Gamenight: Nationals (44-83) At Phillies (68-58)

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, August 21, 2008 06:07 PM

Brett Myers pitched the Phils to another win over the Nationals. His complete-game shutout performance allowed for a series win. Now the Phils will try to sweep the Nationals out of Philly. The Phils can move to one game behind the Mets with a win tonight.

The Legend Continues: With his 11 wins, Jamie Moyer is the team’s top winner. He now has 241 for his career.

The Dobbs Split: Greg Dobbs is hitting .309 with all six of his homers against right-handed pitching.

In The Redd: Tim Redding was phenomenal against the Phillies his first two times against them, but the Phils figured him out July 30, scoring seven runs off him in four innings en route to an 8-5 loss.

Petey!: Pedro Feliz is in the starting lineup, seeing his first action since an injury derailed him in late July. He is paired in the lineup with his rhyming brother, Carlos Ruiz.

Phillies: Jamie Moyer (11-7) 3.64 ERA
Nationals: Tim Redding (8-8) 4.66 ERA

Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EST
Weather: 81, sunny
Lineup: Rollins/Werth/Utley/Howard/Burrell/Victorino/Feliz/Ruiz/Moyer

MLB TV
MLB Gameday Audio
MLB Gameday

Your gamenight beer: A couple things I love — Belgian beer and amber beer. This is Bruegel Amber Ale, named after painter Pieter Bruegel, evidently. I’ll drink to art anyday of the week. Pair this with a shrimp salad.

Go Phillies!

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200 Responses to “Gamenight: Nationals (44-83) At Phillies (68-58)”

Chris C. Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Any chance Pete Happy is the answer? Weirder things have happened.
TJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 6:34 pm
What Tim Redding will come out tonight?
Welcome back, Pedro.
ryan Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 6:51 pm
tim redding usually eats the phillies alive. but they absolutely must win this game tonight and every game remaining against the nationals and braves to have any chance to winning this thing. look at the schedule, it’s fucking brutal.
NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Just checked in… That bats are alive tonight…

Can anyone actually remember the last genuinely consistent hitting performance?
NC Jason Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Utley clutch right there
NC Jason Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Keep Moyer in the game – nothing short of amazing.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 8:38 pm
charlie always gives 3-0 green lights….idiot.

this offense is just bad. theyre just bad. you think theyre ready to play the dodgers mets and cubs? ahahaha they might lose ALL, every single one, of those games.
Runshouse Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Anderson Hernandez?
Tyler Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 8:49 pm
J-Hole.
rays nation Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 8:51 pm
j-hole and as the left field section always tells left fielders you suck rollins clap clap clap clap
TJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Hell just froze over
Georgie Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 8:59 pm
RUIZ!!!!
TJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Wow, a dead night. Ruiz or Moyer for the Ashburn? haha wow, I was just saying how improbable that he hits one out.
NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Started with an error but wow some sutatined offense… Carlos Yardos!
TJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:02 pm
and a Jenkins hit, with TWO OUTS!? what is going on, seriously stop playing around, this inning was suppose to be over as soon as Ruiz got in the box.
NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Here’s a nickname… Jimmy ‘Outman’
Georgie Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:05 pm
We’re turning the universe upside down with our positive vibes!
NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Come to think of it did anyone else realise that Outman’s name was OUT MAN… You don’t trade away a pitcher with a name like that!
Georgie Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:09 pm
that’s like trading a hockey goalie with the name “Saveman’.
NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Think Savery should be the closer in waiting?
j Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:11 pm
STOP BOOING J ROLL YOU FUCKING ASSHOLES!!!!

Jesus Fucking Christ I get the fucking point. Your panties are in a wad over shit that he said. Get the fuck over it before you run out of town the guy who is possibly the best SS ever to play for the Phillies.

