Phillies Nation

152 Responses to “Phils Drop Game, Series … And To Many, Season”

1. David, the Mets fan from Queens Says:
   September 10th, 2008 at 11:58 pm

   I was at Shea tonight. What’s up with Elijah Dukes? What was up his ass tonight? He’s an immature man; a boy.

2. Geoff Says:
   September 11th, 2008 at 12:07 am

   tim, i think you mightve said this earlier, or it couldve been someone else, but you were right whoever it was. ryan howards numbers are phony. he racks up home runs and rbis but strikes out ALL THE TIME when the game is on the line. terrible, get out.

   what did i say back in july? they need a setup man at the trade deadline because tom gordon was done. of course they didnt get one. maybe eyre could do it but they probably dont even realize that. against, phillies failing to get it done. in the front office and on the field. failing. again.

3. NEPA Says:
   September 11th, 2008 at 12:09 am

   Well said Tim. Season, over.

4. Geoff Says:
   September 11th, 2008 at 12:11 am

   i cant wait until they trade jimmy rollins for conor jackson and edgar gonzalez. the diamondbacks move steven drew to 2nd to replace orlando hudson

   i cant wait until they trade ryan howard to the giants for matt cain and jonathan sanchez

5. Geoff Says:
   September 11th, 2008 at 12:12 am

   well i can wait another week or so to declare them done or not. they do have a 4 game series coming up. ill be going to 3 of the final home games.

6. sean Says:
   September 11th, 2008 at 12:21 am

   there’s a reason we’re frustrated, and that’s because we love this team. in some ways i think last year’s comeback is a curse this time around for the fans. it’ll string us along til the very end, when deep down, like you’ve stated tim, we know that a comeback like that in consecutive years is highly unlikely. i’m holding off to see how we perform against the brewers. if this team we’re truly concerned with winning, we would have made some serious moves at the deadline. with all that said, i just can’t give up hope yet. let’s see how they play against the brewers. go phils!

7. SJ Mike Says:
   September 11th, 2008 at 12:23 am

   I think the saddest thing is that I’m honestly not ready to give up on the Phils or baseball yet this season. Comes with the territory of loving this team, I guess.

8. PhillyFriar Says:
   September 11th, 2008 at 12:25 am

   More eloquent than I was after the loss today, Tim, that’s for sure.

   This team’s put itself in an untenable position: they must, MUST, take 3 of 4 from the Brewers if they want to have any chance. And with no starter set for Sunday, and Moyer going on 3 days rest against Sheets tomorrow, let’s just say I’m not holding my breath.

   The eulogy hasn’t been written yet, but the requiem’s starting to play.

9. Fran Says:
   September 11th, 2008 at 12:26 am

   season is not over. We sweep the brew crew and we win the wild card with an outside shot at the division crown.

10. SJ Mike Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:26 am

    I don’t feel good with how the Wildcard looks still.

    Milwaukee
    Houston 4 42-29 37-38 659 672 -13 Won 5 9-1 0.1 6.0 6.2
    Philadelphia 79 67 .541 4 40-31 39-36 707 616 +91 Lost 2 5-5 11.6 9.5 21.1
    St. Louis

11. SJ Mike Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:27 am

    Sorry, it posted for some odd reason before I was finished posting.

    GB
    Milwaukee -
    Houston 4
    Philadelphia 4
    St. Louis 4.5

12. jeff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:44 am

    Overreacting much? There’s a nice chunk left to play.

13. Phil Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 1:11 am

    I like how weeks ago Houston had a 1% chance of making the post season. I think they’re going to end up with the WC. They are playing ridiculous baseball right now.

14. J-Man Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 2:55 am

    Yea i think it’s time to close the door on this season because we aren’t the team we were last year that was winning when they had to and the Mets seem like they aren’t gone away…I agree Chase Utley is hurt or something because he hasn’t been the same in month,maybe they need to give him a few days off and let Tad Iguchi play some games…Pat the bat is back to himself pretty much because he hasn’t really been the same since his hot start early in the season.

15. Mark Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 3:15 am

    I’m just going to focus on what I see as the paradigm moment of this game and of the current play of the Phillies;
    2 out in the eighth inning, bases empty. Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez brings in lefthander Arthur Rhodes to pitch to 2nd baseman
    Chase Utley.

    You remember Arthur Rhodes don’t you? The bane of all Phillies fans’ existence in the 2006 season. For those who don’t remember just how bad Arthur Rhodes is;p check out the stats; 0-5 w-l, 45 2/3 innings, 47 hits, 27 runs, 5.32 ERA.
    Well, getting back to yesterday’s game; Rhodes vs Utley — 3 pitches, 3 strikes (the first 2 looking) as the Utley of September 10th is but a shadow of the Utley of May 10th. Check it out on Utley’s game-by-game log.

16. they know we're better than them Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 3:30 am

    i bask in frontrunner misery. this year just proves the phillies have no heart and they were nothing but lucky in 2007.

17. » Marlins Take 2 of 3 on Late-Game Rally; Phillies Offense Slumbers | Blogging-Baseball.com Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 5:24 am

    [...] the season at this date, and as a die-hard Phils fan I never do until it’s over, I think that Phillies Nation’s Tim Malcolm best sums up the state of the Phillies; Utley isn’t getting it done. He’s coming up short. Is [...]

18. VA Steve Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 6:49 am

    Come on…..the obvious failings are on display for 140+ games, we suddenly fix them for the last 15? Don’t think so. Little things folks, little things. Getting that runner home from 3rd with less than 2 outs. Have we done it? Nope. What will change? Uggh. No one wants another playoff spot more than me, but I just don’t see it. I truly hope I am wrong. Little things ……………..

