Happ is Coming Back

After being taking out of his Lehigh Valley start after 3 innings, J.A. Happ appears to be headed back up to the bigs. It would appear that the player being removed from the current roster will be either Adam Eaton or Rudy Seanez.

When a minor league pitcher comes out of a game early for no apparent reason after pitching well, especially when he gets a round of congratulations as he departs, it usually means that he's about to be promoted to the big leagues.

And when a manager, the coaching staff and the general manager huddle behind closed doors, it's often a signal that something is going on. [Philly.com]

Seanez and Eaton have been terrible over their last few appearances and it is hard to see one of them, probably should be both of them, removed from the roster. I'd assume Happ would become the second left-hander reliever out of the pen. It is hard to judge how effective he'd be in that role.

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How Does He Do It?

Jamie Moyer has now allowed 3 runs or less in his last 7 starts. After today's 7-innings of one-earned work in a 4-1 win, Moyer has seen his ERA dip down to 3.95. Moyer improved to 8-6 on the season. I'm not sure anyone can explain how the old man continues to do it, but whatever it is -- I hope it continues.

Ryan Howard provided most off the offense today with 2 HRs(26,27) and 3 RBIs (83). Chase Utley provided the other run with an RBI double. The Phillies offense did manage 10 hits and 2 walks, while only striking out 3 times. They hit the ball hard most of the day, but a few them went right at the Cardinals.

The Phillies earned their 50th win of the year and their first series team over a team not named the Atlanta Braves since early June. The Phillies will have Arizona coming into town before the All-Star break and the pitching matchups are as follows:

Doug Davis (LHP) 3-4, 3.74 ERA vs Kyle Kendrick 8-3, 4.39 ERA
Randy Johnson (LHP) 5-7, 5.18 ERA vs Adam Eaton 3-7, 5.20 ERA
Brandon Webb (RHP)13-4, 3.27 ERA vs Cole Hamels 9-6, 3.18 ERA

The pitching match-ups do not exactly fair up great for the Phillies as they will face two left-handers and then one of the top pitched in the game in Brandon Webb. Also, the Phillies have not necessarily faired well in their careers against Doug Davis or Randy Johnson.

In other news, J.A. Happ has been optioned back to Triple A-Lehigh Valley. Why? Well the Phillies will likely not use a 5th starter until July 23rd against the New York Mets and the Phillies rather him pitch for someone during that long break rather than just sit around.

"We don't want him sitting 15 days without throwing in any games," Manuel said.

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Phillies Win Despite Santana's Dominant Performance

It was a wet and wild game at Citizens Bank Park. No offense and a lot of pitching. On a night where we, as a nation, honor the birth of our great country, the nation's first capitol overcame Johan Santana to win 3-2.

Shane Victorino provided the heroics with his RBI single in the 9th, driving in Pedro Feliz with 2 outs. Pitcher Duaner Sanchez struck out both Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell in the bottom of the 9th before Feliz doubled. Victorino hit a line drive to right to score in Feliz to win the game.

It was a very patriotic evening at CBP, with the 23rd sell out crowd of the year. Before the game, a small tribute was payed to the men of service, current and veterans. God Bless America was also sung during the 7th inning stretch.


I almost feel bad for Santana. He went 8 innings, giving up 2 runs on 6 hits, striking out 6. His only hiccup came in the 6th where he allowed 4 singles that scored both Jayson Werth and Chase Utley. They were driven in by Howard and Burrell respectively.

J.A. Happ took the mound for Philly and was sub par. He threw 90+ pitches in only 4.2 innings of work. He was taken out with the bases loaded and after 2 runs came in. Chad Durbin relieved him and struck out Carlos Beltran to stop the bleeding. Happ finished with 2 runs allowed on 3 hits, 4 walks, and 3 strike outs.

Durbin's time of relief was amazing. He saw 7 batters and struck out 6 in his 2.1 innings pitched. Ryan Madson pitched the 8th giving up a hit and Brad Lidge threw 4 pitches to earn the win in the 9th.

Jayson Werth was the lead off hitter for the Phillies and had 2 hits. Howard also had 2 hits and Feliz had the only extra base hit for Philadelphia.

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Happ to Make 2008 Debut

The Last time J.A. Happ took the hill, it was against the Mets in 2007. He gave up seven hits, including three homers, and five runs in four innings as the Phils lost, 8-3, at Citizens Bank Park.He's hoping his 2008 outing versus them will be a different story rom last year.

There shouldn't be any pressure for Happ this year. He's only facing the best lefty in the game in Johan Santana, a division rival looking to challenge the Phillies, and a Mets team that handled him last year. Nope. No pressure at all.

Happ has started 17 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley where he compiled a 5-6 record with a 3.54 ERA. In 101 2/3 innings, Happ has 104 strikeouts to lead the International League.

RJ Swindle is said to be optioned back to Lehigh after replacing Brett Myers on the roster for a couple days.

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