I am a lifelong Phillies fan. It’s in my family bloodline for four generations. But I am disgusted by you fuckers!!!
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:12 pm
what got into caros ruiz?

madson blows the lead again…
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:13 pm
ryan madson needs DFA man, he isnt a setup anything. get this BUM out of here.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:14 pm
j-hole is intentionally failing and talking shit so he can get traded.
NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Agreed Jimmy is the best SS to play for the Phils but he has to be put in his place, not by the fans booing but in the clubhouse it needs to be made clear the guys play is not acceptable because he doesn’t seem to accept his play warrants critisism despite poor play in every phase of his game outside of his D.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:15 pm
and theres no excuse to ever lose to this team
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:17 pm
meanwhile, as Madson blows this one, the Mutts tie up there game against the braves. just wonderful…why Madson and not Romero to start the 8th???
NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Madson’s going to get hit from time to time we know that, no reason to DFA the guy… He’s turned his year around and is an integral piece and one of the few relief men under team control.

As for Jimmy he doesn’t necessarily want out, he’s gone diva and he wants the world to sing to his hymn sheet. It’s incredible that such a rounded and responsible player can loose his grip on how to play the game when he finally recieve’s accolades for his performance.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:18 pm
again, IMMEDIATELY release madson. IMMEDIATELY shift thompson and rich dubee out of here. IMMEDIATELY buyout eatons contract to make room on that single A roster for someone else. IMMEDIATELY place jimmy rollins on WAIVERS and trade him to the AL for PTBNL. IMMEDIATELY DEMAND excellence. jamie moyer was awesome tonight and they pissed it away.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:20 pm
DEMAND IMMEDIATE
NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Geoff that’s what this team does and will continue to do until somehow someone on the coaching staff manages to re-assert their game to playing solid fundementals instead of going for the highlight reel play.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:22 pm
this is not excellence
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Demanding excellence costs too much for this ownership group…don’t talk to me about how they’ve brought payroll up to $95-$100mm since CBP opened. Muts are at $130mm, and with citi field next year they’ll spend $25-$35mm more….

the window be closing here.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:23 pm
acnj..they lied about that. payroll is still 90mm give or take a fewthey pocketed 10mm and said they spent it…
NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:24 pm
This is not a good team and we have to accept that, this team rode Utley and Burrell for 2 months and has been horrendously bad for 2 months.
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:25 pm
probably. looks like bobby cox in his old age has regressed to cholly manuels level…he just let kotsay bunt into a double play with man on and nobody out in the eighth…

just when we needed a braves rally
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:25 pm
yeah this is a bad baseball team. they may make the playoffs still, but theyre no threat to anyone
the truth hurts Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:26 pm
puh-the-tic
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:26 pm
ok – werth is on…c’mon now…
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:29 pm
two on now…let’s go rally…
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:29 pm
time for howard to STEP UP!
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:31 pm
nice job ryan…definitely worth $10mm
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:34 pm
wow that was horrible
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:34 pm
and a “double” nice job by the $14mm man.
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:34 pm
please tell me that burrell WON’T be back next year.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:34 pm
that was like systematically bad.
Griffin Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Done.
NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Tough for Burrell, 2 night straigh grounding into the double. The atmosphere being created at the plate by some of the core players is crippling.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:39 pm
just got home, glad i missed the miserable 8th! wow!
NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:40 pm
miserable game with the usual lines, good pitching but only 1 inning of sustained offense… Anyone think differently?
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:41 pm
All Ryan Howard cares about is Ryan Howard. The man won’t do a damn thing to help his team win. Swing for the fences when you desperately need to move a runner up. IF you can’t put the ball in play, bunt you fat overpaid 10 million can of worms.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:41 pm
why is feliz not in the game?
Greg V. Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:41 pm
You know our offense is fucked when Carlos Ruiz is hitting home runs and Rollins, Utley, Howard, and Burrell can’t hit to save their lives! I’m so glad we get to face the Dodgers, the Mets, and the Cubs soon! I feel better just calling it a season now!
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:42 pm
How many fucking infield singles tonight? It’s terrible scouting from Philly. And add to that the errors, it’s a colossal joke out there. Bruntlett booted a GIDP and Washington is certain to add to its lead.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins suck this year- what’re you gonna do?
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:42 pm
feliz got lifted for dobbs as a pinch hitter. dobbs sacrificed to tie the game up, before ruiz hit a homer for a TEMPORARY lead
NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Utley’s had a decent night
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Greg V. – The end is near, thankfully!
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:45 pm
HAHAHAHAHAH the pitcher is going to hit!