19. Bigbob Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 7:04 am

    All teams are streaky, of course, but at any given time this year, each key player has experienced a 4+ week slump: Howard, Rollins, Utley (who must be hurting), Burrell, and of course, the pitchers: Myers early in the year, and now Durbin (tired arm) and Kendrick (four out of five really bad starts since July). On the other side, Lidge, Moyer, Coste and Werth have played pretty consistent all year. The Phils can still win the Wild Card but when I look back, I’ll remember how the key guys really slumped for long stretches. Strange.

20. Jim D. Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 7:40 am

    Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor

21. Fred Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 8:15 am

    How many days until spring training?

22. bull Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 8:27 am

    This team does not show the fire they did last year. Would anyone else like Utley to throw a bat or helmet when he lazily pops out to third with runners in scoring position. Now that Vic has cooled no one has stepped up to lead the way with the emotion they lack.
    I give them the brewers series to see if they are done or not, and can someone remind utley you can swing at 1st pitch fastballs down the shoot and that howard is not going to see a fastball from a reliever before 2 strikes so don’t swing at the slider in the dirt on the first 2 pitches

23. Griffin Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 8:28 am

    Since June 9th, the Phillies are one game below .500

    This team hasn’t been good for a long time, but the Muts took awhile to get things going, so it kept us in the race until mid-September.

    Before the season, Vegas predicted the Muts would win 93 and the Phillies would win 87. Vegas is damn good.

24. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:15 am

    thats pathetic. i know theyve been bad since then, but come on…

25. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:22 am

    but, interleague play is when they blew the season. they got their ass kicked and then never really recovered

26. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:23 am

    they need some major changes. these “stars” just flat out arent getting it done. maybe they arent really “stars” but people we overhype and overvalue because their mostly home-grown products.

27. Met's Fan Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:29 am

    Stop crying your heart out.

28. brian Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:35 am

    Someone said 3 of 4 from the brewers is good enough….that’s a bunch of crap we must sweep. That ain’t happening. 3 of 4 still leaves us 2 back.

    The front office left us high and dry this year at the deadline. Joe Blanton isn’t an impact move. Scott Eyre, while a nice pick up isn’t an impact, balls to the wall move. This team needed a kick start since mid July, it was obvious and it never even came close to happening.

    Trotting Kendrick out there every 5th day on a prayer, Eric Bruntlett getting almost every game for a while there, the catching situation. There was no way we were going to make it this year without serious help and it just wasn’t happening.

    When was the last time Victorino, Rollins, Utley or Burrell came up big? I’m thinking md August maybe.

    The season probably ended after the sweep in LA, but it officially ended yesterday.

    As long as frontrunners keep filling the park ownership won’t even begin to address issues

29. Paul Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:38 am

    Season isn’t over since they do get to play the Brewers.

    But man… this team barely has a pulse.

30. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:39 am

    “ITS THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT…. ITS THEEEE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT…. ” cried my fellow Phillies phans. BUT I FEEL FINE.

    I seriously can’t stand how you girls are all ready to pack it in.. we JUST won a series against the Mets.. but then lost one to the Marlins, so its over???

    What if they sweep the Brewers this weekend?? That gives us crazy momentum with two weeks to go..

    They need to have Utley batting second, Werth 3rd, Howard 4th, Burrell 5th…

    These lefty-lefty lineups KILL this team, so why not break it up with the guy that leads the league in HRs off of Lefty-pitchers??

31. brian Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:46 am

    how are we sweeping the brewers with what pitching? They Kill lefties and we’re starting Moyer, and Hamels…..last time I checked they were left handed.

32. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:47 am

    If we would’ve gotten Arthur Rhodes.. or any other shitty reliever… everyone on here would’ve flipped out and said it was a bad move too..

    Remeber that people wanted to TRADE guys in our bullpen for Pudge?? Could you imagine if this bullpen was actually thinner than it is now?

    They both have 7 hits in their last 10 games (Pudge does have 2 RBIs compared to only 1 RBI for Ruiz though…), and they both have .992 fielding percentages on the season… so that wouldn’t have been a very smart move to make.

33. Eb Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:50 am

    You can not call the season over!!!! They have a 4-pack agains the brew crew who is 3 game s up on them rihgt now.

    If you are going to call the season over, get off the board and stop posting.

34. Meghan Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:54 am

    Don M – completely agree!! Last time I looked at the schedule, the season ends on September 28th, and you want to wave the white flag on the 10th? Call me naive or maybe overly optimistic, but I believe this team can and will repeat last year – if not our division (which can certainly be done with 17 left) then the wildcard. I predict we take at least 3 out of 4 this weekend. As the saying goes, “it ain’t over till it’s over.”

35. Georgie Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:55 am

    Don M , you are either employed by the Phils or you are a motivational speaker, I don’t think I’ve ever encountered such a positive person. You can’t be serious in thinking that they still have a chance, have you been watching the same team as the rest of us? IT’S OVER, buddy, the players don’t care as much as we do, and the FO cares even less than that.
    If I’m wrong and the Phils win the WS, I’ll be the first to kiss Don M’s upbeat ass, but I ain’t putting the lipstick on just yet.

36. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:01 am

    They are throwing Manny Parra, Dave Bush, and Jeff Suppan in games 2-3-4 …. If you don’t think we can beat those guys, then you have zero confidence in your home team.

