Phillies Nation

60 Responses to “May: Winning More, Losing Myers”

1. Phil Says:
   June 1st, 2009 at 7:21 am

   http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/parkfactor?sort=HRFactor&season=2009

   I find this very hard to believe.

   As for your article and prediction if the Phillies finish 14-12 this month I’ll be ecstatic. I wouldn’t expect them to stay in 1st with a 14-12 record, unless some of those wins are against the Mets. If they finish 14-12 they’ll probably stay in 2nd and then push on throughout the year with an easier record and start beating up on the NL again. The way they looked against the Yanks, however, might indicate that they might play well against the AL this year. Imagine a 16-10 record this month. That would be spectacular.

2. Lewisauce Says:
   June 1st, 2009 at 7:46 am

   I’m actually kind of encouraged by May — except for the Mets. We will lose our share against Atlanta, so no biggie there. The Yanks series was really encouraging, despite Lidge. He will pull it together, and this week has been a big confidence booster for him. The positives: good teams beat up on bad teams, so our handling of Washington is as it should be, and shows we are really the elite team that the championship rings attest. And we took a two-game sweep against a pretty good Cardinals team.

   I’d be OK with 14-12 in June, but if Lidge really does have it back together, I think it’ll be more like 15-11, with a possibility of 16-10.

   I think the stat Phil posted shows that CBP is not as much of a bandbox as people perceive. The reality is, it’s basically a neutral park. Maybe the “hitters park” name is inflated because our pitchers, who pitch there all the time, are prone to giving up the longball (Myers, Moyer) in ANY park. just a thought.

   Go Phils. And congrats to the Wily Veteran on win No. 250!

3. Lewisauce Says:
   June 1st, 2009 at 7:48 am

   Ah, and also for June: J.C. comes back. This will relieve pressure on the bullpen, so the positives — despite the starting pitching situation — still outweigh the negatives.

4. Ed R. (formerly just Ed) Says:
   June 1st, 2009 at 8:45 am

   Anyone else notice that Dolphin Stadium is now called Land Shark Park? Way to go Jimmy Buffett.

5. Stuart Says:
   June 1st, 2009 at 8:58 am

   What was the most impressive homerun at citizens bank park by howard? I do not remember hearing about this. any one have a video link?

6. Ed R. (formerly just Ed) Says:
   June 1st, 2009 at 9:01 am

   I found this interesting given the link Phil posted earlier…

   From CSNPhilly.com

   The friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park are not helping the Phils in their bid to land Jake Peavy. Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer examined the obstacles that the Phillies might encounter in their attempt to acquire the right-hander. Peavy’s main doubt about playing in Philadelphia is the size of the ballpark.

   “That new Philadelphia park might be the worst in baseball,” Peavy said. “Look at Shane Victorino. I love Vic to death. He’s a great baseball player. He’s got 11 or 12 homers [already]. He’s not a 20-homer guy.”

   While Peavy might be mistaken about the Flyin’ Hawaiian’s numbers (4 homers in 2009), his skepticism is noted.

   The Phillies’ front office will get a first-hand look at Peavy on Tuesday, as he is slated to start game two of the Phils’ three-game series in San Diego.

   Sounds to me like no only does Peavy have no idea what he is talking about, he clearly want’s nothing to do with the Phillies. Fine by me. Let’s go and get someone else who isn’t a diva like Peavy.

7. Ed R. (formerly just Ed) Says:
   June 1st, 2009 at 9:02 am

   Stuart….Howard’s grand slam on Saturday.

   http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090530&content_id=5049432&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi

8. Geoff Says:
   June 1st, 2009 at 9:12 am

   Nice job this weekend guys, sweeping the natinals. Now guess what? YOu cant run and play the natinals every other series everytime you need a confidence boost. It means Jamie Moyer cant come and beat them when he hasnt beaten ANY team in 6 previous attempts leading into yesterday. So now its time to play real baseball against real teams.