Manny Acta looked at who we have coming up and he’s like “Nah, one run is enough!”
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:46 pm
well, at least the braves kept it 4-4 going to the 9th…let’s get the ATL rally going
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Hey guys, who is your least favorite Phillie this year?
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:47 pm
is hanrahan the nationals closer?
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Dude, put us out of our misery. It’s almost like go Mets..
fred Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:47 pm
lol to danny. we suck
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:48 pm
I’m gonna have to go with Bruntlett.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:49 pm
ok. get shane in! bruntlett: you better bunt because you totally fucking blow. pinch hit for ruiz and try to drive shane in.
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:49 pm
My least favorite philly is Ryan Howard. And I hope Bruntlett does NOT BUNT.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Howard is tied for second with Jenkins and Eaton for me..
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:50 pm
WTF is bruntlett doing????
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:50 pm
WTF BRUNTLETT?!??!?!?!
Fred Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Strikeouts are a killer. For 10 million smackaroos you’d think you’d at least be able to get the bat on the ball.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:52 pm
yeah but you cant trade someone who has over 100 rbis and without him, despite his clutch K’s, theyd be 20 games behind the mets right now.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:52 pm
I have never…

NEVER seen anyone sent up to bunt take the first 2 strikes.

Is he trying to get cut?
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:52 pm
c’mon SHANE!!!
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:53 pm
shane ahs turned into a nice player this season. bruntlett doesnt belong on a major league baseball team at all, niether does greg dobbs.
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:53 pm
bruntlett sucks.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Poor Bruntlett..
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:54 pm
greg dobbs definitely belongs…but i agree on bruntlett
Griffin Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:54 pm
we need a hit from one of our catchers. 10% chance at best?
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I feel bad for Bruntlett after that… that was brutal.
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:55 pm
did anyone just see the 3rd out in the mets game – runner was definitely safe, throw pulled delgado off the bag…
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:55 pm
With 2 strikes, has to be 5% dude.

Of course J-Hole is coming up..
Griffin Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:56 pm
how does Dobbs not belong on a major league team? He’s the best pinch hitter in baseball, I am confused.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:56 pm
well, at least shane is on third. coste: dont swing at the first pitch.
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:56 pm
God damnit! I missed it, did he strikeout after Vic already stole second?
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Of course he did Kyle
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:57 pm
who’s pinch hitting? Taguchi??
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I would talk Coste to get to Rollins. LOL.
Fred Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Trade Howard for Halladay?
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Vic, just steal home. It’s your only chance.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm
pinch hitters are a dime a dozen. hes a bad hitter when he plays everyday. pinch hitters become pinch hitters because theyre bad regular hitters. you can find those guys oln the scrap heap ANYTIME ANYSEASON. its honestly pathetic that hes called the best pinch hitter in baseball.
Griffin Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm
we need a wild pitch
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Yes Fred, the day is coming… CANNOT WAIT.
Griffin Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:59 pm
how is it pathetic that he’s the best pinch hitter in baseball? I am seriously dumbfounded. Don’t NL teams use pinch hitters almost every game?
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:59 pm
dont trade howard for anybody. thats retarded. he has 2 more years left here at least. trade jimmy. he wants to be traded anyway. when burrell and howard are gone where does your power come from? youll finish 4th in the division next year without those rbis
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 9:59 pm
What the fuck is Bruntlett’s problem? I want the direction question asked to him and Manuel after the game: whose call was the bunt with two strikes? Someone better ask that and If Bruntlett – get out.
rays nation Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:00 pm
no
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:00 pm
He didn’t try to bunt with 2 strikes…
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:00 pm
yes, but there are tons of guys floating arond who are as good or better bench players than he is
MIKE FLO Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Way to snap the worst team in baseball’s 12 game losing streak….in your own building
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:01 pm
this team blows. the antionals are the worst team in baseball and they lost to them again.
Griffin Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:01 pm
no, not really
Griffin Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
impressive loss, Tim Redding and Joel Hanranahananan are just too good.
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
unbelievable. phils totally suck. mets have a man on second, 1 out, david wright up. i bet he shows what a clutch player does…phils should go watch TV and learn something
Fred Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Howard for Halladay then take Howard’s and Burrell’s money and sign Texierra.
MIKE FLO Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:03 pm
no david wright hit the double…beltran intentionally walked…. delgados up
J-Man Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Nice job to give a team with a 12 game losing steak their 1st win…Now we gotta play the Dodgers,Mets,and Cubs.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I can’t believe 3 runs didn’t get it done!
MIKE FLO Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:05 pm
METS WINNN
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Howard’s RBIs are a byproduct of him hitting ahead of burrell, and Utley’s high OBP.