    Sheets is hit-or-miss.. literally.. his last start he looked great.. but he’s had health issues his whole career, including a “tight groin” two weeks ago… and in his two previous starts he got as deep into games as Joe Blanton who you were all ripping yesterday..

    he’s allowed 13 steals… get a couple baserunners, steal a few bags.. make something happen. Im not saying its likely that they put up a ton of runs or anything, but I sure as hell don’t think its impossible to beat Sheets tonight

37. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:08 am

    theyd BETTER be able to climb back into the WC race by takeing MINIMUM 3 of 4 from the brewers. there are no excuses. PEOPLE HAVE BEEN MAKING BULLSHIT EXCUSES ALL YEAR for this team. ALL YEAR! starting from the owners to the GM to the fans and the media. there are no excuses.

38. ZeroPlayoffWinsSince1993 Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:09 am

    If the Mets go 9-8 in the last 17, then the Phils need to go 12-4 to tie for the division and force a one game playoff. It’s more than mathematically possible, but I would be surprised if the Mets do not win at least 10 of the last 17. The 40 man roster temporarily conceals the Mets’ decrepit bullpen. Phils can take 3 of 4 against the Brewers who suddenly have misplaced their confidence.

39. Georgie Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:09 am

    I wish I did have more confidence in them at home, but when most of the team looks asleep at the plate it’s hard to put much hope in them. If I were Charlie, once they’re officially out of it, I would start a game with nothing but pitchers in the line-up. Most of our pitchers look better at hitting lately than the regular guys. Why is that, it’s inexcusable, and these guys need a shake-up!

40. NEPA Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:09 am

    I said above that the season’s over, sometime after midnight. Obviously that was a lot of frustration and when thinking clearly, the Phils could hypothetically go and sweep the Brewers and tie up the wild card race. I just don’t see it happening and I don’t see how anybody could at this point. This team couldn’t afford to lose 2 important series to the NATS and the Marlins. Seeing the Mets take care of business with the Nats made me even more pissed last night, knowing the Phils couldn’t do it last week. No matter what happens this next series, I’ll be watching every game intently like I have been all season, but I think we need to look at this realistically, we’re running out of games here.

41. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:11 am

    these FAKE superstars are killing this team. ryan howard, jimmy rollins, chase utley, pat burrell. each of them has been hot and cold and various points of the year, but when it counts in crunch time almost none of them have been clutch. jayson werth has been more clutch than any of those 4. ryan howards numbers are mostly phony. whens the last time he actually won you a game, late, in a clutch situation with pressure all on him?

42. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:13 am

    if they sink out of it lou marson, jason donal, greg golson and all those youngins are getting started the rest of the season. if they were like 10 games back id alreayd be trying to arrange a pre-trade agreement for howard and rollins and be opnly auditioning prospects to replace them. same with jamie moyer and kendrick and the catchers.

43. NEPA Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:18 am

    Agreed Geoff, if at any point they become mathematically out, I’d be starting everyone of those guys. Lets the superstars sulk on the bench.

44. Georgie Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:18 am

    I think the biggest disappointment for me is that I really LOVED this group of players at the beginning of the season, they were all hustlers, played their hearts out. One by one they seem to have lost interest, almost like they don’t want to be there. Maybe they all realize the FO isn’t going to get them the pieces they need to actually win, so they just gave up. I’m really grasping at straws to explain why a team who seemed to have so much potential has turned into what they are today.

45. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:22 am

    Ryan Braun .313 vs LHP, .297 overall

    Mike Cameron .299 vs. LHP, .252 overall

    Prince Fielder .225 vs LHP, .262 overall

    JJ Hardy .308 vs LHP, .283 overall

    Corey Hart .299 vs LHP, .280 overall

    …pretty damn good against LHP..

    Our team hits RHP pretty well and they have 3 of them going:

    Rollins .261 vs RHP, .273 overall (but 32 of his 42 steals are from RHP)

    Utley, .303 vs RHP, .289 overall (19 of his 31 HR are from RHP)

    Howard .262 vs RHP, .241 overall (30 of his 42 HR are from RHP, 85 RBI too)

    Burrell .250 vs RHP, .254 overall (24 of his 30 HR are from RHP)

    Victorino 2.80 vs RHO, .276 overall (24 of his 32 steals are from RHP)

    so you can use whatever stats you want.. but the baserunners we have do better stealing bags vs RHP.. and our PowerGuys hit with lots more power against RHP.. I just happen to always think my team is going to beat the other guys

46. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:28 am

    i dont always think that. you can sometimes tell, sometimes youre not sure, sometimes you know.

    when the flyers were up against wasthington and montreal, people were all like ooooh theyre too good for us. and i was like, you know what? no, the flyers are a better team than both of them and they will beat both of them. i knew the pens were too good though, but still.

    the point is when youre REALLY confident you just know theyre going to win. we had that earlier in the season, when i OPENLY predicted they would easily win this “garbage division” despite their terrible gaping holes. they squandered that with relative ease and now i really dont have any confidence in them at all. they blew a 7 game lead in their division in the span of like a week already this year, more than once.

47. NEPA Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:33 am

    Don M, I thought that way against the Nats last week and the
    Marlins this week, and they blew both series’. So I’m done thinking that way for a while, hopefully they surprise me.

48. Georgie Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:33 am

    Yeah, Geoff, I had the same feeling with the Flyers last year, I even thought they might beat the Pens, but that team had a whole different attitude than this year’s Phillie players.

49. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:36 am

    yeah they do. they were hungry and they still are. the phillies are a COMPLETELY different team than they were last year. their attitude has reversed and theyre all lazy and arrogant now just like their owners and GM.

50. NEPA Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:38 am

    Does anyone think that the whole “the team doesn’t care” stuff is mostly in our heads? When they’re winning by just pounding the ball and it has nothing to do with the small stuff such as hustling, we all feel really good and think the world of the team. When they’re simply in slumps and not hitting the ball well, we seem to think it’s because they don’t care anymore. I think it’s all about winning. I think for the most part (not including some of J-Rolls antics) the team has hustled all year long, it’s just that when they lose we tend to think of them as not caring at all.

51. Phillies are our bitches Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:40 am

    Even if you girls sweep the Brewers, which you won’t, you will also have to worry about St Louis who btw plays pittsburgh this weekend….good luck against Sheets tonight

52. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:41 am

    i dont really see that. theyre have to be among the leaders in all of baseball in RLOB. they have a lot of errors and still do.

53. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:43 am

    Here’s the thing… like 2 weeks ago, you all said how Victorino is better than Carlos Beltran and shit like that.. I said he’s a very explosive, and dangerous player… but he’s not THAT good yet.

    Its so Hot and Cold with everyone on here, every other day that its really frustrating to listen to… we all want this team to win… but like a bunch of people on here said before, I think people sometimes bitch and complain just so they can say an “I TOLD YOU SO” if the Phillies lose a game, or a series or whatever..

    Am I frustrated that they lost to the Nats and the Marlins?? Fcuking right I am, but am I encouraged that they could’ve and should’ve beat the Cubs. and that they DID just beat the Mets… yea…

    So unless they are actually out of it.. I fully expect them to turn it around and get into the playoffs.

54. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:45 am

    don…thats because the team is so hot and cold…as in theyre wildly inconsistent as a group. below .500 since early june.

55. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:46 am

    they show you great stuff one night then they look like JV high school players the next night.

56. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:46 am

    Geoff… how is that you can only be positive after games that they win.. but if they lose a game or a series.. you become the world’s most negative fan. bashing everyone and everything that has to do with the Phillies.

    I really don’t see how you consider yourself to be a “fan” of this team, when you never have ANY confidence in them at all..

    Again, IN MY OPINION, fans are supposed to be positive and supportive about their team. I can’t wait to hear the shit you all have to say if this team makes the playoffs… cause I’m sure they’ll be negative comments about that too… like they cost themselves draft-position or something crazy

57. NEPA Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:48 am

    I guess, for me, one year of making the playoffs doesn’t erase the many times before where we were so close and left saying “what if.” I fully expect to be saying that again after this season. And I don’t want to hear some bullshit about not being a true fan or being a frontrunner or something like that. Being a fan has nothing to do with thinking your team is going to win. The true fans are those that are there rooting for their teams even though deep down they are doubting them, and that’s where I’ll be tonight.

58. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:49 am

    ALL TEAMS are hot and cold…. you’ve been talking about Billy Beane all year… but it sure must suck to be an A’s fan.. they are going nowhere, fast!

    This team has underperformed on offense, and overperformed with their pitching..

    Since they’ve been so hot and cold.. what if they got hot for the rest of the year… they definitely have the talent to do it… but people would rather bitch and complain than be optimistic

59. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:51 am

    no draft position doesnt matter all that much in baseball outside of the first tier of players if you know what youre doing….same with hockey except even less so. the first 5-6 guys will be ready in 2 years or less but the rest of them will take time to develop.

    even if they make the playoffs thats a lot different from them still having a chance to beat the AL representative in the WS..

60. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:52 am

    you know what.. keep being negative. Don’t think about the Rockies last year, the Mets last year, the RedSox coming from 0-3 to win a series, the multiple WildCard teams to win the WorldSeries.. basically how anything can happen.

    there is a reason that they make the teams play the games out instead of just seeing how it looks on paper.

61. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:52 am

    the A’s spend like 20 bucks on their payroll. the guy has to rebuild every 5 minutes. if he had 100mm to work with the phils would have a few more rings by now.

62. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:53 am

    right, but you have to LOOK alive. the rockies were already hot last year at this point. they dont look alive at all. they look half past dead.

63. DD Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:53 am

    Come on people! We have been watching this team all year and it ain’t over yet! Let’s Go Phils!

64. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:54 am

    all of those teams that came back were playing good baseball but falling just short until they started to put the final pieces of top level play together, then they started winning games they used to lose.

    but that doesnt describe the phillies. at all

65. NEPA Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:56 am

    And DD, I’ll continue to watch them and root for them every night. I just doubt their chances. It’s not a sin, as a fan, to doubt your team.

66. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:57 am

    I feel really sorry for you if the only joy you can get out of Phillies baseball would be a World Series championship.

    You wouldn’t be happy with them making the NLCS, or making it to the World Series?

67. Georgie Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 10:59 am

    Don M, please tell us, honestly, when Utley comes to the plate with someone on base, do you really feel like he’s going to get that guy home, or move him up? Last year, I was excited when he came up to bat, but this year, it’s like, oh crap, Utley’s up.

68. Black Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:00 am

    Since the Eagles won the Phillies felt like they could coast a little. The only saving grace is the fact the Mets got a 17-game stretch at the end of the month. We could easily make up 5 or 6 games.

    statueofrocky.blogspot.com

69. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:02 am

    And if the Phillies had $200 M, or $150 M like some of the other teams in baseball…we’d maybe have one too.. People were saying how great Brian Cashman is… I think he blows as a GM… THeo Epstein is great too right…. well he sure has a lot of money to work with..