   That said, I think theyll be over .500 for the month. Antonio Bastardo appears to be their top pitching prospect (by that I mean is apparently big league ready and if he shows well tomorrow would make either him or Carrasco good trade bait. Carrasco, Marson, Donald, Mayberry and perhaps one of Brown or Taylor all seem like good bets to be in demand when its time to make a trade.

   You still really cant keep sending Jamie Moyer out there. Ok hes got 250, good, now reitre. But they cant really do that until they get another starter. What is Moyer our # 2 now? Blanton? Blanton would make a nice 3 if hes on his game but to rely on Moyer AGAIN this heavily is a disgrace.

   Side note, have the Phillies actually called Toronto about Halladay or is that just hearsay?

   Finally, based on the names we have heard over the weekend (Bedard, Oswalt, Marquis, etc.) I think the Phillies will land Roy Oswalt UNLESS some new names come available in the coming days. You cant have 4 left handers in the rotation – and by that I mean its Moyer that should leave over Bastardo (Yes, I said that). Hes got his milestone now get out, give the youngsters a chance to fill in the back of the rotation while a real superstar comes in and helps Hamels out at the front. because if you give up 6 runs against the Natinals (who have a decent lineup, buts its our ace) youve gotta check yourself.

   We know what Cole can do when hes on, he really is an ace, but come on man, that was terrible…

   Theyve got a busy and tough month ahead of them thats for sure..but iim very excited to see Bastardo.

9. Geoff Says:
   June 1st, 2009 at 9:20 am

   I agree…NO PEAVY. He clearly doesnt want to be here.

10. M.P. aka Philles Phan SC #54 Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 9:23 am

    14-12 record would be great. Here is the way I see it – Mets have a much easier first week than the Phillies. They play the Pirates and Nats. No worries if the Phillies lose first place then. We MUST though take 2 of 3 from them in the series June 9-11. I predict this would put us back in, or at least near first (within a game). Mets then play the Yankees @ Yankee Stadium and Baltimore, followed by the Cardinals and more Yankees and finish with the Brewers. So their schedule gets tougher and ours stays consistently tough.

    Depending on how many errors they make depends their fate. I just put this out to comment on the Mets, but as long as we can win, they aren’t a factor.

    On another note – we imploded last June and we are WFCs – so a bad month is OK as long as we stay within reach.

11. Steve-o Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 9:27 am

    This June schedule scares me. I’ll take anything over .500 for the month. Real excited to see Bastardo. I think he can pitch well Tuesday, if he can avoid the pressure. The rest of factors benefit him I think. Pitchers park, bad offense, good defense behind him. I think he’ll do well.

12. JeffS Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 9:33 am

    Geoff,
    That wasn’t a great “pick me up” to read on a Monday morning. Of course, I’ll be relieved if the Phils do go over .500 for the month. Except for the Orioles, it’s brutal.

    I’m hoping Carrasco and not Bastardo ends up being the trade bait. Reading reporters’ interviews with Carrasco, I’m worrried he’s a head case. In one, he said that personal pproblems were affecting his pitching and he is ready to get it together. Truth be told, life interferes with any of us and how well we do our jobs, but the idea of saying that at a time when the Phils are looking at prospects to bring up seems beyond stupid in that it won’t inspire confidence in him by the FO.

13. LeaveITtoPeaver Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 10:02 am

    I am all for landing Roy Halladay.

    We would prob have to give up the farm and some….but this guy is sick.

14. Dave Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 10:09 am

    I’d also like to point out that of Shane’s 4 homers, only 1 was hit in CBP. Peavy’s a dumbass.

15. Richie Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 10:18 am

    I don’t know why everybody gets all upset over what Peavy has to say. He is an ego-hungry a-hole that will either rot in SD or get his wish and go to the lovable loser Cubs. He don’t wanna play for the World Ph’in Champs…so be it. We don’t need him.

16. Manny Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 10:21 am

    I hope Peavy somehow ends up with the Yankees and gets SHELLED at Yankee Stadium… now THAT’S the worst in baseball for any pitcher.