Look at the game-deciding offensive inning tonight. First and second NO OUTS. Bottom 8. You can’t get the fucking job done. What a face piece of blank. Sure, rag on Bruntlett, but Ryan Howard (offensively, and Rollins) and Ryan Madson pitching COST the Phils this game. It’s pathetic. This team ain’t goin’ nowhere. They’re brutal.

2.5 back after tonight. Say nighty night. I am excited to hear the answer after their 63rd loss. Jimmy, how is the team doing, in your view? Jimmy, the team has fantastic pitching, how is that they are fading badly? That have the top 4 pitching staff in the league Jimmy, and the 3 others in the lineup have 30 HRs and over 70 RsBI. Jimmy, where is the team slacking? Does a leadoff hitter usually hit 250 with a 320 obp very little power and not many runs scored?
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:06 pm
the braves just lost on a error on a flyball
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:06 pm
2.5 back…this is totally fucking sick
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:06 pm
muts are getting every fucking break in the history of baseball…
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:07 pm
The way this team is hitting, we’re going to go like 2-8 or 3-7 here in the next 3 series, right? It’s unavoidable.

The Cubs have scored the most runs (LOL, good luck Phils) and the Dodgers bullied us like bitches last week and the Mets own our nuts.
Griffin Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:07 pm
I bet $500 bucks on Phillies under 87 wins at the beginning of the season and it’s looking good
MIKE FLO Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Mets are getting every break? like what? just bc the phillies cant take care of the nationals dont be a hater
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Hmm, so the 3-4-5 came through for the Mets there?
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:08 pm
id keep victorino howard utley and burrell if hell take a discount. and werth ENTIRE rest of the lineup should be cut or traded away.
Griffin Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:08 pm
the Muts have a better lineup and starting pitching than us, it was only a matter of time. Phils are 4 under .500 in the last 2+ months.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:08 pm
WHy doesn’t Manual bat Victorino lead off?
Fred Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:09 pm
JRo’s off the juice.
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Just an awful 1-2 punch with Rollins and Howard. Did you see Olney’s blog today? Howard is one of the worst hitters in the league against good pitching. Trade him this offseason in hopes to get something – anything! – in return for that guy.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:09 pm
because hes an idiot danny
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:09 pm
fuck you mike FLO. top off the 9th, 2 outs, braves had men on first and second. don’t tell me that delgado wasn’t pulled off the bag from that shit throw from easley…THE RUNNER WAS SAFE the ump didn’t call it.

