looked good running. May take bp on the field. #PhilliesTalk

-Marshall Harris CSN twitter

[3r0ck]

Love the photo!

As for Hamels - if he's traded I'm boycotting. It would be complete and utter crap and would take us out of contention for years.

Besides, decisions made in a panic generally results in undesirable consequences.

[Steve]

I didn't think running or taking BP was the issue.

[pleasesteak]

Utley and the DH would be a marriage made in heaven.

[trexy]

Utley and the DH would be a marriage made in heaven.

Posted by: pleasesteak

That's a marriage the Phillies don't want to see.

[Willard Preacher]

The best part of that graphic is the dude dancing in the background with his shirt unbuttoned. Good stuff, JW.

[lorecore]

Phils are -155 with a o/u 7.5, give me the Phils and the over tonight, im feeling good.

Rollins Polly Vic Pence Wigginton Ruiz Mayberry Galvis is a fully RH lineup against a pretty crappy lefty in Richard who has a career .792 OPS against RHB, while Worley is coming off one of the best starts of his career (7IP, 0R, 11K) vs San Diego earlier this season.

[pleasesteak]

"As for Hamels - if he's traded I'm boycotting. It would be complete and utter crap and would take us out of contention for years."

If the Phils are out of the running as the season advances and management doesn't want to put more big money into starting pitching, then I would rather get something back for Cole- provided it's high level prospects - rather than lose him for what? Draft pick(s)?

[Allan Thornburg (AT), who suspects Cholly forgot that Luna is right-handed because he's still dreaming of Hector's ST home runs]

It won't matter tonight, since we're starting with an all-lefty lineup, but wouldn't it have made a lot more sense to have brought up Fontenot instead of Luna? Fontenot is hitting better than Luna-tic, and is also--more importantly--a lefty with moderate power. Right now, we now have the right-handed Luna replacing the lefty Nix as well as righty Kratz replacing lefty Thome. That leaves Orr, Pierre, and Schneider as our only lefty pinch-hitters, a pretty power-less group (although I guess it's remotely possible that Schneider hits a home run this year...)

[Allan Thornburg (AT), who suspects Cholly forgot that Luna is right-handed because he's still dreaming of Hector's ST home runs]

DUH! The above should read, starting with an "all-righty" lineup.

[Fatalotti]

I've been saying it all along about bringing up Hector: the Luna, the betta'

[Willard Preacher]

lorecore, that's a solid line against a bad team. Was wondering if there might be an adjustment based on the previous series in SD, but that's pretty sound.

Tonight, I'm with you on the Phils, but not in love with over 7.5. I think SD will struggle to put up more than 2 runs themselves, and I'm not sold that this is a lineup that will crank out 6 of their own.

[Pete Alexander]

San Diego will struggle to put up more than 2 runs until the 7th inning and help arrives in the form of the Phillies' bullpen.

[The hook]

Until chase is taking ground balls and turning two. He should not be on field. Say if he just can't play field anymore. Would chase go to phils and say for better of team make me a DH?

[GTown_Dave]

I have a strong feeling the Phillies will lose by a method other than bullpen meltdown tonight. Managerial incompetence, perhaps. Or the old standby, a sickening lack of offense. Something semi-different to bitch about, though. I'm looking forward to it.

[pleasesteak]

Self Preservation Strategy for Watching the Phillies:

1) Watch the game only for as long as the Phillies starting pitcher is in the game. Once Charlie goes to bullpen, turn off TV.

2) Check on-line later on for score update/ final score.

*** One can watch the full game only if the starting pitcher goes a full 9 innings, or can hand the ball off to Papelbon in the 9th

[gobaystars!]

Potential DHs on Phillies roster: Pence, Utley, Howard, Victorino, Orr (provided he learns to hit). Did I forget anyone?

[goody]

"New look Phils ready to rock the Bank."
Meanwhile, the old Phils will continue to be content robbing the bank.

[Willard Preacher]

GTown, we ARE about due for "unexpected shelling of pitcher deemed to be able to shut down the opposing lineup," now that you mention it.

I believe our last use of this method was back on May 2 when McCann went salami on Halladay, so it's been awhile.

[Willard Preacher]

So, "new look Phils" is the new verbiage for the Iron Pigs? That's good to know.

[goody]

gobaystars: I need to remind you again, only 3 Phils have a higher OPS than Orr, and the highest just went on the DL.

[3r0ck]

"As for Hamels - if he's traded I'm boycotting. It would be complete and utter crap and would take us out of contention for years."

If the Phils are out of the running as the season advances and management doesn't want to put more big money into starting pitching, then I would rather get something back for Cole- provided it's high level prospects - rather than lose him for what? Draft pick(s)?

Posted by: pleasesteak

It shouldn't get to that point - sign him.

[bay_area_phan]

"Pence, Utley, Howard, Victorino, Orr (provided he learns to hit)."

I anxiously await Cholly's American League lineup card, in which Pete Orr plays 2nd base & Freddie Galvis plays DH.