17. Manny Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 10:24 am

    I wish we could get Bedard. I’d hate to see us get Oswalt or Peavy (even though it’s almost a fact the guy won’t come).

    June is gonna be a bumpy ride… so buckle up.

18. Don M Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 10:40 am

    I wouldn’t HATE to see us get anyone that would improve our rotation..

    It looks like a deal for Oswalt can be made.. Bedard will definitely be traded.. and if Halladay goes on the market, those two both become cheaper.

    But the Phillies have young talent to trade, and the need to make a deal.. so i think we definitely add a “top of the rotation” pitcher before the deadline this year

19. Geoff Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 10:47 am

    I concur…

    As far as who gets sent down this week with the two moves, I think Taschner is sent down tomorrow when Romero comes back (clearly), then I think Escalona goes down for Bastardo.

    However, Id like to get a serviceable bench bat because Mayberry isnt improving by riding the bench. The Phillies are trying to showcase him but they realized he cant crack the everyday lineup with those three guys back there. I think Mayberry will be traded as part of the package for the pitcher..

    Thhe Jays are still close in their race so itll still be a while before they sell.

20. Don M Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 10:52 am

    I hope we destroy the Padres this week.. make Jake Peavy realize that its not that fun to play on a terrible team.. if you’re getting paid the same amount of money no matter where you play, wouldn’t you rather pitch for a team with a good offense and that plays in meaningful games

21. Geoff Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 10:55 am

    I think Peavy is scared of the ballpark. Everything I read from him sounds like he doesnt want to pitch in the East or for the Phillies. Of course, Sabathia said that too…Oswalt wouldnt be hard to get and hed improve the rotation. Not sure if hes the best option but hes out there. Hed definitely be a good number 2.

22. Don M Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 11:00 am

    Oswalt can be had.. I hear that most Astros people aren’t thrilled with Ed Wade.. and I highly doubt they would allow him to move another player to the Phillies without getting The World in return. .

    I still really want Bedard, but I dont know how great it is if we had 3 LHP in the rotation

23. Geoff Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 11:04 am

    I wouldnt mind 3 LHP, but if Bastardo turns out to be good then who do you remove from the rotation to add the second righty? Not Happ, Not Hamels, Not Bastardo if hes good….everyones looking at what theyre going to do with Moyer. Good tidings from the weekend’s big milstone win aside, I mean, what are they going to do? You cant play the Marlins and the Natinals all the time, and the Phillies FO knows that.

24. Geoff Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 11:05 am

    My guess for Oswalt would be: Carrasco, Marson, Mayberry?

25. Frank Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 11:09 am

    I’d sign for 14-12 right now.

    The point about the Nats is a good one. This has been a .500 team for most of the season- and I can’t see this June schedule helping.

    They’re another rotation issue aways from 86-76

26. Ryan Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 11:39 am

    Drabek promoted to AA
    http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phillies_zone/Phils_send_Kyle_Drabel_to_Reading.html

27. Frank Helps You Think It All Out Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 11:45 am

    Now what?…

    I agree with Phillies Nation- .500 month-ish feels way too probable. And they are just another rotation issue away from something like 85-77….

28. mikemike Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 11:46 am

    Geoff That is too much for oswalt. Mayberry and either one of the other but not both. if we have to add someone let it be lesser prospect . I don’t understand Peavy comments yesterday. Saying in other words if shane can hit 20 homeruns in that park. Why is he afraid to pitch in a hitters park for a contenting team. If the dodgers can move some salary then they get him. but other than that , San francisco doesn’t need him. Angels are not going to go for him. Oakland is a small market , I am starting to believe it will be a pitcher who we haven’t even though of that they go for, Bedard will get a kings ransom. oswalt they are asking a lot. forget peavy, Cain is on fire no trade there, and the phillies don’t want Penny, Marquis[unless they are backed into a corner] The option are right now not good, but if teams get near the deadline and realize they can’t win this year then some guys might become available. Amaro has to be patient. and if it means we stay pat then so be it, I really hope they don’t include Drabek or brown , taylor in any deals. unless it Halladay,

29. Nick Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 11:53 am

    Hey I got a trade for u guys. Kansas city isn’t so hot, how bout we go for greinke. Ha, like that would happen.