lots of breaks for the muts, including that idiot outfielder dropping the flyball to win it.
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Meanwhile, Delgado is really coming through. I’d much rather have him than Howard.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:10 pm
The same way the Sixers got rid of Iverson, I want to get rid of Howard. He’s selfish. He could easily learn to hit and beat the shift situationally, and he doesn’t. He could learn to cut down on his strikeouts, and he doesn’t. Who wants to cheer for someone like that?
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:10 pm
actually, all you need to do to fix howard is get a real pitching coach to sit down with him in the offseason and show him what hes doing taht is so obvious.
Runshouse Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:10 pm
The Mets couldn;t buy a break last spetember… come on now…

Delgados walk off was scored a hit which gave him a 5-5 night.
MIKE FLO Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
haha real mature AC start throwing out f bombs. A win is a win. A bit frustrated there buddy?
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Kyle, Olney’s blog on espn.com?
David, the Mets Fan from Queens Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I don’t mean to be smug, but tonight is a great night to be a Mets* fan. This condescending term, “Mutts,” is overly used. Let’s Go Mets!

Which relief pitcher gave up the winning run to Kearns? I wasn’t watching the game intently.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
or a hitting coach i mean
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:12 pm
a bit frustrated yeah
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:12 pm
madson…total junk trash
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
david – why don’t you go back to your muts blog or muts hole that u came out of???
Fred Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
What are Howard’s HR and RBI splits – home and away? Howard an absolute liability at first and his 200+ strikeouts are a momentum killer.
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Another terrific pitching performance pissed away. Although, as bad as the offense has been this is the third time (2 times in LA) in a week that the Phillies have had an 8th inning lead only to squander it away.

I still blame the offense more, but that stat is tough to ignore.
Greg V. Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Is Mike Liebrethal the new hitting coach on this team?
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:14 pm
well you better maek sure you get a lot for him. dont let amaro or gillick do it
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Ryan Howard is hitting in the .100s against lefties…

At what point do you pinch hit for him with a righty in certain situations?
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:14 pm
who were the relievers that blew the 8th inning leads? tonite, madson, i think condrey at least once in LA – BOTH ARE WORTHLESS…
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I’ll give Durbin a pass for last week however
AC in NJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
great last point by Geoff. need a management shakeup here too
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Kyle, can you copy and paste what Olney said? I went to the page, but, uh, I’m not an “insider”
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:16 pm
hey, if they dont make it to the playoffs or if they do and get swept again. im ok with rebuilding. let burrell walk trade jimmy trade ryan and come back next year with fury.

that will get you soem good stuff in return if you wanna go that way…
METS ARE 2.5 UP! Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Mets have the sexiest rotation in the National League!
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:17 pm
either way..go for it in the fofseason and load up or rebuild. but DONT go in between like theyve been doing. that fails everytime
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Danny, yes. Olney did a piece on how good Ryan Braun is against good-to-great pitchers. Howard was the opposite. No surprise there.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Dodgers to Phils: Gimme your lunch money.
Phils: OKAY! HERE! TAKE IT! JUST DON’T HURT ME!
Greg V. Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Hey Mets fan! If it weren’t for your stiff closer going down, you’d be down a bunch of games! If I were you, I’d pray Wags is done for the year! Because when he comes back, he’s getting taken downtown!
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Danny, don’t think I can. They are mostly charts. Here’s a try though:

VIA BUSTER OLNEY
This is what Steve dug out:

Five highest batting averages vs. the group of good pitchers (min: 85 ABs):

PLAYER BA AB H 2B 3B HR RBI BB S0
Ryan Braun .371 116 43 11 2 6 19 3 22
Matt Holliday .360 89 32 8 0 3 9 15 16
Ian Kinsler .355 169 60 16 2 6 22 14 17
Joe Mauer .355 93 33 6 1 0 13 11 10
Michael Young .338 154 52 11 1 4 25 9 29

Five lowest (min: 85 ABs), with lowest at the bottom:

