A Weekend in Review

I am running on a minimal amount of sleep from this weekend, so bear with me as I try to compile my thoughts on games and moves by our teams.

- My weekend began when I witnessed the huge upset by the Temple Owls over #8 Tennessee. It was such an awesome game to be at. The crowd was so into it for an early weekend game and it was definitely a huge boost that it was on ESPN. Dionte Christmas went absolutely nuts going 6-7 from three-point land in the second half. At the game, they handed out "Merry Christmas" signs and he must have taken noticed.

It was the first time that I've been able to attend a college basketball game where the home team pulled off a big enough upset to storm the court. It was definitely an amazing sight to see live.

- The Flyers? How about the fucking Flyers! Currently, the Flyers are one of the hottest teams in hockey and they continued their good play with a burying of the Pittsburgh Penguins this weekend. They are currently only 4 points behind the New York Rangers, but the Rangers have played four more games than the Flyers. The Flyers are 16-4-3 since starting the season without a win and they dramatically climbed the standings. Mostly lead by great Special Team play, the Flyers are finding ways to win even if they play most of the game poorly. Let's just hope it continues.

- Maurice Cheeks was fired. I think Cheeks became the scapegoat more or less and the Sixers really just needed to make a change. It is not Cheeks fault that the team's perimeter defense gets lazy and they cannot shoot consistently.

Anyway, the Sixers won their first game with new head coach Tony DiLeo. They beat the Washington Wizards 104-89. Hopefully DiLeo finds a way to develop cohesion between Elton Brand and the rest of the team. I think a lot of fans are beginning to second guess the choice of Brand of Josh Smith, but it is still too early to tell. They're only 10-14 and they have plenty of time to rebound in a weak conference. Even with that record, they only 1 1/2 games outside the final playoff seed.

- The acquistion of Chan Ho Park. I do not think this is a bad move at all if the Phillies use Park in the bullpen. If they really do plan to use him in the rotation, it really makes me question their rotation coming into the season. The only sure things are probably Hamels and Blanton, the two guys who have had the most consistent careers. Brett Myers is extremely good or extremely bad with little in between. Jamie Moyer's success really depends on the home plate umpire and the team's defense. Well, we've become somehow worse defensively in left field, so hopefully that does not hurt Moyer's numbers. I still would have really preferred for the team to add at least another top end of the rotation guy because it is unlikely that the Phillies will use their new revenue and money they've saved from expired contracts on extensions for their core.

- Speaking of Moyer, he'll retire a Phillie. The Phillies have brought Jamie Moyer back for two more years and the rumored amount was for about 2 years, $15 million. Truthfully, it is not a bad contract at all for backend of the rotation veteran; however, you really must be a homer if you do not have any question marks regarding Moyer's age. It was worth the risk and because of Moyer's great shape and lack of need for velocity, should be good enough for at least a 13-15 win season and an era of 4.70 or less. If somehow he is able to reproduce last season, than more power to him, but I would not expect it. There are far too many variable that go into Moyer's success to really be able to predict his seasonal success.

I am running on about 15 hours of sleep in the last four days, so I am going get a nap before the game tonight. Check back in tomorrow for a review of the Eagles game.

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Phillies: Moyer, Park signed; Utley speaks

After an unexciting off season and some questionable moves, the Phillies seem to have gotten the ball rolling. I'm giving Ruben Amaro a C+ so far for the off season and the grade will improve if a certain Derrick Lowe is wearing a Phillies uniform in the near future.

Enough with the intro, Jamie Moyer signed a 2 year extension with the Phillies today. This was an exceptional move by Amaro. As we all know, Moyer was a hometown hero, winning his first WS in his illustrious career with the Phillies. He was huge last year, especially since June. He was also the winning pitcher of the Division clinching game versus Washington.

Amaro admitted to being a bit concerned of Moyer's age and not wanting to go more than 1 year with his contract:

There's no question it's a concern," Amaro said of Moyer's age. "For us to go
two years guaranteed, I think shows our commitment to him, but he's probably
one of our best conditioned athletes that we have. His dedication to his craft
is as high as anybody's on our club. Jamie is going to do what he can to play
out this contract and be an effective pitcher for us. We have every reason to
believe with the way he works and the way he pitches that he can do just that,
play out his contract."

Again I feel this was an amazing move and needed to be done. With Moyer back, the rotation will look like this:
Hamels
Myers
Blanton
Moyer
Kendrick/Carrasco/Happ

Chan Ho Park also reached an agreement with Philly today to a 1 year, $2.5 million contract pending he passes a physical. As was reported in my other post, he would be a nice addition to the team if he would be placed in the bull pen. He would not be a set up man since we have Ryan Madson but he can go the long innings.