30. christopher Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    i like oswalt but i do not have any confidence in him as a replacement for myers at this stage of his career. i’d just as soon see what the kids in the system can do. bedard or halladay are a different story, although i’d be surprised if halladay would come cheap.

31. Geoff Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    Toronto isnt far out enough to make Roy Halladay available. Unless Dan haren and Brandon Webb (who is injured) are made available the only right hander who can perform as a number 2 that seem to be available are Roy Oswalt. Marquis isnt a 2 thats for sure. Cook isnt – and NOONE who reports rumors or stories for any MLB outlet has been reporting that Aaron Cook is available anyway, I dont know where that comes from. Brad Penny isnt a number 2.

    Bedard would be great, but thats another Lefty. oswalt would be fine, Peavy isnt coming here. Halladay isnt going to be traded this season.

32. Automattic Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    From June 1 to the 18th lets see what they got …..they ain’t playing Washington anymore San Diego, LA,Blue Jays, Sox , NYMets….better click your heels to gather Charlie….16 games in 18 days…..say it ain’t so….See if ya got some WEST COAST OFFENSE……

33. Miles Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 12:46 pm

    I think we are overvaluing our young arms, at least at the current moment. I see tons of potential there but cmon we all know pitching for the big club is just a totally different animal than pitching in Lehigh Valley or Reading. You might be able to survive with Bastardo, Carpenter, Kendrick, Carrasco, etc. for the time being, but you need a proven MLB arm to make it work.

    We can all pinpoint reasons for why Oswalt or whoever might not be the best fit but the fact is that winning the World Series as many times as possible in the next 2-3 years is our main goal and we will act accordingly, even if we don’t get the perfect fit in return. Blanton surely wasn’t a perfect match but it was just enough to get us to where we needed to be last year.

34. The Big Dipper Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    Peavy made those comments in 2004-2005 not this season that is why the Victornio HRs dont make sense this year. We expanded the park after the first year and it cut down HR totals.

    Oswalt is not the piece we need, he is a decling power pitcher and has sucked this season. Only going past 6 IP twice and not having the same stuff he used to have. Also the owner of the Stros absolutely loves Oswalt so it will take a large package to get him.

    I still dont understand how you can hate on Moyer, he had a three game slump, something he has been known to do each year and obviously has bounced back but you people still say he is a Long reliever and needs to go. You are obviously not all there. And sorry to inform you but Bastardo or whatever young arm is the 5th starter will go when we get a trade not Moyer.

    The Big Dipper

35. Manny Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 12:57 pm

    The reason I say I’d hate getting Oswalt or Peavy is because they’re both a little past their primes… and would probably require much more than Bedard. On the other hand, Bedard is about to have his best year and is just hitting his prime… I don’t care if he’s a lefty. I don’t know what Oswalt’s contract is, but Bedard would be a rental and therefore not require too much.

36. christopher Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 12:58 pm

    “You might be able to survive with Bastardo, Carpenter, Kendrick, Carrasco, etc. for the time being, but you need a proven MLB arm to make it work.”

    by that logic then once the current generation of MLB starters retires every team is going to be screwed because there will be no MLB proven arms left.

37. NJ Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:04 pm

    The thing is you get your guys up and suddenly it isn’t 2 or 3 years, of course some won’t stick but the commitment has to be there to get high end talent up with the right development. We develop prospects that can eventually take senior roles on the team and we can afford to give Howard a mega-deal, ensure Utley retires a Philly and be in position to keep Cole and go after high-end free agents.

    We have to commit to Carrasco, Bastaro, Taylor or whoever else to being a big part of the Phillies future and not confuse a window of growing pain with loosing the opportunity to win. The Red Sox weren’t closing their window when they made Youklis, Papelborn and Pedroia keys to their future, let alone Lester and Ellsbury with more major league talent on the way and they haven’t given up on Bucholz. It’s not that their immensely rich in payroll and talent that keeps them relevant, all those guys add up to a fraction of what you’d be paying guys in their free agent years.