PLAYER BA AB H 2B 3B HR RBI BB S0
Dan Uggla .154 130 20 5 0 4 8 9 45
Jason Varitek .153 118 18 5 0 2 8 11 42
Mark Reynolds .141 85 12 2 0 2 9 11 35
Chris Young .126 95 12 3 0 0 2 12 35
Jeff Francoeur .114 114 13 2 0 1 6 6 28

Most home runs vs. the group of good pitchers:

PLAYER BA AB H 2B 3B HR RBI BB S0
Adam Dunn .221 104 23 2 0 11 18 30 30
Vladimir Guerrero .272 114 31 4 1 10 21 12 18
Kevin Youkilis .284 141 40 4 2 9 26 17 32
Manny Ramirez .271 133 36 7 0 9 28 17 30
Carlos Quentin .280 100 28 4 0 9 17 11 16

A couple of other notes: The midline batting average against those pitchers was .232; and here are the stat lines for another hitter who has a reputation of struggling against good pitchers:

PLAYER BA AB H 2B 3B HR RBI BB S0
Ryan Howard .217 115 25 6 0 6 20 8 34
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Fangraphs.com lists Howard, Utley and Vic as 3 of the worst clutch hitters in baseball. This stuff is no surprise to us.

Thanks for the info Kyle. Again, this is obvious to us. Still, it’s satisfying to hear the Buster justifying our boos.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Anyone have J-Holes and Howards stats since they appeared on TBDSSP? Probably pretty comical.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:21 pm
i would give up a lot to get ian kinsler. i might even offer them chase utley…
Fred Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:22 pm
The problem is your not going to get much for Howard. Due to the arbitration process, as long as he continues to put up big numbers (HRs & RBIs) his salary is going to continue to skyrocket every year. Hence, only a very few teams are going to be able to afford him. Can you say 15 mil next year? The Phils will be dealing with a weak hand and not much bargaining strength.
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:22 pm
AC, Chad Durbin BLEW two 8th inning leads in LA on back-to-back nights.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:22 pm
“struggling against good pitchers”

Can I hand deliver those comments to the arbiter in the off season?
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Fref, as TIm illustrated in Spring Training, the Phils have to trade him some time…
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:23 pm
the phillies are a fraud, what can anyone say? theyre phony in the clutch. we need clutch hitters
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Was it a week ago that J-Hole unleashed his comments?
Mike B. Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Ryan Howard; 0 for 4, three strikeouts and 4 runners left on base. This guy is just lost at the plate hitting right now. Hard to believe that he was MVP two years ago. How long are they going to let him go like this? Somebody else needs to play first against southpaws. At least take that pressure off of Howard and maybe it will bring him around.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Right Geoff. It’s like Iverson all over again man.
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Fred, I mentioned this earlier: You take a video tape of all the inane errors howard has made, and his countless strikeouts in big spots and bring a tv into the arbitration hearing and hit play. If Howard wants to play hardball, I would dim the lights, load up the big screen and spend an hour watching his strikeouts and terrible fielding plays this season.

It would a wonderful tactical move.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:25 pm
if you wanna go for a championship next season then keep it together and spend all out. otherwise just rebuild a bit and get some pieces back for these guys.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Since Rollins appeared on that show he’s hitting .090
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Howard is hitting 0.111
Fred Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:28 pm
The FO won’t go for sitting Howard. He’s making 10 million clams.
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Don’t sit him per say, tonight I would have pinch hit taguchi (to bunt) for howard in the 8th. When the whole world knows youre going to strikeout and you do, somebody needs to light a fire under the mans (large) ass. Seriously. Taguchi pinch hits, bunts the runners over, and burrell ties it with an rbi ground out.

Do something, anything to shake it up. Howard needs a swift kick in the ass.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:33 pm
The good news is Rich Hoffman has a blog now.

Not even being sarcastic. He’s good people.
Fred Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Kyle, I totally agree but I think the arbitration process works off the numbers game. As long as the Hrs and RBIs are there, he wins.