    All of those teams were falling short..and then started winning games that they used to lose, etc….

    Haven’t the Phillies done a pretty good job of showing us that they are NEVER completely out of a ballgame? That Mets come-from behind win was one of the great Phillies moments Ive ever seen… They’ve done a good job of hanging onto late-leads all year.. and they’ve done a good job of showing they can fight back and chip away at leads when they are down.. so I don’t agree with you at all there

70. Georgie Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:02 am

    Certainly, I’d be thrilled if they made the NLCS and WS, but isn’t the purpose of playing a game, any game, to win?

71. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:05 am

    Utley is hitting .295 with runners on base with 14 HR and 76 RBIs… so yea I think he’ll get the guy in or move him up.

    Honestly the only guy I don’t really have confidence in is Burrell.

72. Georgie Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:07 am

    What are Utley’s stats from the 2nd half?

73. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:11 am

    Yea.. thats the goal… but since only one team a year can WIN.. is every year that you aren’t that ONE TEAM a waste??

    Obviously I’m not a Phillies fan because of how many World Series we’ve won… I just want to see them go out, play hard, and hopefully win.. its entertainment, its not this life or death drama that everyone pretends to make it out to be.

    I’ve followed this team long enough to know how bad a baseball team can be.. so im so much happier that they are a winning team again.. and I keep expecting them to play up to their potential, and keep trying to add pieces each year until you find what works and what doesn’t… and that is why I still want Howard and Rollins, because they directly help you win ballgames. God knows what “prospects” you’ll get in return for them… but I know for a fact it wouldn’t get you two MVP caliber players.

74. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:13 am

    not sure… but overall he gets the job done… you subscribe to that “What have you done for me lately” theory though, huh?

75. Georgie Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:15 am

    No, I subscribe to the “you are a major league baseball player making tons of money to play a game for a living, LOOK ALIVE!!!” theory.

76. Georgie Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:18 am

    And IF he’s been playing hurt on painkillers or something, why hasn’t it been addressed by the team? He looks completely out of it most of the time.

77. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:19 am

    so he gets no credit for playing hurt? Overall he’s the best player on the team.. he’s been hurt pretty much all season, still plays everyday.. his power has seemingly gone away in the past month, but he’s still getting hits…

    and if you needed a hit, in any situation.. i’d want him at the plate

78. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:20 am

    They said he’s hurt a few months ago.. and he’s still playing everyday, because he knows they’ll be better with him than without him..

    How was the team supposed to address that?

79. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:28 am

    If hes hurt you put him on the disabled list. because hes playing like shit!!!!! so he OBVIOUSLY needs to sit. if the team isnt deep enough to absorb that THEN THEY DESERVE TO LOSE. iguchi can fill in fine.

80. Geoff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:29 am

    but they needed to pu thim on the DL WEEKS AGO. there are those trainers again for you…

81. mikemike Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:30 am

    GeorgieM I said the same thing a couple of days ago Don M must be a employee of the phillies. I will not answer met fans on this blog. And I will be damm if I will have montgomery or giles put someone on here to try to make what they do right so lets try to ignore Dom M and met fans so this blog is a true pulse of what the fans think not phillies propaganda.

82. Adam Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:32 am

    hey j-roll….if you want to know what a REAL “front-running fan” looks like go to shea stadium and listen to the MVP chants for Carlos Delgado. Disgraceful when you think about the boo’s he’s received for the past 2 years and that everyone wanted him shipped out of town immediately! So there! Its not philly, its all of baseball! (except st louis apparently)

83. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:34 am

    If the team isn’t deep enough to absorb their 2ndbaseman going on the DL, then they deserve to lose ??? wow.

    The trainers are definitely the reason Utley’s hip is bothering him..

    if the TRUE PULSE of what Phillies fans think is that the season is “DONE” eventhough we have the Brewers coming here for 4.. and then we play the Braves a few times, who we’ve had success against this year..

    again.. it amazes me that I catch shit on here for still being positive about the Phillies..

84. mikemike Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:41 am

    Dear Mr. Giles or Mr. Montgomery post under your real name and we will answer you stop using Don M

85. DD Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:49 am

    I am with you Don M. I have seen a ton of terrible september phillies baseball so I appreciate seeing and enjoying meaningful games this month. It is fine to doubt your team, I do alot. But I have to disagree that this team doesn’t play to the final out. I have seen this team, especially since the Abreu trade, comeback too many times to believe they are going to “lay down” like the 200+ million dollar Yankees have this month. This weekend is going to be fun for phillies fans and I am glad that we are watching competitive baseball in september.

86. mikemike Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 11:53 am

    DD says are you on crack?

87. Manny Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:06 pm

    Do not give up just yet. We are the Fightin Phils, remember?

88. Eb Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:08 pm

    Seriously how can you call the season over???

    I think the wildcard is still very much a possibility. The Mets, i mean Carlos Delgado is playing outta this world ball right now, but i tihnk the Brewers are very catachable and Astros will fail becasue Ed Wade will do something stupid.

    So stop bitching about playing Donald (No better then a utility player to most scouts), Marson (not ready yet). Go back to your room and dream of those SECRET TRADES that so many of you covet.

    MOYER for MAYOR

89. brian Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:18 pm

    As I said above how are we sweeping the brewers with at least 2 left handed starters going? As much as I want it to happen it just ain’t

90. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:21 pm

    Nobody is counting on a sweep… but if they do it, then is the season not over with yet.. and we’re a good team again?