    The talent pool is endless in the draft and it’s cheap and controllable. We groom our prospects with a purpose and it isn’t a 2 or 3 year window with our guys walking, it’s an elite team.

    That doesn’t mean you don’t try and add elite veterans when the opportunity comes up but the Phils have to stay true to a plan. These kids aren’t coming up as ‘2s’ or the equivalent but you have to pull heaven and earth to give your talent the opportunities to become future great Phillies like Cole and Chase. The reason teams like the White Sox and Cardinals struggled after championships is their inability produce young talent to take the team further, the Red Sox did and look where they are, you can’t say the Angels haven’t and the Fish certainly have out of necessity.

    You have to find your own Matt Cain, Yovanni Gallardo and Zach Greinke’s let alone the Bedard and Oswalts. We did it with Cole, we can do it again.

38. Miles Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    christopher 4 out of 5 times those pitchers develop on teams that don’t win the World Series. Only very rarely do you see a WS championship team call someone up and ride him to a championship, and in the rare cases it does happen its with a phenom (the dontrelle willis and josh becketts of the world. My comment was regarding THIS specific team and what is necessary for us to not only improve the team but win another World Series.

    IMO it won’t happen with the guys I listed making more than just a few spot starts.

39. Geoff Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    Three game slump?????

    MOYER HAS ONLY HAD THREE GOOD STARTS ALL YEAR!!!!!!

40. Miles Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:12 pm

    But to NJ and Christopher I agree but not fully. When we called Cole up he was throwing complete game shutout after complete game shutout while striking out 9-10 batters a game at both AA and AAA. The guys we are talking about now are not Cole Hamels, at least not yet. I think you create problems for yourself when you convince yourself that these kids are ready simply because you need them to be ready immediately to fill in holes. Again, I’m not completely disagreeing but just trying to open the argument up a little bit.

41. The Big Dipper Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:13 pm

    Geoff your an idiot, plain and simple. How do you define a good or servicable start 7IP 1ER?

    In 7 out of 10 games Moyer has given the team a good chance to win the game. With an offense that averages over 5 runs a game it is not his fault the offense has been giving him no run support.

    The Big Dipper

42. Miles Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    Geoff, in fairness, he only has three quality starts, but aside from the three game slump being referred to (5 ER, 7 ER, 7ER) he hasn’t given up more than 4 runs in a game. More often than not, the Phils will win those games.

    By comparison, Cole also has 3 starts where he has given up more than 4 runs in a game (5 once, 6 once, 7 once). In Cole’s other starts he has been better than Jamie, but not by as much as you would think.

    Listen, Jamie is not having a good season. But I think its unfair to look at every one of his quality starts as some kind of fluke, especially considering he averaged a quality start every time out last year. If you want to say we overpaid, be my guest, but I think Jamie is still a serviceable arm in this league.

43. NJ Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    Miles I agree with you, the only prospect that is showing the signs of emulating Cole is Drabek who still has a long way to go. Not all prospects tear up the minor leagues and I’m not convinced either Carrasco, Bastardo or Savery will be frontline starters or Carpenter or Naylor could be future Phillies regulars let alone the other pitching prospects though I try to stay true to this mindset. The Sox are the perfect model for how to create and sustain a championship calibre team, the Phillies have had success grooming elite talent from within.

    I’m not expecting Bastardo to be the answer now, he may not be down the line but I believe you always have to keep an open channel from the big league club to its feeders to get guys up, send them back down, bring them back up until you’ve guys who are part of the same generation as Cole and Chase because its a few years before it’s a different window and if you keep the payroll flexible with young guys you can afford your stars for as long as you want them. I’m just saying we have to stay true to a plan and trying to find someone in their free agent years to fill every whole has proved to be an expensive and misguided way to find a championship let alone sustain a yearly challenge which is all you can really ask for.