As a side note, has anyone ever seen Howard stretch for a throw at first? Seems to me he’s stiff as a board.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Yeah dude, Howard needs some yoga.
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I don’t know about you guys, but I sure hope we get to face Harden again! Should we even bother showing up for that game?
danny Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Maddux
Kershaw
Koroda
Billingsley
Martinez
Santana
Zambrano
Harden
Dempster
Lily
Fred Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 10:52 pm
It’s no wonder my ex used to get soooo PO’d at me for watching the Phillies!
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 11:05 pm
that right there danny says their season might be over when theyre done with that. do whatever it takes to get ian kinsler…give them like jimmy rollins….
Kyle Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I could easily see 2-8 or so, but even if they do well (5-5) they will lose ground to the Mets.
james Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 11:37 pm
FIRST PLACE METS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha . Loving it.
TJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 11:39 pm
The mets have been in first for atleast a week now you frontrunning bastard.
TJ Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Is this where we get down on our team after a bad loss and discuss how we should have gotten everyone at the trade deadline and our plans on how to trade Howard Utley and Rollins in a package deal for prospects after praising the team the whole day for winning 2 in a row? This site gets ridiculous after a loss, more flip floppers in here than politics.
Geoff Says:
August 21st, 2008 at 11:43 pm
up, mets fan, terrorist, get out…

you wanna rebuild in the offseason TJ? ok fine just do it right

you wanna go all out and get the final few pieces to the puzzle to win next year or the year after? ok fine, just do it right.

but DONT BRING JEKNINS IN HERE AND EATON like they have been doing. total trash that sets the team back years. for the same amoutn of money you can get good players for!!! get it done properly or get new management and owners in here who will..
jk Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:10 am
love my mutts. and the schedules only gets easier we play 4 games against houston and then play you clowns
Daktari Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:41 am
Don’t despair guys…
You still have a great squad, they are just not clicking and playing like a team. After only being in 1st for a week, last year has taught me not to gloat until the 162nd game is played.

Good luck, well see you in a few days
Tyler Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:52 am
How’s the weather down there in second place?
cyclone jack Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:06 am
Now Phillie fans know exactly how the Mets fans felt last year, when the Mets still had a bunch of great “names” in the lineup but couldn’t hit a lick, and a bullpen then was completely wore out from overuse, and a manager who had no knack for making the right decision when the situation dictated it. Sucks, don’t it?
TJ Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:30 am
Tyler, Mostly Cloudy with a small chance of sunshine late in the day. You mets fans might not get it but I’m referring to us being 2.5 games, the cloudy, but I’m STILL optimistic, referring to the sun late in the day. I still think you’ll be eating your words in about 2 weeks.

Would a successful run to the postseason make it more improbable than last years just by the teams we have to face in the next month, excluding 12 against the Nats/Braves?
TJ Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:33 am
The Mets have 3 against Houston, and mid september they have 12 straight against ATL/NATS before a 4 game set with the games in which we have to hope they lose 3/4 at home.
TJ Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:33 am
^ … with the Cubs*
the truth hurts Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:38 am
You have the right outlook TJ. Didn’t the Phillies come from 7 back to take the division in less than a month last year? Right now the Phils are only 2.5 back and it’s only August 22nd. The fat lady hasn’t even begun to sing.