    I’ll take my chances with the Phillies throwing Hamels and Moyer as those LHP.. and with our hitters going against 3 RHP from the Brewers.

    Negadelphia at its finest here on PhilliesNation

91. mikemike Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:29 pm

    You are right Mr. Montgomery.or is Mr. Giles

92. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:33 pm

    dude, you’re a nerd

93. Georgie Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:34 pm

    We’re all nerds on here, who are you kidding?

94. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:34 pm

    you never have anything valuable to contribute to any discussion, and because I don’t think the Phillies season is over yet…. im Mr. Montgomery, or Mr. Giles…

    Say something useful once in a while

95. Don M Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:35 pm

    true dat Georgie, true dat..

96. Mike D. Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:42 pm

    I’ve disagreed with Don M. for over the past month, but actually agree with him now. While the team is not getting it done vs. lower competition (Nats and Fish) they do step up vs. tougher competition (Mets). If the Phils can somehow win tonight vs. Sheets, it is very realistic they can take 3 of 4 from the Brewers and be 2 back which is very doable with 12 left to play.

97. jeff Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:43 pm

    3.5 back and you’re worried? Was J-Ro right about Philly? Calm the hell down.

98. KM Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:47 pm

    In the off-season the Phillies need to:
    - shop Howard for pitching
    - let Burrell go & add a contact bat in LF(Juan Pierre would be my choice)
    - add a set-up man; add some speed to the bench(Golson)
    - find a catcher – whether it be Marson, Jaramillo or otherwise
    - drop Eaton, Jenkins, Taguchi
    - Put Werth back in the 4th outfield spot and add another outfielder to start, but if that is not possible then just add a 4th outfielder or give Golson a shot to play.

    This team has too many holes in the lineup that are only filled when one player gets hot. They need to create a more consistent lineup, by subtracting strikeouts – when you put the bat on the ball things happen.

99. mikemike Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:47 pm

    yes. Mr. Montgomery are you going to the winter meetings. Or just call to see what real owners are doing/

100. Jim D. Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 12:52 pm

     Jaun Pierre

     now that’s funny!

101. mikemike Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 12:53 pm

     I am sorry I shouldn’t be answering you Mr. Giles so post your stupid remarks and rah rah propaganda you will find someone who agrees with you. There is some nerds like you who will buy into the junk you post. You probaley wear Adam eaton jersey to the games.

102. RiVLez Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 12:54 pm

     Don M I just read through every single comment and all you bring up is we beat the Mets in series, we beat the Mets in series. What does that help right now? Are you playing the Mets anymore? NO. The Phillies needs to focus on 3 of 4 this weekend and then winning EVERY series and see what happens. Stop talking about the past and think about the future. You might as well bring up the 2007 collapse while your at it.

103. Don M Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 12:55 pm

     I’ll just call.. .. maybe text.. I’m not sure yet

     KM, here are my views on the points you made:

     -Howard is having a nice year, and his value would be high… but no team is going to give up the kind of difference-making pitcher that you would need to replace the offense you’d be missing getting rid of Howard. And prospects are nice, but since you never know if you’ll get a Hanley Ramirez (MVP in waiting) or a Homey Bailey (flop) … its a very risky thing to do. and the Phillies don’t NEED to do that for another year or two.

     -letting Burrell go for a contact hitter would be AWESOME.. and is exactly the kind of move this team needs to make.. that goes in hand with my comment about 4th outfielders though. I think Werth is more than ready to be a starting outfielder.. he helps this team tremendously and I think he should be a starter next year. Pierre, Victorino, Werth would cover a hell of a lot of ground in the OF..

     -Dropping those guys is smart…and trying to add another setup man is smart too, and I think they will

     -Golson is not ready to play at the MLB level…and you would be wasting him if you didn’t let him play everyday in the minors to develop that much faster.

     -Ruiz has done a fine job this year.. wish he would hit better, but his defense and ability to handle the pitching staff has been great. I would love to see if Marson can step up next year and push Ruiz for that job!!

104. Don M Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:00 pm

     Rivlez…you’ve been cool up to this point.. don’t stop now.

     My point is that people are ready to call it quits, but im pointing out that if we can beat these “good teams” then why doesn’t anyone think we can beat the Brewers and Braves down the stretch?

     10-2 against the Braves so far this year.. (past)… 6 games left against them this year, should get you at least 4 more wins…

     I’ve RARELY talked about last year’s collapse or anything like that, cause it has no bearing on this year’s team(s).. and I said the other day I expect the Phillies and Mets to both make the playoffs cause they are the better teams in the NL.

105. Fred Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:02 pm

     Everybody’s assuming if we take three of four from the Brew Crew we’re two back. Aren’t we tied with Astros? So if we take 3 of 4 from the Brewers and the Astros win all four games these coming four days then we are still 2 games back of Brewers and one game back of the Astros.

     Anything is possible but the Phillies have put themselves in a position where the stars are going to have to line up perfectly.

     I would say it doesn’t look very promising.

106. Aaron Rowand Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:05 pm

     Should have paid me … at least we can watch the playoffs on TV together.

107. RiVLez Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:06 pm

     I am cool but just like you it is making me sick how everyone is giving up right now. Like I said they need to win 3 of 4 against the Brewers and push to win each series the rest of the way and see what happens. There is quite a bit of games left. The Phillies are struggling offensively to get anything going. I haven’t seen in a while one of those huge 6-7 run innings that I saw in the beginning of the year. IMO Myers pitched good enough to win most of the time but not yesterday.