Also Chase Utley had some words on his recovery (found at the bottom of the Moyer article):

“Rehab is going well,” Utley said. “Things are progressing very well. I don’t
expect any setbacks. I feel like I’ll be ready to go, but it’s something I have
to be careful of. I want to make sure that we rehab this right. I don’t want to
have this problem again. But as of now it’s looking good.”

And on his infamous quote during the Phillies Parade (Philly.com):

"I'll tell all the kids not to use that word," Utley said. "But if they are 29
and they win the World Series, they could say that."

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Peavy? Moyer? Punto? DeRosa? Lowe?

First, I want to clarify that it is unlikely that the Phillies are going to acquire Jake Peavy. Actually, their name has been brought up because they'd be a third team in the trade. The discussed player coming back to the Phillies with be UPenn grad, Mark DeRosa who can play second base and outfield.

However, the Cubs have talked to a number of teams regarding a three-team trade, so it is not necessarily only the Phillies, at least according to Ken Rosenthal's source. There is a report out of the Chicago Sun-Times stating that a Cubs deal for Peavy is close and the Phillies still might be involved, so we'll see. It is reported that Phillies would likely send J.A. Happ and/or Chris Coste to San Diego.

With regards to Mark DeRosa, he would be a nice little player to add to the Phillies. He's a utility guy with far more offensive ability than Eric Bruntlett. In his last three years of near full-time duty, DeRosa has posted lines close to .290/.365/.450. Not quite Pat Burrell numbers, but by far the best numbers out of the players the Phillies are considering, especially because his defense is not terribly awful. At least if you're one of those Fantasy players that love to draft Phillies' players, DeRosa would be fantasy gold because he can play so many positions.

What about the old vet? Jon Heyman is reporting that Phillies are being very aggressive in trying to sign both Jamie Moyer and Derek Lowe. The Phillies and Moyer are at a bit of a standstill. The Phils have offered Jamie a 2-year contract worth $14 million. Moyer is looking or a 2-year deal worth $18 million. I have to side with the Phillies on this one. I don't mind their offer at all, even if it is the max I think they should offer him.

Once we get over loving the idea of him finishing his career with his home team and so forth, you have to realize that he is 46. He is a pitcher that allows a decent amount of base-runners and luck or a bigger strike-zone can change that. What if he doesn't get those corner calls next year? What if the contact he allows finds the holes. Do you really want to pay $9 million for his 2007 numbers? No. Do not expect Moyer to put up his 2008 numbers ever again. Retaining the youth of this team is far more important than the Disney picture story of Moyer walking to the sunset with a Phillies hat on his head.

With regard to Derek Lowe, there have been some conflicting reports. Some people have said the Phillies have a contract offer out there, but others say they were just looking at parameters and there is no real offer out there. Either way, Ruben Amaro, Jr. did indeed explain that they were interested.

Lastly, the Phillies are considering Nick Punto. No, thanks. I want nothing to do with his OPS+ of 74. I'll stick with Eric Bruntlett. Yes, his OPS+ is only 71, but we don't have to worry about over-paying him by any means.

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Ruben Amaro Jr's First Fail.

Dear Ruben Amaro, Jr.,

Why the fuck would you not offer arbitration to Pat Burrell? You already know that he has not going to sign that shitty two year deal that you offered him. You know someone is going to giving him a multi-year deal near what he has already earned. Is arbitration really going to get hurt you that much if he accepts it, which is highly unlikely. By the grace of God, if he was stupid enough to accept a one year deal, it fixes your left-field problem before things become really rough.

However, you did not take that in to consideration or at least it does not seem that way. You know Pat Burrell is not going to make more than $14 million in arbitration and that is what Ryan Howard's number is going to be around. I understand that you have a lot of raises to deal with, but you just fucking won the World Series and you want to replace Burrell with someone who is even worst defensively in Raul Ibanez and someone who cannot play a full game because of his disability in Rocco Baldelli. Well, in reality, we know you're going to replace him with Geoff Jenkins and we're going to lose that much needed right-handed power bat. To make matters worse, Raul Ibanez WILL COST you a first round pick because Seattle managed the situation correctly.

It's one year of Burrell or two draft picks. Sounds like a win-win to me. The Phillies wanted to devote two years to him, in which they'd pay more of a total salary. Are you missing the picture inside that big head of yours. We need to re-build our farm system. Those two extra picks would have helped extremely. If he re-signed, well someone who hits 30+ home runs and reaches base 37% of the time is well...pretty damn good.

I can understand not offering arbitration to Jamie Moyer. It is highly unlikely that you let Moyer walk. Any starting to pitcher on the market will likely be vastly overpaid, so there is no point in giving arbitration to Moyer because it will pretty much be based off his previous season.