The truth is that the Mets bullpen still reeks, Billy Wagner is all but out for the rest of the year, and the offense is still overly reliant in a rookie platoon in LF, a quickly diminishing Tatis in RF, and a crappy platoon of Easley and Argenis Reyes at 2B. That combination has helped the Mets so far, but the time has got to be approaching when they start hurting them.
TJ Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:45 am
Geoff, your philosophy for building a team sacrifices winning now or winning later, not contending and establishing a system while doing so. We have a team where we could have gotten that final piece but didnt have the balls to sacrifice one of our tops prospects. To blow the team up now would also be dumb because we are only 2.5 back and we have been able to contend. We will never blow this team up unless we finish in 3rd or worse in our divison for ATLEAST two consecutive years so trash that idea. But say we did blow this team up, that doesnt guarantee us anything, and we could end up like the Royals and then what? What we need to do is change our instructional coaches, pitching and hitting, this offseason and grab an OF bat that hits for average and/or a pitcher that can fill in as our 2 guy. Right now Myers is performing as it but it could never hurt. Its all about the right signings and hopefully we do something this offseason regarding an aquisition, playoffs or not. Jenkins also hasn’t had the consistent playing time to establish confidence with this team. This game is more mental then physical. It will be interesting to see what our new GM does with this squad.
Greg V. Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:52 am
Kendrick vs. Maddux tonight! I feel like we should just spot the Dodgers 4 runs and start someone else!
TJ Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:52 am
the difference between the Mets and Phillies these last couple of weeks has been star power, their guys come up big and ours fall short. Delgado has been huge for them this year and we all know the story here with Rollins Utley and Howard.

And you guys have the crazy thought in your head that we will win every game, you have to take these tough loses in stride and not let them bother you in the future. You cant expect a team that you, speaking to the general board here, call “not a good team” win every game. So what, we lose tough ones, but how cant you expect that, its a long season. You just have to hope our luck turns around and we start winning those close ones. You deem this team so average but only because you set the bar too high, we are only 2.5 out and have the talent to get right back in this one. I cant imagine what this board was like last year. I guess the next week will determine who are the frontrunners and who aren’t because if you notice, no one came on this board until the Phillies took the lead in the game. Yeah, I’m questioning your fanhood Phillies nation, and if you count the team out right now, then I can honestly say you aren’t a real fan.
TJ Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:54 am
Kendrick needs to keep the walks way down against this team because they will play some small ball and single their guys in.
TJ Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:56 am
And dont look now, but the Rockies took 2/3 against the Dodgers with worse pitching than use but here’s the thing, the Dodgers scored three in every game in that series. Can our bats out hit them? With the recent play it doesnt look like it but after all Carlos Ruiz did hit a 2 out homer last night… so expect the unexpected.
Geoff Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:57 am
TJ, all im asking for them to do is make a choice. win now and get teh final peices. or rebuild a bit. dont leave us hanging where you keep the same pieces but waste tens of millions on eaton jenkins barajas garcia etc. instead we’re left in purgatory where we have some quality pieces but a LOT of old overpaid trash.
NJ Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:57 am
Greg… Us spotting the Dodgers 4 runs? Should be the other way around for it to be a fair contest. Even when our guys get hit some it’s still not the pitching that’s the problem. Kendrick can go 8 innings giving up only 3 runs and we’d likely take the loss.
rollinsright!! Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:59 am
overly reliant on a rookie platoon?? YOUR NOT REALLY WATCHING MET GAMES…they have helped, but the offense is not relying on them. did you froget about Wright? Reyes, who has been looking like an MVP all year, Delgado? Beltran hasnt been beltran, but he’s still getting his. and he’s still the best Centerfielder in the NL. The Mets are just playing well vs teams they should be playing well against. It doesnt matter if its the Nats, or the Braves…these teams suck, good teams beat them and leave them for dead, which the Mets did last night, and you guys couldnt. But you guys have enough time to get it together, its going to be interesting in the end. Whats looking good for us is our starting pitching. thats what you need to be worried about, if our starting pitching gets on a nice roll, which it looks like their starting to do, that may push them over the top.
Good luck fellas!!
Geoff Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:01 am
The problem is that the purgatory is enough to sell out games and make money off of us.
Geoff Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:02 am
you cant lose to the nats at all ever. theyre the worst team in baseball. theyre not even trying to win let alone be .500
NJ Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:09 am
Come on Geoff that’s a little extreme, the Nats still win 70 games a year…

The problem was the Phils offensively were nothing short of aweful against the Nats and that could cannot accept when it’s one a regular basis which it is now.
Tyler Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
According to Billy Wagner’s agent, he should be back in about 3 weeks.

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