108. RiVLez Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:07 pm

     I agree with Fred about the Astros. They have been playing some amazing baseball the past month and a half and don’t show a sign of letting up.

109. Fred Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:08 pm

     Astros are 9-1 in their last ten.

110. Fred Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:09 pm

     The Astros are this year’s Rockies?

111. Aaron Rowand Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:10 pm

     Mets have 17 games left … time to turn it on! HAHAHAHAHAHA …

112. mikemike Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:14 pm

     Hey mr. Giles Chase Utley is hitting 258 with runners in scoring positon. With runners on first and second he is hitting 125. I got those numbers from you team stats so the 295 you posted is from what year. Posting fake numbers on players is really low. And if you don;t believe me go to phillies page and go into stats. Unless RISP stands for something other than runners in scoring position.

113. Don M Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:14 pm

     right, so how you think that i’ve only been talking about the past and the Mets series is beyond me.. i’ve been arguing (with just about everyone) about how the Phillies aren’t done yet, and if they beat the Brewers, etc..

     and if you actually would have read what i’ve posted today you would have seen that I didn’t mention the Mets at all… and when I talked about them, I did it not saying that they choked, but that you need to play the games out and see what happens.

     If the Mets hang on and make the postseaon with no WAGNER.. you gotta think they can beat anyone. And I think the Phillies can beat anyone if they get themselves going (because, not to harp on the past, but they’ve shown they can beat the best teams in the NL) …what they need to do is take care of business against the Nats and Braves!

114. Don M Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:18 pm

     or go to Yahoo… look up Chase Utley’s page, and go to his situational stats..

     with RUNNERS ON (which is what the question was).. he’s hitting .295

     with RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION (which is not what I was asked).. he’s hitting .258 with 61 RBIs

     trying to make people look bad, and being a bitter person…is really low.

115. Fred Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:18 pm

     Have I missed something… haven’t the Mets been playing pretty well since Wagner’s been out? It doesn’t appear to me that the Mets are hanging on.

116. Don M Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:24 pm

     Their bullpen has stepped up since Wagner got hurt… are they really as bad as they were before that, and playing above their heads recently? Or are they really this good, and just started out poorly??

     if they “keep going the way they are” (instead of saying “hang on”)….

117. Geoff Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:26 pm

     juan pierres contract is terrible. werth is fine in left field without burrell there. they need another contact bat in the lineup anyway, and what better way to increase the contact hitting in the lineup by replacing the Strikeout King with a good solid .300 type contact hitter who isnt yet on our team. the Strikeout King strikes out too much, numbers or not, plain and simple, hes gotta go.

118. Geoff Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:27 pm

     the mets have been on a roll. they lost that series because the phillies HAD to win that series and the mets took all the phillies had left and absorbed it, managing to not get swept in the process.

119. Geoff Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:29 pm

     you know what? if they DONT make the playoffs then its time for a new era of pillies baseball..AKA, SHIP SOME OF THESE “stars” OUT OF HERE!

120. Fred Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:31 pm

     The problem with the Phillies’ chances now is there are too many ‘ifs’ and ‘hopefullies’ thrown into the equation. They now only have to worry about the Brewers but also the Astros and St Louis.

121. NEPA Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:33 pm

     Geoff, wasn’t this supposed to be the new era of phillies baseball? So we now are gonna have 3 different “eras” in like a 4 year span?

122. Fred Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:33 pm

     Could it be we have just overvalued the players’ abilities? Perhaps this is what they really are – a better than average team.

123. mikemike Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:38 pm

     People will say howard should be traded but when its clutch time he come through over three hundred with runners in scoring position. Risp is what tells if a player is clutch or not so mr giles utley hitting 125 with runner on first and second and runners on first and third 143 and the only good stat is runner on third he is at 483 but only thiry six at bats so your two ninety five serves what purpose. clutch guys drive in runs. Mr. Giles remember that at contract time or Mr. Montgomery whoever you are.

124. NEPA Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:41 pm

     I don’t find either Utley or Howard very clutch. If I had a choice I’d have Werth up there vs LHP and Dobbs vs RHP.

125. Georgie Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:43 pm

     Don M, I thought that 295 stat for Utley seemed high, and unlike mikemike, I trusted your numbers. And to think I was just about ready to jump back on the bandwagon-lol!

126. Don M Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:44 pm

     Dear mikemike,

     Periods and commas both work wonders when you are trying to make a valid point.

127. Fred Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:44 pm

     I’ve heard that both Utley and Howard have terrible averages from the 7th inning on. Doesn’t anyone know those stats?

128. Geoff Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:45 pm

     it was supposed to be a “new era” but its obviously NOT really that new.

     i agree fred, these “stars” are just not really that good. i think a lot of guys had career years last year and they had pretty good years this year, but theyre not really as good as their numbers

129. J-Man Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:45 pm

     This series against the Brew Crew is what will decide if the Phils season is done or not,even though i think it is because they look lifeless…If we come outta here 3 outta 4 theirs still a chance but we gotta take 2 outta 3 against the rest of the teams we play.

130. Geoff Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:46 pm

     ueltey and howard are “no pressure hitters” meaning that when the game isnt on the line or theyre not in a key spot, they can hit with the best of them. FAKE statistical superstars

131. Geoff Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:46 pm

     they havent done or won anythign so dont give me that.

132. Fred Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:47 pm

     .,.,.,.,.,.

     My point? Stick a fork in ‘em.

133. Don M Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:48 pm

     my number is the answer to the question that somebody asked… it wasn’t a lie, and it wasn’t made up..