The thing is, you the odds of Moyer signing are far greater than Burrell. Why did you fuck this one up? Pat Burrell was a type-A free agent, not a type-B. We will receive a first or second round pick and a sandwich pick between the first and second round. You know that though, correct?

I am sorry, I know your team won the World Series and I know we doubted Pat Gillick, but you're not Gillick and Pat Burrell is not Kevin Milwood or Placido Polanco. You really jumped on the failboat with this one and by the rumors, it seems like talks between Moyer and yourself are getting cold as well.

Maintain success, please.

Sincerely,

Justin

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Moyer to Sign Multi-year deal?

Ken Mandel is reporting that the Phillies and Jamie Moyer are likely to agree on a multi-year deal, but they have not been able to announce it because of scheduling conflicts.

Jamie Moyer wants to return, and the Phillies want him back, so what's taking so long? At this point, it appears the two sides can't coordinate schedules. One person familiar with the team's thinking believes it's a matter of time for an announcement, and the 46-year-old may sign a multiyear deal.

It'll be nice to have Moyer back as a 4th or 5th starter. You know what you're going to get from him and you do not have to worry about his velocity dropping or anything. He'd also be willing to do anything to help the team. I assume the deal may be announced sometime after Thanksgiving.

For the market being open, teams are moving relatively slow. This could be a good thing because teams may be letting the market reset itself. Some values have been getting extremely high, but we'll see.

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Moyer Wins 14th vs. Milwaukee

Jamie Moyer looked good again as his performance as the Phillies won 6-3. Moyer (14-7) went 5.2 innings giving up only 4 hits, 2 of them being a solo and 2-run homer by JJ Hardy and Prince Fielder, respectively. He also struck out 5 and walked 1. Brad Lidge pitched the 9th for his 36th save in as many chances.

Ryan Howard had another monster game as he went 2-3 with a 2 run home run in the first, his Major League leading 43rd, and then he hit an RBI double that bounced off the top of the padding in center field.

Jimmy Rollins and Pedro Feliz also had 2 hits. Chase Ultey and Pat Burrell both continued with their struggles as they went 1-8 with 3 strikeouts combined.

The Phillies moved to within 3 games back of New York, who had the day off yesterday. Cole Hamels will take the mound tonight and will be facing Manny Para.

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Fightin' Phils!

Hey Pedro, I guess the Phillies are your daddy. After trailing 7-0 in the 4th, the Phillies were able to beat the Mets 8-7 in a 13 inning thriller.

After the poor start by Jamie Moyer, the Phillies started their slow climb. In the bottom of the 4th, Pedro Feliz hit a sac fly to score in Shane Victorino. They then tacked on 4 runs in the 5th with 2 run homers by Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard.

In the 8th, Carlos Ruiz scored on a J-Roll single and in the 9th, Eric Bruntlett came through with the clutch pinch hit double that drove in Jayson Werth from 1st. The bull pen did amazing all night to keep the Mets from taking the game back.

After scoreless innings through the extra frames, Shane Victorino led off the 13th with a triple. New York immediately walked both Werth and Bruntlett to get to pinch hitter Brett Myers. It was obvious the Phillies didn't want him swinging to chance hitting into a double play so he struck out looking with a full count.

With one out and the bases loaded, Chris Coste comes up after pinch hitting in the 8th to stay in. He was 3-3 at the time coming in and he made it 4-4 with the game winning base hit that sailed way over Carlos Beltran's head.

With that win, the Phillies leap frogged the Mets to take a .5 division lead. They play tonight as Kyle Kendrick and Johan Santana face eachother. I'll be at the game tonight cheering hard for the Fightins'.

Game note: Rollins continued his hot bat going 5-7 with 3 RBIs, a double and home run.

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Payback's A Bitch

After going to LA and getting swept by the Dodgers last week in 4 games, the fans in Philly feared a repeat or another dismal performance versus LA. Well the outcome was much different. The Phillies capped a 4 game sweep at home of the Dodgers with a 5-0 win Monday night.

Taking the mound for the Phillies was Brett Myers, who followed up his shut out win versus Washington with 7 scoreless innings against LA. He went 7, giving up 9 hits and 3 walks. He also struck out 8. His curve ball has truly become nasty again and the velocity on his fastball is back. He is now freezing and fooling hitters with both pitches, something Phillies fans are happy to see again.

Jimmy Rollins, who entered the game batting .087 (4-for-46) since calling Philadelphia fans "front-runners", had a single, double and triple, and drove in two runs. He showed a lot of hustle scoring on a double play and on an infield grounder from 2nd.