[MG]

Awesome game graphic. One of the betters ones in a while.

[DPatrone]

"Rollins Polly Vic Pence Wigginton Ruiz Mayberry Galvis is a fully RH lineup against a pretty crappy lefty in Richard who has a career .792 OPS against RHB."

Which means we'll get shut out on 2 hits. I'm sorry, had to do it. Just have zero confidence in this team right now.

[MG]

Not exactly an inspiring lineup but they have hitting notably better since May.

It is the pitching (especially the bullpen) that have gone into the crapper this month so far.

[Ron]

I still don't understand why Cole hit Bryce.

[goody]

Ron: Cole heard that Rube was trying to trade him to the Nats.

[GTown_Dave]

In all honesty it *is* a truly beautiful evening for a ball game. Just not one in which the Phillies are participating.

[bay_area_phan]

My only prediction for tonight's game is that the following post will appear on Beerleaguer sometime between 2 and 2 1/2 hours from now:

"So maybe there's a reason Jake Diekman has spent 6 years in the minors . . ."

[GTown_Dave]

Wow. Bucknor AND Iassogna? What a fantastic umpiring crew we're being graced w/ this evening!

[pleasesteak]

It shouldn't get to that point - sign him (Cole Hamels).

Posted by: 3r0ck

I want him here as well. Just not sure you can have 3 starting pitchers making $20+ millions dollars a year in the rotation.

[pleasesteak]

I still don't understand why Cole hit Bryce.

Posted by: Ron

No! Let's not re-visit that!

[bay_area_phan]

"Just not sure you can have 3 starting pitchers making $20+ millions dollars a year in the rotation."

As lorecore pointed out yesterday, we currently have 2 starting pitchers making $20 million & one making $15 million. If he makes $20M for the next 2 seasons, it's only a $5M addition to our payroll. After that, Halladay and his $20M+ salary come off the books.

[kuvasz]

sweet!

[Fatalotti]

Mayberry hit a home run. How about that?

[bay_area_phan]

The Hector Luna era is off to a good start.

[The hook]

When did we get a LF with power? Pat back?

[Muuurgh]

RFD for the win.

[NEPP]

JW...best graphic of the season, hands down.

[goody]

That's certainly a new look!

[GTown_Dave]

You could see Mayberry start to turn things around this past week, making good contact. Glad he finally connected. I hope it's the beginning of a bit of a tear for him.

[rubylegs]

TMac's Merry Sunshine routine is annoying enough when things are going well, but when the Phils are struggling, it's intolerable.

[GBrettFan]

Me, too, GTown! (Everyone does, I'm sure.) Nice HR!

Nice catch by Vic in the game, too, and the CS by Chooch.

[GTown_Dave]

It'll be interesting to see tonight's attendance. If the Phillies claim sellout they're either lying, or there are an amazing number of no-shows.

[GTown_Dave]

The people here are generally pissed, but I would've held J-Roll, too.

[GBrettFan]

I had a good feeling that the Mets' series and Charlie's team meeting following it would spark the team.

I just hope the BP doesn't blow it.

[GBrettFan]

Are you there, GTown?

[Fatalotti]

GBrett, let's wait to see if they score more than 2 runs, and don't blow yet another 2nd and 3rd, 1 out situation.

[GTown_Dave]

Yeah. And now I'm pissed, too.

[Fatalotti]

Yeah, "sparked".

[wes covington's ghost]

dumb and dumber picking up where they left off with runners on 2nd and 3rd...way to go boys

[fumphis]

What? They gave Pence a high fastball 0-2? Wow, no way he could have seen that coming...

[GBrettFan]

I still have a good feeling that they're playing with some focus and fire.

But yeah, Fata, it's too early too say where it will get us.

I think they were running on contact, so Vic's hit didn't go far enough. Jimmy did all he could to let Polly & Vic advance before he got tagged out.

Enjoy the game, GTown! I've been wanting to go, and thought about dragging my non-baseball-loving family to the game for Mother's Day. StubHub prices are a little steep unless I go for the really high up seats.

[GBrettFan]

Crap, did I jinx them?

[Fatalotti]

All you can do is laugh your ass off watching Ty Wigginton botch that double play ball at first base. Just fell out of his hand, then he looks like he's trying to pick up a watermelon seed afterwards.

Same old team from Wednesday.

[Let's go]

Let's see

2nd and 3rd for the philles -1 out don't score

The Pads. 2 runners on 1 out score - they score 2 to tie

Then Wigg goosed the DP -- seems like the talk really helped

[GTown_Dave]

GBrettFan: If you were able to buy semi last minute, I bet you'd find a deal. Prob. not for Mother's Day, but on most other games. Either way, good luck!

[Fatalotti]

This isn't about a team being "tight" or "pressing". This is a team sorely lacking elite talent at any position. Vic was their closest thing to elite talent, but he's regressed like crazy this year, and the rest of the team is lucky to be average at best.