44. Geoff Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    4 innings 6 runs (most of his starts) is average or below average, not good. His 7 inning one run start against florida, his 6 inning 3 run start against florida, his start yesterday against the NATIONALS.

    his only three good or above average starts are against the bottom two teams in the division. most recently, against a team UNIVERSALLY recognized as a disgrace to all professional sports franchises.

    in otherwords, BIG FREAKING DEAL! He can beat bad teams, well so could Kyle Kendrick, even Adam Eaton had 10 wins with this team. Moyer hasnt had a respectable, or even mediocre performance against a legitimate team this year. everyone is all up on his jock again worshipping him for beating the WASHINGTON NATIONALS.

    hey Jamie, Congratulations on beating the WASHINGTON NATIONALS. Now go retire and make room for Erik Bedard or Roy Oswalt or whoever it is they bring in here. AAAAAAAARGGGGGGGGGGH!

    which is equally alarming in that they roughed up cole hamels pretty bad. hes gotta do better than that as the staff ace.

45. Geoff Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    Bastardo could also be valuable out of the bullpen once that cheater JC Romero comes back and stinks up the joint.

    Calming down a bit, I really do think Drabek is going to be something. Carrasco could be trade bait for the right guy.

46. mikemike Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:31 pm

    Nj the phillies really haven’t been able to draft and develop top pitching talent. and nothing makes me think it’s changing. Go over the top choices and see how many were pitchers who didn’t pan out.

47. The Big Dipper Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:34 pm

    The Nationals have an offense with no pitching and can do damage with the bats, obviously how they lit up cole yet Jaime shut them down.

    You knew what you were getting with Moyer same as last year an average of 6 IP and 3-4 ERs each start. Kendrick and Eaton were never consistent, Moyer has been other than his slump. He got the 250 monkey off his back and he will continue to do his thing for the rest of the season. The FO knew what they were getting and knew the offense should score enough runs to make sure we win games when the starter goes 6 IP and 3-4 ERs.

    Look at Oswalts game logs, he has been just like Moyer all season, does it make sense to get him if you hate on Moyer all the time?

    The Big Dipper

48. Miles Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:37 pm

    So Geoff I guess the 240 runs the Nationals have scored so far this year are also a fluke? (That’s 3rd in the league btw). Cmon dude you are freaking out, admit it. Cole “ace” Hamels had just given up 6 runs to this same Nats team the night before Jamie’s 3 hit showing, as you mentioned. And by the way, his other quality start was against the Reds, a legitimate team, although really they are much less dangerous than the Nationals offense considering the are in the middle of the pack in the NL offensively.

    Don’t confuse the Nationals god-awful pitching staff with a team that can’t hit.

49. Bruce Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    Ignoring the usual rants by the Moyer bashers, I prefer to see what I think is the management’s perspective on the actual need for a starter. It amuses me that some here see a need for two starters as if money grew on trees and toss names in trade proposals with the logic of baseball fantasy mindset. Considering the Phillies’ all time high of $135 million plus for their budget covering this season and their track record on spending, I suspect they do have limitations in mind when seeking a quality starter and practicality dictates a need for one starter. They are not going spend a fortune or mortgaging their farm prospects for one of those “glamour” name pitchers that the GM wanna be’s here are enamored with.

    Of course, GM Amaro has put on record for public consumption his interest in those high priced glamour pitchers that may be available in the next two months prior to July 31st non-waiver trade deadline. However, it’s my gut feeling that Pat Gillick has Amaro’s ear and advising him to consider other avenues if the asking price for a Bedard or anyone else is exorbitant.

    Based on Gillick’s philosophy of giving veterans with proven track record (see Moyer, Blanton, etc) a chance to built on their record, I can see Amaro looking at some unsigned free agents that won’t cost a arm/leg or boatload of prospects. Available are Paul Byrd and Odalis Perez. One or the other may be able to fill the bill as #3 or #4 starter in rotation. I can hear the groans already from the GM wanna be’s here (chuckles).

50. Geoff Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    They have no pitching and no defense. Their lineup is OK at best. Chris Wheeler thinks they have a great lineup, but thats Chris Wheeler.