     If somebody asked me what it was with RISP, i would have said the answer to that question..

     Geoff, I understand you not liking all the Ks from Howard… but how many .300 type contact hitters are available?? Since there aren’t many options, I’ll take the guy that leads the league in both HRs and RBI…. cause there aren’t a ton of better options.

     How long ago did Pierre sign that deal? wasn’t it like 4-5 years and like $10 M per season?.. I thought that was 3 years ago, but i haven’t looked it up, so I dont know… I dont think he is the exact answer, but that TYPE of player would be nice, cause im sure the Dodgers will be looking to dump some players and wouldn’t mind paying-off some bad contracts if a team wanted to swoop in

134. Georgie Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:49 pm

     But if we admit to the fact that our stars aren’t really all that great, then we sort of have to give up for real, and let’s face it, even as we bust their balls, until they are officially eliminated, I know I still have that glimmer of hope.

135. Don M Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 1:54 pm

     I love this…

     “you know what? if they DONT make the playoffs then its time for a new era of pillies baseball..AKA, SHIP SOME OF THESE “stars” OUT OF HERE!” -Geoff

     its like every two weeks Geoff has this NEW IDEA that if this current roster doesn’t get it done, they should make some changes…

136. Georgie Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:01 pm

     To me it looks like there is a lack of chemistry with this team, totally different atmosphere from last season, I don’t know for sure who’s responsible, probably only those close enough to the team know that. But there do need to be some changes, something(someone) is dragging them down, imo.

137. Geoff Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:03 pm

     EXCUSES…don

     “waaa, there arent many of those hitters out there? SO WHAT, go get one of them. you do WHATEVER IT TAKES TO WIN. they obviously need real situational hitters, dont really have enough as it is, so you have to address that in the offseason.

     mithc williams always makes the excuse on tv “well with THIS lineup, the pitchers ONLY have to allow 4-5 runs to win the game.” excuse, me, NO, with THIS lineup against a GOOD pitcher, the starter has to be UNDER 3 runs to have a chance to win and wo dont have enough people who can do that in our rotation.

138. J-Man Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:05 pm

     Changes do need to be made like getting a new Manager.

139. Fred Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:07 pm

     Could there be a drug problem with this team? Seems to me a lot of players have that stoner look.

140. Don M Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:14 pm

     Geoff, if real life.. and baseball contracts were like video games, and you trade whoever you wanted, and get anything in return..that would be great

     but in real life baseball, there are currently 14 players in the entire NL hitting .300 or better.. yea, 14….

     There is one player leading the league in HR, Ryan Howard.
     There is one player leading the league in RBI, Ryan Howard.

     So like someone said the other day, having the guy that leads in two of the three Triple Crown categories, ain’t too bad. Would I like Howard to also be one of the guys that is above .300 … of course I would, but I’m not stupid, I can see that he contributes greatly to this team the way he is… they do need to add someone else to be on base more in front of him though..

141. Georgie Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:14 pm

     Fred, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised, I noticed a change in this team after that first west coast trip, what the hell are they on? They can’t smoke weed before a game, can they? where would they do it? If it is a drug problem, it’s sure as hell not speeders!

142. Aaron Rowand Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:17 pm

     800 pound Gorilla sitting in the corner of the room …

143. Fred Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:19 pm

     They toke up in Jimmy’s ride on the way to the game.

144. Georgie Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:20 pm

     They should wait until after the game.

145. Fred Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:22 pm

     After the game is the white lady.

146. Georgie Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:26 pm

     Do they test them for that kind of stuff, or just for the juice?

147. Geoff Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:32 pm

     dan haren and tim lincecum are definitely blazed half the time, you can tell. they both look like hippies.

148. Geoff Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:39 pm

     because howards one of the biggest trade chips you have, so is rollins.

     and because ryan howards numbers are BOGUS, just like mike schmidt’s. always coming when they dont really need it or when the game is not on the line.

149. TJ Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:46 pm

     Geoff – atleast they get it done on the field. Jimmy just laughs and looks dumb when he’s high.

150. Geoff Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 2:53 pm

     yes exactly. it might actulaly make haren better.

151. KM Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 7:10 pm

     why would juan pierre be funny? the guy is still a .300 hitter, and he steals a ton of bags. he isin’t playing everyday because of the wealth of talent in the dodgers outfield. he is a defensive improvement to burrell any day, and he would be willing to do the grunt work, which most others on this team will not do.

     I know Golson isin’t ready to play in MLB everyday, but we need speed off the bench and a solid defensive replacement who can potentially play all 3 outfield spots. I just don’t want to see the Phillies waste money on another So Taguchi.

     About Howard – the reason I want to shop him is because I think we should strike when the iron is still somewhat hot. Let’s face it, this organization is not going to fork over 130+ million to retain Howard. Also, if we could get a top of the line pitcher, or solid number 2 we would have to at least explore the option, because we all know that pitching wins in the playoffs, even in this bandbox. I might shop him to a team like the angels who will probably lose teixeira to free agency, and will be in need of a power bat, but I doubt they would take on Howard, because they are a small-ball club.

     As far as Ruiz goes, I could live with him, as long as we add consistent hitting around him. This way we wouldn’t depend on him at all for offense at the back of the order. I just ask that he brings his average into the .240 range minimum. Sure, I would love to have Joe Mauer, Brian McCan or Victor Martinez, but how many catchers out there hit better than .270?

152. Clare Says:
     September 11th, 2008 at 10:04 pm

     Oh Jesus Christ, people need to calm down for God’s sake.

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