Jayson Werth also had a great game as he drove in a run himself. But that was over shadowed by his great plays in the field, including him running down a line drive hit by Manny Ramirez in the 7th with bases loaded and the Phillies only up 3-0. He basically saved the game.

The Phillies open tonight's 2 game series with the Mets. The Phillies can come out of this series either 1.5 up or .5 and 2.5 games back. I would love to see the first out come. But it won't be easy as tonight the Phillies be facing Pedro Martinez (4-3; 4.97) tonight and Johan Santana (12-7; 2.64) tomorrow. The will be putting Jamie Moyer (11-7; 3.54) and Kyle Kendrick (11-7; 4.87) on the mounds for both nights.

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Moyer Filets Fish

Jamie Moyer went 6 fantastic innings as he he gave up 2 runs on 4 hits and 1 walk, striking out 3, to beat the Marlins 4-2. His record no improves to 9-6 on the year. He was backed up by longballs from Ryan Howard and Geoff Jenkins, thier 29th and 8th respectively.

The Phillies now move into sole posession of first place when the Reds ended the Mets 10 game win steeak with a 5-2 victory. Kyle Kendrick (8-3, 4.47) will take the mound for the Phillies today as he faces Scott Olsen (5-4, 3.77) of the Marlins.

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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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Howard, Moyer Star in Phillies Win

After how this year has been going so far, no one expected tonight's stars to be Ryan Howard and Jamie Moyer. Both led the Phillies to a 12-2 win over the Nationals, bolstered by an 8-run 6th inning.

The seasoned Moyer pitched 6 shut out innings, striking out 3, walking 1, and giving up 7 hits. He got himself out of a couple jams in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th innings as his pitch count rose but he kept the runners from crossing the plate. Clay Condrey pitched 3 innings for his first save, a rare situational save in fact.

At the plate, the cold slugger in Howard woke up as he went 3-5 with 2 HRs and a double, driving in 4 runs. Howard got his average up to .195, still below the Mendoza line.

Howard wasn't the only Phillie to go deep as both Shane Victorino and Pedro Feliz belted homers. Victorino also added a double and single as he went 3-5, driving in 2 runs as well as scoring 3 times. Jimmy Rollins went 2-6 with a double, run, and RBI.

Moyer has been shaky all season as his age looks like it finally caught up to him. It was nice seeing him go 6 innings. It was also nice seeing the offense support a quality start. This offense tends to be very streaky. They are dangerous when hot and a cancer when cold.

The Phillies are now a game and a half behind the Marlins and are tied with the Braves. They will enter the next series in Houston to face the Astros (27-21). The match ups are:

Kendrick (3-2) vs Oswalt (4-4)
Eaton (0-2) vs Backe (3-5)
Myers (2-5) vs Moehler (1-1)

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Jayson Werth Dominates!

Jayson Werth tied the Phillies single-game record for most rbi's with 8 tonight, while also hitting three home runs (3-run, grand slam, and solo) in his first three at-bats. Werth got another at-bat in the bottom of the seventh, but he popped out. Including Werth, the top of the lineup batted 9-20 with 10 R and 10 RBI. Ryan Howard was able to extend his hitting streak to 8 games with an rbi-single, despite striking out twice and walking once.

Jamie Moyer pitched well for the Phillies surrendering 3 earned on 7 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 5 in 6 2/3 innings. Moyer had great control through tonight's mist and was able to hit his spots. Chad Durbin pitched in relief and continued his great performances out of the bullpen allowing no runs or hits in 1 1/3 innings. Clay Condrey pitched a scoreless ninth to close out the game. Jamie Moyer improved to 3-3 on the year.

3-run home run

Grand Slam

Solo Home Run

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Jamie Moyer is Our Third Starter

"Jamie Moyer doesn't mentor Cole Hamels. Cole Hamels mentors Jamie Moyer."

Jamer Moyer has been named the third starter in the Phillies rotation. [Phillies.com]

So, currently our rotation looks like this: Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Kyle Kendrick, and Adam Eaton or Kris Benson. So...why didn't we sign Kyle Lohse? I don't want to reiterate everything I just said in the previous post, but the whole rotation situation makes absolutely no sense to me. We wonder why Adam Eaton gets paid so much, but what about the guy who signed him, Pat Gillick? Anyway, why keep ranting when the franchise will never understand how important pitching is.

Anyway, good for Jamie Moyer, earning the third spot in the rotation by default at the age of 45. Hopefully, this team hires him as the pitching coach next year. Fuck Rich Dubee.

Let's pray and hope either Carlos Carrasco, Josh Outman, or Joe Savery suddenly become extremely unhittable and MLB-ready.

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