    Im not saying that Oswalt is the best guy to get, Im just saying he looks really gettable. My problem with Oswalt is I think they have like 14M, and 16M committed to him in the next two seasons at minimum. Thats a lot of money for someone liek Oswalt who is due to break down and miss a season in the near future.

    If you want to have a lefty-heavy rotation then Bedard is the top guy who is available at the current moment. What other right handers are KNOWN to be available right niow?

    webb, haren, halladay arent really available, peavy isnt coming

    so brad penny? no way. marquis? eh ok i guess not is a back-end pitcher. cook? i havent read anything saying hes legitimately available.

51. Geoff Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    Dunn is your typical good player on a losing team, and I think hell always be that way. Willie Harris gets good at bats at least. Zimmermann is good. nick Johnson sees a lot of pitches and gets walks but he cant hit those pitches he sees. their middle infielders suck. keanrs, willingham? eh. dukes? has potential.

    i dunno man thats a lame duck team there.

52. Keith Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    whoa, harsh Geoff.

    JC Romero won’t stink up the joint

53. NJ Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 1:42 pm

    mikemike we don’t know how good our pitching prospects are one way or the other, only Cole and Kendrick have been given chances in the last 3 years while many teams have drafted and cultivated pitchers into average, good and very good major leaguers. Plus Zach Greinke is proof you can’t write a prospect off until you’ve given him more than one chance and sometimes two.

54. Miles Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    Geoff you are incredible man. Listen you can bash their players and their lineup all you want. You can even bash Chris Wheeler. The FACT is that they have a higher team batting average than the Phils offense and the Dodgers and the Phils are the only teams that have scored more runs. That is a FACT. I want to make sure that is clear.

    The fact that their pitching and defense are terrible is totally irrelevant in this discussion. By your logic of them being terrible, then the only “legitimate” offense that Moyer can face is LA because he certainly can’t pitch against us, can he? So just a note to everyone…if you don’t have a good start against the Dodgers it doesn’t matter because the team is illegitimate. (me chuckling as Bruce did earlier)

55. Manny Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    I agree NJ… now because Carrasco isn’t having an amazing season, he’s suddenly trade bait?? Cmon, people are now just as crazy about Drabek as they were for Carrasco… I say both deserve a shot (or two, or three) sometime in our rotation..Those are guys we should really hang on to.

56. Geoff Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 2:15 pm

    Look, this is a great team. They have what it takes to repeat. They might even be able to get away with prospects filling in for a while. But in the playoffs you need a dominant presence to backup Cole Hamels like we saw you needed last year. Without Brett there, despite whatever faults he may have, they really do need that up front. Are you counting on Joe Blanton to be a number 2 now? Moyer? Happ even?

    Hamels, Blanton, Happ is a good foundation for the rest of the season here. But Moyer is what he is and now weve got a wild card prospect up here (who could be good, or could not be, which makes tomorrow an exciting game to watch.

    But IN THE PLAYOFFS you need more than Hamels Blanton Happ. Moyer is a total afterthought. he isnt even a factor in the decision making process here. i would not even consider sending him out there in a playoff game this time. not now. not anymore.

57. Miles Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    Geoff I don’t think anyone is arguing with you there. I said the exact same thing earlier on when I was talking about needing another proven MLB arm. I also view Moyer as a 4th starter in the playoffs…someone who might need to make a couple starts and try to keep us in the game. I was just defending him because I do not believe he is an afterthought. The Phillies FO obviously doesn’t think so either otherwise he wouldn’t be throwing out there.

58. Keith Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    Ibanez is now 2nd in All star game votes for OFs

    http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090601&content_id=5084116&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

59. Miles Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    YES! Great news Keith!

60. mikemike Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 2:36 pm

    Nj my point is the phillies over the years. Haven’t been able to develop pitchers. I am talking about the all the top pitchers they have taking, who didn’t pan out ,look at there history its not good only ferguson Jenkins, roberts, cole have been aces and they traded jenkins. That is a lot of years to not get it right.

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