Chooch's hot start, notwithstanding.

[Fatalotti]

Well, at least Wiggy made up for it.

[TNA]

New term for Wiggy:
All glove, no hands

[JRide]

This whole team is suffering from a brain cloud.

[Fatalotti]

Chooch is on the Chuice!!

[NEPP]

Chooch!!!

[GTown_Dave]

Chooch is the lone bright spot so far this season.

[GBrettFan]

I disagree with you guys. I can be frustrated and negative, too, but apart from Wiggy's bobble, I've seen smart play in the field. Worley struggled a bit - and unfortunately, that means we may see the BP that much earlier.

[Greg]

Even though it resulted in an out against a crappy pitcher, I really like Mayberry's swing right now. His power is definitely there. If he makes solid contact, and starts to put up around a ~.260 average with 1 hr/20 PA, he'll be HUGE.

That, and if he can pitch the 7th inning.

[Fatalotti]

GBrett: 70 ERA+

That's how sh!tty Richards is pitching this year. Scoring 4 runs off a sh!tty pitcher against an 11-21 team doesn't erase the last 2 weeks of baseball. I need to see extended success.

[fumphis]

Meh. Chooch isn't quite elite, but he hasn't "struggled to be average" since 2009. The overall point does stand, of course.

[GBrettFan]

Well, yeah, Fata, I think we all need to see extended success to feel good about the team's chances. I can't disagree with that. Maybe I'm just hoping it's a fresh (re)start.

[Fatalotti]

Yeah fumphis, Chooch is cool in my book. It's the rest of the team that needs to step up their games mightily. Unfortunately, aside from maybe Vic and Pence, I just don't see anyone being able to rise to that next level.

[GTown_Dave]

Venable pulled a Victorino there.

[NEPP]

Polly has looked good lately.

[bay_area_phan]

GBrett: I guess it's like a Rorschach Ink Blot test, where 2 different people can see totally different things from the same ink blot. If you're an optimist, the first 5 innings show focus, fire, and a fresh start. Those of us who are somewhat less optimistic see yet another game that is setting up to be a loss attributable to the bullpen.

[johnnysanz3]

Be nice if this gets Chooch in the all star game, would be sweet.

[johnnysanz3]

I'll take 29hr and 103 rbi from our catcher. (ruiz projected) =P

[Let's go]

The 3rd & 5th inning

2nd & 3rd less than 2 outs

Pence and Wiggs make the last 2 outs - and no runs

Remember Patience @ the plate -oh brother -

[NEPP]

Called third strike.

[Fatalotti]

I can already smell the baking poodle that the bullpen will prepare tonight.

[GBrettFan]

I didn't think our BP could be trusted with a 2-run lead, and now it's only a 1-run lead. My optimism may be short-lived.

[NEPP]

Damn...crushed that one.

[fumphis]

Fata: I think Mayberry has a legit shot at turning into a Pence-like piece (mild long shot but not an unreasonable one). And you never know about Galvis, though whatever player he eventually blossoms into won't appear this year. I like Nix as well. However, as it stands we're stuck with a pretty atrocious infield and bench, and you're right, that's not changing anytime soon.

[Let's go Eat]

Those missed runs - I hope they don't bite the phillies in the azz

[fumphis]

The declining range of Rollins and Polanco has really been on display tonight.

[wes covington's ghost]

let's go eat......count on it

[GBrettFan]

Oh, dear, the BP will be in next inning.

[NEPP]

What a huge run.

[bay_area_phan]

So, 3 innings from our bullpen tonight. That ought to send shivers down the spine of any self-respecting Phillies fan.

[wes covington's ghost]

4 more and we're good to the 9th...

[curt]

"the BP will be in next inning"

Well, probably a couple of them next inning, a couple more in the 8th, and the rest of them in the 9th,

[curt]

When you have a chance to get Brian Scheider up there, you have to do it.

[GTown_Dave]

Going to the 'pen again, huh? Charlie sure is trying to make his point, I guess. Can't say I disagree. Well, except for the fact that Schneider is now hitting. What the hell?

[bay_area_phan]

Seriously? Brian Schneider?

[johnnysanz3]

Buster Olney ‏ @Buster_ESPN
If you took a preliminary NL MVP vote, Matt Kemp would win. But this catcher would be in the Top 10. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28447/carlos-ruiz Two more RBI today

[Phlipper (starting to pack for al fresco dining on the Benny-Frank)]

Padres have the Phillies right where they want them· within 15 runs when they go to the bullpen.

[Let's go Eat]

Brian Schneider pinch hitting makes me Ill ..

Why did uc use 2 players for that Ab in the bottom of the 6th inning?

[NEPP]

Why Brian Schneider? I mean seriously?!?

[GTown_Dave]

Clutch, J-Roll. Clutch.

In other news, Podsednik to Boston (says Rosenthal).

[bay_area_phan]

The most troubling aspect of Rollins' 2012 season is not even the total lack of power. It's the downright shocking number of strikeouts.